The Watchtower, October 1, 1978
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THE
WATCHTOWER
Announcing Jehovah's Kingdom
How Urgent Are Our Times?
Will the Angels Hold Back the "Winds" of Destruction?
IN THIS ISSUE
3 Terrorism—Why? The 20th-century epidemic of violence was foretold by God
5 Are These Really the 'Last Days'?
Events since 1914 analyzed in the light of Bible prophecy
8 How Urgent Are Our Times?
In the days of Noah and of Lot, urgent action was required for survival.
The worsening world crisis today also calls for zealous action while God's angels continue to 'hold tight the four winds' of impending destruction
13 "Keep on the Watch"
The "horsemen" of Revelation 6 are riding today! We must keep wide awake until the rider of the "white horse" completes his conquest
19 A Time for Patient Waiting
20 Deliverance! Proving Ourselves Grateful
Faith-strengthening experiences of some who survived the Nazi holocaust
24 The Sermon on the Mount
—"Stop Being Anxious" 28 Education That Satisfies
26 Bible Education on the Wane? 31 Questions from Readers
27 Insight on the News 32 A Letter of Gratitude
A WATCHTOWER enables a person to look far into the distance and announce to others what is seen. Likewise, this magazine, published by Jehovah's Witnesses, aids the reader to see what the future holds. Since it began publication in 1879, "The Watchtower" has held faithfully to God's Word as its authority. It stays clear of all political involvement. It points to the Bible prophecies showing that Jesus Christ is God's means for restoring peace and harmony to this globe. It shows that this Son of God, on the basis of his shed blood, will release mankind from sin and death to enjoy eternal life in happiness on a paradise earth. Because Jehovah God will accomplish all this soon through his kingdom by Jesus Christ, "The Watchtower" announces that kingdom as the real hope for mankind.
Copyright © 1978 by Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania. All rights reserved.
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TERRORISM -WHY?
RECENTLY a missionary couple, Jehovah's Witnesses, were caught up in the frightful massacre that struck the city of Kolwezi, Zaire. The assault on the city was apparently made by Communist-backed tribesmen, and at first they
seemed content to frighten the whites by firing at the tops of the houses. Many whites barricaded themselves in their homes, but their assailants later went on a rampage of looting, drinking, raping and killing, which turned the town into a scene of utter carnage. A horrible week of terror ended with the arrival of the French Foreign Legion on May 19, and Belgian paratroopers the following day. It was estimated that some 200 whites and 700 blacks died in the slaughter.
How did the Witness couple make out? For seven days they sheltered in their home behind a barrier of cartons of Bible literature, and with cartons, mattresses and pillows shielding the windows. Shells and shrapnel flew all around. Their house became a shambles, but they survived to be flown out to Kinshasa. Though themselves only slightly wounded, the strain had been so great on the wife, about six months pregnant, that she gave birth prematurely to a baby boy. Not fully developed for life outside his mother's womb, he survived for only four days. The parents were comforted, however, by the knowledge that he will live again on a
much more pleasant earth, and also by the hope that they themselves may survive this age of terrorism to welcome him back
in that paradise.—Luke 23:43; John 5:28, 29.
THE MENACE OF TERRORISM
Look where you will on this earth today—terrorism is raising its ugly head. Terrorists have overthrown democracies in the Americas. Thousands have died as a result of terrorist feuding between Catholics and Protestants in Northern Ireland. In Japan, militant terrorists delayed the opening of Tokyo's new international airport for five years. Palestinian guerrillas continue their fight against Israel, even killing people by the busload. In Germany and in Italy there have been kidnapmurders, climaxed in Rome by the cruel killing of former premier Aldo Moro.
Then there is the terror that daily walks the streets in many of the large cities on earth. Muggings, thefts, rapings and murders have become everyday occurrences. Few people really feel safe anymore. Yes, terrorism is on the rampage around the globe.
One weekly periodical described the situation as an "epidemic of violence." * In an interview, it quoted "a leading authority on terrorism," Walter Laquer, as saying:
"Today's terrorists differ from their counterparts of the past in one very important respect. . . . The terrorists of the 19th century were selective. . . . Today's terrorism has become indiscriminate—far more brutal than in the past. Terrorists leave a bomb in a supermarket and couldn't care less who gets killed. You see, the period up to the first World War was, on the whole, more humane. I'm sorry to say that human life has become cheaper in our time—partly as a result of the experience of mass killing of the first and second World Wars. Also, we now have these philosophers of violence who did not exist in the 19th century—people who argue that violence is wonderful, that it does things for you psychologically, that we really need violence."
Mr. Laquer also warned of the possibility of terrorists getting hold of weapons of "superviolence," whereby they might destroy a whole country, including families, friends and enemies—everyone!
WHY THE EPIDEMIC?
Note that the above-quoted authority states that this era of inhuman, brutal terrorism got under way as a result of the first world war. The epidemic of violence has continued ever since. This is of particular interest to students of the Bible, for Jesus himself, in speaking of 'the sign of his presence and of the conclusion of the system of things,' foretold as "a beginning of pangs of distress" that 'nation would rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom'—total warfare engulfing the world. This, Jesus said, would be followed by an 'increase of lawlessness' and "fearful sights . . . while men become faint out of fear and expectation of the things coming upon the inhabited earth."—Matt. 24:3, 7, 8, 12; Luke 21:10, 11, 26.
Jesus indicated that these frightening events would be part of the sign that he,
as "the Son of man," is present on his glorious throne in the heavens, to judge the nations and peoples of earth, and to execute the wicked. Evidently, we have been in that time of judgment since the epidemic of terrorism got started in 1914. Matt. 25:31-33, 41, 46.
The philosophy of violence has certainly come to the fore since 1914, marking this century as far more terrifying than the preceding centuries. However, it is of interest that there was a similar age of violence and terror more than four millenniums ago. That was in Noah's day. The Bible describes it in these words:
"The earth came to be ruined in the sight of the true God and the earth became filled with violence. So God saw the earth and, look! it was ruined, because all flesh had ruined its way on the earth."—Gen. 6:11, 12.
