The Watchtower, June 15, 1971

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The Watchtower — June 15, 1971

Source: jw.org

Contents

Palm-Sunday Dispute in France

Fear of God’s Anger is Wisdom

“Let No Man Ever Look Down on Your Youth”

Remembering Your Creator in the Days of Your Young Manhood

“Happy are the Peaceable”

Are You an Encouraging Christian?

Family Fights

“God Will Fully Supply All Your Need”

The Role of the Hyksos in Egyptian History

She Approached the Witness

Questions From Readers

Announcements

Palm-Sunday Dispute in France

“CHRIST is God and not an image!” The amplified voice echoed around the Gothic arches of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, covering momentarily the reading of the “Epistle.” Some two thousand Catholics present had barely recovered from their surprise when they heard the Apostles’ Creed being sung in Latin. This protest singing was quickly drowned out by the mighty organ. At that the demonstrators left and the Mass continued.

Similar demonstrations occurred in other churches in Paris at Masses celebrated during that weekend of Palm Sunday, April 4, 1971. The demonstrators were not Protestants or atheists but traditionalist Catholics! But why the protest?

It involved the reading of the “Epistle” in the vernacular, in French. As any practicing Catholic knows, the “Epistle” read during Mass on Palm Sunday is Philippians 2:5-11. In the 1959 French lectionary Philippians 2:6 read: “Being of divine status, Christ did not greedily hold on to the rank that made him equal to God.” But in 1969, the French-speaking bishops authorized the publishing of a new lectionary that was approved by the Holy See in Rome on September 16, 1969. In this Philippians 2:6 was rendered: “Christ Jesus is God’s image; but he did not choose to seize by force equality with God.”

One noted French Catholic scholar, André Feuillet, wrote: “This version . . . stirred up sharp criticism on all sides. Was it not liable to make the faithful believe that Christ is not God in the strictest sense of the word?” (Esprit et Vie, December 17, 1970) Ah, there was the problem!

Pressure was brought to bear on the French hierarchy, who consented to revise this second translation of Philippians 2:6. However, when it became known that this third translation of Philippians 2:6 was no more trinitarian than the second rendering and that it would be read out in all the churches on Palm Sunday, April 4, 1971, traditionalist Catholics reacted violently.

The Catholic monthly magazine Itinéraires brought out a special supplement dated January 1971. Referring to the second translation of Philippians 2:6, Itinéraires stated: “If he [Christ] refused to seize it [equality with God], it must be that he did not already possess it.” And, commenting on the third rendering, this magazine said that if Christ “did not choose to claim to be the same as God,” this implies that he was not “the same as God.” With this the New American Bible, a Catholic edition of 1970, agrees, saying: “He did not deem equality with God something to be grasped at.” In Itinéraires’ view, “the practical effect of this substitution amounts to heresy and blasphemy.” It encouraged its readers to demonstrate their disapproval during Masses celebrated on Palm Sunday, inviting them to await the “Epistle” reading and then to cry out “Blasphemy!”, “Jesus Christ very God and very man,” or to sing the Apostles’ Creed.

In spite of these threats, the French episcopate stood by their third translation of Philippians 2:6. Le Monde (March 21-22, 1971) commented: “This translation . . . was accepted by the entire body of French-speaking bishops. The Permanent Council of the French Episcopate, that has just met in Paris, has ratified it; so it will stand.” However, to avoid disturbances during the Palm-Sunday Mass, several bishops allowed priests in their dioceses to use the 1959 translation. Notwithstanding this concession, demonstrations occurred in cathedrals in Paris and also in Lyons.

THE DILEMMA OF THE FRENCH BISHOPS

Oddly enough, these traditionalist demonstrators were trying to be better Catholics than the French-speaking bishops and cardinals! As good Catholics they believe in the Trinity doctrine, which teaches that the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit are equal within the Godhead. They were profoundly shocked by a hierarchy-approved translation of Philippians 2:6 that shows Christ never claimed to be “the same as God.” They were right in saying that this translation denies that Christ is God. But the point they overlook is that Christ himself denied it, speaking of his Father as “the only true God.” (John 17:3, Douay) He did not teach a Trinity doctrine.

The intriguing question is: Why did the French-speaking upper clergy feel obliged to authorize a translation that so obviously denies one of the basic doctrines of Catholicism? But that is not all. Is it not passing strange that these prelates considered it necessary to have a fresh translation made of this passage? What about all the Catholic Bibles duly carrying the nihil obstat and the imprimatur? What about the Jerusalem Bible, the Crampon Bible, the Liénart Bible, the Maredsous Bible, the Glaire Bible, the Osty New Testament, the Saci Bible and still others, all officially recognized French Catholic translations? Why make a new translation when all of these Bibles make this passage read as if Christ were equal to God, as do the English Catholic translations, the Douay Bible and the more recent Jerusalem Bible?

This mystery is cleared up by the following remark printed in Le Monde (April 6, 1971): “The scholars responsible for this change—a change ratified by the majority of the French bishops—consider the new translation more faithful to the Greek text than the former one was [italics ours].”

So now the French-speaking Catholic cardinals, archbishops and bishops find themselves on the horns of a dilemma. Either they recant, withdrawing their new translation of Philippians 2:6, in which case they will show themselves to be more attached to the Trinity doctrine than to accuracy of Bible translation, or they maintain their new official translation of this important passage, at the cost of admitting that French Catholic Bibles (not to speak of those in other languages) have mistranslated this scripture by giving it a trinitarian twist.

