Jehovah’s Celestial Chariot on the Move

“As regards the wheels, to them it was called out in my ears, ‘O wheelwork!’”​—EZEKIEL 10:13.

1. What mode of transport does Jehovah have?

IN THESE days of sleek jetliners, world leaders may feel they enjoy the ultimate in travel efficiency. Yet, 2,600 years ago, Jehovah God revealed that he has a superlative mode of transport, the likes of which no engineer has ever seen. It is a vast, awesome chariot! Does it seem strange that the Creator of the universe rides in a chariotlike vehicle? No, for Jehovah’s celestial vehicle differs greatly from any conceived by men.

2. How does Ezekiel chapter 1 depict Jehovah’s celestial chariot, and to whom does the prophet first draw our attention?

² In Eze chapter 1 of Ezekiel’s prophecy, Jehovah is pictured as riding in a colossal celestial chariot. This awe-inspiring four-wheeled vehicle is self-propelled and can do amazing things. Ezekiel saw this heavenly chariot in vision in 613 B.C.E., when he was by one of the canals of ancient Babylon. The prophet first draws our attention to those attending upon the celestial chariot of Jehovah. As we read, let us try to visualize what Ezekiel saw.

Four Living Creatures

3. What is denoted by the four faces of each of the four cherubs?

³ Ezekiel reports: “I began to see, and, look! there was a tempestuous wind coming from the north, a great cloud mass and quivering fire, and it had a brightness all around . . . And out of the midst of it there was the likeness of four living creatures.” (Ezekiel 1:4, 5) Each of these four living creatures, or cherubs, had four wings and four faces. They had a lion’s face, denoting Jehovah’s justice; a bull’s face, representing God’s power; and an eagle’s face, signifying His wisdom. They also had a man’s face, designating Jehovah’s love.​—Deuteronomy 32:4; Job 12:13; Isaiah 40:26; Ezekiel 1:10; 1 John 4:8.

4. Why did the cherubs have four faces, and what were the cherubs like for speed?

⁴ Each cherub had a face looking in one of four directions. Hence, the cherubs could change course instantly and follow the face that looked in the desired direction. But what were those cherubs like for speed? Why, they could move with the speed of lightning! (Ezekiel 1:14) No man-made vehicle has ever achieved that speed.

5. How did Ezekiel describe the chariot’s wheels and their rims?

⁵ Suddenly, the chariot’s wheels come into view. How unusual they are! Eze 1 Verses 16 and 18 say: “Their appearance and their structure were just as when a wheel proved to be in the midst of a wheel. And as for their rims, they had such height that they caused fearfulness; and their rims were full of eyes all around the four of them.” A wheel alongside each cherub would result in four wheels in four related places. The wheels glowed like chrysolite, a transparent or translucent yellow or green stone. This adds light and beauty to this glorious vision. Since the rims of the wheels were “full of eyes all around,” they were not going blindly in just any direction. And the wheels were enormously high, thus being able to cover a great distance with just one revolution on their axis. They, like the four cherubs, could move as fast as lightning.

Wheels Within Wheels

6. (a) How was it that the chariot had wheels within wheels? (b) The wheels conformed the direction of their movement to what?

⁶ Something else was unusual. Each wheel had a wheel inside it​—one of the same diameter that fitted crosswise into the base wheel. Only in this way could the wheels be said to “go on their four respective sides.” (Eze 1 Verse 17) Instantly, the wheels could change direction because there was a side of the wheel facing in each direction. The wheels conformed their direction of movement to that of the four cherubs. On the four wheels, the body of God’s chariot could ride by invisible support similar to a powerful craft that is held up by a cushion of air as it skims over water.

7. What was the power source for the wheels?

⁷ Where did the wheels get this power to conform to all the movements of the four cherubs? From the holy spirit of Almighty God. Eze 1 Verse 20 says: “Wherever the spirit inclined to go, they would go . . . The spirit of the living creature was in the wheels.” The same invisible active force of God that was within the cherubs was in those wheels.