The violent ones back there were principally the powerful hybrid offspring of daughters of men and disobedient spirit sons of God, who materialized on earth. These offspring were called "Nephilim," meaning "fellers"—"mighty ones" who terrorized mankind. (Gen. 6:4) They triggered an era of violence comparable to what we see in the earth today. That wicked generation refused to heed Noah's warning of coming destruction. As Jesus stated in the above-quoted prophecy: "They took no note until the flood came and swept them all away." And Jesus made clear that his 'presence as the Son of man' would be for the purpose of executing a like judgment upon the wicked generation at the world's end.—Matt. 24:37-39.
HOW WILL IT END?
That the age of terrorism will come to its own violent end is clearly made known in many Bible prophecies. (Jer. 25:31-33; 2 Thess. 1:7-9; 2 Pet. 3:5-7) But this will not be through terrorist men or nations getting to use weapons of "superviolence," in order to destroy the earth or parts of it.
Rather, it will be through the action of Christ Jesus, who loves mankind and has real interest in delivering lovers of righteousness from the terrors of our age. That is why, after describing the nations' "anguish" due to the terrors of our day, Jesus speaks these encouraging words:
"As these things start to occur, raise yourselves erect and lift your heads up, because your deliverance is getting near." —Luke 21:25, 28.
Yes, it is time for all lovers of righteousness among oppressed mankind to lift up their heads in anticipation of happy times ahead. It was strong faith in God, together with the hope of a paradise earth and the resurrection of the dead that sustained faithful missionaries during that terrible experience in Zaire. Faith in God's promises continues to sustain devoted servants of God wherever they are serving in this violent earth. May it sustain you, too, in surviving this age of terrorism into 'a new earth where righteousness is to dwell.'—2 Pet. 3:13.
Are These Really the "Last Days"?
DOES this age of violence mean that we are now living in the "last days"? Those who ask this question in all sincerity will find a satisfying answer. But others ask with a wrong motive, and concerning these the apostle Peter writes: "In the last days there will come ridiculers with their ridicule, proceeding according to their own desires and saying: 'Where is this promised presence of [the Lord Jesus Christ]? Why, from the day our forefathers fell asleep in death, all things are continuing exactly as from creation's beginning.'" (2 Pet. 3:3, 4) In today's godless world, such ridiculers of the Word of God abound—in itself an indication that we have entered the "last days."
Peter calls the attention of the ridiculers to the destruction of the world of Noah's day by the deluge, and adds:
"By the same word [of God] the heavens and the earth that are now are stored up for fire and are being reserved to the day of judgment and of destruction of the ungodly men." (2 Pet. 3:5-7)
The governmental powers and human society of this wicked world face just such a destruction. But can we really be sure that these are the "last days"?
EVIDENCES OF THE "LAST DAYS"
The apostle Paul tells us that "in the last days critical times hard to deal with will be here," and adds:
"Men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, self-assuming, haughty, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, disloyal, having no natural affection, not open to any agreement, slanderers, without self-control, fierce, without love of goodness, betrayers, headstrong, puffed up with pride, lovers of pleasures rather than lovers of God."
Paul then tells us to turn away from such. (2 Tim. 3:1-5) Do we not see this lack of real love, this "self first" attitude accentuated throughout the world today? It contributes greatly to the critical problems of the times.
This materialistic, worldly spirit even endangers the Christian congregation. It is for this reason that Jesus' half brother James warns persons who are well off against living in luxury, or for sensual pleasure, telling them, "something like fire is what you have stored up in the last days."
(Jas. 5:1-5) So, "the last days" are not the time for genuine Christians to pursue the self-indulgent ways of a world alienated from God.
We noted in the previous article that an era of total warfare and terror began on the earth in the year 1914. Few will question that 1914 marked an unprecedented turning point in human affairs, "a beginning of pangs of distress," as Jesus described it. Yes, a "beginning," and Jesus' great prophecy, recorded at Matthew chapters 24 and 25, Mark chapter 13 and Luke chapter 21, details distresses without parallel that have been experienced by mankind since 1914: wars, food shortages, earthquakes, pestilences, fearful sights, lawlessness, lovelessness, fear, anguish. "The disgusting thing that causes desolation," also identified in Revelation 17:3, 8 as "a scarlet-colored wild beast," has also appeared, first as the League of Nations and later as the United Nations, but it has not supplied a way out for mankind.
Matt. 24:15, 16; Dan. 11:31.
Along with the world in general, followers of Christ have had to endure these distresses. Christians have also gone through additional hardships described by Jesus in his prophecy: court trials, beatings, hatreds and persecutions. During World War I they were hounded and oppressed, even in democratic countries. Before and during World War II, they became the butt of Nazi-Fascist-Shinto hatreds. More recently, Communist Europe and a number of radical African countries have vented their spleen on the Witnesses. But, Christians, take courage! All of this has been "in order that the tested quality of your faith, of much greater value than gold that perishes despite its being proved
by fire, may be found a cause for praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ."—1 Pet. 1:7.
A POWERFUL EVIDENCE
Convincing proof that we are now in the "last days" is to be found in the work that the Lord Jesus Christ has directed on this earth since the fateful year 1914. It is in fulfillment of that part of his great prophecy recorded at Matthew 24:14:
"And this good news of the kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations; and then the end will come."
Further on in this same prophecy, Jesus described how this work would be carried through on the earth under the direction of himself and the holy angels of heaven:
"When the Son of man arrives in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit down on his glorious throne. And all the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate people one from another, just as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. And he will put the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on his left."
The righteous "sheep" class go on into everlasting life, but the unappreciative "goats" into everlasting destruction. Matt. 25:31-46.
Thus, in the "last days," a grand worldwide witness must be given concerning Christ's incoming kingdom. Has such a witness been in evidence since 1914? Indeed it has! Modern historians record that Jehovah's Witnesses have covered the earth with their preaching. And with what result? By 1977 they had distributed Bibles and publications explaining the Bible to the number of 4,831,823,111 in 210 different languages, made Christian disciples of more than two million persons in 216 lands and territories and comforted millions of others through free Bible studies in their homes. This work, accomplished in fulfillment of Jesus' prophecy, is truly
powerful evidence that these are indeed the "last days."
