Comments You Will Not Hear at the 01-01-06 WT Study (November 15, 2005 issue, pp. 27-31)(Hosea-3 Upright)
Review comments will be in redWT material from today's WT will be in black
Quotes from other sources will be in quotes boxesw = Watchtower
g = Awake
www.biblegateway.com/cgi-bin/bible
http://web.archive.org/web/20050325102524/http://quotes.watchtower.ca/
www.silentlambs.org
www.ajwrb.org
http://www.randytv.com/secret/unitednations.htm
"THE WAYS OF JEHOVAH ARE UPRIGHT"
"The ways of Jehovah are upright, and the righteous are the ones who will walk
in them."-HOSEA 14:9.
Opening Comments
I was thinking this week that one reason the WTS uses the OT so much is that their audience is made up of the non-anointed almost exclusively. If they used NT scriptures too much, these great crowd (GC) or other sheep (OS) members of the rank and file might start thinking that those words were written to them rather than just to those who hope to rule in heaven with Christ.
*** w74 6/15 p. 376 Serve with Eternity in View ***
Christians who will rule in that kingdom that most of the Christian Greek Scriptures is directed, including the promises of everlasting life.
This last installment of the so-called study of the book of Hosea ends with a theme scripture about walking with God...but what are the scriptures for Christians?
Lastly, the WTS consistently compares ancient Israel to Christendom. So who would Hosea's pronouncements apply to if Hosea represents the WTS?
*** w04 11/15 p. 19 Jehovah's Judgment Will Come Against the Wicked ***
Second, the execution of divine judgment upon the apostate kingdom of Israel makes it certain that God will bring destruction upon Christendom, the most reprehensible part of "Babylon the Great," the world empire of false religion.-Revelation 18:2.
*** w99 2/1 p. 15 Our Treasure in Earthen Vessels ***
Let renegade Christendom, foreshadowed by ancient Israel, be warned of similar judgment from Jehovah.-1 Peter 4:17, 18.
START OF ARTICLE
JEHOVAH gave the Israelites an upright start in the days of the prophet Moses.
By the early eighth century B.C.E., however, their situation had become so bad
that God found them guilty of gross wrongdoing. This is evident from Hosea
chapters 10 through 14.
Gross wrongdoing--how is that different from simple wrongdoing; what is a gross (grave) sin according to the WTS? I was told once by some elders (informally) that homosexuality was a worse sin than adultery or murder because it was a GROSS sin. I have never found that distinction made in the WT publications.
A disfellowshipping offense?
WT Index 1930-2004 Disfellowshipping (grounds)abandoning wife and eloping with another woman: w79 11/15 31-2; w76 728
absolute endangerment of mate's spirituality: w88 11/1 22-3
alcoholics:when to disfellowship: w83 5/1 10-11
apostasy: w89 10/1 19; w86 3/15 15; w86 4/1 30-1; w86 10/15 31
bestiality: it-1 292 (but not always grounds for a scriptural divorce)
blood transfusion: jv 183-4 (now an act of disassociation)
dishonest practices: w86 11/15 14
drunkenness: it-1 656
employment violating Christian principles: km 9/76 6
employment involving gambling: w95 5/15 23
extortion: w89 1/15 22; it-1 789
extreme physical abuse of family members: g01 11/8 12; fy 150; w88 11/1 22
fits of anger: g01 11/8 12; g97 6/8 20; fy 150; g93 2/8 14
following mourning customs that involve false worship: w85 4/15 25
fornication: it-1 863
fraud: om 142-3
gluttony: w04 11/1 30-1
greed in relation to bride-price: w98 9/15 25
homosexuality: w83 6/1 24-6
incestuous marriage: w78 3/15 26
lying: g00 2/8 21
parents condoning immorality: w56 566
persistent gambling: w89 7/15 30
planned adultery to break Scriptural marriage ties: w83 3/15 29
polygamy: jv 176
promoting sects: it-2 886
refusal to cease fellowship with disfellowshipped: w81 9/15 25-6
reviling: w96 7/15 17-18; it-1 991; it-2 802
sexual abuse of children: g93 10/8 10
slander: w89 10/15 14; om 142-3
subversive activity: w95 10/1 31
use of tobacco: w95 5/15 23
whether violation of secular law is: w86 10/1 31
willful nonsupport of family: w88 11/1 22
2 Israel's heart had become hypocritical. The people of that ten-tribe kingdom
had "plowed wickedness" and reaped unrighteousness. (Hosea 10:1, 13) "When
Israel was a boy, then I loved him," said Jehovah, "and out of Egypt I called my
son." (Hosea 11:1) Although God had delivered the Israelites from Egyptian
bondage, they repaid him with lying and deception. (Hosea 11:12) Jehovah
therefore gave them this counsel: "To your God you should return, keeping
lovingkindness and justice."-Hosea 12:6.