8. What name was given the wheels, and why?

⁸ The wheels are referred to by the term “wheelwork.” (Ezekiel 10:13) This was evidently occasioned by what each wheel does. It rolls along or whirls. Designating this part of the celestial chariot in such a way calls attention to the speed with which the celestial chariot moves. Although its wheels whirled so speedily, they could always see their way because of their fullness of eyes.

9. How did Ezekiel describe what was above the chariot’s fast-moving four wheels?

⁹ But now let us look and see what is above those fearfully high, fast-moving four wheels. Verse 22 of Ezekiel chapter 1 says: “Over the heads of the living creatures there was the likeness of an expanse like the sparkle of awesome ice, stretched out over their heads up above.” The expanse, though solid, was translucent, “like the sparkle of awesome ice.” It was sparkling like thousands of diamonds as the sun strikes them. Awe-inspiring indeed!

The Glorious Chariot Rider

10. (a) How are the throne and the One on the throne described? (b) What is denoted by the fact that the chariot Rider is enveloped in glory?

¹⁰ Evidently, the chariot stops so that its Rider may speak to Ezekiel. Above the expanse, there is the likeness of a throne, sapphire, or deep blue, in appearance. On the throne, there is Someone whose appearance is like an earthling man. The human form could best help Ezekiel to appreciate this divine manifestation. But that human form is enveloped in glory, so that it glows like electrum, a shining alloy of silver and gold. What quivering beauty! From the waist of this manlike form, this elegant glory extends both upward and downward. The whole form is thus surrounded with glory. This indicates that Jehovah is indescribably glorious. Moreover, the chariot Rider is accompanied by a lovely rainbow. What calmness and tranquillity a rainbow communicates after a storm! Having that calm attitude, Jehovah keeps his attributes of wisdom, justice, power, and love in perfect balance.

11. How was Ezekiel affected by the vision of Jehovah’s chariot and throne?

¹¹ Jehovah’s chariot and throne are surrounded by light and beautiful colors. What a contrast to Satan, the prince of darkness and of the occult! And how was Ezekiel affected by all of this? “When I got to see it,” he says, “then I fell upon my face, and I began to hear the voice of one speaking.”​—Ezekiel 1:28.

What the Chariot Depicted

12. What is pictured by Jehovah’s celestial chariot?

¹² What is pictured by this marvelous chariot? The celestial, or heavenly, organization of Jehovah God. It is composed of all of his holy spirit creatures in the invisible realm​—seraphs, cherubs, and angels. Since Jehovah is the Most High God, all of his spirit creatures are subject to him, and he rides them in the sense of benevolently dominating them and using them according to his purpose.​—Psalm 103:20.

13. (a) Why can it be said that Jehovah rides his organization? (b) How does the vision of Jehovah’s four-wheeled chariot on the move affect you?

¹³ Jehovah rides this organization as if on a chariot, causing it to move to wherever his spirit impels it to move. It is not running wild, without control or intelligent supervision. God is not letting this organization go in any direction it might be inclined to go. Rather, it follows his directions. Together, all are moving unitedly forward to the full accomplishment of God’s objectives. What a marvelous heavenly organization is revealed by this vision of Jehovah’s four-wheeled celestial chariot on the move! In harmony with this, Jehovah’s organization is represented as being foursquare, in perfect balance.

Appointed as a Watchman

14. Who is pictured by the prophet Ezekiel?

¹⁴ But who is pictured by the prophet Ezekiel? From the facts of history, it is evident that the body of spirit-anointed Witnesses of Jehovah has been associated with the celestial chariot. Thus, Ezekiel well pictures the anointed remnant of Jehovah’s Witnesses since 1919. Spiritually, God’s heavenly organization got in touch with the anointed remnant in that year, to revive them as Witnesses of Jehovah to all the world. (Compare Revelation 11:1-12.) That chariotlike organization was then on the move, even as it is today. In fact, its wheels of progress are turning faster than ever. Jehovah rides swiftly onward!