Fear of God’s Anger is Wisdom

FOR many persons in Christendom the thought of God’s becoming angry seems strange. In fact, they object when Christian witnesses of Jehovah tell them that God is going to express his anger in the worldwide war of Armageddon. “How can that be?” they ask. “Does not the Bible tell us that God is love?”

That it does, at 1 John 4:8, 16. God is love, that is, he is the personification of true love. This we can see both from the bounty of creation all about us as well as from his inspired Word, the Holy Bible. But the fact remains that God’s anger is mentioned some two hundred times from Exodus through Revelation, to say nothing of the times mention is made of his rage, his wrath, his fury and his indignation.

Moreover, God’s anger is truly something to be reckoned with, especially in view of such warnings as this: “Before there comes upon you people the burning anger of Jehovah, before there comes upon you the day of Jehovah’s anger, seek Jehovah.” (Zeph. 2:2, 3) Also the Bible tells us that “God is a consuming fire” toward those meriting his wrath.—Deut. 4:24.

It is to our interest, therefore, to consider the nature, that is, the characteristics or basic principles of God’s anger, how he manifests it, and why and how God’s anger can be harmonized with his being love. Then, too, we can appreciate more clearly why fearing God, that is, fearing to displease him or to arouse his righteous anger, is truly the course of wisdom.—Ps. 111:10; Prov. 9:10.

PRINCIPLES GOVERNING GOD’S ANGER

First of all, God’s anger is always expressed in accord with wisdom based on full knowledge of all the facts: “There is not a creation that is not manifest to his sight, but all things are naked and openly exposed to the eyes of him with whom we have an accounting.”—Heb. 4:13.

Human creatures may make a mistake when expressing anger, but not Jehovah God. Due to his infinite wisdom he is able to express his anger in the best possible manner and at the right time and place for it. The fact that he never makes a mistake should be a comfort to us. Yet this is also fear-inspiring, for there is nothing that we can hide from him. Achan of Joshua’s day found this out, to his great grief, when he secretly took some spoil during the destruction of Jericho, in violation of God’s instructions. Among others who acted as if they could hide something from God’s eyes and who came to grief were Ananias and Sapphira in the days of the Christian apostles.—Josh. 7:16-26; Acts 5:1-11.

Secondly, God’s anger is always expressed in accord with his justice. Yes, “The Rock, perfect is his activity, for all his ways are justice. A God of faithfulness, with whom there is no injustice; righteous and upright is he.” (Deut. 32:4) When God’s anger was about to be expressed against the wicked cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, Abraham questioned the justice of it, saying: “It is unthinkable of you . . . to put to death the righteous man with the wicked one . . . Is the Judge of all the earth not going to do what is right?” But if not even ten righteous persons could be found there, Abraham realized, he could not deny that God was indeed just in destroying those cities.—Gen. 18:25.

Thirdly, God’s anger is always backed up by his infinite power. He has all the resources necessary to express whatever degree of anger he wishes in whatever manner he desires. He never finds himself frustrated because of being righteously angry and unable to do anything about it. As King Jehoshaphat said of Jehovah: “Are there not in your hand power and mightiness, with no one to hold his ground against you?”—2 Chron. 20:6.

And fourthly, God’s anger is always expressed in harmony with the fact that he is love. While he decreed death for the willful manslayer, he also made loving provision for unintentional manslayers by means of “cities of refuge.” (Num. 35:9-34) At times his displeasure may be mild, bringing only chastisement that disciplines and improves the person, as evidence of God’s love. (Heb. 12:5-11) True, God brings destruction upon the wicked, but he thereby shows love for the righteous, mercifully bringing them relief and deliverance.—Ps. 145:20; 2 Thess. 1:6-9.

EXPRESSED BY VARIOUS MEANS

God has used a number of means to express his anger. Thus at times he employed supernatural phenomena, as when he destroyed the wicked in Noah’s day by a global flood. He used fire from heaven to wipe out the wicked cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. He used various kinds of supernatural means to plague the Egyptians ten times and to destroy Pharaoh and his army in the Red Sea.—Gen. 6:5-7; 7:1, 11-23; 19:24, 25; Ex. 7:1–15:21.

Then again, the natural laws of retribution, of cause and effect, that he has put into operation, act to express his anger, indirectly, as it were. So, if individuals violate God’s moral laws, they must suffer the consequences. They ‘reap what they sow.’ (Gal. 6:7, 8) For example, by overindulging in alcoholic beverages, by promiscuous sex relations and by using marijuana and other drugs people bring upon themselves physical and mental harm. This is really an indirect expression of God’s anger. That this is the way to view these matters is clear from the inspired declaration that Lesbians and other homosexuals receive “in themselves the full recompense, which was due for their error.”—Rom. 1:24-27.

Also God may use various human agencies to express his anger. The armies of Israel under Joshua expressed God’s anger against the wicked and depraved Canaanites, for their ‘iniquity had come to its completion.’ As Moses reminded his people: “It is for the wickedness of these nations that Jehovah your God is driving them away from before you.”—Deut. 9:5; Gen. 15:16.