Hypocritical
Lying and deception
How has the WTS been hypocritical? Telling members that they cannot join the YMCA, a political party, or the military because they would be "part of the world" and then associating itself with the UN for 10 years as an non-governmental organization?
http://www.randytv.com/secret/unitednations.htm
3 Rebellious Samaria and its king would have a disastrous end. (Hosea 13:11, 16)
But the final chapter of Hosea's prophecy opens with the plea: "Do come back, 0
Israel, to Jehovah your God." If the Israelites repentantly sought forgiveness,
God would extend mercy. Of course, they would have to acknowledge that "the ways
of Jehovah are upright" and walk in them.-Hosea 14:1-6, 9.
If...repentantly...sought forgiveness--decided by who, in this case God. Who decides repentance or judges in the WTS judicial settings, God or the elders? Who choses these elders God or the WTS? (trick question) Who forgives? Elders?
*** w92 7/1 p. 14 Elders, Judge With Righteousness ***
In turn, as Head of the Christian congregation, Christ uses the faithful and discreet slave class and its Governing Body to appoint elders, who at times have to act as judges. (Matthew 24:45-47; 1 Corinthians 5:12, 13; Titus 1:5, 9) As surrogate judges, these are under an obligation to follow closely the example of the heavenly Judges, Jehovah and Christ Jesus.
Since 1935 the anointed have received the loyal support of an ever-increasing "great crowd," whose hope is to survive "the great tribulation" and live forever on a paradise earth. (Revelation 7:9, 10, 14-17) As "the marriage of the Lamb" approaches, more and more of these are being appointed by the anointed Governing Body to serve as elders and judges in the upwards of 66,000 congregations of Jehovah’s Witnesses throughout the earth. (Revelation 19:7-9)
One side of the mouth:
*** w96 1/15 p. 18 Jehovah's Sheep Need Tender Care ***
Even though our new brother has prayed for God's forgiveness, he should seek the help of an elder so that the sin does not become habitual.
The other side:
*** w96 4/15 p. 28 Questions From Readers ***
There is no Scriptural basis for concluding that Christians in general, or even appointed elders in the congregations, have divine authority to forgive sins.
Furthermore, elders today do not have divine authority to forgive serious wrongdoing in the sense of pronouncing a serious sinner clean in the eyes of Jehovah.
*** w92 9/15 p. 12 Jehovah Forgives in a Large Way ***
To be forgiven and reinstated, however, he must humbly obey God's laws, produce fruits befitting repentance, and apply to the elders for reinstatement.
4 This section of Hosea's prophecy contains many principles that can help us to
walk with God. We will consider these: (1) Jehovah requires unhypocritical
worship, (2) God shows his people loyal love, (3) we need to hope in Jehovah
constantly, (4) Jehovah's ways are always upright, and (5) sinners can return to
Jehovah.
Unhypocritical worship--like saying that the WTS has consistently taught that 1914 was the beginning of Christ's presence?
His people--only JWS
Hope in Jehovah constantly--only through the WTS
Jehovah's ways--as interpreted only by the WTS
Sinners can return to Jehovah--return to the Jehovah only after they confess to the elders and are found repentant and are forgiven by them.
Jehovah Requires Unhypocritical Worship
5 Jehovah expects us to render sacred service to him in a clean, unhypocritical
manner. However, Israel had become an unproductive "degenerating vine." Israel's
inhabitants had `multiplied altars' for use in false worship. These apostates
had even put up pillars -perhaps obelisks designed for use in unclean worship.
Jehovah was going to break down these altars and destroy such pillars. -Hosea
10:1, 2.
In 1976, something new about the definition of "sacred service" was discussed at the district convention. At this time too the "Kingdom Ministry" became "Kingdom Service."
