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  Jesus was a false prophet?

  by opusdei1972 in

  1. watchtower
  2. bible

  and he said to them, "i tell you the truth, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the kingdom of god come with power.

  (mark 9:1).

  when you are persecuted in one place, flee to another.

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  processor

  NONE of his prophecies has been fulfilled, at least in the way that his listeners must have understood them.

  So the definition 'false prophet' fits him ...
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  Zechariah’s Prophecy – Light for All Jehovah’s Witnesses

  by processor in

  1. watchtower
  2. bible

  zechariahs prophecy light for all jehovahs witnessesreprint from the witchtower, 6/2010.

  as for your fathers, where are they?

  and as for the prophets, was it to time indefinite that they continued to live?

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  processor

  this makes my satire look like it was written by a kid.

  Who said that my article is Satire???
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  4

  Zechariah’s Prophecy – Light for All Jehovah’s Witnesses

  by processor in

  1. watchtower
  2. bible

  zechariahs prophecy light for all jehovahs witnessesreprint from the witchtower, 6/2010.

  as for your fathers, where are they?

  and as for the prophets, was it to time indefinite that they continued to live?

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  processor

  Zechariah’s Prophecy – Light for All Jehovah’s Witnesses

  Reprint from The Witchtower, 6/2010

  “As for your fathers, where are they? And as for the prophets, was it to time indefinite that they continued to live?” – Zechariah 1:5

  Explorers of the Bible have always been fascinated by prophecies. Such a prophecy is the book of Zechariah, written in the sixth century BCE. It is special because it is fulfilled right before our eyes but does also foretell the near future.

  Right at the beginning, it points out which group of people is its main topic. An angel says regarding the protagonists: “These are the ones whom Jehovah has sent forth to walk about in the earth.” (Zechariah 1:10) They confirm this and say: “We have walked about in the earth.” (Zechariah 1:11) Clearly they are people who “walk about in the earth” on behalf of Jehovah – Jehovah’s Witnesses.

  Public Ministry

  Indeed, their public ministry is the major feature of Jehovah’s Witnesses. (1998 Yearbook of Jehovah’s Witnesses, page 108) Zechariah describes their proceeding: “Look! there were four chariots … In the first chariot there were red horses; and in the second chariot, black horses. And in the third chariot there were white horses; and in the fourth chariot, horses speckled, parti-colored.” (Zechariah 6:1, 2) Most Jehovah’s Witnesses drive into their territories by car; though horse chariots are no more in use, the power of car motors is still measured in “horsepower.” In former times, people rode different-colored horses; today they are driving different-colored cars.

  The publishers work in different territories: “The chariot with black horses goes toward the north, the chariot with white horses goes toward the west, and the one with spotted horses goes toward the south.” (Zechariah 6:6, CEV) The prophet fittingly describes the publishers driving to their assignments after the field service meeting.

  One group though distinguishes itself: “As for the parti-colored ones, they must go forth and keep seeking where to go, in order to walk about in the earth … And they began walking about in the earth.” (Zechariah 6:7) These publishers do not go into the ministry only once a week; rather they “keep seeking where to go.” Obviously they are the pioneers and missionaries, for whom public ministry is a full-time job. Usually they have little money and have to drive old, botched cars, reminding a bit of parti-colored horses.

  Many people are still asleep when Jehovah’s Witnesses ring their bell. The same happened to Zechariah; he reports: “The … [person] who was speaking with me proceeded to come back and wake me up, like a man that is awakened from his sleep” (Zechariah 4:1) But not enough that he woke the homeowner up, the publisher continues: “I will awaken your sons!” (Zechariah 9:13) Indeed a fitting description of Jehovah’s Witnesses who offer the magazine “Awake!” of all things at these morning visits.

  Organizational Structure

  The hierarchical structure of Jehovah’s Witnesses is exactly depicted in the prophecy too. First, Zechariah mentions the lowest level: “Look! there were four horns” (Zechariah 1:18) Sheep have two horns; hence the “four horns” resemble two “other sheep.” (John 10:16) They stand for the total number of Jehovah’s Witnesses who are counted as part of the “great crowd.” – Revelation 7:9.

  The other group of Jehovah’s Witnesses, which is superior to the “other sheep,” is also mentioned. Zechariah explains: “What do these two olive trees on the right side of the lampstand and on its left side mean? … These are the two anointed ones.” (Zechariah 4:11, 14) The “anointed ones” who form the “faithful and discreet slave” stand on the right side and on the left side of “the lampstand” – the place where the “brighter light” and the other “spiritual food” emerges. – The Watchtower, March 1, 2004, page 10.

  Why are the anointed likened to olive trees? The prophet Joel “used olive oil in describing … prosperity.” (The Watchtower, March 1, 1993, page 24) Though many of the “anointed” are seemingly poor, they are cherished by the “other sheep” and generously supported with donations. But “olive trees” were also a major source of fat in Israel; hence the verse indicates that many anointedare overweight.

  

  Besides the “other sheep” and the “anointed,” there is someone else playing a role in the Watchtower organization. Zechariah reports regarding the angel who showed him the vision: “He proceeded to show me Joshua the high priest … and Satan standing at his right hand.” (Zechariah 3:1) In ancient Israel, the priest was the mediator between God and men; hence “Joshua the high priest” represents the Governing Body who claims to be the representative of the “faithful and discreet slave” and “God’s channel of communication.” In actual fact they are guided by Satan the Devil, as Zechariah’s prophecy clearly reveals.

  Building of Kingdom Halls

  The worldwide building activity of Jehovah’s Witnesses has been foretold by Zechariah too. He stated:“Furthermore, Jehovah showed me four craftsmen.” (Zechariah 1:20) Since the Watchtower organization has no regard for its followers and continues building during bad weather, Zechariah said about the construction workers: “They must become like mighty men stamping down in the mire.” – Zechariah 10:5.

  Only God’s spirit could enable Zechariah to foresee even the working conditions at Jehovah’s Witnesses’ construction sites. He said, in “those days there were no wages for mankind made to exist … there was no such thing.” (Zechariah 8:10) The workers really get no wages, though the Kingdom Halls belong to the Watchtower Society or one of its corporations when they are completed.

  Since responsibility is usually delegated according to “spirit-mindedness” or gender, but not according to skills, quarrels at the construction sites are bound to occur. Thus Zechariah adds: “To the one going out and to the one coming in there was no peace.” – Zechariah 8:10.

  There were no fluorescent tubes in Zechariah’s day; yet God’s spirit made him prophesy about the Kingdom Halls built by Jehovah’s Witnesses: “Its seven lamps are upon it, even seven; and the lamps that are at the top of it have seven pipes.” (Zechariah 4:2) Indeed most Kingdom Halls are equipped with fluorescent tubes which remind of “pipes.” The number seven represents the total number of lamps in the building.

