The Watchtower, June 1, 1943

Download: PDF — The Watchtower, June 1, 1943

OVERCOMING LANGUAGE BARRIERS FOR UNITY

When God broke up unity m a wicked work he confused the common language. (Gen. 11.1-9) Now is the time for unity in a good work by Jehovah’s servants Oneness of speech is a great aid to that end. In America are foreign-speaking brethren speaking many languages stemming from the confusion of tongues at Babel. Such language difference should not be let hamper the unity of organization and effort of His people. Foreign-language brethren should use every opportunity and means to acquire the national language of America, English. Such will greatly increase their scope and effectiveness as witnesses of Jehovah in this populous land. In each company, therefore, where foreign-language Bible studies are held, those attending should also assemble with the brethren at the English Watchtower study and service meeting, to use such as a steppingstone to learn English. It will also aid them to keep in closer touch with God’s visible headquarters and its local company organization m carrying on the field witness work. They may have their native-language Watchtower study some other evening, but should watch that no person of their own tongue ambitiously seize the opportunity to separate them from close co-operation with the man visible organization to draw away followers after himself like an elective elder boss. To that end the Society will appoint the proper foreign-language study conductor.

The same principle would hold in other countries, such as South American lands where Spanish is the principal tongue, or Brazil, where Portuguese predominates. Persons speaking other languages should attend the Watchtower and service meetings conducted m Spanish or Portuguese in Latin-American countries for their own benefit, so as to learn the language and be better equipped to meet the people of good-will of those nations and witness to them.

“WATCHTOWER” STUDIES

Week of July 4: “Theocratic Order Under Persecution,” 1-22 inclusive, The Watchtower June 1, 1943.

Week of July 11: “Theocratic Order Under Persecution,” 23-47 inclusive, The Watchtower June 1, 1943.

“THE NEW WORLD” TESTIMONY PERIOD

All persons who love righteousness want to see a new world How will it be brought about and established for ever? Only- through the Kingdom of Christ, for which kingdom his followers have prayed for 1900 years. The proof of this is set forth in the publication The New World, and you will be delighted in reading it. Send your 25c contribution to this Society and learn what the Bible has to say about the new world. There will also be sent to you the booklet Fighting for Liberty on the Home Front. All persons who desire to have a share in the proclamation of the (Continued on page 175)

Vol. LXIV June 1, 1943 No. 11

THEOCRATIC ORDER UNDER PERSECUTION

"They persecute me wrongfully; help thou me."—Ps. 119:86.

JEHOVAH is the God of order. Without confusion he made the shining bodies which bedeck the heavens and placed them in their positions. The stars and planets move in trackless space according to the path ordained for them by the great Creator, and thus order pervades throughout the universe visible to man. Everything, in relation to everything else, shows forth wise organization that the divine will may be fulfilled, at the times appointed by Jehovah God. Observing this fact as true of the inanimate material creation, all who desire to do the Creator’s will appreciate the need and fitness of organization. They see the need of determining their proper place in His approved organization, and that they must move about their work within the organization that the final result may be to the Creator's glory and praise. To such God-fearing ones His command is: “Let all things be done unto edifying. Let all things be done decently and in order." (1 Cor. 14: 26,40) On the other hand, the totalitarian dictators and religious hierarchy who plan to set up a so-called “new order based on moral principles” are not proceeding subject to God’s rule and command, and God is not the author or sponsor of their manmade “new order”. It will therefore lead only to world-wide disorder and will perish.

2 Through God's Word we are informed that he has a grand organization in the invisible heavens, of cherubim, seraphim, angels, principalities and powers, all of which are governed by Jehovah God through his Son Jesus Christ in an orderly manner. “Jesus Christ: who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.” (1 Pet. 3: 21, 22) Under him certain heavenly creatures are put in positions more responsible than those of others, to look after their part of the organization and to see that the work assigned to them is properly handled. It is through organization and co-operation one with another and in unity of mind and purpose that much is accomplished. The rebellion of the mighty spirit creature, Lucifer, and his satanic secession from God’s heavenly organization followed by his devilish attacks upon it, have failed to break up the good order and successful operation of Jehovah’s living organization.

1 (a) What fact do the visible heavens show forth concerning Jehovah their Creator, and what need therefore do those persons discern who desire to do His will? (b) Why will the proposed “new order” fail and perish?

2. What does God’s Word inform us as to his organization in the invisible heavens? and what effect has Lucifer's rebellion had upon it?

3 Down till the present day that traitor, Satan the Devil, has brought reproach, scorn and contempt upon Jehovah’s name, and the name of Jehovah God is held in disrepute by all religionists in “Christendom'’. To take out of the world a “people for his name” Jehovah God sent the apostle Peter with the Kingdom message to the home of an Italian centurion when God first began to visit the Gentile nations. Thus the privilege of bearing the name of Jehovah was no longer confined to the Christianized Jews, but was extended to include henceforth the Gentiles or non-Jewish peoples. (Acts 15:14) As a God of order and organization Jehovah through his Word directs that a well-ordered arrangement be established among the “people for his name”, to compare in efficient organization and orderliness with his Theocratic arrangement in the heavens.

4 In his typical Theocratic organization which was established among the Jews long before Christ, Jehovah used his prophet Moses to deliver his Theocratic law. It was Theocratic because Moses received it from the Most High God. The law was read to the Israelites, and they made a covenant with God to keep it. The same code of laws applied to all Israelites, regardless of where they dwelt. It made no difference to which of the twelve tribes any Israelite belonged, the Theocratic law applied to him and could not be changed by him through special dispensations by the priests or otherwise. God’s law is not subject to change by men. “For I, Jehovah, change not.” (Mal. 3:6, Am. Rev. Ver.) “My son, fear thou Jehovah and the king; and company not with them that are given to change.” (Prov. 24: 21, Am. Rev. Ver.) God’s typical Theocratic people was divided into twelve tribes, with the tribe of Levi acting as priests and Levites in the direct service of Jehovah at his tabernacle or temple. Each tribe had its elders and its own internal organization subject to the general Theocratic law. Such tribal organization was bound to see to it that the will of the great invisible Theocratic Ruler was done in all matters by his covenant people.

