Comments You Will Not Hear at the 9-11-05 WT Study (August 1, 2005 issue date)
Review comments will be in redWT material from today's WT will be in black
Quotes from other sources will be in quotes boxes
JEHOVAH IS "THE REWARDER OF THOSE EARNESTLY SEEKING HIM"
"He that approaches God must believe that he is and that he becomes the
rewarder of those earnestly seeking him. "-HEBREWS 11:6.
www.biblegateway.com/cgi-bin/bible
Opening Comments
It is now 30 years since the WTS actively promoted the date 1975 as the end of 6,000 years of human history and the threshold of the 1,000 year reign of Christ. Many JWs stumbled over that date setting but there was always 1984, when the 1914 generation would be 70 years old, or 1994, when that generation would be 80 years old. With the unhooking of the word generation from 1914 in 1995, JWs alive in 1975 and 1995, are growing older, getting sicker and dying, but the end is not yet. Every catastrophe brings cries from the rank and file, perhaps this is the end; 9/11, the tsunami, and now the hurricane in the southern gulf states of the US.
The WTS has to "encourage" these disappointed people by reassuring them that God will reward them. Notice how Jesus is missing from this reassurance. Note too how the WTS blames the rank and file for their negative feelings not the promises of the WTS that have failed to materialize.
START OF ARTICLE
I HAVE been a Witness of Jehovah for nearly 30 years, but I have never felt
worthy to be called that," confides Barbara.* (* Some names have been
changed.) "Even though I have pioneered and have had many other privileges,
none of them seem enough to make me believe in my heart that I belong."
Keith expresses similar thoughts. "I have at times felt unworthy because
Jehovah's servants have many reasons to be happy, but I was not," he says.
"This led to feelings of guilt, which only made matters worse."
Barbara (since they only use first names why say "some names have been changed") Witness of Jehovah--Where's Christ?
Jehovah's servants--only JWs; where's Christ?
Never felt worthy
Had many other privileges, none of them seem enough to make me believe in my heart I belong
Do More, Do More, Do More chant of the WTS
Worthy = works
Felt unworthy--reasons to be happy, but I was not...led to feelings of guilt
w95 1/15 p. 12 The Joy of Jehovah Is Our Stronghold
Our close relationship with Jehovah makes us the happiest people on earth.
All good JWs are happy
Not happy
Not a good JW
2 Many of Jehovah's faithful servants, both past and present, have struggled
with similar feelings. Have you at times? You might be overwhelmed by one
problem after another, while your fellow believers seem to be enjoying life,
carefree and happy. As a result, you might feel that you neither have
Jehovah's approval nor merit his attention. Do not hastily conclude that
this is the case. The Bible assures us: "[Jehovah] has neither despised nor
loathed the affliction of the afflicted one; and he has not concealed his
face from him, and when he cried to him for help he heard." (Psalm 22:24)
Those prophetic words about the Messiah show that Jehovah not only hears his
faithful ones but also rewards them.
Jehovah's faithful servants
His faithful ones
Fellow believers
Only JWs and where's Christ?
You might feel that you neither have Jehovah's approval (where's Jesus) nor merit his attention
Actually people are told by elders and other JWs that they do not measure up to meeting attendance, hours in door to door, etc., and thus do not have God's approval, either from the platform or one on one.
CARROT: Rewards them
Blurb on page 26: Paul; Elijah; Hannah
3 No one is immune to the pressures of this system of things-not even
Jehovah's people. We live in a world that is ruled by Jehovah's archenemy,
Satan the Devil. (2 Corinthians 4:4; 1 John 5:19) Rather than being
miraculously protected, Jehovah's servants are, in fact, the prime target of
Satan. (Job 1:7-12; Revelation 2:10) Until God's appointed time, therefore,
we need to "endure under tribulation" and "persevere in prayer," confident
that Jehovah cares for us. (Romans 12:12) We should not give in to the
thought that we are unloved by our God, Jehovah!
Jehovah's people
Jehovah's servants
Rather than being miraculously protected
Do you know JWs that have claimed that God protected them from an accident only to hear of another JW that died in an accident?
The prime target of Satan
Do you know JWs that blame every bad thing in their lives on the Devil?
w95 2/1 p. 28 Whose Fault Is It?
Such ones often live their lives recklessly, making financial and other decisions on the assumption that God will save them. If their imprudent actions result in some disaster, economic or otherwise, they blame the Devil.