SACRED SERVICE 1976 TO 1980
*** w76 10/1 pp. 597-598 Rendering Sacred Service Night and Day ***
Does that mean that our "sacred service" is entirely a matter of talking? No, for after speaking of the "sacrifice of praise," the apostle goes on to describe other sacrifices God wants of us. He says, in verse 16: "Moreover, do not forget the doing of good and the sharing of things with others, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased." Yes, our "sacred service" needs to be a balanced one, one that balances words of praise to God with deeds, with the "doing of good and the sharing of things with others."
So, like Jesus we want our whole life to be a witness to the truth. Of course, we cannot perform miracles as Jesus did to help people, but our fine conduct, honesty, sincerity and helpfulness to people when we can and with what we have are just as acceptable. We can do as Galatians 6:10 urges: "Really, then, as long as we have time favorable for it, let us work what is good toward all, but especially toward those related to us in the faith." By this course we establish a groundwork for persons opening their ears to the truth. We must not, then, hold back from declaring the good news to all, freely, boldly, 'out of the abundance of our hearts.' Otherwise, how will people who observe our good works and our fine manner of life really be helped? We must let people know that it is the good news of God that has moved us to do the fine works. (Matt. 5:16; 12:34, 35) Then they will see that there is a possibility to become the same as we are if they too learn the good news. Unless we have the fine, helpful and kind works along with good conduct as well as the "sacrifice of praise, that is, the fruit of lips which make public declaration to his name," we are not fully rendering God "sacred service."-Heb. 13:15.
OUR WHOLE LIFE COURSE A "SACRED SERVICE"
"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. It can be summed up by these words: 'Keep doing all things as unto Jehovah, whether eating or drinking or doing any other thing.' (1 Cor. 10:31) Showing how all-embracing this service should be, the apostle says at Romans 12:1, 2: "I entreat you by the compassions of God, brothers, to present your bodies a sacrifice living, holy, acceptable to God, a sacred service with your power of reason. And quit being fashioned after this system of things."
Many things are involved, but your aim, your goal and your heart motivation are key factors in determining whether what you do is really "sacred service" or not. For example, among us are many parents. Part, in fact, a large part, of your "sacred service" to God involves your children. Psalm 127:3 says that they are "an inheritance from Jehovah." Are you caring for that inheritance as unto him and for his glory? This too is a "night and day" feature of your service, for God's Word points out that parents should be instilling God's fine principles into their children from the time they get up until the time they lie down. (Deut. 6:4-9) To do this, a basic thing is to study the Bible with them. But a parent should not say to himself, 'I have a Bible study once a week with my children, just as I have with other people. Therefore that is enough for them to know what is right and to follow Bible principles.' This is just not true. Remember, the Bible says that children of a believing parent are viewed by God as "holy" or sacred. (1 Cor. 7:14) How would you treat something left in your care that you knew was sacred to God? Would you not guard it most carefully every day, day and night?
Husbands and wives can render "sacred service" by making their marriage successful and an honor to God's institution of marriage
Housewives have a fine opportunity to perform acceptable "sacred service" to God. Their fine works that others can see would certainly include keeping a neat, clean house, taking care of the cooking and the clothing needs of the family.
If children in the household are concerned with rendering "sacred service" to Jehovah they can show respect for their father and help their mother in bringing honor to God by helping them to keep the house in good, clean order.
Their conduct before schoolmates, respect for teachers, telling others about the good news when opportunity affords and working closely with the congregation in things done at the Kingdom Hall and sharing in the field service, certainly are things God counts as "sacred service" to him. (Prov. 20:11; Titus 2:6-8)
Christian elders are also called on to serve night and day. Part of your "sacred service" is on behalf of your brothers, caring for their spiritual needs.
*** w77 8/1 p. 465 Rendering Sacred Service Whole-souled ***
Our whole life should be intertwined with our sacred service.
Sacred service means more than talking about God's Word to others. True, that is a part of the example that Jesus set for his followers, but sacred service also includes doing good to others, sharing things-how we live our lives each day. Our conduct at work, for example, reflects on our worship of God. As Colossians 3:23, 24 says: "Whatever you are doing, work at it whole-souled as to Jehovah, and not to men, for you know that it is from Jehovah you will receive the due reward of the inheritance. Slave for the Master, Christ." This would include every facet of our lives-in our witnessing to others, at home, at work-it all reflects on how we respond to Jehovah's direction.
