Comments You Will Not Hear at the 10-12-08 WT Study - August 15, 2008, pages 7-11 (MAINTAIN LOYALTY)Review comments will be in red
WT 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
Bible translations www.biblegateway.com/cgi-bin/bible
WT publications www.strictlygenteel.co.uk
WT child abuse www.silentlambs.org
Blood issue www.ajwrb.org
United Nations http://www.randytv.com/secret/unitednations.htm
MAINTAIN LOYALTY WITH A UNIFIED HEART
"I shall walk in your truth. Unify my heart to fear your name'-ps. 86:11
OPENING COMMENTS
For those of you not already acquainted with me, I call myself "Billy the Ex-Bethelite". I was raised a third generation JW. Growing up, I'd received constant direction from "older ones" that Jehovah had granted them special wisdom to understand all the details about God's Kingdom, soon to destroy all non-JWs. This was to happen so soon that I'd never attend middle school because 1975 was the year that Jehovah designated... But when they said 1975, they really just meant after 1975 but before this literal 70-80 year generation that understood the events of 1914 would die off... Well, they didn't mean old enough to fully understand 1914, they just had to be born before or during 1914. Okay, so it's very soon, so I shouldn't consider a family. I listen to the "older ones", pioneer and go to Bethel... Umm, sorry, by "generation of 1914" they mean someday in the next couple hundred years after 1914 when there will still be wicked people on earth. So, I start thinking, "WTF? Have I wasted these precious years of life?" I ignore doubts and blindly slaves like the other Bethelites, until I see that Bethel is shrinking like crazy. I leave before they start giving out "pink slips"... Now, the "all-wise Faithful Slave" of older "anointed" proudly announce that the "generation" means any of the anointed since 33 CE still on earth... Oh, nevermind the freakin' "generation" just get out there and preach of Jehovah will kill you along with the non-JWs.
This article touched a raw nerve of mine like none of the previously published trash ever has. It is sheer duplicity, intentional deceptiveness. The flawed reasoning is so clear that the ragazine has to be hidden from public view. It completely twists a straightforward historical lesson into a hacked up piece of self-serving trash. After reading this article I actually had to take a hot shower in an effort to sweat out the stupidity that might infect my system.
Blondie has allowed me to take the reins for this article. In harmony with the subjection principle as outlined in Scripture, I'm wearing an appropriate headcovering--aluminum foil.
Enough of my ramblings. Everyone grab your airsick bags, and let's begin...
START OF ARTICLE
Q. 1, 2. (a) According to Psalm 86:2,11, what will help us to remain faithful to Jehovah in the face of tests or temptations? (b) When should heartfelt loyalty be cultivated?
WHY do some Christians who remain faithful for years despite imprisonment or persecution later succumb to materialism? The answer has to do with our figurative heart—what we really are inside. The 86th Psalm connects loyalty to a unified heart; that is, a complete heart, one that is not divided. "O do guard my soul, for I am loyal," prayed the psalmist David. "Save your servant—you are my God—that is trusting in you." David also prayed: "Instruct me, O Jehovah, about your way. I shall walk in your truth. Unify my heart to fear your name."-Ps. 86:2,11.
Please note that when they use quotes or refer to "truth", they actually mean "present truth":
*** re chap. 1 p. 8 par. 8 Revelation—Its Happy Climax! *** 8 An even stronger reason for publishing this book is the need to keep up-to-date with present truth. Jehovah is continually shedding greater light on the meaning of his Word, and we can expect that our understanding of Revelation, along with other prophecies, will be sharpened as we draw closer to the great tribulation.
And please note that when they say "sharpened", they mean "proven to be lies and totally changed to something even stupider."
This is ever-changing "truth" of Jehovah is what David was praying to have his heart unified with. Yeah, right, trust these old boys.
2. Unless we trust in Jehovah with all our heart, other concerns and affections will undermine our loyalty to the true God. Selfish desires are like land mines hidden under the road we walk on. Even though we may have remained faithful to Jehovah under trying circumstances, we can fall victim to satanic traps or snares. How vital it is that we cultivate heartfelt loyalty to Jehovah now, before tests or temptations come upon us! "More than all else that is to be guarded," says the Bible, "safeguard your heart." (Prov. 4:23) We can learn valuable lessons in this regard from the experience of a prophet from judah who was sent by Jehovah to King Jeroboam of Israel.
