THE BLESSING OF JEHOVAH

10. Why is Jehovah’s blessing essential, and how can it be gained?

¹⁰ Every one of God’s people desires his blessing. “The blessing of Jehovah, it maketh rich; and he addeth no sorrow therewith.” (Prov. 10:22, AS) “The blessing of the Lord is upon the head of the righteous, it enriches him and grief of heart shall not be added to it.” (Septuagint) It is also written: “And you must remember Jehovah your God, because he is the giver of power to you to make wealth, in order to carry out his covenant that he swore to your forefathers, as at this day.” (Deut. 8:18, NW) Everything depends upon Jehovah’s blessing, but it is never given for the accomplishment of a selfish purpose, only to accomplish his will. “When acceptable to Yahweh are the ways of a man even his enemies doth he cause to make peace with him.” (Prov. 16:7, Roth.) The blessing of Jehovah is obtained by doing those things he commands, by really pleasing him. Certainly we must not act on our own initiative unless it is first approved. Jesus said: “When once you have lifted up the Son of man, then you will know that I am he, and that I do nothing of my own initiative, but just as the Father taught me I speak these things. And he that sent me is with me; he did not abandon me to myself, because I always do the things pleasing to him.” (John 8:28, 29, NW) Jesus was a faithful steward and carried his responsibility and so gained a full reward. He is our perfect example.

11. What course must be followed and what shunned to gain Jehovah’s blessing?

¹¹ To be enriched by Jehovah’s blessing we must be always busy in his service. This means diligence, real effort being put forth at all times, and having great patience and determination to attend to the work on hand and see it is done, following through with assigned tasks. Certainly it does not mean to evade responsibility, to make excuses to escape blame. It is of no use for a steward who is seeking approval to say or do those things that let one out and so avoid the charge laid on one’s shoulders for not giving attention to some matter. One is not dependable when he sidesteps responsibility, neither will Jehovah be pleased with such conduct. If one is to obtain the blessing of Jehovah, then his must be a self-sacrificing spirit, not one of self-indulgence, which leads a man to please himself rather than Jehovah. It means having honesty, purity, fidelity, loyalty and dependability.

FAITHFUL AND DISCREET SLAVE

12. Who is the “faithful and discreet slave,” and why do you say so?

¹² Jesus said: “Who really is the faithful and discreet slave whom his master appointed over his domestics to give them their food at the proper time? Happy is that slave if his master on arriving finds him doing so. Truly I say to you, He will appoint him over all his belongings.” (Matt. 24:45-47, NW) Those belonging to Jehovah’s organization know that the “faithful and discreet slave” is a class made up of the faithful remnant of God’s anointed ones, gathered now in one company and working together under the direction and authority of the governing body of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society. Readers not yet associated with Jehovah’s witnesses may have a little hesitation in accepting this statement, but the manifestation of Jehovah’s blessing upon the activities of this class of anointed Christians will certainly aid you to appreciate the truth of it and will surely cause any doubts or misgivings to disappear. As a result it will bring happiness to you, because you will be helped to see that the Most High God, Jehovah, is now dealing with his people and his blessing is with them.

13. What publication amply expresses the aims and policies of the Society, and with what result?

¹³ The official magazine of the Society is The Watchtower and it has been published since July, 1879, and never has one issue missed publication. It has now reached a circulation of 2,800,000 copies of each issue and is printed in forty-six languages. It would help the reader just to turn to the inside of the front cover and read there the purpose of the magazine. You will see it warns of danger, announces good news, always sees things Scripturally, is alert to what is going on, points the way of escape, announces Jehovah’s kingdom, feeds Christ’s spiritual joint heirs with spiritual food, cheers men of good will with glorious prospects of eternal life, and in the interests of salvation it keeps sharp and faithful focus on Bible truths. Here are expressed the aims, ideals and policies of the Society. It has gained success and the blessing of Jehovah.

14. (a) How has the “faithful and discreet slave” class discharged its domestic responsibilities? (b) Contrast the conditions inside and outside the Lord’s household.