But centuries later the Israelites themselves were guilty of “making jest at the messengers of the true God and despising his words and mocking at his prophets, until the rage of Jehovah came up against his people.” He expressed his anger by means of the foreign armies of Nebuchadnezzar. They desolated the land, destroyed Jerusalem and its temple and took its people captive.—2 Chron. 36:16-21.

God allows the local governments, “Caesar,” to serve as a means for expressing his anger against individual violators of proper human laws that harmonize with God’s laws. Thus concerning the authority of these governments we read: “If you are doing what is bad, be in fear: for it is not without purpose that it bears the sword; for it is God’s minister, an avenger to express wrath upon the one practicing what is bad.”—Rom. 13:1-4.

Still another human agency God uses at times to express his anger is the judiciary committee of a local Christian congregation, such committee being responsible for the spiritual welfare of that congregation. When this committee, in the discharge of its duties, excommunicates a willful wrongdoer, it is expressing God’s anger against a wrongdoer. A Scriptural precedent for such action is recorded at 1 Corinthians 5:1-13, where the Corinthian congregation is commanded, “Remove the wicked man from among yourselves.”

Chief of all instruments used by Jehovah God to express his anger against the wicked are Jesus Christ and his angelic army. In particular will these do so at “the war of the great day of God the Almighty” to be fought at Har–Magedon. (Rev. 16:14, 16; 19:11-21) Surely Jehovah God has many effective means to express his anger, which fact is added reason for us wisely to fear incurring his displeasure.

CAUSES FOR GOD’S ANGER

Among the main causes for Jehovah God’s expressing his anger are false worship and apostasy. Since he is the Universal Sovereign, the Most High, and the Creator of all things seen and unseen, he is entitled to the exclusive devotion of all his intelligent creation. As he himself says: “I Jehovah your God am a God exacting exclusive devotion.” Those failing to render him exclusive devotion rightly arouse his anger.—Ex. 20:5.

All lawlessness, all immorality, sexual and otherwise, also arouses God’s anger. And so we read that “on account of those things,” that is, on account of “fornication, uncleanness, sexual appetite, hurtful desire, and covetousness,” “the wrath of God is coming.” (Col. 3:5, 6; Eph. 5:3-6) Because of God’s great respect for blood and for human life, those who willfully take human life and/or misuse blood can also expect to feel God’s anger.—Gen. 9:3-6; Lev. 17:10; Isa. 26:21; Acts 15:20, 29; Rev. 16:6; 18:24.

Still another cause for God’s anger is opposition to his servants, either by oppressing them or by rebelling against those upon whom God has conferred authority. Because Egypt oppressed God’s people He sent upon that nation ten plagues and finally drowned Pharaoh and his army in the Red Sea. (Ex. 14:26-28; 15:7) During Israel’s journey in the wilderness Korah, Dathan and Abiram openly rebelled against God’s servant Moses. God expressed his anger against these rebels by causing the earth beneath them to open up and to swallow the rebels Dathan and Abiram together with their families, while Korah and two hundred and fifty of his supporters were destroyed by fire.—Num. 16:1-35; 26:9-11.

That those who persecute Christ’s followers will also experience God’s anger the Scriptures also make clear: “It is righteous on God’s part to repay tribulation to those who make tribulation for you.”—2 Thess. 1:6-9; 1 Thess. 2:16.

Failure to exercise faith in Jehovah God, in effect, shows that one doubts God’s truthfulness or doubts his power and willingness to fulfill his promises. So, while a Christian may not engage in idolatry or be guilty of apostasy, may not indulge in immoral “works of the flesh,” and may not oppose God’s appointed servants, yet if he should ‘shrink back’ from following the course of true faith, he would also merit God’s anger and destruction,—Heb. 10:38, 39.

HARMONIZING GOD’S ANGER WITH GOD’S LOVE

That God’s anger can be harmonized with his being love the Scriptures make clear. This is so because, first of all, anger is not a dominant quality of God. His Word, in fact, counsels us: “Do not have companionship with anyone given to anger.” (Prov. 22:24) God is not “given to anger”; with him it is the exception rather than the rule. He is a “happy God.” (1 Tim. 1:11) You cannot be angry and happy at the same time. Love is his dominant quality and it makes him happy to express it. He is “slow to anger.” Having perfect self-control, he is able to put off expressing anger as long as his principles allow him to do so.—Neh. 9:17; Isa. 42:14.

That is why his Word tells us: “I take delight, not in the death of the wicked one, . . . why is it that you should die, O house of Israel?” And, to comfort repentant ones, he says by another prophet: “He will certainly not hold onto his anger forever, for he is delighting in loving-kindness. He will again show us mercy.”—Ezek. 33:11; Mic. 7:18, 19.

Proof of this is seen in that God gave the dearest treasure of his heart, his only-begotten Son, to die for man’s sins. By means of this sacrifice God was able to hold out everlasting life and an escape from God’s anger to all who will exercise faith in his Son.—John 3:16, 36; Rom. 6:23.

That love, rather than anger, is God’s predominant quality is also to be seen by this: The expression of his anger is of short duration as compared to the duration of his loving-kindness and goodwill. So we read of the day of his vengeance but of the year of his goodwill. (Isa. 61:1, 2) Likewise the psalmist, King David, who on three occasions had been the object of God’s anger as well as receiving truly unique expressions of God’s favor, mercy and loving-kindness, said: “Being under his [God’s] anger is for a moment, being under his good will is for a lifetime.”—Ps. 30:5.

