The Watchtower, June 15, 1974
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WATCHTOWER
The Horsemen of the Apocalypse Their Effect on Our Lives
Meeting the Challenge of Bible Translation
'Living No Longer for Ourselves'
JUNE 15,1974
WTB&T5
WATCHTOWER
June 15,1974
Vol. 95, Number 12
A watchtower enables a person to see far into the distance and announce to others what is coming. Can a magazine serve similarly in our day? Yes, from its first issue (July 1879) onward, The Watchtower, published by Jehovah's witnesses, has done just that.
How can it benefit you? Consider: Do you long for a better world, one of true justice and free from sorrow, hatred and war? Do you want to live at a time when genuine peace and love prevail among people of all races? Then this magazine can aid you. Using God's Word, the Bible, as its authority, it points out the clear evidence that the present wicked system of things will soon end, destroyed by God. But it also announces the coming in of a righteous new order. There, under the rule of God's kingdom, his heavenly government, people will enjoy life forever in true peace, health and happiness on a paradise earth.
Faithfulness to the Word of God lifts The Watchtower above the contradicting religious teachings and philosophies of men. It stays strictly neutral as regards political affairs. It wholeheartedly upholds the highest moral standard—that of man's Maker, Jehovah God. From this source, it shows solutions to the problems of daily life.
We know that many sincere persons would appreciate a discussion of these things in their own home with a qualified person. A minister of Jehovah's witnesses will be glad to call on you free of charge. To arrange for this, simply write the publishers of this magazine or contact Jehovah's witnesses locally.
PUBLISHED BY
WATCH TOWER BIBLE AND TRACT SOCIETY
117 Adams Street, Brooklyn, N.Y. 11201, U.S.A.
N. H. KNORB, President
GRANT SUZET, Secretary
IN THIS ISSUE
The Horsemen of the Apocalypse—Their Effect on Our Lives
Insight on the News
Meeting the Challenge of Bible Translation
Reaching People in the Skyscrapers of New York
Are You Truly Approachable?
'Living No Longer for Ourselves'
Serve with Eternity in View
Noah's Ark No Minor Vessel
The "Lake of Fire" and Its Purpose
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THE HORSEMEN OF THE APOCALYPSE THEIR EFFECT ON OUR LIVES
WAR, famine and disease have continued to plague humankind in this twentieth century. Why is this so in spite of man's technical developments?
The answer involves "the horsemen of the Apocalypse." No doubt you are acquainted with that expression. But did you realize that what the Bible says about those "horsemen" is really a description of the problems of our day and of their solution? The accuracy with which the events of the twentieth century fit the prophecy is indeed thought provoking.
The term "horsemen of the Apocalypse" is drawn from the Bible's last book, called Revelation, or, as in Greek, Apocalypse. Written nineteen centuries ago, it is a book of prophecies inspired by God. Consider how it describes these horsemen:
"And I saw, and, look! a white horse, and the one seated upon it had a bow, and a crown was given him, and he went forth conquering and to complete his conquest.
"And when he opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature say, 'Come!' And another came forth, a fiery-colored horse, and to the one seated upon it there was granted to take peace away from the earth so that they should slaughter one another, and a great sword was given him.
"And when he opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, 'Come!' And I saw, and, look! a black horse, and the one seated upon it had a pair of scales in his hand. And I heard a voice as if in the midst of the four living creatures say: 'A quart of wheat for a day's wage, and three quarts of
"And when he opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature say, 'Come!' And I saw, and, look! a pale horse, and the one seated upon it had the name Death. And Hades was closely following him. And authority was given them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with a long sword and with food shortage and with deadly plague and by the wild beasts of the earth."—Rev. 6:2-8, New World Translation, 1950
barley for a day's wage; and do not harm the olive oil and the wine.'
Obviously, much of this prophecy is symbolic; Revelation was 'presented in signs.' (Rev. 1:1) Thus, in the fulfillment, we would not expect a series of literal horsemen to spread destruction. But the effects brought by these symbolic horsemen would be as disastrous as if that had happened.
When do the terrible conditions represented by those horsemen appear? The Revelation indicates this because, after describing the horsemen, it goes on to
cal control, and the kings of the earth and their armies. (Rev. 11: 15; 12:10; 19:11-21) Then he rules for a thousand years. (Rev. 20: 6) All of this is included in the "day" or period of Jesus' rule of
talk about "the great tribulation," also called the "great day of [the] wrath" of God and of the Lamb Jesus Christ. (Rev. 6:17; 7:1-3, 14) So the conditions represented by the horsemen must come just before the complete destruction of the present worldwide wicked system of things. Our personal security during God's "great tribulation" demands that we find out when these horsemen would ride.
DETERMINING THE TIME OF THE APPEARANCE OF THE HORSEMEN
which the apostle John speaks.
But when, exactly, does the "Lord's day" begin and thus also the ride of the horsemen of the Apocalypse? All the evidence points clearly to the year 1914, and it includes our own day. How is this known? Well, consider first what the Bible says about the horsemen and then compare this with world events since that year.
Since it is Jesus' "day," it is logical to believe that the account of the horsemen would, first of all, describe him in some way. This is the case. The initial horse-
Most of the action in the Bible book of Revelation occurs during what the apostle John calls "the Lord's day." (Rev. 1:10) What does this term "the Lord's day" mean?
Well, first of all, note that the "Lord" in this expression must refer to Jesus Christ, the one to whom God entrusts rulership over all mankind. The rest of Revelation largely revolves about his special activities. It calls him "Lord of lords."—Rev. 19:16.
