“goods” faithfully now and will continue to do so in the years ahead. There is much to be accomplished, and by Jehovah’s goodness the great work will be done.

8. Does the “ruler” show his confidence in individuals?

⁸ It is true and a fact that the Lord has shown his trust in this “faithful and wise servant”, but how about all the individuals making up the anointed remnant and now the thousands of “other sheep” of good-will? Does this “ruler” express his pleasure and confidence in these individuals, or does he reckon and deal only with groups? Unquestionably he judges and approves or disapproves individuals. Of course, such persons do not operate independently of the “faithful servant”. Some of these individual responsibilities are shown by the “parable of the talents”.

PARABLE OF THE TALENTS

9, 10. What does the parable of the talents show, and when is it due for fulfillment?

⁹ This parable is recorded at Matthew 25:14-30, and pertains to Kingdom interests, privileges and opportunities. When giving this and the other preceding parables the Lord said, ‘The kingdom of heaven is like unto.’ This does not mean that first when the church enters into heaven such a parable will be fulfilled, neither is he saying what heaven is like by those parables. No, he is not teaching that. Note Matthew 25:1, “Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto . . . ” This indicates a time feature, and is at the time when the Lord returns, but before he destroys this evil world and commences the 1,000-year reign among men. It is in the “time of the end” (syntéleia). So with the parable of the talents; the master is going on a long journey and calls his servants together and delivers to them his goods. One gets five talents, another two, and the third gets one, “each according to his several ability,” which ability really is depth of devotion.

¹⁰ The Lord returns and has a reckoning, and learns that the servant with “five talents” has increased to ten, he with two increased to four, and the third hid his one talent and therefore it was just as it was. The first and second servants are congratulated and rewarded. “Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.” This clearly teaches that to be trustworthy, faithful and excellent servants we must not only hold and preserve what we have entrusted to us, but increase by doubling. Devotion and performance are required of all those who would hear the “Well done!” (Matt. 25:23) The Lord said, “You have been trustworthy in the management of a little, I will put you in charge of much.” (Weymouth) This is a rule of action upon which the Lord acts; that is, faithfulness in the smallest matters indicates, yes, determines whether one would be faithful in large matters. On another occasion Jesus said, “He that is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much: and he that is unrighteous in a very little is unrighteous also in much.” (Luke 16:10, Am. Stan. Ver.) “He who is trustworthy in the smallest matter is trustworthy in a great one also.”—Twentieth Century.

11. (a) What Theocratic rule is here taught? (b) Moses is an example of what? and how can this be applied now?

¹¹ There are those who enthusiastically tackle the seemingly big tasks, especially if it brings them into the limelight, but how about smaller, insignificant tasks, perhaps menial ones, not seen by others? These may seem to be so unimportant that they could easily be left for someone else to do. A servant shows his degree of faithfulness and trustworthiness by the care and diligence he devotes to these small things. The servant must prove his own dependability. Think of the servants of God who gained his complete approval. Moses, for example, the visible leader of approximately two million persons, with all his tremendous responsibilities; yet note the thoroughness with which he attended to every minute detail when building the tabernacle and its furnishings. The record is, “And Moses indeed was faithful in all his [God’s] house as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were afterward to be spoken.” (Heb. 3:5, Am. Stan. Ver.) Jehovah could safely trust Moses to do whatever He commanded. Moses proved himself to be reliable, thoroughly dependable, and it is true today that if we want the Master’s confidence and approval, also increased privileges, then individually we must be dependable and trustworthy.

12. What does Jehovah’s thoroughness teach us?

¹² The Creator himself supplies the pattern for all his creatures to follow. Note how carefully and with what thoroughness he has provided for all. The animals, birds, fish, trees, mankind—nothing is missed. The desire of every living thing is satisfied. (Psalm 104) Observe too all the careful preparation for the new world’s rule. The Lord Jesus is a perfect example of one caring for the smallest details. Let us remember that any service we are called upon to do by the Lord’s “faithful and wise servant” is important, whether it be large or small, seen or unseen. Do it as unto the Lord. All such work is important and honorable if we count it so. The psalmist said on one occasion, “For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.” (Ps. 84:10, Am. Stan. Ver.) Therefore let us not shirk any assigned tasks. Accept the responsibility and do not seek the easy way out of it as do those of this world. Rather, let us enter into it with all our hearts and be faithful.

13, 14. What are some of the Kingdom talents entrusted to the individual? and what must be done with them?