King David had the right understanding of God’s anger. And he knew that God does not relish or “nurse” his anger but delights in showing goodwill and loving-kindness. But David also appreciated that to fear God’s anger was truly the course of wisdom, even as his further words show:

“Jehovah is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abundant in loving-kindness. He will not for all time keep finding fault, neither will he to time indefinite keep resentful. He has not done to us even according to our sins; nor according to our errors has he brought upon us what we deserve. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, his loving-kindness is superior toward those fearing him. As a father shows mercy to his sons, Jehovah has shown mercy to those fearing him. But the loving-kindness of Jehovah is from time indefinite even to time indefinite toward those fearing him, and his righteousness to the sons of sons, toward those keeping his covenant and toward those remembering his orders so as to carry them out.” Wisely fearing God’s anger while loving him for his goodness, we can join David in saying: “Bless Jehovah, all you his works, in all places of his domination. Bless Jehovah.”—Ps. 103:8-11, 13, 17, 18, 22.

“Let No Man Ever Look Down on Your Youth”

“Let no man ever look down on your youth. On the contrary, become an example to the faithful ones in speaking, in conduct, in love, in faith, in chasteness.”—1 Tim. 4:12.

1. (a) What attitude toward older people and authority do young people often take today? (b) What has been done to placate young people, giving rise to what questions?

IN TODAY’S world one of the foremost topics of conversation is young people. The old adage that children should be seen and not heard, meaning they should be present with their elders but not be giving their opinion on matters, has lost its meaning, and, in fact, is looked upon by the younger generation as the older generation’s way of muzzling their free expression of thought. Because of the grant of freedom of expression and action, the young people today have much to say about how things are to be done; and if the authorities do not agree, youths often take matters into their own hands and do what they want. It would take reams of paper to spell out what has been done to placate young people, to keep them from causing problems for the older generation. Standards have been relaxed, laws have been changed, all in an effort to keep the younger generation contented. Is it possible that there has been a loss of the right perspective in this matter? Could it be that instead of catering to youth, they should be called upon and required to show a deep respect for their elders? Rather than looking to the conflicting theories of men, let us turn to the Word of mankind’s Creator and see what the proper view should be.

2. (a) What were God’s commands to his people Israel in regard to the proper attitude toward parents? (b) What responsibilities did parents have in training children?

2 Early in the history of the nation of Israel—the people chosen by God to be a special possession—God himself gave to the nation laws and commandments. Among the first Ten Laws was this one found in Exodus 20:12, which formed part of the Decalogue: “Honor your father and your mother in order that your days may prove long upon the ground that Jehovah your God is giving you.” Jehovah went on to say these words, recorded in Exodus 21:15: “And one who strikes his father and his mother is to be put to death without fail.” Parents in Israel were called upon to give proper training to their children so that they would be qualified in time to take on responsibilities within the family circle. The words of God’s servant Moses, spoken under inspiration, were: “And these words that I am commanding you today must prove to be on your heart; and you must inculcate them in your son and speak of them when you sit in your house and when you walk on the road and when you lie down and when you get up. You should by all means keep the commandments of Jehovah your God and his testimonies and his regulations that he has commanded you.”—Deut. 6:6, 7, 17.

3. (a) What was done with wicked, rebellious children in ancient Israel? (b) Why was this not cruel and inhuman?

3 As time progressed, if a child proved rebellious, incorrigible, bent toward wrong conduct, it was the responsibility of the parents to take that child before the older men of the city for correction. These are the words regarding such a child: “In case a man happens to have a son who is stubborn and rebellious, he not listening to the voice of his father or the voice of his mother, and they have corrected him but he will not listen to them, his father and his mother must also take hold of him and bring him out to the older men of his city and to the gate of his place, and they must say to the older men of his city, ‘This son of ours is stubborn and rebellious; he is not listening to our voice, being a glutton and a drunkard.’ Then all the men of his city must pelt him with stones, and he must die. So you must clear away what is bad from your midst, and all Israel will hear and indeed become afraid.” (Deut. 21:18-21) Many persons in today’s world feel this is cruel, inhuman treatment. But it should be remembered that there were strict requirements resting first upon the parents to give the child the proper training. Remember Deuteronomy 6:17: “You should by all means keep the commandments of Jehovah your God and his testimonies and his regulations that he has commanded you.” Parents were not free to treat their children in a harsh, ungodly, cruel or unloving way. They were to be exemplary in godly traits, showing love, consideration and care for their offspring. The father was to be a person in whom the children could put their confidence as an honest, upright, integrity-keeping and loving servant of Jehovah. The mother was to have deep respect for her husband and to be a shelter and help to the children. Children were not to be turned out to shift for themselves. They were a heritage to be cared for in all respects. Thus, if a child went bad it would be because of that child’s rebellious course, that course leading in time, if not corrected, to the older men of the city and to their judgment.

4. How does God’s Word view children, and what reward comes to parents who do give proper training to their children?

4 The Word of God points out that it is a great blessing to have and to raise children in the discipline of Jehovah. The psalmist under inspiration records these words: “Look! Sons are an inheritance from Jehovah; the fruitage of the belly is a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a mighty man, so are the sons of youth. Happy is the able-bodied man that has filled his quiver with them.” (Ps. 127:3-5) So it is that the child properly trained from his youth can be a person in whom confidence and trust can be placed and no one can look down upon such a child with scorn. How true the words of the Proverbs are when speaking about such ones: “The father of a righteous one will without fail be joyful; the one becoming father to a wise one will also rejoice in him. Your father and your mother will rejoice, and she that gave birth to you will be joyful.”—Prov. 23:24, 25.