15. What does the voice of the Rider of the celestial chariot say, and what commission does Ezekiel receive?

¹⁵ Ezekiel desired to know why the celestial chariot had drawn up before him and stopped. He found out as a voice came to him from the One sitting upon the chariot. Overwhelmed at this awe-inspiring spectacle, Ezekiel prostrated himself. Listen as the voice of the Rider of the celestial chariot says: “Son of man, stand up upon your feet that I may speak with you.” (Ezekiel 2:1) Jehovah then commissions Ezekiel to be a watchman and to warn the rebellious house of Israel. He is even commissioned to speak in the divine name. Ezekiel’s name means “God Strengthens.” So it is that God has strengthened the Ezekiel class and sent them forth, appointing them as a watchman to Christendom.

16, 17. (a) How did the vision of the celestial chariot benefit Ezekiel? (b) In our day, how has the understanding of the vision of the celestial chariot affected the Ezekiel class and the great crowd?

¹⁶ The vision of the celestial chariot was sobering and stunning to Ezekiel, but it also prepared him for his commission as a watchman to sound the warning of the coming destruction of Jerusalem. The same has been true of the watchman class today. Their understanding of the vision of Jehovah’s celestial chariot on the move has had great impact on the anointed remnant. In 1931 they learned more about Ezekiel’s vision, as revealed in Vindication, Book One. They were then filled with such sober appreciation that from the issue of October 15, 1931, to that of August 1, 1950, the front-cover design of The Watchtower carried in its upper right-hand corner an artist’s conception of Ezekiel’s vision of the celestial chariot. Thus, the Ezekiel class has acted upon the commission given them, and they have been serving as a watchman, sounding out the divine warning. The time for Christendom’s fiery destruction from Jehovah enthroned on his celestial chariot was never nearer!

¹⁷ Today, “a great crowd” of sheeplike people are associated with the anointed remnant. (Revelation 7:9) Together, they are sounding forth the warning of the coming destruction upon Christendom and this entire diabolic system of things. That warning work is going on apace, and as indicated at Revelation 14:6, 7, the angels are supporting it.

Moving With the Celestial Chariot

18. What must be done to get the continued support of the angels, and to what should we be sensitive?

¹⁸ The submissive angels move in concert as part of God’s heavenly organization while assisting Jehovah’s earthly servants in fulfilling their commission to declare divine judgment warnings. If we desire the continued protection and guidance of these mighty angelic servants of God, we too must move in concert and keep pace with the symbolic wheelwork. Moreover, as part of Jehovah’s visible organization moving in parallel with his celestial chariot, we must be sensitive to the leadings of God’s spirit. (Compare Philippians 2:13.) If we are Jehovah’s Witnesses, we must move in the same direction as the celestial chariot. We surely must not work at cross-purposes with it. When given direction in the way we should go, we should follow it. Thus, the congregation is not divided.​—1 Corinthians 1:10.

19. (a) Just as the celestial chariot’s wheels have eyes all around them, to what must Jehovah’s people be alert? (b) What should be our course of action in these turbulent times?

¹⁹ The eyes all around the wheels of God’s chariot indicate alertness. Just as the heavenly organization is alert, so we must be alert to support Jehovah’s earthly organization. On a congregational level, we can show that support by cooperating with the local elders. (Hebrews 13:17) And in these turbulent times, Christians need to stick very close to Jehovah’s organization. We do not want to place our own interpretation on events, for then we would not be moving with Jehovah’s celestial chariot. Let us always ask ourselves, ‘Which way is the celestial chariot moving?’ If we move ahead with God’s visible organization, we will also be moving with the invisible organization.

20. What fine counsel does the apostle Paul give at Philippians 3:13-16?

²⁰ In this regard, Paul wrote: “Brothers, I do not yet consider myself as having laid hold on it; but there is one thing about it: Forgetting the things behind and stretching forward to the things ahead, I am pursuing down toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God by means of Christ Jesus. Let us, then, as many of us as are mature, be of this mental attitude; and if you are mentally inclined otherwise in any respect, God will reveal the above attitude to you. At any rate, to what extent we have made progress, let us go on walking orderly in this same routine.”​—Philippians 3:13-16.

