What if the watchtowr were to insert different names instead of their own in this article? It could read like this. Wouldnt it sound just as relevent as Family Radios' fiasco?
HAS FAMILY RADIO GIVEN INCORRECT DATES FOR THE END?
Harold Egbert Camping of Family Radio has had wrong expectations about when the end would come. Like Jesus first-century disciples, he has sometimes looked forward to the fullfillment of prophecy ahead of God's timetable. (luke 19:11;Acts 1:6, 3; 2 Thesalonians 2:1.2) Family Radio agrees with the sentiment of longtime Witness A.H. Macmillan wh said; "I learned that we should admit our mistakesa and contnue searching God's Word for more enlightenment."
Why then does Harold continue to highlight the nearness of the end? Because he takes seriously Jesus' words: "keep looking, keep awake." The alternative, to be found "sleeping" by Jesus, would prevent us from gaining his favor. (Mark 13:33, 36) Why?
Consider this example: A lookout in a fire tower might see what he thinks is a wisp of smoke on the horizon and sound what proves to be a false alarm. Later, though, his alertness could save lives.
Likewise, he has had some wrong expectations about the end. but he is more concerned with obeying Jesus and saving lives than with avoiding criticism. Jesus' command to "give a thorough witness" compels him to warn others about the end. Acts 10:42.
We at Family Radio beleive that even more important than docusing on when the end will come, we must be conficent that it will come, and we must act accordingly. We take serious the words of Habbakkuk 2:3 which says: "Even if [the end] should delay [compared to what you thought], keep in expectation of it; for it will without fail come true. It will be not be late