BIBLICAL EXAMPLES OF UPRIGHT CONDUCT

5. In what different ways should children be an example?

5 The Bible record gives us much good information on the upright conduct of young people that should serve as an incentive to the younger generation of this twentieth century. By their conduct many of these young ones exemplified the qualities the apostle Paul spoke about in writing these words of advice to the young man Timothy. Remember, he said that Timothy should be an example in many ways, “in speaking, in conduct, in love, in faith, in chasteness.”—1 Tim. 4:12.

6. How did young Elihu show respect for older persons in his dealings with Job?

6 The Bible book of Job tells us about the good example in speaking and conduct of the young man Elihu. This Elihu was a distant relative of Abraham. He was sitting in the presence of Job in the midst of his affliction and had listened to the words of counsel and criticism that had been given by the older men Eliphaz, Bildad and Zophar to Job. He had also listened to Job’s own defense and his tendency to speak in self-centered terms concerning his disease, discomfort and distress. Then Elihu began his words of counsel in this way: “Young I am in days and you men are aged. That is why I drew back and was afraid to declare my knowledge to you men. I said, ‘Days themselves should speak, and a multitude of years are what should make wisdom known.’” (Job 32:6, 7) From that point Elihu spoke on the matters at issue. His conduct in this situation was above reproach. He realized that the older men should be recognized and be allowed to speak without interruption. He showed respect for these men. At the same time he also had a message to speak and when the appropriate time came he did speak out and give an inspiring discourse on the problems that Job was having, showing that Jehovah God is just and righteous in his ways.

7. How is this an example for young and old in our day, and what words of encouragement did Peter give along these lines?

7 By this course Elihu was certainly a fine example for young and old alike. We are hereby reminded that, whenever and wherever we might be called upon to defend the truth of God’s Word, our conduct should reflect the proper respect that is due. To know what is right and proper is one thing; to conduct ourselves in a proper manner in stating what is right is another. An individual showing proper respect and conducting himself in an upright way will not be a fomenter of unruly acts or words. He will not be the instigator of revolt against the laws of Caesar, or the laws governing Christians as found in God’s Word. He will not take things into his own hands on the pretext that the ways of justice and law are too slow, outmoded and in need of being revised. Rather, like Elihu, he will be a defender of what is upright, but will show by his proper conduct that he is one who deeply appreciates the word and commandments of Jehovah God. Such proper decorum will then be in keeping with the advice of the apostle Peter, who said: “Maintain your conduct fine among the nations, that, in the thing in which they are speaking against you as evildoers, they may as a result of your fine works of which they are eyewitnesses glorify God in the day for his inspection.”—1 Pet. 2:12.

8. What type of person did Josiah prove himself to be as a king in Judah?

8 Another example of faithfulness in youth is that of Josiah, King of Judah between the years 659 B.C.E. and 629 B.C.E. The book of Second Kings points out that he was only eight years of age when he was appointed king in Judah. In his eighteenth year, or at about the age of twenty-five, Josiah ordered that the repair work on Jehovah’s temple be completed. It was during that time that Hilkiah the high priest found the “very book of the law” in the house of Jehovah. This find was reported to Josiah, and the account in 2 Kings 22:11-13 tells us this: “And it came about that as soon as the king heard the words of the book of the law, he immediately ripped his garments apart. Then the king commanded . . . ‘Go, inquire of Jehovah in my own behalf and in behalf of the people and in behalf of all Judah concerning the words of this book that has been found; for great is Jehovah’s rage that has been set afire against us over the fact that our forefathers did not listen to the words of this book by doing according to all that is written concerning us.’”

9, 10. How did Josiah set about restoring right worship in Judah?

9 By this immediate and positive response to ascertain what Jehovah’s will was and how it was to be carried out by the people, Josiah showed his great love for Jehovah and his desire to do Jehovah’s will. He wanted to inquire of Jehovah about his directions in the matter. He sent his servants to inquire of Jehovah’s prophetess, Huldah, as to what was to be done. Though the word of Jehovah was condemnatory of the actions of the people of Judah for forgetting his law, Josiah faithfully carried through and made certain that the words of the law were sounded down into the ears of the inhabitants of the land. The Bible account says:

10 “Then the king sent and they gathered together to him all the older men of Judah and Jerusalem. After that the king went up to the house of Jehovah, and also all the men of Judah and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem with him, and also the priests and the prophets and all the people, from small to great; and he began to read in their ears all the words of the book of the covenant that had been found in the house of Jehovah. And the king kept standing by the pillar and now concluded the covenant before Jehovah, to walk after Jehovah and to keep his commandments and his testimonies and his statutes with all the heart and with all the soul by carrying out the words of this covenant that were written in this book. Accordingly all the people took their stand in the covenant.”—2 Kings 23:1-3.

11. Outline some of the cleanup work Josiah did in behalf of the people of Judah, and what was said about him for his courageous action?

