Comments You Will Not Hear at the 5-21-06 WT Study (April 15, 2006 issue date, pages 20-24)(WITH YOU)
Review comments will be in redWT material from today's WT will be in black
Quotes from other sources will be in quotes boxes
w = Watchtower
g = Awake
jv = Proclaimers book
www.biblegateway.com/cgi-bin/bible (various Bible translations online) www.reexamine.org (WT publications online) www.silentlambs.org (child abuse) www.ajwrb.org (blood issue) http://www.randytv.com/secret/unitednations.htm (United Nations issue)
"I AM WITH YOU PEOPLE"
"The messenger of Jehovah went on to say:...' ''I am with you people," is the utterance of Jehovah.' "-HAGGAI 1:13.
Opening Comments
Once again, the WTS uses an OT scripture to educate the rank and file. If you were a Christian, who would you think is meant by "I am with you"?
(Matthew 28:20) . . .And, look! I am with YOU all the days until the conclusion of the system of things."
What is the missing part of Haggai 1:13? Why the ellipsis (...)?
(Haggai 1:13) . . .to the people according to the messenger's commission from Jehovah, saying. . .
The NWT cross-references the reader to this scripture which the WTS applies only to the 144,000, leaving the other sheep/great crowd out of the picture, 6.5 million JWs left out of the picture.
(2 Corinthians 5:20) We are therefore ambassadors substituting for Christ, as though God were making entreaty through us. As substitutes for Christ we beg: "Become reconciled to God."
Where is Jesus in this article? Where are the great crowd/other sheep in this scripture?
(Only real oldtimers remember the Paradise Restored (1972) book where the books of Zechariah and Haggai were studied like Isaiah and Daniel)
START OF ARTICLE
Q1) To what prophetic parallel for our day did Jesus refer?
1) WE ARE living at a momentous time in history. As evidenced by the fulfillment of Bible prophecy, since 1914 we have been in "the Lord's day." (Revelation 1:10) You may well have studied this subject, so you know that Jesus compared "the days of the Son of man" in Kingdom power to "the days of Noah" and "the days of Lot." (Luke 17: 26, 28) The Bible thus indicates that this is a prophetic parallel. Yet, there is another parallel that deserves our serious consideration.
since 1914 we have been in "the Lord's day"
Yet the WTS did teach that Jesus' presence began in 1874 even after 1914 had come and gone.
http://www.watchtowerinformationservice.org/lies.html
That Jesus began ruling in 1878 not in 1914
Proclaimers, Page 632:
Based on the premise that events of the first century might find parallels in related events later, they [the early Bible Students associated with C. T. Russell] also concluded that if Jesus' baptism and anointing in the autumn of 29 C.E. paralleled the beginning of an invisible presence in 1874, then his riding into Jerusalem as King in the spring of 33 C.E. would point to the spring of 1878 as the time when he would assume his power as heavenly King. They also thought they would be given their heavenly reward at that time. When that did not occur, they concluded that since Jesus' anointed followers were to share with him in the Kingdom, the resurrection to spirit life of those already sleeping in death began then.
the days of Noah
The days of Lot
Prophetic parallel
The WTS teaches that both "days" were "judgment periods" during which God executed people who would not be resurrected at a future time--the same doctrine they teach about people destroyed at Armageddon.
Other judgment periods--pre 607 BCE (per WTS chronology) first destruction of Jerusalem/Israel
And 33 CE to 70 CE--second destruction of Jerusalem/Israel
*** w82 10/1 p. 5 Does God Keep Time? ***
This coming of Christ in the first century marked a judgment period for the city of Jerusalem. In the year 33 CE Jesus warned those residents of a coming destruction by an enemy army. He said: "They will dash you and your children within you to the ground, and they will not leave a stone upon a stone in you, because you did not discern the time of your being inspected." (Luke 19:44) Thirty-seven years later that prophecy came true.
Did the people who died then, die forever without a hope of a resurrection as the WTS teaches happened in the "days" of Noah and Lot?