"THE FINAL PART OF THE DAYS"
Other Bible prophecies, notably Isaiah chapter 2 and Micah chapter 4, refer to "the final part of the days." The testimony of these two prophets is almost identical, being repeated, no doubt, for emphasis. Note what Micah 4:1, 2 says:
"It must occur in the final part of the days that the mountain of the house of Jehovah will become firmly established above the top of the mountains, and it will certainly be lifted up above the hills; and to it peoples must stream. And many nations will certainly go and say: 'Come, you people, and let us go up to the mountain of Jehovah and to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will instruct us about his ways, and we will walk in his paths."
Thus, in beautiful pictorial language, the prophet describes how, at the time of the world's end, Jehovah's spiritual temple—his house of worship—is exalted above all forms of human worship, yes, "above the hills." People of all nationalities flow in a stream to Jehovah's house of worship, where they receive his instruction
and learn to walk in his ways of righteousness. There is only one time in human history when persons "out of all nations and tribes and peoples and tongues," all around the globe, have become united in the one worship of the true God. (Rev. 7:9) This prophecy concerning "the final part of the days" is being fulfilled before our very eyes today, among the Christian witnesses of Jehovah.
However, the prophecy has another significant fulfillment today. And what is that? Listen to these further words:
"They will have to beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning shears. They will not lift up sword, nation against nation, neither will they learn war anymore."—Mic. 4:3.
Are swords being beaten into plowshares today? Surely the worldly nations are not doing this! They keep on arming, and with more than swords and spears! They continue to stockpile horrendous weapons of mass annihilation, in armament programs that are racing out of control. The possibilities are terrible. As Richard J. Barnet wrote in the New York Times of June 6, 1978: "Either we change the rules by which all great powers play-through serious, substantial disarmament, limitations on bases, on global arms traffic, on covert operations—or the game we are in will end in nuclear war in our time."
However, there is a people in our time that does not participate in that "game." This is the international group known as Jehovah's Witnesses. If they 'learned war,' this would pit them against their Christian brothers in other sections of the world. They prefer to cultivate love toward fellow Christians, and toward all mankind, and thus they share in fulfilling Micah's prophecy. The Witnesses' neutrality has won them respect in many parts of Africa, in Ireland, in Lebanon and other places where religion has divided the people into militant factions. By their consistently 'beating swords into plowshares,' even under the pressure of persecutions, Jehovah's people are identified as fulfilling this prophecy "in the final part of the days."
Happily, "in the final part of the days" there is one people on earth, united world wide in the bond of love, that is determined to walk, not according to the "gods" of sectarian religion, but in the precious name of 'Jehovah their God,' forever. (Mic. 4:5)
AS PART of his stirring prophecy on "the conclusion of the system of things," Jesus said: "Then people will deliver you up to tribulation and will kill you, and you will be objects of hatred by all the nations on account of my name." (Matt. 24:9) Toward what one people have these words been fulfilled in modern times? Why, toward the Christian witnesses of Jehovah! Of all religious groups, they stand alone as the ones who have
They firmly believe, on the basis of fulfilled prophecy, that we are living through the "last days," and that, as Peter described it, "Jehovah's day will come as a thief" to destroy the wicked system that now controls God's earth. They are diligent, therefore, in giving heed to the admonition:
abrova aldit tund ol gavad lfw quit
olid grabqa aldit lfw azadewolg otal
"Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of persons ought you to be in holy acts of conduct and deeds of godly devotion, awaiting and keeping close in mind the presence of the day of Jehovah."—2 Pet. 3:10-12.
That "day" will not end their 'walking in the name of Jehovah their God,' for they expect to do this forever. Hence, in anticipation of Jehovah's marvelous provision of a new order, they do their utmost to prove worthy of entering into that glorious time. Their bright hope is expressed in Peter's further words:
"There are new heavens and a new earth that we are awaiting according to his promise, and in these righteousness is to dwell." (2 Pet. 3:13)
This is a real hope, a present hope, for all the evidence adds up to show that these really are the "last days" of the present world system. It is urgent that we recognize them as such.
How Urgent Are Our Times?
"You will be objects of hatred by all people on account of my [Jesus]' name. But he that has endured to the end is the one that will be saved."
Mark 13:13.
been set upon by the Nazis, the Communists, the military dictatorships and even the democratic countries, so called, all around the earth.
2 In recent years, the unwavering faith of the Malawian Witnesses in the face of killings, rapings, beatings and imprisonments has won the respect and admiration, not only of their spiritual brothers, but of freedom-conscious people everywhere. While the situation may have eased somewhat in Malawi, other African countries report growing persecutions.
One new nation has ordered all of its citizens to wear political badges. In another country, on the night of the Memorial, a false "brother" betrayed the congregation, so that police came and surrounded the meeting place, concentrating their forces, for some reason, near the rear entrance. When the alarm was sounded, the Witnesses found the front door unguarded, so that all but two were able to escape and scatter into the night. These two Christians were cruelly beaten, but their faith was unfinching and they gave a splendid witness in court.
In still another country, loyal Witnesses who refused to voice a patriotic slogan were beaten and driven from their villages. Some were told, mockingly, "You can go anywhere, even to your Jehovah." Here it has become increasingly difficult to travel, and traveling overseers have been arrested. However, there is no lack of spiritual "food" in the prison camps. These beleaguered Witnesses have been anticipating even a share in this year's "Victorious Faith" assemblies.
Another African country reports that 22 Witnesses were arrested, falsely accused of political activity, beaten terribly, stripped to their underclothes and imprisoned in this half-naked state for one month. In yet another land, three were beaten to death, and several others were sentenced to death on the neutrality issue; they have appealed this sentence. Also in an African country, a Coptic priest made lying accusations that Jehovah's Witnesses are involved in Mid-east politics, thus causing the imprisonment of 13 male and 20 female Witnesses, one of whom was pregnant and another having a small daughter with her.