For example, both men and women have certain God-given responsibilities and assignments to perform within the family circle. Those who recognize Jehovah's direction in their lives see the applying and the carrying out of such heavenly instruction as a part of their sacred service in the sight of God
Thus a woman's devoted care for her family is a part of her sacred service, since Jehovah has given her that assignment. And she should be whole-souled in carrying it out as befits an assignment from God. (Prov. 31:15, 27) The same is true of the husband, for he must carry out his assigned role to provide things needful and to give loving oversight to the family
AFTER 1980 SACRED SERVICE (after 3 years drop in numbers and the Apostasy Shakedown at Bethel--of course, the failure of 1975 to bring the end had nothing to do with it)
*** w80 8/15 p. 31 Questions from Readers ***
Does this "sacred service" mean simply 'living a good life,' being a fine example in raising and providing for one's family, keeping the house clean, applying oneself at school, and so forth? Hardly, for the Israelites did such things over and above the sacred service that Jehovah commanded them to perform. (Ex. 7:16; 12:25, 26 [la·trei´a, Greek Septuagint Version]) And though the Sabbath law required them to 'render service, and do all their work six days,' certain sacred services were carried on even during the seventh day, such as at festivals and in giving instruction in the synagogues.-Ex. 13:5, 6; 20:9; Acts 13:14, 15; 18:4.
Today, there are people who live clean, moral lives, but who have no interest at all in God or his purposes. Surely their lives cannot be described as "sacred service." Obviously, this has to do specifically with service to God, done out of appreciation for sacred things-something out of the ordinary that calls for the sacrifice of time and energy. It is different from secular work or everyday living, though with Christians this also should be done "for God's glory."-1 Cor. 10:31; Rom. 1:9.
Outstandingly, in this time preceding the "great tribulation" our "sacred service" requires obedience to Jesus' commands to preach and to teach "this good news of the kingdom," warning the people and making disciples. (Matt. 24:14, 21; 28:19, 20) It also embraces our assembling for worship, our family studies of the Bible and discussions of the text for each day. It extends to special service in the pioneer and missionary fields, and at Bethel homes operated for supplying spiritual food and providing good organization for the worldwide work of Jehovah's Witnesses. It includes the services performed by traveling and congregational overseers and ministerial servants, as they care for the spiritual interests of their brothers. (Deut. 31:12, 13; 6:4-9; Eph. 6:4; Acts 1:8; 20:28; 1 Pet. 5:2, 3; 1 Tim. 3:1, 12, 13) This "sacred service" of all of God's organized people is rendered from dedicated hearts, and with the help of Jehovah's spirit and his holy angels. (Phil. 3:3; Acts 27:23) If we by such service 'keep on seeking first the kingdom and [God's] righteousness,' Jehovah will see to it that the daily necessities of life are "added" to us.-Matt. 6:33; Luke 12:31.
Our "sacred service" must be modeled after the kind of service that Jesus did on earth. (1 Pet. 2:21-23) It is performed out of love for God and love for neighbor, the kind of self-sacrificing love in which Jesus set the example. (Mark 12:30, 31; John 13:34; 15:13) This service places emphasis on our public preaching, for we are told: "Let us always [through Jesus] offer to God a sacrifice of praise, that is, the fruit of lips which make public declaration to his name." At the same time, we must "not forget the doing of good and the sharing of things with others"-no, not as mere charitable works, but from the heart in behalf of fellow worshipers. Thus when our brothers are in need, suffer calamity or are in distress, we will render loving assistance, so that all may be encouraged to hold fast the public declaration of their hope without wavering. "With such sacrifices God is well pleased."-Heb. 10:23-25; 13:15, 16; Rom. 10:10-15; Jas. 1:27.
Do you have to readjust your viewpoint on "sacred service"? If so, may you do so in the spirit expressed at Second Corinthians 13:11: "Finally, brothers, continue to rejoice, to be readjusted, to be comforted, to think in agreement, to live peaceably; and the God of love and of peace will be with you."
Clean, hypocritical manner
Clean
Hypocritical
http://www.randytv.com/secret/unitednations.htm
Apostates--anyone who disagrees with Bible WTS teachings.
6 Hypocrisy has no place among Jehovah's servants. Yet, what had happened to the
Israelites? Why, `their heart had become hypocritical'! Although they had once
entered a covenant with Jehovah as a people dedicated to him, he found them
guilty of hypocrisy. What can we learn from this? If we have dedicated ourselves
to God, we must not be hypocrites. Proverbs 3:32 warns: "The devious person is a
detestable thing to Jehovah, but His intimacy is with the upright ones." In
order to walk with God, we must display love "out of a clean heart and out of a
good conscience and out of faith without hypocrisy."-1 Timothy 1:5.