*** w60 1/15 p. 53 This Is a Time of Judgment ***
Since the supreme Judge never makes a mistake, there is no need for him to take under review any judgment that he has passed. His judgments are final. That means the people who perished in the flood of Noah's day will never be resurrected to stand trial again. The same is true with the people of Sodom and Gomorrah as well as Adam and Eve. All had their judgment day before the great Judge of the universe and all were sentenced to destruction. They will never have a conscious existence again. The same will be true of those in the present judgment period whom God will destroy at its conclusion.
Pre-1995, the WTS taught that the world was in a judgment period
*** w52 6/1 p. 340 par. 22 "Get Out of Her, My People" ***
This present satanic system is in its judgment period, and execution will come in this generation, at Armageddon. That execution of judgment against nations and individuals will be just as final as were the executions at the end of the typical judgment periods of times past, such as the Noachian flood, the rain of fire on Sodom and Gomorrah, and the destruction wrought on natural Israel A.D. 70.
From 1995 forward, the WTS has taught that the judgment would occur when the great tribulation began.
*** w95 10/15 p. 23 par. 26 How Will You Stand Before the Judgment Seat? ***
Understanding the parable of the sheep and the goats in this way indicates that the rendering of judgment on the sheep and the goats is future. It will take place after "the tribulation" mentioned at Matthew 24:29, 30 breaks out and the Son of man 'arrives in his glory.' (Compare Mark 13:24-26.)
Ask yourself, why kind of preaching/warning did Noah and Lot give as recorded in the Bible?
Q2) To what role did Jehovah assign Haggai and Zechariah?
2 Let us consider a situation that existed back in the days of the Hebrew
prophets Haggai and Zechariah. What message did those two faithful prophets provide that has pointed application for Jehovah's people in our time? Haggai and Zechariah were `messengers of Jehovah' to the Jews after their return from captivity in Babylon. They were commissioned to assure the Israelites of God's backing in rebuilding the temple. (Haggai 1:13; Zechariah 4:8, 9) Though the books that Haggai and Zechariah wrote are short, they are part of "all Scripture [that] is inspired of God and beneficial for teaching, for reproving, for setting things straight, for disciplining in righteousness."-2 Timothy 3:16.
Again OT examples for Christians--Haggai and Zechariah
Jehovah's people--only JWs
According to the WTS who do Haggai and Zechariah picture? Other sheep? Anointed? Israelites--spiritual Israelites--Haggai
They Should Concern Us
Q3, 4) Why should Haggai and Zechariah's messages be of interest to us?
3) Certainly, the messages of Haggai and Zechariah were beneficial to the Jews of their day, and their prophecies had a fulfillment back then. Why, though, can we be sure that these two books should be of concern to us today? We find a clue at Hebrews 12:26-29. There the apostle Paul quotes from Haggai 2:6, which speaks of God's "rocking the heavens and the earth." The rocking would ultimately "overthrow the throne of kingdoms and annihilate the strength of the kingdoms of the nations."-Haggai 2:22.
had a fulfillment back then
Fred Franz loved saying that all prophecies had a minor and a major fulfillment. And the Writing Committee continues the tradition.
*** w52 9/1 p. 537 par. 19 Maturity Essential to Increase ***
The initial and miniature fulfillment of many of these prophecies
stimulant to faith and expectation for these days of the major and final fulfillment.
*** w65 8/15 p. 493 par. 5 Turning to Jehovah ***
As already noted, many prophecies then had a miniature fulfillment, giving a small-scale pattern or advance view of the major fulfillment in these days of the second advent. This prophecy of Malachi is no exception.
*** w03 1/1 p. 8 par. 4 Now More Than Ever, Stay Awake! ***
While Jesus' words have their major fulfillment today, they did have a minor fulfillment back then.
4 In quoting Haggai, Paul states what is to happen to "the kingdoms of the
nations" and speaks of the superiority of the unshakable Kingdom that anointed Christians will receive. (Hebrews 12:28) You can see from this that the prophecies of Haggai and Zechariah point to a time that was still future when the book of Hebrews was written in the first century of our Common Era. There still is on earth today a remnant of anointed Christians, who are heirs of the Messianic Kingdom with Jesus. Hence, Haggai and Zechariah must have import for our time.
the unshakable Kingdom that the anointed Christians will receive
Only JWs that claim to be anointed. What kingdom do the other sheep receive?