11 This young twenty-five-year-old king indeed had the interests of Jehovah at heart and, by his conduct, his love for righteousness and his speaking words of godly wisdom, he had the blessing of Jehovah. The account in Second Kings goes on to relate some of his acts in accordance with the words of the Law. He made unfit for worship Topheth, which was in the valley of the sons of Hinnom, so that no children would have to pass through the fire sacrificially to Molech. He tore down the high places of pagan worship in front of Jerusalem, and he got rid of the spirit mediums, professional foretellers of events, the teraphim and dungy idols, and all the disgusting things in Judah and Jerusalem. Thus it was said of him: “And like him there did not prove to be a king prior to him who returned to Jehovah with all his heart and with all his soul and with all his vital force, according to all the law of Moses; neither after him has there risen up one like him.” (2 Kings 23:4-25) Truly, no man could look down on this young king’s youth.

12. What personal experience did young Jeremiah have with Jehovah?

12 One of the major prophets of Jehovah in the latter days of the Kingdom of Judah was the man Jeremiah. In his manhood he proved to be a faithful and trusted servant of Jehovah. But even from his youth up this young servant of Jehovah was one that the older ones could not look down upon and criticize. He writes of his personal experience with Jehovah God in these words: “And the word of Jehovah began to occur to me, saying: ‘Before I was forming you in the belly I knew you, and before you proceeded to come forth from the womb I sanctified you. Prophet to the nations I made you.’ But I said: ‘Alas, O Lord Jehovah! Here I actually do not know how to speak, for I am but a boy.’ And Jehovah went on to say to me: ‘Do not say, “I am but a boy.” But to all those to whom I shall send you, you should go; and everything that I shall command you, you should speak. Do not be afraid because of their faces, for “I am with you to deliver you,” is the utterance of Jehovah.’”—Jer. 1:4-8.

13. For his faithful course before Jehovah what trials did Jeremiah go through, and for how many years did he faithfully prophesy concerning Jehovah’s judgments?

13 Jeremiah took Jehovah at his word and did become a fearless spokesman for Jehovah to the people of Judah and Jerusalem. His full faith rested upon his God Jehovah. His bold ministry was not performed without opposition from his own fellow Israelites. The Bible account shows that he was condemned, placed in stocks, there was a plot on his life, and he was thrown into a deep cistern which served as a prison for him. The Bible book of Jeremiah contains the account of this man’s prophecies from the mouth of Jehovah God. For forty years he acted as the prophet of Jehovah sent to “uproot and to pull down and to destroy and to tear down, to build and to plant.” (Jer. 1:10) Yes, from his youth up this man of God indeed was one that no man could look down upon.

14. (a) Because of upright conduct what positions did young Daniel and his three companions come to have? (b) How did Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego prove their loyalty to Jehovah God?

14 Contemporary with Jeremiah as a prophet was the young man Daniel. This young servant of Jehovah was taken captive to Babylon when just a boy. He, together with his three close companions, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, made Biblical history during their sojourn in Babylon. As young men in that pagan land they faithfully did the will of their Creator, Jehovah God. Because of his upright conduct Daniel came to be entrusted with rulership over all the jurisdictional district of Babylon and the chief prefect over all the wise men of Babylon. His companions, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, were appointed to positions of responsibility in the government also, and later went on to prove they were devoted slaves of Jehovah in the fiery furnace episode.—Dan. 2:48, 49; 3:8-30.

15. How was the Lord Jesus a fine example for young people today?

15 Of particular note in considering youthful servants of Jehovah is the life story of the Lord Jesus Christ. His earthly life began around the year 2 B.C.E., in the little town of Bethlehem when his mother, the virgin Mary, gave birth to him and laid him in a manger. While the Bible account does not go into great detail concerning the boyhood days of the Lord Jesus, still what is told gives us a glimpse of this young, perfect one, sent to earth to ransom imperfect mankind. At a young age he traveled with his parents to Jerusalem for the festival of the passover. While there he came into contact with the teachers in the temple of Jehovah. And it was there that his parents found him after losing him in the crowds that had been in attendance in Jerusalem for the passover. The Bible record tells us about the occasion and informs us that those in the temple who were listening to him talking were in “constant amazement at his understanding and his answers.” In spite of his tender years—he was about twelve years old then—he was giving attention to the Word of God and had gained the respect of those with whom he came in contact. However, the Bible record shows that Jesus continued in subjection to his parents and that he went on progressing in wisdom and physical growth and in favor with God and men.—Luke 2:41-52.

16. What kind of a young man did Timothy prove to be as shown by the apostle Paul’s comments in 1 Corinthians 4:17 and Philippians 2:19, 20?

16 So it was, with all of these examples recorded in the Hebrew Scriptures, and with the conduct and way of life of Jesus vividly in mind, that the apostle Paul could give good counsel to another young man, Timothy, and advise him to be “an example to the faithful ones in speaking, in conduct, in love, in faith, in chasteness.” (1 Tim. 4:12) And that this young man was a fine example is borne out by Paul’s reference to him in 1 Corinthians 4:17. In speaking to that Corinthian congregation Paul said: “I am sending Timothy to you, as he is my beloved and faithful child in the Lord; and he will put you in mind of my methods in connection with Christ Jesus, just as I am teaching everywhere in every congregation.” Of this young man the apostle Paul also wrote to the Philippian congregation: “For my part I am hoping in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, that I may be a cheerful soul when I get to know about the things pertaining to you. For I have no one else of a disposition like his who will genuinely care for the things pertaining to you.”—Phil. 2:19, 20.