  Further Details

  Zechariah foretold further details about the Watchtower organization’s methods. For example, he explained:“Look! the stone that I have put before Joshua! Upon the one stone there are seven eyes … These seven are the eyes of Jehovah. They are roving about in all the earth.” (Zechariah 3:9; 4:10) Eyes are symbols of observation or surveillance; hence the “seven eyes” mean that Jehovah’s professed organization monitors the whole life of its followers. Of course they put great emphasis on the commitment in public service; in this regard they collect reports from literally “all the earth.” – The Watchtower, June 15, 1990, page 29.

  

  In present times, these reports are usually no more sent by post but submitted through the Internet. Thereby they are also transmitted through copper cables, and Zechariah foretold even that as he saw“copper mountains” near the publishers. (Zechariah 6:1) More and more, the Internet with its copper cables is also used to distribute the magazines.

  “Approved association with Jehovah’s Witnesses requires accepting … beliefs that are unique to Jehovah’s Witnesses.” (The Watchtower, April 1, 1986, page 31) One such teaching that is “unique to Jehovah’s Witnesses” was also predicted by Zechariah: “In that day Jehovah will prove to be one.” (Zechariah 14:9) People of former centuries considered Jehovah a triune God, but Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that he is only “one.” As they don’t want to be linked with Jehovah’s Witnesses, most Christians stopped to use the name “Jehovah.” Now, when people hear the name “Jehovah” they do no more think about the triune God of Christianity but about the non-triune God of Jehovah’s Witnesses.

  Exploiting followers

  Zechariah tells us how members of the Governing Body and other “anointed” announce themselves when mixing with ordinary “other sheep” at conventions: “Look! Your king himself comes to you. He is righteous, yes, saved; humble.” (Zechariah 9:9) In fact, the “anointed” claim that they are “destined to ‘rule as kings over the earth.’” (The Watchtower, April 15, 1992, page 17) They also assert that, contrary to the “other sheep,” they have already been “declared righteous” and thus are quasi “saved.” (The Watchtower, January 15, 2008, page 21) Finally they pretend being “humble” by calling themselves “slave” (though they actually act like a master).

  Zechariah continues to say about the “anointed” ones, they would be “riding upon an ass, even upon … the son of a she-ass.” (Zechariah 9:9) In fact, most anointed ones, especially those in executive positions, take their ease in their Bethel homes, while they have the asslike “other sheep” perform the painstaking public ministry. Many of these ‘asses’ did not become Jehovah’s Witnesses as adults; rather their parents already belonged to this organization – thus they are, so to speak, ‘sons of she-asses.’ Not for nothing, the Watchtower Society wonders: “What would we do without donkeys?” – Awake!, December 2006, page 26.

  

  The “donkeys” or “asses” – the “other sheep” – also have financial losses. “The wealth of all the nations round about will certainly be gathered, gold and silver and garments in excessive abundance.” (Zechariah 14:14) Indeed, the asslike publishers donate money – the modern “gold and silver” – to the Watchtower Society; their publications particularly mention “the generous gifts of Jehovah’s witnesses around the world.” – 1970 Yearbook of Jehovah’s Witnesses, page 48.

  But Jehovah’s Witnesses have other expenses besides donations. In fact, all of Jehovah’s Witnesses have “garments in excessive abundance” in their wardrobes, so that “at all meetings” they can “be neatly and appropriately dressed.” (The Watchtower, June 1, 1989, page 20) The Australian writer Jan Groenveld said: “You are likely a Jehovah’s Witness if you earn your living by window cleaning and yet have five suits hanging in your wardrobe.” Another writer said that the demand of a female Jehovah’s Witness to express her belonging to God’s “chosen people” through her clothes can “even dwindle into stress and rivalry.” – Die Kleiderordnung der Zeugen Jehovas.

  Sometimes this situation leads to bizarre sights. Zechariah prophesied about a Jehovah’s Witness: “He happened to be clothed in befouled garments.” (Zechariah 3:3) Indeed, in many congregations some publishers formally observe the dress code – that is, men wear ties, women skirts or dresses – but they do not notice that their garments are dirty or damaged, don’t fit or don’t match in terms of color. The elders add to this behavior by accepting every brother as long as he wears a tie (regardless of how dirty or messy his clothing is otherwise), but trouncing every sister wearing a pantsuit (regardless of how neat it is).

  Not all followers of the Watchtower Society may donate money, but the dress code and related expenses have effect on “all Witnesses of Jehovah.” (The Watchtower, November 15, 1989, page 14) Zechariah calls the abnormal striving after “well-arranged dress” a “scourge” and states: “The scourge of the horse, the mule, the camel, and the male ass … will prove to be, like this scourge.” (Zechariah 14:15)It really befalls all publishers who can be called ‘horses, mules, camels, and asses’ according to their character.

  Water of Life?

  Now Zechariah explains the impact of the Watchtower Society’s scribblings on the people: “It will not be day, neither will it be night; and it must occur that at evening time it will become light. And it must occur in that day that living waters will go forth from Jerusalem, half of them to the eastern sea and half of them to the western sea. In summer and in winter it will occur.” – Zechariah 14:7, 8.

  

  Here Zechariah likens the so-called “water of life” which is distributed by Jehovah’s Witnesses with the literal ‘living water’ or “water of life.” This term is usually applied to Vodka, and “in summer and in winter” large amounts of Vodka are exported from Russia “to the eastern sea … and to the western sea,” that is, in all directions. A part of Russia is north of the Arctic Circle where it “will not be day” in winter, but in summer it will not be “night” but “at evening time it will become light.”

  In a transferred sense, spiritual Vodka is exported from Brooklyn, the antitypical “Jerusalem,” to the entire world. The publications of the Watchtower Society make their readers spiritually drunk; this spiritual alcohol “deadens the senses so that one’s judgment is impaired, and one loses control of one’s mind.” (The Watchtower, August 1, 1975, page 468) Whoever consumes too much of it might eventually accept a “Bible Study” with Jehovah’s Witnesses and hence be befallen by the “scourge.” – Zechariah 14:15.

  Zechariah confirms this idea; he sees “a flying scroll” and explains: “This is the curse that is going forth over the surface of all the earth.” (Zechariah 5:3) Like ‘flying scrolls,’ new Watchtower issues spread with lightning speed “over the surface of all the earth” and become a “curse” for everyone believing in their content.

  

  Wickedness

  In another vision Zechariah saw an additional feature of Jehovah’s Witnesses. He reports: “It is a basket … the heavy lead cover was lifted off the basket, and there was a woman sitting inside it.” (Zechariah 5:6, 7, NLT) Who is this mysterious woman in the basket? An angel explained: “This is their aspect in all the earth … This is Wickedness.” – Zechariah 5:6, 8.

  Why is “wickedness” depicted as a “woman?” Throughout history, God’s worshippers considered women to be the source of evil. The Apocrypha say: “From garments cometh a moth, and from women wickedness. Better is the churlishness of a man than a courteous woman.” (Ecclesiasticus 42:13, 14, KJV) Centuries later Pope Pius II wrote: “When you see a woman, consider it the devil! She is a kind of hell!”