Did the early Christians believe that the prophecies of Haggai and Zechariah were to be fulfilled in 1914 and beyond? Or did they believe that this would be soon, very soon now. Did they believe that the kingdom could come in their lifetime (Matthew 24:34)?
Blurb on page 20: Haggai and Zechariah's writings assure us of God's backing
Q5, 6) What was the background of Haggai and Zechariah's service?
5) The book of Ezra provides some historical background. After the Jews returned from captivity in Babylon in 537 B.C.E., Governor Zerubbabel and High Priest Joshua (or Jeshua) supervised the laying of the foundation of the new temple in 536 B.C.E. (Ezra 3: 8-13; 5:1) While that was cause for great rejoicing, before long, fright began to come upon the Jews. Adversaries, "the people of the land," says Ezra 4:4, "were continually weakening the hands of the people of Judah and disheartening them from building." Such enemies, particularly Samaritans, made false accusations against the Jews. These opposers induced the king of Persia to ban the temple construction work.-Ezra 4:10-21.
537 BCE (according to WTS chronology)
http://www.jehovah-witnesses-please-think-twice.co.uk/607_b_c_e.html
(do you have a good resource re 607 and 587?)
enemies...made false accusations against the Jews
Can you see where this is going? Enemies--Apostate JWs
6) Initial enthusiasm for the temple work waned. The Jews turned to personal interests. However, in 520 B.C.E., 16 years after the foundation of the temple was laid, Jehovah raised up Haggai and Zechariah to stir up the people to renew the work on the temple. (Haggai 1:1; Zechariah 1:1) Roused by God's messengers and having clear evidence of Jehovah's backing, the Jews resumed the work on the temple and completed it in 515 B.C.E. -Ezra 6:14, 15.
Initial enthusiasm for the temple work waned
Time reports are down, meeting attendance is "waning," contributions are drying up.
Personal interests--materialism raises its ugly head.
Clear evidence of Jehovah's backing
What is the clear evidence today that the WTS has God's backing?
Q7) The situation in the prophets' day has what parallel in modern times?
7 Do you know the significance of all of this for us? We have work to do in
connection with the preaching of the "good news of the kingdom." (Matthew 24:14) That work took on special emphasis after World War I. Just as the ancient Jews were released from literal captivity in Babylon, so Jehovah's modernday people were freed from captivity to Babylon the Great, the world empire of false religion. God's anointed ones applied themselves to the work of preaching, teaching, and directing people to true worship. That work continues today on an even greater scale, and you may be sharing in it. Now is the time for it to be done, for the end of this wicked system is just ahead! This God-ordained work must continue until Jehovah intervenes in human affairs at the "great tribulation." (Matthew 24:21) That will clear away wickedness and allow true worship to flourish fully on earth.
Do JWs preach the "good news of the kingdom"?
*** Reasoning book p. 9 Introductions for Use in the Field Ministry ***
Comments: In determining the kind of introduction to use when you share in the field ministry, three things deserve careful consideration: (1) The message that we are commissioned to deliver is "this good news of the kingdom." (Matt. 24:14) Even when we are not discussing it directly,
That work took on special emphasis after World War I
Because the end did not come in 1914 as the WTS expected.
The Watchtower Reprints, July 15, 1894, p. 1677
We see no reason for changing the figures — nor could we change them if we would. They are, we believe, God’s dates, not ours. But bear in mind that the end of 1914 is not the date for the beginning, but for the end of the time of trouble.
The Time Is at Hand (SS-2), 1907, p. 101
The ‘battle of the great day of God Almighty’ (Rev. 16:14), which will end in A.D. 1914 with the complete overthrow of earth’s present rulership, is already commenced.
Jehovah's modern-day people--only JWs (only the anointed)
were freed from captivity--in 1919 per the WTS
End of this wicked system is JUST AHEAD!
Not in 1914 as previously thought
Continue until Jehovah intervenes--I thought it was Jesus!
*** w03 12/15 p. 15 par. 8 Our Watchfulness Takes On Greater Urgency ***
(Matthew 24:21) Jesus also said that he would come as God's appointed Judge and would separate people as a shepherd separates sheep from goats.
