2. Would it be easy for witnesses of Jehovah to carry out his purpose for them, and what would they need in order to be successful?

² Yet it was amid such conditions that Jehovah purposed to have his name and Kingdom declared throughout the earth. By whom? By a people to whom he revealed his significant name and purpose​—Jehovah’s Witnesses. (Isaiah 43:10-12) He foreknew that they would encounter opposition from rulers who would view God’s Kingdom as a challenge and a rival. (Psalm 2:2, 3) He knew also that his witnesses would be subject to the problems and sufferings common to all men. They would need power beyond what they could of themselves muster. Did their God make provision for that very need?

3. Jehovah’s provision for his servants at this critical time is like what provision made for the apostle Paul?

³ The experiences of the apostle Paul supply the answer to that question. Some of the dangers to which he was exposed are cataloged for us at 2 Corinthians 11:23-27. Since Paul was commissioned by Jehovah as an apostle and a teacher of the nations, that teaching work received his prime attention. (Romans 11:13) But how was he able to survive all the perils and finish the work he had been given to do? Jehovah kept his eye upon his loyal servant and delivered him, often at the last minute, at each critical juncture. So that Paul could successfully perform the Christian ministry, God granted him “power beyond what is normal.” (2 Corinthians 4:7) This enabled the apostle to bear up under sufferings and privations. Paul freely acknowledged such divine help when he wrote: “For all things I have the strength by virtue of him who imparts power to me.”​—Philippians 4:13.

4. Did Paul recognize this divine assistance, and what effect did it have upon him?

⁴ Thus it appears that in addition to miraculous interventions by God in Paul’s behalf, there was an ‘imparting of power’ to him. This made it possible for the apostle to endure successfully and accomplish his ministry. Accordingly, he wrote: “I am not ashamed of the good news; it is, in fact, God’s power for salvation to everyone having faith.” (Romans 1:16) Along with the meaning and application of many prophecies of old times, the good news was revealed to Paul, and he was convinced of its truthfulness. Undoubtedly, knowledge of the truth and appreciation for it also became sources of strength to him.

Jehovah’s Marvelous Provisions

5. Has Jehovah been any less attentive to the needs of his witnesses now on earth?

⁵ But what about Jehovah’s servants on earth in these last days? Has God provided for them? He has indeed! In common with the apostle Paul, we have the many marvelous prophecies in the Holy Scriptures. Since Jehovah had advance knowledge of the needs of his people, he generously provided these writings for their assurance and comfort. These prophecies would be clarified as the days of their fulfillment arrived.

6. How has the prophecy God gave to Isaiah comforted and strengthened Jehovah’s people today?

⁶ One of those prophecies was recorded by Isaiah the son of Amoz some 700 years before the birth of Jesus Christ. (Isaiah 1:1) Isaiah wrote strong denunciations against not only his own nation of Israel but also the many surrounding lands, great and small. Interspersed with these judgment messages the prophet also delivered good news for the loyal worshipers of Jehovah​—news that would bring them comfort in all their tribulations. And just as faithful Jews back in Isaiah’s time drew power and hope from Jehovah’s good news, so today loyal ones are consoled, strengthened and blessed by the fulfillment toward them of Jehovah’s grand promises.

7, 8. (a) How did the words of Isaiah 32:1, 2 bring strength and encouragement to the reverent Jews of Isaiah’s time, and particularly in view of what circumstances? (b) How are those same words applicable among Jehovah’s Witnesses now?

⁷ In Isaiah chapter 32 we find just such encouragement. The first two verses present a promise that is even now undergoing fulfillment: “Look! A king will reign for righteousness itself; and as respects princes, they will rule as princes for justice itself. And each one must prove to be like a hiding place from the wind and a place of concealment from the rainstorm, like streams of water in a waterless country, like the shadow of a heavy crag in an exhausted land.” What good news that must have been for honest-hearted worshipers of God in Isaiah’s time, after their long experience with faithless kings and princes!