Until God's appointed time: 1914, 1915, 1925, 1940's, 1975, 1984, 1994
Jehovah cares--where's Jesus
Not give in to the thought that we are unloved by our God, Jehovah: even if elders and other JWs tell us so (Where's Jesus)
Ancient Examples of Endurance
4 Many ancient servants of Jehovah had to endure distressing situations.
Hannah, for example, was "bitter of soul" because she was childless--a
condition that she considered tantamount to being forgotten by God. (1
Samuel 1:9-11) When Elijah was being pursued by murderous Queen Jezebel, he
became fearful and prayed to Jehovah: "It is enough! Now, 0 Jehovah, take my
soul away, for I am no better than my forefathers." (1 Kings 19:4) And the
apostle Paul must have felt the full burden of his imperfection when he
admitted: "When I wish to do what is right, what is bad is present with me."
He added: "Miserable man that I am!" -Romans 7:21-24.
OT--Hannah--childless = forgotten by God; had she forgotten of Sarah and Rachel?
OT--Elijah--wasn't this the man that had just called down fire from heaven? Now afraid?
NT--Paul--"must have" a phrase meaning that whatever follows is not in the Bible and the WTS is adding to the scriptures in the same way they do in the "Bible" dramas.
5 Of course, we know that Hannah, Elijah, and Paul all endured in Jehovah's
service, and He rewarded them richly. (1 Samuel 1:20; 2:21; 1 Kings 19:5-18;
2 Timothy 4:8) Still, they struggled with the full range of human emotions,
including grief, despair, and fear. It should not surprise us, then, if at
times we have negative feelings. What can you do, though, when life's
anxieties cause you to wonder if you are really loved by Jehovah? You can
draw comfort from God's Word. For example, in the preceding article, we
discussed Jesus' statement that Jehovah has numbered "the very hairs of your
head." (Matthew 10:30) Those encouraging words indicate that Jehovah is
deeply interested in each of his servants. Recall, too, Jesus' illustration
of the sparrows. If not one of those small birds falls to the ground without
Jehovah's notice, why would he turn a blind eye to your plight?
Jehovah...his servants--only JWs; where's Christ?
Full range of human emotions, including grief, despair, and fear
Negative feelings, should not surprise us
Life's anxieties cause you to wonder if you are really loved by Jehovah--because JWs are taught that if they are "faithful" they will not experience such anxieties.
6 Is it really possible that we imperfect humans can be precious in the eyes
of the all-powerful Creator, Jehovah God? Yes! In fact, there are numerous
Bible passages that assure us of this. By taking these to heart, we can echo
the words of the psalmist who stated: "When my disquieting thoughts became
many inside of me, your own consolations began to fondle my soul." (Psalm
94:19) Let us consider some of these consoling statements from God's Word
that will help us to appreciate more fully that we are valued by God and
that he will reward us as we continue to do his will.
Consoling statements from God's Word or WTS publications?
w94 10/1 p. 8 The Bible-A Book Meant to Be Understood
Even as Bible prophecy pointed forward to the Messiah, it also directs us to the close-knit body of anointed Christian Witnesses that now serve as the faithful and discreet slave. It helps us to understand the Word of God. All who want to understand the Bible should appreciate that the "greatly diversified wisdom of God" can become known only through Jehovah's channel of communication, the faithful and discreet slave.-John 6:68.
CARROT--He will reward us IF we continue to do his will--as interpreted by the WTS.
Valued by God--valued by WTS?--where's Jesus?
Jehovah's "Special Property"
7 A deplorable situation existed among the Jews during the fifth century
B.C.E. The priests were accepting unfit animals and were offering these as
sacrifices on Jehovah's altar. Judges were showing partiality. Sorcery,
lying, fraud, and adultery were rampant. (Malachi 1:8; 2:9; 3:5) To this
blatantly corrupt nation, Malachi uttered an astonishing prophecy. In time,
Jehovah would bring his people back into an approved condition. We read:
"'They will certainly become mine,' Jehovah of armies has said, 'at the day
when I am producing a special property. And I will show compassion upon
them, just as a man shows compassion upon his son who is serving
him."'-Malachi 3:17.
OT--Priests accepting unfit sacrifices
False hours, coffee breaks, driving around, not going when people are home, etc.
Judges showing partiality
Elders' children and other elders, wives, friends, business partners, rich JWs, influential JWs, etc.