  Jehovah’s Witnesses also hold the view that wickedness basically emanates from women. For example, they wrote: “The congregation in Thyatira was tolerating idolatry, false teaching, and sexual immorality. In their midst was ‘that woman Jezebel’ – perhaps a group of women with traits like those of wicked Queen Jezebel … Let no self-appointed prophetess seek to manipulate others in the present-day Christian congregation!” (The Watchtower, May 15, 2003, page 18) On another occasion they advised women: “Godly women avoid being like Jezebel or any of her kind.” – The Watchtower, September 15, 1997, page 18.

  Everyone who spent some time with Jehovah’s Witnesses knows that “wickedness” is abounding in their congregations. Of course this is not only due to women – but the Watchtower literature is written or at least checked by men. That is why their magazines continue to picture women as the origin of evil: “Christian women were to be in subjection to their husbands … They were also to respect the elders appointed within the congregation, all of whom were men … Christian women were to leave public teaching in the congregation to such appointed ‘older men’ and refrain from publicly contradicting such teachers … Any improper feminine influence within a congregation would incur Christ’s unfavorable judgment.” – The Watchtower, September 1, 1986, page 16.

  Zechariah prophesied regarding the “king,” the “anointed” managerial elite of Jehovah’s Witnesses: “He will actually speak peace to the nations; and his rulership will be from sea to sea and from the River to the ends of the earth.” (Zechariah 9:10) Granted, Jehovah’s Witnesses “speak peace to the nations” – they keep talking of a “peaceful new world.” (Life in a Peaceful New World, cover page) But in actual fact they are ruling “from sea to sea,” and “the wicked are … the sea.” (Isaiah 57:20) Hence they are ruling over “the wicked” in their congregations.

  The “rulership” of the Governing Body is also “from the River to the ends of the earth” – what does that mean? The “River” is without doubt the Euphrates in Babylonia, which proves that the Watchtower Society is part of “Babylon the Great.” (Revelation 14:8) Joseph F. Rutherford, a famous judge, pointed out who is behind this “River” when he said: “Satan the Devil, represented by the great Dragon … said: ‘My river is mine own, and I have made it for myself.’” – Light, volume I, page 291.

  The Watchtower Society’s rule reaches “to the ends of the earth,” and the Bible says: “The whole world is lying in the power of the wicked one.” (1 John 5:19) Hence the “faithful and discreet slave” himself is “the wicked one,” collaborating with Satan and ruling over a nation of wicked ones.

  Would there ever be an end to wickedness in the congregation? Zechariah “saw two women flying … gliding on the wind … They picked up the basket and flew into the sky. ‘Where are they taking the basket?’ … ‘To the land of Babylonia, where they will build a temple for the basket. And when the temple is ready, they will set the basket there on its pedestal.’” (Zechariah 5:9-11, NLT) Hence “wickedness” would not cease, but even an own temple for it would be established in “Babylonia” – the dwelling place of “Babylon the Great.” Indeed, all false religions – including Jehovah’s Witnesses – would excel in yielding wickedness.

  The Condition Exposed

  The Watchtower organization’s poor spiritual condition does not remain concealed. God says: “I will send your prisoners out of the pit in which there is no water … you prisoners of the hope.” (Zechariah 9:11, 12) Jehovah’s Witnesses are indeed “prisoners of the hope” for a new world that never comes. But since so far all of the Watchtower Society’s predictions have failed to fulfill, some Jehovah’s Witnesses become “disillusioned or tired of waiting for Armageddon.” (The Watchtower, January 1, 1998, page 9) They realize that the “other sheep” (which they belong to) are a “flock meant for the killing,” that is, they will die before Armageddon “although they are not held guilty.” – Zechariah 11:4, 5.

  

  Individuals understand that in a spiritual sense “there is no water” in the Watchtower but Vodka, making its readers drunk. (Zechariah 14:7) Through Zechariah God tells them: “Run! … Hey there! Hey there! Flee, then, you people! … Make your escape, you who are dwelling with the daughter of Babylon! … Keep silence.” (Zechariah 2:4, 6, 7, 13) By their unbiblical doctrines as well as their collaboration with the United Nations and other political organizations, Jehovah’s Witnesses made themselves a part of “Babylon the Great.” (Revelation 14:8) Everyone who grasped that should no longer be “dwelling with the daughter of Babylon” by remaining in the Watchtower organization but rather ‘run, flee and escape.’ He should ‘keep silence’ instead of preaching the “Good News” of an upcoming annihilation.

  

  Zechariah then encourages such persons: “The fast of the fourth month, and the fast of the fifth month, and the fast of the seventh month, and the fast of the tenth month will become … an exultation and a rejoicing and good festal seasons.” (Zechariah 8:18) Of course this statement does not refer to literal fasting; it rather encourages people to stop reading the Watchtowerand listening to the boring speeches at meetings and conventions. Whoever starts spiritual fasting will soon ‘rejoice’ and realize what a burden is gone from him!

  Forefathers

  Among those realizing the truth about the “truth” are many children of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Zechariah addresses them: “Jehovah grew indignant at your fathers – very much so … Do not become like your fathers to whom the former prophets called, saying: ‘This is what Jehovah of armies has said …’” (Zechariah 1:2, 4) Their fathers listened to “the former prophets” – the Watchtower Society’s writers who foretold Armageddon for 1914 and 1975 as well as the resurrection of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob for 1925. God “grew indignant” at them because they allowed such lying prophets to delude them and didn’t notice at all that it was not “Jehovah of armies” who “has said” what the Watchtower printed.

  

  Then the prophet hits the nail right on the head, asking:“As for your fathers, where are they? And as for the prophets, was it to time indefinite that they continued to live?” (Zechariah 1:5) Indeed, where are the earlier Bible Students and Jehovah’s Witnesses now? In the paradise that was established on earth in 1914, 1925, the 1940s, 1975, before 1995, the 20 th century? And “as for the prophets” – Charles Taze Russell, Joseph F. Rutherford, Nathan H. Knorr (and his ghostwriter F. W. Franz) – where are they today? Are they ruling over mankind from heaven? Do people at least still read and cherish their books?

  

  God urges children of Jehovah’s Witnesses: “Don’t be like your parents! … Leave!” (Zechariah 1:3, MSG)“Paul himself had changed his religion … when he found that the ‘traditions of his forefathers’ were not in harmony with the Scriptures.” (The Watchtower, October 1, 1970, page 581) Everyone who has been raised as a Jehovah’s Witness should do the same.

  

  At another occasion, Zechariah reminds again of the numerous false forecasts by the Watchtower prophets:“The practicers of divination, for their part, have visioned falsehood, and valueless dreams are what they keep speaking, and in vain they try to comfort … Against the goatlike leaders I shall hold an accounting.” – Zechariah 10:2, 3.

  Indeed, all the prophecies in the countless publications of Jehovah’s Witnesses – “falsehood and valueless dreams” they have proved to be. “In vain” the elders “try to comfort” those who are disappointed for that reason. But Zechariah predicted regarding these: “They will certainly depart.” (Zechariah 10:2) Many are unsatisfied with the flimsy excuses and leave the organization.