The work that Revelation speaks of Jesus as performing is definitely not conman is shown to be seated on a "white horse" and as having a bow and a crown, expressions that would indicate he is both a warrior and a king. That this is a reference to the Lord Jesus is shown by a comparison with Revelation 19:12, 13. There the "Word of God," Jesus, is shown astride a white war mount and as having "upon his head . . . many diadems." Also, terminology similar to that found in Revelation chapter 6 about the white horse's rider is found in Psalm 45; this psalm is applied to Jesus Christ in Hebrews 1:8, 9.
fined to a twenty-four-hour "day." The term "day" often means an extended period of time, as in the expression "Noah's day." As Revelation shows that sometime after Jesus is granted rulership over the world of mankind he fights the "wild beast," Satan's beastly system of politi-
How does knowing this help us to know when he rides? Well, to say, as the Revelation does, that this one on the white horse goes "forth conquering and to complete his conquest" indicates that he, as an active king, would remove his enemies. Who was the first of these to whom he
turned his attention?
Revelation chapter 12 speaks of the time when Jesus "Christ comes to his rightful rule!" (Rev. 12:10, New English Bible) A war takes place in heaven, and Satan the Devil, the foremost enemy of all who love righteousness, is thrown down to the vicinity of the earth. With that act, Christ 'goes forth conquering.'
These events, however, took place in heaven, invisibly. After the Devil is thrown out of heaven, the account tells us that there would be "woe for the earth . . . because the Devil has come down to you, having great anger."—Rev. 12:7-12.
The descriptions of the other horsemen who ride at the same time that Jesus does serve to prove that Christ as King is riding to victory. Knowing when the effects caused by the riders started would reveal the exact time that the horsemen were riding and would indicate when Jesus as king was gathering lovers of God and of his kingdom with a view to their preservation.
What are these disastrous effects?
THE SECOND HORSEMAN-WAR
The second rider is depicted as being seated on a "fiery-colored horse" and as taking "peace away from the earth so that they should slaughter one another, and a great sword was given him." What does this represent? War! But not just ordinary war. Rather, large-scale war seems to be implied, for this rider is given no ordinary sword of war; he is given a "great sword." For this reason the paraphrase found in The Living Bible is appropriate. It says that this rider was authorized to "banish peace and bring anarchy to the earth; war and killing broke out everywhere." When did war on such a large scale appear?
In the year 1914.
That was when World War I erupted, the greatest war the world had seen up to that time. Further, historian H. W. Baldwin says: "World War I ushered in the century of Total War, of—in the first full sense of the term—global war." About 10,000,000 persons were killed and many millions more were wounded in that war. Even those nations that did maintain their
neutrality were in great uncertainty; they felt no sense of security, because 'peace had been taken from the earth.'
THE WATCHTOWER-JUNE 15,1974
But the "fiery-colored horse" did not stop after World War I ended in 1918. True, there were concerted efforts to bring about earth-wide peace, and many circumstances seemed to indicate that it could be achieved. An international organization, the League of Nations, was even established to try to prevent war from arising again. A New York Times editorial appearing the day after World War I closed expressed the feelings of most persons: "The world is sick of war . . . the solid framework of the League of Nations has already been erected."
Even science seemed to contribute toward lasting peace, by making a 'smaller world,' one of rapid communication and transportation. But even with all these favorable forces at work, "the League of Nations" buckled about twenty years later.
World War II broke out in 1939. It eventually took fifty-five million lives. After the explosion of two atomic blasts over Japan, it finally came to a close.
the nations again desired peace and so the United Nations was formed. Peace talks continue up to this time. But, as you know, so do the construction and stockpiling of huge weapons of war. War, revolutions and civil revolts are still being fought. Peace has indeed been 'taken from the earth,' in spite of man's efforts and desires to the contrary.
Is this not clear evidence, therefore, that the rider on the "fiery-colored horse" must have started his ride in the year 1914? Are not the effects of his riding all around us? Surely that is the case. In that same year, 1914, Jesus Christ must also have gone forth to begin actively ruling as king over the whole world of mankind, and the time when he would destroy those who are enemies of God's righteous rule must be near at hand.
THE THIRD HORSEMAN-FAMINE
Food shortage often accompanies warfare. Appropriately, therefore, the third rider that John saw is upon a black horse representing famine. So intense would the conditions be that a voice is heard to say: "A quart of wheat for a day's wage, and three quarts of barley for a day's wage; and do not harm the olive oil and the wine." According to the Greek historian Herodotus, one "quart" of grain was the minimum amount needed to maintain a soldier successfully.
Revelation thus indicates that food would be limited. Rationing would be necessary, as pictured by the horseman's "pair of scales." The wealthy would not be exempt, since the voice says, "Do not harm the olive oil and the wine," that is, it would be necessary to use sparingly even those products customarily identified with the well-to-do. Have we seen such famine conditions as these since World War I?
Indeed we have. One of the largest families in history swept much of Europe and Russia after World War I. An even larger one occurred after World War II. You have probably read about the extreme famine conditions and food shortages that continue right now in parts of Africa and Asia. And where you live, what has happened to food prices? People in all walks of life, from every economic and social stratum feel the effects of the food pinch; such shortages have occurred in spite of man's know-how. Better farm equipment and sophisticated farming methods have not stopped famine. Since thousands of people still suffer and die every day from starvation, the rider on the "black horse" obviously is still riding.
DEATH BY OTHER MEANS
While war and famine have caused millions of deaths in the last sixty years, there have been other major causes of death. So, the fourth horseman is described as being seated upon a pale-colored horse and "it had the name Death." He brings death, not just with "a long sword and with food shortage," but also with "deadly plague and by the wild beasts of the earth."
Many persons now living have seen the truthfulness of this prophecy about "deadly plague." Ask some of the older generation who recall World War I. They will tell you about the deadly Spanish Flu (grippe) that swept the globe after that great war, and about how it brought death to over twenty million persons, even to those living in the most remote sections of earth.
Cholera, malaria, trachoma, smallpox and schistosomiasis (snail fever) now affect hundreds of millions of persons. And even if you live in one of the "advanced countries," you know that in spite of diligent medical work, cancer, heart disease and other sicknesses abound. These things should convince us that the fourth horseman is still riding.