⁸ But what good news this is for Jehovah’s Witnesses today! Especially since 1919, the enthroned King Jesus Christ has developed a fine condition amid his followers on earth. He has placed among them “princes” (Hebrew, sarim) who do indeed furnish just and loving oversight. In contrast with the oppressive and self-serving rulers so general throughout the world, the King in God’s organization has raised up responsible men who are not revered as hierarchical “princes of the church,” or the like. Rather, they are humble servants, men truly concerned about the well-being of all the sheeplike ones whom Jehovah has gathered together in one flock. The supervision by these men, who are also prospective “princes” of the New Order, proves to be truly refreshing.a

9. What transformation has taken place among Jehovah’s people?

⁹ What a transformation this has brought about in the organization of Jehovah’s earthly servants! It is just as stated at Isaiah 32:3: “And the eyes of those seeing will not be pasted together, and the very ears of those hearing will pay attention.” Because of their keen desire to honor and serve Jehovah, he has opened the eyes of their hearts and the ears of their understanding. He has granted them thrilling discernment as to his will for them. Loyal Witnesses do not lean toward democratic attitudes and procedures. They are awake to the fact that they serve in a theocratic organization, an organization in which God’s will is ascertained and then carried out. To the Great Theocrat goes the credit for revealing his purposes to humble, willing servants on earth.

10. What are some of the marvelous blessings Jehovah’s enlightened people enjoy?

¹⁰ Count, if you will, the blessings that Jehovah’s slaves have received. Among other things, they enjoy accurate knowledge concerning Jesus Christ’s kingly presence since 1914; the clear demarcation between God’s visible organization and Satan’s; the far-reaching nature of the preaching work to be done before the end of Satan’s world; the sacredness of blood; and the significance of giving God’s things to God. In the organization of Jehovah’s Witnesses there has been a restoration of administration like that among first-century Christians. A rich blessing, too, is the present paradisaic condition among true worshipers. All of this and many other gifts from Jehovah impart not only power but also peace, unity and contentment to his people, even at this crucial time in history.

11. How has Jehovah disciplined or taught his earthly representatives, and what scripture texts show that this was necessary?

¹¹ Jehovah’s servants have been given a Bible-oriented conscience, so that they hear and hearken to his reminders, putting them into practice in their daily lives. (Psalm 25:10) They have been warned against the unclean and filthy practices that God hates. The selfish, immoral, underhanded things that some of them have done in the past are now put behind them, having been renounced completely. (1 Peter 4:3) This must be so for all who would continue to have any share in Kingdom blessings. All must be clean mentally, morally and physically in order to enjoy the privilege of presenting to Jehovah the sacrifices of praise, “a gift offering in righteousness.” (Malachi 3:3; Isaiah 52:11) What a wonderful sense of security is experienced by all loyal Witnesses as they associate with multitudes who are truly united in the happy service of the Creator!

Divine Education

12. How has Isaiah 32:4 found fulfillment among Jehovah’s modern-day servants?

¹² Isaiah 32:4 goes on to say: “And the heart itself of those who are overhasty will consider knowledge, and even the tongue of the stammerers will be quick in speaking clear things.” During World War I, Jehovah’s anointed remnant lacked proper understanding, were still tainted with Babylonish ideas and did not have the theocratic method in operation among them. But in 1919 God released them from Babylonish bondage and proceeded to give them greater knowledge of his truths. By such truths they have learned to be reasonable, not overhasty. They now speak with a certainty of belief, no longer stammering in fear and uncertainty. And how can we personally be mature, courageous preachers of the good news? By taking full advantage of divine instruction, much of which is dispensed during meetings at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses. For instance, there is no doubt that the Theocratic Ministry School is one of the means whereby Jehovah has blessed his servants and empowered them to speak the truth boldly and clearly.

13. Against what speech must we be on guard?

¹³ Along similar lines, divine education has taught God’s servants not to make promises they do not intend to keep and not to talk slanderously or hurtfully about someone. God’s blessing is assuredly with those who heed this counsel, recorded at Ecclesiastes 5:2: “Do not hurry yourself as regards your mouth; and as for your heart, let it not be hasty to bring forth a word before the true God. For the true God is in the heavens but you are on the earth. That is why your words should prove to be few.” So important is it never to raise the voice in bitter criticism of the Lord’s organization or its appointed representatives. Jehovah is the omniscient Judge before whom accounting must be made for these and other unprofitable sayings.​—Matthew 12:36, 37; Leviticus 19:16; Jude 8.