Please note that when they refer to things such as "loyalty to the true God", they mean "loyalty to Watch Tower (two words) Corporation of Pennsylvania". And when they refer to "satanic traps or snares", they mean "using your brain". And when they say, "We can learn valuable lessons," they really mean, "open wide because Mama's got a steaming hot pile of crap we're gonna feed you suckers."
"Let Me Give You a Gift"
Q. 3. How did Jeroboam react to the judgment message delivered by God's prophet?
3 Picture the scene. The man of God has just delivered a stinging message to King Jeroboam, who had set up calf worship in the northern ten-tribe kingdom of Israel. The king becomes furious. He orders his men to seize the messenger. But Jehovah is with his servant. Immediately, the hand that the king has thrust out in anger withers miraculously, and the altar used for false worship is ripped apart. Suddenly, Jeroboam's demeanor changes. He begs the man of God: "Soften, please, the face of Jehovah your God and pray in my behalf that my hand may be restored to me." The prophet prays, and the king's hand is healed.—1 Ki. 13:1-6.
The Watchtower has to "dumb down" the account because those in attendance at the Kingdumb Halls are incapable of reading the entire account. "Picture the scene."...? Now there's a complete waste of three words.
Q. 4. (a) Why was the king's offer really a test of the prophet's loyalty? (b) What was the prophet's reply?
4 Then Jeroboam says to the man of the true God: "Do come with me to the house and take sustenance, and let me give you a gift." (1 Ki. 13:7) What is the prophet to do now? Should he accept the king's hospitality after delivering a message of condemnation to him? (Ps. 119:113) Or should he reject the king's invitation, even though the king appears to be remorseful? Jeroboam certainly has the means to lavish expensive gifts on his friends. If God's prophet has harbored any secret desire for material things, the king's offer is likely to be a huge temptation. However, Jehovah has commanded the prophet: "You must not eat bread or drink water, and you must not return by the way that you went." So the prophet unequivocally replies: "If you gave me half of your house I would not come with you and eat bread or drink water in this place." And the prophet leaves Bethel by another way (1 Ki. 13:8-10) What lesson does the prophet's decision teach us about heartfelt loyalty?—Rom. 15:4.
Hmmm, my "spin detector" just went off. What's this sentance, "If God's prophet has harbored any secret desire for material things, the king's offer is likely to be a huge temptation." One can read the account and clearly reason that this prophet was brave, ballsy, and determined to do right. Materialistic temptation? That's not in the story. Jehovah's hand had acted with him to end calf worship and rebuke the idolatrous king. But, where is Watchtower taking this "material things" thing?
"Be Content"
Q. 5. How is materialism an issue of loyalty?
5 Materialism may not seem to be an issue of loyalty, but it is. Do we trust in Jehovah's promise to provide what we really need? (Matt. 6:33; Heb. 13:5) Rather than striving to obtain at any cost some of the "better" things in life that are presently beyond our reach, can we do without them? (Read Philipplans 4:11-13.) Are we tempted to forgo theocratic privileges in order to get what we want now? Does loyal service to Jehovah have first place in our life? Our answers will largely depend on whether we are wholehearted in our service to God or not. "It is a means of great gain," wrote the apostle Paul, "this godly devotion along with self-sufficiency. For we have brought nothing into the world, and neither can we carry anything out. So, having sustenance and covering, we shall be content with these things."—! Tim. 6:6-8.
Okay, in this case when they say, "trust in Jehovah's promise to provide what we really need", they don't mean "Watch Tower, Inc.", they mean "invisible sky daddy". Watch Tower Corporation provides no guarantee, or even implies the possibility of any employment for anyone, anywhere. Quite the contrary, WT promises the likelihood of losing one's employment... and that's a good thing because it shows loyalty to Jehovah WT Corp.