But what about death brought on "by the
wild beasts"? In the absence of humans, wild animals ordinarily thrive. (Ex. 23:29) So, too, in modern times the large-scale upsetting of settled life brought about by war and subsequent famines and plagues has meant increasing danger from wild beasts. Thus a January
largely parallel those found in Revelation chapter 6. He predicted similar calamities in connection with the "conclusion of the system of things." (See Matthew chapters 24 and 25; Mark chapter 13 and Luke chapter 21.) And, therein, Jesus lets us know how much time is involved before he, as the rider on the white horse, 'completes his conquest.'
Jesus stated, as recorded at Matthew 24:34: "Truly I say to you that this generation will by no means pass away until all these things occur." The generation that saw the beginning of "these things" in 1914 is now well up in years and, in fact, is near to 'passing away.' Therefore, the time must be close for the "great tribulation" and the 'day of wrath' of God and Jesus Christ. What should you do to survive the coming destruction?
23, 1915, Reuter's news dispatch reported that people living in the Carpathian Mountains while fleeing from the Austrians were in "fear of wolves, who, rendered desperate by hunger, are attacking human beings throughout the devastated districts."
LENGTH OF THEIR RIDE
Yes, honest observers can see that the horsemen of the Apocalypse have been on the move since the year 1914. But how long will they continue to ride? That is no doubt something you would like to know.
In answer to that question it is necessary to consider the words of Jesus, which
Take steps to find yourself among those whom Revelation also reveals will "come out of the great tribulation," that is, who will survive it. These ones, the account says, have taken certain steps to come into a favorable relationship with God and the Lamb. They have shown faith in the sinatoning value of Jesus' sacrifice; theirs is an active, living faith resulting from study of the Bible. Jehovah's witnesses will be pleased to show you how you might be among the "great crowd, which no man was able to number, out of all nations and tribes and peoples and tongues," who stand approved "before the throne and before the Lamb."—Rev. 7:9-17.
Insight on the News
To determine what institutions are most influential in the United States, the "U.S. News
& World Report" magazine
Religion— How Much Influence?
& World report magazine recently took a survey among 500 leading Americans. Listing eighteen major organizations and institutions, the magazine asked those polled to rate each "according to
the amount of influence you think it has on decisions or actions affecting the nation as a whole."
First place in the ratings went to television, followed by the White House, the Supreme Court and the newspapers. Educational institutions were in twelfth place, while the two major political parties occupied fourteenth and seventeenth places. In last place: "Organized religion."
Commenting on this, the magazine said: "Long-held suspicions that the influence of religion, educational institutions and political parties are not as strong as once thought appear to be borne out in the answers given by America's leaders."
The drop of the churches' influence is paralleled by their modern failure to uphold the Bible's morals and principles. Jehovah God's words directed to the leaders of apostate Israel of old come to mind: "Look! They have rejected the very word of Jehovah, and what wisdom do they have?"—Jer. 8:9.
The first death came on August 15, 1969, when machine-gun fire smashed into an apartment and killed a sleeping nine-year-old boy. Less than five years later—on Saturday, April 20, 1974—the one thousandth victim of violence in Northern Ireland
Gruesome Toll Mounts
died. All these deaths are directly related to terrorist action and do not include deaths from accidental causes. Among the one thousand slain were fifteen children less than twelve years of age.
The country has a population of about one and a half million. What if the same ratio of deaths struck a nation the size of the United States? It would mean the loss of 135,000 persons—more than double the number of U.S. soldiers killed in Vietnam!
Northern Ireland has a Protestant majority
and a Catholic minority. Many hold that the present conflict is not really a religious struggle waged over religious issues. Instead, they say it is a case of a minority group seeking greater voice in government and a majority group resisting due to fear of jeopardizing their present independence from the Catholic Republic of Ireland to the south.
Be that as it may, the inability of Northern Ireland's religious organizations, Catholic and Protestant, to halt the violence and contribute to peaceful conditions for the people is painfully evident. Nor can the churches wash their hands of responsibility for the deep-seated divisions and distrust that exist.
"Transsexualism" is a word appearing with growing frequency in the news. A transsexual is not merely a transvestite (one who dresses in
Born in the Wrong Body?
clothes of the opposite sex), nor necessarily a homosexual (though that may be the case). A transsexual is a person who rejects the sex
with which he or she was born and takes up the life of the other sex. Claiming they were, in effect, "born in the wrong body," many have undergone radical surgery and hormone treatments to attain a sexual transformation. An estimated 1,500 persons in the United States and about 150 in Britain have done so. What really do they accomplish? Is it possible to change a normal person (not a hermaphrodite of ambiguous sex) from one gender to another?
The answer is, No. As Dr. Georges Burou, a French surgeon prominent in the field, says: "I don't change men into women. I transform male genitals into genitals that have a female aspect. All the rest is in the patient's mind." ("Time," Jan. 21, 1974, p. 64) In reality, the ultimate result is either a severely (and irreversibly) mutilated man who resembles a woman, or a severely (and irreversibly) mutilated woman who resembles a man.
The increase of transsexualism is but one more facet of the spread of practices "contrary to nature" characterizing much of this present period. (Compare Romans 1:26.) The remedy for those with such inclinations is not surgery but a change in outlook, 'being made new in the force actuating their minds' with the aid of God's Word.—Eph. 4:22-24.
THE WATCHTOWER JUNE 15,1974
BIBLE TRANSLATION
THE Holy Bible, by early 1974, was translated wholly or in part into 1,526 languages and dialects. Not only is it being translated into more languages each year but more and more translations are being made in the same languages. A case in point is the English language, in which it seems that of late almost yearly new translations have been made.
Regarding the art of translation a professor of languages once stated that "the problems that arise with translation are infinite." Translating the Bible presents the greatest challenge of all. Well has it been said: "Biblical translation is an endless process." It involves translating from ancient languages idioms that are no longer in common usage. And it involves religion, and religion always has associated with it strong feelings, which at times may get in the way of a translator's judgment. The Bible being the inspired Word of God, it should be translated with the greatest care and skill. Unless one accepts the Bible's claim to be the inspired Word of God one cannot fully do justice to it. Bible translation should be a labor of love, as well as an art and a science.