3. How did Jehovah begin to take out of the nations a people for his name, and, as a God of order, what did he direct to be done among them?

4. How did the Theocratic law apply to members of the nation of Israel, and what organization existed among its twelve tribes?

5 Simon Peter, who became an apostle of Jesus Christ, was born under the Theocratic law of God’s covenant with Israel by Moses. Moses was a typical figure, prophetic of a still greater prophet to come, and concerning such prophet greater than Moses Peter said: “[God] shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you: whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began. For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you. And it shall come to pass, that every soul, which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people.” (Acts 3:20-23) Under pain of destruction, therefore, all members of spiritual Israel, the ‘people for Jehovah’s name’, are bound to keep his Theocratic law delivered by Christ, the Greater Moses.

6 At the time that Peter wrote his first letter or epistle to the Christians he was at Babylon, the ancient city on the banks of the Euphrates river in Mesopotamia. Ever since King Nebuchadnezzar overthrew Jerusalem six centuries before Christ and deported the Jews to Babylon, circumcised Jews had continued to live in that city down till Peter’s day. Peter went to such Jews of the circumcision to preach the gospel to them. This was according to an orderly division of territory between the apostles James, John, Paul, and Peter (or Cephas). Says Paul: “When they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter; (for he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles:) and when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they [including Peter] unto the circumcision.” (Gal. 2:7-9) Hence Paul went west and finally reached Rome. Peter worked in the Near East, including the Jewish settlements in Babylon, which was then in the kingdom of Parthia outside of the Roman Empire. Close to Peter’s territory were the Roman provinces in Asia Minor, namely, Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia. Unto the Christians who were “strangers” to this world and scattered throughout those provinces Peter expressly directed his first epistle or letter, because of the persecutions then raging against Jehovah’s “people for his name”. (1 Pet. 1:1,2) So Peter concluded his epistle writing: “The church that is in Babylon, elected together with you, saluteth you: and so doth my son Mark.”—1 Pet. 5:13, Catholic Douay Version.

5 What relationship did Simon Peter hare to that Theocratic law, and what did he say regarding the Greater Moses?

6 How did it come that Peter wrote ids first epistle from Babylon, and to whom did he address his epistle?

7 In the fifth chapter of his first epistle Peter sets out the orderly arrangement for Jehovah God’s church during persecution at the instance of Satan the Devil and his religious agents on earth. According to the principle or guiding rule stated at 1 Corinthians 10:11 and Romans 15:4, what Peter wrote was specifically meant for God’s name-people, Jehovah’s witnesses, now at the end of the world, when, as Jesus forewarned them, “ye shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake.” (Matt. 24:3-9) Most bitter and active in stirring up such hatred of Jehovah’s witnesses stands the religious Hierarchy system with its headquarters at Vatican City in Fascist Italy. That religious Hierarchy claims to be founded upon Peter as its first pope. The reader will therefore find great interest in detecting whether the Hierarchy, which claims to be infallible and not to change, lives up to the instructions and example of Peter.

TRUE ELDERS

8 The elders of the Christian congregations whom Peter specially addressed are not elective elders or appointive elders, due to a congregational election or the appointment by any pope or religious dignitary. They are not religionists, but are Christians, and are elders by virtue of Christian growth, being mature, well versed in Jehovah’s Theocratic law, and fulfilling his commandments by the course of action they take. Such elders in the congregations are the ones who properly set the example for the associate members.

9 It is to such ones today that Peter gives exhortation, as follows: “The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed.” (1 Pet. 5:1) Peter was one of the “very chiefest apostles”, and hence was one of the chief elders in those apostolic times. (2 Cor. 11:5; 12:11) When Peter was restored to God’s favor after having denied the Son of God three times, Christ Jesus three times reminded Peter of his obligation to be a spiritual shepherd in conjunction with the other apostles. Said the resurrected Jesus to Peter: “Feed my lambs. Feed my sheep.” This was in harmony with Jesus’ command to all the apostles several years earlier: “Go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” Each apostle, as an elder, must be a spiritual shepherd and feed the Lord’s sheep.—John 21:15-17; Matt. 10:1-6.

7. (a) In chapter five what general matter did Peter set out and to whom does such instruction specifically apply? (b) What will the Watchtower reader be therefore interested in determining, and why?

8. Who are the elders Peter addresses, and how are they such?

9. How did Peter rank as an elder, and under what obligation did Christ Jesus put him and the rest of his apostles?

10 Hence Peter had gone forth from one Christian congregation to another in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, and elsewhere (there is no Bible record that he reached Rome), in all places admonishing the elders and the congregations, to the end that they should keep faithful and hold fast their Christian integrity toward Jehovah God. Peter had witnessed the sufferings of Christ Jesus, for he had walked with Jesus since shortly after his baptism and down to his cruel death at the hands of religionists. Peter had also witnessed and was a “partaker of the glory that shall be revealed”, particularly in the holy mountain where Jesus was transfigured with glory before James, John, and Peter. This was a prophetic vision of the glory that should come to Christ Jesus in the Kingdom.—Matt. 17:1-9; 2 Pet. 1:16-18.