By the way, isn't this the Kool-Aid edition? Anyone who's even slightly acquainted with corporate directives knows that materialism is an issue of loyalty... to the corporation. The first sentence is crap. It completely derails the lesson of the account of the two prophets. Materialism? No, this Bible account is about "obedience" and "punishment".
The next two paragraphs are complete trash and have nothing to do with anything but the corporation's agenda to make sure the followers are impoverished and ignorant.
Q. 6. What "gifts" might be offered to us, and what will help us to decide whether to accept them?
6 For example, our employer may offer us a promotion with better pay and other benefits. Or perhaps we realize that we can obtain greater financial rewards if we move to another country or region to find employment. At first, such opportunities might seem to be a blessing from Jehovah. But before we act on them, should we not examine our motives? Our primary concern should be, "How will my decision affect my relationship with Jehovah?"
Q. 7. Why is it important to root out materialistic desires?
7 Satan's system relentlessly promotes materialism. (Read 1 John 2:15, 16.) The Devil's objective is to corrupt our hearts. Therefore, we need to be vigilant to identify and root out materialistic desires in our heart. (Rev. 3:15-17) Jesus had no difficulty rejecting Satan's offer of all the kingdoms of the world. (Matt. 4:8-10) He warned: "Keep your eyes open and guard against every sort of covetousness, because even when a person has an abundance his life does not result from the things he possesses." (Luke 12:15) Loyalty will help us to rely on Jehovah instead of ourselves.
An Old Prophet "Deceived Him"
Q. 8. How was the loyalty of God's prophet tested?
8 Things would have gone well with God's prophet if he had continued on his journey back home. Almost immediately, however, he faced another test. "A certain old prophet was dwelling in Bethel," states the Bible, "and his sons now came in and related to him" all that had taken place earlier that day. Upon hearing the report, the old man asks them to saddle an ass for him so that he might catch up with God's prophet. Not long thereafter, he finds the prophet resting under a big tree and says: "Go with me to the house and eat bread." When the man of the true God declines the invitation, the old man replies: "I too am a prophet like you, and an angel himself spoke to me by the word of Jehovah, saying, 'Have him come back with you to your house that he may eat bread and drink water.'" But the Scriptures say: "He deceived him."-l Ki. 13:11-18.
Okay, more dumbing down of the account. Hmm, looking at the actual verses, we see that Watch Tower Corp. left out an important part:
(1 Kings 13:14-18) 14 And he went following the man of the [true] God and got to find him sitting under the big tree. Then he said to him: "Are you the man of the [true] God who has come out of Judah?" to which he said: "I am." 15 And he went on to say to him: "Go with me to the house and eat bread." 16 But he said: "I am not able to go back with you or to come in with you, and I may not eat bread or drink water with you in this place. 17 For it has been spoken to me by the word of Jehovah, ‘You must not eat bread or drink water there. You must not go back again by the way by which you went.’" 18 At this he said to him: "I too am a prophet like you, and an angel himself spoke to me by the word of Jehovah, saying, ‘Have him come back with you to your house that he may eat bread and drink water.’" (He deceived him.)
That's odd. Why would they leave out the part about the young prophet telling the old geezer to take a hike?
Q. 9. What do the Scriptures say about deceptive people, and whom do they hurt?
9 Whatever might have been the old prophet's motive, he lied. Perhaps the old man had at one time been a faithful prophet of Jehovah. At this point, however, he was acting deceptively. The Scriptures strongly denounce such conduct. (Read Proverbs 3:32.) Deceitful ones not only hurt themselves spiritually but often harm others.
He's called an "old prophet", not an "old false prophet". What's with the "Perhaps"? Perhaps there wasn't an original Hebrew word for "janitor" or "window washer", so the writer just threw in the word "prophet". Doesn't the FDS know for certain, or is this, perhaps, all guesswork?
When you read the entire account and actually think, two possible motives easily spring to mind:
- Pure Jealousy. This old prophet lives in Bethel for ages. Suddenly, this young punk comes up from Judah performing super miracles right before the king. The old geezer figures, "WTF? Why didn't Jehovah use me or one of my sons for this important job right here in my city. This kid is going down! And I'm taking him down so that I'll stay the big prophet and nobody will step foot on my turf."