  Discussing with Elders

  Some realize immediately that the Watchtower organization is based on lies and leave right away. Others though are only bothered about individual issues and try to talk to the elders about their doubts. Some of them read old Watchtower publications, such as the books by Charles Taze Russell and Joseph F. Rutherford or the Golden Age. They are appalled by the doctrine about the Great Pyramid, the attitude towards war, the expectations for 1925, or the medical advice that God’s channel of communication propagated at that time, and say to the elders: “Don’t you know the message which Jehovah proclaimed through the former prophets?” – Zechariah 7:7, Luther.

  Zechariah also predicted how the elders would react to such questions: “The prophets will become ashamed, each one of his vision when he prophesies … for the purpose of deceiving. And he will certainly say, ‘I am no prophet.’” (Zechariah 13:4, 5) The same excuse, which is surely cited by the elders in such a situation, is used by the faithful and discreet slave: “Today, Jehovah does not inspire prophets as in the past; instead, he has commissioned a faithful slave class … How important, therefore, that we have an obedient attitude toward that ‘slave!’” – The Watchtower, October 1, 2002, page 17.

  God jibes at the elders and instructs them through Zechariah: “Take yet for yourself the implements of a useless shepherd.” (Zechariah 11:15) As many elders do not have a strong inner conviction but are merely good heelers, they are usually lacking arguments when discussing with doubters. Then they consult “the implements of a useless shepherd,” likely their books and the Watchtower Society’s letters which contain detailed instructions for all possible situations.

  

  It could be though that the “implements of a useless shepherd” refer to the threat which many elders utter during such discussions. They threaten the doubter with the spiritual (and later literal) death by disfellowshipping if he dares to talk to anyone about his doubts. Indeed a “useless” sanction – which loving shepherd would kill one of his sheep or ban it from the flock?

  Now at the latest, many Jehovah’s Witnesses grasp that the Watchtower Society is a false prophet and that they have wasted their previous life to a lie. God foretold through Zechariah: “In that day … I shall strike every horse with bewilderment and its rider with madness.” (Zechariah 12:4) Indeed some are ‘bewildered’ when they become aware of the truth about the “truth.” They don’t really know what to do now. Others go ‘mad’ when they realize that they squandered their whole life to a group of senile liars.

  The End is near

  Zechariah foretold: “There will no more prove to be a Canaanite in the house of Jehovah.” (Zechariah 14:21) The name “Canaan” means “Merchant Land” or “Land of the Tradesman;” hence the ‘Canaanites’ are merchants, tradesmen, and other educated people.(Insight on the Scriptures, volume I, page 399) Soon they all will no more be “in the house of Jehovah,” that is, the Kingdom Hall, but they will have left the Watchtower organization.

  

  Before long, the Kingdom Halls will look like prophesied by Zechariah: “Very old people with walking sticks will … sit around.” (Zechariah 8:4, CEV) All young and smart people will have disassociated themselves. The remaining elderly ones too may have realized that they have been misled, but they don’t want to start a new life. They prefer to be lulled by the latest Armageddon forecasts week after week until they pass away peacefully.

  Last Try

  The Governing Body will get worried about this development. The old geezers will refuse to believe that their writing is on the wall, but rather they will comfort each other: “It will yet be that peoples and the inhabitants of many cities will come … saying: ‘Let us earnestly go to soften the face of Jehovah and to seek Jehovah.’” (Zechariah 8:20, 21) They will still believe in a large increase.

  

  They will wonder what they did wrong, so that the increase fails to appear. Finally they will come across the following Bible verse: “It will be in those days that ten men out of all the languages of the nations will take hold, yes, they will actually take hold of the skirt of a man who is a Jew.” (Zechariah 8:23) They have always applied this prophecy to themselves: “[This] man who is a Jew … represents the remnant of spirit-anointed Christians” –The Watchtower, February 15, 2009, page 27.

  In one of their meetings, the scales will fall from their eyes: How should the people “take hold of the skirt of a man” who is a Jehovah’s Witness while we forbid men to wear skirts? Immediately they will commission a Watchtowerarticle that introduces a new dress code based on Zechariah 8:23. All brothers will have to wear skirts in public service, so that the homeowners have an occasion to fulfill the prophecy.

  “Then the end will come”

  God foretold through Zechariah: “I shall certainly gather all the nations against Jerusalem for the war; and the city will actually be captured and the houses be pillaged, and the women themselves will be raped.” (Zechariah 14:2) Indeed, “all nations” will take action against the cult leaders from Brooklyn, the antitypical “Jerusalem,” and their followers in the different countries. They will ban this organization; their “houses” – the Bethel homes, Kingdom Halls and other facilities – will be “pillaged” and made available for charitable purposes.

  How will “the women … be raped?” Not literally. But “since the Bible puts abstaining from blood on the same moral level as avoiding fornication, to force blood on a Christian would be … rape.” (How Can Blood Save Your Life?, page 20) Zechariah’s statement means that no one will have to fear reprisals for accepting a blood transfusion.

  The printing plants of Jehovah’s Witnesses will cease their activities, too. “On that day there will be no light.” (Zechariah 14:6, NIV) There won’t be a writing department making up “brighter light” anymore. Zechariah also prophesied regarding God’s executioner: “The hoofs of the sheep he will tear off.” (Zechariah 11:16) The “hoofs of the sheep” represent the shoes worn by the “other sheep” in public service. But then, public service will be no more.

  Jehovah instructs his executioner: “Strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.” (Zechariah 13:7, NIV) Punishment will come only over the “shepherd,” the leaders of the Watchtower Society. The “[other] sheep will be scattered” and take control of their own lives. “In that day there will come to be a well opened … to the inhabitants of Jerusalem for sin and for an abhorrent thing.” (Zechariah 13:1) The former cult victims are now free to organize their life by their own standards. They even can do things that Jehovah’s Witnesses called “sin” or “an abhorrent thing,” such as celebrating birthdays, reading Lord of the Rings, or buying a ticket from a charity lottery.

  What will become of “the spiritual estate inhabited by God’s [professed] people” after the Watchtower organization’s destruction? Zechariah foretold: “The whole land will be changed like the Arabah, from Geba to Rimmon.” (Zechariah 14:10) Mistakenly, the words in this verse have been translated as personal names; the correct rendering would be: “The whole land will be changed into a desert plain, from the hill to the pomegranate tree.” (see Insight on the Scriptures) The fertile “land” that had sustained the Watchtower leaders with donations and conveniences for more than hundred years will become “a desert plain” with nothing for them.

  Mourning

  These remaining cult leaders will remember the profit that they are missing now, “and they’ll weep – oh, how they’ll weep! Deep mourning as of a parent grieving the loss of the firstborn child. The lamentation in Jerusalem that day will be massive.” (Zechariah 12:10, MSG) Now they have to earn their living by themselves, something they had not done for decades.