4 Though reference here has been made
particularly to recent events in Africa, many other countries on earth have been closing in on Jehovah's Witnesses, so that regular preaching activity and the arranging of Christian assemblies have become more difficult. Missionaries have been expelled from a number of countries, and it becomes harder to send missionaries into new fields. It is exactly as Jehovah foretold through his prophet Jeremiah: "They will be certain to fight against you." They are doing just that! But in the face of bitter propaganda and persecution, Jehovah's people continue to give a thorough witness. They have full faith in Jehovah's promise: "They will not prevail against you, for 'I [Jehovah] am with you . . . to deliver you.'"—Jer. 1:19.
"AS THE DAYS OF NOAH WERE"
4 The patriarch Noah was one who lived through particularly trying times. His special work in preparing for the deluge lasted possibly through 60 years—about as long as our preaching of God's established kingdom in modern times. Though "the earth came to be ruined in the sight of the true God and ... filled with violence," Noah could endure because he put his faith to work. Like Jehovah's Witnesses of modern times, he continued to serve zealously as "a preacher of righteousness."—Gen. 6: 11; 2 Pet. 2:5.
However, the majority of the people back there were just like the world of mankind today. "They took no note until the flood came and swept them all away." According to Luke's version of these words of Jesus:
"They were eating, they were drinking, men were marrying, women were being given in marriage, until that day when Noah entered Into the ark, and the flood arrived and destroyed them all."
Today, a like-minded, wicked world faces
Do the above-quoted words of Jesus mean that it is wrong for Christians in these final days to eat, drink and marry? No, Jesus was not saying that. It is proper to enjoy good food and drink in moderation. Likewise, marriage is God's arrangement for mankind. What Jesus was saying is that we should not regard these as the all-important activities of life, becoming absorbed in them to the point of crowding out spiritual interests. (1 Pet. 4:3; 1 Cor. 7:8, 29) Rather, we should plan our lives in such a way as to give first place to the grand work of 'preaching this good news of the established kingdom as a witness,' before the end comes.—Matt. 24:14.
"AS IT OCCURRED IN THE DAYS OF LOT"
7 At the time when Abraham and Lot were serving as God's witnesses on earth,
What urgency arose in Lot's day?
Jehovah warned them of his judgment against Sodom and Gomorrah. Not even 10 righteous men could be found there! As Jehovah's angels prepared to bring the foretold destruction, Lot repeatedly urged the men who were engaged to his daughters: "Get up! Get out of this place, because Jehovah is bringing the city to ruin!" However, those prospective sons-in-law, much like persons of this immoral world today, passed the divine warning off as a mere joke. But there was no time to lose. "The angels became urgent with Lot, saying: 'Get up! Take your wife and your two daughters who are found here, for fear you may be swept away in the error of the city!"—Gen. 19:14, 15.
8 What was that "error"? It included the sex perversions that are so much a part of life in many cities of this modern world, even to being glorified on stage and screen. "Sodom and Gomorrah and the cities about them . . . had committed fornication excessively and gone out after flesh for unnatural use." Also, with no thought of God's righteousness, "they were eating, they were drinking, they were buying, they were selling, they were planting, they were building." They were completely absorbed in their own selfish way of life. And what happened to them? "It rained fire and sulphur from heaven and destroyed them all." Jesus warns that he will execute a like judgment when he is revealed, soon, as "the Son of man."—Gen. 19:24-26; Luke 17:28-30; Jude 7.
9 May we be like righteous Lot in giving urgency to Jehovah's judgment message for our day. And let us not be like Lot's wife, but, rather, guard against looking back with desire for the material advantages of this doomed world. (Luke 17:31, 32) Our becoming completely absorbed in doing God's will for this day will serve as our protection. Remember, it was in connection with Lot's deliverance that Peter said: "Jehovah knows how to deliver people of godly devotion out of trial, but to reserve unrighteous people for the day of judgment to be cut off."—2 Pet. 2:6-9.
GIVING A 'THOROUGH WITNESS'
10 When Jesus and his apostles were on earth, it was urgent that a thorough witness be given in that day of judgment. Jesus himself set the pattern for that work, "journeying from city to city and from
village to village, preaching and declaring the good news of the kingdom of God." The 12 apostles and others, including women, went along with him. For what purpose? It was in order that he might train them to build their lives around their service to God. Thus, they also would be able to share in sounding the warning about the coming destruction of the Jewish "system of things," and in comforting the oppressed people. Further, they would be aided in putting on the Christian personality, showing forth in their lives the same righteous, loyal qualities that they had observed in their Master.—Matt. 9: 35-10:15; Luke 8:1, 2; 9:1-6; 10:1, 13-15; Eph. 4:24.
11 Those early disciples learned their lesson well. They poured themselves out in zealous Kingdom service, compassionately going among the people wherever they might find them—in the markets and other public places, in the synagogues (according to the custom of those days) and at their homes. Even when they were scattered by persecution, they continued right on, "declaring the good news of the word."—Acts 5:42; 8:4; 16:13; 17:17.
12 Toward the conclusion of many long years of zealous preaching, the apostle Paul could tell his fellow elders: "I did not hold back from telling you any of the things that were profitable nor from teaching you publicly and from house to house. But I thoroughly bore witness both to Jews and to Greeks about repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus." (Acts 20:20, 21) In connection with the urgent witness given by the apostles and their fellow workers, the words "thorough" and "thoroughly" occur repeatedly in the book of Acts. (Acts 2:40; 8:25; 10:42; 20:24; 23:11; 28:23) What was the outcome of that "thorough" witness? Congregations of believers sprang up and flourished wherever the "good news" was preached.
And as traveling overseers visited these to encourage them in their service, the congregations were strengthened. They "continued to be made firm in the faith and to increase in number from day to day." Acts 15:36-16:5.
18 In fulfillment of the warning given by Jesus and his disciples, Jehovah in due course executed judgment on that "crooked generation" of Jews, the generation that had "killed the Chief Agent of life," the Lord Jesus Christ. (Acts 2:40; 3:15) How did the Christian congregation fare—that small group that had been so urgent in obeying their Master's command to get "this good news of the kingdom . . . preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness"? When the end did come, their active faith meant salvation for them. Their endurance had its reward.—Matt. 24:13-16.