¹⁴ The “faithful and discreet slave” was appointed over the household to give them their food at the proper time. This has been done faithfully. Truths pertaining to the Kingdom, the second presence of Christ, the fulfillment of prophecy, Satan and his world and the end of his world have been served as rich, nourishing spiritual food to the household of faith for seventy-seven years. It is written: “Every public instructor, when taught respecting the kingdom of the heavens, is like a man, a householder, who brings out of his treasure store things new and old.” (Matt. 13:52, NW) As food has been supplied more has been provided, for there is no lack of spiritual food. No one hears of a famine for food in Jehovah’s organization. “He would feed them also with the finest of the wheat; and with honey out of the rock would I satisfy thee.” (Ps. 81:16, AS) Outside the household is a famine: “Behold, the days come, saith the Lord Jehovah, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of Jehovah. And they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east; they shall run to and fro to seek the word of Jehovah, and shall not find it.” (Amos 8:11, 12, AS) “There is that scattereth, and increaseth yet more; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth only to want.” (Prov. 11:24, AS) As a result Jehovah’s people are spiritually strong and vigorous, being well cared for by the “steward” class. Constant care of the household has gained Jehovah’s blessing, and this is a fulfillment of prophecy. So those who would have the same blessing must perform the same kind of service.

15. What outstanding service has the steward class performed with Jehovah’s help and blessing? And how does Paul refer to it?

¹⁵ This same anointed remnant, or “slave” class, has faithfully carried its responsibility in seeing to it that the Bible alone has been our guide. True doctrine has produced pure worship. Discarding theories and traditions of men and organizations, it has held tenaciously to the book of wisdom, God’s Word. Jehovah’s witnesses now know the Bible is true, as stated: “Sanctify them by means of the truth; your word is truth.” (John 17:17, NW) Today the word of God is bound up in them. The sacred pronouncements of God have been committed to them. Yes, the valuable treasure of divine revelation has been lodged with this faithful slave class. It is a testimony and a law to which God attests. We do not add or take from these. They are letters from Jehovah God to his people, proclamations under seal, safely deposited now with his faithful ones. Paul declares: “Keep holding the pattern of healthful words which you heard from me with the faith and love that are in connection with Christ Jesus. This beautiful trust guard through the holy spirit which is dwelling in us.” (2 Tim. 1:13, 14, NW) This steward is now the custodian of the pure Word of Jehovah God. (Isa. 8:16, AS) This fact is a fulfillment of prophecy, bringing with it Jehovah’s blessing. If you also would receive the blessing, then hold to the truth and believe with all your heart and act upon it.

16. What very practical work has been accomplished by this faithful steward prior to and since 1918?

¹⁶ Another responsibility entrusted to this faithful class that has received attention and been accomplished has been the gathering together of the ‘chosen ones,’ as foretold at Matthew 24:31 (NW): “And he will send forth his angels with a great trumpet-sound and they will gather his chosen ones together from the four winds, from one extremity of the heavens to their other extremity.” In November, 1880, The Watchtower published an article entitled “Gathering to Christ,” using as the key text Psalm 50:5: “Gather my saints together unto me; those that have made a covenant with me by sacrifice,” clearly showing that the gathering was not after death but on earth at the end of the system of things. This gathering continued until in 1918 thousands were assembled to be judged when Jehovah suddenly came to his temple. (See The Watchtower of November 15, 1955, page 695.) Since 1918 the judging has gone on, cleansing this temple class, refining and purifying them so they will form a building for Jehovah to inhabit by spirit. (Eph. 2:22, NW) No other organization on earth has endured the trials, the purging, the heat, the persecution. In fact, no other body of people has the evidences of Jehovah’s severity, chastisement, mercy and undeserved kindness as this people.