Clear away all wickedness--notice they don't say "wicked" but the mean everyone but dedicated, baptized JWs and their minor children--the rest of humankind, all 6.5 billion including minor children, even babies will be executed to live no more never again.
*** w89 9/1 p. 19 par. 7 Remaining Organized for Survival Into the Millennium ***
Only Jehovah's Witnesses, those of the anointed remnant and the "great crowd," as a united organization under the protection of the Supreme Organizer, have any Scriptural hope of surviving the impending end of this doomed system dominated by Satan the Devil. (Revelation 7:9-17; 2 Corinthians 4:4) They will make up the "flesh" that Jesus Christ said would be saved through the worst tribulation of all human history.
*** w60 1/15 p. 55 This Is a Time of Judgment ***
The unresponsible children of the people who perished in the flood were not preserved with Noah in the ark, but were destroyed with their wicked parents. The same was true with regard to the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. If those cities had contained ten righteous persons they would have been spared. Certainly there were more than ten unresponsible children in them; nevertheless, God destroyed the two cities.
Q8) Why can we be confident of God's backing on our work?
8) As the prophecies of Haggai and Zechariah show, we can be certain of
Jehovah's backing and blessing as we share wholeheartedly in this work. Despite the efforts of some to suppress God's servants or ban their assigned work, no government has been able to halt the progress of the evangelizing work. Think of how Jehovah has blessed the Kingdom work with increase over the decades following World War I and right up to our time. There is still, though, much to do.
Notice they still do not explain what would be evidence that the WTS has God's backing.
God's servants--only JWs
Think of how Jehovah has blessed the Kingdom work with increase...right up to our time.
Memorial Attendance2004 16,760,607
2005 16,383,333 (-2.3%)
Total hours2004 1,282,234,887
2005 1,278,201,985 (-4,032,902)(despite increase in average publishers)
Average Bible Studies2004 6,085,387
2005 6,061,546 (-23,831)
Average pioneers (Regular/Auxiliary)2004 858,461
2005 843,234 (-1.8%)
Number Baptized2004 262,416
2005 247.631 (-6.0%)
Q9) To what ancient situation should we give attention, and why?
9) How can what we learn from Haggai and Zechariah stir us even more to obey the divine command to preach and to teach? Well, let us take note of some lessons that we might draw from these two Bible books. For example, consider a few details that relate to the temple-building work that the restored Jews were to carry out. As noted, the Jews who returned to Jerusalem from Babylon did not persevere in their work on the temple. After they laid the foundation, they slacked off. What mistaken viewpoint had developed among them? And what can we learn from that?
Obey the divine command--WTS command
they slacked off
Are JWs today slacking off?
Mistaken viewpoint
Do some think that this will be the last district convention?
*** w05 6/1 p. 18 par. 14 Saved, Not by Works Alone, But by Undeserved Kindness ***
Thus, while our field service report plays its part, helping us to maintain our zeal in preaching and to avoid slacking off, we must keep it in proper perspective. It is not to be viewed as a spiritual license or passport, determining our eligibility for everlasting life.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Getting a Correct View
Q10) The Jews developed what mistaken view, and with what result?
10) The restored Jews were saying: "The time has not come." (Haggai 1:2) When they began the temple-building work, laying the foundation in 536 B.C.E., they were not saying that "the time has not come." But they soon allowed opposition from neighbors and interference from the government to affect them. The Jews began putting more emphasis on their own houses and their own comforts. Given the contrast between their private homes paneled with fine woods and the uncompleted temple, Jehovah asked: "Is it the time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses, while this house is waste?" -Haggai 1:4.
The time has not come
Since the WTS skewered the "1914 generation" doctrine, is it surprising that JWs today think "the time has not come."
More emphasis on their own houses and their own comforts
Has anyone ever toured Patterson? Whose comforts are they seeking?
http://members.shaw.ca/tt3/p/p.htm
In your congregation, who has been building new homes, buying houses, seeking their comfort? In one congregation of 6 elders, all six in a 2 year period had built or purchased a new home.