17. What question are we now asked concerning youths, and what is the right answer to that question?

17 Is it then possible in this day and age, the twentieth century, a time of great turmoil and stress among peoples of all nations, that the examples of the past can be helpful in directing the youths of this modern world? By all means the reply is Yes! For the lives of these men, and others not mentioned, can serve as guideposts for young people in order that ‘no man will look down on their youth.’ In fact, throughout this earth we have examples of young people that indeed are giving no cause for anyone to look down on their youth, but, rather, to be favorably impressed with their speech, their conduct, their love, their faith and their chaste conduct. A reading of the following article will show what these young people are doing in bringing praise to their Grand Creator, Jehovah God, and how they can be given further assistance by their parents and the adult generation.

[Picture on page 365]

No man could rightly look down upon Jeremiah, from youth on, though he was opposed and put in stocks for his ministry

Remembering Your Creator in the Days of Your Young Manhood

“Remember, now, your grand Creator in the days of your young manhood.”—Eccl. 12:1.

1. (a) What do the Scriptures show regarding the need for training young people? (b) What timely words of advice did Paul give to young Timothy?

GOD’S Word has much to say about young people. As mentioned in the previous article, the fruitage of the belly is a reward. However, God’s Word also accurately tells us about the makeup of young people and it shows that youths need guidance in growing into adulthood so that they can take on responsibilities. God’s Word accurately says: “Foolishness is tied up with the heart of a boy.” (Prov. 22:15) Jehovah, the Creator, well knows the makeup of his human creation. The young years of life are the formative ones, the ones when the young need guidance and direction. And the extent to which they apply themselves in accepting that guidance and direction will show in their conduct and in the way they accept responsibility in later years. The apostle Paul accurately described the difference between youth and adulthood in these words: “When I was a babe, I used to speak as a babe, to think as a babe, to reason as a babe; but now that I have become a man, I have done away with the traits of a babe.” (1 Cor. 13:11) So it was with good reason that Paul could write to his young companion in the ministry, Timothy, and tell him: “Flee from the desires incidental to youth, but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace, along with those who call upon the Lord out of a clean heart.”—2 Tim. 2:22.

2. What outstanding quality do godly young persons have?

2 This by no means is to say that the young years of a person’s life are a curse, nor should one conclude that the Word of God in any way debases youth. Hardly could that be the case, for it was the Lord Jesus Christ who said to those questioning him about who would be the greatest in the kingdom of the heavens: “Truly I say to you, Unless you turn around and become as young children, you will by no means enter into the kingdom of the heavens.” (Matt. 18:3) Jesus explained that there is humility in children. Therefore, no one should think too highly of himself, but have the humble spirit of a godly child. The apostle Paul also gave commendation to children in this way: “Brothers, do not become young children in powers of understanding, but be babes as to badness; yet become full-grown in powers of understanding.”—1 Cor. 14:20.

3. (a) In what do children need training? (b) Who are responsible to give this training, and why should such training not be passed off to others?

3 So it is that youths need training and education in the important things in life, namely, righteousness, faith, love and peace. On the other hand, none should ever lose the proper attitude toward right and wrong that was had by him as a youth. This proper training is best given by God-fearing parents. It involves a deep interest in the welfare and rearing of children. Such training and education should not be passed off to others to care for, as is so often the case in the present system of things. This has resulted in many young persons feeling isolated from their parents, as not wanted, sometimes even as a nuisance. This in turn has led to the so-called generation gap that exists between parents and children. To cope with this tendency, God-fearing parents want to do all they possibly can to establish and maintain solid relations with their children so that their children will have confidence in them, the kind of confidence that will lead the children to their parents to discuss problems, and not to their friends on the street or other outsiders.

GOOD EXAMPLES BY TODAY’S YOUTH

4. Because there is some of this fine training being given today, what can be observed?

4 This type of communication and training does exist today and many are the young people who are remembering their Creator in their youth, and who are giving no cause for anyone to look down upon them because they are young. To consider their experiences is upbuilding and an encouragement to others in walking on the road to life.

5. (a) Relate the experience of the two young boys in France. (b) What commendation did the parents receive?

5 One example concerns two young boys in France who gave a witness concerning their faith and convictions, and the householder to whom they spoke wrote a letter to the parents of the two boys saying: “I am still under the charm of the long conversation I have had this morning with your two children, and since I am appreciative of all that is beautiful and upright, I am taking this liberty of writing to you, their parents, to—shall we say—congratulate them. Truly, I never remember having heard children express their faith so interestingly and with so much conviction and intelligence. Particularly the elder one. If he perseveres, by God’s grace, humanity has there the makings of a true man. In a world whose values are falling apart, it is comforting to meet values that the passing years will, I trust, bring to maturity and fruition. I do not know you, but judging by your two children, you must be praiseworthy parents.” There can be no doubt that these young boys were remembering their Creator in the days of their youth. They were not looked down upon for so doing, but praised, as were the parents of such children.

6. How did two young publishers in Burma show they remembered their Creator in the days of their youth, and with what good results?

