The Watchtower, December 1, 1992
Download: PDF — The Watchtower, December 1, 1992
DECEMBER 1, 1992
THE WATCHTOWER
ANNOUNCING JEHOVAH'S KINGDOM
Who Has God's Favor?
THE WATCHTOWER
ANNOUNCING JEHOVAH'S KINGDOM
December 1, 1992
Average Printing Each Issue: 15,570,000
Vol. 113, No. 23
THE PURPOSE OF THE WATCHTOWER is to exalt Jehovah God as Sovereign Lord of the universe. It keeps watch on world events as these fulfill Bible prophecy. It comforts all peoples with the good news that God's Kingdom will soon destroy those who oppress their fellowmen and that it will turn the earth into a paradise. It encourages faith in God's now-reigning King, Jesus Christ, whose shed blood opens the way for mankind to gain eternal life. The Watchtower, published by Jehovah's Witnesses continuously since 1879, is nonpolitical. It adheres to the Bible as its authority.
IN THIS ISSUE
3 What Kind of People Do You Favor?
5 Who Has God's Favor?
7 The Blessing of Jehovah Makes Rich
12 "Bring All the Tenth Parts Into the Storehouse"
18 The Blessings of Gilead Education Spread Worldwide
21 The Joy That Serving Jehovah Has Brought Me
26 Not Peddlers of God's Word
30 Questions From Readers
31 Kingdom Proclaimers Report
32 "Like a Roaring Lion"
WATCHTOWER STUDIES FOR WEEKS OF
JANUARY 11: The Blessing of Jehovah Makes Rich. Page 7. Songs to be used: 9, 58.
JANUARY 18: "Bring All the Tenth Parts Into the Storehouse." Page 12. Songs to be used: 12, 118.
Now published in 111 languages.
SEMIMONTHLY LANGUAGES AVAILABLE BY MALT:
Africanus, Arabic, Biblio, Calcamo, Cabauo, Chichilew, Chinese, Cibemba, Croatian, Czech, Danish, Dutch, Edf, English (ja blaise) Estonian, Ewen, Finnish, French, Ger German, Greek, Hilgagian, Hit Mata, Hungarian, Ibbo, Iglok, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Kamara, *Macedonian, Malagasy, Malayalam, Maltese, Myanmar, Portuguese, Rotoronto, Polish, Polish, Portuguese, Rotoronto
MONTHLY LANGUAGES AVAILABLE BY MAIL:
Armenian, Armenian, Bengali, Bicol, Bulgarian, Fijian, Greenlandic, Gujarati, Gun, Hausa, Hebrew, Icelandic, Icelandic, Indonesian, Nudugao, Nudugao, Marathi, Nagi, Nepali, Nagi, Nepali, Sinhalese, Sinhalese, Solomon Islands Pidgin, Srananong, Telegu, Tangu, Turkish, Tukwil, Urdna, Venda
Study articles also available in large-print edition. Audiocassettes also available.
© 1992 Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania. All rights reserved. Frederick W. Franz, President
Subscription requests should be sent to Watch Tower at the appropriate address below.
America, United States of: w: Wallkill, N. Y. N. 12899. Australia: Box 280, Ingleham, N.S.W. 2565. Bahamas: Box N. 1247, Nassau, N. P. Barbados: Fontable Road, Bridgant, Canada L74 G4 19: Box 4100, Haitian Georgetown, Ontario, England NW7 1N 17: Ridgway, London, Germany Postfach 20: 5215-6218, Selsevier I. Ghana: I. Ghana 760, Accra, Guyana 50 Bricklund, Georgetown 16: Hawai'i 96819: 20:55 Kam IV Rd, Honolulu, Hong Kong 4 Kent Road, Kowloon India: India Post 10, bag Lovell, Macdougall, Mdl. 4101, I. Ghana 29: AJam Road, Fingal, Dublin 11: Jamaica 10, box 180, Kington 10, Japan: 1271 Nakaskimin, Ebina City, Kangawai, Pref. 24: 0.439, Kanae: Box 7428, Nneirobie: Liberia: P. O. B. 10-0380, Manneville 10, New Zealand: P. O. B. 142, Manneville: Nigeria: P. B. 1090, Benidorm City, Edo State, Philippines, Republic of: P. O. B. 2044, 1099 Manila, South Africa: Private Bag 206, Krugerspur, 1740, Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of: Lower Ruppey Street & Laiamui, Curaçao, Zimbabwe: P. O. B. 21598, Zimbabwe: 351 Fife Avenue, Harare.
The Bible translation used is the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures—With References, unless otherwise indicated.
Would you welcome more information or a free home Bible study? Please write Watch Tower, using the appropriate address above.
This is part of a worldwide Bible educational work that is supported by voluntary donations.
Changes of address should reach us 30 days before your moving date. Give us your old and new address (if possible, your old address label).
The Watchtower (ISSN 0034-1087) is published semimonthly by Watchtower Bible and Tract Society, Brooklyn, N.Y. I, N.Y. 1210. Second-class postage paid at Brooklyn, N.Y., and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address change to Watchtower, Walkilin, N.Y. Printed in U.S.A.
What Kind of People Do You Favor?
"BRIDE WANTED. Should be fair and slim, graduate or preferably postgraduate. Must be from good family with properties. Same caste preferred."
SO READS a typical matrimonial advertisement that you might see in a newspaper in India. Likely, you could see something similar in many other parts of the world. In India the notice is usually issued by the parents of a prospective groom. Replies may include a photograph of a girl dressed in a bright red sari and wearing a lot of gold jewelry. If the boy's family approves, negotiations with a view to marriage would begin.
Common Standards of Value
In India requests for a fair bride are very common. This is due to a deep-rooted belief that the so-called lower castes of Hindu society are dark skinned. Recently, a program on Indian television told a story of two girls, one fair and the other dark. The fair girl
was cruel and ill-mannered; the dark girl was kind and gentle. A magical reversal took place, and the fair girl became dark as punishment, while the dark girl was made fair. The moral of the story obviously was that while goodness eventually triumphs, fair skin is a desired reward.
Such racial feelings are often far more deep-seated than one may realize. For example, an Asian may visit a Western country and complain that he was mistreated because of the color of his skin or the slant of his eyes. Such actions disturb him, and he feels discriminated against. But when he returns to his native land, he may treat persons of a different ethnic group the very same way. Even today skin color and ethnic background play a major role in many people's estimation of another person's worth.
"Money is what meets a response in all things," wrote King Solomon of ancient times. (Ecclesiastes 10:19) How true that is! Wealth also affects how people are viewed. The source of the wealth is rarely questioned. Has a man become rich because of hard work or careful management or dishonesty? That hardly matters. Riches, ill-gotten or not, lead many people to curry favor with the possessor.