ACCURACY
Among the many challenges that Bible translation poses is that of accuracy. Is the translation as explicit as is the original? Does it do justice to the flavor as well as the words of the original? Often translations come short in this regard. Thus
there are two Greek words that most translations render "anoint," namely, alei'pho and khri'o. Whenever alei'pho appears it always refers to the use of oil or ointment applied to the body, as after a bath, or in sickness or in death. (Matt. 6:17; Mark
6:13; 16:1; Luke 7:38, 46; Jas. 5:14) But khri'o is used only in a spiritual, sacred and figurative or symbolic sense and therefore deserves the word "anoint," as at Luke 4:18, where we read: "Jehovah's spirit is upon me, because he anointed me to declare good news to the poor." Few, if any, aside from the New World Translation (NW), uniformly distinguish between these two Greek words.
Another challenge as to accuracy has to do with what is known as the "present imperative" in Greek.* It denotes continuous or repeated action. Its distinctiveness is, by and large, ignored by Bible translators. For example, at Luke 11:9, 10 nearly all read as does the New English Bible (NEB): "So I say to you, ask, and you will receive; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened. For everyone who asks receives, he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks, the door will be opened."
But such a rendering misses the entire point of Jesus' illustration. In it he tells of a man whose guests arrive at midnight and who goes to his neighbor for bread. The neighbor at first refuses because he is in bed with his children. But finally the neighbor does get up and gives him bread, not because the one asking is a friend but because of his "bold persistence." And so what Jesus said in applying the lesson of the parable was: "Keep on asking, and it will be given you; keep on seeking, and you will find; keep on knocking, and it will be opened to you.
For everyone asking receives, and everyone seeking finds, and to everyone knocking it will be opened." —NW.
GUARDING AGAINST BIAS
There is also the matter of fidelity to the original. At times Bible translators let their religious bias show through in their renderings. For example, modern translators appear to have an aversion to using an equivalent for the Hebrew Tetragrammaton, YHWH or JHVH. Some object to using the name "Jehovah" as an equivalent. But if Yahweh is more nearly correct, why do not more of them use that form? Since Rotherham's translation (1897) apparently only The Jerusalem Bible has used Yahweh. Obviously the Tetragrammaton is a proper noun and so cannot be properly translated by using such common nouns as "Lord" or "God." True, in some translations these common nouns are printed in all capitals, but that does not make them truly distinctive. Besides, when Bible texts are read aloud the listener is not aware of the capital letters, is he?
Then again, John 2:3, 4 in the Catholic Confraternity Version (1941) reads: "The wine having run short, the mother of Jesus said to him, 'They have no wine.' And Jesus said to her, 'What wouldst thou have me do, woman? My hour has not yet come.'" This is just the opposite from the way Jesus actually spoke to his mother, even as indicated by his calling Mary "woman" instead of "mother." What he actually said was: "Woman, why turn to me? My hour has not come yet." (The Jerusalem Bible) A footnote states: "A semitic formula not infrequent in the O[ld] T[estament]. . . . It is used to deprecate interference or, more strongly, to reject overtures of any kind." Jesus was putting Mary in her place; he did not regard her as being on a pedestal.—Luke 11:27, 28.
Furnishing similar examples of religious bias is The Children's Living Bible by K. N. Taylor. Thus at 2 Timothy 2:8 it reads: "Don't ever forget the wonderful fact that Jesus Christ was a Man, born into King David's family; and that he was God, as shown by the fact that he rose again from the dead." But the original says nothing about Jesus' being God, even as can be seen from the way the New English Bible renders this verse: "Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, born of David's line."
Then again, Taylor's translation of Matthew 7:13 reads: "Heaven can be entered only through the narrow gate! The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide enough for all the multitudes who choose its easy way." But the original says nothing about either Hades or Gehenna, the two Greek words often translated "hell." Instead, it contrasts "life" and "destruction."
LETTING GOD'S WORD ITSELF DIRECT
When there is a choice of alternatives, as when punctuation becomes vital, what the Bible itself says must be permitted to direct. (When the Bible was first written, there was no such thing as punctuation.) But Luke 23:43 is almost invariably rendered as if Jesus said: "I tell you verily, today you shall be with me in Paradise." (The Bible in Living English, Byington) However, others, such as the New World Translation and Rotherham, put the comma after "today": "Truly I tell you today, You will be with me in Paradise." Which is correct?
All that we need to do is to ask, Did that malefactor merit going to heaven after a life of crime just because he expressed sympathy for Jesus and asked to be remembered by him? Did he 'work out his salvation with fear and trembling'? (Luke 13:24; Phil. 2:12) Moreover, the Bible says nothing about Jesus as having gone to a heavenly Paradise that day.
On the contrary, Peter said that Jesus went to Hades when he died and was buried, and from it he was resurrected. Jesus himself said that, even as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of a fish, so he would be—not in heaven but—“in the heart of the earth three days.” Besides, after being raised from the dead, Jesus told Mary that he had not as yet ascended to his God and to her God. (Matt. 12:40; John 20:17; Acts 2:22-33) So in view of these facts, what other conclusion can the objective Bible translator come to than that Jesus must have said, not “Today you shall be with me in Paradise,” but, rather: “I tell you today, You will be with me in Paradise,” that is, at some future time.
The same principle holds true in beginning names with capital letters; it is up to the translator as to what use he makes of these. Thus those who believe the holy spirit to be the third person of a Trinity will, of course, capitalize "Holy Spirit," as at Acts 1:8, which reads (NEB): "You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you." But in the actual account when Jesus' words were fulfilled, what do we read? "This will happen in the last days: I will pour out upon everyone a portion of my spirit."* (Acts 2:17, NEB) Where is the capital letter? It is not there! Why not? Because God could not pour out a portion of a coequal God; "spirit," as used here, clearly could not refer to a person. Since this text relates to the very thing Jesus foretold at Acts 1:8, it must follow that he did not have a person in mind when he spoke of his apostles as receiving holy spirit, and so in Acts 1:8 it should not have been capitalized either.
