The Watchtower, July 15, 1924
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WT0 5TS
No. 14
„211 ..212 ..213 ..213
Upon the earth distress of nations with perplexity; the sea and the waves (the restless, disGontented) roaring; men’s hearty faiKng them for fear and tor l«>k™ to the things coming upon the earth (society); for the powers of the heavens (ecclesiasticsm) shall be shaken. . . When ye seethese,things begin jc^uome to P^s, then know that the Kingdom of God is at hand. Look up, lift up your heads, rejoice, for your redemption draweth nigh. Matt. 24:33; Mark 13.29 Luke 21.25-31.
©)j«H©wimg i&fflsflb.smdaJJtglyt ais®!”- Isaiaty
Vol. XLV
Semi-Monthly
Anno Mundi 6052 — July 15, 1924
CONTENTS
ROCK OF AGES
Other foundation can z/i
■■'rio m.an
A RANSOM FOR 'h.L 0W.S
Ous Present Duties..............................
The Vision ................................................
Armies Following the Lord.....................
Plant Heavens and Lay Foundations.....
Memorial Reports for 1924 ....................
Prater-Meeting Text Comments...............
Jesus Cleanses the Temple.....................
Two Cleansings of the Temple.................
Jesus’ Strange Reply Now Understood...
Jesus Talks with Nicodemus...................
The “New Birth" Still a Mystery...........
Jesus Talks with a Samaritan Woman. Jews Not Ready for Righteousness.........
Great Results from Small Beginnings_____
-215 ..216 -216 -217 ..213 ..219 .220 ..220 -221
"I will stand upon nil watch and will set my foot upon the Tower, and will natch to see what He will say unto me, and what answer I shall make to them that oppose me."—Habakkuk 2:1.
THIS JOURNAL AND ITS SACRED MISSION
THIS Journal Is one of the prime factors or instruments in the system of Bible Instruction, or “Seminary Extension”, now beintf presented In all parts of the civilized world by the Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, chartered A. D, 1884, "For the Promotion of Christian Knowledge”. It not only serves as a class room where Bible* students may meet in the study of the divine Word but also as a channel of communication through which they may be reached with announcements of the Society’s conventions and of Aug coming of its traveling representatives, styled “Pilgrims”, and refreshed with reports of its conventions.
Our “Berean Lessons” are topical rehearsals or reviews of our Society’s published Studies most entertainingly arranged, and very helpful to all who would merit the only honorary degree which the Society accords, viz., Verbi Dei Minister (V. D. M.), which translated Into English is Minister of God’s Word. Our treatment of the International Sunday School Lessons is specially for the older Bible Students and teachers. By some this feature is considered indispensable.
This journal stands firmly for the defense of the only true foundation of the Christian’s hope now being so generally repudiated .—redemption through the’ precious blood of “the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself a ransom [a corresponding price, a substitute] for all”. (1 Peter 1:19; 1 Timothy 2:6) Building up on this sure foundation the gold, silver and precious stones (1 Corinthians 3: Ills; 2 Peter 1:5-ll) of the Word of God, its further mission is to “make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery which. . .has been hid in God, ... to the intent that now might be made known by the church the manifold wisdom of God”—“which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men as it is now revealed”.—Ephesians 3: 5-9,10.
It stands free from all parties, sects and creeds of men, while it seeks more and more to bring its every utterance into fullest subjection to the will of God in Christ, as expressed in the holy Scriptures. It is thus free to declare boldly whatsoever the Lord hath spoken—according to the divine wisdom granted unto us to understand his utterances. Its attitude is not dogmatic, but confident; for we know whereof we affirm, treading with implicit faith upon the sure promises of God. It is held as a trust, to be used only in his service; hence our decisions relative to what may and what may not appear in its columns must be according to our judgment of hi, good pleasure, the teaching of his Word, for the upbuilding of his people in grace and knowledge. And we not only invite but urge our readers to prove all its utterances by the infallible Word to which reference is constantly made to facilitate such testing.
TO US THE SCRIPTURES CLEARLY TEACH
That the ehurch is “the temple of the living God”, peculiarly “his workmanship”; that its construction has been in progress throughout the gospel age—ever since Christ became the world’s Redeemer and the Chief Corner Stone of his temple, through which, when finished, God’s blessing shall come “to all people”, and they find access to him.—1 Corinthians 3:16, 17; Ephesians 2:20-22; Genesis 28:14; Galatians 3:29.
That meantime the chiseling, shaping, and polishing of consecrated believers in Christ’s atonement for sin, progresses; and when th last of these “living stones”, “elect and precious,” shall have been made ready, the great Master Workman will bring all togethe. in the first resurrection; and the temple shall be filled with his glory, and be the meeting place between God and men throughout the Millennium.—Revelation 15: 5-8.
That the basis of hope, for the church and the world, lies in the fact that “Jesus Christ, by the grace of God, tasted death for every man,” “a ransom for all,” and will be “the true light which lighteth every man that cometh into the world”, “in due time”.— Hebrews 2:9; John 1:9; 1 Timothy 2:5, 6.
That the hope of the church is that she may be like her Lord, “see him as he is,” be “partakers of the divine nature’,’ and share his glory as his joint-heir.—1 John 3:2; John 17:24; Romans 8:17; 2 Peter 1:4.
That the present mission of the church is the perfecting of the saints for the future work of service: to develop in herself every grace; to be God’s witness to the world; and to prepare to be kings and priests in the next age.—Ephesians 4:12; Matthew 24: 14; Revelation 1:6; 20:6.
That the hope for the world lies in the blessings of knowledge and opportunity to be brought to all by Christ’s Millennial kingdom, the restitution of ail that was lost in Adam, to all the willing and obedient, at the hands of their Redeemer and his glorified church, when all the wilfully wicked will be destroyed.—Acts 3 :19-23; Isaiah 35.
