The april WT is out, get it while you can. What caught my attention was the first article. Some quotes:
The presence of the pillar assured God’s people that Jehovah was with them. It represented Jehovah, and at times he spoke out of it. (Num. 14:14; Ps. 99:7) Further, the cloud identi?ed Moses as the one appointed by Jehovah to lead the nation. (Ex. 33:9) Likewise, the last recorded appearance of the cloud con?rmed Jehovah’s appointment of Joshua as Moses’ successor. (Deut. 31:14, 15)
So how does that apply today?
Similarly in modern times, Jehovah has never left his people without clear guidance. Just as he did not expect the Israelites to scout out their own route, we today are not asked to ?nd the way into the promised new world on our own. Jesus Christ is the as- signed Leader of the congregation. (Matt. 23:10; Eph. 5:23) He has delegated some au- thority to a faithful slave class, made up of faithful spirit-anointed Christians. That slave class, in turn, appoints overseers in the Christian congregation.—Matt. 24:45-47; Ti- tus 1:5-9.(there is even a nice section where they "proove" this). Now the real kicker, what does that mean for the individual:
How, then, do we react when we receive divine direction? Do we try to apply it “right afterward”? Or do we continue doing things just as we have been accustomed to doing them? Are we familiar with up-to-date direc- tions, such as those regarding conducting home Bible studies, preaching to foreign- speaking people, regularly sharing in fami- ly worship, cooperating with Hospital Liai- son Committees, and conducting ourselves properly at conventions? We also show our appreciation for God’s guidance by accept- ing counsel. When faced with far-reaching decisions, we do not trust in our own wis- dom but look to Jehovah and his organiza- tion for guidance.More stuff to mesh the two stories together:
Of course, those taking the lead in the earthly part of God’s organization are not perfect—but neither was Moses. Even so, the pillar provided constant evidence of his di- vine appointment and of God’s approval. Note, too, that it was not for each Israelite to determine when to start moving. Instead, the people acted “at the order of Jehovah by means of Moses.” (Num. 9:23) Thus Moses, God’s channel of direction, likely gave the signal to move. Today, Jehovah’s steward class gives a clear signal whenever it is time to make a move. How does the steward do that? By means of articles inThe Watchtower
By now, everyone should be convinced and happy:
Do you clearly discern the evidence of di- vine guidance? Jehovah uses his organiza- tion to guide us, his people, through “the wilderness” during these last days of Satan’s wicked world. As a result, we enjoy unity, love, and security.
...but if you are not:
have all come true for you.” (Josh. 23:14) Likewise, God’s people today will without fail reach the promised new world. However, whether we personally will be there depends to no small degree on our humble willing- ness to follow God’s direction. Therefore, may we all keep on discerning the evidence of Jehovah’s guidance!