All of this is in harmony with the words of John the Baptist that, while he baptized
with water, the coming One "will baptize you with holy spirit." (Mark 1:8) One cannot be baptizing with another person but one can baptize others with water or with an active force, which is what God's holy spirit is. Yes, translators must let the rest of God's Word direct when there is a choice between renderings.
Illustrating this principle also are the words of Jesus at Matthew 24:3-8. Thus after Jesus tells of wars, famines and earthquakes, the New English Bible has Jesus saying: "With all these things the birth-pangs of the new age begin." But not so. Rather, these things mark the death throes of an old order. The birth pangs leading to the new system of things are described at Revelation chapter 12, which tells of the birth of God's Messianic kingdom followed by a war in heaven, between Michael and the great dragon, Satan the Devil.
THE IDEAL IS TO COMMUNICATE
It might well be said that no one translation is superior in every instance. While some freer translations may err as to accuracy, more literal ones may at times not communicate as well as do others. Thus, time and again, we read of some being "brought to silence." (Isa. 6:5; Jer. 49:26) The actual thought is being brought to the 'stillness of death.' (Jer. 49:26, NEB) Likewise that expression of contempt, "anyone urinating against a wall" (1 Ki. 14:10; 21:21; 2 Ki. 9:8), is idiomatic, referring to males only, and so some translators simply render the expression "every mother's son." (NEB) But in other instances the New English Bible does not communicate as well as do other translations, as, for instance, when it reads: "They shall beat their swords into mattocks," and "thy staff and thy crook are my comfort." Not everyone reading will be familiar with a "mattock," nor with a "crook" as referring to a shepherd's staff.
Isa. 2:4; Ps. 23:4.
Truly, doing justice to translating the Bible presents a real challenge. It is indeed a blessing that there have been produced so many different translations. However, from the foregoing examples it may well be said that, as an accurate translation, the New World Translation has much to recommend it.
REACHING
SKYSCRAPERS OF NEW YORK
IT WAS a cold February morning in New York city. People were making their way in and out of stores amid tow-
The friendly executive who greeted me had just been served a cup of coffee. My opening remark tied in with the morning
ering skyscrapers, the tallest of them being the 110-story World Trade Center. Just a few blocks away from those mammoth structures is an insurance building that I was about to enter.
Getting off the elevator on the thirty-seventh floor, I looked down the long corridor with entrances leading to various offices. It was my prayer that people working in large office buildings here in New York city would be reached with the important message that we had for them.
Earlier that morning, as we prepared to set out on our mission, a group of us won-
break, after which I introduced myself as a representative of the Watch Tower Society whose world headquarters are located just across the East River from lower Manhattan. Inviting me into an adjoining office, he motioned to a chair near his desk and kindly suggested that I make myself comfortable.
In explaining the purpose of my call, I raised a question about the quality of life and what could be done to upgrade it. His interest seemed to be aroused. He gave the question some serious thought before re-
dered: 'How would people in this business and financial center react to the good news of a coming world change by means of God's kingdom?' This question now flashed through my mind as I approached one end of the corridor leading to an office of a research corporation.
sponding. Within minutes it was apparent that this man was concerned about the general deterioration within human society and specifically what was happening in the city. However, he was not sure what could be done to improve the situation, unless, he said, "the answer lies in reli-
THE WATCHTOWER JUNE 15,1974
gion."
That comment indicated something about his inclinations.
What he said was used to emphasize the purpose of my visit and the work that Jehovah's witnesses are doing. He was referred to the Bible and to what it says about these critical times and the basis for a welcome change. For detailed answers to questions and the hope for a better way of life for all mankind, he was offered a Bible study aid entitled "The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life." Readily accepting the publication, he insisted that I take an extra contribution, for which he was left additional pocket-size books. We had spent about twenty minutes discussing some pressing questions and spiritual matters. On leaving, he thanked me for the call.
That visit gave me added courage. It made me more aware of the fact that no matter what the occupation or business, there are people who feel the need to take a few minutes in their busy day to consider vital issues that affect them personally. Before the morning was over, that realization was heightened by experiences that my co-workers and I had in reaching people in offices high above the street level.
With some exceptions, we found business people quite courteous, civil and friendly in dealing with visitors like us. Putting ourselves in their position made us appreciate things that they must put up with. Like most other people, they feel the pressures of everyday life and are beset with anxieties. They wonder what the future holds, and, consequently, are in need of the Bible's comforting message.
OUR VARIED EXPERIENCES
Just how does one go about determining whom to see and how to reach them? The names of individuals or firms were usually listed on the directory located in the lobby area as well as on the various floors. But in many cases it was not possible to reach directly the person whose name was
given. Where a receptionist or secretary was on the job, I would ask for a particular individual or head of the firm after identifying myself and the organization I represented. If there was some hesitation, I assured them that my call would be brief.
Most receptionists were usually quite friendly and helpful. On other occasions, it was evident that they were instructed to screen out everyone except those who had appointments, in which case I found it practical to request an appointment.
In keeping such an appointment with the head of a personnel agency, I directed his attention to an article in The Watchtower dealing with the bad effects of drug abuse and what can be done to safeguard youths from getting hooked. Having teenage children, he immediately expressed concern over the drug problem. As a parent he wanted to protect his children from this danger, so he became fully absorbed in the discussion. One could keenly sense that this man was disturbed over what was happening to young people; he was concerned about his own family.
Despite several interruptions by phone calls and inquiries from his secretary, at no time was he inclined to curtail our conversation. The points referred to in the article were used to encourage him to receive regularly the Watchtower and Awake! magazines. Without hesitation he agreed to have both magazines sent to his home. As he gave me his card, extending an invitation to visit him again, it was apparent that our thirty-minute discussion had accomplished much good.
On several occasions it was receptionists or secretaries who took a special interest in what we had to say from the Bible.
One of us called on a doctor who lived in an apartment that was not readily accessible to outsiders. So he had little occasion to get acquainted with the work of Jehovah's witnesses. However, when the Witness called at his office, he took advantage of the opportunity to listen carefully.