  The annihilation of Jehovah’s Witnesses will be permanent. Zechariah prophesied: “They will no more be remembered; and also the prophets … I shall cause to pass out of the land. And it must occur that in case a man should prophesy anymore, his father and his mother … must also say to him, ‘You will not live, because … you have spoken in the name of Jehovah.’ And his father and his mother … must pierce him through because of his prophesying.” – Zechariah 13:2, 3.

  Indeed, whoever may try to revive the Watchtower religion will be put to death immediately. What splendid prospects!
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  176

  THE ALTERNATIVE DAILY TEXT by The Witchtower editor

  by processor in

  1. watchtower
  2. bible

  i have published more than 200 'daily text' comments in german, and will now start translating those into english.

  they will be published here:.

  http://dailytext2.wordpress.com/.

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  processor

  https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=780054032039350&id=114394598605300

  http://dailytext2.wordpress.com/2014/07/29/jael-the-wife-of-heber-took-a-tent-pin-and-a-hammer-in-her-hand-then-while-he-was-fast-asleep-and-exhausted-she-stealthily-approached-him-and-drove-the-pin-through-his-temples-and-beat-it-int/

  Alternative Daily Text for Tuesday, July 29, 2014

  “Jael the wife of Heber took a tent pin and a hammer in her hand. Then while he was fast asleep and exhausted, she stealthily approached him and drove the pin through his temples and beat it into the ground, and he died.” (Judges 4:21)

  What can we learn from Jael today? To find that out, we need to examine her action in detail. Sisera was “army chief under Canaanite King Jabin.” (Insight on the Scriptures, volume II, page 975) The Canaanites dwelt in the country that God had promised to the Israelites. Hence they foreshadowed the worldlings of today, who also live on the earth that Jehovah has promised to his witnesses. So Jabin and Sisera depict people who are hostile towards Jehovah’s Witnesses – apostates, sect advisers, scientists, or intellectuals. Our task today is to kill these people in a transferred sense, while we are waiting on Jehovah to arrange for their literal death before long.

  When Sisera approached Jael’s tent, she readily asked him in though her husband was not at home (Judges 4:18) If a Jehovah’s Witness of our time would do the same, the elders would assume that there is fornication, and in fact, the Babylonian Talmud says that Jael committed adultery with Sisera. (Horavoth 10b) Besides, “there was peace between Jabin the king of Hazor and the house of Heber the Kenite [to which Jael belonged].” (Judges 4:17) She must have known “that, according to the Oriental code, it was a host’s responsibility to protect guests in his home, defending them even to the point of death if necessary.” (The Watchtower, December 1, 1979, page 31) But “Jael acted courageously, seizing the opportunity” to kill her guest insidiously. – The Watchtower, September 15, 1978, page 23.

  What do we learn from this? Adultery has always been a serious sin, and murdering a guest was something utterly unthinkable in Jael’s culture. Still, she knew that she was not to miss any opportunity to kill the enemies of Jehovah and his witnesses. Sisera’s death was by far more important that any worldly or religious laws. We too “must obey God as ruler rather than men” whenever we run across an apostate. – Acts 5:29.
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  4

  Governing Body name change

  by oppostate in

  1. watchtower
  2. beliefs

  i was reading at foro extj a mention of a name change that's been in the works for months it seems.. the wt at jw.org in spanish is calling the governing body "consejo central" without capitalizing the name.. here's the spanish news release item about guy pierce passing away:.

  http://www.jw.org/es/noticias/comunicados-de-prensa/por-region/mundiales/fallece-guy-pierce-consejo-central/.

  the english news release is at:.

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  processor

  Looks just like an explanation to me. He was a member of the Governing Body, and because worldlings outside the US do not know what a Governing Body is, they explained that it is the "central counsel" or "main board" of Jehovah's Witnesses.

  (AFAIK the term "Governing Body" is quite common in English. But the German translation ("Leitende Körperschaft") is used exclusively by JWs. There is no other "Governing Body" here except the "Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses." That may explain why they explain the term in some languages, while in other languages they don't.)
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  82

  Instrucitons for using the toilet at the convention (pic)

  by maninthemiddle in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  this was posted in the men's room stall, i hear the instructions in the womens room was more detailed.. this was in addition to having a "bathroom attendant" handing out 1 paper towel per person.. i haven't felt so childish since i was in grade schooll, i had to wonder if all the tall people around me were really grown men and women.. .

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  processor

  
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  176

  THE ALTERNATIVE DAILY TEXT by The Witchtower editor

  by processor in

  1. watchtower
  2. bible

  i have published more than 200 'daily text' comments in german, and will now start translating those into english.

  they will be published here:.

  http://dailytext2.wordpress.com/.

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  processor

  https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=778855468825873&id=114394598605300

  http://dailytext2.wordpress.com/2014/07/27/she-will-return-to-her-hire-and-prostitute-herself-her-profit-and-her-hire-will-become-something-holy-to-jehovah-her-hire-will-be-for-those-dwelling-before-jehovah/

  Alternative Daily Text for Sunday, July 27, 2014

  “She will return to her hire and prostitute herself … Her profit and her hire will become something holy to Jehovah … Her hire will be for those dwelling before Jehovah.” (Isaiah 23:17, 18)

  Some imitation Christians who are influenced by teachings of false religion may be surprised, but the Biblical statement is clear: The “profit” or “hire” of prostitutes is “something holy to Jehovah.” That is why James asked: “Was not Rahab the prostitute also declared righteous?” (James 2:25) Indeed, Rahab had loved the Israelite spies ‘with her whole soul.’ – Matthew 22:37.

  Jehovah is especially pleased when a prostitute uses a part of her profit “for those dwelling before Jehovah,” that is, when she donates it to the worldwide preaching work. Still in the 10th century, Pope John XII operated an own brothel at St. Peter’s Basilica. But then apostasy became rampant, so that gradually all churchly brothels have been closed. Finally, the apostate clergy banned prostitution completely. So they resembled the Pharisees whom Jesus told: “Truly I say to you that the tax collectors and the prostitutes are going ahead of you into the Kingdom of God.” (Matthew 21:31) Contrary to religious leaders, prostitutes have a guaranteed place in God’s kingdom.

  That is why faithful servants of God, like Judah or Samson, did not abstain from calling on prostitutes’ services. (Genesis 38:16; Judges 16:1) The prophet Hosea was even instructed by Jehovah himself: “’Go, take to thee a woman of whoredoms.” (Hosea 1:2, YLT) True, in some verses the Bible speaks negatively of prostitution. But all these cases relate to married women accused of adultery. (Isaiah 57:3; Ezekiel 23:43) Neither Moses nor Jesus banned prostitution, but both condemned adultery. (Leviticus 20:10; Luke 16:18) So if you want a married woman, do not commit adultery but rather liquidate her husband. – 1 Samuel 25:3, 13.
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  5

  Is eating for Christians? If so, which food is suitable? (Reprint from The Witchtower)

  by processor in

  1. watchtower
  2. bible

  is eating for christians?

  if so, which food is suitable?reprint from the witchtower, 04/2010.

  they are like the bread ... all those eating it will defile themselves.

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  processor

  Is eating for Christians? If so, which food is suitable?