21. By following what routine is it possible to make spiritual advancement with God’s organization?

²¹ Here the word “routine” does not mean a bad rut from which we cannot extricate ourselves. Jehovah’s servants have a fine routine by means of which they make spiritual advancement. It is a routine of engaging in personal Bible study, attending congregation meetings, regularly preaching the good news of the Kingdom, and reflecting the qualities of God’s heavenly organization. Such a routine enables them to follow the leadings of Jehovah’s celestial chariotlike organization. By persevering in this manner, we shall attain our goal, whether it is the prize of immortal life in the heavens or everlasting life on a paradise earth.

22. (a) For the anointed remnant and the great crowd of other sheep to be unitedly organized, what must be done? (b) What does not escape Jehovah’s notice?

²² As John 10:16 indicates, the “other sheep” and the Ezekiel class would be unitedly organized. Thus, it is essential that all in Jehovah’s organization grasp the full meaning and significance of the vision recorded in Ezekiel chapter 1 if they are to move in concert with God’s celestial chariot. The vision of it helps us to appreciate that we should move in harmony with God’s organization, visible and invisible. Keep in mind, too, that Jehovah’s eyes “are roving about through all the earth to show his strength in behalf of those whose heart is complete toward him.” (2 Chronicles 16:9) Not a single thing escapes Jehovah’s notice, especially anything regarding his purpose to vindicate himself as Universal Sovereign.

23. With Jehovah’s celestial chariot on the move, what must we do?

²³ Jehovah’s celestial chariot is certainly on the move today. Soon everything will be brought to glory in harmony with the glorious One who rides that chariot​—all in vindication of him as the Sovereign Lord of the universe. His seraphs, cherubs, and angels are backing us up in our great worldwide preaching work. Let us move ahead, then, with Jehovah’s heavenly organization. But how can we keep pace with that fast-moving celestial chariot?

Keep Pace With Jehovah’s Celestial Chariot

“You must speak my words to them, regardless of whether they hear or they refrain.”​—EZEKIEL 2:7.

1, 2. What royal carriage did Ezekiel behold, and what was he told?

JEHOVAH’S celestial chariot now stands before his servants. With eyes of faith, they behold that regal conveyance of their Sovereign Lord. It is glorious, awesome, majestic.

² The same royal carriage pulled up before God’s prophet Ezekiel in vision some 2,600 years ago. From this throne-bearing chariot​—God’s heavenly organization of spirit creatures—​Jehovah issued this dramatic command to Ezekiel: “The sons insolent of face and hard of heart​—I am sending you to them, and you must say to them, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord Jehovah has said.’ And as for them, whether they will hear or will refrain​—for they are a rebellious house—​they will certainly know also that a prophet himself happened to be in the midst of them.”​—Ezekiel 2:4, 5.

3. What modern-day counterpart does Ezekiel have?

³ Ezekiel resolutely carried out that commission, serving as a single instrument in the divine hand. Similarly, God now has a single organizational instrument in his control. The Ezekiel class, the anointed remnant, is at the forefront of the work of giving a final witness, with “a great crowd” of “other sheep” rallying around in support. (Revelation 7:9, 10; John 10:16) Together they are “one flock,” with the Fine Shepherd, Jesus Christ, leading them under the sovereignty of the grand Chariot Rider, Jehovah God.

4, 5. How did God’s visible organization come into existence, and what has it experienced in harmony with Isaiah 60:22?

⁴ Under Jehovah’s direction, this worldwide organization has grown from small beginnings to become a powerful agency for proclaiming the decree to “fear God and give him glory, because the hour of the judgment by him has arrived.” (Revelation 14:7) As Ezekiel did not raise up or appoint himself as a prophet, so God’s visible organization did not create or appoint itself. It did not spring from human will or effort. The divine Chariot Rider caused this organization to come into existence. Empowered by God’s spirit and backed by holy angels, Jehovah’s people have experienced such dramatic expansion that ‘the small one has become a mighty nation.’​—Isaiah 60:22.