Higher education too has been placed on a pedestal in this competitive world. As soon as a child is born, parents are urged to start putting aside large sums for education. By the time he is two or three years old, they worry about getting him into the right nursery school or kindergarten as a first step on the long journey to a university degree. Some people seem to think that a prestigious diploma carries with it the right to favor and respect from others.
Yes, skin color, education, money, ethnic background—these have become the standards by which many people judge or, rather, prejudge another person. These are the factors that determine to whom they show favor and from whom they withhold it. What about you? Whom do you favor? Do you consider someone with money, fair skin, or higher education more deserving of favor and respect? If so, you need to consider seriously the basis for your feelings.
Are These Sound Standards?
The book Hindu World observes: "Any one of the lower castes killing a brāhmin could be tortured to death and his property confiscated, and his soul was eternally damned. A brāhmin who killed anyone could only be fined and never punished with death." Though the book is speaking of ancient times, what about today? Racial prejudice and communal tension have caused rivers of blood to flow even in the 20th century. And this has not been confined to India. The hatred and violence perpetuated by apartheid in South Africa, racial prejudice in the United States, nationalist prejudice in the Baltics—the list goes on and on—are all caused by feelings of innate superiority Certainly, such favoring of one person over another because of race or nationality has not produced good, peaceful fruits.
How about wealth? Undoubtedly, many become rich through honest, hard work. However, enormous wealth has been amassed by underworld criminals, black marketers, drug traffickers, illegal-arms dealers, and others. True, some of these donate to charities or support schemes to help the poor. Nevertheless, their criminal acts have brought untold suffering and misery to their victims. Even comparatively small-time operators, such as those who take a bribe or share in shady business practices, have caused frustration, injury, and death when their products or services fail and malfunction. Indeed, possession of wealth in itself is no basis for favorable judgment.
What, then, about education? Does a long list of degrees and titles after a person's name guarantee that he is honest and upright? Does it mean that he should be looked upon with favor? Granted, education can broaden one's horizons, and many who have made use of their education to benefit others are deserving of honor and respect. But history is replete with examples of exploitation and oppression of the masses by the educated class. And consider what is happening on the college or university scene today. Campuses are plagued with problems of drug abuse and sexually transmitted diseases, and many students enroll solely in the pursuit of money, power, and fame. A person's education alone is hardly a reliable indicator of his true character.
No, skin color, education, money, ethnic background, or other such factors are not a sound basis on which to judge another person's worth. Christians should not be preoccupied with these matters in an effort to gain favor from others. What, then, should a person be concerned with? What standards should one go by?
Who Has God's Favor?
ALL of us want to be liked by our associates. To a Christian a far stronger desire is to find favor with God. Of Jehovah God, it is stated Psalm 84:11: "Favor and glory are what he gives. Jehovah himself will not hold back anything good from those walking in faultlessness." At the birth of Jesus, the joyful cry of the heavenly angels promised "peace on earth for men whom he favours!"—Luke 2:14, Moffatt.
But whom does God favor? Are God's standards the same as man's? Understandably, they are not, as indicated by what was discussed in the previous article. In fact, since Christians are admonished to "become imitators of God," each of us might well ask, Do I show favor to persons whom God favors, or am I inclined to follow worldly standards in my judgment of people? (Ephesians 5:1) To gain Jehovah's favor and approval, we must take care to see things from his viewpoint.
God's Higher Standards
"God is not partial," said the apostle Peter, "but in every nation the man that fears him and works righteousness is acceptable to him." Further, the apostle Paul testified that God "made out of one man every nation of men." (Acts 10:34, 35; 17:26) It is only reasonable to conclude, therefore, that all humans are equal in God's sight no matter
what their physical characteristics are. That being the case, it would not befit a Christian to favor someone unduly simply because that one comes from a particular region or is of a certain skin color or belongs to another race. Rather, he would do well to follow his Exemplar, Jesus Christ, about whom even enemies admitted that he showed no partiality. —Matthew 22:16.
The expression "skin-deep" is at times used to describe something that is shallow or unimportant. Skin color is just that; it is only skin-deep. The color of a person's skin in no way reflects his personality or inner qualities. When it comes to choosing people with whom to associate, to eat, or to shake hands, we should certainly not look particularly at skin color. Remember, the maiden who inspired some of the most beautiful and romantic poetry ever written said of herself: "A black girl I am, but comely. . . . I am swarthy, because the sun has caught sight of me." (Song of Solomon 1:5, 6) Neither race nor color forms a proper basis for showing favor. Much more important is whether a person fears God and works righteousness.
How does God feel about the possession of material wealth? Of all the persons whom God loves and favors, his Son, Jesus Christ, is the foremost. Yet, when on earth, Jesus had "nowhere to lay down his head." (Matthew 8:20) He owned no landed property, houses, fields, fruit trees, or animals.
Still, Jehovah honored him and exalted him to a position that is above everyone else in the universe except God himself.—Philippians 2:9.
Jesus Christ found favor with God because he was rich not in material goods but in fine works. (Compare 1 Timothy 6:17, 18.) He admonished his followers: "Stop storing up for yourselves treasures upon the earth, where moth and rust consume, and where thieves break in and steal. Rather, store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes, and where thieves do not break in and steal." (Matthew 6:19, 20) Thus, rather than showing favor only to those who are rich in this world's goods, Christians will make no distinctions on the basis of worldly belongings. They will seek out those who are rich toward God irrespective of whether they are rich or poor in a material way. Never forget that "God chose the ones who are poor respecting the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the Kingdom." (James 2:5) If you maintain God's viewpoint, you will never fall prey to the common practice of favoring or catering to the materially rich.
As for education, the Bible clearly shows that God urges us to seek knowledge and wisdom and that Jesus Christ was the greatest teacher ever to walk the earth. (Proverbs 4:7; Matthew 7:29; John 7:46) But it is not worldly wisdom or education that finds favor with God. On the contrary, Paul tells us that "not many wise in a fleshly way were called, . . . but God chose the foolish things of the world, that he might put the wise men to shame."—1 Corinthians 1:26, 27.
God favors those who are well educated, not in the secular subjects taught in institutes of higher learning, but in the "pure
language" of truth as found in his Word, the Bible. (Zephaniah 3:9) In fact, Jehovah himself is teaching his people today by means of an educational program that extends to the far corners of the earth. As foretold by the prophet Isaiah, people of all nations are responding by saying: "Let us go up to the mountain of Jehovah, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will instruct us about his ways, and we will walk in his paths." Therefore, instead of glorifying secular education, Christians will seek out those who prove by their words and deeds that they are really "persons taught by Jehovah." By so doing, they will enjoy the 'abundant peace' that God gives.—Isaiah 2:3; 54:13.