11 Not only had Peter witnessed Jesus’ sufferings, but he suffered persecution himself, because he took the proper course of preaching the Kingdom gospel. To the religious court at Jerusalem he said when arrested and put on trial: “Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard. . . . We ought to obey God rather than men.” (Acts 4:19,20; 5:29) Because Peter had the witness of God’s spirit and was bearing part of the sufferings that were left behind for members of Christ’s church-body, the apostle was assured that he would be a partaker of the actual glory that should be revealed in Christ. (1 Pet. 1:7; 4:13,14) Because he had taken the course of serving Jehovah God and his kingdom and was faithfully continuing therein and sharing in Christ’s suffering, Peter would finally share in his death. At Christ’s return and coming to the temple Peter would share in his resurrection and would have revealed to him the celestial glory of Christ Jesus and would share in it. Peter did not try to manufacture some glory in advance for himself by claiming to be Christ’s vicegerent and a pope, and then ruling as king of Vatican City and signing political-religious concordats with the totalitarian dictators of Fascism, Nazism and Japanism. Peter demanded of no one to kiss his big toe, but he humbled himself under God’s hand.

10 What had Peter been doing in the provinces named in his epistle, and how had be been a witness of Christ’s sufferings and of his future glory?

11 By what course did Peter share in Christ's sufferings, and how has he been made a partaker of the glory that should be revealed?

"FEED THE FLOCK”

12 “Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ,” had clearly in mind the importance of keeping his Christian integrity. (2 Pet. 1:1-12) He knew that, in doing so himself, he must feed the Lord's “sheep” and look well to their eternal interests. Not only he must do so, but also all those who are set in places of responsibility in the Theocratic organization. From among such as are elders by reason of Christian knowledge, growth and experience the ones who are made servants in God’s organization are taken. God sets them in the church-body as it pleases him. (1 Cor. 12:18) To such elders, regardless of whether holding a special position of service in a congregation or not, Peter writes an admonition which applies especially now in this time of persecution upon Jehovah’s witnesses: “Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.”—1 Pet. 5:2, 3.

13 In Peter’s time the elders addressed were all members of the “body of Christ” and hence were anointed with the spirit of God and in the covenant with Him for the kingdom of heaven. It was their hope to share both in the sufferings and in the Kingdom glory with Christ Jesus, and thereby have a part in vindicating Jehovah’s much-maligned name. In A.D. 1914 the period ended of Christ’s sitting waiting at Jehovah’s right hand and he was installed in the throne as acting King. The facts to date disclose that in 1918 he came to the “spiritual house” or temple in his Kingdom glory. (1 Pet. 2:5; Mal. 3:1) Through the light that he sheds upon the written Word of God, and through the fulfillments of sacred prophecy, he reveals his glory to his faithful footstep followers who practice Christianity and not religion. The people whom Jehovah takes out from among the nations to be a “people for his name” are his heritage, and Satan’s organization seeks to break them in pieces. (Ps. 94:5) Of this heritage there remains on earth just a remnant. These must in due time finish their earthly course in death in order to be joint heirs with Christ Jesus in glory. All of them must be elders.

14 Attendance reports of the annual Memorial celebration in recent years show there are not many of such elders, those who will make up the glorified “body of Christ”, yet on earth. (Rev. 4:4, 10) These few must look well to the Kingdom interests and take the lead in proclaiming the Kingdom, copying Jesus, who, as shepherd, always went before his sheep that they might follow him. (John 10:3,4) Besides the “little flock” of sheep who are members of “his body”, the Good Shepherd has “other sheep”, consecrated persons of good-will who are to live on earth forever under the heavenly kingdom. Since the reports show that, for example, in the United States only about fifteen percent of all those attending the Memorial celebration, or Lord’s supper, are anointed ones of Christ’s body, therefore the greater number today following the Good Shepherd are of his “other sheep” class, who expect to abide on earth eternally and to take part in the divine mandate to “fill the earth”.—John 10:11-16.

12 As an elder, what important consideration did Peter have clearly in mind, and what exhortation did he therefore give to the true elders?

13 What was and is the relationship to God of those elders addressed by Peter, and what are their privileges as to the sufferings and glory of Christ Jesus?

14 What must these elders, as such, do with regard to the others following the Good Shepherd, and, today, who constitute the majority of those following him?

15 Many of the “other sheep” class, who are companions of the anointed remnant, have been many years in the way since Christ’s coming to the temple in 1918. They have become mature, well trained in the teaching of the Lord God. They have maintained their integrity till now, all the while suffering the persecution that the Devil brings against them. They have proved themselves to be trustworthy brethren. Because of these facts and their many years of faithful service they are properly classed as mature or ripened ones. In many places where there are few or no members of the anointed remnant they have been appointed to serve because of their maturity or eldership, and they have accepted such responsibilities as elder brethren. This is perfectly proper according to the Scriptures. The Lord’s “other sheep”, who serve Jehovah day and night at his temple, were foreshadowed by the Nethinim of old who were dedicated from among the Gentile nations to assist the Levites at Jehovah’s temple. Such Nethinim had elders and a chief among their number, such as Iddo the chief at the place Casiphia. (Ezra 8:17,20) The “other sheep” were also foreshadowed by Jonadab the son of Rechab and the other Rechabites. Jonadab was an elder to those Rechabites as a father is to a son, and he taught the Rechabites to avoid self-indulgence and demonism or religion. (Jer. 35:1-19) This foreshadowed that there would be elder brethren among the Jonadab class today who would be given special responsibilities.

16 Particularly since 1938, when the Theocratic rule was restored to Jehovah’s covenant people, the same organization exists among Jehovah’s witnesses as existed at the time of the apostles. Certain ones are put in various official capacities to look after the interests of the Kingdom in the various companies of God’s devoted people. In apostolic times there were elders, or mature brethren, anointed of God, who were appointed to various positions to care for these Kingdom interests. Today, with only a spiritual remnant still left on earth who must in due time pass on to fill up the full quota of the “body of Christ”, there need to be associated with God’s visible organization devoted companions who are glad to take on the various responsibilities, and these must come from among the “other sheep”. Because such ones are mature and trained in Christ’s teachings and in organization instructions and practice, they have gladly accepted the invitation to the various responsibilities, such as those of company servant, assistant company servant, back-call servant, territory servant, advertising servant, etc. Therefore the admonition set forth at 1 Peter 5:1-3 applies now not only to the “elders” who are the remnant of the body of Christ, but also to their earthly companions. These latter, as elders, must also fill the above service appointments and diligently attend to this stewardship committed into their consecrated hands.