Even though the phone rang several times, he did not answer. "They will call back," he said, encouraging the Witness to continue the discussion. The doctor accepted four Bible study aids and wanted to examine them thoroughly.
An unexpected reception greeted two Witnesses who called on a businessman in his office. Before they even had time to introduce themselves, he inquired: "Jehovah's witnesses? I have been looking for you!" It turned out that his sister in a southern state was deriving much benefit from a home Bible study conducted by one of Jehovah's Christian witnesses, and she made known this fact to her brother. He readily took several Bible publications.
SECURITY MEASURES INCREASING
Trying to reach people in some office buildings was more difficult due to a variety of security measures now in effect, because of increasing crime. In some buildings security guards are on duty; identification cards or passes are needed to gain admittance beyond the lobby area. Sometimes we had to obtain permission in advance or we had to check with a personnel director, public relations officer or other such official.
In one building with security restrictions, I was directed to a brokerage executive who told me that something was happening to family life. "People are getting away from the Bible," he observed. In the ensuing discussion it was evident that he had respect for God's Word and advocated a closely knit family unit. For this he was commended. To emphasize how Jehovah's witnesses aid people in this vital area, he was shown one of the Watch Tower publications with a chapter on "Building a Happy Family Life." He was pleased to obtain a copy of the book.
What made this discussion so refreshing was his ready response and attentiveness,
along with his gracious manner. It was most satisfying to have reached such a person with the good news.
While making visits a few blocks above Wall Street, I noted that a number of office doors were locked. Outside bells had to be used to gain admittance. Peepholes in solid metal doors were also in evidence. My conversation with one receptionist in this area about the causes of increased lawlessness was overheard by a lawyer in an inside office. He invited me into his office for further discussion. He had just returned from court, where a case involving some youths was being handled. He voiced his fears that discipline in the home was breaking down. A fine discussion ensued, and he accepted a hardbound volume explaining what the Bible has to say on these and other vital matters.
WHAT CONCERNED THEM
It is evident that people in the business and professional community are definitely concerned about national and international issues. Their comments indicate a general dissatisfaction with the way things are going in the world. Few spoke with any degree of confidence in human plans and efforts to lay a solid basis for improvement in the foreseeable future.
While this attitude was reflected in the face of growing troubles elsewhere, problems closer to home disturbed them even more. The energy crisis, rising inflation, increasing lawlessness, youth and drug problems, family breakdown and deterioration in the quality of life around them are what they see from day to day.
By responding to the Bible-based message brought to them by Jehovah's Christian witnesses, some individuals working in the skyscrapers of New York are being directed to the divine source of true peace and security.Contributed.
TRULY APPROACHABLE?
JEHOVAH God highly values approachability on the part of those who serve him. We should expect this. For God himself has set a superb example of approachability, being accessible to the prayer of people of all kinds, at all times, under all manner of circumstances.—Ps. 65:2.
Evidence of God's high regard for approachability is found in his sending his Son to earth and causing him to live under lowly circumstances. For what purpose? Among other things, that this Son, Jesus Christ, "might become a merciful and faithful high priest," "not one who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tested in all respects like ourselves." Because of him, Christians can "approach with freeness of speech to the throne of [God's] undeserved kindness," doing so with boldness and confidence. (Heb. 2:17, 18; 4:15, 16; 10:19, 21, 22) Jehovah God wants it that way.
Today, people in general are steadily drifting apart; communications—between family members, between those with authority and those subject to authority—are steadily breaking down. This should cause us to appreciate more than ever the vital need for being approachable. We cannot afford to let such unfavorable worldly conditions filter into the Christian congregation and weaken the spirit of warmth and genuine love prevailing there. Who especially need to be alert, and how can they guard against such a danger?
Christian husbands, who are to 'love their wives as themselves,' need to guard this quality. Parents also must maintain approachability with their children if they do not want them to become 'exasperated and downhearted.' And, in each Christian congregation, elders (overseers) need to
prove themselves truly approachable in their dealings with all their brothers and sisters.-Eph. 5:28, 33; Col. 3:19, 21; 1 Pet. 5:1, 3.
PROVING OURSELVES APPROACHABLE
The key to being approachable is having sincere, genuine interest in others. It is not enough to say that we are approachable, that we have an "open-door" policy and the "welcome mat" is out. As the proverb says: "A multitude of men will proclaim each one his own loving-kindness." But words are not enough. We must demonstrate that we are genuinely approachable by the way we deal with others. (Prov. 20:6; 1 John 3:18) If we really care about people and are willing to give of ourselves on their behalf, they will sense this.
An elder in a congregation has an assignment by holy spirit to serve as a shepherd under Christ Jesus. But this assignment should not make him feel superior to others, for he himself is part of the flock as one of the "sheep." (Acts 20:28; 1 Pet. 5:2, 4) Instead, he should feel grateful that the Head of the congregation, Christ Jesus, counted him worthy to minister to fellow members of the flock and that God qualified him by granting him a measure of knowledge, understanding and wisdom. (1 Tim. 1:12; 2 Cor. 3:5) Such spiritual riches are like a 'trust fund' from God. Rather than feeling important in himself, he will be happy that, by God's undeserved kindness, he has something to give for the good of his brothers, good counsel and knowledge, all based on and gained from God's own Word.
Exactly opposite to feeling 'lifted up' in his own eyes, he will humbly endeavor to use that 'trust fund' of knowledge to bring praise to Jehovah and to his Son, the congregation's Head.—1 Cor. 4:7; 1 Pet. 4:10, 11.
DO YOU MAKE YOURSELF AVAILABLE?
Obviously, you cannot be approachable if you are not available to be approached. Of Jehovah God, the apostle Paul could say, "he is not far off from each one of us." (Acts 17:27) God's servant Moses was willing to endure the wearing task of aiding people with their problems "from the morning till the evening."—Ex. 18:13-16.