We Can Gain God's Favor
Yes, God's standards for bestowing favor on others are very different from man's. Nevertheless, we must endeavor to be guided by his ways if we want to gain favor in his eyes. That means we must learn to see others from God's point of view and not by human standards, influenced as they may be by selfishness and prejudice. How can we do that?
Jehovah God examines a person's heart and favors those who display such qualities as love, goodness, kindness, and long-suffering. We should do likewise. (1 Samuel 16:7; Galatians 5:22, 23) We need to look at the inner person, to the extent we as humans can, and not at his skin color or ethnic background. Rather than seeking out those rich in material things, we do well to bear in mind God's view of riches and strive "to be rich in fine works, to be liberal, ready to share." (1 Timothy 6:18) To gain God's favor, we must continue to seek accurate knowledge of God and of his Son, Jesus Christ, becoming well educated in the pure language of truth. (John 17:3, 17) In so doing, we too will be among those whom God favors.
THE BLESSING OF JEHOVAH MAKES RICH
"The blessing of Jehovah—that is what makes rich, and he adds no pain with it." PROVERBS 10:22.
SOME people never stop talking about money-or their lack of it. Unhappily for them, in recent years they have had much to discuss. In 1992 even the affluent West experienced a recession, and executives as well as rank-and-file workers found themselves out of work. Many wondered if they would ever again see a time of stable prosperity.
2 Is it wrong to be concerned about our material well-being? No, to a degree it is only natural. At the same time, there is a basic truth that we must recognize about
wealth. Ultimately, all material things come from the Creator. He is "the true God, Jehovah, . . . the One laying on the earth and its produce, the One giving breath to the people on it, and spirit to those walking in it."—Isaiah 42:5.
1-3. While many are concerned about material things, what fact about material wealth should all recognize?
3 Although Jehovah does not foreordain who is to be rich and who is to be poor, all of us are answerable for the way we use whatever share we have of "the earth and its produce." If we use our wealth to lord it over others, Jehovah will hold us accountable. And any who slave for riches rather than for Jehovah will find that "the one trusting in his riches—he himself will fall." (Proverbs 11:28; Matthew 6:24; 1 Timothy 6:9) Material prosperity not accompanied by a heart submissive to Jehovah is ultimately without value.—Ecclesiastes 2: 3-11, 18, 19; Luke 16:9.
The Most Important Prosperity
4 In addition to material prosperity, the Bible speaks of spiritual prosperity. This is clearly the better kind. (Matthew 6:19-21) Spiritual prosperity entails a satisfying relationship with Jehovah that can last for eternity. (Ecclesiastes 7:12) Moreover, spiritually rich servants of God do not lose out on wholesome material blessings. In the new world, spiritual wealth will be linked with material prosperity. Faithful ones will enjoy a material security that is not gained by bitter competition or the sacrifice of health and happiness, as is so often the case today. (Psalm 72:16; Proverbs 10:28; Isaiah 25:6-8) They will find that in every way "the blessing of Jehovah . . . makes rich, and he adds no pain with it."—Proverbs 10:22.
Even today those who value spiritual things feel a certain tranquillity as far as material things are concerned. True, they work to pay their bills and feed their families. Or some might even lose their jobs in times of recession. But they are not overwhelmed by such concerns. Rather, they believe Jesus' promise when he said: "Never be anxious and say, 'What are we to eat?' or, 'What are we to drink?' or, 'What are we to put on?' . . . For your heavenly Father knows you need all these things. Keep on, then, seeking first the kingdom and his righteousness, and all these other things will be added to you." —Matthew 6:31-33.
Spiritual Wealth Today
6 Hence, Jehovah's people have chosen to put the Kingdom first in their lives, and how blessed they are! They enjoy rich success in their work of making disciples. (Isaiah 60:22) They are taught by Jehovah, enjoying a ceaseless stream of spiritual good things provided through "the faithful and discreet slave." (Matthew 24:45-47; Isaiah 54:13) Further, Jehovah's spirit is upon them, molding them into a delightful international brotherhood.—Psalm 133:1; Mark 10:29, 30.
This truly is spiritual prosperity, something money cannot buy. It is a striking fulfillment of Jehovah's promise: "Bring all the tenth parts into the storehouse, that there may come to be food in my house; and test me out, please, in this respect,' Jehovah of armies has said, 'whether I shall not open to you people the floodgates of the heavens and actually empty out upon you a blessing until there is no more want.'" (Malachi 3:10) We today have seen this promise fulfilled. Why, though, does Jehovah, the Source of all wealth, ask that his servants bring in a tenth part, or a tithe? Who benefits from the tithe? To answer these questions, consider why Jehovah spoke these words through Malachi in the fifth century B.C.E.
Tithes and Offerings
8 In Malachi's time God's people were not prospering. Why not? In part it had to do with offerings and tithes. Back then, Israel was under the Mosaic Law covenant. When Jehovah made that covenant, he promised that if Israel kept their part of it, he would bless them spiritually and materially.
In effect, Israel's prosperity depended on their faithfulness.—Deuteronomy 28:1-19.
9 Part of Israel's obligation under the Law was to bring offerings to the temple and to pay tithes. Some of the offerings were burned in their entirety on the altar of Jehovah, while others were divided between the priests and the ones presenting the sacrifice, with special portions being offered to Jehovah. (Leviticus 1:3-9; 7:1-15) Regarding tithes, Moses told the Israelites: "Every tenth part of the land, out of the seed of the land and the fruit of the tree, belongs to Jehovah. It is something holy to Jehovah." (Leviticus 27:30) The tithe was given to the Levite workers at the tabernacle and later at the temple. In turn, nonpriestly Levites would give a tenth of what they received to the Aaronic priests. (Numbers 18:21-29) Why did Jehovah require Israel to pay tithes? First, so that they could show in a tangible way their appreciation for Jehovah's goodness. And second, so that they could contribute to the support of the Levites, who could then concentrate on their obligations, including the teaching of the Law. (2 Chronicles 17:7-9) In this way pure worship was also supported, and everyone benefited.
10 Although tithes and offerings were later used by the Levites, they were really gifts to Jehovah and so were to be of good quality, worthy of him. (Leviticus 22:21-25) What happened when the Israelites failed to bring their tithes or when they brought inferior offerings? There was no punishment prescribed in the Law, but there were consequences. Jehovah withheld his blessing, and
the Levites, deprived of material support, left their temple duties in order to support themselves. Thus, all Israel suffered.