Hypocrisy has no place among Jehovah's servants--!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Jehovah's servants--only JWs
Entered a covenant with Jehovah--only anointed JWs enter the new covenant with Jesus, thus Jesus is mediator only for about 7,000 JWs.
Devious person--first apostates, now this. Is this a hint?
Blurb on page 28: Accept spiritual help from Christian elders
God Shows His People Loyal Love
7 If we worship Jehovah in an unhypocritical and upright way, we will be
recipients of his loving-kindness, or loyal love. The wayward Israelites were
told: "Sow seed for yourselves in righteousness; reap in accord with
loving-kindness. Till for yourselves arable land, when there is time for
searching for Jehovah until he comes and gives instruction in righteousness to
you."-Hosea 10:12.
Unhypocritical and upright--Bulgaria and the blood doctrine
http://www.pnc.com.au/~fichrist/bulgaria.html
8 If only the Israelites would repentantly search for Jehovah! Then he would
gladly `give them instruction in righteousness.' If we have personally sinned
seriously, let us search for Jehovah, praying to him for forgiveness and seeking
spiritual help from Christian elders. (James 5:13-16) May we also seek the
guidance of God's holy spirit, for "he who is sowing with a view to his flesh
will reap corruption from his flesh, but he who is sowing with a view to the
spirit will reap everlasting life from the spirit." (Galatians 6:8) If we `sow
with a view to the spirit,' we will continue to enjoy God's loyal love.
Repentance--what do elders consider repentance or "works befitting repentance"?
Who forgives, elders or God? See paragraph 3.
Galatians 6:8, "reap everlasting life"--how will most JWs interpret that CARROT, on earth or in heaven? What as Paul talking about?
9 We can have confidence that Jehovah always deals with his people in a loving
way. Evidence of this is found at Hosea 11:1-4, where we read: "When Israel was
a boy, then I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son.... To the Baal images
they took up sacrificing, and to the graven images they began making sacrificial
smoke. But as for me, I taught Ephraim [the Israelites] to walk, taking them
upon my arms; and they did not recognize that I had healed them. With the ropes
of earthling man I kept drawing them, with the cords of love, so that I became
to them as those lifting off a yoke on their jaws, and gently I brought food to
each one."
His people--only JWs
Lifting off a yoke--putting on a yoke of rules
Gently I brought food to each one--an individual witness to each person is not necessary before God destroys them forever.
10 Here Israel is compared to a small child. Jehovah lovingly taught the
Israelites to walk, taking them upon his arms. And he kept drawing them with
"the cords of love." What a touching picture! Imagine that you are a parent
helping your child to take his first steps. Your arms are outstretched. You may
be using cords for your little one to hold on to so that he does not fall. Well,
Jehovah's love for you is just as tender. He is delighted to lead you with "the
cords of love."
Lovingly taught...cords of love..helping...arms are outstretched...tender
Coldly told..cords of disdain...too busy...arms akimbo...ignoring
11 In dealing with the Israelites, Jehovah "became to them as those lifting off
a yoke on their jaws, and gently [he] brought food to each one." God acted as
one who lifts off or pushes back a yoke far enough to enable an animal to eat
comfortably. Only when the people of Israel broke their yoke of submission to
Jehovah did they come under the oppressive yoke of their enemies. (Deuteronomy
28:45, 48; Jeremiah 28:14) May we never fall into the clutches of our archenemy,
Satan, and suffer the pains of his oppressive yoke. Instead, let us continue
loyally walking with our loving God.
Yoke of submission--to God or the WTS?
loyally walking with our loving God--only if walking "loyally" with the WTS
Hope in Jehovah Constantly
12 To go on walking with God, we must hope in him constantly. The Israelites
were told: "As respects you, to your God you should return, keeping
lovingkindness and justice; and let there be a hoping in your God constantly."
(Hosea 12:6) Israel's inhabitants could provide evidence of a repentant return
to Jehovah by displaying loving-kindness, by exercising justice, and by `hoping
in God constantly.' Regardless of how long we have walked with God, we must be
determined to display loving-kindness, exercise justice, and hope in God
constantly. -Psalm 27:14.
Hope in him constantly--hope through the WTS only
Displaying loving-kindness--by not providing clothing or food to a homeless person, but handing them a WT
Regardless of how long we have walked with God--walked with the WTS hoping that the end would come in 1914, 1925, 1975 because the WTS said it woud.