⁵ Over 4,000,000 Witnesses of Jehovah are proclaiming the Kingdom message in 212 lands. They are grouped in more than 63,000 congregations organized into circuits and districts. Extensive branch office and printing facilities are operating under the direction of the Governing Body as the center of the headquarters organization. As though they were one person, all are moving forward, preaching the good news, educating those who respond, building meeting places. Yes, Jehovah’s visible organization is keeping pace with the celestial chariot and its Rider.

6. What is involved in keeping pace with Jehovah’s visible organization?

⁶ If you are one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, are you keeping pace with God’s visible organization? Doing so is not simply a matter of attending Christian meetings and spending time in the ministry. Primarily, pace has to do with progress and spiritual growth. It involves having a positive outlook, setting proper priorities, and being up-to-date. If we are keeping pace with Jehovah’s celestial chariot, our lives are consistent with the message we proclaim.

7. Why consider Ezekiel’s conduct as God’s prophet?

⁷ In the matter of keeping pace, Jehovah’s modern-day servants can learn much from Ezekiel’s example. Though specially appointed as a prophet by Jehovah, Ezekiel still had feelings, concerns, and needs. For instance, as a comparatively young married man, he suffered the grief of losing his wife in death. Yet, he never lost sight of his commission as Jehovah’s prophet. By considering how Ezekiel conducted himself in other respects too, we can strengthen ourselves to keep pace with God’s visible organization. This will enable us to keep pace with his invisible organization.

Commission Accepted and Fulfilled

8. With regard to his commission, what example did Ezekiel set?

⁸ Ezekiel set a fine example by accepting his commission and fulfilling it. However, obedience and courage were needed to carry it out, for we read: “O son of man, do not be afraid of them; and of their words do not be afraid, because there are obstinate ones and things pricking you and it is among scorpions that you are dwelling. Of their words do not you be afraid, and at their faces do not you be struck with terror, for they are a rebellious house. And you must speak my words to them, regardless of whether they hear or they refrain, for they are a case of rebellion. And you, O son of man, hear what I am speaking to you. Do not become rebellious like the rebellious house.”​—Ezekiel 2:6-8.

9. Only by doing what would Ezekiel be free of bloodguilt?

⁹ Ezekiel was not to be apathetic or fearful, needing to be prodded constantly to fulfill his commission. He would be free of bloodguilt only if he willingly and boldly spoke Jehovah’s words. Ezekiel was told: “In case you have warned someone wicked and he does not actually turn back from his wickedness and from his wicked way, he himself for his error will die; but as for you, you will have delivered your own soul.”​—Ezekiel 3:19.

10. How has the Ezekiel class proved to be like the prophet?

¹⁰ As in Ezekiel’s case, the anointed Ezekiel class have accepted their God-given commission and are fulfilling it. If we are Jehovah’s Witnesses, we should remember that our life and the lives of others depend upon our obedience. (1 Timothy 4:15, 16) Each Witness needs to keep pace with Jehovah’s organization. God will not tie us to his chariot and drag us along. Apathy and a divided heart demean the Chariot Rider. So Jehovah’s visible organization exhorts us to keep divine interests at the center of our lives. A consistent response to such exhortation keeps us in step with God’s organization and elevates our sacred ministry above the routine, the mechanical. Certainly, Jehovah’s people as a whole display remarkable devotion. Our individual part is to maintain the pace.

God’s Words Taken Into the Heart

11. What example did Ezekiel set as regards God’s words?

¹¹ Ezekiel also set a fine example by taking God’s words into his heart. On command, he ate a God-given roll, or scroll. “It came to be in my mouth like honey for sweetness,” said Ezekiel. Though the roll was filled with “dirges and moaning and wailing,” it was sweet to Ezekiel because he appreciated the honor of representing Jehovah. It was a sweet experience to the prophet to fulfill his God-given assignment. God told him: “Son of man, all my words that I shall speak to you, take into your heart and hear with your own ears.” (Ezekiel 2:9–3:3, Eze 3:10) Those visions made Ezekiel acutely aware of what God allowed him to participate in and strengthened his relationship with Jehovah.