15 What do the facts show concerning the developing of elders among the Lord’s “other sheep’’ and how do the Scriptures show whether it is proper to appoint such to special positions of service?

16 Who, then, must share today in the responsibilities of eldership, and to whom does the admonition of 1 Peter 5:1-3 now apply?

17 Due to this fact, then, all those who hold such responsible positions in a local company organization must “feed the flock”. Sheep are gregarious creatures and follow the shepherd, who lovingly sees to it that they are led to fountains of waters and to green pastures and places to lie down beside still waters and in freedom from fear of rapacious creatures. (Psalm 23) The food that the Lord’s “sheep” feed upon and that their feeders must serve to them is the spiritual food provided by the great Life-giver, Jehovah. He gives it through his Good Shepherd, Christ Jesus. Jehovah himself is the great “Shepherd and Bishop of your souls”. He sees to it that it is the right food, in due season, and that it is served through his approved visible organization. The spiritual food served up during the past sixty years and published in many languages in hundreds of millions of pieces of literature proves that the Society of Jehovah’s consecrated people, as represented by the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society, is God’s approved visible organization. While there are many so-called “Bible societies”, yet the Watch Tower Society is the only one that has faithfully devoted itself, not to publishing religious traditions and errors, but to printing and distributing the true- to-fact and harmonious explanations of the Bible as God's infallible Word.

18 At the Society’s central headquarters under Christ, and by means of the “elders” or anointed ones, all of the “one flock” of God are fed with “food convenient”. It is brought to them from the written Word of God and under the faithful direction of the Good Shepherd, Christ Jesus, now at the temple. Such food is passed on to Jehovah's organized people world-wide through the Society’s publications, particularly the Watchtower magazine. Thus supplied, all local servants must feed the flock among them. Doubtless the vast majority of the persons of good-will are yet like “lost sheep”, like sheep scattered about because of the mix-up of the many religions and because of the predatory methods of the politicians and commercial traffickers who are the principal ones in the religious organizations. Hence it is necessary for Christians who desire to feed those who will become the Lord's “other sheep” to sally forth like a shepherd on the hunt for his lost sheep. They must brave the enemies and other dangers and seek out the true sheep from house to house, feed them, and show them the right way. — Jer. 16:16.

17 How is the food for the sheep provided by shepherds, and what proof is there that the Lord God has been using an approved visible organization to that end?

18 How are God's flock now fed through this visible organization, and what course are Christians obliged to take In order to feed his “other sheep"?

19 Whether a company of the Lord's sheep be large or small, the same food is necessary and essential for all. Therefore the congregational study of The Watchtower and other Bible-study helps is of great importance. The elders, or local servants, in a congregation must bear that fact in mind in considering Peter's admonition: “Shepherd the beloved flock of God which is among you.” (Rotherham) To do so is their principal work. They must see to it that the flock are properly nourished with God’s Word, cared for and protected. “For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God.” (1 Pet. 4:17) Hence there must be instruction in His Word that they may stand approved under the judgment.

20 “Exercising the oversight, not of constraint, but willingly, according to the will of God: nor yet for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind.” (1 Pet. 5: 2, Am. Rev. Ver.) To aid servants in so doing Organization Instructions have been sent forth from time to time through Jehovah’s visible organization, because some must take the lead intelligently. Christ Jesus, the Chief Elder, took the oversight of affairs when he was on earth with his apostles. He directed the entire matter then, and he does so now since coming to the temple for judgment. After he finished his earthly career nineteen hundred years ago and was taken up on high, he sent a comforter or helper to his apostles and other disciples on earth, namely, the holy spirit. To the apostles was given the oversight of the church in their days, and they took it gladly according to God's will and appointment. They did not shirk their responsibility and try to shift it on to someone else. In execution of such oversight they saw to it that the proper organization was built up within the Christian companies in Jerusalem and thereabouts, and throughout all lands which they entered as missionaries.

19 Why is congregational study of Bible study helps now important, and why does the time make the feeding of the sheep by this means a principal work?

20 To aid servants in exercising proper oversight, what have been sent forth from time to time by the Society, and what example did Christ Jesus and his apostles set respecting such oversight?

21 There was no constraint exercised upon the apostles to take such oversight and tending of God's flock, but they accepted the responsible special service willingly. The house-to-house work in search for the lost sheep which those apostles all did is not to be forced upon anyone by constraint. It must be undertaken willingly by those desirous of serving God in the right way. Likewise, if anyone today does not want the privilege of serving in the position of company servant or other servant in a congregation he should not be constrained. Evidently he does not have proper understanding of the Lord’s Word and is not in proper condition to “feed the flock of God which is among you”. Hence the privilege of service should be withheld or withdrawn from such unwilling one.

22 The identical commission or appointment is laid upon all of God’s consecrated people, namely, to publish and proclaim the Kingdom which indicates Jehovah’s name and destroys the oppressive rule of Satan’s wicked organization. (Isa. 61:1-3; Luke 4:16-21) Thus it follows that the position of fundamental importance in any company organization is that of being a Kingdom publisher. That being so, then a servant or an “elder” in any capacity may not rightly think himself better than his brethren, nor think too highly of himself. He soberly realizes that the Kingdom publisher who goes from house to house and who accepts from God the commission to do this as an ordained minister is the one actually doing the important Christian work in the earth, and not an elder who merely holds down an office. Correctly considered, any elder must, to be consistent, be an exemplary publisher; otherwise he should not have a position of oversight. He should look well to the organized body of Kingdom publishers and should do his part in the directive work that there may be unity and harmony among them. He does this willingly, because he is unreservedly for the publishing work and rejoices in being himself a Kingdom publisher, be he of the anointed remnant or of the Jonadab class. He does it for the sake of no filthy lucre nor for any selfish gain possible to get out of it, but for his love of God and the Kingdom. The contributions he accepts from appreciative people with whom he leaves the Watch Tower publications he uses solely in furtherance of the Kingdom work.