"Set Your Heart Upon Your Ways"
11 During the course of Israel's history, some were exemplary in trying to keep the Law, including the paying of tithes. (2 Chronicles 31:2-16) As a general rule, though, the nation was neglectful. Again and again they broke the covenant with Jehovah, until he finally allowed them to be conquered and, in 607 B.C.E., to be deported to Babylon. —2 Chronicles 36:15-21.
12 That was hard discipline, but after 70 years Jehovah restored his people to their homeland. Many of the Paradise prophecies in Isaiah were to have their initial fulfillment after that return. (Isaiah 35:1, 2; 52:1-9; 65:17-19) Yet, the main reason Jehovah brought his people back was, not to build an earthly paradise, but to rebuild the temple and restore true worship. (Ezra 1:2, 3) If Israel obeyed Jehovah, material benefits would follow, and the blessing of Jehovah would make them rich both spiritually and materially. Accordingly, as soon as they arrived in their homeland in 537 B.C.E., the Jews built an altar in Jerusalem and began work on the temple. However, they encountered strong opposition and stopped. (Ezra 4:1-4, 23) As a result, Israel did not enjoy Jehovah's blessing.
13 In the year 520 B.C.E., Jehovah raised up the prophets Haggai and Zechariah to urge Israel to return to the work of temple building. Haggai showed that the
nation was suffering material hardships and related this to their lack of zeal for Jehovah's house. He said: "This is what Jehovah of armies has said, 'Set your heart upon your ways. You have sown much seed, but there is a bringing of little in. There is an eating, but it is not to satisfaction. There is a drinking, but not to the point of getting intoxicated. There is a putting on of clothes, but it is not with anyone's getting warm; and he that is hiring himself out is hiring himself out for a bag having holes.' This is what Jehovah of armies has said, 'Set your heart upon your ways. Go up to the mountain, and you must bring in lumber. And build the house, that I may take pleasure in it and I may be glorified.'"—Haggai 1:5-8.
14 Encouraged by Haggai and Zechariah, the Israelites set their hearts upon their ways, and the temple was built. Some 60 years later, though, Nehemiah visited Jerusalem and found that Israel had again become neglectful of Jehovah's Law. He corrected this. But on a second visit, he found that things had again deteriorated. He reports: "I got to find out that the very portions of the Levites had not been given them, so that the Levites and the singers doing the work went running off, each one to his own field." (Nehemiah 13:10) This problem was corrected, and "all Judah, for their part, brought in the tenth of the grain and of the new wine and of the oil to the stores."—Nehemiah 13:12.
The messenger of the covenant, Jesus, representing Jehovah, came to the temple for judgment in the first century C.E.
Robbing Jehovah
15 Likely, the prophesying by Malachi was in this same general time period, and the prophet tells us more about Israel's unfaithfulness. He records Jehovah's words to Israel: "If I am a father, where is the honor to me? And if I am a grand master, where is the fear of me?" Jehovah of armies has said to you, O priests who are despising my name." What was wrong? Jehovah explains: "When you present a blind animal for sacrificing [you say]: 'It is nothing bad.' And when you present a lame animal or a sick one [you say]: 'It is nothing bad.'" — Malachi 1:6-8.
16 In this graphic way, Malachi shows that while the Israelites were bringing in offerings, the poor quality of these betrayed gross disrespect. Malachi also wrote: "From the days of your forefathers you have turned aside from my regulations and have not kept them. Return to me, and I will return to you," Jehovah of armies has said." The Israelites wondered what specifically they had to do, so they asked: "In what way shall we return?"
Jehovah answered: "Will earthling man rob God? But you are robbing me." How could Israel rob Jehovah, the Source of all wealth? Jehovah answered: "In the tenth parts and in the contributions." (Malachi 3:7, 8) Yes, by failing to bring in their tithes and offerings, Israel was robbing Jehovah!
17 This historical background shows the importance of tithes and offerings in Israel. They were a demonstration of appreciation on the part of the giver. And they helped support true worship in a material way. Thus, Jehovah went on to encourage Israel: "Bring all the tenth parts into the storehouse." Showing what would follow if they did, Jehovah promised: "I shall . . . empty out upon you a blessing until there is no more want." (Malachi 3:10) The blessing of Jehovah would make them rich.
Judged by "the True Lord"
18 Jehovah through Malachi also warned that he would come to judge his people. "Look! I am sending my messenger, and he must clear up a way before me. And suddenly there will come to His temple the true Lord, whom you people are seeking, and the messenger of the covenant in whom you are delighting. Look! He will certainly come." (Malachi 3:1) When did the promised coming to the temple take place? At Matthew 11:10, Jesus quoted Malachi's prophecy of a messenger who would prepare the way and applied it to John the Baptist. (Malachi 4:5; Matthew 11:14) So in 29 C.E., the time for judgment had arrived! Who was the second
messenger, the messenger of the covenant who would accompany Jehovah, "the true Lord," to the temple? Jesus himself, and on two occasions he came to the temple in Jerusalem and dramatically cleansed it; casting out the dishonest money changers. (Mark 11:15-17; John 2:14-17) Regarding this first-century time of judgment, Jehovah prophetically asks: "Who will be putting up with the day of his coming, and who will be the one standing when he appears?" (Malachi 3:2) In fact, Israel did not stand. They were inspected, found wanting, and in 33 C.E., they were cast off as Jehovah's chosen nation.—Matthew 23:37-39.
19 However, Malachi also wrote: "[Jehovah] must sit as a refiner and cleanser of silver and must cleanse the sons of Levi; and he must clarify them like gold and like silver, and they will certainly become to Jehovah people presenting a gift offering in righteousness." (Malachi 3:3) In harmony with this, while most of those claiming to serve
In what way did a remnant return to Jehovah in the first century, and what blessing did they receive?
Can You Explain?
Ultimately, who is the Source of all wealth?
Why is spiritual prosperity better than material wealth?
What purpose did tithes and offerings serve in Israel?
When did Jehovah, "the true Lord," come to the temple to judge Israel, and with what result?
Who returned to Jehovah after he came to his temple in the first century C.E.?
Jehovah in the first century were cast off, some were cleansed and came to Jehovah, offering acceptable sacrifices. Who? The ones who had responded to Jesus, the messenger of the covenant. At Pentecost 33 C.E., 120 of these responsive ones were gathered together in an upper room in Jerusalem. Strengthened by holy spirit, they began to present a gift offering in righteousness, and quickly their numbers grew. Soon, they spread throughout the Roman Empire. (Acts 2:41; 4:4; 5:14) Thus, a remnant returned to Jehovah.—Malachi 3:7.