12. What did Ezekiel do in more than two decades of prophetic service?

¹² Ezekiel was given visions and messages for various purposes and audiences. He had to listen carefully and then speak and act as directed. New information and procedures were revealed to him progressively during some 22 years of prophetic service. Sometimes Ezekiel spoke a specially worded message. At other times, he resorted to pantomime, as in lying before a brick symbolizing Jerusalem. (Ezekiel 4:1-8) His example in personal matters, such as his reaction to his wife’s death, also carried a message. (Ezekiel 24:15-19) He had to be current, always presenting the right message and taking the right action at the right time. Ezekiel was bound in a very close, progressive working relationship with Jehovah.

13. How can we build a close relationship with Jehovah?

¹³ Similarly, to build and maintain a close relationship with Jehovah as his fellow workers, we must take God’s Word into our heart. (1 Corinthians 3:9) Keeping pace with God’s visible organization in this respect requires that we keep up with the flow of spiritual food as it is supplied at the proper time. (Matthew 24:45-47) The “pure language” is constantly expanding. (Zephaniah 3:9) Only if we are up-to-date will we really be able to respond obediently to the direction of the Chariot Rider.

14, 15. What routine is needed to keep the pace set by God’s organization?

¹⁴ To that end, we need a good routine of personal prayer, private study, and participation in the holy ministry of the good news. (Romans 15:16) Recall Ezekiel’s example in eating the roll containing God’s message. Ezekiel consumed the entire roll, not part of it. He did not pick and choose morsels that might have been more to his personal taste. Similarly, our personal study of the Bible and Christian publications should be regulated to keep pace with the flow of spiritual food, and we should partake of all that is put on the spiritual table, including deeper truths.

¹⁵ Do we make prayerful effort to get the sense of the solid food? Keeping pace requires that our knowledge and understanding progress beyond the elementary, for we read: “Everyone that partakes of milk is unacquainted with the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But solid food belongs to mature people, to those who through use have their perceptive powers trained to distinguish both right and wrong.” (Hebrews 5:13, 14) Yes, making spiritual progress is a vital part of keeping the pace God’s organization sets.

Not Deterred by Indifference

16, 17. How did Ezekiel deal with indifference, ridicule, and lack of response?

¹⁶ Ezekiel also set a fine example by being obedient and not allowing himself to be deterred by indifference or ridicule. Similarly, by keeping up with the development of the pure language, we are attuned to the direction taken by the royal Chariot Rider. Thus we are equipped to respond to his commands, strengthened to be undeterred by the indifference or ridicule of those to whom we speak Jehovah’s judgment message. As with Ezekiel, God has forewarned us that some people would actively oppose, being hardheaded and hardhearted. Others would not hear because they do not want to listen to Jehovah. (Ezekiel 3:7-9) Still others would be hypocrites, as Ezekiel 33:31, 32 states: “They will come in to you, like the coming in of people, and sit before you as my people; and they will certainly hear your words but these they will not do, for with their mouth they are expressing lustful desires and after their unjust gain is where their heart is going. And, look! you are to them like a song of sensuous loves, like one with a pretty voice and playing a stringed instrument well. And they will certainly hear your words, but there are none doing them.”

¹⁷ What would be the outcome? Eze 33 Verse 33 adds: “And when it comes true​—look! it must come true​—they will also have to know that a prophet himself had proved to be in the midst of them.” Those words reveal that Ezekiel did not give up because of lack of response. The apathy of others did not make him apathetic. Whether people listened or not, he obeyed God and fulfilled his commission.

18. What questions might you ask yourself?

¹⁸ Jehovah’s visible organization is now intensifying the proclamation that all should fear God and give him glory. Do you persevere when criticized for taking a bold stand in giving the Kingdom witness, for being moral in your life-style? Are you standing firm when you are the target of pressure because of not accepting blood, not worshiping national emblems, not celebrating worldly holidays?​—Matthew 5:11, 12; 1 Peter 4:4, 5.