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STUDIES IN THE SCRIPTURES
These Studies me ummeiided to students as veritable Bible keys, discussing topically every vital doctrine of the Bible. More than eleven million copies are in circulation, in nineteen languages. Two sizes are issued in English only : The regular maroon cloth, gold stamped edition on dull finish paper (size 5"x7i"), and the maroon cloth pocket edition on thin paper (size 4"x6|"); both sizes are printed from the same plates, the difference being in the margins. Questions in both editions. The pocket edition—Volumes I, II, III, 75c each; Volumes IV, V, VI, VII, 85c each.
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AND HERALD OF CHRISTS PRESENCE
Vol. XLV July 15, 1924 No. 14
OUR PRESENT DUTIES
"And 1 have put my wards in thy mouth, and I have covered thee in the shadow of mine hand, that I may plant the hear 3 ns, and lay the foundations of the earth, and say unto Zion, Thou art my people.”—Isaiah 51:16.
Till’] Ijord lays certain duties and obligations upon his followers. Performance of these duties is not compulsory; but failure or refusal to perform them may cause one who has for some time been following him to fail and fall out. Faithful performance of our duties will surely result in attaining the promised blessings. This faithful performance must continue until the last. The Lord himself has said to his followers: “Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.” And mere mental loyalty will not suffice; for “faith without works is dead.” There must be an active demonstration of loyalty as opportunity is afforded.
2It will not do to say that 1925 is approaching and the work will not be finished during that year, and that therefore one can slack up for awhile and take on the work again some time later. Who knows that the work of the Church this side the vail may not be completed in 1925? It is unlike the Lord to tell his people just what day their work in any line will be completed and when they will enter another condition. He expects us to walk by faith, trusting him as to the result. But for the sake of argument, suppose that we assume the Church will not finish its work here in 1925. Would that be a just cause or excuse to slack the hand now? Could faithfulness be shown by ceasing for a time to advertise the King and his kingdom, and thus neglecting the interests committed unto us?
’Suppose the Lord should say to his people in 1925 words to the effect that several years more will be required to give the witness to the nations before all the body members shall be changed into glorious spirit beings. Would not the truly loyal ones respond in effect thus? “Gracious Lord, thy will be done. The place thou hast given me in thy cause to advertise thy kingdom is the most blessed one I have ever had or ever hope here to have. I love thee; and I am determined to be loyal to thee. Therefore gladly will I stay where thou requestest me to stay, and I will go when and where thou directest me to go. Whatsoever is thy will, that I shall do.”
*How could any one be loyal to the Lord even unto death and take any other course? Let no one now be deceived by calculations as to just when the Lord will cease his work with the Church on earth. The year 1925 is a date definitely and clearly marked in the Scriptures, even more clearly than that of 1914; but it would be presumptuous on the part of any faithful follower of the Lord to assume just what the Lord is going to do during that year. Each day the faithful will do with his might what his hands find to do as though it is the last day; and he will look forward to being loyal to the Lord in continuing to do his holy will whether he be in the flesh many months or many years.
’The reports from the field show that there are not quite so many active workers in the field now as there were a year ago. The reports also show that those who are in the field are placing more books in the hands of the people, and are giving a more effectual witness and showing better results than they did a year ago. This proves conclusively that the withdrawal of some from the field is not due to slowing up of the work or that there is less to do; but it proves exactly the contrary. If some fail to do the work, the Lord will take away that which they have and commit it into the hands of others. The reports conclusively show that the Lord is blessing those who persist in advertising his kingdom.
6Of course, there may be some who are so handicapped by conditions over which they have no control that they cannot continue to engage actively in the field service. If one is doing what is within the reasonable scope of his power, and what he has opportunities to do, then surely that is pleasing to the Lord; and he would require no more. But the question is, Have some turned aside from advertising the King and his kingdom in order to gratify some earthly desire? Have some turned their minds to money-making, contrary to the admonition of St. Paul? (Hebrews 13:5, Diaglott) Examine the context of the Apostle’s words in the text last cited; and it will be found to relate specifically to the time in which we are now living; hence indicating that some would yield to the temptations of this world and neglect faithfully to perform the duties devolving upon them as representatives of the Lord.
TLet no one be deceived with the thought that he has been active in the Lord’s service for several years and hence now may slack up and let somebody else do the work. Persistency and continuity in service, faithfulness to the very end, is what is pleasing to the Lord.— Galatians 6: 9.
8Jesus evidently had this in mind when he spoke concerning the time in which we are now, saying, “He that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.” (Matthew 24:13) Be it known that he spoke those words in connection with the declaration of the “gospel of the kingdom.”
9Lct the people of God now, each one, make a personal canvass of his own situation and conditions, and then answer to himself this question: Am I doing with my might what my Lord has given me to do ? Am I heeding the admonition of the Lord now given to me when he said: “Let not thine hands be slack.”—Zephaniah 3:16.
10It is absolutely essential that we keep in mind the vision of this day as God foreshadowed it in his Word. While of course we must give attention to the details of the work committed to each of us, yet there is a broader vision of his great work and of the ultimate purpose of that work, that must be kept in mind in order to appreciate our relationship to the Lord and the great honor and privileges that are now ours.
THE VISION
lirrhe vision is concerning the old heavens and the old earth now passing away, and the new heavens and the new earth that are now majestically taking their proper place, and the forces involved on either side in this tremendous work. As we have in mind this vision we shall forget self and earthly selfish interests, and greater will be our zeal and determination to faithfully and loyally represent our King. We should more clearly see that our religion is not merely a hope that we might receive some personal reward of ease and comfort and life and incident blessings. It is more than that. God has developed a people for a purpose. These now he has sent forth, under the leadership of his beloved Son, to perform a work to his glory and praise.
12Long centuries ago the usurper drew away after him a large number of the angels of heaven. He organized a great power, invisible to man; yet men have felt and observed its disastrous results. This invisible power has kept men in subjection to the evil one, who has ruled them with an oppressive hand. This invisible power is symbolically designated in the Scriptures as the heavens that are to pass away, because it is an evil power.