Sorcery--false prophets
http://quotes.watchtower.ca/prophet.htm
Lying--different letter to elders than is read to the congregation, rank and file are not entitled to the whole truth
http://quotes.watchtower.ca/lie.htm
Fraud--JWs who rip off other JWs in business; everyone knows one
Adultery--the WTS association with the UN
http://www.randytv.com/secret/unitednations.htm
In time, Jehovah would bring his people back into an approved condition.
At one time the WTS taught this was literal Israel but now
Israel = spiritual Israel = only 144,000 (not great crowd)
8 Malachi's prophecy has a modern-day fulfillment in connection with spirit
anointed Christians, who make up a spiritual nation of 144,000. That nation
is indeed "a special property," or "a people for special possession," to
Jehovah. (1 Peter 2:9) Malachi's prophecy can also be encouraging to the
"great crowd," who are "standing before the throne and before the Lamb, dressed in white robes."(Revelation 7:4, 9) These become one flock with the anointed, under one Shepherd, Jesus Christ.
John 10:16.
Modern day fulfillment--PROOF?
Spirit-anointed Christians
Spiritual nation of 144,000
Where is the Great Crowd?
Special property--refers only to 144,000 not great crowd
With the anointed, not under the anointed
9 How does Jehovah view those who choose to serve him? As noted at Malachi
3: 17, he views them in the way that a loving father views his son. And note
the glowing terms in which he describes his people--"a special property."
Other translations render that phrase "my very own," "my most prized
possession," and "my jewels." Why would Jehovah view those who serve him as
being that special? For one thing, he is an appreciative God. (Hebrews 6:10)
He draws close to and views as special those who serve him from the heart.
Is God father to the great crowd or only the 144,000; 144,000 only brothers to Jesus; what does that make the GC?
Only "by extension" says the WTS, does the GC have any part in these scriptures.
w89 4/1 p. 12 Hear What the Spirit Says to the Congregations
With this in mind, we understand that the seven congregations picture all congregations of anointed Christians after 1914, and the seven stars represent all anointed elders in those congregations. Moreover, elders who are of the "other sheep" are also, by extension, in Jesus' right hand of control. (John 10:16)
10 Can you think of a valued personal possession that you view as special
property? Do you not take steps to protect it? Jehovah does the same with
his "special property." True, he does not shield his people from all of
life's trials and tragedies. (Ecclesiastes 9:11) But Jehovah can and will
protect his faithful servants spiritually. He gives them
the strength they need to endure any trial. (1 Corinthians 10:13) Hence,
Moses told God's ancient people, the Israelites: "Be courageous and
strong.... Jehovah your God is the one marching with you. He will neither
desert you nor leave you entirely." (Deuteronomy 31:6) Jehovah deals
rewardingly with his people. To him, they are "a special property."
His people; faithful servants; his people--only JWs; where's Christ?
Does not shield his people from all of life's trials tragedies--protect spiritually--strength to endure any trial
No miraculous protection (see paragraph 3)
CARROT: Rewardingly
Special property--only 144,000
God
144,000
Great crowd (can't get to God except through FDS)
Blurb on page 28: God's Word contains an abundance of consoling thoughts
Jehovah "the Rewarder"
11 Another evidence that Jehovah values his servants is that he rewards
them. He told the Israelites: "'Test me out, please, in this respect,'
Jehovah of armies has said, `whether I shall not open to you people the
floodgates of the heavens and actually empty out upon you a blessing until
there is no more want.'" (Malachi 3:10) Ultimately, of course, Jehovah will
reward his servants with everlasting life. (John 5:24; Revelation 21:4) This
priceless reward reveals the magnitude of Jehovah's love and generosity. It
also shows that he truly values those who choose to serve him. Learning to
view Jehovah as a generous Rewarder can help us to battle any doubts about
our standing with God. In fact, Jehovah urges us to view him as a Rewarder!
Paul wrote: "He that approaches God must believe that he is and that he
becomes the rewarder of those earnestly seeking him." -Hebrews 11:6.
His servants (2)--where's Jesus?
CARROT--Rewards them (Malachi 3:10); sound familiar, PTL theme scripture, Jim Bakker
CARROT--Everlasting life
12 Of course, we serve Jehovah because we love him-not just because he
promises to reward us. Still, keeping close in our heart the hope of a
reward is not improper or selfish. (Colossians 3:23, 24) Out of his love for
them and the high value he places upon them, Jehovah takes the initiative
and rewards those earnestly seeking him.
Of course, we serve Jehovah because we love him--not JUST because he promises to reward us.