23 No one should associate himself with God’s organization for personal gain; for, if he tries to do so, he will lose all. One must have love for God and his children, because without love for the brethren one gains nothing that endures. Christ Jesus tells us that we might gain the whole world, but if we do not have love of God and his Kingdom we shall lose all; our souls will be destroyed. (Matt. 16:26) Should God permit, for a test, that some who want a high position finally get positions of directing companies and thus gain the whole local organization and its direction, yet because they do not have love as their motive the Lord by his angel guards will in due time clean them out of all positions in his organization. Their lust for power or directive authority, or for lording it over God’s heritage people, leads them to serve for filthy lucre, which is selfish gain. Consequently one who obeys Peter’s words and example could never be a pope or hierarchical prince of a religious organization. Jehovah’s true servant serves unselfishly, because any appointed service is a great privilege given to Kingdom publishers manifesting greater ability and fitness than others.

21 Why should no constraint be applied to make anyone undertake any special responsible service?

22 What is the fundamental position of service for all in any congregation, and from what motives does any elder or special servant act in that fundamental position?

23 Why should no one associate himself with God’s organization for personal gain?

24 Doing so “of a ready mind” means being willing to respond instantly to larger opportunities of service and willing to put into the performing of Theocratic organization instructions everything that one has. One so doing is ready in season and out of season to serve his fellow publishers and to care for all Kingdom interests. He keeps on the alert, is on time, and maintains things in order.

25 God’s name-people or anointed witnesses are his heritage. The flock, which includes now the “other sheep” besides the remnant of the “little flock”, is the “flock of God”. Hence the warning to servants: “Neither as being lords over God’s heritage.” All members of the flock, including elders, are accountable to God their Maker. Why, then, should anyone holding a position of servant in a company play the lord over others of the flock or try to make other Christians subject and subservient to him? To do so means to try to usurp God's position as to his flock. Keep clearly in mind that the essential and fundamental service of the Lord’s organization is to be Jehovah’s witness which means being a publisher proclaiming His name and kingdom. That is honor and privilege enough over which to rejoice. So rejoicing, you will not demand extra honors and services from fellow publishers because you may represent the Lord in any additional capacity among them. Then you will not try to take to yourself that which belongs to God. If, however, you try to lord or lady it over God’s heritage you are sure to forfeit all and in due time be cast out of His organization as unworthy.

24. What does it mean to take the oversight “of a ready mind"?

25. What does it mean to act “as being lords over God’s heritage”, and why should an elder not do so?

EXAMPLES OF ORDER

26 The admonition is to be “ensamples to the flock”. The way an elder or one in a position of responsibility can do this is to be a faithful and true witness, just as Christ Jesus was. Out of all magazines today The Watchtower alone has forcefully brought to public notice the basic actions of Christ Jesus when on earth, that he was Jehovah’s “faithful and true witness”, going from house to house, village to village, and city to city, and that therein he set the correct example for the flock. He did what was right. His faithful apostles followed in his steps. After Jesus was so painfully killed at the hands of Satan's religious organization, but was raised to life and glory, the apostles renewed their walk in his steps. They exhorted the Christians to follow them as they followed Christ Jesus. So, then, every one in a company organization having the position of a servant as an elder brother should be a mature example to the flock and be actively a Kingdom publisher.

27 This is a safe conclusion to come to: When you see among God’s people a person seeking prominence and authority, but not engaging in the publisher's work afield by calling from door to door with his brethren to preach the gospel as Christ Jesus did. you can be assured that such self-seeker is not in practice a servant of the Lord. Surely such one is not in condition to serve as an elder or mature brother able to set a right example for God’s flock.

28 It is very evident from Peter’s epistle that good order and organization must be upheld in all lands in the face of persecution. His letter was written in that behalf. Jehovah, being a God of order, would, of course, insist on order throughout his entire organization, from himself as the great Theocrat down, and through Christ Jesus, by whom He directs his earthly as well as his heavenly organization. Jehovah God and Christ Jesus are “The Higher Powers” and direct the affairs of God’s covenant people through a visible earthly organization. —Rom. 13:1-4.

29 For God’s people to proceed properly with the witness work, that others may hear the Kingdom message, there must be unity and regulated cooperation one with another. So the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society, through its head office at Brooklyn, New York, has organized branches in all the earth, which branches look after the work in the various lands. Under these there are company organizations, and within the company organizations there are assigned servants. Such servants direct the activities in given territories. In places where there are no companies, that is, no groups of persons coming together to worship God unitedly in spirit and in truth, full-time Kingdom publishers are sent in and these are known as “pioneers". They are special servants of the Society to comfort all those who mourn in isolated parts. These servants have the Lord's commission to gather together his “other sheep” into groups for study and action. Therefore upon such servants the duty falls to “feed the flock of God which is among you’’.

26. How can elders or responsible servants be safe “ensamples to the flock"?

27. What is the safe conclusion to come to respecting seekers of prominence who do not engage in the fundamental service?

28. What must be upheld in all lands in the face of persecution, and why does Jehovah God insist on this?

29. To proceed properly with the witness work what must exist between the workers, and how does the Watch Tower Society put this condition and procedure into effect throughout the earth?

30 Wherever they may be, these special servants take the oversight, not as hirelings for filthy lucre's sake, but willingly as of a privilege from the Lord. They reap no money or pecuniary reward from their activity. Nonetheless they are “of a ready mind” and are anxious to be of service to those of good-will. They know their commission from God. They know, too, that every one who remains in God’s flock must hold fast his integrity and so give God a means to answer his reproaches and to prove his enemy Satan a liar.