13Long ago Satan, exercising his invisible power, organized the peoples of earth into nations, which organized world power is designated as the “earth.” His power and influence have always been vicious, harsh, oppressive and desperately wicked. Hence the Lord designates these world powers as “beasts.” This beastly organization is composed of three primary elements; commercial, political and ecclesiastical. Through the commerce of the earth Satan has exalted the few and oppressed the masses. Through the political wing of his beast he has misrepresented the people, made and enforced the law’s in behalf of the few, and against the interests of the many. By means of flattery, appealing to the pride of the ecclesiastics who claim to represent Jehovah, he has obtained control over them. The ecclesiastical element, piously and fraudulently, has misrepresented God and deceived the people. They have sanctified war, taught that the earth powers are divine institutions, and therefore rule by divine right; they have blasphemed God’s holy name, and oppressed the people, and made their burdens grievous to be borne.
14Satan has defied Jehovah, wickedly misrepresented Jesus and the great teachings concerning his kingdom, and made true religion a stench in the nostrils of the people. He has caused the people to be blinded to God’s great plan and to the glorious light of Christ Jesus, lest they should be liberated from bondage and oppression.
15Up to a given time God has not interfered with Satan’s wicked course, but has permitted him to pursue his own way and thus to demonstrate fully that he is totally depraved and wicked to the superlative degree.
’"Knowing the end from the beginning, God so timed the outworking of his great plan that a climax would be reached in his own due time. From the beginning it has been his purpose to establish a righteous heavens and earth; that is to say, that both the invisible and visble rule shall be in righteousness, that the people shall be relieved from the great oppressor, and that the name of Jehovah and his beloved Son, Jesus, shall be vindicated and truth enthroned forever.
17To this end God provided for the redemption of man, and sent his beloved Son to earth that he might die and thus provide the redemptive price. To this end God caused his prophet to write concerning his mighty Son: “The government [of righteousness] shall be upon his shoulder: . . . and of his kingdom and peace there shall be no end.”—Isaiah 9: 6, 7.
18When on earth Jesus represented this holy kingdom; for he is the King. For this reason he said to the Pharisees, the devil’s visible representatives: “The kingdom of God has come nigh unto you.”
19 Jesus emphasized the kingdom above everything else. He knew that a great climax would be reached between the powers of evil and the powers of righteousness; and that this climax would be reached when he should come to take unto himself his bride, the Church. He so clearly outlined the evidences which would be apparent at the time of this climax that the members of his body have no reason to doubt. He showed that then would be the day of God’s vengeance, when the Lord Jehovah would rise up and crush the oppressor and his wicked heavens and earth, release the people from bondage, and establish a new heavens and a new earth, and magnify his name in the minds of the people.
20Now behold the day is here. Of this no true child of God can have any doubt whatsoever. The evidences have been given to the Church, and through the Church to the world, that the Lord is present; that he has taken unto himself his great power t» reign; that the dav of Jehovah is here, and that the greatest climax of all the ages has been reached ; that the war is on between the devil’s organization and the Lord’s organization; that the Lord is leading his armies on to victory; that he will triumph; that the kingdom of heaven is at hand through which lasting blessings must come to the people.
2,This is the vision that the Christian must now keep before his mind; and as he beholds this marvelous arrangement he is thrilled with the opportunities that are granted to him, and with the honor bestowed upon him to be one of the called and the chosen; and he is anxious now to be faithful.
22Concerning this day, and the duties and obligations that rest upon the members of the body, Jesus gives to them the command: “This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations: and then shall the end come.”—Matthew 24:14.
ARMIES FOLLOWING THE VICTORIOUS LORD
2,Let us now take a mental vision of the armies in heaven that are following after the victorious Lord. One division of this army is invisible, composed of the faithful saints who have been resurrected. The other division is composed of those on earth who are called, who are chosen, and who are faithfully following in the Master’s footsteps. The latter are the ones whom the Lord has chosen to be his witnesses in the earth at this time. Now the time has come in which God purposes to dash in pieces the wicked systems of Satan, visible and invisible. The members of the Church on earth do not do this work of dashing to pieces. They are not the ones that will bind Satan and destroy his power. It is the Lord who is doing this mighty work. But he purposes to use, and will use, witnesses in the earth to make known these facts to the people as he progresses; and those who are true and faithful witnesses shall stand triumphant with the Lord of lords and King of kings in the great and final conflict.
24To the faithful representatives of the King now on earth, Jehovah, through his prophet, says: “I have put my words in thy mouth.” Plainly this means that the Lord has commissioned the members of the Church on earth to deliver the message concerning his kingdom. That is the real duty of each one. Then he gives to each one the full assurance of his Word that they may not fear, saying, “I have covered thee in the shadow of my hand.” This means that his divine power is shielding and protecting each one of the faithful ones from the adversary’s forces.
25As we visualize the powers of evil we can with certainty say that Satan would wipe out the members of the Church instantly if God would permit him thus to do. But because of Jehovah’s promise no Christian need fear this. Those who are hid within the shadow of the hand of Jehovah occupy a position of absolute safety.
20And who are they? The answer is, Those who love the Lord supremely. And where perfect love is there is no fear; and in order to be perfect love there must be unselfishness, perfectly expressed.
27This means then that those who will win the fight must forget self; and in their love and devotion to the Lord determine to use to represent the Lord every faculty with which they are endowed, and to declare his message against all the odds of evil that surround them.
PLANT HEAVENS AND LAY FOUNDATIONS
28Now mark the purpose of Jehovah in thus using the Church. He says: “That I may plant the heavens and lay the foundations of the earth.” In other words, it is his purpose now to plant the new and righteous heavens and lay the foundations of a new and righteous government on earth; and while he is carrying this into operation his will and purpose is that the members of Zion, the Church, shall be his witnesses and declare this fact to the peoples and nations. When this work is accomplished and the record is written up, then the Lord will point to those of Zion, that all the peoples of the earth may know who they are; and to these favored ones he will say: “Thou art my people.”