20 This remnant of Israel, which came to include Gentiles grafted, as it were, into the rootstock of Israel, was a new "Israel of God," a nation made up of spirit-anointed Christians. (Galatians 6:16; Romans 11:17) In
When Jerusalem and the temple were destroyed, what happened to the new Israel of God?
70 C.E., a "day... burning like the furnace" came upon fleshly Israel when Jerusalem and her temple were destroyed by Roman armies. (Malachi 4:1; Luke 19:41-44) What happened to the spiritual Israel of God? Jehovah showed "compassion upon them, just as a man shows compassion upon his son who is serving him." (Malachi 3:17) The anointed Christian congregation heeded Jesus' prophetic warning. (Matthew 24:15, 16) They survived, and Jehovah's blessing continued to make them spiritually rich.
21 What a vindication of Jehovah! How, though, is Malachi 3:1 being fulfilled today? And how should a Christian respond to the encouragement at Malachi 3:10 to bring the whole title into the storehouse? This will be discussed in the next article.
What questions remain about Malachi 3:1 and 10?
"BRING ALL THE TENTH PARTS INTO THE STOREHOUSE"
"Test me out, please, in this respect, . . . whether I shall not open to you people the floodgates of the heavens."—MALACHI 3:10.
IN THE fifth century B.C.E., the Israelites had been unfaithful to Jehovah. They had withheld tithes and brought unfit animals to the temple as offerings. Nevertheless, Jehovah promised that if they would
bring the whole title into the storehouse, he would pour out a blessing until there was no more want. (Malachi 3:8-10) Some 500 years later, Jehovah, represented by Jesus as His messenger of the covenant, came to the temple in Jerusalem for judgment. (Malachi 3:1) Israel as a nation was found wanting, but those individuals who returned to Jehovah were richly blessed. (Malachi 3:7) They were anointed to become Jehovah's spiritual sons, a new creation, "the Israel of God."
—Galatians 6:16; Romans 3:25, 26.
2 Almost 1,900 years after this, in 1914, Jesus was enthroned as King of God's heavenly Kingdom, and the divinely inspired words at Malachi 3:1-10 were due to have a second fulfillment. In connection with this thrilling event, Christians today are invited to bring the whole tithe into the storehouse. If we do so, we too will enjoy blessings until there is no more want.
3 Regarding his coming to the temple, Jehovah said: "Look! I am sending my messenger, and he must clear up a way before me." (Malachi 3:1) As a first-century fulfillment of this, John the Baptizer came to Israel preaching repentance of sins. (Mark 1:2, 3) Was there a preparatory work in connection with the second coming of Jehovah to his temple? Yes. In the decades before the first world war, the Bible Students appeared on the world scene teaching pure Bible doctrine and exposing God-dishonoring lies, such as the Trinity and the hellfire doctrines. They also warned of the coming end of the Gentile Times in 1914. Many responded to these light bearers of truth.—Psalm 43:3; Matthew 5:14, 16.
4 The year 1914 began what the Bible calls "the Lord's day." (Revelation 1:10) Momentous events were to take place during that day, including the identifying of "the faithful and discreet slave" and the appointing of that one "over all [the Master's] belongings." (Matthew 24:45-47) Back in 1914,
thousands of churches claimed to be Christian. Which group would be acknowledged by the Master, Jesus Christ, as his faithful and discreet slave? That question was to be settled when Jehovah came to the temple.
Coming to the Spiritual Temple
5 To which temple, though, did he come? Clearly not to a literal temple in Jerusalem. The last of those temples was destroyed back in 70 C.E. Jehovah does have, however, a greater temple that was foreshadowed by that at Jerusalem. Paul spoke of this greater temple and showed how grand it truly is, with a holy place in heaven and a courtyard here on earth. (Hebrews 9:11, 12, 24; 10:19, 20) It is to this great spiritual temple that Jehovah came for a judgment work. —Compare Revelation 11:1; 15:8.
6 When did this happen? According to substantial evidence available, in 1918.* What was the result? As for Christendom, Jehovah saw an organization whose hands dripped with blood, a corrupt religious system that had prostituted herself to this world, allying herself with the wealthy and oppressing the poor, teaching pagan doctrines rather than practicing pure worship. (James 1:27; 4:4) Through Malachi, Jehovah had warned: "I will become a speedy witness against the sorcerers, and against the adulterers, and against those swearing falsely, and against those acting fraudulently with the wages of a wage worker, with the widow and with the fatherless boy." (Malachi 3:5) Christendom had done all of this and worse. By 1919 it was clearly seen that Jehovah had condemned her to destruction along with the rest of Babylon the Great, the worldwide edifice of false religion.
From then on, the call went out to rightearted ones: "Get out of her, my people." —Revelation 18:1, 4.
7 Who, then, was the faithful and discreet slave? In the first century, it began with the small group that responded to the witness work of John the Baptizer and of Jesus, the messenger of the covenant. In our century, it was the few thousands who responded to the preparatory work of the Bible Students during the years leading up to 1914. These ones endured harsh trials during the first world war, but they demonstrated that their heart was with Jehovah.
A Cleansing Work
8 Even this group needed cleansing, however. Some who had attached themselves to them turned out to be enemies of the faith and had to be cleared out. (Philippians 3:18) Others were unwilling to shoulder the responsibilities involved in serving Jehovah and drifted away. (Hebrews 2:1) Apart from that, there were Babylonish practices remaining that needed to be eliminated. Organizationally too the faithful and discreet slave had to be cleansed. A proper position of neutrality toward this world had to be learned and applied. And as the world became more and more corrupt, they needed to put up a hard fight to keep moral and spiritual uncleanness out of the congregations. —Compare Jude 3, 4.
9 Yes, cleansing was needed, but Jehovah had lovingly promised concerning the enthroned Jesus: "He must sit as a refiner and cleanser of silver and must cleanse the sons of Levi; and he must clarify them like gold
and like silver, and they will certainly become to Jehovah people presenting a gift offering in righteousness." (Malachi 3:3) Starting in 1918, Jehovah, through this messenger of the covenant, has fulfilled his promise and cleansed his people.
10 The anointed brothers of Christ and the great crowd who later joined them in Jehovah's service all benefited from Jehovah's acting as a refiner and a cleanser of silver. (Revelation 7:9, 14, 15) As an organization they came, and still come, presenting a gift offering in righteousness. And their offering is "gratifying to Jehovah, as in the days of long ago and as in the years of antiquity." (Malachi 3:4) It was these that Jehovah prophetically invited: "Bring all the tenth parts into the storehouse, that there may come to be food in my house; and test me out, please, in this respect,' Jehovah of armies has said, 'whether I shall not open to you people the floodgates of the heavens and actually empty out upon you a blessing until there is no more want.'" — Malachi 3:10.