31 Whether the servants of the great Theocrat be isolated or in a congregation, they will at all times set examples one to the other of faithful devotion to The Theocratic Government. The Kingdom publisher holds the key position in the Lord’s organization, because it is the publisher that sings forth the praises of the Most High. All publishers who consistently show zeal and faithfulness and who besides have natural abilities may be granted relatively greater privileges of service. Then more is required of them by the Lord, because of one to whom much has been given so much the more will be required. (Luke 12:48) There is only one Chief Shepherd, and they are accountable to him. It is therefore out of order for any such to seek to be lords over God’s heritage and flock.

32 In due time God bestows the reward. “And when the chief Shepherd is manifested, you will obtain the unfading crown of glory.” (1 Pet. 5:4, Diaglott; Jas. 1:12; 1 Pet. 1:4) This Kingdom prize applies to all members of the body of Christ who finish their witness work on earth and who are resurrected after he comes to the temple. They are then united with him in his glorious Kingdom honor. Because of faithful service and keeping their integrity for Jehovah’s vindication, they then receive the glorious crown of immortality. A remnant of such body members of Christ are yet on earth. They joyfully await the privilege of passing alive through the battle of Armageddon, there to see Jehovah by Christ triumph over all his enemies. Thereafter, at their death in the Lord’s due time in fulfillment of their covenant with him by sacrifice, they will be “changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye”, and receive the unfading crown of glory in the Kingdom. — 1 Cor. 13: 50-54; Rev. 2:10.

30 Why do the special servants take the oversight willingly, and not for filthy lucre's sake?

31 How does the regular Kingdom publisher hold the key position, and why are some publishers given greater privileges of service?

32 When do the body members of Christ, including the remnant, receive the “unfading crown of glory”?

33 Christ Jesus is the Chief Shepherd of the “little flock” of those to be joint heirs with him in the throne in the heavenly rule. He is the King of the new world of righteousness and of all those on earth who will fear God, honor the King, be subject to him and obey organization instructions. The Lord’s “other sheep” now being gathered into his fold will make up the “great multitude” of Armageddon survivors, and they are at present seeking Jehovah God because they love righteousness. They come to Christ by hearing the message. They accept him as Savior and King and make a covenant or solemn agreement to serve God, which covenant they symbolize by baptism, in water. This is a covenant of obedience to do God’s will.

34 Because of faithfully carrying out their covenant and preserving their integrity, these “other sheep” will be preserved through Armageddon and remain on earth forever in peace and prosperity. Down to the end of Armageddon they hold fast their integrity under the stress and persecution from the great adversary, who strives to turn all humankind away from God. After beholding the majesty, power and glory of Jehovah manifested at Armageddon, and after having survived that greatest catastrophe of all time, they will keep on demonstrating their integrity under most blessed conditions, being faithful at all times after Armageddon even as they always were before it. Life is what these “other sheep” hope to gain, because life is that which every creature of sober mind desires. Life without end under God’s Righteous Government and under the overlordship of the King Christ Jesus will be their grand blessing. In heaven the members of Christ’s body will share with him in the administration of earthly affairs through the visible organization that He will set up. It is, then, no mere assumption that under the heavenly kingdom there will be an orderly arrangement on earth. The Scriptures definitely point out that there will be “princes in all the earth” who will “rule in judgment”.—Ps. 45:1,16; Isa. 32:1.

HUMILITY UNDER THEOCRATIC ORDER

35 Many who, by God’s grace, will make up that “great multitude” of survivors are today young people. Peter’s admonition is now doubly appropriate: “In like manner, let the younger persons be subject to the seniors; and all of you submit to each other, and be clothed with humility; because God is opposed to the haughty, but he bestows favor on the humble.” (1 Pet. 5; 5, Diaglott) God is no respecter of persons. Anyone with the right heart condition because of loving righteousness and the principles of truth set forth in God’s Word is eligible for blessings under the Kingdom and may associate himself with the Theocratic organization which Jehovah God has set up at the present time. Young folks are so prone to get entangled with the things of this world; so the admonition is timely, that the young persons be subject to their seniors, that is, to those who are more mature in the teaching, instructions and service of the Lord. Let them seek instruction of the senior members of the organization. Such they may best receive through careful study of The Watchtower at the regular assemblies therefor.

33 To whom is Christ Jesus the Chief Shepherd, and what course of action do those who will make up the “great multitude” take?

34 (a) What will be the destiny of these “other sheep” who keep covenant and integrity? (b) How will the affairs of earth be administered after the battle of Armageddon?

35 Why is Peter's admonition to the “younger persons” doubly appropriate now, and how do they subject themselves to the seniors?

36 Now through the Lord's organization a new provision has been made, namely, the recently issued Course in Theocratic Ministry. It is not for the young folks only, but for older ones too, that all may train themselves to be better witnesses in the proclamation of the Kingdom. The course is now conducted by the Theocratic school arrangement in all companies of Jehovah’s witnesses. All younger persons, not necessarily younger in years, but in knowledge of the truth, do well to "be subject” to the elder ones and submit themselves in the interests of good order and be clothed with humility. Due to worldly education certain ones are able to express themselves better than others. Although they can do this, they should no less be clothed with humility, not disdainful of others, but meek, kind, considerate of weaker brethren and anxious to help them.

37 According to prophecy, and by virtue of the work Jehovah is having his witnesses do on earth today, a great educational campaign is in progress. Those taking part should want to improve both their minds in the study of God’s Word and their language so as to express themselves understandably. Moreover, the time may come when they may have to educate many of the people who can neither read nor write. The need of such arises from the Hierarchy’s blinding the minds of the common people to keep them in darkness and denying them even elementary education. The humble person, though he be youthful or be old, is in a safe condition to teach others. Jehovah God aids and bestows favor upon the humble to accomplish his service. To succeed, we must never be haughty or high-minded.