WHERE ARE WE IN THE STREAM OF EVENTS? 14 Once again, at the climax of the age, the "good news" has been "preached in all creation that is under heaven." (Col. 1:23) But today the field for preaching embraces the entire "inhabited earth," including the realms of the "king of the north" and the "king of the south," as well as many other lands in Africa, the Americas, Asia, Australasia and the islands of the sea. It could only be by Jehovah's spirit that such a globe-encircling witness could be given in the short space of some 60 years. And still new ones keep flocking to Jehovah's organization! The territory has been far more extensive than in apostolic days, when it took less than 40 years to sound the final warning to the dispersed Jewish people.
15 However, just where are we in the stream of events? Revelation chapter 7 tells us. Here, the apostle John "saw four angels standing upon the four corners of the earth, holding tight the four winds of the earth." These are winds of destruction, for in due course they are to 'harm the earth and the sea and the trees.' First, though, the "slaves of our God" must be sealed in their foreheads. Back in 1914, at the time when 'the kingdom of the world became the kingdom of their Lord [Jehovah] and of his Christ,' these slaves yearned for the end to come, that they might be gathered to their Lord in heaven. But no—Jehovah still had a work for them to do here on earth. Also, they themselves had to be refined and made ready for their future priestly service in Christ's kingdom of 1,000 years. So, the "four winds of the earth" were held back for a season.—Rev. 7:1-4; 11:15.
16 Out of his abundant mercy and lovingkindness, Jehovah has used these "slaves" of his spiritual Israel, "the Israel of God," in a grand work on behalf of another group "a great crowd . . . out of all nations and tribes and peoples and tongues." After all the 144,000 members of spiritual Israel have entered into their service in the heavens, the "kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ" must continue to rule over humankind here on earth. From the mid-1930's, then, this "great crowd" has made its appearance, so that today more than two million persons look forward to serving continually as earthly subjects of the Kingdom. They are the nucleus of the "new earth," a righteous society of mankind that will live forever under the sovereignty of Jehovah God. (Rev. 7:9, 10; 21:1, 3-5; 2 Pet. 3:13) However, the angels are still "holding tight the four winds of the earth." Why?
"It can only be that Jehovah has further work for his witnesses to do here on earth. There are more of the "great crowd" to be gathered. The attendance of millions of persons at the celebration of the Memorial in recent years, together with the continued steady increase in Witnesses in many Asian lands, islands of the sea and Catholic countries of Europe, shows that the gathering work is not finished. It is urgent that all of Jehovah's people apply themselves in his service clear through to the end of this wicked system. Mark 13:10; Eph. 5:15, 16
Mark 13:10; Eph. 5:15, 16.
18 Also, just as there was a great sifting among the anointed remnant in the decade following 1914, it seems that now there is a sifting going on among some who profess to be of the "great crowd." The words of the apostle Paul are particularly applicable to all of us in these critical times: "Keep testing whether you are in the faith, keep proving what you yourselves are." (2 Cor. 13:5) Do we truly value our dedication to Jehovah—the very intimate relationship we have with him, and which has been made possible by Jesus' sacrifice? Do we appreciate our unity with the Father and the Son in the grand work that we are privileged to share in at this hour? Are we serving out of genuine love for
Jehovah and for our neighbor? Or, has our motive been just to 'save our own skin' through Har-Magedon's battle? If we are of the "great crowd," will we continue serving God "day and night" right through to the "great tribulation"? Or, will we let down our guard, permitting Satan to overwhelm us through the pleasures, the immoralities or the anxieties of life?
19 The four angels will not always 'hold tight' the four winds of the earth. We can be happy that they have done so up until this hour, and that it will result in salvation for millions of mankind. But time is fast running out. We need to keep alive, alert, constantly moving forward with God's organization on the earth. What a joy we have in being part of the only worldwide brotherhood that is at peace, and at unity in praising Jehovah's name in these critical times! In order to keep in step, we may have to adjust our personal attitude or viewpoint at times. But let us always be ready humbly to do this, in order to serve with urgency and to continue in the joy that we share with all of God's people. As Paul counseled: "Finally, brothers, continue to rejoice, to be adjusted, to be comforted, to think in agreement, to live peaceably; and the God of love and of peace will be with you." —2 Cor. 13:11.
(a) Why can we be happy that the angels have 'held tight the winds' up until this hour? (b) As indicated by 2 Corinthians 13:11, how may we keep in step with the forward movement of God's organization today?
"Keep On The Watch"
"Keep on the watch and pray continually, that you may not enter into temptation."—Matt. 26:41.
WHAT was the occasion when Jesus spoke those words? It was at the time of the greatest crisis in his life on
earth—on the eve of his betrayal, arrest, trial and execution. That day would prove to be the most important in human history. The events about to take place would lead to the salvation of all mankind. On that day, Jesus would give his life in sacrifice.
As a Son who served in faithfulness to the end, he would be able to report back to his Father with his dying words: "It has been accomplished!"—John 19:30.
2 However, what were Jesus' apostles doing? They had just shared with their Master in his instituting the Memorial of his death. Though not appreciating its significance, they knew that it was a very serious occasion. Yet, as he prayed, there in the garden of Gethsemane, they fell asleep! He had said to them: "My soul is deeply grieved, even to death. Stay here and keep on the watch with me." However, not just once, but three times, he returned to find them slumbering. On the third occasion, Jesus exclaimed: "At such a time as this you are sleeping and taking your rest! Look! The hour has drawn near." And at that moment his enemies were upon him!—Matt. 26:36-47.
*Today we stand on the threshold of another major event in the history of mankind—the "great tribulation," which will reach its climax in "the war of the great day of God the Almighty" at Har-Magedon. (Matt. 24:21; Rev. 7:14; 16:14, 16) It is the time of all times to keep awake! And yet the very prophecy that describes that oncoming war warns of persons who may not stay awake. This warning is sandwiched right in between mention of "the war of the great day of God the Almighty" and "Har-Magedon." It is the Lord Jesus Christ himself who gives the warning: "Look! I am coming as a thief. Happy is the one that stays awake and keeps his outer garments, that he may not walk naked and people look upon his shamefulness." Those in the priestly service of God today, and also the "great crowd," must be careful not to lose their garments of identification. And what is it
that identifies them as God's servants today? Why, it is their zealous works, as they talk with people at their homes and in public places, and their practicing in their lives the same fine Christian principles that they recommend to others. For a servant of God to fall asleep spiritually would bring him great shame. He would be stripped of his identity as a witness of the true God. This would be disastrous on the eve of "the war of the great day of God the Almighty."—Rev. 16:14-16.