14. What warning is here provided for Jehovah’s people, and how does Proverbs 29:20 underline it?

¹⁴ Those who despise Jehovah’s teaching include individuals who criticize and complain about Jehovah’s clean organization and its rules for maintaining peace and good order. There is only a fine line of demarcation between such and those who are outright rebels. Korah and his supporters found that out to their complete undoing when they dared to be hasty in speaking against God’s servant Moses. (Numbers 16:1-40) On this same subject, Proverbs 29:20 states: “Have you beheld a man hasty with his words? There is more hope for someone stupid than for him.”

15. How have the words of Isaiah 32:5, 6 become applicable to Jehovah’s servants today?

¹⁵ Jehovah has also blessed his people with wisdom to discern between what is good and what is bad. They are on guard against any who come to them with soft words and fair speeches, and perhaps even bearing gifts, with a view to beguiling the hearts of the unwary. (Compare 1 Timothy 6:20, 21; Jude 16.) Religionists may try to bring them good news other than that which they already have received from Jesus Christ and his apostles. Moreover, any senseless and unprincipled individuals are rejected for appointment as servants in Jehovah’s organization. This is in harmony with the words: “The senseless one will no longer be called generous; and as for the unprincipled man, he will not be said to be noble; because the senseless one himself will speak mere senselessness, and his very heart will work at what is hurtful, to work at apostasy and to speak against Jehovah what is wayward [“insane,” Delitzsch], to cause the soul of the hungry one to go empty, and he causes even the thirsty one to go without drink itself.”​—Isaiah 32:5, 6.

16. (a) What are some of the ideas that apostates have promoted? (b) In this regard, what is said at Isaiah 32:7?

¹⁶ Is it not true that those who have gone out from us over the years because “they were not of our sort,” and who try to induce others to follow the same life-imperiling course, have cut themselves off from the source of solid spiritual food and refreshing spiritual waters? (1 John 2:19) And these senseless ones, far from being generous and openhanded toward those of mankind who hunger and thirst after righteousness, do not see any urgent need for an organized preaching work in our time. They would allow each one to be guided by his own private reading and interpretation of the Bible instead of being brought into a unity of people trained to live and act according to the lofty principles and reminders of God’s Word. (Psalm 133:1-3; 1 Corinthians 1:10) They would mislead others into believing that Jehovah will indefinitely keep on forgiving sinners as long as they make an outward show of repentance. Interesting in this regard is what Isaiah 32:7 says about apostates of ancient Israel: “As for the unprincipled man, his instruments [means of accomplishing his purpose] are bad; he himself has given counsel for acts of loose conduct, to wreck the afflicted ones with false sayings, even when someone poor speaks what is right.”

17. (a) Jesus has selected whom as his followers? (b) What questions arise about their future activities amid the worsening conditions of this evil world?

¹⁷ Jesus’ genuine followers, whom he has selected because they are conscious of their spiritual need, certainly ‘speak what is right.’ But the senseless opposers are not interested in the real welfare of those seeking the truth. They are intent on drawing away followers after themselves, regardless of the jeopardy in which they put themselves and others. However, will Jehovah permit honest-hearted ones to become ensnared by false reasoning? Has he made provision for the blessing of his own servants and their worldwide preaching service?

See the Blessings of Kingdom Unity!

“All those seeing them will recognize them, that they are the offspring whom Jehovah has blessed.”​—ISAIAH 61:9.

1. (a) What modern provision of Jehovah displays his generosity toward multitudes that do not yet know him? (b) How are his own blessed people identified?

SINCE 1914 a heavenly King has been enthroned and empowered to rule. And provision has been made for an earthly organization under “princes” who rule for justice itself. (Isaiah 32:1, 2) In all of this, Jehovah has proved to be generous to all who hunger and thirst after righteousness. And the hungry and thirsty ones come flocking to the people whom Jehovah has thus blessed. But how do they recognize them? Are they prominent socially, politically or financially? No, it is for none of these reasons that they are recognizable. It is because they reflect their generous God by their willingness to share with others the blessings they have already received.