38 In these days special full-time publishers, as well as other Kingdom publishers, have a wonderful opportunity to go into small towns and villages and there aid honest people and instruct them in Bible study. In many clergy-dominated lands it may be necessary in this behalf to teach lovers of righteousness how to read. In such lands it has been the policy of the religious hierarchy to educate their clergy and their aristocratic and wealthy favorites to read and write and to hold the masses in ignorance. That is priestcraft; it is not the Theocratic order carried out by the Great Shepherd. He instructs the elders to subject themselves to serve the spiritual needs of the younger ones who want to publish God's kingdom, and not to exalt themselves and restrict knowledge and the means of gaining it to themselves. In turn, the younger persons should be subject to their seniors and learn from them.

36 What new provision has been made for training better witnesses, and how and why be submissive and humble one toward another?

37 What kind of campaign is now going on, and why should those taking part want to improve themselves, but still keeping humility?

38 What wonderful opportunity is now open to Kingdom publishers, and in this connection how does the Theocratic order differ from priestcraft?

39 “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: casting all your care upon him: for he careth for you.” (1 Pet. 5: 6, 7) Jehovah God is lovingly interested in all those in covenant relationship with him. He will keep his part of the covenant and will care for every individual as long as such one is obedient under his mighty hand, subject to its leading and guidance. That mighty hand will exalt all the lowly and faithful ones at the seasonable time. Those of the remnant it will elevate to the blessed position in the glorious throne with Christ Jesus. The faithful men of old, from Abel to John the Baptist, who have long slept in death, God’s hand will exalt, raising them from the dead in a “better resurrection” and making them the visible “princes in all the earth”. However, no matter where one is in the Lord's arrangement, such one is in an exalted position, because he has been favored with the knowledge and service of the great Theocrat and is in the way of life. The obedient “other sheep”, who maintain their integrity down to the final battle of Armageddon, God will exalt in triumph over the wicked oppressors by bearing them safely through that battle and giving them the assignment to clean up the earth and bring forth righteous offspring under their invisible overlord, Christ Jesus, their “Everlasting Father”.

THE ROARING LION

40 As a result of the “war in heaven”, which began in A.D. 1914, Satan and his demon organization have been cast out of heaven and down to the earth. It is therefore a time of woe to the earth and the sea. Especially fitting now are the apostle’s words: “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” (1 Pet. 5: 8) Being sober means being steady, and hence able to be relied upon; being regular, calm and unexcited, and serious and in earnest concerning all Theocratic matters committed to one’s care. The sober person will not be intoxicated and swayed by the dizzy pleasures and entangling, enticing things of this world. He always keeps his mind stayed upon the truths of Jehovah God and his kingdom.

39 For whom does Jehovah God care, and how will his mighty band exalt all the humble ones in due time?

40 Why is Peter's exhortation to be sober especially fitting now, and what does being sober mean?

41 Each one seeking to keep covenant with God will be vigilant, or alert and attentive, so as to detect and avoid dangers and to pursue the safe way. He will be observing and cautious. He will be of this frame of mind knowing that the Devil, roaring out his threatenings, tries to intimidate and turn the consecrated ones away from God’s service. The adversary has claimed that Jehovah cannot place on earth men who will keep their integrity under stress. This charge has been proved false again and again, and chiefly by Christ Jesus. Although proved false by others, it does not substantiate the claim that the Devil cannot get you. Only by being vigilant and sober, therefore, may we see danger as it approaches and avoid it. The great danger to the Christian today is to be devoured, swallowed up and taken in by the lion-like adversary, the Devil. He works in a very wily manner. Sometimes to Christians propositions are presented that, on the surface, do not seem to be taking them away from their Kingdom allegiance and their privilege of serving it. Then, before they know it, their liberty is taken away and they are working seven days a week at secular occupations, neglecting the Kingdom interests entrusted to them as Jehovah’s witnesses. Thus, because one has not been vigilant and jealous for the Kingdom interests but has unsoberly let selfish desires and pleasures in this life lead him astray, such one may be devoured or swallowed up by Satan’s greedy organization.

42 Once, when at Corinth, the apostle Paul went to tentmaking for a while, lest he be financially burdensome to others. “And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers. And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks.” (Acts 18:3,4) While Paul spent part of his time at tentmaking, working at such with Aquila and Priscilla, he never neglected to preach and reason on the Kingdom gospel every Jewish sabbath in the synagogue, to persuade the teachable ones to follow Christ. Every consecrated Kingdom publisher today should make the same effort. Never allow your daily occupations to encroach so far upon your time as to keep you but of God's active service entirely. Some time every week should be devoted to Christian activity. It behooves us, then, to be sober and vigilant, lest the Devil, by his organization, subdue us by his propaganda roarings and devour us. No work is so important that it rightly interferes with your due worship of the Almighty God and his Theocratic Government.

41 Why should a covenant-keeper be vigilant today, and what great danger will overtake those not watching and sober?

42 When Paul worked at tentmaking, what did be always arrange to do regularly, and why should consecrated persons do likewise now?

43 Those who resist such encroachments and abide steadfast in faith and faithfulness will be given divine strength and courage and be stabilized and strengthened in integrity, despite all the afflictions by the roaring lion. “Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.” (1 Pet. 5:9) The guarantee is not given that, if you steadfastly resist the onrush of the Devil and his hoggish organization, you will beat off afflictions. You will suffer persecution. Great reproach will be heaped upon you by those who in times past professed to love you because associated with them in the world. They will now hate you for the stand you have taken. In such affliction you are not alone Your faithful brethren suffer similar things. Like them, remain faithful to God.