But that is part of the reason.
Keeping close in our heart the hope of a reward is not improper or selfish.
Colossians 3:23,24--is speaking of the "reward" of going to heaven to rule with Christ...where does that apply to the 6 million JWs that are not?
13 The greatest indication of mankind's potential value in Jehovah's eyes is
the provision of the ransom. The apostle John wrote: "God loved the world so
much that he gave his only-begotten Son, in order that everyone exercising
faith in him might not be destroyed but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)
The provision of the ransom sacrifice of Jesus Christ runs counter to the
very notion that we are worthless or unlovable in Jehovah's eyes. Indeed, if
Jehovah paid so high a price for us--offering his only begotten Son--he must
surely love us deeply.
Ransom--proof that we are not worthless or unlovable in God's eyes?
Jehovah paid--where's Jesus?
Do the elders treat people as those Christ gave his life for?
14 Hence, should negative feelings well up in you, meditate on the ransom.
Yes, view this gift as a personal provision from Jehovah. That is what the
apostle Paul did. Recall that he said: "Miserable man that I am!" But then
he went on to say: "Thanks to God through Jesus Christ our Lord," who, said
Paul, "loved me and handed himself over for me." (Romans 7:24, 25; Galatians
2:20) In saying this, Paul was not being egotistical. He simply had
confidence that Jehovah valued him as an individual. Like Paul, you too
should learn to view the ransom as a personal gift from God. Jehovah is not
only a powerful Savior but also a loving Rewarder.
Negative feelings well up in you--the WTS blames the individual for these feelings despite
their Do More theme at the meetings.
By using snippets from Romans 7:24,25 followed by one in Galatians 2:20 it makes it seem that Galatians is talking about God, the "me" that is italicized;
GALATIANS 2:20 . . .I live by the faith that is toward the Son of God, who loved me and handed himself over for me. . .
Confidence that Jehovah; gift from God; Jehovah...Savior...Rewarded---WHERE'S JESUS?
Beware of Satan's 'Crafty Acts'
15 Still, you might find it hard to believe that the inspired consolations
found in God's Word really apply to you. You may feel that the reward of
living forever in God's new world is something that others can attain, but
you are simply not worthy of it. If this is how you feel, what can you do?
Reward--living forever in God's new world
YOU may not feel worthy--or rather made to feel unworthy, Do More
16 You are no doubt familiar with Paul's admonition to the Ephesians: "Put
on the complete suit of armor from God that you may be able to stand firm
against the machinations ["crafty acts," footnote] of the Devil." (Ephesians
6:11) When we think of Satan's devices, such things as materialism and
immorality might immediately come to mind and rightly so. These temptations
have ensnared many of God's people both in ancient times and in our day.
However, we should not overlook another crafty act of Satan--his effort to
convince people that they are unloved by Jehovah God.
Satan's devices--materialism and immorality
Satan--convince people that they are unloved by Jehovah God (where's Jesus)
Using the elders and the WTS publications to do that
17 The Devil is skilled at exploiting such feelings in his attempt to turn
people away from God. Recall Bildad's words to job: "How can mortal man be
in the right before God, or how can one born of a woman be clean? Look!
There is even the moon, and it is not bright; and the stars themselves have
not proved clean in his eyes. How much less so mortal man, who is a maggot,
and a son of man, who is a worm!" (Job 25:4-6; John 8:44) Can you imagine
how demoralizing those words must have been? So do not let Satan dishearten
you. On the other hand, be aware of Satan's designs so that you will have
the courage and stamina to fight all the harder to do what is right. (2
Corinthians 2: 11) As for job, even though he had to be corrected, Jehovah
rewarded his endurance by restoring to him in double measure all that he had
lost. Job 42:10.
The Devil is skilled in exploiting such feelings using
Bildad--Job's friend, a fellow worshipper
Worm--have you ever had this scripture misapplied to your efforts to serve God at the KH?
LUKE 17:10 10 So YOU, also, when YOU have done all the things assigned to YOU, say, 'We are good-for-nothing slaves. What we have done is what we ought to have done.'"
Rewarded in double measure--as if 20 children could replace the ten that originally died and were still dead.