Of course, Christian elders may have many responsibilities to care for—they may have their own families that need their attention. And they are also interested in sharing in the announcing of the good news to those of the world of mankind, making disciples of as many as they can. Yet, if they are to be good shepherds of the flock they must balance these and other responsibilities in such a way as to make themselves available to their brothers and sisters in the congregation who seek information or aid in personal questions and problems.
At Christian meeting places it is often simply a matter of letting others see that you are there, available and willing to talk. If one gives the appearance of being constantly "busy," many may hesitate to approach. Congregational records and paper work have certain value, but these are not what show one to be a true shepherd of the "sheep." It would be better to handle these after the real, live "sheep" themselves have first received due attention. Compare Proverbs 27:23; John 10:2.4.
It is a fine thing, of course, to take the initiative in showing interest in others, approaching them. This follows God's example, for he did not wait for humankind
to approach him first, but took the initial steps himself. (Jer. 7:13, 25; 2 Cor. 5:20; 1 John 4:10, 19) Even in this, however, it is vital that we demonstrate that we are not merely being "congenial," nor just following a "policy" of being (or appearing) friendly and outgoing. Our interest must be sincere and genuine.—1 Pet. 1:22.
Do we really listen when someone presents a question or a problem? The matter may seem minor, even somewhat trivial, to us. Yet to the one presenting it, it may seem very big. Some parents are guilty of "exasperating" their children and making them downhearted through ignoring or even ridiculing them for presenting certain seemingly small problems. Elders should guard against doing the same thing with those they serve in the congregation. For Jehovah God is clearly not like that. As James 1:5 tells us, Jehovah God is not "stingy" about giving us help with our problems—problems that certainly could look very small from his lofty viewpoint—but he hears us and generously aids, not becoming annoyed or reproaching us for having come to him with such matters.
On one occasion certain parents brought their young children to God's Son. Jesus' disciples tried to prevent this, evidently feeling that 'their Master had far more important things to occupy his time and attention.' But Jesus became indignant on seeing this, reproved his disciples, and took the children into his arms and gave them the attention sought.—Matt. 19:13, 14; Mark 10:13-16.
Surely the fine example he and his Father set for us should move us all to prove that we, too, are truly approachable. So doing, we will contribute to a fine spirit in God's congregation, a true Christian spirit of warmth and confidence, love and brotherly affection. We will prove ourselves a blessing to others and will, in turn, be richly blessed.
'LIVING No Longer FOR OURSELVES'
"For the love the Christ has compels us, because . . . he died for all that those who live might live no longer for themselves, but for him who died for them." 2: Cor. 5:14, 15.
HOW highly prized freedom is! On all sides today persons extol freedom and equality. The ideas of freedom and independence are so prominent that many rebel even at the thought of having to be directed by someone
else, or, in effect, living for someone else. You may have heard such ones say, 'I want to live the way I want.' They do not want to be slaves to anyone. To most people, the very word "slave" brings to mind scenes of past centuries when hopeless men strained at the oars of a galley, labored in a quarry or served the will of some cruel master.
2 The bad effects of slavery—of humans existing as no more than the property of another person—reach down even to our time. A 1972 United Nations report stated that 'the origin of the social strife in many countries today is directly attributable to various forms of slavery. Recently large-scale massacres in several countries have been perpetrated by peoples formerly enslaved, against those who had once been their masters.'
a 'Well, that does not involve me; I'm no slave,' you may think. However, a renowned writer who observed firsthand the slavery of the Roman Empire proved that every person in the entire empire was, in a sense, a slave. By the same reasoning, the slave population today includes all mankind. That renowned writer, the apostle Paul, did not consider himself exempt but, in writing to Christians at Rome, said: "I am fleshly, sold under sin. . . . I behold in my members [a] law warring against the law of my mind and leading me captive to sin's law that is in my members." —Rom. 7:14, 23.
ARE WE REALLY FREE, INDEPENDENT?
The apostle Paul did not mean that his own parents willingly had sold him into captivity to sin; nor did our own parents do that to us. But Paul understood that, by deliberately choosing to sin, our common forefather, Adam, sold himself and all his future offspring—all mankind—into bondage to imperfection, sin and death.
(Rom. 5:12) Undeniably this reaches down to our time and includes us all, for we see around us, and in our own personal lives, evidence of this bondage—evidence in the form of hurtful mistakes, sin and sickness.
Yet there are those today who boldly claim that they have freedom. Some proclaim their sexual freedom. But does their way of life indicate that they are actually free? True, they may be living for themselves, gratifying their own passions. That, however, only underscores the fact that they are slaves to imperfection and sin. What of the man whose greed drives him to gain money, possessions or prestige? He, too, grows older and weaker, succumbs to some disease and finally dies. That is true even of the leaders of civil, women's and minority "rights" movements. The end for all is the same—death—proving that they are indeed slaves of Kings Sin and Death.—Rom. 5:21.
*Does this mean that man's situation is hopeless? Is there no emancipation from sin and death? And if there is a provision for release, can you still live just as you want, or is something required of you to benefit from this provision?
A fundamental teaching of the Bible is that God, in his mercy, made provision for man's release from bondage to sin and death. This was by means of his only-begotten Son, who became the perfect human Jesus. In harmony with God's purpose for him, Jesus laid down his life sacrificially as "a corresponding ransom for all." (1 Tim. 2:5, 6) Though the ransom or redemptive price was thus paid "for all," not all will fully receive its benefits. Why not?
*It is only those with an approved standing before the Creator who gain the full benefits of the ransom provision—permanent release from sin, sickness, old age and death. While all are invited to gain that approved standing, not all want to accept it because of the responsibility that is involved. Many do not want to act in harmony with the fact that a ransom or redemptive price has been paid in their behalf. They do not want to acknowledge that they have been bought and that Jehovah God and Jesus Christ are their rightful Owners or Masters, deserving of full obedience. All who persist in disobedience or who later renounce Jehovah God and Jesus Christ as their Owners lose out on the benefits of the ransom provision—Matt. 10:33; John 3:36; Heb. 10:26, 27; 2 Pet. 2:1-3.