29It seems reasonable to conclude that the last members of the body of Christ on earth, who continue faithful to the end, must come into great prominence before the people. This will draw upon them the fiery darts of the adversary; but of this they need have no fear.
30When the Lord Jesus was on earth and calmly yet boldly declared himself as the Son of Jehovah, to whom Jehovah had committed power to represent him, he was wickedly accused of blasphemy.
31Again the Lord has returned; and the visible feet members of him, acting as the mouthpiece of Jehovah, must now declare the day of God’s vengeance, and must deliver the message concerning the King and his kingdom. They must assume, in the eyes of the people, to represent the King truthfully. It is, therefore, not at all unreasonable to conclude that these will be charged, as was the Head, with blasphemy.
32Let this deter no one. Keep in mind the vision of the great conflict between the old heavens and the old earth on one side, and the new heavens and the new earth that the Lord will establish, on the other side. The Lord has made plain our duty in giving this command : “Say among the nations, that the Lord reigneth: the world also shall be established that it shall not be moved: he shall judge the people righteously.”—Psalm 96:10.
33The Lord has graciously provided how all his people may participate in fulfilling this command. He ha? made it possible for some to speak by word of mouth to the public, while others carry, to those who will hear, the message in the printed form. He has opened the way for the publication of this message in many languages that it may go to the nations and peoples of earth. According to our opportunity is our responsibility.
3*The honor of representing the Lord at this time is second to none; yea, it is far above any that has ever been granted to man. The last members of the Church are standing at the very pinnacle of Mount Pisgah. They see the devil’s kingdom crumbling. They behold the Lord Jesus victoriously crowding him to the corner. They know that the Lord will soon reap a great victory, and before his majestic march shall fall and crumble to pieces the old heavens and old earth wickedly managed by Satan, and that in the place thereof shall be established the new heavens and the new earth wherein dwelleth righteousness.
“These last members of the body of Christ see the peoples of earth groaning and travailing in pain, anxiously waiting for the coming deliverance, yet knowing not how it is coming. It is the blessed privilege then of the members of the Church to proclaim to the people that this is the day of God’s vengeance, that the King of glory is here, that his reign is begun, that Jehovah is God, and that Jesus is King of kings, and that his kingdom will bring the desire of every honest soul.
86 A wake, 0 Zion, awake to your privileges! Let no one slack his hand now! Let us recall the words of Jesus, that he that puts hand to the plow and looks back is not worthy of the kingdom. (Luke 9: 63) The Lord will honor with the highest honor those who cast aside every weight, every besetting sin, and faithfully run, and as they run proclaim the message, “The kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
QUESTIONS FOR BEREAN STUDY
Are th© duties and obligations the Lord lays on us compulsory? Is mental loyalty all that the Lord requires? K 1.
Who is sure the Church’s career will be over in 1925? Is there a reason why one should slack his work for the Lord? IF 2.
What should be the response should the Church be told that there are several years more of witnessing to the world? T 3.
What will the faithful follower of the Lord seek to do each day ? 1 4.
Do the reports show that this is a better year for field work than w’as last year? U 5.
In whom or in what should we put our trust? U 6.
What qualities are pleasing to the Lord? U 7-9.
What is the vision all should see? U 10,11.
How has Satan controlled the masses? 5| 12-14.
Has Jehovah been helpless? What is God’s purpose? U 15,16.
What has been done that a righteous government may come Into power? H 17,18.
How did Jesus show his Interest in this' arrangement? U 19.
What momentous time are we living in ? | 20-22.
Who are the armies following the victorious Lord? Who is it that dashes Satan’s empire to pieces? 1 23.
What is the meaning of our text—Isaiah 51:16? 24.
Who are they who are under the shadow of Jehovah’s hand ? fl 25-27.
How do we know the purpose of Jehovah toward the Church? | 28.
Is it likely that the last members of the Church will come into prominence? If so, will it mean popularity? 1129-32.
IIow has the Lord provided for keeping his command of Psalm 96:10? T 33.
Are we appreciating the honor the Lord is bestowing upon us? 1 34.
Why is it our privilege to proclaim these truths to the world? U 35, 36.
MEMORIAL REPORT FOR 1924 TOTALS 61,911
BELOW will be found a list of the classes which have reported twenty and over as participating in the Memorial of our Lord’s death, which was celebrated the evening of April 18th. The total number reported is 61,911. This is the largest number ever reported, and more than 19,000 over the figures given last year.
London, England
Los Angeles, Calif
Dresden, Germany
Brooklyn, N. Y
Berlin, Germany
Chicago, Ill. (Polish)
Helsingfors, Finland
Chicago, Ill
Pittsburgh, Pa
Glasgow, Scotland —
Toronto, Ont., Can
Hamburg, Germany
Cleveland, Ohio .............-
Boston, Mass
Detroit, Mich..............-
Basle, Switzerland .....-
Vancouver, B. C., Can
Winnipeg, Man., Can
Manchester, England
Liverpool, England
Philadelphia, Pa
Detroit, Mich. (Polish).-
Zurich, Switzerland
St. Louis, Mo
Kiel, Germany
Munich, Germany
Warsaw, Poland
Columbus, Ohio
Copenhagen, Denmark
Birmingham, England
Baltimore, Md
Seattle, Wash
Sydney, Australia
Stockholm, Sweden
San Francisco, Calif
Minneapolis, Minn
Cleveland, Ohio (Polish)—
Oakland, Celif. ....
Portland, Or«gon.....