17. How have Jehovah’s dealings with this servant class demonstrated their relationship to him as foretold?

¹⁷ For nearly forty years now Jehovah’s dealings with them have been demonstrated. Thousands have been rejected and turned out of the organization because they were sinners and hypocrites. “The sinners in Zion are afraid; trembling hath seized the godless ones: Who among us can dwell with the devouring fire? who among us can dwell with everlasting burnings?” (Isa. 33:14, AS) The next few verses show who shall abide. Those of the anointed remnant who have withstood the fire of God’s judgment and have abode his wrath and displeasure are now happy, Isaiah 33:17 (AS) stating: “Thine eyes shall see the king in his beauty: they shall behold a land that reacheth afar.” O happy blessed anointed of God, your land is good, your King is with you! Now is fulfilled: “One body there is, and one spirit, even as you were called in the one hope to which you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father . . . until we all attain to the oneness in the faith, . . . to a full-grown man, to the measure of growth that belongs to the fullness of the Christ.” (Eph. 4:4-6, 13, NW) This also is a fulfillment of one of the great signs of the end of this evil system of things. Hence Jehovah’s blessing is seen so much in evidence. Would you also have his blessing? Then join with God’s anointed in their service, with unity and in praise of Jehovah God, working under their direction in peace.

18. What more extensive activity must yet be brought to a successful conclusion in what limited time period?

¹⁸ After the work of gathering together the remnant of the anointed, the little flock, other gathering has to be done. Jesus said: “And I have other sheep, which are not of this fold; those also I must bring, and they will listen to my voice, and they will become one flock, one shepherd.” (John 10:16, NW) And at Revelation 7:9 (NW): “After these things I saw, and, look! a great crowd, which no man was able to number, out of all nations and tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne.” The gathering of this great crowd of “other sheep” has been going on since the year 1931, particularly since 1935, until now the number gathered far exceeds the number of those who were anointed first to do the gathering. It is like a miracle. The number recognized as of the anointed on earth today is about 16,000 and yet the number of those gathered and proclaiming the Kingdom message is now 642,000. This is only through Jehovah’s blessing, and it is marvelous in our eyes. He has given prosperity and success to this great work and yet there may be hundreds of thousands more to be gathered before the ‘great and dreadful day of Jehovah,’ before the world destruction at Armageddon. Can you see his wonderful blessing today? Do you also want his blessing? If so, then do the same works as performed by those who have gained this blessing. The way is open before you; no one will hinder, indeed many will gladly help you to get this blessing. This accomplished ministry is also a fulfillment of prophecy and cannot be denied successfully.

19. What other marvelous fulfillments of prophecy may be seen as unfolding since A.D. 1914?

¹⁹ The King Christ Jesus gave promise that one of the signs of the times proving the end of Satan’s world would be: “This good news of the kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth for the purpose of a witness to all the nations, and then the accomplished end will come.” (Matt. 24:14, NW) The King was enthroned in heaven in 1914 as earth’s rightful ruler. The Kingdom is here. True it is that much work has had to be done by the King in preparation for the removal of the old kingdom of Satan and we are very close to the final showdown. Before this happens it is essential to gather all the “little flock” and the “great crowd” and to warn the world of its end. But the glorious good news of the Kingdom will be preached world-wide. Since the year 1922 in a very special way this ‘good news of the established kingdom’ has been proclaimed; yes, more than thirty-four years of intensified advertising of earth’s new King and the Kingdom. This message is being preached in 160 lands by more than 642,000 ministers. The world has heard the proclamation and is without excuse. So a world-wide fulfillment of prophecy is taking place before our eyes, all this under the direction and with the authority of Jehovah’s “faithful and discreet slave” class. His blessing has been and is today upon the great work. Do you desire Jehovah’s favor and blessing? Then follow the lead and course set by this faithful class and go forward and tell others of the Kingdom and its blessings.

Blessings Through Service

1. What has caused the anointed remnant to increase Kingdom interests a hundredfold?

THE reader will have observed how the faithful remnant of God’s anointed have increased their privileges and gained more responsibilities. They have increased more than a hundredfold. Using the interests of the Kingdom industriously, energetically and prayerfully, they have been helped by Jehovah to prosper in the service. Jehovah has made it a success, he has made the work prosper. This faithful steward class is receiving the mark of God’s approval and is happy. Look carefully at the years of diligent, enthusiastic, unselfish service that have been devoted to the ministry, so that you may see the way to take to gain the same favor and approval. You now have the honor and benefit of seeing an actual demonstration before your eyes of a class receiving the approval of the Most High God. He is well pleased with them.