Offerings and Tithes
11 In Malachi's day God's people brought in literal offerings and tithes, such as grain, fruit, and livestock. Even in Jesus' day, faithful Israelites made literal offerings at the temple. However, after Jesus' death all that changed. The Law was abolished, including the command to present specific material offerings and tithes. (Ephesians 2:15) Jesus fulfilled the prophetic type of the offerings under the Law. (Ephesians 5:2; Hebrews 10:1, 2, 10) In what way, then, can Christians bring in offerings and tithes?
What kind of offering did God's people bring, and what invitation did Jehovah give them?
Why are offerings according to the Mosaic Law system no longer required?
12 For them, offerings are outstandingly of a spiritual kind. (Compare Philippians 2:17; 2 Timothy 4:6.) For example, Paul spoke of the preaching work as an offering when he said: "Through him let us always offer to God a sacrifice of praise, that is, the fruit of lips which make public declaration to his name." He pointed to another spiritual kind of sacrifice when he urged: "Do not forget the doing of good and the sharing of things with others, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased." (Hebrews 13:15, 16) When parents encourage their children to enter the pioneer service, they may be said to be offering them to Jehovah, much as Jephthah offered his daughter as "a burnt offering" to God, who had given him the victory.—Judges 11:30, 31, 39.
13 What about tithes, though? Are Christians obligated to put aside a tenth of their material income and give it to Jehovah's organization, comparable to what is done in some churches of Christendom? No, that is not required. There is no scripture stating such a rule for Christians. When Paul was collecting contributions for needy ones in Judea, he did not mention a specific percentage that should be given. Rather, he said: "Let each one do just as he has resolved in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." (2 Corinthians 9:7) In speaking of those in special ministries, Paul showed that while some were quite properly supported by voluntary contributions, he was prepared to work and support himself. (Acts 18:3, 4; 1 Corinthians 9:13-15) There were no tithes assigned for this purpose.
Our spiritual tithes include offering our strength and resources to build Kingdom Halls
14 Clearly, for Christians the tithe symbolizes, or represents, something. Since it is a tenth and the number ten often symbolizes earthly completeness in the Bible, does the tithe symbolize our giving of our all to Jehovah? No. When we dedicate ourselves to Jehovah and symbolize this by water baptism, that is when we give our all to him. From the time of our dedication, we have nothing that is not already Jehovah's. However, Jehovah allows individuals to dispose of what is theirs. So the tithe represents the portion of what is ours that we bring to Jehovah, or use in Jehovah's service, as a token of our love for him and of our recognition of the fact that we belong to him. The modern-day tithe does not have to be just a tenth. In some cases it will be less. In others it will be more. Each individual brings what his heart impels him to bring and what his circumstances permit.
(a) Why does bringing in a tithe not represent our giving of our all to Jehovah? (b) What is represented by the tithe?
15 What is included in this spiritual tithe? For one thing, we give Jehovah of our time and energy. The time we spend at meetings, in attending assemblies and conventions, in the field service, all of this is something given to Jehovah—a part of our tithe. The time and energy we spend visiting the sick and helping others—again, these are part of our tithe. Assisting in constructing Kingdom Halls and sharing in the work of maintaining and cleaning the hall are likewise a part.
16 Our title also includes our financial contributions. With the extraordinary increase of Jehovah's organization in recent years, financial obligations have increased. New Kingdom Halls are needed, along with new branch facilities and new Assembly Halls, together with the upkeep of those already built. Covering the expenses of those who have made themselves available for special service—often making great personal sacrifices to do so—also constitutes a formidable challenge. In 1991 the cost of maintaining missionaries, traveling overseers, and special pioneers alone amounted to more than 40 million dollars, all of which was provided by voluntary contributions.
Because of Jehovah's blessing on his people, much construction has been needed, including Kingdom Halls and Assembly Halls
15, 16. What is included in our spiritual tithe?
17 Just what should we give as our spiritual tithe? Jehovah does not set a percentage. Nevertheless, a sense of dedication, a genuine love of Jehovah and the brothers, as well as a sense of urgency from realizing that there are lives to be saved, encourage us to bring in our whole spiritual tithe. We feel impelled to serve Jehovah to the greatest extent possible. If we were to stint or give grudgingly of ourselves or our resources, this would be tantamount to our robbing God.—Compare Luke 21:1-4.
Blessed Until No More Want
18 Since 1919, Jehovah's people have responded generously with their time, energy, and financial resources to the needs of the preaching work. They have truly brought the whole title into the storehouse. As a result, Jehovah has fulfilled his promise and poured out a blessing until there is no more want. This has been seen most dramatically in their numerical growth. From the few thousand anointed ones serving Jehovah when he came to his temple in 1918, they have grown until today the anointed along with their companions, the other sheep, number many more than four million in 211 different lands.
(Isaiah 60:22) These have also been blessed with a continuing growth in understanding of the truth. The prophetic word has been made more sure to them. Their confidence in the outworking of Jehovah's purposes has been firmly established. (2 Peter 1:19) They are truly a people "taught by Jehovah."—Isaiah 54:13.
19 Through Malachi, Jehovah foretold a further blessing: "At that time those in fear of Jehovah spoke with one another, each one with his companion, and Jehovah kept paying attention and listening. And a book of remembrance began to be written up before him for those in fear of Jehovah and for those thinking upon his name." (Malachi 3:16) Of all the organizations claiming to be Christian, only Jehovah's Witnesses both think upon his name and magnify it among the nations. (Psalm 34:3) How happy they are to be assured that Jehovah remembers their faithfulness!
20 The anointed remnant are Jehovah's special people, and the great crowd, flocking to associate with them, reap with them the blessings of pure worship. (Zechariah 8:23) Through Malachi, Jehovah promises: "They will certainly become mine,' Jehovah of armies has said, 'at the day when I am producing a special property. And I will show compassion upon them, just as a man shows compassion upon his son who is serving him.'" (Malachi 3:17) What a blessing that Jehovah has such tender regard for them!
21 Indeed, more and more the difference between the true Christians and the false is becoming manifest. As Jehovah's people
strive to keep to his standards, Christendom sinks further and further into this world's morass of uncleanness. Truly, Jehovah's words have proved true: "You people will again certainly see the distinction between a righteous one and a wicked one, between one serving God and one who has not served him." -Malachi 3:18.
22 Soon, the day of reckoning will come for the false Christians. "Look! the day is coming that is burning like the furnace, and all the presumptuous ones and all those doing wickedness must become as stubble. And the day that is coming will certainly devour them,' Jehovah of armies has said.' (Malachi 4:1) Jehovah's people know that he will protect them at that time, as he protected his spiritual nation back in 70 C.E. (Malachi 4:2) How happy they are to have that assurance! Hence, until that time let each of us show our appreciation and love for Jehovah by bringing the whole tithe into the storehouse. Then we can be confident that he will continue to bless us until there is no more want.