9 The question before all humans, therefore, is, Whom do I want to serve voluntarily—sin with death in view, or God and Christ with life in view? (Rom. 6:16) 'That is not much of a choice,' some may say. 'Td rather die than be a slave forever.' But is that sound reasoning when it comes to serving God and Christ? Did not Jesus say that the "truth will set you free"? (John 8:32) Should we, therefore, not expect service to God and Christ to offer the kind of freedom that every honest-hearted person would desire? Consider:
A DIFFERENCE IN MASTERS
10 There is good reason for humans to want to be slaves of God and Christ. They are unlike the cruel masters of past centuries who brutalized and exploited their slaves and cared little about their welfare and happiness. What Jehovah God and his Son have done for mankind testifies to their depth of concern and boundless love.
11 Jehovah God is the One to whom we are indebted for life. 'He created all things, and because of his will they existed and were created.' (Rev. 4:11) He could have executed the death sentence upon the disobedient Adam and Eve before they were able to become parents. None of us would then have been born. However, moved by merciful consideration for their unborn offspring, Jehovah God allowed the first human pair to continue living and to procreate. Despite the unappreciative attitude of most of their descendants, he did not withhold from humankind his generous provisions for sustaining life. (Matt. 5:45) Even the "pagans" could not disagree with the apostle Paul's statement that God does "good, giving you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, filling your hearts to the full with food and good cheer."—Acts 14:17; Ps. 104:13-15, 24.
12 But God's expression of love and undeserved kindness did not stop at this point. So that sinful, undeserving humans could choose to come into an approved relationship with him and be freed from bondage to sin and death, God did not "spare" his dearest Son from undergoing a shameful death. (Rom. 8:32) For the majority of mankind the opportunity for life free from death that this affords will become theirs upon being raised from the dead. (Acts 24:15) Think of it, Jehovah God did this for humans who did not even acknowledge his authority in their lives. As the apostle Paul wrote to Christians at Rome: "God recommends his own love to us in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."—Rom. 5:8.
13 The purchase of sinful mankind with "precious blood" was also an outstanding evidence of Jesus' own deep love. (1 Pet. 1:19, 20) As Jesus himself put it: "I surrender my soul in behalf of the sheep. . .
This is why the Father loves me, because I surrender my soul, in order that I may receive it again. No man has taken it away from me, but I surrender it of my own initiative." (John 10:15-18) "No one has love greater than this, that someone should surrender his soul in behalf of his friends." (John 15:13) Jesus actually did more than that. He died, not only for his friends, but for the world of mankind in general that did not acknowledge any accountability to his Father. (1 John 2:2) Now, what man would have been willing to do that for people who had no respect for his father? We are indeed indebted to Jesus Christ for purchasing us at the cost of his life, opening up to us the opportunity to gain freedom from sin and death.
14 In view of the great love of God and Christ, is your heart stirred to want to be in their service? Do you feel like certain men of ancient times who, though offered freedom, voluntarily chose to continue in slavery to their kind and generous Hebrew masters? (Ex. 21:2-6) That is the heartfelt response of those who appreciate what Jehovah God and Jesus Christ have done in their behalf. As Paul wrote, "the love the Christ has compels us." (2 Cor. 5:14) Observe that he did not say that God compels or that Christ compels humans to take up faithful service to them. On the contrary, the compelling force is "the love the Christ has." And, since Jehovah God has the same love for us as does his Son, God's love has like compelling force.
15 The relationship that you can enter into with God and Christ, if you have not already entered it, is not a formal or impersonal one, but warm and close. On his final night as a human with his disciples, Jesus warmly assured them: "I no longer call you slaves, because a slave does not know what his master does.
But I have called you friends, because all the things I have heard from my Father I have made known to you." (John 15:15) By this Jesus was not saying that their real position was no longer that of slaves, for they still owed their lives to God, and soon Christ was to pay the "redemption price" for them. He meant that he was not treating them as mere slaves, ones who just get assignments but no intimate information. No, they were to be treated as "friends," as trusted and respected confidants.
16 So we see that there is nothing burdensome about slavery to God and Christ. Their commands are based on love and serve to protect obedient ones from injury and to ensure their lasting happiness and welfare. (1 John 5:3) No oppressive yoke awaits those who, motivated by love, choose to disown themselves in order to be slaves of God and Christ. "Come to me," said Jesus Christ, "all you who are toiling and loaded down, and I will refresh you. Take my yoke upon you and become my disciples, for I am mild-tempered and lowly in heart, and you will find refreshment for your souls. For my yoke is kindly and my load is light." (Matt. 11:28-30) With such loving masters, what rightly disposed man or woman could possibly want to pursue a course of self-willed independence?
A SLAVE DOES WHOSE WILL FIRST?
17 If the love of God and Christ compels you to serve them, this will be reflected in the way you live your life. You will not be living for yourself. As the apostle Paul wrote: "[Christ] died for all that those who live might live no longer for themselves, but for him who died for them." (2 Cor. 5:15) Just what does this involve?
18 Ponder a literal slave-master relationship. Would a faithful, trusted slave put off serving his master or treat such service as of minor importance? Would he give first attention to his own comforts or personal interests in life? Most certainly not! Then what about slaves of God and Christ?
19 An illustration used by Jesus Christ gives a forceful answer to this question. He drew upon the fact that then slaves who worked in the field might also serve the evening meal to their master. This was viewed as something to which the master was entitled. Jesus said: "Will he [the master] not say to him [the slave], 'Get something ready for me to have my evening meal, and put on an apron and minister to me until I am through eating and drinking, and afterward you can eat and drink'? He will not feel gratitude to the slave because he did the things assigned, will he?" Then, regarding the fulfillment of their assignments, Jesus advised his disciples to say: "We are good-for-nothing slaves. What we have done is what we ought to have done."—Luke 17:7-10.
20 Jesus was not here recommending that Christians constantly be tearing themselves down, depreciating themselves, thinking of themselves as useless. No, but he was advising them to keep clearly in mind their relationship to God and his Son. As Christians, it is not their personal will and comforts that come first, for Christ died that they "might live no longer for themselves."
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