2. (a) Why has one organization exclusively proclaimed God’s name? (b) How is this a fulfillment of prophecy pertaining to the end of the world?

² Out of obscurity the name of the true God, Jehovah, has been lifted. His name has been blasphemed, ridiculed and reproached, but Jehovah’s people have lifted it on high. His Word commands: “In that day shall ye say, Give thanks unto Jehovah, call upon his name, declare his doings among the peoples, make mention that his name is exalted.” (Isa. 12:4, AS) Think of all the religious organizations claiming to be Christian, and who among them all is declaring the name Jehovah and announcing that his name Jehovah is exalted? None but one. Strange though it may sound, the only people performing this Jehovah-honoring ministry are Jehovah’s witnesses working under the direction of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society, the legal administrative body of God’s anointed remnant. Today hundreds of thousands of Christians are calling upon the name of Jehovah for salvation and protection. The name has been set in its right place in the minds and hearts of all these people. Years ago they did not know that name, and probably when a minister called at the home, saying, “I am one of Jehovah’s witnesses,” they wondered what it meant. Who was Jehovah? Why have witnesses? Now readers of The Watchtower know. Yet the day will come when one will not need to go to his neighbor’s door, for God’s prophet declares: “And they shall teach no more every man his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, Know Jehovah; for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith Jehovah: for I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin will I remember no more.” (Jer. 31:34, AS) And what a grand work this has been! Actually bearing his reproach, but loving him all the time! Shortly that name will be exalted by all living on earth and in heaven, for others simply will not exist. Jehovah has prospered this work and has given it his richest blessing. Is that what you want? Then follow the same example and do likewise. Preach the name of Jehovah as the only true God; honor him and he will honor you; bless him and he will bless you. This also is a definite fulfillment of prophecy marking the end of this wicked age.

3. Why must the day of vengeance be proclaimed, and what results to the proclaimers?

³ We are now at the end of this wicked system of things when Jehovah purposes to destroy all unrighteousness. This will be in the day of his wrath, the day of vengeance. He will not destroy, however, without warning. God does not do anything in the dark, nor slyly, like a dagger thrust in the back. So he commands: “Proclaim the year of Jehovah’s favor, and the day of vengeance of our God.” (Isa. 61:2, AS) Peter, speaking prophetically, said: “By the same word the heavens and the earth that are now are stored up for fire and are being reserved to the day of judgment and of destruction of the ungodly men.” (2 Pet. 3:7, NW) Again it is written: “A strong angel lifted up a stone like a great millstone and hurled it into the sea, saying: ‘Thus with a swift pitch will Babylon the great city be hurled down.’” (Rev. 18:21, NW) For declaring the day of God’s vengeance Jehovah’s witnesses are hated of all nations, but they have valiantly and fearlessly continued to speak all the words commanded. They have declared God’s judgment to the world at large and to all its rulers on earth, and before the wicked spirits invisible to human sight and against Gog the prince of devils, who is Satan the great adversary.

4. Has protection been given, and is it still promised?

⁴ This work has been performed faithfully and is still progressing and will do so until Armageddon. All has been done under the direction and guidance of the “faithful and discreet slave” class. Jehovah’s protection is over us as this perilous work is done. Salvation lies in obedience and confidence. His blessing is with the Jehovah-fearing man. Do you also desire his blessing? If so, come right onto Jehovah’s side, leave the old world, shun evil companions and join the happy slaves of Jehovah, who have faith in his works. Trust in him with all your heart. So shall his blessing be yours. The world is condemned to destruction. Take warning now and flee from it. Remember Lot’s wife. Be safe, relying on the promise that “he that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.”—Ps. 91:1, 2, AS.

5. (a) How is the scripture at Matthew 6:10 being fulfilled? (b) How are we a pure theocracy?