What blessings can we be confident of enjoying if we continue to bring in the whole tithe?
Can You Explain?
In modern times, when did Jehovah come to the temple with his messenger of the covenant?
Who is the faithful and discreet slave, and what cleansing did they need after 1918?
What kind of spiritual offerings do true Christians bring to Jehovah?
What is the tithe that Christians are invited to bring to the storehouse?
What blessings do God's people enjoy by offering spiritual tithes?
The Blessings of Gilead Education Spread Worldwide
EDUCATION in this old world has only limited value. Since it is based mostly on human ideas instead of on God's truth, it cannot impart true purpose in life. But the Gilead School is different. In his introductory comments at the graduation of the 93rd class of Gilead, Theodore Jaracz of the Governing Body brought out that this school provides education with true substance. As Psalm 119: 160 says, "the substance of [God's] word is truth." So it was with great excitement
that an audience of nearly 6,000 listened to the graduation program on September 13, 1992.
The first talk of the morning, delivered by Lon Schilling of the Watchtower Farms Committee, was entitled "Go On Conquering the World and Its Ruler." Brother Schilling focused on Revelation 12:11 and pointed out that the verse shows three ways of conquering: (1) through the blood of the Lamb, (2) by means of witnessing, and (3) by having a self-sacrificing spirit.
93rd Graduating Class of the Watchtower Bible School of Gilead
In the list below, rows are numbered from front to back and names are listed from left to right in each row. (1) Hitesman, C; West, P; Evans, D; Hipps, M; Simonelli, N; Wood, C; Corkle, M; Flores, C; Thomas, J. (2) Jones, M; Nissinen, J; Sponenberg, M; Zachary, K; Ravn, G; Backman, M; Wettergren, A; Evans, D; Flores, R; Caparale, G. (3) Simonelli, N; Rechsteiner, M; Rechsteiner, M; Ruiz-Esparza, R; Gerbig, B; Simpson, C; Zanewich, C; Zachary, B; Ricketts, L. (4) Simpson, J.; Backman, J; Corkle, G; Gerbig, B; Ricketts, B; Bagger-Hansen, L; Jones, A; Zanewich, K; Ravn, J; Jipps, C. (5) Sponenberg, S; Hitesman, A; Caparale, L; Ruiz-Esparza, S; Thomas, R; Bagger-Hansen, B; Wood, M; West, M; Wettergren, C; Nissinen, E.
He reminded the students that many of Jehovah's servants have shown such a spirit and have even faced death willingly in order to preserve their loyalty and integrity.
"Guard Your Fine Trust" was the theme developed by John E. Barr of the Governing Body. In his characteristically warm tones, he compared the mutual trust between Jehovah and his servants to the trust developed in a good marriage. Using points from 2 Timothy 1:12, 13, he urged the students to guard their trust by holding dear "the pattern of healthful words" in the Bible. He emphasized making personal study a vital part of the daily schedule and kindly admonished the students never to let their comments at meetings become a matter of course but always to make them meaningful.
William Van De Wall of the Service Department Committee gave the next talk, "Demonstrate Loving Concern for Sheeplike Persons." He asked the students what they would look for in a family doctor and urged them to cultivate the same empathy, compassion, and mercy that they would value.
Daniel Sydlik of the Governing Body spoke rousingly on the theme "All Things Are Possible With God." He reminded the students that Abraham and Sarah had laughed at the seemingly impossible prospect of having a son in their old age. Many of God's promises seem impossible from a human standpoint; but as the angel asked Abraham, "is anything too extraordinary for Jehovah?" (Genesis 18:14) Brother Sydlik exhorted the students to show faith in God's ability to do the impossible, never to let that faith fade or waver, no matter trials they might encounter.
Instructors Offer Counsel
The two Gilead instructors spoke next. First, Jack D. Redford developed the theme "Making a Good Name With God." What makes a name good or bad, he reasoned, is the person who wears it. He contrasted such names as Adam, Nimrod, Jezebel, Saul, and Judas with such names as Noah, Abraham, Ruth, Paul, and Timothy. Each name carries a wealth of associations due to the life course of its bearer. He asked the students what kind of name they would have 10, 100, or even 1,000 years hence—that of a quitter or a complainer or that of a faithful missionary? Focus on solutions and objectives rather than on problems, he counseled them.
"How Well Do You Guard Your Faith?" was the thought-provoking theme developed by Ulysses V. Glass. He likened strong faith to a good compass that always points the right way. A compass in an automobile may be affected by other magnetic fields besides that of the earth, and such fields need to be neutralized. Likewise, this old world produces many influences that can sway or weaken our faith if we let them. As he cautioned the class against such influences, Brother Glass also commended them for their delicate awareness of the attitudes and feelings of others.
Class Statistics
Number of countries represented: 7
Number of countries assigned:18
Number of students: 48
Number of married couples:24
Average age: 32.8
Average years in truth: 15.3
Average years in full-time ministry: 10.4 The final talk of the morning was delivered by Albert D.
Schroeder, a member of the Governing Body. He encouraged the students to "Maintain the Missionary Spirit," commending them for showing the same missionary spirit as the first class did back in 1943, when he was serving as the registrar for the school. He noted that they were people-oriented, preachers by nature, who like to be guided by God's spirit. Keep developing that spirit, making full use of the New World Translation in personal study, he urged. He concluded with a verse-by-verse discussion of Psalm 24 as an example.
Next, the Gilead students became Gilead graduates! They were handed their diplomas as their missionary assignments were read aloud, to much applause from the audience.
In the afternoon, Calvin Chyke of the Factory Committee conducted the Watchtower Study. A delightful student program followed, which touched on the students' experiences in the field during the five-month course and also featured slides of some of the countries to which they were assigned. In addition, an older couple was interviewed, and they shared some of the wisdom and experience they had gained from many years as missionaries. The afternoon concluded with a timely drama entitled Do Not Be Misled or Mock God.
The audience left exhilarated, thrilled to see what education in God's truth can do and delighted to know that the benefits of such education will continue to be felt worldwide. As these 48 missionaries disperse to their assignments, many prayers follow them, expressing heartfelt hope and confidence that these faithful ones will be a blessing to God's people wherever they go.