- Greed. Maybe the geezer thought that by taking out the young prophet, he would get a reward for King Rehoboam. S$core!
Umm, is it really necessary for the dubs to be told to read Prov. 3:32 about lying being wrong?
32 For the devious person is a detestable thing to Jehovah, but His intimacy is with the upright ones.
And this last sentence lacks much force: "Deceitful ones not only hurt themselves spiritually but often harm others." Um, "hurt... often harm"? What an understatement. I think the accounts in David's life, as well as in this account prove that anywhere from 1 to tens of thousands are gonna die when Jehovah gets horked off.
"He Went Back With" the Old Man
Q. 10. How did God's prophet respond to the old man's invitation, and what was the outcome?
10 The prophet from Judah should have been able to see through the ruse of the old prophet. He could have asked himself, 'Why would Jehovah send an angel to someone else with new instructions for me?' The prophet could have asked Jehovah to clarify the direction, but the Scriptures do not indicate that he did so. Instead, "he went back with [the old man] that he might eat bread in his house and drink water." Jehovah was not pleased. When the deceived prophet finally got on his way back to Judah, a lion found him and killed him. What a tragic end to his prophetic career!—1 Ki. 13:19-25.*
*(footnote) The Bible does not say whether Jehovah brought about the death of the old prophet.
What the hell? Who is WT kidding with this crap? Almost every issue of the Watchtower magazine this year has had some "new instruction"! Why would the prophet from Judah have seen through the ruselie since JW "present truth" is changing all the time? Duh, in the last few decades, "this generation" has changed many times. Come on Watch Tower, is change good? Or is change bad?
Are JWs encouraged to "ask himself, 'Why would Jehovah send an angel to someone else [WT Corp.] with new instructions for me?' The prophet could have asked Jehovah to clarify the direction". In the Bible, the Judean prophet and already objected and explained. The wicked prophet was likely already known, and trusted, by the Judean. The wicked prophet used all the weight of his authority as an aged, trusted prophet of Jehovah to fatally deceive the young prophet exactly like the "talking snaked" deceived the "naked lady."
Stupid footnote. "NO" Jehovah didn't bring about the death of the old prophet. Jehovah lets the guilty people live... like King David, and Satan. And in punishment, Jehovah kills the innocent... well, that would be almost every human throughout history.
Q. 11. What good example did Ahijah set?
11. On the other hand, the prophet Ahijah, who was sent to anoint Jeroboam as king, remained faithful well into his old age. When Ahijah was old and blind, Jeroboam sent his wife to inquire of Ahijah about the welfare of their sick son. Ahijah boldly foretold that Jeroboam's son would die. (1 Ki. 14:1-18) Among the many blessings that Ahijah received was the privilege of contributing to God's inspired Word. How? His writings were later used by Ezra the priest as source materiaL-2 Chron. 9:29.
Oh yeah, Ahijah was a great prophet. He anoints King Jerohoam who leads the full-scale apostacy of the ten tribe kingdom. Great. Way to go Ahijah. Good move promoting an apostate. What does that have to do with this account? Nothing. Just another account of Jehovah anointing a king who immediately rejects "pure" worship, I guess. Yep, he sure can pick 'em.
Q. 12-14. (a) What lesson can we learn from the incident involving the younger prophet? (b) Illustrate the need to give careful and prayerful consideration to Bible-based counsel given by the elders.
12 The Bible does not say why the younger prophet did not consult Jehovah before turning aside and eating and drinking with the older man. Could it be that the older man told him what he wanted to hear? What lesson is there for us? We need to be absolutely convinced of the rightfulness of Jehovah's requirements. And we have to be determined to follow them, come what may.
Okay, first of all the younger prophet didn't consult Jehovah because cell phones hadn't been invented yet. Duh, like anybody can just yell up at sky-daddy and get an instant answer? What a stupid statement. Even the mythical Daniel rarely was able to conjure up an instant hotline to talk to Jehovah.