  Reprint from The Witchtower, 04/2010

  “They are like the bread … all those eating it will defile themselves.” – Hosea 9:4

  Some believe that Christians should not eat at all. They base their opinion, among others, on the July 22, 2001 Awake! issue. It says: “A Gallup Youth Survey of 13- to 17-year-olds in the United States revealed that 56 percent of them say a prayer before dinner.” (page 13) Jonathan, a young man from Germany, indicated: “Most people pray to false gods before their meals. Since true Christians must abstain from everything that is connected to false religion, for me it is out of the question that a servant of God would defile himself by eating.”

  In the first century, some worshippers of God had the same attitude. The Bible says: “The Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat.” (Mark 7:3) But is this approach based on the Bible? Obviously not, since the Pharisees and Scribes told Jesus: “The disciples of John fast … and so do those of the Pharisees, but yours eat.” (Luke 5:33) Indeed, Christians “have authority to eat,” as Paul wrote later. – 1 Corinthians 9:4.

  Hence it is out of the question that Christians may eat. But can they voluntarily abandon eating? Or are they obliged to eat? It is interesting what Jesus did when he raised the daughter of Jairus. The account says: “Her spirit returned, and she rose instantly, and he ordered something to be given her to eat.” (Luke 8:55) So he considered eating the most important thing of all.

  Jesus imitated his heavenly father in this regard. Moses advised the Israelites against the gods of the neighboring peoples and called these “the product of the hands of man, wood and stone, which cannot see or hear or eat or smell.” (Deuteronomy 4:28) Doubtless he would not have pointed out that these gods ‘cannot eat’ if the true God could not do that either. Hence Jehovah can eat, and as Christians we must be “imitators of God.” – Ephesians 5:1.

  

  A divine mission

  In fact, eating is a divine command, since according to the prophet Isaiah “this is what the Sovereign Lord Jehovah has said: ‘Look! My own servants will eat.’” (Isaiah 65:13) On another occasion he instructed his readers: “Let there be … an eating!” – Isaiah 21:5.

  Some may object that they are already overweight and would better make a diet. But according to Isaiah 11:6 also “the well-fed animal” would be among God’s people, and this verse applies to “beastlike men.” (Isaiah’s Prophecy – Light for All Mankind, volume I, page 164) Indeed a diet would be contradictory to God’s righteous principles, for he said: “All the fat ones of the earth shall eat.” (Psalm 22:29) God appreciates when his worshippers eat, be they slim or fat.

  

  The prophet Zechariah said: “Every … cooking pot in Jerusalem and in Judah must become something holy belonging to Jehovah of armies, and all … must do boiling in them.” (Zechariah 14:21) Eating is a sacred duty for worshippers of Jehovah. Indeed, “he who eats, eats to Jehovah.” (Romans 14:6) Thus the question is not if but what God’s servants should eat.

  In the past, Jehovah provided uncommon food from time to time. Likely the prophet Ezekiel was in the bathroom when God instructed him: “Son of man, what you find, eat. Eat this roll.” (Ezekiel 3:1) We can imitate Ezekiel in hard times, but there is yet another food that is suitable for Christians.

  Meat

  Christians must be “imitators of God,” and God ate meat when he visited his friend Abraham. (Ephesians 5:1; Genesis 18:3, 8) His son Isaac ate meat, too; he said to Jacob (whom he thought was Esau): “Bring me some game and make me a tasty dish and, ah, let me eat!” – Genesis 27:7.

  Later eating was regulated in the law. Jehovah told the Israelites through Moses: “As for the flesh, everybody … may eat the flesh.” (Leviticus 7:19) Later he added: “Because your soul craves to eat meat, whenever your soul craves it you may eat meat.” (Deuteronomy 12:20) Was this only a recommendation? No, God commanded specifically: “You must eat meat.” (Deuteronomy 12:15) Vegetarians would have transgressed against God’s law, and whoever did that had to be stoned.

  Jehovah reinforced this instruction when he commanded through Jeremiah: “Eat flesh!” (Jeremiah 7:21) Even later, Jesus mentioned a king who said: “I have prepared my dinner, my bulls and fattened animals are slaughtered.” (Matthew 22:4) Indeed, “flesh is true food.” – John 6:55.

  In paradise, meat will be the common food. Jesus foretold how a father in paradise will react to the resurrection of his son: “Bring the fattened young bull, slaughter it and let us eat and enjoy ourselves, because this my son was dead and came to life again.” – Luke 15:23, 24.

  Bread

  Hence there can be no doubt that meat is suitable food for Christians. But what about bread? Note how king Saul reacted when a witch tried to induce him to eat bread. She told him: “’Let me set before you a piece of bread, and you eat, that power may come to be in you, because you will go on your way.’ But he refused and said: ‘I am not going to eat.’” (1 Samuel 28:22, 23) Since he insisted on not eating bread, the hag knew only one alternative: “The woman had a fattened calf at the house, which she butchered at once … Then she set it before Saul and his men, and they ate.” – 1 Samuel 28:24, 25, NIV.

  

  Saul followed his own rules, for he had commanded: “Cursed is the man that eats bread.” (1 Samuel 14:24) With this, however, he only repeated a principle from the Mosaic Law. Even there Jehovah had ordered: “You must eat no bread.” (Leviticus 23:14) Moses himself “ate no bread.” (Exodus 34:28) The Israelites followed his example and therefore were blessed by God, so that he could tell them: “While I kept guiding you forty years in the wilderness, your garments did not wear out upon you, and your sandal did not wear out upon your foot. Bread you did not eat.” – Deuteronomy 29:5, 6.

  Granted, in a moment of weakness, even David “ate the loaves … which it is not lawful for anybody to eat.” (Mark 2:26) But he knew that God’s servants did usually not eat bread; at old age he wrote: “A young man I used to be, I have also grown old, and yet I have not seen anyone righteous left entirely, nor his offspring looking for bread.” (Psalm 37:25) Righteous people looked for meat at the market, not for bread. A capable woman described by the mother of king Lemuel heeded this divine principle: “She is watching over the goings-on of her household, and the bread … she does not eat.” – Proverbs 31:27.

  

  Temptations

  Some years later, the apostate king Jeroboam tried to entice a prophet of God to commit a deed because he had caught Jeroboam at worshipping a golden calf. “But the man of the true God said to the king: ‘If you gave me half of your house I would not come with you and eat bread’ … For that is the way he commanded me by the word of Jehovah, saying, ‘You must not eat bread.’” (1 Kings 13:8, 9) Later, however, he was fooled into bread eating and was put to death by divine intervention. – 1 Kings 13:23-26.

  The prophet Ezekiel too was instructed by Jehovah: “Bread … you should not eat.” (Ezekiel 24:17) Finally, Jesus Christ was tempted by the devil himself. Satan asked him: “If you are a son of God, tell this stone to become a loaf of bread.” (Luke 4:3) But Jesus pointed out the divine principle and replied: “It is written, ‘Man must not live by bread.’” (Luke 4:3) Later he instructed his disciples to carry “no bread” for their trips. (Luke 9:4, NIV) The disciples confirmed “that they had no loaves.” – Mark 8:16.

