Comments You Will Not Hear at the 2-29-04 WT Study Review comments will be in black and parentheses ()
WT quotes
will be in red and quotes ""Quotes from other sources
will be in blueJEHOVAH?S GREATNESS IS UNSEARCHABLE
"Jehovah is great and very much to be praised, and his greatness is unsearchable."?PSALM 145:3
Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise;
his greatness no one can fathom.?Psalm 145:3 NIV
Opening Comments
When you get to the end of this article, see if you remember the Bible verses or the WT comments. Once again, the OT is being used to explain how to live a Christian life. Is it because the vast majority of JWs are not to have the hope of going to heaven to rule with Jesus.
The message I get is that the WTS is the way to Jehovah. Where is Jesus in this equation?
START OF ARTICLE
The composer of Psalm 145 is one of history's well-known men. As a boy, he faced an armed giant and killed him. And as a warrior-king, this psalmist vanquished many enemies. His name was David, and he was the second king of ancient Israel (buzz phrase). David's reputation lived on after his death, so that even today millions know something about him.
Yes, he was the man who took another man's wife, made her pregnant, and then arranged for this man to be murdered to cover up his sin. Instead of Bathsheba or David dying, the innocent child died. This is the same king who knowingly had a census taken when God had forbidden it. When allowed to choose his punishment, he chose pestilence that led to the death of over 70,000 of innocent people. David and his family were not among the 70,000.
2 In spite of David's achievements, he had a humble view of himself. With reference to Jehovah, he sang: "
When I see your heavens, the works of your fingers, The moon and the stars that you have prepared, What is mortal man that you keep him in mind, And the son of earthling man that you take care of him? (Psalm 8:3,4) Instead of thinking that he himself was great, David ascribed deliverance from all his enemies to Jehovah and said of God: "You will give me your shield of salvation, and it is your humility that makes me great." (2 Samuel 22:1,2,36) Jehovah displays humility in showing mercy to sinners, and David appreciated God's undeserved kindness (buzz phrase--see "grace").David may not have considered himself greater than God. But what about other humans? Most elders are humble when it comes to circuit or district overseers; but what about other elders or ministerial servants?
?I Will Exalt God the King" (
What happened to Jesus the King?)3 Although David was God's appointed king, he viewed Jehovah as the true King of Israel.
This is where confusion comes in when the WTS is always using the Old Testament to teach Christians about Jesus. What does the New Testament say about who the King is?
John 1:49 (Amplified Bible)Nathanael answered, Teacher, You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel! John 12:13 (Amplified Bible)So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet Him. And as they went, they kept shouting, Hosanna! Blessed is He and praise to Him Who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel! [ Said David: "Yours is the kingdom, O Jehovah, the One also lifting yourself up as head over all." (1 Chronicles 29:11) And how David appreciated God as Ruler!Implied here is that JWs must appreciate the WTS as God's appointed channel.
"I will exalt you, O my God the King," he sang, "and I will bless your name to time indefinite, even forever. All day long I will bless you, and I will praise your name to time indefinite, even forever." (Psalm 145:1,2)
Implied here is that JWs must "praise" God's name by going door to door for their worship to be acceptable. Did David have to go door to door to "praise" God?
It was David's desire to praise Jehovah throughout the day for all eternity.
Implied here is that David had the hope of living forever on a paradise earth. Is that true?
Notice how the WTS asks that question but does not answer it. While God may have had plans to resurrect David at some future time, did he reveal that to David or was David expecting his "living forever" would be through his descendant who would become an eternal king?
w80
12/15 p. 14 Who Will Praise the King?Bible commentators generally interpret David?s resolve to praise God?s name "to time indefinite, even forever" to mean as long as David lived. But is there not another meaning implicit in David?s resolve? To praise God?s name forever one would have to live forever. Did not David have the future hope of everlasting life? Certainly today, the "great crowd" of the "other sheep" as a class do have that very hope, of being able to bless and praise Jehovah?s name forever because of never dying off the earth.