⁵ Jehovah God is the great Theocrat. Christ Jesus is next in power and authority, then those spirit creatures who carry out the will of the Most High God. God’s will alone is performed in heaven. The Theocrat’s rule is law there, therefore it is a theocracy. Now on earth Jehovah’s people are dedicated to do only his will; the Word of God is their law. He directs his will through his beloved Son operating through the holy angels by means of his spirit, causing the “faithful and discreet slave” class to carry out his purpose. With the anointed remnant and their faithful companions it is now a matter of doing only the will of Jehovah God. No personal purposes now, but only God’s! “Let your will come to pass, as in heaven, also upon earth.” (Matt. 6:10, NW) This was the prayer the Lord Jesus taught his disciples, and today it is an accomplished fact with Jehovah’s chosen people. The rule of Scripture is the rule in his organization. Also the principles therein set forth are those upon which we work. Jehovah’s thoughts, ways and purposes are those we follow and not our own. It is a pure theocracy. Therefore there is peace in our ranks Here again is another fulfillment of prophecy. Jehovah has blessed the wholehearted effort of his people to bring everything into line with the Scriptures. Therefore as you witness this, and if you too desire peace, prosperity and Jehovah’s blessing, then bring your life into obedience to the will of Jehovah God and be in subjection to theocratic rule, recognizing those who have the authority over you in Jehovah’s pure and happy organization.

6. (a) Have the faithful in times past looked for these days? (b) What should this fact produce in us?

⁶ For thousands of years Jehovah’s prophets and the saints of God have prayed for and looked forward to this very time in which we are now living. Jehovah promised it and declared it would come to pass. His faithful ones rejoiced in its hope; some desired to know more about it but could not. The Lord Jesus was happy knowing such a glorious time would come and the apostles comforted the brothers in the same sure promises of God. Now the Kingdom is here. The satanic wicked old world is about finished. Very shortly Jehovah God will annihilate the wicked foes, and then unrighteousness, sin and death will be no more. Yes, Jehovah and Christ Jesus have given to us the evidences of their works, that they have worked with, cleansed and blessed this people. Therefore with grateful exultation Jehovah’s people should hear God’s word: “Happy you are, O Israel! Who is there like you, a people enjoying salvation in Jehovah? A shield your helper is, and he who is a sword is your eminent one. So your enemies will cringe before you, and you—upon their high places you will tread.”—Deut. 33:29, NW.

7. Can anyone be compared to Jehovah’s people today, and why do you answer as you do?

⁷ O happy people dwelling in the sunshine of Jehovah’s favor, working under the protection of his love, rejoicing in the bountiful provisions! O Jehovah’s witnesses, the antitypical Israelites, who is there like you in all the earth? None among all the nations can be compared to you. The blessings of Jehovah God are upon you because of his loving-kindness to his beloved anointed remnant. Jehovah God dwells with you because his anointed are his visible temple. Jehovah, he is your God; Jehovah, he is your salvation. He will go before us through his glorious King Christ Jesus. None shall successfully oppose us now, for Jehovah is with us. Even as did Joshua and Caleb of old, so now the “faithful and discreet slave” class bid you to choose and serve Jehovah and gain his blessings.—Josh. 24:15, AS.

BLESSINGS FOR SALVATION

8. Why does Jehovah give these blessings, and what should result?

⁸ What will result from all these blessings? The simple answer is, greater glory to the name of Jehovah, higher exaltation and proclamation of the King, Christ Jesus, and his kingdom; a more bountiful gathering of the Lord’s “other sheep,” holding up the truth like a burning torch to show the way for those in the world’s darkness to escape and find safety, as it is written: “Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of Jehovah is risen upon thee. For, behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the peoples; but Jehovah will arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee. And nations shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising.” (Isa. 60:1-3, AS) “Thus saith Jehovah, The labor of Egypt, and the merchandise of Ethiopia, and the Sabeans, men of stature, shall come over unto thee, and they shall be thine: they shall go after thee; in chains they shall come over; and they shall fall down unto thee, they shall make supplication unto thee, saying, Surely God is in thee; and there is none else, there is no God. . . . Israel shall be saved by Jehovah with an everlasting salvation: ye shall not be put to shame nor confounded world without end.”—Isa. 45:14-17, AS.