  

  Some worshippers of God tried to eat bread secretly. During Solomon’s reign, a woman said: “Bread eaten in secrecy – it is pleasant.” (Proverbs 9:17) Later some Israelites smuggled bread into their villages and said: “At the risk of our soul we bring in our bread.” (Lamentations 5:9) But they did not go unpunished. The Bible says with regard to such people: “They did not put faith in God … Men ate the very bread … They had not turned aside from their desire … when God’s wrath itself ascended against them.” (Psalm 78:22-31) Indeed, “bread … is pleasurable to a man, but afterward his mouth will be filled with gravel.” – Proverbs 20:17.

  Beware of bread

  Furthermore the Bible uses bread as a symbol of wickedness. Wise Solomon called the food of the wicked ones “the bread of wickedness.” (Proverbs 4:17) The prophet Isaiah warned the Israelites against “bread in the form of distress.” (Isaiah 30:20) Finally Jesus advised his disciples: “Watch out for the leaven!” (Luke 12:1) The Bible usually mentions bread in a negative context and even calls it “contemptible bread.” – Numbers 21:5.

  Hence eating bread is out of the question for worshippers of God. But “in all the land of Egypt there was found bread,” and “in the Bible, Egypt often symbolizes Satan’s world.” (Genesis 41:54; Isaiah’s Prophecy – Light for All Mankind, volume I, page 201) For worldlings bread is suitable, and to them we can offer it.

  

  The prophet Hosea said regarding apostates: “They are like the bread … all those eating it will defile themselves.” (Hosea 9:4) Jesus called Judas Iscariot, his traitor, the one “that used to feed on … bread.” (John 13:18) That is why the Bible counsels us: “If the one hating you is hungry, give him bread to eat.” (Proverbs 25:21) With regard to the apostate Israelites who should soon be killed at the destruction of Jerusalem, Jehovah said: “They will have to eat bread.” – Ezekiel 4:16.

  Soon, after the last worldling has been annihilated in Armageddon, bread will not be anymore. Jehovah then “will send hunger on the land; not hunger for bread.” (Amos 8:11, Postmodern Bible) The prophet Jeremiah foretold regarding the New Jerusalem, the future capital: “There is no bread anymore in the city.” – Jeremiah 38:9.

  

  Cake

  Can the same principles as for bread be applied to cake? Granted, the prophet Ezekiel ate cake. He did this, however, as a prophetic example for the apostate Israelites. Jehovah instructed him: “And as a round cake of barley you will eat it … upon dung cakes of the excrement of mankind you will bake it.” (Ezekiel 4:12) It was a onetime event by which Jehovah wanted to teach the Israelites a lesson.

  Apart from that, the Bible speaks of cake in the same way as of bread. On one occasion, Tamar wanted to induce her brother Amnon to cake eating: “Then she took the flour dough and kneaded it and made the cakes under his eyes and cooked the heart-shaped cakes. Finally she took the deep pan and poured it out before him.” (2 Samuel 13:8, 9) But obviously he knew the divine principles: “Amnon refused to eat.” – 2 Samuel 13:9.

  Later the prophet Elijah suspected a widow of eating cake in secrecy. She was innocent though, and she professed: “As Jehovah your God is living, I have no round cake.” (1 Kings 17:12) She also knew which consequences the eating of cake would have: “Then my son and I will die.” (1 Kings 17:12, NLT) The psalmist wrote that only apostates are concerned with cake. – Psalm 35:16.

  

  In actual fact, cake is even connected with false religion. Jeremiah reports that idolatresses offered “sacrificial cakes” to the “queen of the heavens” with the consent of their husbands. (Jeremiah 7:18; 44:19) For sure, it was not for nothing that God had this account included in his word. Cake surely is no suitable food for worshippers of Jehovah.

  Fruits and vegetables

  Since bread, cake, and other types of pastry are out of the question: What about fruits and vegetables? Interestingly, Jehovah God commanded even the first human couple: “You must not eat from the tree.” (Genesis 2:17, NIV) God later repeated this principle and forbid his people to eat field crops by themselves. He said: “The fruitage of your ground … a people will eat whom you have not known.” (Deuteronomy 28:33) As with bread, the Israelites could sell fruits and vegetables to foreigners.

  

  In the Mosaic Law, God aptly summarized what the food chain should be like among his people: “I shall certainly give vegetation in your field for your domestic animals, and you will indeed eat and be satisfied.” (Deuteronomy 11:15) Jehovah provided the “vegetation” not for humans but for their “domestic animals;” the humans should then “eat” the flesh of these animals “and be satisfied.”

  This fact was confirmed by the experience of king Nebuchadnezzar. If it would have been common back then that humans ate fruits and vegetables, God would not have told him: “The vegetation is what they will give even to you to eat just like bulls.” (Daniel 4:25) This pagan ruler who had walked in opposition to Jehovah had to eat vegetables as a punishment. Even today, children who see a cow ask their parents: “I am thinking of mad King Nebuchadnezzar … Do you think he also chewed the cud?” – Awake!, January 8, 1983, page 26.

  Fruits and vegetables were made for animals, not for humans. In Elisha’s time, his attendant made a disastrous mistake. Elisha instructed him: “Put the large cooking pot on and boil stew for the sons of the prophets.” (2 Kings 4:38) Obviously this man lacked correct knowledge of God’s law, since he “went picking wild gourds … and sliced them into the stewpot.” (2 Kings 4:39) Fortunately, the “sons of the prophets” knew that eating vegetables was forbidden under penalty of death according to God’s law: “As soon as they ate from the stew, they themselves cried out and began saying: ‘There is death in the pot’ … And they were not able to eat.” (2 Kings 4:40) Elisha understood the gravity of the situation, and immediately he advised the cook: “Pour it out!”
  – 2 Kings 4:41, NASB.

  Apostates

  

  The apostate king Ahab who was married to wicked Jezebel ignored God’s principles regarding vegetables intentionally. He “spoke to Naboth, saying: ‘Do give me your vineyard, that it may serve as a garden of vegetables to me, for it is close by my house.’” (1 Kings 41:2) Naboth obeyed God and used his garden to grow wine, which was designated by God as the appropriate beverage for his worshippers. (John 15:1; 1 Timothy 5:23) Wicked Ahab though wanted to turn the vineyard into “a garden of vegetables.”

  Naboth knew that this would be a sin against God, and so he rejected Ahab’s offer: “It is unthinkable on my part, from Jehovah’s standpoint.” (1 Kings 21:3) Hence Jezebel had him put to death by means of false accusations, so that Ahab could conclude his illegal project. (1 Kings 21:11-16) Because of him and other fruit eaters, Jehovah had to bring judgment upon Israel. Jeremiah described it like the following: “I saw, and, look! the orchard itself was a wilderness … It was because of Jehovah, because of his burning anger.” – Jeremiah 4:26.