4 Psalm 145 is a powerful answer to Satan?s claim that God is a selfish ruler who withholds freedom from his creatures. (Genesis 3:1-5) This psalm also exposes Satan?s lie that those who obey God do so only for what they can get out of it, nor because they love God. (Job 1:9-11; 2:4,5) Like David, true Christians (buzz phrase) today are supplying an answer to the Devil?s false charges.
What motivates them? Unselfish concerns?
They treasure their hope of everlasting life under Kingdom rule because they desire to praise Jehovah throughout eternity.
Already, millions have started to do so, by exercising faith in Jesus? ransom sacrifice and by serving Jehovah (WTS) obediently out of love as his dedicated, baptized worshippers.?Romans 5:8; 1 John 5:3.
Only
the approximately 6 million dedicated, baptized JWs.5 Think of our many opportunities to bless and praise Jehovah as his servants.
JWs do this so much that most people are unaware that JWs consider themselves Christians.
We can do so in prayer when we are deeply touched by something we read in this Word, the Bible. Grateful praise and thankfulness can be expressed when we are moved by God?s way of dealing with his people or when we are thrilled by a certain aspect of his marvelous creation.
Would that be how God (the WTS) deals with abused children?
www.silentlambs.orgHow many JWs look up at the sky let alone can pick out the constellations and know what a nebula is?
We also bless Jehovah God when we discuss his purposes with fellow believers at Christian meetings or during private conversations.
What do JWs discuss in their private conversations: what they watched on tv that week or the movie they went to, shopping, sports, their last vacation, their new car or house, and lastly the dirt on someone in the congregation.
In fact, all "fine works" done in the interests of God?s Kingdom bring praise to Jehovah.?Matthew 5:16.
Does anyone remember the sacred service debacle?
w76
10/1 p. 598 Rendering Sacred Service Night and Day"Sacred service," then, is not something that occupies only a portion of our lives. It is not limited to just one activity or a certain number of activities but it takes in every aspect of our daily living.
Corrected to this in 1980:
w80
12/15 p. 29 Do You Remember?Does
"sacred service" include everyday activities of life, such as caring for our families, maintaining good morals and the like?No. "Sacred service" applies to that which directly involves our worship of God. It includes formal and informal witnessing, sharing in worship at Kingdom Halls, caring for our meeting places, all activity related to providing Bibles and Bible literature, as well as sacrifices that we may make in encouraging and aiding our brothers, spiritually and materially, to keep active in Jehovah?s work.?8/15, pp. 30, 31.
6 Recent examples of such fine works include the construction of many places of worship by Jehovah?s people (buzz phrase?notice they don?t say Christians) in poverty-stricken lands (and many in wealthy lands too). Much of this has been done with the financial assistance of fellow believers in other countries.
Yes, let?s help people have nice KHs to sit in 3 times a week but have no home or food to eat.
Some Christians have provided help by voluntarily going to such areas in order to share in the construction of Kingdom Halls (and to "earn" privileges; I know one brother who did this hoping to be finally appointed an elder; it worked). And the most important of all fine works is to praise Jehovah by preaching the good news of his Kingdom. (Matthew 24:14) As later verses in Psalm 145 show, David appreciated God?s rulership and extolled His kingship. (Psalm 145:11,12)
Do you have similar appreciation for God?s loving way of ruling (through the WTS organization)?
And do you regularly speak to others about his Kingdom?
As determined by the WTS, 10 plus hours for publishers, 50 for auxiliary pioneers, 70 for regular pioneers; using the "suggestions" at the service meeting (check your KM), never once mentioning "Jehovah" or the "kingdom" in their suggested presentations?
Examples of God?s Greatness
7 Psalm 145:3 gives a major reason for praising Jehovah. David sings: "Jehovah is great and very much to be praised, and his greatness is unsearchable."
Can you imagine what the elders would think of a brother who composed songs and sang them at JW gatherings?
Jehovah?s greatness is without limit. I cannot be fully searched out, comprehended, or measured by humans.
YET
But we will certainly benefit from now considering examples of Jehovah?s unsearchable greatness.