Perhaps the younger prophet was tired and hungry and thirsty from this stressful assignment and journey after having been prohibited from eating or drinking along the way. Perhaps the younger prophet had just prayed that an old prophet would ride up on a donkey and offer him some bread, water, and a ride. Perhaps this was the answer to his prayers. But then Jehovah can be fickle. Maybe it wasn't okay, then it was okay for a little while, but then it wasn't okay again. Kind of like whether the people of Sodom and Gomorrah would be resurrected. They will, they won't, they will, they won't...
I'll warn you that they next two paragraphs are totally self-serving crap. I'll go ahead and answer the printed questions, then read the paragraphs... if you dare...
(a) What lesson can we learn from the incident involving the younger prophet?That's easy. Never, ever trust an "old prophet". They lie. Stick to what you already have figured. Why should you suffer the consequences when a selfish old geezer starts giving you "advice from Jehovah" when they won't suffer the consequences. If anyone says they have new instructions from Jehovah, watch out! Obedience men will have you eaten by a lion! Again I say, "Never, ever trust an old prophet!"
(b) Illustrate the need to give careful and prayerful consideration to Bible-based counsel given by the elders. Okay. I'll illustrate with this kid named Billy that was counseled by the elders, "Christian" publications, Circuit Overseers, etc. telling Billy that he should put aside any "normal" desires or aspirations because Armageddon is so near, perhaps just months away. Billy was very smart, excelled in school, and could have gone to college, married, enjoyed a happy family life. Sadly, Billy didn't carefully and prayerfully consult the Bible to see scriptures such as:
(Mark 13:21-23) 21 "Then, too, if anyone says to YOU, ‘See! Here is the Christ,’ ‘See! There he is,’ do not believe [it]. 22 For false Christs and false prophets will arise and will give signs and wonders to lead astray, if possible, the chosen ones. 23 YOU, then, watch out; I have told YOU all things beforehand.
Billy was deceived by the old prophet. He wasn't killed by a lion, but he did waste many opportunities and many years of his life. Again I say, "Never, ever trust an old prophet!"
The following illustrations are rubbish. The Bible account has already proven the parallel of the wicked, deceiving, old prophet, and the deceiving and deceived elders. Even the names match-"old prophet"="elder"!
13 Some hear what they want to hear when it comes to counsel. For example, a publisher may be offered a job that could cut into the time he can spend with his family and on theocratic activities. He may ask an elder for advice. The elder may preface his remarks by acknowledging that he is not in a position to tell the brother how to support his family. Then the elder may review with the brother the spiritual dangers involved in accepting the employment he has been offered. Will the brother remember only the elder's initial comments, or will he give serious consideration to the follow-up? The brother obviously needs to determine what is best for him in a spiritual way.
14 Consider another possible situation. A sister may ask an elder if she should separate from her unbelieving husband. The elder will undoubtedly explain that the decision whether to separate or not is hers to make. He may then review the Bible's counsel on the subject. (1 Cor. 7:10-16) Will the sister give due consideration to what the elder says? Or has she already made up her mind to leave her husband? In making her decision, it will be wise for her to give prayerful consideration to Bible-based counsel.
Be Modest
Q. 15. What do we learn from the error of God's prophet?
15 What else can we learn from the error of the prophet from Judah? Proverbs 3:5 states: "Trust in Jehovah with all your heart and do not lean upon your own understanding." Rather than continue to rely on Jehovah as he had in the past, on this occasion the prophet from Judah trusted his own judgment. His mistake cost him his life and his good name with God. How forcefully his experience underscores the value of modestly and loyally serving Jehovah!
Uh, is it just me or did the Watchtower suddenly erase the existance of the old prophet? They say, "Rather than continue to rely on Jehovah as he had in the past, on this occasion the prophet from Judah trusted his own judgment." No, no, no! The prophet from Judah trusted the old prophet! Never, ever trust an old prophet!
Q. 16. 17. What will help us remain loyal to Jehovah?
16 The selfish inclination of our heart is prone to misguide us. "The heart is more treacherous than anything else and is desperate." (Jer. 17:9) To remain loyal to Jehovah, we must continue to work hard to strip off the old personality with its tendency toward presumptuousness and self-reliance. And we must put on the new personality, "which was created according to God's will in true righteousness and loyalty."—Read Ephesians 4:22-24.