2. In keeping with Isaiah 32:8, what quality is in evidence among Jehovah’s servants on earth today, and that is because they have heeded what counsel of their Leader?

² The generous God has taught his servants to be generous too. Regarding a person of generous disposition Isaiah 32:8 states: “As regards the generous one, it is for generous things that he has given counsel; and in favor of generous things he himself will rise up.” Just as Jesus set aside his own will and denied himself many things in order to carry out his God-given commission to share the glorious good news of the Kingdom with others, so his followers are intent upon doing the same thing. They hearken to Jesus’ counsel: “Practice giving, and people will give to you. They will pour into your laps a fine measure, pressed down, shaken together and overflowing. For with the measure that you are measuring out, they will measure out to you in return.” (Luke 6:38) Jehovah and Christ Jesus are the ones who can and will return such generosity on the part of their servants by granting them satisfaction, peace of mind and joy in the fruitage of their loyal service involving the Kingdom interests.

3. How does the attitude of Jehovah’s loyal servants contrast with that of those of Christendom and her abettors?

³ The generous, industrious attitude of openhanded spreaders of the good news contrasts with that of others. God’s prophet speaks of calamity for women who were careless ‘lovers of ease’ in unfaithful Jerusalem. (Isaiah 32:9-14) Their attitude may remind us of some who claim to be servants of God and Christ, but who are not industrious or zealous for Jehovah’s service. Indeed, we may think of those in Christendom and those who are not really concerned about the hungering and thirsting multitudes. Their preoccupation with secular matters, with no thought of busying themselves in the work commanded by Jehovah for this very time in history, can only end disastrously for them, even as calamity is associated with a harvest failure.

4. What future awaits all those who continue to deal dishonestly with God’s Word?

⁴ There is only sorrow and destruction ahead for Christendom and her aiders and abettors. Spiritual starvation and consequent depopulation are to be the results of her lack of generosity and fruitfulness in Jehovah’s service. Since all those bogus Christians have failed to plant and water properly, not using the Word of God honestly, Jehovah is under no obligation to ‘keep making it grow.’​—Compare 1 Corinthians 3:6-9.

Good News for the Loyal

5. What was foretold at Isaiah 32:15, and with what wonderful developments right up to this year, 1984?

⁵ Encouragingly for those who wait patiently upon Jehovah while loyally putting to work the Kingdom interests entrusted to them, there is good news. It is recorded at Isaiah 32:15 in these words: “Until upon us the spirit is poured out from on high, and the wilderness will have become an orchard, and the orchard itself is accounted as a real forest.” God’s holy spirit has been poured out upon his modern-day witnesses, much as it was upon the waiting apostles and disciples at Pentecost of 33 C.E. (Acts 2:1-4, 14-18; Joel 2:28, 29) As then, so also now, the result is that Jehovah’s loyal servants on earth have busied themselves in the work of making more disciples. Particularly in 1919 and 1922 were there outpourings of Jehovah’s spirit upon his people, and commencing especially in 1922 great impetus was given to the Kingdom-preaching work. This activity has continued and expanded right up to this year, 1984, despite the troublous conditions that blanket the earth. The number of generous proclaimers of the good news has exploded from the modest figure of 7,000 or 8,000 in 1922 to the grand peak of 2,652,323 today.

6. There have been what other marvelous effects from the pouring out of holy spirit upon Jehovah’s earthly organization?

⁶ The ‘poured-out spirit’ has surely resulted in fruitfulness. We no longer share the wilderness state of Satan’s world, nor the spiritual famine for hearing the Word of Jehovah. (Ezekiel 36:29, 30) From Pentecost of 33 C.E. onward, God has planted “big trees”​—stalwart, steadfast Christians—​in the spiritual estate of his people. Such stately “trees,” fruitful ones, “the planting of Jehovah,” have grown and prospered into a virtual forest as the visible organization of Jehovah’s worshipers extends to all willing ones the refreshing shade and spiritual sustenance from their God.​—Isaiah 61:3.