8 Try to recall an occasion when you were away from bright city lights and looked up into a cloudless night sky. Were you not amazed at the multitude of stars visible against the blackness of space. Were you not moved to praise Jehovah for his greatness in creating all those celestial bodies?
But don?t take a class at the local college in astronomy or sign up for an evening presentation at an observatory; that time should be spent in the ministry.
What you saw, however, was but a tiny fraction of the number of stars in the galaxy of which the earth is a part. In addition, there are estimated to be more than a hundred billion galaxies, only three of which can be seen without the aid of a telescope.
How is it that science is a reliable source for these facts but it is unacceptable as a source for other facts? How do we know that the astronomers are not just handing us a line?
Indeed, the countless stars and galaxies that make up the immense universe are a testimony to Jehovah?s creative power and unsearchable greatness.?Isaiah 40:26.
9 Consider other aspects of Jehovah?s greatness?those involving Jesus Christ.
Finally, does this mean Jesus is back in the equation?
God?s greatness was shown in creating his Son and using him for aeons as His "master worker." (Proverbs 8:22-23)
Jesus is likened to a tool, to a hammer or a saw.
The greatness of Jehovah?s love (not Jesus??) was manifested when he gave his only-begotten Son as a ransom sacrifice for mankind. (Matthew 20:28; John 3:16; 1 John 2:1,2) And far beyond human comprehension is the glorious and immortal spirit body that Jehovah fashioned for Jesus at his resurrection.?1 Peter 3:18.
Is that all Jesus is, a thing that God used? How does any of this help us to know Jesus personally, to draw us to him?
10 Jesus? resurrection involved many impressive aspects of Jehovah?s unsearchable greatness. God undoubtedly (buzzword meaning the Bible does not say anything about this) restored Jesus? memory regarding the work involved in the creation of both invisible and visible things. (Colossians 1:15,16) These include other spirit creatures, the universe, the productive earth (now there is a phrase not common to everyday speech), and all forms of physical life on our globe. In addition to restoring his Son?s knowledge of the complete history of heavenly and earthly life witnessed during the Son?s prehuman existence, Jehovah added what Jesus had experienced as a perfect human.
See comments by the WTS regarding Matthew 3:16. There is little scriptural support to prove that we know Jesus got his memory back at his baptism.
Greatest Man book chap. 12 Jesus? Baptism
But more than that happens as Jesus is baptized. ?The heavens are opened up? to him. What does this mean? Evidently it means that while he is being baptized, the memory of his prehuman life in heaven returns to him. Thus, Jesus now fully recalls his life as a spirit son of Jehovah God, including all the things that God spoke to him in heaven during his prehuman existence.
Yes, Jehovah?s unsearchable greatness is evident in Jesus? resurrection.
Once again Jesus is not in the equation, just an impersonal tool to describing God?s greatness.
Moreover, that great act is a guarantee that the resurrection of others is possible. It should strengthen our faith that God can bring back to life the millions of dead people he holds within his perfect memory.?John 5:28,29; Acts 17:31.
Who does the WTS teach is not in God?s memory:
Adam and Eve
Cain
w65 3/15 p. 174 Who Will Be Resurrected?Why?For Cain as well as for his parents Adam and Eve we reasonably expect no resurrection from the dead. Those who died during the floodThose who died at Sodom and Gomorrah http://quotes.jehovahswitnesses.com/sodom_gomorrah.htm Those who die at ArmageddonChanged: w93 5/15 p. 31 Questions From ReadersMany who die while the preaching work is in progress prior to the great tribulation will evidently receive a resurrection.Wonderful Works and Mighty Acts11 Since Jesus? resurrection, Jehovah has performed many other great and wonderful works. (Psalm 40:5) At Pentecost 33 C.E., Jehovah brought into existence a new nation, "the Israel of God," made up of Christ?s disciples who were anointed by holy spirit. (Galatians 6:16) What was the WTS position on Israel in the latter 19 th and early 20 th century? Proclaimers book chap. 10 p. 141The Bible Students were well aware of the many prophecies of restoration that were delivered to ancient Israel by God?s prophets. (Jer. 30:18; 31:8-10; Amos 9:14, 15; Rom. 11:25, 26) Down till 1932, they understood these to apply specifically to the natural Jews. Thus, they believed that God would show Israel favor again, gradually restoring the Jews to Palestine, opening their eyes to the truth regarding Jesus as Ransomer and Messianic King, and using them as an agency for extending blessings to all nations. With this understanding, Brother Russell spoke to large Jewish audiences in New York as well as in Europe on the subject "Zionism in Prophecy," and Brother Rutherford, in 1925, wrote the book Comfort for the Jews.12 In a mighty way, this new spiritual nation expanded throughout the then known world. Despite the apostasy that led to the development of Christendom (no development of this statement) after the death of Jesus? apostles, Jehovah kept on performing wonderful works to ensure the fulfillment of his purpose.