9. What speedy move is required today, where to, and with what objective?

⁹ Those out of the many nations see today that Jehovah is with us and will hasten to get to know more about Jehovah’s ways and escape the coming wrath of Almighty God at Armageddon. Jehovah’s people are in the limelight for this purpose, so that those who escape from the nations will know where to go. The prophetic word written for this time says: “It shall yet come to pass, that there shall come peoples, and the inhabitants of many cities; and the inhabitants of one city shall go to another, saying, Let us go speedily to entreat the favor of Jehovah, and to seek Jehovah of hosts: I will go also. Yea, many peoples and strong nations shall come to seek Jehovah of hosts in Jerusalem, and to entreat the favor of Jehovah. Thus saith Jehovah of hosts: In those days it shall come to pass, that ten men shall take hold, out of all the languages of the nations, they shall take hold of the skirt of him that is a Jew, saying, We will go with you [people], for we have heard that God is with you.” This does not mean the natural Jew, but the favored people of Jehovah today, the spiritual Israelites and their companions.—Zech. 8:20-23, AS.

10. Who are the ten men mentioned at Zechariah 8:20-23, and how do they take hold of the skirt of the Jew?

¹⁰ Those escaped from the nations are hastening with all speed, carrying from city to city the good news that Jehovah is blessing his people, that God is with them. They are entreating God’s favor. To take hold of the skirt means to appeal for instruction and protection. The antitypical Israelites, Jehovah’s witnesses, hear the appeal and rush to aid. There is great urgency today in this gathering and instruction work. These inhabitants of great cities are, not stragglers, but intelligent, inquisitive men of business. All move forward with briskness, eager to obtain knowledge of Jehovah’s ways. All Jehovah’s witnesses and companions should take to heart the words “Let us go speedily”; yes, go continually to entreat the favor of Jehovah. “‘In an acceptable season I heard you, and in the day for salvation I came to your help.’ Look! Now is the especially acceptable season. Look! Now is the day for salvation.” This speedy work is for our salvation and the salvation of hundreds of thousands more. It is a matter of great moment, and delay is dangerous.—2 Cor. 6:2, NW.

11. How do the peoples of the nations recognize Jehovah’s people?

¹¹ But keep in mind that it is because of the blessing of Jehovah upon his favored people that others in the nations came to realize that here with God’s people is where they can get tuition and safety. Those out of the nations desire eagerly to go with God’s people. Therefore all must know that to join yourselves to Jehovah God you must join yourselves to Jehovah’s people. You cannot have one without the other. So let us incite one another to love and good works. Honor those whom Jehovah has honored. Then you will learn the fear of Jehovah, the beginning of wisdom.

12. What are the requirements for retaining theocratic citizenship, and how do we learn of these?

¹² All drawing near to Jehovah and his organization must come into line with theocratic instruction. It is written: “And it must occur that, because you continue listening to these judicial decisions and you do keep them and do carry them out, Jehovah your God must keep toward you the covenant and the loving-kindness about which he swore to your forefathers. And he will certainly love you and bless you.” (Deut. 7:12, 13, NW) “I will give thanks unto thee with uprightness of heart, when I learn thy righteous judgments.” (Ps. 119:7, AS) Jehovah has caused his righteous judicial decisions to be published through the theocratic organization and in it there is peace. I will “seek thee earnestly: for when thy judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world learn righteousness. Let favor be showed to the wicked, yet will he not learn righteousness; in the land of uprightness will he deal wrongfully, and will not behold the majesty of Jehovah.” (Isa. 26:9, 10, AS) Therefore seek Jehovah earnestly, walk in his fear and learn his judicial decisions; so shall you then be in the way of salvation.

13. To whom does Jehovah give his salvation, and why especially now?

¹³ The redemption of Jehovah belongs to those who fear him, for the Word of God says: “So shall they fear the name of Jehovah from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun; for he will come as a rushing stream, which the breath of Jehovah driveth. And a Redeemer will come to Zion, and unto them that turn from transgression in Jacob, saith Jehovah.” (Isa. 59:19, 20, AS) Those of the nations seeking his favor must turn from idolatry and all forms of false religion. Jehovah will put all our enemies to flight. Through the Angel of his presence he will come like a river pent up that the tempest of Jehovah drives along. His revealed judgments are terrible and strike fear into the hearts of all God’s enemies. Those who fear bow down before his majesty and awfulness. They tread before him gently and reverently, for Jehovah is dwelling with his beloved ones. Nothing can stop the onrush of truths, the manifestation of his judgments. The time has come at last for righteousness to be exalted and all the wicked to be dethroned. This glorious and happy day is here. Rejoice, you witnesses of Jehovah, for true and lasting salvation is here in the power of earth’s new King.