Washington, D. C.......-
Cincinnati, Ohio ...................206
Bruay, France (Polish)
Indianapolis, Ind
Melbourne, Australia
Stettin, Germany
Denver, Colo
Brisbane, Australia
Magdeburg, Germany
Vulcan, Roumania
Dayton, Ohio
Buffalo, N. Y
San Diego, Calif
New York, N. Y. (Colored) 172
Philadelphia, Pa. (Polish) 168
Milwaukee, Wis
Tacoma, Wash
San Antonio, Texas
Johannesburg, So. Africa
(Native Class)
Hanover, Germany
Edinburgh, Scotland
Milwaukee, Wis. (Polish)... 151
Georgetown, British Guiana 150
Oberhausen, Germany
Erie, Pa
Toledo, Ohio
Buffalo, N. Yr. (Italian)
Kansas City, Mo......... ..
Chicago, HL (Lithuanian).-13.8
Cargenti, Bessarabia
Spokane, Wash
Aninoasa, Roumania
Gottenborg, Sweden
Roseland, III
Adelaide, Australia
Aue, Germany
Dortmund, Germany .—..—130
Cluj, Roumania
Leicester England ________—
Rochester, N. Y. (Italian)....129
Hull, England
Frankfort-on-Maln, Germany 125
Leeds, England ...................
Manor Park, England ..........
..124
..123
Augsburg, Germany ............
..120
Kingston, Jamaica .............
..120
Oldham, England ................
-.120
Perth, Australia ..................
..116
Saskatoon, Sask.. Can. ________
..116
Grand Rapids, Mich. ..........
..113
Allentown, Pa....................
..112
Everett, Wash.....................
. 112
Kristiania, Norway .............
..112
Worcester. Ma^s. - ...........
-109
Darnall, England ............
. 108
Edmonton, Alta., ('an.........
-IOS
Sheffield, England . _______
-108
Detroit, Mich. (Hungarian)
Reading, I’a......... ............
-104
Bad Oeynhausen, Germany..
-103
Bristol, England ..................
-103
St. Gallen, Switzerland........
-102
Victoria, B. C.. Can.............
-102
Wichita, Kansas ..................
..101
Houston, Texas ..............-.....
..100
Barmen, Germany ................
-100
Lancaster, l’a.......- -........
....97
Richmond, Va.......................
—96
Louisville, Ky......................
. ..94
St. Paul, Minn....................
—94
Lodz, Poland .......................
—92
Poznan, Poland ...................
Wanne, Germany ..................
—91
Jacksonville, Fla.................
....90
Johannesburg, So. Africa....
....90
St. Joseph, Mo.....................
....89
Auckland, New Zealand.....—
....88
Osterfeld, Germany ..............
-.88
Turku, Finland .................—
Bridgetown, Barbados,
—88
B. W. I............................
—87
Lincoln, England..................
—87
London, Ont., Can...............
—87
Montreal, P. Q., Can
Newcastle-on-Tyne, England....86 Schwerin, Germany
Belfast, Ireland
lapa, Roumania
Montreal, P .Q., Can.
(Ukrainian)
Pasadena, Calif
Rodna Veche, Roumania
Youngstown, Ohio
Port of Spain, Trinidad,
B. W. 1
Wehofen, Germany
Coventry, England
Schauffhausen, Switzerland ....81 Gera, Germany
Memphis, Tenn..........
Brooklyn, N. V. (Colored)
Binghamton, N. Y
New Haven, Conn
Norfolk, Va
Warrington, England
Hamilton, Ont., Can
Oklahoma, Okla
Tampere, Finland
Marienberg, Germany
Wakaw, Sask., Can
Weinfelden, Switzerland
Dallas, Texas...............-
Lynn, Mass................-
San Jose, Calif..............—...72
Gosport, England 71 Nottingham, England
Portsmouth, England .......
Tunapuna, Trinidad, B. W. I. 71 Baia-Mare si jur, Roumania....70 Cape Town, So. Africa
Krakow, Poland.......
Peru, Ill. (Polish)
Pittsburgh, Pa. (Polish).
(Continued on page 222)
PRAYER-MEETING TEXT COMMENTS
TEXT FOR AUGUST 20
"The King's daughter is all glorious within."—Psalm Jtb: 1H.
T. PAUL informs us that things written in the Scriptures aforetime were written for the comfort and encouragement of the Church, that while
going through trying conditions her hope might be bright. This text seems to belong to that category. It is an expression of God’s loving provision for his daughter, the bride of his beloved Son, Christ Jesus, the King of kings and Lord of lords. It hardly seems reasonable to apply this text to moral qualities, or what is generally termed development of Christian character. The context shows that the description is concerning the bride and her condition immediately before she is brought before the throne of Jehovah.
When Jesus was about to take his departure from the earth he spoke to his disciples, saying, “In my Father’s house are many mansions: ... I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself.” (John 14: 2, 3) St. Jude, by implication at least, tells us that the Lord Jesus keeps his bride from falling, and will present her faultless before the presence of the glory of Jehovah; and that this presentation will be accompanied with exceeding joy. (Jude 24) St. Paul, in discussing the resurrection change of the Church, says: “Then we which are alive and remain, shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.”—1 Thessalonians 4:17.
St. John says: “It doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him : for we shall see him as he is.”—1 John 3 : 2.
From these texts we seem to be warranted in the conclusion that the Lord Jesus receives his bride within his glorious presence and in his glorious palace before he presents her unto Jehovah. Since she will be like the Lord at the time of her resurrection change, certainly the bride will be glorious within that palace.
And then follows the statement of the Psalmist: “Her clothing is of wrought gold; she shall be brought unto the King [Jehovah] in raiment of needlework,” thus picturing her glory and beauty as the Bridegroom presents his beloved bride to the Father.
Of course the bride must possess inward beauty and loving devotion, loyalty and faithfulness even unto death, before she could be resurrected as a bride; but the Psalmist here seems to describe not that heart condition but the glorious condition of organism and environment. The prophetic writer seems to be holding before the eyes of those who are running for the prize a picture of the transcendent beauty and glory to be possessed by those who are faithful overcomers and who are abundantly received into the kingdom.
The Prophet describes the bride as a crown of glory in the hand of Jehovah and as a royal diadem in the hand of her God.