7. What has moved a great crowd of honest-hearted ones to rally to Jehovah’s visible organization?

⁷ Honest-hearted people who now come streaming into Jehovah’s visible theocratic organization are attracted by the wonders of a spiritual paradise. Nowhere else on earth have they found righteousness and justice. They have had their fill of faithless clergymen, self-serving politicians and greedy commercial moguls. Their eyes have been opened to a society of God-fearing men and women among whom senseless and unprincipled ones are never whitewashed and made to appear noble; where ungodly and unchristian conduct is reproved and the practicers of uncleanness and wickedness are dealt with speedily.

8. How is Isaiah 32:16 fulfilled upon Jehovah’s people today?

⁸ The prophet continues with his divinely given message, stating: “And in the wilderness justice will certainly reside, and in the orchard righteousness itself will dwell.” (Isaiah 32:16) Certainly, justice and righteousness dwell in Jehovah’s visible theocratic organization. Of course, all true servants of God recognize that everything they have and enjoy, including their favorable standing with Jehovah, comes to them as unmerited kindness. Their righteousness is of God.

9. How do the labors of Jehovah’s faithful witnesses contrast with the works and attitude of Christendom’s clergy?

⁹ This is so strikingly different from the self-righteous and sanctimonious stance of Christendom’s prominent ones. It is a righteousness that is proved by works​—works that bring praise to Jehovah and benefits to his obedient creatures of all races and tongues. Not the least of those works is that of proclaiming the King who now reigns according to God’s will. No other organization of people is engaged in publishing that gladdening fact. And each honest-hearted hearer of the message is, in turn, eager to pass on to his neighbors information about the blessings of Kingdom unity.

The Blessing of Peace

10. What does Isaiah go on to describe in his prophecy at Isa chapter 32, verse 17?

¹⁰ This spreading global work, this sacred service, goes forward in an organizational atmosphere of peace, quietness and security such as Isaiah goes on to describe at Isa chapter 32, verse 17, of his prophecy, saying: “And the work of the true righteousness must become peace; and the service of the true righteousness, quietness and security to time indefinite.” It is this true righteousness that God-fearing people of all races and languages have been seeking, and they now find it in the organization of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Here there is peace, for everyone is cooperative, having “plenty to do in the work of the Lord.”​—1 Corinthians 15:58.

11. (a) Who have no place in Jehovah’s organization? (b) How are they gathered out, and with what result to Jehovah’s loyal servants?

¹¹ Among God’s people, there is no room for idle talkers and those who do not wish to work in Jehovah’s service. In fact, the promise implied in Jesus’ illustration at Matthew 13:24-30, 39, 41 is now being fulfilled. The angelic reapers are indeed ‘collecting out from his Kingdom organization all things that cause stumbling and persons who are doing lawlessness.’ The angels can discern who are the true servants of Jehovah and who the false. They are well able to bring about circumstances whereby the workers of iniquity are exposed and dismissed from the association of true Christians. And the result? A healthy organization, functioning to Jehovah’s praise and to the advancement of his Kingdom under Jesus Christ.

12. (a) What strong assurances does Jehovah give his people as expressed at Isaiah 32:18? (b) What coming events cast their shadows in advance, and how are Jehovah’s loyal ones affected thereby?

¹² Isaiah further declares (Isa 32:18): “And my people must dwell in a peaceful abiding place and in residences of full confidence and in undisturbed resting-places.” Jehovah has indeed granted to his faithful servants on earth a place and a work from which no one will be permitted to drive them away. They are here to stay until Jehovah has brought to completion his purpose for them this side of Har–Magedon. (Revelation 16:14, 16) In their case, Babylon the Great, the world empire of false religion, has already fallen. Her influence is swiftly diminishing. Even now, elements of the wild beast described in Revelation chapter 17 are eyeing her, preparing to eat her flesh and burn her utterly with fire. (Revelation 17:16) But Kingdom witnesses are not at all disturbed by such events looming on the horizon. They do not share the fear and dismay of worldly people. Since Jehovah has blessed us with advance knowledge of coming developments, we are able to face the future with confidence as to the outcome. “Abundant peace belongs to those loving [Jehovah’s] law, and for them there is no stumbling block.”​—Psalm 119:165.

13. What significant improvement has Jehovah brought about in his visible organization, and what effect has this had on the attitude and work of his people?