13 Hosea's prophecy involving the Israelites gives us a special reason to hope
in God. "From the hand of Sheol I shall redeem them," said Jehovah. "From death
I shall recover them. Where are your stings, 0 Death? Where is your
destructiveness, 0 Sheol?" (Hosea 13:14) Jehovah was not going to rescue the
Israelites from physical death at that time, but he would eventually swallow up
death forever and nullify its victory.
from the hand of Sheol I shall redeem them--was God talking about a resurrection of individual JWs to the earth at a future time or a resurrection of the earthly nation of Israel, people not born yet?
Rescue...from physical death--do JWs believe that God rescues them from physical death today? Do some pray for physical protection, i.e., just before driving? Why do some JWs die from persecution and not others? Is one more spiritual than the other? Is it God's will????
*** w02 12/15 p. 15 "He Will Draw Close to You" ***
How, though, does Jehovah guard his people? His promise of protection does not guarantee us a problem-free life in this system; nor does it mean that he is obligated to work miracles in our behalf. Nevertheless, Jehovah does provide physical protection for his people as a group. After all, he would never allow the Devil to efface true worshipers from the earth!
14 Addressing fellow anointed Christians, Paul quoted from Hosea's prophecy and
wrote: "When this which is corruptible puts on incorruption and this which is
mortal puts on immortality, then the saying will take place that is written:
`Death is swallowed up forever.' `Death, where is your victory? Death, where is
your sting?' The sting producing death is sin, but the power for sin is the Law.
But thanks to God, for he gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!"
(1 Corinthians 15:54-57) Jehovah raised Jesus from death, providing a comforting
guarantee that people in God's memory will be resurrected. (John 5:28,29) What a
blessed reason to hope in Jehovah! Yet, something in addition to the
resurrection hope motivates us to walk with God.
Addressing fellow anointed Christians--proof that the NT is written only for anointed JWs.
people in God's memory will be resurrected--who is not in God's memory? per the WTS.
Adam, Eve, Cain, people who died in the flood, people who died at Sodom and Gomorrah, people who died during a "judgment period," Judas, Ananias and Sapphira (?), people who are executed at Armageddon (before 1997 and the change about sheep and goats, non-JWs who died between 1914 and Armageddon (judgment period).
The resurrection hope motivates us--CARROT, not motivated by love of God and Christ evidently. Not motivated by the hope of never dying.
Blurb on page 29: Hosea's prophecy gives us reason to hope in Jehovah's
resurrection promises
Jehovah's Ways Are Always Upright (At first I thought this said Jehovah's Witnesses are Always Right)
15 Our conviction that "the ways o f Jehovah are upright" helps us to continue
walking with God. The inhabitants of Samaria did not walk in God's righteous
ways. Consequently, they would have to pay a price for their sin and lack of
faith in Jehovah. It was foretold: "Samaria will be held guilty, for she is
actually rebellious against her God. By the sword they will fall. Their own
children will be dashed to pieces, and their pregnant women themselves will be
ripped up." (Hosea 13:16) Historical records show that the Assyrians, who
conquered Samaria, were capable of such dreadful atrocities.
WTS ways are always right and even if they are wrong you have to wait till THEY decide they are wrong = running ahead
Their children will be dashed to pieces, and their pregnant women themselves will be ripped up = pretty much how the Israelites treated the Canaanites when they went into the Promised land.16 Samaria was the capital city of the tentribe kingdom of Israel. Here, though, the name Samaria may apply to the entire territory of that kingdom. (1 Kings 21:1) Assyrian King Shalmaneser V laid siege to the city of Samaria in 742 B.C.E. When Samaria finally fell in 740 B.C.E., many of its leading residents were exiled to Mesopotamia and Media. Whether Samaria was captured by Shalmaneser V or by his successor, Sargon II, remains uncertain. (2 Kings 17:1-6, 22, 23; 18:9-12) Nevertheless, Sargon'srecords refer to the deportation of 27,290 Israelites to places in the Upper Euphrates and Media.
740 B.C.E.--no resource cited; just the WESAYSO method.
17 Samaria's inhabitants paid dearly for their failure to comply with Jehovah's
upright ways. As dedicated Christians, we too would suffer tragic consequences
if we were to become practicers of sin, treating God's righteous standards with
contempt. May we never pursue such a wicked course! Rather, let each of us apply
the apostle Peter's counsel: "Let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or
an evildoer or as a busybody in other people's matters. But if he suffers as a
Christian, let him not feel shame, but let him keep on glorifying God in this
name."-1 Peter 4: 15,16.