Jehovah "Is Greater Than Our Hearts"
'8 Admittedly, it can be difficult to quell feelings of discouragement if
these are deeply ingrained. Yet, Jehovah's spirit can help you progressively
to overturn "strongly entrenched things . . . raised up against the
knowledge of God." (2 Corinthians 10: 4, 5) When negative thoughts threaten
to overwhelm you, ponder the apostle John's words: "By this we shall know
that we originate with the truth, and we shall assure our hearts before him
as regards whatever our hearts may condemn us in, because God is greater
than our hearts and knows all things."-1 John 3:19, 20.
Discouragement...deeply ingrained
By whom; who is always saying that people don't measure up, nevery DO enough, should reach out more and judge people by the numbers on a time slip?
Negative thoughts--from meetings, from elders, from other JWs
19 What is meant by the phrase "God is greater than our hearts"? At times,
our heart may condemn us, especially when we become painfully aware of our
imperfections and shortcomings. Or it may be that because of our background,
we have an inordinate tendency to think negatively of ourselves, as if
nothing we do could be acceptable to Jehovah. The apostle John's words
assure us that Jehovah is greater than that! He sees past our mistakes and
perceives our real potential. He also knows our motives and intentions.
David wrote: "He himself well knows the formation of us, remembering that we
are dust." (Psalm 103:14) Yes, Jehovah knows us better than we know
ourselves!
Our heart may condemn us--the elders will condemn us
Become painfully aware of our imperfections and shortcomings--made aware by the elders and other JWs
Our background--it is the individual's fault they think negatively of themselves not that some young man was yanked into the back room and told by 2 elders his sideburns were 1/4 inch too long.
Remember that only Jesus and God know our motives--humanscannot reaad hearts.
"A Crown of Beauty" and "a Kingly Turban"
20 Through the prophet Isaiah, Jehovah gave his ancient people the hope of
the restoration. Exiled as they would be in Babylon, this comfort and
reassurance was just what these despondent ones would need! Looking ahead to
the time when they would be returned to their homeland, Jehovah stated: "You
must become a crown of beauty in the hand of Jehovah, and a kingly turban in
the palm of your God." (Isaiah 62:3) With these words, Jehovah clothed his
people with dignity and splendor. He has done the same with his nation of
spiritual Israel today. It is as though he held them up high for all to
admire.
Spiritual Israel--only 144,000 not the great crowd.
His servants--where's Jesus? only JWs.
21 While this prophecy finds its primary fulfillment in the anointed, it
illustrates the dignity Jehovah bestows upon all who serve him. Hence, when
beset by feelings of doubt, remember that even though imperfect, you can be
as valuable as "a crown of beauty" and "a kingly turban" to Jehovah. So
continue to make his heart rejoice by earnestly seeking to do his will.
(Proverbs 27: 11) By doing so, you can be confident that Jehovah will reward
your faithful endurance!
Primary fulfillment in the anointed--Proof!
Where do the rest of the JWs fit in then?
Crown/kingly turban--only 144,000; what about the great crowd?
CARROT: Jehovah will reward your faithful endurance = hang on for another 30 years.
Concluding Comments
Nothing much new; just that WTS is trying to put a finger in the hole in the dike.
Love, Blondie
Questions
1, 2. Why might some of Jehovah's servants struggle with negative feelings?
3. Why are we not immune to the pressures of this system of things?
4. Give some examples of faithful servants of Jehovah who endured
distressing situations.
5. (a) How were Hannah, Elijah, and Paul rewarded? (b) What comfort can we
draw from God's Word if we struggle with negative emotions?
6. How can the Bible be a source of comfort to those who battle negative
feelings?
7. What encouraging prophecy did Jehovah give through Malachi to the corrupt
nation?
8. Why can Malachi 3:17 be applied in principle to the great crowd?
9. Why are Jehovah's people "a special property" to him?
10. How does Jehovah provide protection for his people?
11, 12. How can appreciating Jehovah in his role as our Rewarder help us
fight feelings of doubt?
13. Why is the provision of the ransom the greatest evidence of Jehovah's
love for us?
14. What shows how Paul viewed the ransom?
15-17. (a) How does the Devil exploit negative feelings? (b) What
encouragement can we draw from the experience of job?
18, 19. How is God "greater than our hearts," and in what way does he 'know
all things'?
20. What does Isaiah's restoration prophecy reveal about how Jehovah views
his servants?
21. How can you gain confidence that Jehovah will reward your faithful
endurance?
Do You Remember?
- How are we "a special property" to Jehovah?
- Why is it important to view Jehovah as the Rewarder?
- What 'crafty acts' of Satan must we be on guard against?
- In what way is God "greater than our hearts"?