FIGHT SPIRITUAL DROWSINESS
Conditions on earth have never been more dangerous. Political leaders acknowledge this fact. Anarchy and violence are mushrooming around the earth. Even from the worldly viewpoint, the present system of things is racing downhill fast, and is in danger of destruction in the foreseeable future. But from God's viewpoint, where does this system stand? Jehovah declares that he will smash it to pieces while it is still a 'going concern.' (Dan. 2:44, 45) That will need to be very soon, so fast are things deteriorating in this age of crime and terror.
The Lord Jesus Christ prophesied plainly concerning our day. Repeatedly in these prophecies, he emphasized the need for our keeping awake. Here are some of his sayings, as variously reported:
"Keep on the watch, therefore, because you do not know on what day your Lord is coming."—Matt. 24:42.
"Prove yourselves ready, because at an hour that you do not think to be it, the Son of man is coming."—Matt. 24:44.
"Keep on the watch, therefore, because you know neither the day nor the hour." Matt. 25:13.
"You, then, watch out; I have told you all things beforehand."—Mark 13:23.
"Keep looking, keep awake, for you do not know when the appointed time is." —Mark 13:33.
"Keep on the watch,
for you do not know when
the master . . . is coming"
—Mark 13:35.
"What I say to you I say to all, Keep on the watch."—Mark 13:37.
"Happy are those slaves whom the master on arriving finds watching!"—Luke 12: 37.
"Keep ready, because at an hour that you do not think likely the Son of man is coming."—Luke 12:40.
"Suddenly that day [will] be instantly upon you as a snare. For it will come in upon all those dwelling upon the face of all the earth. Keep awake, then."—Luke 21:34:36.
"Also, in his final revelation concerning "the things that must shortly take place,"
"I am coming to you quickly . . . I am coming quickly. Keep on holding fast what you have." - Rev. 2:16; 3:11.
Jesus again stresses the suddenness with which he comes:
"Look! I am coming quickly. . . . Look!
I am coming quickly, and the reward
I give is with me. . . . Yes; I am coming
quickly." (Rev. 22:7, 12, 20)
In response to these last expressions of our Master, surely each one of us joins with the apostle John in saying: "Amen! Come, Lord Jesus."
7 Make no mistake! This world is fast moving toward its foretold end.
It is in its death throes. It is openly stated that many of the great cities are dying. But Jehovah will put them out of their misery before they can die their natural death. We must remain alert, ready for the great day that so many of Jehovah's prophets have described.—Isa. 2:12, 17; Jer. 30:7; Joel 2:11; Amos 5:18-20.
8 The prophet Zephaniah, who was a prince in David's line, declared:
"Keep yourselves in expectation of me,' is the utterance of Jehovah, 'till the day of my rising up to the booty, for my judicial decision is to gather nations, for me to collect together kingdoms, in order to pour out upon them my denunciation, all my burning anger; for by the fire of my zeal all the earth will be devoured.'" (Zeph. 3:18)
That day of Jehovah's "burning anger" is drawing perilously close. Jesus' own great prophecy concerning "the conclusion of the system of things" has now had its remarkable fulfillment in our 20th century since 1914. We clearly see militaristic elements of that "disgusting thing," the UN organization, poised to wreak havoc on the realm of Christendom. The socialistic powers make no secret about their hatred for religion—"the opium of the people" as they call it. Make no mistake! At God's due time, the "horns" of the scarlet-colored wild beast, the UN, will turn on the world empire of false religion—that longtime blasphemer of Jehovah's name—to devastate and destroy her.—Matt. 24:15; Rev. 17:3-6, 16.
9 The "great tribulation" will no doubt be a faith-testing time for God's own people here on earth. For the "ten horns" will battle also against the Lord Jesus Christ, who is "Lord of lords and King of kings." (Rev. 17:14) These earthly powers cannot touch him up in heaven, so
whom else will they attack but his faithful representatives here on the earth, and particularly the remnant of anointed witnesses of Jehovah? But they will not succeed! "The Lamb will conquer them. Also, those called and chosen and faithful with him will do so." Revelation 19:11-21 gives details of the conquest of the political powers of earth by that "King of kings and Lord of lords."
THE HORSEMEN ARE RIDING
10 The mighty conqueror at Har-Magedon fights from heaven. The apostle John envisaged him riding a white horse, in symbol of righteous warfare. He said: "I saw the heaven opened, and, look! a white horse. And the one seated upon it is called Faithful and True, and he judges and carries on war in righteousness." That war will result in blessings for lovers of righteousness. (Rev. 19:11) Earlier in the Revelation, John recorded another vision of the same horseman, in these words: "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." (Rev. 6:2) Here, then, we have the vision of Jesus' coming into Kingdom power in 1914, not as a helpless babe in a manger, or a lifeless corpse on a stake, but as the mightiest warrior ever to take the field of battle. (Rev. 11:15; Matt. 25:31) We can have absolute confidence that this "King of kings" will conquer on our behalf.
11 However, other horsemen are seen in the vision. No mention is made of their conquering, but, rather, of victimizing mankind. Conquest is reserved alone for the rider of the white horse, for it is righteousness that will triumph with him. But what did John say about those other riders?
"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." (Rev. 6:4) Here is depicted fiery, bloody warfare of the kind that first erupted in 1914, in what historians labeled the "Great War." But the slaughter was four times as great when the "great sword" came to be wielded in the catastrophic World War II, from 1939 to 1945. And violence continues to erupt throughout the earth. From 1914 on, there has been no real peace, as the red horse keeps up his fearsome gallop. Although Jehovah's Witnesses are neutrals to the fighting, even they have suffered directly or indirectly from the violence, persecution and hardship that accompany this taking of "peace away from the earth."