These beautiful word-pictures given to us in the Scriptures are foregleams of the grandeur of the royal family who shall constitute the bright shining ones in the kingdom, and through whom Jehovah will minister blessings to all the families of the earth.
Our conclusion, therefore, is that this text is a poetic description of the glory and beauty that will be visible, to those in the royal courts of heaven.
TEXT FOR AUGUST 27
"An entrance . . . ministered unto you abundantly into the . . . kingdom.”—2 Peter 1:11.
EVERY truly consecrated child of God has an earnest desire to enter the kingdom, to behold the glory of Jehovah, and to dwell in the house of sons with the Lord Jesus, the Head thereof. In this text St. Peter says that those who will be members of that house shall be abundantly received into the kingdom; that is to say, such would have a warm welcome, and not a grudging admission, as a stranger.
In the context the Apostle enumerates the conditions which must go before, and which must be met by those who enter the kingdom. He shows us that faith is the foundation, and that to faith must be supplied virtue; and that together with this faith and virtue more knowledge must be supplied, which means an increasing understanding and appreciation of God’s Word; and that to this knowledge is supplied self-control, which means the power to control oneself and bring oneself into harmony with God’s will. To this are added patience and godliness, which means to endure cheerfully whatsoever comes, confidently relying upon the Lord. Godliness means Godlikeness, growing more in wisdom, justice, love, and power, with an equal, well-poised character. In this godliness there must be love developed and manifested for the brethren. Such love will be toward the members of the household because they are members of the household. To this must be added love, which means the likeness of God in extending goodness to all mankind regardless of response on the part of mankind. The Apostle admonishes that the Christian is to give all diligence thus to do these things.
It will mean, then, that if one is developing these virtues he will be active, energetic, enthusiastic, and zealous for the cause of the Lord. He will at all times be found on the alert to support the cause of the King and his kingdom.
The Church now is in that great testing time when the battle is on between the prince of the power of darkness and the Prince of Light. All diligence is required on the part of each one that we be active in earnestly proclaiming that the King and his kingdom are her&
JESUS CLEANSES THE TEMPLE
---August 17---John 2:13-22---
JESUS DRIVES OUT THE 1KAFFICKERS--TWO CLEANSINGS OF THE TEMPLE—JESUS’ STRANGE REPLY NOW UNDERSTOOD--TRUTH MAKES
OPPOSERS AND FRIENDS.
“My house shell be called an, house of prayer."—Matthew 21:13.
AFTER the miracle at Cana in Galilee, Jesus went with his mother and his brethren and his disciples to Capernaum, and continued there for a short time. (John 2:12) The Passover was at hand; and as a good Jew it was incumbent upon Jesus to go up to Jerusalem. He knew that though the law was now old and was as a garment which had about served its purpose, yet the time had not fully come when it could be laid to one side.
2This was Jesus’ first visit to Jerusalem since his baptism ; and, naturally, he made his way to the temple. He was filled with indignation as he saw the traffic in his Father’s bouse and heard the cries of the traders. There were people sitting at tables to exchange money for the many travelers who from almost all known parts came up to the feast. These performed a service for the travelers which was quite a convenience to them; but they were there not so much to accommodate the traveler as to gain advantage from his need. There were also those who sold doves; and even the sheep and oxen were brought into the temple courts. The house of God was made a house of traffic. The cooing of doves, the bleating of sheep, and the lowing of oxen are nature’s sounds, and are pleasant to hear in the course of nature; but they were altogether out of place in the temple courts. They were there not for the purpose of sacrifice, but that they might be sold for gain. If ultimately the doves were taken and the sheep and oxen were led to the altar, that was no reason why they should be brought to the altar for sale. Such was absolutely contrary to the spirit of sacrifice.
JESUS DRIVES OUT THE TRAFFICKERS
8Jesus gathered together some small cords and made a scourge; and with it he drove out of the temple the money changers, and those who had the care of the cattle, and the cattle and sheep. In their fear of his eye—it could hardly be fear of his whip—these Jews left their money and fled. Jesus poured it out and overthrew the tables; and then said to those who sold doves: “Take these things hence; make not my Father’s house an house of merchandise.” (John 2:16) It is certain that our Lord would not hurt the innocent cattle; and it is probable that he did not hurt the men whom, like cattle, he drove out of the temple courts. John says that his disciples, some of whom had gone with him to Jerusalem, remembered that it was written, “The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up.”—John 2:17; Psalm 69:9.
‘There is power in a look which comes from an honest heart, a power intensified when the heart is moved by a spirit of righteous indignation for God; and there was a look in Jesus’ eye, and a purpose seen on his face, which were too powerful for the money changers to withstand. He was as it were in the grip of a burning zeal for his Father’s honor; but that he acted in full control of spirit is as manifest. His deliberate gathering of the small cords proves that he did not act from impulse; he did not pick up an instrument ready to his hand, but made one out of the dSbris of cords and shippers’ wrappings about his feet.
6Did Jesus intrude on anyone’s rights in this? Did he Inflict an injustice upon anyone when he poured out the money? The answer must be, No. The house was his Father’s; and he, as a true son of the law seeking the honor of God, took his privilege of cleansing the house of Jehovah. No doubt his spirit had been stirred many times as year by year he had gone up to the Passover; but whatever he had felt he had never before considered it as his business to interfere. Now he asserted his claim to speak for his Father, and to act as his Father’s messenger. In measure he fulfilled the prophecy of Malachi: The Lord suddenly came to his temple (Malachi 3:1), and found it defiled. These Jews had paid no heed to the preceding messenger, John; and they were caught unawares. When in Galilee Jesus ministered as a healer and blesser and a teacher of the people; but on all his recorded visits to Jerusalem he put forth his claim as the messenger of God with authority to speak and act for him. This action of cleansing the temple was his first witness to that authority.