19. As to direction, what will we do if we are keeping pace with Jehovah’s celestial chariot?

¹⁹ This course is not an easy one, but those who endure to the end will be saved. (Matthew 24:13) With Jehovah’s help, we will not let people of the world make us like them and thus get us out of pace with Jehovah’s celestial chariot. (Ezekiel 2:8; Romans 12:21) If we are keeping pace with the chariotlike angelic organization, we will promptly comply with direction and instructions received through God’s visible organization. Jehovah provides what we need to meet attacks on our faith, to maintain our grip on the Word of life, and to keep our eyes fixed on the spiritual realities that center on the Royal Rider of the celestial chariot.

Motivated to Keep Pace

20. What are some things recorded by Ezekiel that should motivate us to keep pace?

²⁰ Ezekiel’s visions should motivate us to keep pace. He not only declared God’s judgments on Israel but also recorded prophecies of restoration. Ezekiel pointed to the One who would have the legal right to rule on Jehovah’s throne at the appointed time. (Ezekiel 21:27) That Royal Servant, “David,” would regather God’s people and shepherd them. (Ezekiel 34:23, 24) Though they would be attacked by Gog of Magog, God would deliver them, and His foes would be forced to ‘know Jehovah’ even as they went into destruction. (Ezekiel 38:8-12; 39:4, 7) Then God’s servants would enjoy endless life in a system of pure worship involving a spiritual temple. Waters of life flowing from the sanctuary would be a source of nourishment and healing, and a land inheritance would be apportioned for their blessing.​—Ezekiel 40:2; 47:9, 12, 21.

21. Why is the role of Jehovah’s modern-day Witnesses greater than that of Ezekiel?

²¹ How thrilled Ezekiel must have been to record those prophecies! Yet, the role of Jehovah’s modern-day Witnesses is greater. We are living when some of those prophecies are being fulfilled. In fact, we are active participants in certain fulfillments. By the way we live, do we individually show our conviction that Jesus now rules as the One having the legal right? Are we personally convinced that Jehovah will soon sanctify himself and deliver into his new world those who keep pace with his organization? (2 Peter 3:13) Such conviction, accompanied by works of faith, demonstrates that we are indeed keeping pace with Jehovah’s celestial chariot.

Continue to Keep Pace

22. What can be done to avoid distractions so as to maintain a clear spiritual outlook?

²² Having ‘put our hand to the plow,’ we must not look back longingly to anything the world has to offer. (Luke 9:62; 17:32; Titus 2:11-13) So let us curb any inclination to store up treasures on earth, and let us keep our eye simple, focused on the Kingdom. (Matthew 6:19-22, 33) Simplifying our lives, shedding mundane weights wherever possible, will help us to keep pace with Jehovah’s organization. (Hebrews 12:1-3) Distractions can blur our vision of the celestial chariot and its Rider. But with his help, we can maintain a clear spiritual outlook, as did Ezekiel.

23. What do faithful Witnesses need to do in behalf of new ones?

²³ Part of our responsibility as Jehovah’s Witnesses involves helping the many new ones to keep pace with God’s celestial chariot. In 1990 nearly 10,000,000 attended the Memorial of Jesus Christ’s death. While many of these individuals may be attending a few Christian meetings, they need to see the importance of progressing with Jehovah’s visible organization. As faithful Witnesses, we can help them by the spirit we show and the encouragement we give.

24. We should do what in these climactic times?

²⁴ These are climactic times. With eyes of faith, we have seen the celestial chariot pull up before us. The regal Chariot Rider has given his visible organization a commission to preach to the nations so that, in the finale, they will know who Jehovah is. (Ezekiel 39:7) Make the most of this grand opportunity to share in the vindication of God’s sovereignty and the sanctification of his holy name by keeping pace with Jehovah’s celestial chariot.