No, really, "The old prophets are more treacherous than anything else and are desperate." And we need to strip off the old prophets.
17 "Wisdom is with the modest ones," states Proverbs 11:2. Modestly relying on Jehovah helps us to avoid making costly mistakes. For example, discouragement can easily distort our judgment. (Prov. 24:10) We might grow weary of some aspect of sacred service and begin to feel that we have done enough over the years, thinking that perhaps it is time for others to carry the load. Or we might wish to have a more "normal" life. However, 'exerting ourselves vigorously' and "always having plenty to do in the work of the Lord" will safeguard our heart.—Luke 13:24; 1 Cor. 15:58.
Is it just me, or when they stick normal in quotes, saying "normal" life, don't you just wish the writer would have an "abnormal" death?
I don't know how Writing Department manages it, but this one fairly short paragraph manages to both "suck" and "blow"!
Q. 18. What can we do if we do not know what decision to make?
18 At times, we may need to make difficult decisions, and the right course to take may not be readily evident. Would we then be tempted to take matters into our own hands? Whenever we find ourselves in such situations, we would be wise to ask Jehovah to help us. "If any one of you is lacking in wisdom," says James 1:5, "let him keep on asking God, for he gives generously to all." Our heavenly Father will give us the holy spirit we need so that we can make good decisions. -Read Luke 11:9,13.
Now this question is easy to answer:
Q. 18. What can we do if we do not know what decision to make? Obviously, the wise thing to do when we face difficult decisions is to consult an elder... then do the exact opposite! This Bible based account clearly demonstrates that doing the opposite of what the old prophet says will guarantee that we don't get eaten by a lion!
Be Determined to Remain Loyal
Q. 19. 20. What should we be determined to do?
19 The turbulent years following Solomon's deviation from true worship severely tested the loyalty of God's servants. It is true that many compromised in one way or another. Nevertheless, some did remain loyal to Jehovah.
Oh yeah, thanks for reminding us that Jehovah's divine gift of wisdom to Solomon led him to become rich, idolatrous, and surrounded by beautiful young women. Now there's a wise course. Follow Jehovah for a while during your youth, then forget about him and live it up!
20 Each day, we are confronted with choices and decisions that test our loyalty. We too can prove ourselves faithful. Let us always remain loyal to Jehovah as we unify our heart, fully confident that he will continue to bless his loyal ones.—2 Sam. 22:26.
Sorry, I just didn't get a word of that last paragraph, I was fantasizing about the young, beautiful, worldly women. Yum.
How Would You Answer?
• Why should we work to root out materialistic desires in our heart? Sorry... what was the question?... I was thinking about those chickie babies again. Yum.
• What will help us to remain loyal to Jehovah? Never, ever trust an old prophet!
• How can modesty help us to stay loyal to God? So what's all the talk about "modest dress"? I bet wise King Solomon's girls weren't modestly dressed! Hubba hubba!
CONCLUDING COMMENTS
In my opinion, which is the most correct opinion, this is one of the all-time worst Botchtower Study articles ever produced by Watch Tower Corporation. The Biblical account is very superficially covered and is clearly twisted to fit there agenda to not be materialistic and obey the elders.
Truthfully, that account was a final death-stroke for "true" worship. With the young prophet killed, Jeroboam immediately resumed calf worship and the ten tribe kingdom eagerly followed. After all, who would want to have anything to do with any of the prophets of Jehovah who were lying to each other and Jehovah himself was killing? Even Jehu, who has been paralleled to the "anointed" class by WT, although eager to destroy Baal worship, quickly embraced worshipping the golden calf. Great. Another wonderful pick for king by Jehovah. He never could pick any king for the ten tribe kingdom that could be faithful to him for a full week.
In conclusion, never, ever trust an old prophet or an elder!
Okay, maybe I'm over-reacting. Perhaps you can trust an elder to recommend janitorial supplies or to wash your windshield. Perhaps.
Please dispose of your used airsick bag now. I'm taking off my aluminum foil hat now. And I'm off to take another hot shower to get the "cult" cleaned off.