TWO CLEANSINGS OF THE TEMPLE
••Matthew, Mark, and Luke also tell of Jesus’ cleansing of the temple of money changers and of those who bought and sold in the temple, and of his overturning of the seats of them who sold doves; but they record an incident on the day of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem in the last week of his life. John, in this account which provides our study for today, records Jesus’ action as being in the beginning of his ministry. It has been thought by many that there was only one cleansing of the temple by Jesus; and, as the accounts of the three Synoptic Gospels agree, that there can be no real question as to the time. It has therefore been presumed that John, for some altogether unaccountable reason, misplaced the account and related It as if our Lord did this at his first Passover. But it would be quite contrary to all expectation to have an account so clearly stated, moved from its place, and put into an altogether different setting. Also a comparison of the passages reveals inherent differences, and leaves little question that our Lord cleansed the temple of the traffickers and money changers on two separate occasions. Both incidents were at the Passover feast. The one to which John refers was at the first Passover after Jesus’ baptism, and would therefore be the year A. D. 30. The other was at the Passover in the spring of A. D. 33, when Jesus himself was the Passover Lamb. (1 Corinthians 5:7) While the action is the same in both cases, the accompanying words differ. In the earlier incident recorded by John, Jesus accompanied his action by saying, “Take these things hence; make not my Father’s house an house of merchandise.” (John 2:16) In the latter he said: “It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.” (Matthew 21:13) There is an evident difference in intention according to the difference of the words used.
’The language in the latter case is much stronger than In the former. And this is appropriate; for, to some extent, custom allowed the trading in the temple, and a measure of excuse could be made. Hence when first clearing the temple, and thus bearing witness to their defilement of the sacn. house, Jesus said nothing harsher than that they had made his Father’s house a house of merchandise. But when, three years later, the traffickers were still there, and the leaders, the temple authorities, were still making profit out of the trading, he told them that they had made God’s house, intended for prayer, a den of thieves. Here was not simple trading, but thieving, profiteering, under the guise of supplying a need in the service of God. And this difference corresponds well with the witness which the Lord has caused to
be given to the leaders of Christendom in this day ot‘ his return.
8When Jesus’ witness first began to be given through Pastor Russell, the message, while plainly spoken, was not in hard words; for allowance was made because the Church was only emerging from the darkness of the past. Their wrong condition before the Lord was stated, and their alliance with the world was declared to be displeasing to God. But the leaders of Christendom gave no heed, though they have witnessed against themselves respecting the poor spiritual condition of their churches. Rejecting the warning and the witness to the Lord’s return, they have sunk deeper into the mire of human politics and worldly methods. Now the time has come when they must be told plainly that they have made the temple of God a den of thieves; and that they are in league with Satan’s organization and, indeed, distinctly form part of it.
JESUS’ STRANGE REPLY NOW UNDERSTOOD
9The leaders asked Jesus for a sign which should signify his authority for doing these things. He gave what seems a strange answer. He said: “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” The Jews were surprised at the answer; for they thought that he was making a claim to be able to reerect the temple in three days, whereas its restoration had taken forty-six years. (John 2:20) But John says that Jesus spoke of the temple of his body; and that after his resurrection his disciples remembered this saying, and were confirmed in their faith. (John 2:22) It is evident that Jesus did not intend to give any special sign to the Jews; he always refused to do that (Matthew 12:38,39) ; but it is as evident that he did intend to give that which would confirm his disciples.
10As the Scriptures always state that Jesus was raised from the dead by the Father (e. g., Colossians 2:12), and never that he raised himself—an impossibility—an explanation of his words has been found in saying that Jesus was speaking of the mystic body of Christ. (1 Corinthians 12: 27) But John explicitly says that after Jesus was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said these words to them. They saw that he had referred to his coming forth after his resurrection, and that by those words the disciples were confirmed in their faith in him and in the Scriptures.
“Jesus’ answer brings into contrast the temple of Jerusalem and the temple of his body—himself. He intended to have the Jews realize that they had defiled the temple which was in their care, and in which they professed to worship God; that God had now made him, his messenger, the repository or temple of truth; and that through him alone God could be worshiped acceptably. The body of our Lord was th'’ temple of God by the holy spirit, even as Paul says: “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God and that the spirit of God dwelleth in you?” and “Know ye not that your body is the temple of the holy spirit?” (1 Corinthians 3: 16; 6:19) The Jews had defiled the temple; and Jesus knew that they would attempt to destroy him, and would appear to prevail. But while he foresaw the lasting destruction of the temple which represented Judaism, he knew that the temple of truth which was then represented by him could be destroyed only temporarily; and that though they would appear to succeed, he would nevertheless restore that temple of truth on the third day.
12It should be noted that Jesus was not speaking of his human body, but of the temple of truth which was represented by his body. The word used, egero, is the one regularly used for raising up from the dead; but it is not limited to that act. It serves for any action of rising or standing forth. It is not the word used when resurrection is meant; then anastasis is used. Jesus never claimed the power to come forth from the dead; and the Scriptures never speak of him as coming forth of his own volition. They always say that he was raised from the dead by the power of tha Father. (1 Corinthians 15:15) It is evident that Jesus did not speak of the actual coming forth from death, but of what he would do in three days after they had ‘destroyed this temple.’
“True to his word, on the third day after the Jews had slain him and thought that they had forever silenced him, iesus stood forth amongst his disciples. On that day he opened the Scriptures to the two travelers to Emmaus, and ater met with the company in the upper room, when “he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the Psalms, concerning me. Then he opened their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, and said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day.’’ (Luke 24:44-46) It was necessary that Jesus should meet his disciples on that third day in order that he might fulfil his word. Thus he confirmed his word and the Scriptures to his disciples.—John 2: 22.
TRUTH MAKES OPPOSERS AND FRIENDS
“Jesus’ action in the temple had two effects: The Jews, that is, the leaders of the people, became his opposers: but the people became more ready to listen to him. Many of them believed on him as they saw the miracles he did, and would have joined themselves with him in any action he would have taken to restore what they thought was the glory of Israel. But Jesus, who knew what was in man, knew that they were not moved with right motives; apd he kept himself reserved. (John 2:24) We may take it that there is here an illustration helpful to the Lord's people in this day, when the work of Jesus is again being done, now on a world-wide scale. The truth is now going forward, touching the hearts of many and drawing them near to God. But it will surely draw some to itself who will not have a clear conception of the purpose of God, and these may wish to do the work of the Lord according to human wisdom rather than according to the divine vision. The Lord’s people are given a commission, and must not be turned aside from it by any means or on any account.