Dedicated Christians--only JWs
Suffer tragic consequences--be kicked out of the KH
Practicers of sin--as determined by the elders
Let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a busybody--doesn't include pedophiles. (one elder told me that there weren't pedophiles in Bible times)
18 We "keep on glorifying God" by walking in his upright ways instead of doing
things our own way. Cain committed murder because he went his own way and failed
to heed Jehovah's warning that sin was about to pounce on him. (Genesis 4:1-8)
Balaam accepted payment from Moab's king but tried in vain to curse Israel.
(Numbers 24:10) And God put the Levite Korah and others to death for rebelling
against the authority of Moses and Aaron. (Numbers 16:1-3, 31-33) Surely we do
not want to go in the murderous "path of Cain," rush into "the erroneous course
of Balaam," or perish in "the rebellious talk of Korah." (Jude 11) If we should
err, however, Hosea's prophecy gives us comfort.
Instead of doing things our own way...went his own way--not the WTS way the only channel to God
Balaam...Korah against the authority of Moses and Aaron--against the authority of the WTS
Sinners Can Return to Jehovah
19 Even those who have stumbled by committing serious sin can return to Jehovah.
At Hosea 14:1, 2, we find this entreaty: "Do comeback, 0 Israel, to Jehovah your
God, for you have stumbled in your error. Take with yourselves words and come
back to Jehovah. Say to him, all you people, `May you pardon error; and accept
what is good, and we will offer in return the young bulls of our lips."'
return to Jehovah--return to WTS
Young bulls of our lips--notice how WTS connects with door to door although Israelites never did such a thing
20 Repentant Israelites were able to offer God `the young bulls of their lips.'
These were sacrifices of sincere praise. Paul alluded to this prophecy when he
urged Christians to "offer to God a sacrifice of praise, that is, the fruit of
lips which make public declaration to his name." (Hebrews 13:15) What a
privilege it is to walk with God and offer such sacrifices today!
Repentant--as determined by the WTS
Sincere praise--not insincere praise given during the canned prayers at meetings/assemblies/conventions
Christians--only anointed Christians (only JWs)
Privilege to walk with God--walk with WTS
21 Israelites who abandoned their wayward course and turned back to God offered
him 'the young bulls of their lips.' They thus experienced spiritual
restoration, even as God had promised. Hosea 14:4-7 says: "I [Jehovah] shall
heal their unfaithfulness. I shall love them of my own free will, because my
anger has turned back from him. I shall become like the dew to Israel. He will
blossom like the lily, and will strike his roots like Lebanon. His twigs will go
forth, and his dignity will become like that of the olive tree, and his
fragrance will be like that of Lebanon. They will again be dwellers in his
shadow. They will grow grain, and will bud like the vine. His memorial will be
like the wine of Lebanon."
Spiritual restoration--WTS teaches they received spiritual restoration in 1919 and were assigned over all Christ's belongings and all other religions were rejected and and scheduled for destruction. (BTW the WTS wasn't a religion until the early 1950's)
22 Repentant Israelites would be healed spiritually and would again enjoy God's
love. Jehovah would become like refreshing dew to them in that he would bless
them abundantly. His restored people would have dignity "like that of the olive
tree," and they would walk in God's ways. Since we ourselves are determined to
walk with Jehovah God, what is required of us?
Repentant...healed spiritually--only the WTS can determine repentance and who is qualified to be healed spiritually.
His restored people--only JWs (or Christendom?)
Blurb on page 31: Keep on walking with God with everlasting life in view (CARROT)(only earth not heaven shown as an option)
Keep Walking in Jehovah's Upright Ways
23 If we are to continue walking with God, we must exercise "the wisdom from
above" and always act in harmony with his upright ways. (James 3:17, 18) The
last verse of Hosea's prophecy reads: "Who is wise, that he may understand these
things? Discreet, that he may know them? For the ways of Jehovah are upright,
and the righteous are the ones who will walk in them; but the transgressors are
the ones who will stumble in them."-Hosea 14:9.