  

  So it stirred Jehovah’s wrath when the Israelites ate fruits and vegetables. Jesus imitated his heavenly father in that regard. When he passed a fig tree and came to know that Jews had eaten from it, he cursed it and said: “Let no one eat fruit from you anymore forever!” (Mark 11:14) Hence there can be no doubt that Christians must abstain from fruits and vegetables.

  The right food

  Thus meat is the only food that is appropriate for worshippers of Jehovah. Before someone became a Jehovah’s Witness, he was part of the world, the antitypical Egypt, and may have eaten fruits and vegetables. He has to change his diet in order to meet Jehovah’s requirements. Thereby he has to avoid a complaining attitude and must not imitate certain Israelites who complained about the obligation to eat only meat: “In Egypt … there were cucumbers, melons, onions, and garlic.” (Numbers 11:5, CEV) But as a holy people for Jehovah, they were not allowed to defile themselves with fruits and vegetables anymore.

  That he chose flesh as the appropriate food for his people is an impressing proof of Jehovah’s wisdom and kindness. Many people dislike vegetables, others are allergic to fruits. But “no man ever hated … flesh.” (Ephesians 5:29) Granted, some worldly scientists claim that eating too much meat would be hazardous to health. But David, a faithful servant of God, knew that consuming flesh is not dangerous. He sung under inspiration: “What can flesh do to me?” – Psalm 56:4.

  

  A diet that consists only of meat is not necessarily monotonous. The apostle Paul hinted the Corinthians at this fact when he wrote: “Not all flesh is the same flesh.” (1 Corinthians 15:39) Apart from beef, pork, and poultry, there is lamb and ostrich meat. Also there are different ways of cooking, so that a varied diet is possible. In any case let us imitate faithful Israelites of Moses’ time who said: “Do give us meat, and let us eat!” – Numbers 11:13.

  Meat – the right way

  How should meat be cooked? Jehovah God instructed the prophet Ezekiel: “Make the logs many. Kindle the fire. Boil the flesh thoroughly. And empty out the broth, and let the bones themselves become piping hot.” (Ezekiel 24:10) Ezekiel should boil his meat in a pot on a log fire. In the Mosaic Law too, God commanded his people: “Boil the flesh.” – Leviticus 8:31.

  Hence boiling is the classic way of cooking meat, and surely it is acceptable to God. Other methods however, like grilling of frying, are not specifically mentioned in the Bible. So we can assume that it is not important for God how we cook our meat, as long as we observe his prompt: “Get up, eat much flesh!” – Daniel 7:5.

  When shopping, we have to heed the following principle though: “You must not eat any fat of a bull or a young ram or a goat.” (Leviticus 7:23) Actually, the Mosaic Law does no more apply to us, but God has not changed. (Malachi 3:6) Therefore we should only choose lean pieces when we purchase beef, lamb, or chevon. As regards pork, we can also eat fatty pieces, since the Mosaic Law did not specifically mention the fat of pigs.

  Where should we eat?

  It seems that eating in public is was uncommon in Israel. Uriah the Hittite asked: “Shall I go into my own house to eat?” (2 Samuel 11:11) Many centuries later, some Christians had a false attitude and ate in public. The apostle Paul trounced them and said: “Certainly you do have houses for eating.” (1 Corinthians 11:22) Worshippers of God should eat only at home.

  The current world that is ruled by Satan offers many temptations. These include snack stalls which could induce a Christian to eat in public. May we not be distracted by such lures, but let us imitate Uriah who wanted to eat only in his own house.

  

  Remaining faithful to God

  What we subsist on has direct influence on our relationship to God. The apostle Paul wrote regarding followers of false religions: “Some think it is all right to eat anything, while those whose faith is weak will eat … vegetables.” (Romans 14:2, CEV) Some Christians in the first century mistakenly thought they could “eat anything” without losing their righteous stand before God. Others were weak in faith and were fooled into eating fruits and vegetables. Both groups along with others “who do not know God [and his principles regarding food] … will undergo the judicial punishment of everlasting destruction.” – 2 Thessalonians 1:8, 9.

  If we remain faithful to Jehovah God and keep abstaining from fruits, vegetables, bread, cake, and other vegetarian food, we will be allowed to live forever in a paradise. God will then carry out his original purpose, according to which animals are “born naturally to be caught and destroyed.” (2 Peter 2:12) Satan’s world along with its animal welfare organizations trying to detain people from eating flesh will then be a thing of the past. Are we not happy about these wonderful prospects?

  
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  THE ALTERNATIVE DAILY TEXT by The Witchtower editor

  by processor in

  1. watchtower
  2. bible

  i have published more than 200 'daily text' comments in german, and will now start translating those into english.

  they will be published here:.

  http://dailytext2.wordpress.com/.

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  processor

  https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=776445855733501&id=114394598605300

  http://dailytext2.wordpress.com/2014/07/22/it-is-in-vain-that-you-rise-up-early/

  Alternative Daily Text for Tuesday, July 22, 2014

  “It is in vain that you rise up early.” (Psalm 127:2)

  “In many congregations [of Jehovah’s Witnesses], there are publishers who rise early to speak with people at bus stops and train stations.” (God’s Word for Us Through Jeremiah, page 37) “Housewife pioneers and others have to arise early to take care of household chores so that they can devote a full morning to Jehovah’s service.” (The Watchtower, July 1, 1984, page 17) In the past 15 years, Jehovah’s Witnesses in Germany alone spent more than 400 million hours in the preaching work. This amounts to more than 45,000 years; at an average income they could have earned around ten billion dollars during that time. This money would have been enough to save roughly 300 million starving children.

  Was it worth the effort? Did rising early and neglecting the own family and oneself and everything else pay off? Over the period considered, the number of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Germany decreased from 166,818 to 162,705. Indeed, you Jehovah’s Witnesses, “it is in vain that you rise up early!”
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  29

  Exodus 24:10 - The Israelites saw Jehovah? Has this scripture ever been explained?

  by truthseeker in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  has anyone really pondered what this means?

  jehovah said that no man can see god and live, and here at least 70 people saw jehovah standing on a bright blue pavement.

  24 then the lord said to moses, come up to the lord , you and aaron, nadab and abihu, and seventy of the elders of israel.

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  processor

  It says that the punishment for Israel was three years of famine, but in both 2Samuel 21:15 and 1 Chrons 21:14 it is three days of Pestilence that God gives.

  Bart Belteshassur, you're right, thanks for the hint.

  Still, though David picked the three-day pestilence, God once offered a three-year famine and once a seven-year famine:

  2 Samuel 24:13: So Gad came in to David and told him: “Should seven years of famine come on your land? Or should you flee for three months from your adversaries while they pursue you? Or should there be three days of pestilence in your land?

  1 Chronicles 21:11, 12: So Gad came in to David and said to him: “This is what Jehovah says, ‘Take your pick whether there should be three years of famine, or three months of being swept away by your adversaries while the sword of your enemies overtakes you, or three days of the sword of Jehovah — pestilence in the land — with Jehovah’s angel bringing destruction in all the territory of Israel"