44 Be assured of this one thing: that nothing will befall you more than befell our blaster, Christ Jesus. The reproaches that fell upon him must descend upon all his faithful followers, both those of the anointed remnant and those of the Jonadab class. Further, the reproaches upon you in the land where you live are not unlike those nor greater than those falling upon your brethren in other parts of the earth Whether isolated, scattered or congregated, they are passing through the same afflictions and meeting the same temptations from Satan in his effort to turn them away from God’s kingdom and service. Let this thought comfort and cheer you.

45 The situation now is worse than in Peter's day, but no greater burden will God let be laid upon his servant than he can stand or than comes upon others. The totalitarian arrangement causes care and worry, inducing to fear. Yet obey God, fear him, and cast all your cares upon him, for "he careth for you”. He is intensely interested in you as a publisher of his name and kingdom, because you are keeping your integrity and proving his great adversary a liar. His grace is enabling your brethren in the world to stand firm and uncompromising, never succumbing to the pressure of the Devil.

46 Think of our faithful brethren in Germany, who now, after ten years of suffering under Nazi domination, are still under the torments by the demonized enemy. They have fallen into the enemy’s power, but they will rise again. They will be released by God’s power, in his due time, if it takes finally the battle of Armageddon to do it. Then, having maintained their integrity to God’s glory, and having stood up under the afflictions that came upon them for his name’s sake, they will at His hand by Christ Jesus receive everlasting life and eternal glory in the new world.

43 To such as resist the "roaring lion" what needed things will be given, but what will they have to endure for such resistance?

44 Of what one thing may we be assured respecting such affliction and reproaches, and how may we be comforted and cheered?

45 What arrangement makes matters worse today, and bow and why should we cast our cares upon God?

46 What glorious hope may we think of in store for our faithful brethren long tormented under Nazi domination?

47 “But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.” (1 Pet. 5:10,11) The suffering He permits is not in vain. Through it you are made perfect in obedience, prompt and ready to obey Him. You are hardened for his service, and strengthened in your love and devotion to his side of the primary issue of universal domination. You are stabilized immovably in your purpose never to turn aside from God’s service, but to remain to the end a publisher of his name and Word and of his kingdom by Christ Jesus. You are settled on this fundamental issue, that for the duration of life you are determined to abide on Christ as your Foundation and, like him, to remain faithful and true to Almighty God, let the Devil do what he may. All persecution will be defeated. The discipline you get under it will work out holiness in you. (Heb. 12:9, 10) Thereby you will have part in vindicating Jehovah’s glorious name and everlasting dominion.

47 (a) How will God "perfect, stablish, strengthen and settle you" after suffering a while? (b) How does the discipline you receive under persecution defeat it?

HOW THE NEW WORLD COMES

WHEN a destructive earthquake, a disastrous storm or a mighty tidal wave sweeps a community and destroys houses and people by the thousands, and leaves other thousands homeless, much woe and distress follow; and great effort is required to relieve the suffering. What, then, of the battle of Armageddon? It will mark the complete collapse of Satan’s organization visible and invisible. What an earthquake or terrific storm or tidal wave is to a community, that final trouble will be to the whole world, only much worse; and it will be the last. —Matt. 24: 21, 22.

It may truly be said that the history of the world has been written in human blood; but the worst is not yet. The long and terrible siege of General Titus against Jerusalem in A.D. 70 brought to the Jews indescribable suffering, and the final assault upon the city by the Romans completely destroyed it. Its destruction was in fulfillment of divine prophecy and foreshadowed what will befall the world organization in the great battle of God Almighty.

The trouble that came upon Jerusalem was an expression of God’s indignation against covenant-breakers who had repudiated him and followed after “the god of this world”, Satan. The clergy of that day, posing as representatives of God and hypocritically claiming to be the interpreters of his law, were responsible for the terrible calamity that fell upon the city. Now “Christendom’s” religionists have turned the people’s minds away from Jehovah God. Her trouble, therefore, will be more terrible than that which smote Jerusalem in A.D. 70. Jehovah God has promised to make a complete end of the wicked systems in the last trouble that impends.

We may call to mind all the disasters that have overtaken the human race during its existence, all the wars, all the earthquakes, cyclones and other calamities; and then know that none of these equals in woe that which will strike the world during the battle of Armageddon. That this conclusion is correct is proved by the words of Jesus that upon the earth there should be tribulation such as was not since the world began; no, and never should be again. But this great time of trouble will result ultimately to the vindication of God’s misrepresented name and word, and hence in great blessing to “men of good-will”. God has so ordained it.

After God’s righteous indignation has been completely expressed against Satan’s world organization, the great stormy wind that will have torn the mountains and rent the rocks will cease to blow; the quaking that will have shaken the earth from center to perimeter will quake no more; the heaven-enkindled fires, having effectively spent their fury, will cease to burn, and silence and rest will once more come to the earth. The survivors will rejoice.

Then will come from heaven the still, small voice, and the message long ago spoken by the prophet of God will gently speak words of hope and joy to all Armageddon survivors whom he will preserve: “O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness: fear before him, all the earth. Say among the [nations, represented by the great multitude of survivors] that the Lord reigneth: the world also shall be established that it shall not be moved: he shall judge the people righteously. Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof. Let the field be joyful, and all that is therein: then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice before the Lord for he cometh, for he cometh to judge the earth: he shall judge the world with righteousness, and the people with his truth.”—Psalm 96: 9-13.

All divine prophecy has its fulfillment in due time, and can be understood only when fulfilled or in course of fulfillment. The foregoing prophecy has now begun to be fulfilled, in that those who are watching the development of Jehovah’s purpose see that in A.D. 1914 Almighty God, by his King Christ Jesus, took his power to himself and began reigning for a new world. Therefore they know that shortly shall the complete fulfillment of the prophecy follow. The positive promise here made by the psalmist is: “The world also shall be established that it shall not be moved.”

…