15Jesus was an enthusiast, but one with a wise and understanding heart. His enthusiasm was in his heart, a fire that kept his spirit ever warm towards the honor of his Father and the good of those to whom he had come to minister. No man can expect to keep the favor of God who has not that fire, the fire of a sacred love. Such, with zeal which is under the control of the spirit, will ever seek the honor of God’s holy name.
“There was never any special sign given to the leaders of the Jews concerning the authority of Jesus, except the sign of his resurrection from the dead (Matthew 12:39,40), one which could have force only after he was gone from them. They were unworthy; for they were always ready to pervert his words and to make the perversion a charge against him. But his words to them were always a help to the disciples. So it is today. Many pervert the message of truth to their hurt; but those who hear and serve are always helped, and their faith is always strengthened by their service.
“Happy we live, when God doth fill
Our hands with work, our hearts with waL*
QUESTIONS FOR BEREAN STUDY
Waeee did Jesus go after the miracle at Cana? What was the ocsasion of his going to Jerusalem? 51.
What were the money changers and the traders doing at Jerusalem? What was it that filled Jesus with indignation? 5 2.
How did Jesus drive out the traffickers? What was his denunciation? 1|3.
Why did they leave their money behind? Did Jesus act from impulse? T 4.
Did Jesus intrude on anyone's rights? What prophecy did this act of Jesus measurably fulfil9 What was characteristic of the visits of Jesus to Jerusalem? H 5.
Is the cleansing of the temple recorded by Matthew, Mark, and Luke the same as that recorded by John9 U 6.
What made the difference in Jesus’ attitude at the second cleansing? What does it seem to represent? T 7.
Are the leaders of Christendom much the same in spirit as were the religious rulers nineteen centuries ago? T 8.
What strange reply did Jesus make to those who Inquired for his authority for overturning the tables and driving the traffickers out? If 9.
Who raised Jesus from the dead? Could he raise himself? What is the explanation of raising the temple in three days? H 10.
How may Jesus’ reply be further elucidated? 5 11.
Was Jesus speaking of his human body? If the answer Is "No," give proof. 1| 12.
In what way can it be said that Jesus stood forth the third day? H 13.
What twofold effect did Jesus’ action have? What effect does e
truth have upon people today? Is there a tendency to t
human wisdom into the spread of the truth? U 14.
Was Jesus an enthusiast? Toward what was his enthusiasm directed? If 15.
What sign was given the Jews concerning the authority of Jesus? Why do some pervert the words of truth, while others are greatly benefited? H 10.
JESUS TALKS WITH NICODEMUS
---August 24---John 3:1-17----
NICODEMUS ACKNOWLEDGES JESUS AS TEACHER—THE “NEW BIRTH” STILL A MYSTERY—1 EAUTIFUL STORY OF GOD’S LOVE
•—ESTRANGED WORLD TO BE RECONCILED.
“For Goil so lorcd the uorM that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."—John 3:16.
AFTER Jesus had cleansed the temple of the money changers and the sellers of animals for sacrifice, as k if, the occasion being Passover, he would cleanse his Father's house of the corrupting leaven of greed and gain, he took the opportunity which the feast afforded of pursuing his ministry, calling attention to it by doing some miracles. That his ministry caused much comment among the leaders of the people is seen by the story of Nicodemus, which provides our lesson for today.
2Nicodemus was a ruler of the Jews, that is, a member of the Sanhedrin, and therefore a man of some note amongst the people. He saw that Jesus was no ordinary man; and knowing that John the Baptist had proclaimed the coming of the messenger of the Lord, he was somewhat anxious about his position in relation to Jesus. He would like to ask Jesus some questions. Too timid to go openly to him, for he feared what his fellows would think or do, and perhaps because he had much to lose if he should become a confessed adherent of Jesus, he went by night. Probably the interview was arranged by John the disciple, who was known to the high priest, and who would be known to many in high positions; for it seems certain that John attended to the merehanting in Jerusalem of the fish which his firm caught in Galilee. (John 18: 15) There is no evidence that Jesus ever spent a night in Jerusalem, except the terrible last night of his earthly life. That city never found him a rest for his head, and it is fitting to suppose that Nicodemus went where Jesus usually stayed when in that neighborhood; namely, to the Me mt of Olives.
NICODEMUS ACKNOWLEDGES JESUS AS TEACHER
’Nicodemus was respectful enough to Jesus to address him as rabbi, or teacher, though Jesus had not been trained in the schools which made rabbis. He also acknowledged that Jesus was a teacher come from God, as Jesus’ works witnessed. This was a considerable admission for a Pharisee. But whatever questions he had in mind which induced him to visit Jesus he never put. His admission was sufficient for Jesus to show him his position. Questions put in the shades of night by one who knew so much as Nicodemus admitted are hardly in order. Action is preferable. Probably Nicodemus told himself that he was doing well to make these Inquiries to satisfy himself. As yet the gain of having truth, together with the assurance of being in harmony with God, was not a sufficiently powerful motive to him.
4There are many today like Nicodemus. Many know that there is truth abroad, which is spoken in the name of the Lord and which cannot arise out of the foolishness of man’s mind; and they know that they ought to associate themselves with it. They hover on the edge of the truth, partly satisfying themselves by saying that they are trying to settle the many queries which arise in their minds. And, too, there are many like the other Pharisees who did not go to Jesus, who yet knew that he was a teacher sent from God. Jesus’ method of dealing with Nicodemus may be taken as a guide when dealing with inquirers who know enough to bring them into a measure of responsibility.
…