Do you think that the WTS has spent enough millions on building residence halls for the Bethelites? Do you think they will build this in Brooklyn?
http://www.brooklynpapers.com/html/issues/_vol27/27_49/27_49nets1.html
Q11) Why did Jehovah have to counsel the Jews of Haggai's time?
11) Yes, the priorities of the Jews had shifted. Instead of keeping in first
place Jehovah's purpose to have the temple rebuilt, God's people became focused on themselves and their dwellings. Work on God's house of worship was neglected. Jehovah's word recorded at Haggai 1:5 encouraged the Jews to `set their heart upon their ways.' Jehovah was telling them to stop and meditate on what they were doing and to consider how they were being affected by not keeping the temple-building work in first place in their lives.
Instead of keeping in first place...temple rebuilt
What temple is being rebuilt today on the WTS properties?????? Is this the WTS of whining that the rank and file are not giving enough money?
Q12, 13) How does Haggai 1:6 describe the situation of the Jews, and what does that verse mean?
12) As you can imagine, the misplaced priorities of the Jews affected them
personally. Note God's view expressed at Haggai 1:6: "You have sown much seed, but there is a bringing of little in. There is an eating, but it is not to satisfaction. There is a drinking, but not to the point of getting intoxicated. There is a putting on of clothes, but it is not with anyone's getting warm; and he that is hiring himself out is hiring himself out for a bag having holes."
misplaced priorities
WT first....
13) The Jews were in the land that God had given them, yet it was not producing as they would have liked. Jehovah was withholding his blessing, as he had forewarned. (Deuteronomy 28:38-48) Without his backing, the Jews sowed seed but had a meager harvest, not enough food to satisfy them. Lacking his blessing, they were unable to clothe themselves with warm garments. It even seemed as if the money they earned went into a bag full of holes, with no benefit to the wage earners. What of the expression: "There is a drinking, but not to the point of getting intoxicated"? It could not imply that getting drunk would have shown God's blessing; he condemns drunkenness. (1 Samuel 25:36; Proverbs 23:29-35)
Rather, the expression is another reference to the lack of God's blessing on the Jews. Any wine they could make would be limited, not being enough to produce intoxication. The Revised Standard Version renders Haggai 1:6: "You drink, but you never have your fill."
It was not producing as they would have liked
Are they saying that the rank and file will prosper if they give to the WTS first???
Jim Bakker (PTL) always used this scripture to get the "faithful" to donate.
(Malachi 3:10) Bring all the tenth parts into the storehouse, that there may come to be food in my house; and 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."
Q14, 15) What lesson do we learn from Haggai 1:6?
14 The lesson we should learn from all of that is not about home design or
decorating. Long before the exile, the prophet Amos had rebuked wealthy ones in Israel for their "houses of ivory" and for their "lying down on couches of ivory." (Amos 3:15; 6:4) The fancy houses and decorated furniture did not last. Those things were plundered by enemy conquerors. Yet, years later, after an exile of 70 years, many of God's people had not learned from this. Will we? It would be fitting for each of us to ask: `Frankly, how much emphasis do I put on my home and its decoration? What about arranging for extra education to advance a career, though doing that would take up considerable time for a number of years, crowding out important aspects of my spiritual life?'-Luke 12:20, 21; 1 Timothy 6:17-19.
fancy houses and decorated furniture did not last
So give it to the WTS.
It would be fitting for each of us to ask: 'Frankly, how much emphasis do I put on my home and its decoration?
I guess that one is targeted to the women, eh? That's right, sisters, you are spending too much time on home decoration and not donating that money to the WTS.
What about arranging for extra education to advance a career....take up considerable time for a number of years
"extra" education, "career," considerable time...........how about being able to make a living, support a family, to the extent maybe the wife doesn't have to work outside the home and could "pioneer."
Translation: if you have money for home decoration, buying homes, education, you could be giving the money to the WTS.
BTW, where does Haggai and Zechariah talking the Jews going for advanced education and careers????
crowding out...spiritual life
Studying WT publications, placing WT publications is not a "spiritual" life.