Exercise wisdom from above--read and study WT publications
Act in harmony--with WTS directions
24 Instead of being guided by the wisdom and standards of this world, let us be
determined to walk in God's upright ways. (Deuteronomy 32:4) Hosea did that for
59 years or more. He faithfully delivered divine messages, knowing that those
who were wise and discreet would understand such words. What about us? As long
as Jehovah allows us to give a witness, we will keep on looking for those who
will wisely accept his undeserved kindness. And we are delighted to do this in
full cooperation with "the faithful and discreet slave."-Matthew 24:45-47.
Instead of being guided by the wisdom (university education) and standards of this world--walk in WTS upright ways
59 years or more--is that a hint that older JWs baptized for 50 or more years should be "patient"
allows us to give a witness--as if God is going to send a message saying the witness work is over...oh, that's right, they do say that.
In FULL cooperation with the FDS--don't be slackers
25 Our consideration of Hosea's prophecy should help us to go on walking with
God with everlasting life in his promised new world in view. (2 Peter 3:13; Jude
20, 21) What a splendid hope! That hope will become a personal reality if we
prove by word and deed that we mean it when we say: "The ways of Jehovah are
upright."
CARROT--everlasting life in his promised new world in view
What happened to the hope for the 7,000 plus going to heaven?
Prove by word and deed that we mean it when we say: The ways of the WTS/FDS are always right.
Concluding Comments
The Hosea trilogy is over. Now begins the hammering on going door to door. See how in 2 articles the WTS hopes to accomplish what it has not in over 50 years, produce progressive, adaptable, attentive, flexible, resourceful JWs.
A new secular year begins, 2006. Any prophecies that say that is when the end will come?
Love Blondie (don't drive drunk)
http://www.religioustolerance.org/end_wrl1.htm
2006: Michael Drosnin predicted in his book "The Bible Code II" that "the Bible code clearly states the danger in modern terms- 'atomic holocaust' and 'World War' are both encoded in the Bible. And both are encoded with the same year, 2006." Amazon.com visitors who review the book give it a rather low rating: 2.5 stars out of 5. 6
Annie Stanton predicts that a 14.4 mile long asteroid will collide with the earth. Jesus will arrive and a 1000 year period of peace will start.
According to an E-mail that we received, the writer believes that "666," the number of the beast mentioned in the biblical book of Revelation, is really a date: 06/06/06 or 2006-JUN-6. He expects the rapture and start of the tribulation on that date.
A movie "The Beast" is in pre-production as of 2004-SEP. The story involves the discovery that Jesus Christ never existed. "The authors of the Gospels, writing 40 to 90 years after the supposed life of Christ, never intended for their works to be read as biographies." 9 The screen play involves apparently involves a momentous event in 2006-JUN-06 (6-6-06). What the event is is unclear. The staff have been sworn to secrecy.
According to the Sunday Times in England, a religious group called "The Family" anticipates the end of the world in 2006. "Members are said to be stockpiling food and planning to hide in caves in India."
According to the Weekly world News for 2001-FEB-13, hydrogen bombs hidden in London, Washington and Tel Aviv will be detonated. This will be the start of the war of Armageddon
http://exodus2006.com/2006.htm
How Would You Answer?
- If we render clean worship to God, how will he deal with us?
- Why should we hope in Jehovah constantly?
- Why are you convinced that Jehovah's ways are upright?
- How can we continue to walk in Jehovah's upright ways?
Questions
1, 2. Jehovah gave the Israelites what kind of start, but what happened to them?
3. What was to happen to rebellious Samaria, but how could the Israelites
receive mercy?
4. We will consider what principles from Hosea's prophecy?
5. What kind of service does God expect from us?
6. To walk with God, we must be free of what trait?
7, 8. (a) Under what circumstances can we enjoy God's loyal love? (b) What
should we do if we have sinned seriously?
9, 10. How does Hosea 11:1-4 apply to Israel?
11. In what way did God `become as one lifting off a yoke'?
12. According to Hosea 12:6, what is required in order for us to go on walking
with God?
13, 14. How does Paul apply Hosea 13:14, giving us what reason to hope in
Jehovah?
15, 16. What was foretold regarding Samaria, and how was the prophecy fulfilled?
17. Rather than treating God's standards with contempt, what should we do?
18. How can we "keep on glorifying God"?
19, 20. Repentant Israelites were able to offer what sacrifices?
21, 22. What restoration would repentant Israelites experience?
23, 24. The book of Hosea concludes with what encouraging prophecy, and how does
it affect us?
25. Our consideration of Hosea's prophecy should help us to do what?