14. How is the Abrahamic promise fulfilled today through Jehovah’s people?

¹⁴ Following the lead and example set by Jehovah’s anointed now, all will be blessed. They are the remaining members of the seed of Abraham. To Abraham God promised: “I will bless those who bless you, and him that calls down evil upon you I shall curse, and all the families of the ground will certainly bless themselves by means of you.” (Gen. 12:3, NW) So those who bless God and the anointed remnant will themselves be blessed, and this means riches and prosperity. The faithful Jehovah-fearing class have prayed for guidance and their steps have been guided. “From Jehovah are the steps of a man, they have been prepared, and his way he desireth.” (Ps. 37:23, Young) The steps of this “good man” class have led Jehovah’s people to his holy hill and to the temple of God to dwell there forever in pure worship and true holiness.

15. (a) What important reason is there for pure and clean worship today? (b) How can one today stand in Jehovah’s holy place?

¹⁵ Now we dwell in his presence; his glory is over us and fills the organization. Every one of God’s people must now reverence and fear Jehovah to remain in his holy presence. There must be only pure worship offered, for any idolatry will be obnoxious to him and to his people. All must cleanse themselves from all impurity. “Who shall ascend into the hill of Jehovah? And who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto falsehood, and hath not sworn deceitfully. He shall receive a blessing from Jehovah, and righteousness from the God of his salvation. This is the generation of them that seek after him.” (Ps. 24:3-6, AS) If you desire with all your heart to come to his temple to worship, which means recognizing the remnant of God’s anointed in their privileged and honored position of service, then do these things. You will neither worship here nor will you remain with Jehovah’s beloved ones unless you do have clean hands and pure hearts. Therefore learn God’s way now for pure worship, attend all the arranged meetings of Jehovah’s witnesses so you can study God’s holy Word with the aid of the Bible textbooks, appreciate the truth and escape this evil world. Then as you read, run, run speedily to your neighbor and tell him. Go to those in your district and tell them. Yes, if possible, go from city to city and show others how to escape and get to Jehovah’s house of prayer—his temple.

16. How important was Jehovah’s presence to his typical people?

¹⁶ When Moses was leading the Israelites from the Red Sea to the Promised Land there was always safety as long as they had with them the pillar of fire by night and the cloud by day. Yes, Jehovah’s presence was with them and they were secure from their enemies. Fear held them fast whenever there was the slightest possibility that Jehovah would not continue going before them. On one occasion Jehovah stated he would not go: “For I shall not go up in the midst of you, because you are a stiff-necked people.” When the people got to hear this evil word they began to mourn, and while Moses was seeking Jehovah he said: “See, you are saying to me, ‘Lead this people up,’ but you yourself have not let me know whom you will send with me. . . .’ So he [Jehovah] said: ‘My own person will go along and I shall certainly give you rest.’ At this he said to him: ‘If your own person is not going along, do not lead us up from here.’”—Ex. 33:3, 12-15, NW.

17. As showing its importance, what are the effects of his presence with his people today?

¹⁷ To have the presence of Jehovah with them meant everything to Moses and Israel. He would lead, feed, protect, deliver and bring them into the Promised Land. So it is today. Jehovah God is with us and he is our guide even unto death. “For this God is our God for ever and ever: He will be our guide even unto death.” (Ps. 48:14, AS) If Jehovah is with us we need have no fear, for “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. . . . though the earth do change, and though the mountains be shaken into the heart of the seas; . . . The nations raged, the kingdoms were moved: . . . Jehovah of hosts is with us; . . . God is in the midst of her [the holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High]; she shall not be moved.”—Ps. 46:1-11, AS.