15) What we read at Haggai 1:6 should bring home to us our need for God's blessing in our lives. Those Jews of old lacked that, to their detriment. Whether we have an abundance of material things or not, if we fail to receive Jehovah's blessing, it will definitely be to our spiritual detriment. (Matthew 25:34-40; 2 Corinthians 9:8-12) Yet, how can we receive that blessing?
Need for God's blessing--obtained only through association with the WTS, eh?
Jehovah Helps by Means of His Spirit
Q16-18) In its ancient context, what does Zechariah 4:6 mean?
16) Haggai's fellow prophet, Zechariah, was moved to highlight the very means by which Jehovah motivated and blessed devoted ones back then. And this shows how he will bless you too. We read: "'Not by a military force, nor by power, but by my spirit,' Jehovah of armies has said." (Zechariah 4:6) You may often have heard this verse quoted, but what meaning did it have for the Jews in the days of Haggai and Zechariah, and thus what is its import for you?
motivated and blessed...by my spirit
Holy spirit only available through the WTS, the "spirit-directed" organization that JWs since 1985 have pledged loyalty to when they get baptized.
17) Recall that the inspired words of Haggai and Zechariah had a wonderful
effect back at that time. What those two prophets said reinvigorated the
faithful Jews. Haggai started to prophesy in the sixth month of 520 B.C.E.
Zechariah began to prophesy in the eighth month of that year. (Zechariah 1:1) As you can see from Haggai 2:18, work on the foundation resumed in earnest in the ninth month. So the Jews were stirred to action, and they obeyed Jehovah with confidence in his support. The words at Zechariah 4:6 relate to God's backing.
Had a wonderful effect...reinvigorated...stirred to action...obeyed Jehovah
The WTS has high hopes...I wonder if they are going to have more of the same at the district convention? If you disobey the WTS are you disobeying God?
*** w05 3/15 p. 24 Highlights From the Book of First Samuel ***
As we offer to Jehovah "the young bulls of our lips," we must do our best to obey the direction he gives through his written Word and the earthly part of his organization.
*** w88 4/1 p. 31 Is Obedience Always Proper? ***
When our heavenly Father, Jehovah God, speaks, whether through his Word, the Bible, or through his earthly organization, it is all the more important for us to listen and obey, thus proving that we are obedient worshipers who do not ignore the loving reminder: "Did you hear me?"
18 When the Jews returned to their homeland in 537 B.C.E., they had no military force. Nonetheless, Jehovah protected them and guided them on the trip from Babylon. And his spirit was directing matters when they started the work on the temple shortly thereafter. Once they began to work wholeheartedly again, he would back them by means of his holy spirit.
his spirit was directing matters...back them by means of his holy spirit
Another review/article could be written on whether God's spirit is behind what the WTS does. What are your thoughts?
Would God's spirit direct people to teach?1879-1929 Superior authorities are secular governments
1929-1962 Superior authorities are God and Jesus
1962-2006 Superior authorities are secular governments
Blurb on page 23: "Is it the time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled
houses, while this house is waste?"
Q19) God's spirit overcame what strong influence?
19) Through a series of eight visions, Zechariah was assured that Jehovah would be with his people, who would faithfully carry the temple work to a finish. The fourth vision, recorded in chapter 3, shows that Satan was active in resisting the efforts of the Jews to complete the building of the temple. (Zechariah 3:1) Satan would certainly not be pleased to see High Priest Joshua perform services in behalf of the people at a new temple. Although the Devil was active in hindering the Jews from building the temple, Jehovah's spirit would play a major role in removing obstacles and energizing the Jews to move ahead until the temple was completed.
Satan...Devil was active in hindering
The WTS and individual JWs see Satan behind every barrier in their lives.
Removing obstacles and energizing
JWs should pay to complete the WTS "temple" and quit spending it on home decoration, new houses, and education.
Q20) How did holy spirit help the Jews to carry out God's will?
20) It appeared as if there were an insurmountable obstacle of opposition,
coming from government officials who had been able to get a ban placed on the work. Yet, Jehovah promised that this seeming "mountain" would be removed and become "level land." (Zechariah 4:7) And that happened! King Darius I made an investigation and discovered Cyrus' memorandum that authorized the Jews to rebuild the temple. So Darius rescinded the ban and authorized that money from the royal treasury be given to the Jews to help pay the expenses of the work. What an astounding reversal! Did God's spirit play a role in this? We can be sure that it did. The temple was completed in 515 B.C.E., the sixth year of the reign of Darius I -Ezra 6: 1,15.
opposition from government officials...ban placed on the work
Are only JWs "persecuted"?