¹³ To be faithful in our service we must use our “talents”, or Kingdom interests, so they will increase. Try to double them. How can this be accomplished? From what has already been stated, it will be appreciated what are the Kingdom interests committed into the custody of the “faithful and wise servant”, and therefore it will be easy to see how individuals may handle the same interests. All servants of God are entrusted with some Kingdom service, large or small. Why, the very knowledge of the truth itself is a trust, for it has been given to us by the Lord, and it can also be taken away from us by the Lord. We do not keep ourselves in the truth by human methods, such as the mere human will-power. No, for it is the loving-kindness of God that grants this treasured knowledge. God pushes the proud away, and the meek he shows his covenant. This being so, then what are we doing with this interest? Are we increasing in knowledge and understanding? It grows with use, it does not increase by hiding it. Then we have interests in magazine advertising, back-calls on interested persons, Bible studies and other field service. Then the congregational services must be attended to. Every servant, every pioneer, and all the brethren serving in the Society’s institutions have “talents” or “interests”.

¹⁴ Regardless of where we are, if our service has been assigned to us by and through the “faithful and wise servant” then it must be a Kingdom service, because that servant is “ruler over all the goods”. Then, are we developing the service given into our custody? Are we merely going through the routine, as it were, with no enthusiasm, zeal, eagerness and joy behind it? Are we performing our service with promptitude? Do not aspire to be in the limelight, but let the Lord and his “faithful servant” assign you the tasks. Remember that promotion comes from the Lord. (Ps. 75:5-7) Be grateful and appreciative for even the smallest service you can perform. Another Theocratic rule that must be borne in mind is, “To whomsoever much is given, of him shall much be required.” (Luke 12:48, Am. Stan. Ver.) “For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that which he hath.” (Matt. 13:12, Am. Stan. Ver.) There must be an increase of what has been entrusted.

INCREASE

15. (a) How should each servant handle his talents? (b) What would a person do to increase his worldly business, and what to increase the King’s business?

¹⁵ How does a man increase his worldly business? He will first become well acquainted with the product he is selling. It may be he is convinced it will do a certain amount of good, and he becomes optimistic and enthusiastic. Then he commences advertising and provides for demonstrations, learns how to meet and to treat opposition and competition. He gets good, reliable assistants, and spends his money where it will bring the best results. He must work hard, be untiring in efforts, boundless in patience, if he wants the desired results. If all these things are accomplished for secular business, for goods which are transitory and perishable, then how much more should we do for Kingdom “business”, which is eternal. In this new world you have a personal interest; for do you not expect to live in it and enjoy its blessings? If so, then be one of those servants expending yourself on its behalf. Add something to your service. Do not be trying to show the ‘ruler of all the interests’ how to do his business, but get busy with those committed to your care. If only all the Lord’s servants would put the same thought, planning, enthusiasm, hard work, alacrity, in the new world’s service as they do in their own worldly affairs, then they would reap 100-percent increase. Then greater and wider opportunities of service would come to mind, opening out wider fields. Neglect toward these interests brings disaster. “The slave who knows his master’s wishes, but does not get ready or act upon them, will be severely punished.”—Luke 12:47, An Amer. Trans.

16. How can we make sure we increase our Kingdom interests?

¹⁶ To be approved by the new world’s Rulers we must increase the interests we have, large or small. Therefore concentrate on the Lord’s work and do not permit your personal business matters and other affairs to hinder your handling the Lord’s interests so they will increase. Accept your responsibilities and do not wait for someone to urge you on, but go forward yourself. You are one of the Lord’s servants. Make the King’s business the most important, and force your own into second or even third place. Never be indifferent, careless, unreliable, escaping responsibilities. Rather, copy the “faithful and wise servant”, who now has charge of all the Lord’s visible Kingdom services.

COMMENDATION AND JOY

17. How are the commendation and “joy of the Lord” given to his servant in these days?

¹⁷ Esteem above all else the obtaining of the highest praise and commendation from the King of all kings, the Ruler chosen by Almighty Jehovah. “Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will set thee over many things; enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” (Matt. 25:21, Am. Stan. Ver.) Faithful service brings the reward, for more responsibilities are placed on the shoulders of such servant, and this happens before the old world is destroyed. These approved ones are also entering into the joy of their Lord. The great joy of the new world’s ruler is to do the heavenly Father’s work, to see that his name, Jehovah, is praised forever and ever, and to have part now in vindicating it before all the world. That joy knows no limits. Then there is the destruction of this evil world, removing evildoers for all time. Oh, that the day might even be hastened! It cannot come quickly enough. Then the Devil, his demons, his rulers of darkness, will be gone. Does not even this prospect bring abounding joy to your heart? And there is still more to follow.