For example, the Bible canon was preserved and eventually translated into all major languages on earth today (but not by the WTS). Bible translation was often carried out under difficult circumstances and under the threat of death from Satan?s agents (the Catholic Church according to the WTS). To be sure, Bible translation into over 2,000 languages (only 12 into NWT by WTS) could not have been accomplished if this had not been the will of the unsearchably great God, Jehovah! (none of these translators who risked their lives were JWs.)
13 Jehovah?s greatness has been manifested in connection with his Kingdom purposes. For instance, in the year 1914, he installed his Son, Jesus Christ, as heavenly King. Shortly thereafter, Jesus took action against Satan and his demons. They were ousted from heaven and confined to the vicinity of the earth, where they now await their abyssing. (Revelation 12:9-12; 20:1-3) Since then, Jesus? anointed followers have experienced increased persecution. However, Jehovah has sustained them during this time of Christ?s invisible presence.?Matthew 24:3; Revelation 12:17. Did Christ?s presence start in 1874 or 1914? http://quotes.jehovahswitnesses.com/1874.htm Whenever reading articles about JWs being persecuted, check and see that that government is persecuting other religions as well. Does persecution by the government prove that God is on your side? 14 In the year 1919, Jehovah performed another wonderful work that demonstrated his greatness. Jesus? anointed followers, who had been reduced to a state of spiritual inactivity, were revived. (Revelation 11:3-11) In the years since then, the anointed have zealously preached the good news of the established heavenly Kingdom. Other anointed ones have been gathered in order to complete the number of 144,000. (Revelation 14:1-3) Does citing Revelation 14:1-3, prove that only 144,000 will go to heaven? Can you prove it? How? And by means of Christ?s anointed followers, Jehovah laid the foundation of "a new earth," a righteous human society (only JWs). (Revelation 21:1) But what will happen to the "new earth" after faithful anointed ones all go to heaven?
15 In 1935, the August 1 and August 15 issues of this journal contained key articles dealing with the "great crowd," mentioned in Revelation chapter 7. Anointed Christians zealously began to seek out and bring into their association these fellow worshipers from all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, This "great crowd" will survive the imminent "great tribulation," with the prospect of eternal life in Paradise as permanent members of the "new earth." (Revelation 7:9-14) Because of the Kingdom-preaching and disciple-making work, spearheaded by anointed Christians, over six million people now entertain the hope of endless life in an earthly paradise. Who should get the credit for such increase in face of opposition from Satan and his corrupt world? (1 John 5:19) Only Jehovah could accomplish all of this, using his holy spirit.?Isaiah 60:22; Zechariah 4:6. The "carrot" is mentioned twice, eternal life in paradise but only for the 6 million JWs. If increase means a religion has God?s blessing, then what about the Muslims and the Mormons? When was the last time someone who didn?t grow up a JW was baptized in your circuit?Jehovah?s Glorious Splendor and Dignity 16 Whatever their nature, the "wonderful works" and "mighty acts" of Jehovah will never be forgotten (what about Jesus?) David wrote: "Generation after generation will commend your works, and about your mighty acts they will tell. The glorious splendor of your dignity and the matters of your wonderful works I will make my concern. And they will talk about the strength of your own fear-inspiring things; and as for your greatness. I will declare it." (Psalm 145:4-6) Yet, how much could David know about the glorious splendor of Jehovah, since "God is a Spirit" and is therefore invisible to human eyes??1 John 1:18; 4:24.17 Although he could not see God, there were ways for David to grow in appreciation for Jehovah?s dignity. For instance, he could read the Scriptural record of God?s mighty acts, such as the destruction of a wicked