18. How does Isaiah 4:4-6 find fulfillment today?

¹⁸ Now Jehovah’s witnesses know Jehovah is in his holy temple. (See The Watchtower of November 15, 1955.) They are filled with awe, fear and dread, because the Most High God dwells with his people. Yet all are comforted and at peace, knowing that he is here with his faithful ones and that his cloud of glory is over them. This means continual guidance and protection. It also means salvation for the anointed and for all the “other sheep,” those who have escaped from the nations. After the cleansing work has proceeded with his people then come his blessings, as is shown by the following promise: “When the Lord shall have washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion, and shall have purged the blood of Jerusalem from the midst thereof, by the spirit [blast] of justice, . . . Jehovah will create over the whole habitation of mount Zion, and over her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day, and the shining of a flaming fire by night; for over all the glory shall be spread a covering. And there shall be a pavilion for a shade in the day-time from the heat, and for a refuge and for a covert from storm and from rain.”—Isa. 4:4-6, AS.

19. Why does world tribulation leave Jehovah’s people unshaken?

¹⁹ Oh the joy and blessedness of those who are dwelling in the presence of Jehovah God! They are in a holy place. The storms of opposition and the heat of persecution will come, also the troubles on earth will increase with perplexity. But none of these troubles will harm those in the pavilion of Jehovah. You want to remain there forever, do you not? Or, if you have not yet entered into association with Jehovah’s people, blessings await you. One of God’s promises states: “For in the day of trouble he will keep me secretly in his pavilion: . . . he will lift me up upon a rock.” “In the covert of thy presence wilt thou hide them from the plottings of man: thou wilt keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues.” “He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of Jehovah, He is my refuge and my fortress; my God, in whom I trust. . . . I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.”—Pss. 27:5; 31:20; 91:1, 2, 14, AS.

20. Jehovah’s people are a guarantee of what, and why?

²⁰ Let all hurry to go up to the organization of Jehovah and abide there. Seek his blessing while it is obtainable. Do not hesitate. Look to the faithful course of God’s anointed in these last days and know for a certainty that what Jehovah God has done for them he will do for you. The mercies of God will not be given to you if you remain in this evil world, neither will you be in the way to receive his goodness by standing still. You must move forward in faith born of the abundant testimony now before you. The promise is: “I, Jehovah, have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thy hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles.” (Isa. 42:6, AS) Yes, Jehovah’s people are a guarantee for your light and security.

21. What blessed promise should it be our aim to obtain?

²¹ All must be faithful, holding responsibility in the fear of Jehovah, guarding well this beautiful trust and giving a good account of our stewardship. Thereby may we gain his approval by increasing our privileges, and finally hear: “Well done, good and faithful slave! You were faithful over a few things. I will appoint you over many things. Enter into the joy of your master.”—Matt. 25:21, NW.

Contrast

● In a fifteen-minute speech at St. Peter’s Basilica the pope said recently that the Roman Catholic Church cannot shun politics. According to the New York Times of July 23, 1956, “Pope Pius XII urged Roman Catholics today to take an active part in politics.” But Christ Jesus urged his followers to take an active part in preaching the good news of the Kingdom. As to politics a follower of Christ wrote under inspiration: “Do you not know that the friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever, therefore, wants to be a friend of the world is constituting himself an enemy of God.”—Jas. 4:4, NW.

Why Christendom Starves Spiritually

● In Christianity and Crisis (edited by U.S. Protestantism’s most renowned theologian, Reinhold Niebuhr) Congregational Minister Clarence Kilde defends three Wisconsin pastors who were tried for doubting some Lutheran dogma. Preacher Kilde suggests that the three might not have got into trouble if they had been “more concerned with building financial and membership statistics. After all, a sister synod of the Midwest, the Evangelical Lutheran Church, has reported establishing a new parish every 18 days. . . . Go ahead and repeat the Apostles’ Creed, but be sure to be oblivious to people’s inarticulate disturbance over the meaning of the creed. At denominational headquarters it is statistics that are important, not spiritual sincerity or theological integrity.”—Time, January 2, 1956.