The WTS still has an appeal pending in the EU court regarding the millions in taxes they owe. I wonder if the French government can go after the WTS in the US or can only put a lien against French properties (besides the money that is already in escrow).
So what temple is the WTS building? According the WTS doctrine the temple today are the 144,000 anointed.
*** w80 5/15 p. 19 par. 16 "Get Out of Her, My People" ***
They themselves were part of a spiritual temple of his, a figurative temple made up of Jesus Christ the Chief Cornerstone and the 144,000 members of the temple class under him. (1 Cor. 3:16, 17; Eph. 2:19-22)
Q21) (a) In ancient times, how did God "rock all the nations," and how did "the desirable things" come out? (b) What is the modern-day fulfillment?
21) At Haggai 2:5, the prophet reminded the Jews of the covenant that God
established with them at Mount Sinai when "the whole mountain was trembling very much." (Exodus 19:18) In the days of Haggai and Zechariah, Jehovah was going to cause another shake-up, as described in the figurative language of verses 6 and 7. The state of affairs in the Persian Empire would become unsettled, but the work at the temple would move ahead to its completion. Non Jews, "the desirable things of all the nations," would end up glorifying God along with the Jews in that place of worship. In a major way in our time, God has `rocked the nations' by our Christian preaching, and "the desirable things of all the nations" have come in to worship God alongside the anointed remnant. Truly, the anointed and the other sheep together are now filling Jehovah's house with glory. Such true worshippers await with faith the time when Jehovah will `rock the heavens and the earth' in another sense. That will be in-order to overthrow and annihilate the strength of the kingdoms of the nations.-Haggai 2:22.
Notice how the WTS uses these prophets to make a claim that there are a 2-tier class system amoung Christians.
Annihiliate---kingdoms means people, all non-JWs will die eternally.
Blurb on page 24: Jehovah's people share in reaching 'desirable ones of the nations'
Q22) How are the nations being 'rocked,' with what result, and what is yet to occur?
22 We are reminded of the upheaval that has occurred in different elements
pictured by "the heavens and the earth and the sea and the dry ground." For one thing, Satan the Devil and his demons were hurled down to the vicinity of the earth. (Revelation 12:7-12) Additionally, the preaching spearheaded by God's anointed ones has certainly rocked the earthly elements of this system of things. (Revelation 11:18) Despite that, "a great crowd" of the desirable things of all the nations have joined spiritual Israel in serving Jehovah. (Revelation 7:9, 10) The great crowd work alongside anointed Christians in preaching the good news that soon God will rock the nations at Armageddon. That event will open the way for true worship to be brought to its perfected state earth wide.
the preaching...rocked the earthly elements
rocked in what way...if you asked the average non-JW, would they know why JWs are going door to door?
soon--the WTS has been preaching the end since 1879 (127 years)
rock the nations--destroy all non-JWs including children forever; exterminate those pests!
*** w05 12/1 p. 6 Armageddon-A Happy Beginning ***
Many wonder, however, why a God who is the very embodiment of love would inflict death and destruction on much of humankind. The situation might be compared to that of a pest-infested house. Would you not agree that a conscientious homeowner should safeguard the health and well-being of his family by exterminating the pests?
Do You Recall?
- When and under what circumstances did Haggai and Zechariah serve?
- How can you apply the message that Haggai and Zechariah conveyed?
- Why do you find Zechariah 4:6 to be encouraging?
Concluding Comments
Well, pests. Next week, the WTS does its normal one-two, hammering home the details of what are priorities, showing a picture of a man and woman in caps and gowns, a woman with many shopping bags, and a man working intently in an office setting. If you want God's backing and blessing, you better start doing it the WT way.
It's been raining out our way, so we have yardwork to do tomorrow. I can't even remember how we did it all before. We are going to a movie later (not Davinci or MI3). Work hard but play harder.
Love, Blondie