¹³ At Isaiah 60:17 the prophet foretold that there would be significant improvements in theocratic order and procedures among Jehovah’s earthly servants. This he illustrated by the replacement of combustible material and inferior metals with copper, silver and gold. Then we read: “And I will appoint peace as your overseers and righteousness as your task assigners.” All in this Kingdom publicity organization are happy to serve together peacefully, for all their tasks, in whatever branch of service they are engaged, are connected with the proclamation of the Kingdom throughout the earth. All see eye to eye, and all are concerned about getting the work done. How completely different from the selfish, continuing war between labor and management that causes so many problems in the world around us! All in Jehovah’s organization, no matter what position they occupy, are taught by Jehovah and so are able to proceed with their work in peace and good order.​—Isaiah 54:13.

14. What very different future faces (a) the industrious people of Jehovah? (b) Christendom and all her political paramours?

¹⁴ This blessed and industrious people will continue undisturbed even as the end of Satan’s system of things arrives with surprising suddenness. Jehovah’s execution of judgment, like a storm of heavy hail upon Christendom and all the world, will completely annihilate the enemy. But God’s people will be safe under his protection when the great “forest” of Satan’s armed hosts is laid low, just as Isaiah 32:19 foretells: “It will certainly hail when the forest goes down and the city becomes low in an abased state.” Through all this world-shaking process Jehovah’s servants will rest in the assurance that “the angel of Jehovah is camping all around those fearing him, and he rescues them.”​—Psalm 34:7.

A Vast Work to Be Completed

15. What work is yet to be done by Jehovah’s people?

¹⁵ Meanwhile, there is yet a vast work to be completed while Jehovah still provides the opportunity for multitudes in all nations to have their eyes opened and their ears unstopped to the significance of the message of salvation. Happy indeed are those giving of themselves unstintingly to such service of the Kingdom, busily sowing the seeds of Kingdom truth among people of all nations! This blessedness is like that described in the final verse of Isaiah 32:20, which reads: “Happy are you people who are sowing seed alongside all waters, sending forth the feet of the bull and of the ass.” These animals were beasts of burden used by the ancient people of God to plow the land for the sowing of seed. Comparably today, Jehovah has provided the equipment needed by his modern witnesses so that the sowing of Kingdom truth may be accomplished rapidly and effectively, with the confident hope that Jehovah will add his blessing in the form of a bumper harvest.

16. What evidences do we have that Jehovah now is richly blessing his Kingdom witnesses in all the earth?

¹⁶ As we survey the field, which is the world, do we not behold Jehovah’s evident blessing on our efforts to preach the Kingdom message with zeal and regularity? Larger and improved branch quarters house the increasing number of willing worker-ministers that are required to care for the Bethel work load in many lands. Modern printing equipment and time-saving procedures have been made available in country after country, so that the production of Bibles, Bible handbooks and magazines has vastly increased. Growing numbers of dedicated, baptized servants of God are volunteering to serve as regular and auxiliary pioneers, spending time each and every day in the vital service of planting Kingdom truth in the hearts of many. Kingdom proclaimers in almost all congregations are striving to increase their ministry, doing so out of deep appreciation for the blessings that Jehovah has already showered upon them.

17. What is unique about Jehovah’s Witnesses and their work in our day?

¹⁷ Only Jehovah’s Witnesses are engaged in this life-imparting work on behalf of God’s Kingdom government. Only they are rejoicing in the harvest returns that are even now manifest. The seed, too, that Jehovah supplies for his willing field workers is so well screened and selected! Our Bible study aids are prepared with a view to stirring the hearts of many who are yet to be harvested and brought into Jehovah’s peaceful organization, the Christian congregation, which at Matthew 13:30 is likened to his Son’s “storehouse.”

18. Why should we be determined to push on in our Kingdom service with satisfaction and joy?

¹⁸ Truly, we are in the day of Jehovah, the day of realization of his “precious and very grand promises” to his devoted people. (2 Peter 1:4) Peace and unity are flourishing among us. We have been granted a clear understanding of the purposes of our God. We have peace of mind amid a fear-stricken and anxious world population. A future filled with still greater blessings awaits us. Are we not overjoyed to be the recipients of all these blessings of Kingdom unity? And are we not determined to forge ahead with our Kingdom work to Jehovah’s everlasting praise?