world by means of a global flood. Very likely, David noted how Egypt?s false gods were humiliated as God delivered the Israelites from Egyptian bondage. Such events testify to Jehovah?s dignity and greatness. Why not emphasize love in the healing of sick people, resurrection of family and friends, providing food, commending people for what they had done not what they had failed to do, all things Jesus did. 18 David undoubtedly grew in appreciation for God?s dignity not only by reading the Scriptures but also by meditating on them. For instance, he may have meditated on what happened when Jehovah gave the Law to Israel. There were thunders, lightnings, a heavy cloud, and a very loud sound of a horn. Mount Sinai rocked and smoked. Assembled at the foot of the mountain, the Israelites even heard "the Ten Words" from the midst of the fire and the cloud as Jehovah spoke to them through an angelic representative. (proof?) (Deuteronomy 4:32-26; 5:22-24; 10:4; Exodus 19:16-20; Acts 7:38,53) What manifestations of Jehovah?s grandeur! Lovers of God?s Word who meditate on these accounts cannot help but be moved by ?the glorious splendor of Jehovah?s dignity.? Today, of course, we have the whole Bible, which contains various glorious visions that impress us with Jehovah?s greatness.?Ezekiel 1:26-28; Daniel 7:9,10; Revelation, chapter 4.
19 Another way that David could have been impressed with God?s dignity was by studying the laws God gave to the Israelites. (Deuteronomy 17:18-20; Psalm 19:7-11) Obedience to Jehovah?s laws dignified the nation of Israel and set it apart from all other peoples. (Deuteronomy 4:6-8) As was true in David?s case, reading the Scriptures regularly, meditating on them deeply, and studying them diligently will increase our appreciation for Jehovah?s dignity.
So the phrase is God?s dignity. What is that supposed to mean?
Why the frequent use of meditation? Does the WTS really want people to think deeply?
How Great God?s Moral Qualities! 20 As we have noted, the first six verses of Psalm 145 give us sound reason to praise Jehovah for things associated with his unsearchable greatness. (can you remember what they said?) Verses 7 to 9 magnify God?s greatness by referring to his moral qualities. David sings: "With the mention of the abundance of your goodness they will bubble over, and because of your righteousness they will cry out joyfully. Jehovah is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and great in loving-kindness. Jehovah is good to all, and his mercies are over all his works."Are God?s moral qualities reflected in the WTS policies regarding child abuse?
22 David also appreciated the qualities that God himself highlighted when He "went passing by before [Moses?] face and declaring: ?Jehovah, Jehovah, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abundant in loving-kindness and truth." (Exodus 34:6)
What about verse 7:
Exodus 34:7 preserving loving-kindness for thousands, pardoning error and transgression and sin, but by no means will he give exemption from punishment, bringing punishment for the error of fathers upon sons and upon grandsons, upon the third generation and upon the fourth generation."Though Jehovah is unsearchably great, he dignifies his human servants by treating them graciously. He is full of mercy, willing to forgive repentant sinners on the basis of Jesus? ransom sacrifice. Jehovah is also slow to anger, for he grants his servants opportunity to overcome weaknesses that could bar them from his new world of righteousness.?2 Peter 3:9,13,14.Is this how the elders treat people in the congregation?
Would you like to see the "rules" the elders must use? Don?t expect to see the Bible.
http://www.douknow.net/jw_manual1.htm
23 David extols God?s loving-kindness, or loyal love. In fact, the rest of Psalm 145 shows how Jehovah displays this quality and how his loyal servants respond to his loving-kindness. These matters will be discussed in the next article.Concluding CommentsDon?t be fooled, next week is not about love. It is about how continued close association with the WTS is the only way to draw close to God.
The end is near, nearer than near, "now so near."
Blondie