12 The wakeful John saw still another horseman riding into the vision. "Look! a black horse; and the one seated upon it had a pair of scales in his hand. And I heard a voice . . . say: 'A quart of wheat for a denarius; and three quarts of barley for a denarius; and do not harm the olive oil and the wine.' (Rev. 6:5, 6) This third horseman symbolizes famine, and with famine there goes food rationing, as in a time of total warfare. Even the very essentials, the wheat and the barley, are on short supply. The wealthy get jittery, lest their luxuries, such as 'oil and wine,' be taken away. This horseman has ridden devastatingly through the earth since 1914. Inflation, spiraling prices, the shaky monetary system and the energy crisis all have to do with his headlong gallop. Nevertheless, Jehovah's own people should not be discouraged by any short rations or economic hardships that they are compelled to endure temporarily. Remember, the
rider of the white horse is out in front, and will end such things.
13 However, still another horseman appears. John gives this description: "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. 6:8) Here is the last of the riders, and a gruesome one, for he brings devastating sickness to the earth. He got away to a head start following World War I when he killed some 20 million people with the Spanish flu in 1918-1919. And this horseman is still at the gallop. Despite commendable advances in the field of medicine, the human race is still suffering epidemics today. The intake of pills and other remedies is skyrocketing. But increasing heart attacks, strokes, cancer, VD and countless other afflictions keep bringing many into the clutches of Hades, the common grave of all mankind. Especially in this "time of the end," Hades (Sheol in Hebrew) is not saying "Enough!" (Prov. 30:15, 16) As illness-prone humans, Jehovah's people have suffered, too, from the deadly ride of the pale horse. But they know the reason for their physical sicknesses, and are equipped to endure cheerfully in the knowledge that Jesus' ransom will result soon in the removal of all such epidemics—even the horseman Death himself. Although they may fall victim to Hades (the grave), their resurrection into a righteous new order is assured.—John 5:28, 29.
14 The ride of the horsemen is clearly in evidence today. Total warfare, food shortages, epidemics and wholesale death are now the ominous experience of all mankind. But it is only those who see with the eye of faith that perceive the white horse, with the all-conquering "King of kings," the crowned Bowman.
How grateful we should be for this faith-strengthening vision! It should stimulate us to be very active in witnessing concerning these things. In this, we can be loyal to our commission from Jehovah after the example of Jesus, who came to be called "Faithful and True"—"the faithful and true witness."—Rev. 3:14; 19:11.
DO NOT BE SIDETRACKED!
15 The world does not believe that its end is at hand. It would like to dissuade us from believing that, too. But whom will you believe—their word or God's Word? It is God's Word that makes it plain that we are in "the conclusion of the system of things." Not even the nuclear armament of the "god of fortresses"—glorified by the "king of the north"—can stand against the all-conquering "King of kings."—Dan. 11:38, 45.
16 The apostle Paul extends fine counsel to any who may have become drowsy, saying:
"It is already the hour for you to awake from sleep, for now our salvation is nearer than at the time when we became believers. The night is well along; the day has drawn near. Let us therefore put off the works belonging to darkness and let us put on the weapons of the light." (Rom. 13:11, 12)
The weapons of the light are well known to us, for it has been our grand privilege to use them in proclaiming "this good news of the kingdom" in all the earth as a witness.—Matt. 24:14; Eph. 6:11-17.
17 However, what of "the works belonging to darkness"? These are the worldly works, the things that materialistic people delight to do without thought of God and
his way of light. So we should avoid them. "As in the daytime let us walk decently, not in revelries and drunken bouts, not in illicit intercourse and loose conduct, not in strife and jealousy." (Rom. 13:13) These are the worldly things that would creep into our Christian lives and into the congregation if we permitted it. They are to be guarded against. In more prosperous lands, people generally attach great importance to leisure and material things. In many places, the working week becomes progressively shorter, the love of pleasures correspondingly greater, and pressure is exerted on God's people to become like the world. Will we meet this challenge in the Christian spirit of self-sacrifice?
18 If we are active in God's service, keeping alert and awake for that service, then we will have no time to get tangled up with "revelries and drunken bouts," with "illicit intercourse and loose conduct." Our love for Jehovah and his service, and placing these first, will act as a protection. (Matt. 6:33) With our minds on spiritual matters, and on developing the fruitage of the spirit, we will be humble and understanding in our relations with our families and with our brothers. We will avoid "strife and jealousy."
10 The apostle Paul continues: "Put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not be planning ahead for the desires of the flesh." (Rom. 13:14) What a fine example, indeed, we have in the Lord Jesus Christ! Throughout his ministry on earth he was wide awake to the grand privilege of doing Jehovah's will. Never did he deviate one moment from his whole-souled service in making known to others his Father's name. Even on the day that he must die, how selfless and self-sacrificing he was in packing into every available moment of his remaining hours worthwhile, needed instruction for his disciples!
(John chaps, 13 to 17) When Jesus was nearing the end on the torture stake, he refused the drug that might have eased his agony. He wanted to preserve his senses fully, as an integrity-keeper to the end.—Matt. 27:34.
20 May all of us be counted along with those who "put on the Lord Jesus Christ,"
following his steps closely. (1 Pet. 2:21; Matt. 16:24, 25) By planning ahead for spiritual things, not the fleshly, we can keep wide awake in Jehovah's service as did Jesus. Let us keep on the watch, therefore, filling our lives with Kingdom service right up until the hour that the "Son of man" comes to execute judgment. Great will be our reward!
A Time for Patient Waiting
In the eighth century B.C.E, a deplorable situation existed among the Israelites. The prophet Micah declared: "Too bad for me, for I have become like the gatherings of summer fruit, like the gleaning of a grape gathering! There is no grape cluster to eat, no early fig, that my soul would desire! The loyal one has perished from the earth, and among mankind there is no upright one. All of them, for bloodshed they lie in wait. They hunt, everyone his own brother, with a dragnet. Their hands are upon what is bad, to do it well; the prince is asking for something, and the one who is judging does so for the reward, and the great one is speaking forth the craving of his soul, his very own; and they interweave it. Their best one is like a brier, their most upright one is worse than a thorn hedge."—Mle. 7:1-4.