GILEAD EXTENSION CLASS GRADUATES
On June 21, 1992, a group of 24 missionaries graduated from the fourth class of the Gilead Extension School in Selters/Taunus, Germany. The class, composed of 11 married couples and 2 single sisters hailing from seven countries, averaged 32 years of age, 14 years since baptism, and 8.5 years of service in the full-time evangelizing work. Over 2,000 attended the graduation.
Brother Jaracz opened the program with a discussion of Proverbs 11:24, which states: "There exists the one that is scattering and yet is being increased." He noted that the students were about to be scattered and would certainly promote increase.
Encouraging scriptural talks were delivered by Richard Kelsey, coordinator of the German Branch Committee; Wolfgang Gruppe of the Service Department; Werner Rudtke and Edmund Anstadt, also members of the Branch Committee; and the two instructors, Dietrich Färster and Lothar Kaemmer. Albert Schroeder of the Governing Body gave the interesting feature discourse entitled "Continue to Be Searchers for Spiritual Gems." The climax of the program was the handing out of assignments to 11 countries in Africa, Central America, and Eastern Europe, after which one graduate read a letter from the class to the Governing Body expressing heartfelt appreciation.
THE JOY THAT SERVING JEHOVAH HAS BROUGHT ME
AS TOLD BY GEORGE BRUMLEY
I had just finished teaching a radio class to Emperor Haile Selassie's young police cadets when one of these told me privately that he knew I was a missionary of Jehovah's Witnesses. "Would you study the Bible with me?" he asked eagerly.
SINCE our work was then banned in Ethiopia, I would have been expelled from the country, as other Witnesses had been, if the authorities had learned about me. I wondered if the student was sincere or if he was a government agent sent to entrap me. As a family head with three small children to rear, the thought of losing my job and being forced to leave the country and the friends I had grown to love frightened me.
'But,' you may ask, 'how did an American with a family to support come to prefer living in northeastern Africa, far from home and relatives?' Allow me to explain.
Growing Up in the United States
In the 1920's, when I was still in grade school, my dad subscribed to the Watchtower magazine and obtained a set of Studies in the Scriptures. Dad enjoyed reading, and he devoured the books. He had a witty and mischievous personality, as evidenced by the way he would set up visitors that he had invited over on Sundays. He had a beautiful leather-bound book with "Holy Bible" in gold letters on the front and on the spine. He would initiate a conversation by saying, "Well, it's Sunday. Would you read a few verses for us?"
The visitor always agreed, but when he
opened the book, none of the pages had any printing on them! Of course, the person was surprised. Dad would then say that 'preachers don't know anything about the Bible,' and then he would get a copy and read Genesis 2:7. There, describing the creation of the first human, the Bible says: "Man became a living soul."—Genesis 2:7, King James Version.
Dad would explain that a man does not have a soul but is one, that the wages of sin is death, and that when a man dies, he is truly dead, conscious of nothing at all. (Ecclesiastes 9:5, 10; Ezekiel 18:4; Romans 6:23) Even before I could read well, I had memorized Genesis 2:7. These are the first recollections I have of the real joy it is to know Bible truths and share them with others.
Since we were then receiving The Watchtower in our home, the whole family began to enjoy this spiritual nourishment. My maternal grandmother was living with us, and she became the first publisher of the good news in our family. There was no congregation in Carbondale, Illinois, where we lived, but informal meetings were held. Mom would take us five children to the other side of town where elderly ladies conducted a Watchtower study. We also began to participate in the field ministry.
From Radio Work to Prison
I married in 1937 when I was only 17. I tried to make a living repairing radios and also taught this skill. After the birth of two children, Peggy and Hank, my marriage ended. The divorce was my fault; I was not living a Christian life. The fact that I did not get to rear my two older children has been a lifelong heartache to me.
World War II came along and got me thinking about a lot of things. Military groups offered me the opportunity to become a lieutenant and teach radio to draftees, but my concern about what Jehovah thought of war prompted me to start praying daily. My subscription to The Watchtower had expired, and Lucille Haworth received the expiration notice and visited me. Perry Haworth, who was Lucille's father, and most of her large family had been Witnesses since the 1930's. Lucille and I fell in love, and we married in December 1943.
In 1944, I was baptized and joined my wife in the full-time ministry as a pioneer. Soon I was called up in the military draft but refused induction. As a consequence, I received a sentence of three years in the federal reformatory in El Reno, Oklahoma. It was a joy to suffer for Jehovah. Each morning when I awoke and realized where I was and why, I felt great satisfaction and thanked Jehovah. After the war those of us who were over 25 years of age began to be paroled. I was released in February 1946.
serving Jehovah. We managed to purchase an old car just in time for the convention in Los Angeles in 1947. There we began to think about applying for the Watchtower Bible School of Gilead for missionary training.
When I rejoined Lucille, she was pioneering in the little town of Wagoner, Oklahoma. We had no car, so we walked everywhere, covering the entire town. Later we moved to Wewoka, Oklahoma. Soon I obtained a job at a nearby radio station and started work in broadcasting. Working six hours a day and putting in pioneer time was not easy, but we rejoiced at the privilege we were having
We realized this would be a big step, and we did not want to be hasty in making the decision to leave the United States. I was still anguishing over losing my children, so we tried once again to get custody of them. Because of my former life-style and prison record, it was to no avail. Therefore we decided to try to become missionaries. We were invited to the 12th class of Gilead.
We graduated from school in 1949, but at first we were assigned to visit congregations in Tennessee. After three years in the traveling work in the United States, we received a letter from the office of the Watch Tower Society's president asking if we would be willing to teach school in Ethiopia in addition to doing the preaching work. One of the requirements of that government was that missionaries teach. We agreed, and in the summer of 1952, we left for Ethiopia.
When we got to Ethiopia, we taught grade-school classes in the mornings and conducted free Bible classes in the afternoons. Soon so many began coming for the Bible studies that we were often teaching the Bible three or four hours each day. Some of the students were policemen; others were teachers or deacons in missionary schools and Ethiopian Orthodox schools. At times there were 20 or more in each Bible study class! Many of the students left false religion and started serving Jehovah. We were ecstatic. Again, when I awoke each morning, I gave thanks to Jehovah.
Parenthood and Preaching Under Ban
In 1954 we learned that we were to become parents, so we had to decide whether to go George Brumley with Ethiopian emperor Haile Selassie
back to the United States or remain in Ethiopia. Remaining would, of course, depend on my getting secular work. I obtained a job as a broadcast engineer, operating a radio station for Emperor Haile Selassie. So we stayed.
On September 8, 1954, our daughter Judith was born. I thought I had job security because of working for the emperor, but after two years I
lost that job. However, in less than a month, I was hired by the Police Department—and at a higher salary—to teach a class of young men to repair two-way radios. Within the next three years, our sons Philip and Leslie were born.
…