18. How can we begin to enter into the joy of our Lord?

¹⁸ Can you not begin to enter into the “joy of thy Lord”? Yes, it is possible, and that to the extent of your faithful service. This joy is not given to the slackers, murmurers and idlers, but only to those who are ever alert, awake and seeking to increase at all times. The greater the service and approval, the more we enter into the joy. All the joys of Kingdom service, belonging to the King, we may enter into, and the immediate future holds many more. This is our day of prosperity. Let us rejoice and be glad that now we are in it. (Ps. 118:23-29) Be joyful in the King of the new world. There has never been a time like this in the history of man, and there will never be such a time again. Share the King’s service now, and share the King’s joy. Now is the time to work hard and work with a will. The work is joyful and will continue so, bringing its increase in talents (Kingdom interests). The promise has been made, “Thou wilt show me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; in thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.”—Ps. 16:11, Am. Stan. Ver.

19. What future rewards are in store for those who increase their talents?

¹⁹ Then everlasting blessings in the glorious new world. “And the ransomed of Jehovah shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy shall be upon their heads: they shall obtain gladness and joy, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.” “For the Lamb that is in the midst of the throne shall be their shepherd, and shall guide them unto fountains of waters of life: and God shall wipe away every tear from their eyes.” (Isa. 35:10 and Rev. 7:17, Am. Stan. Ver.) No time now to slack the hand, but be busy in the Kingdom service, improving, increasing, always expanding your talents (Kingdom interests). The time is short. All loyal, faithful servants of God, enter fully into your present service. Greater responsibilities, which may require all the strength we have, lie ahead, but the rewards are also great. Therefore let all be sober, be vigilant, be energetic. Foes will come up against us, but Jehovah will push them back, so that we can get ahead with his precious work. Watch the “faithful and wise servant” and receive with meekness and gratitude the counsel and instructions issued. Keep away from the tables of those opposed. Watch well your present interests in the Kingdom. Do not spare yourself, but increase more and more, and you will be conscious of the Lord’s approval and those sweet, delightful, satisfying words of approval by the Master, “Well done, good and faithful servant!” Our eternal existence depends upon faithful performance of duty.

God’s Government

THE government of Jehovah God is of paramount importance to all who are seeking the way to life. By and through his government or kingdom Jehovah will vindicate his name and establish lasting peace in the universe, and never again shall affliction rise up. (Nah. 1:9) In all periods of time honest men have desired such a government and have had some vague knowledge of its coming. Now God’s kingdom or government is here, and every person of good-will toward God will be anxious to learn about that government. The government of Jehovah God is a Theocracy because under the immediate direction and administration of Almighty God. It is a righteous government because all of Jehovah’s ways are right and righteous. Jehovah is supreme; and all who have a part in his government must be in full accord with him and joyfully obey his commandments.

Following the rebellion in Eden the first ray of hope set before man was God’s promise to establish a righteous government on earth. Abel had faith and hope in that coming government. Likewise Enoch, Noah, Abraham, and a few others desired that government and by faith looked forward to it. (Heb. 11:1-16) With the descendants of Abraham God set up a typical Theocracy. He used the Israelites to make prophetic pictures of his coming real Theocratic government. Moses, Aaron, Joshua and Samuel were representatives on the earth of God’s Theocratic government. When the Jews requested a man for king they displeased God, and concerning this it is written: “And the LORD said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them. According to all the works which they have done since the day that I brought them up out of Egypt even unto this day, wherewith they have forsaken me, and served other gods, so do they also unto thee.”—1 Sam. 8:7, 8.

Demon religion, brought in by the Devil, was the reason for the Jews’ rejecting God as King. They wanted to be like other people. Because of Saul’s unfaithfulness he was rejected by the Lord. God then made David king over Israel; and David was a type foreshadowing Christ Jesus, the Beloved of Jehovah, and who is the world’s real and true King under Jehovah, the “king of eternity”.—Jer. 10:10, margin.

The last typical king of Israel was Zedekiah, the unfaithful and wicked one. He was overthrown, and God declared