Evidently Micah speaks of himself as if he were the nation personified. The nation resembled an orchard or a vineyard from which the fruit has been gathered. Not a cluster of grapes remains. There is not even one desirable early fig. This was a fitting comparison because loyal and upright people were hard to find. The majority were out for the blood of their fellowman. Fierce was the competition. There was no concern for the welfare of others. Love was totally lacking. To further their own ends, people schemed to entrap their fellows, hunting them as with a dragnet. Their hands were fully employed in doing bad. In this they proved very adept, they 'did it well.'
The moral decay had reached the highest levels of society. The princes or leaders of the nation 'asked for something,' greedily looking for a gratuity. Judges accepted bribes and perverted justice. Wealthy and prominent men expressed their wishes, and the judges complied with their desires. In this way, princes, judges and other influential men cooperated together in wicked scheming, 'interweaving it.' Even the best among them was like a prickly brier or a thorn hedge.
Both the brier and the thorn hedge can rip clothes and painfully snag the flesh of the one passing by. So, too, lawless men in the time of Micah were treacherous, prickly and hurtful. On account of such a deplorable situation, Micah could say to the Israelites: "The day of your watchmen, of your being given attention, must come. Now will occur the confounding of them." (Mic. 7:4) The "watchmen" were the prophets. So, 'the day of the watchmen' may designate the time when Jehovah would take action against the wicked in fulfillment of what the prophets had proclaimed. The execution of Jehovah's judgment would 'confound' or be wilder the lawless people.
The corruption was so great that not even family relationships united people in bonds of love. The prophet could, therefore, address fellow Israelites with the words: "Do not put your faith in a companion. Do not put your trust in a confidential friend. From her who is lying in your bosom guard the openings of your mouth [that is, watch what you say]. For a son is despising a father; a daughter is rising up against her mother; a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; a man's enemies are the men of his household."—Mic. 7,5,6.
Think of it, a man's friends—wife, father, mother and children could not be trusted. Within his own household, he would have enemies.
Such a state of affairs simply could not continue. It called for the God of justice, Jehovah, to act. Meanwhile patient waiting was in order. The prophecy states: "But as for me, it is for Jehovah that I shall keep on the lookout. I will show a waiting attitude for the God of my salvation. My God will hear me."—Mic. 7:7.
We today should likewise be willing to wait patiently for Jehovah God to act against all unrighteousness. His adverse judgment against the present system of things will be executed just as surely as was his judgment against lawless Israelites, and that right soon!
DELIVERANCE!
Proving
Ourselves
Grateful
</div>
As told by
Max Liebster
IT WAS to the God of Abraham that I cried from the depths of my distress when, at the age of 24. I found myself deprived of my liberty for the sole reason that I was a Jew. In my cell in Pfortzheim prison in the Black Forest, Germany, I asked myself all sorts of questions concerning the genocide of the Jews that was sweeping Nazi Germany.
Then came January 1940. My fellow prisoners and I were transferred by train to the extermination camp of Sachsenhausen-Oranienburg. We were locked in carriages that were transformed into many tiny cells for two persons. Kicked into one of them, I faced a prisoner whose eyes reflected serenity. He was there because of his respect for God's law, choosing prison and possible death rather than shed the blood of other people. He was one of Jehovah's Witnesses. His children had been taken away from him, and his wife had been executed. He was expecting to share her fate.
The 14-day journey brought an answer to my prayers, for it was during this very journey to death that I found the hope of everlasting life. But almost miraculously I didn't die! During the next five years and four months I survived the torturous life of five different death camps, including the incredibly terrible Auschwitz in Poland.
Operating on an around-the-clock basis, the gas chambers and ovens of Auschwitz murdered and disposed of over 10,000 victims daily! It is estimated that up to 4,000,000 persons or more, most of them Jews, were killed in the short time of the camp's operation. When I arrived in Auschwitz in 1943 it was already functioning as an extermination camp.
There were some 30 work camps operating under the direction of the main camp of Auschwitz. Some days when prisoners arrived, the SS selected young men to refill these camps. I was selected and sent to Buna where an artificial rubber production factory was being constructed.
In this work camp, every morning those who couldn't work anymore were taken to the gas chambers for extermination.
BUCHENWALD
Finally, in January 1945 I was transferred to Buchenwald, a camp located in the woods three miles (5 kilometers) northwest of Weimar, Germany. At the approach of the American soldiers the camp commander decided to exterminate all the Jews. They were to be transported by rail to a mass grave, then shot dead after they had dug it. In my convoy was another Jew named Heikorn, who, while in Buchenwald, had accepted the Bible truths taught by Jehovah's Witnesses.
In the commotion that occurred at the railway platform, we withdrew behind a pile of wood to read and meditate on the
few pages of the Bible book of Revelation that Heikorn had in his possession. And then, unbelievable as it may seem, our guards forgot us in the hustle and rush that ensued!
We stayed there until nightfall. Suddenly a call was issued through a loudspeaker: 'All Jehovah's Witnesses go to Block No. 1.' We obeyed the summons and found 180 Witnesses there. A few days later we were liberated by the American forces.
Deliverance! How grand it was to be free! Those hours during our liberation were indeed memorable. Consolation, the former name of Awake!, reports regarding this in its December 19, 1945, issue:
"On April 12, when Buchenwald was finally taken, there were found only twenty or thirty thousand prisoners, half-dead from starvation. A sickening sight, even for hardened soldiers, upon entering this camp, were the dead bodies that were piled up like cordwood outside the barracks. Inside of these shacks were shelves, not beds, upon which the emaciated forms of those who were still able to breathe lay rotting away. Their faces and bodies were shriveled and dried up, and many were too weak to do more than roll their eyes. These had suffered some of the most brutal tortures. Harold Denny, correspondent for the New York Times, says he was 'told of punishments inflicted by the SS guards so depraved and so obscene that I could never tell them except to other men in whispers.'"
…