6 There is another case of youths being a praise to the name of Jehovah. This comes from the country of Burma. A letter from an educated aged person who learned the truth with the help of young publishers shows that worldly adults do not know the Scriptures even as much as youths who are Jehovah’s witnesses: “One rainy day two young men came to my house. Thinking they had come to take shelter from the rains, I invited them in. But they introduced themselves as ministers and gave a sermon. After hearing it I was surprised to know that these young men knew more about the future of the earth than I did. I am now seventy-four years old and have been a Baptist since the age of fourteen and have been looked upon as an elder and committee member of the women’s group in my town, but my knowledge of the Bible seemed nothing in comparison to that of these youths. They left me some magazines and tracts and I became engrossed in reading them. What I read made me think seriously, and I wanted to meet them again to ask some questions. To my surprise and joy, they came back to see me. One of them started a Bible study with me. Since that day I have been very happy to know the true God and his purposes. With God’s help I have now gained a better understanding of his Word. My only regret is that I did not get the truth sooner. I could then have done more for our Creator. Still, I am very thankful that during the remaining short period of my life-span I can yet serve Jehovah God.” Again it is evident that no one can look down on the conduct of such youths as they share in telling the good news of salvation to others.

7. Show how a young twelve-year-old boy in Jamaica, West Indies, was one who did not forget.

7 A twelve-year-old boy in Jamaica, West Indies, listened to a Bible discussion among Jehovah’s witnesses and was impressed with what the Bible said about “witnessing” and “witnesses.” He began attending meetings at the Kingdom Hall, to the chagrin of his mother. She made it clear that he was not to attend again. He obeyed and so his only contact with the Witnesses for some time was through an occasional magazine that his uncle would get from the Witnesses. One weekend he was visiting his grandmother and while he was there a witness of Jehovah called at the home. He listened to the sermon and accepted a booklet, which he read and reread, practically memorizing every word. He began witnessing to his mother, grandmother and aunt. His mother’s opposition softened. When his aunt moved to England, he continued encouraging her through correspondence to get in touch with the Witnesses and allow them to assist her to learn of God’s purposes. She did and is now dedicated to God. In the meantime he obtained further publications, studied and began attending meetings again and asked to be assisted in the field ministry. He is now regularly serving the interests of the Kingdom as an ordained minister of Jehovah. This young man certainly listened with understanding and was instrumental in helping also his relative to become a servant of Jehovah.

8. (a) What is the counsel of Proverbs 22:6? (b) How have many at the headquarters of the Watch Tower Society shown that their early training was beneficial?

8 How interested all parents should be in helping their children grow up with an accurate knowledge of God’s Word and his purposes for mankind! They can indeed be a blessing to the parents and a grand praise to the name of Jehovah. Many young persons are anxious to take up the ministry and to be pleasing to their heavenly Father. If they are solidly based in the truths of God’s Word they will continue therein throughout their adult life. The wise counsel of the Proverbs is: “Train up a boy according to the way for him; even when he grows old he will not turn aside from it.” (Prov. 22:6) Many young persons have come to serve at the Watch Tower Society’s headquarters and branch offices in different parts of the world and they are continuing in their privileges of serving the Lord’s interests right up to the present time. Interestingly, in the Bethel home of the Watch Tower Society in Brooklyn, of the twenty-five oldest members of the staff twenty came when they were between the ages of eighteen and thirty. Today they range in age from sixty-five to eighty-four. They are still serving faithfully in their duties and responsibilities. From the days of their youth they have remembered their Creator. And there is no doubt that they feel as the psalmist said: “A young man I used to be, I have also grown old, and yet I have not seen anyone righteous left entirely, nor his offspring looking for bread.” (Ps. 37:25) Jehovah has kept them in his care and they have had the joy of serving him and doing his will.

HELPING THE YOUNGER GENERATION

9. (a) What question is now posed for parents and other adults? (b) Why is it more difficult, in this day especially, to avoid rebellion and immorality?

9 So now the question before parents and adults in this day is: What can you do to help your children and young people in general to be the kind of persons who will remember their Creator so that no man can ever look down on their youth? A glance at the world we live in shows it is a system that is sowing the seeds of rebellion and immorality. In fact, there is a deliberate attempt to undermine young people, to turn them to wicked acts. This is not something peculiar just to recent days. The world has been on an accelerated downward course as far as its morals are concerned since mankind was thrown into the throes of World War I. By the time of Hitler’s rise to power in Germany in the thirties this downward trend was well under way. With an assist from Nazism the process was even faster. There is much evidence that those chosen to be elite members of the Nazi SS forces were introduced to abnormal sexual activities as part of their conditioning process to break down their attachment to all traditional moral values. C. S. Lewis’ novel, That Hideous Strength, shows a young intellectual being introduced to revolting practices by the agents of evil, precisely because once he has been accustomed to accept the unnatural and monstrous, then no order or request from his masters will be refused.

10. In order to give effective training to their children, what must parents keep in mind?

10 To help your children face today’s world of violence, lack of respect, and desire for wicked acts you must give them the training called for by God’s Word. You must be honest and straightforward with them. You cannot be hypocritical, taking as your motto: Do as I say but not as I do. Young people can see through such a veneer of self-righteousness. It is as the apostle Paul said: “Do you, however, the one teaching someone else, not teach yourself? You, the one preaching ‘Do not steal,’ do you steal? You, the one saying ‘Do not commit adultery,’ do you commit adultery?” (Rom. 2:21, 22) Parents and other adults must set the right example for children if they are to grow up in the discipline and mental-regulating of Jehovah and remember their Creator.

11. What must parents guard against in training children?

11 Oftentimes parents use sarcasm in dealing with their children. They belittle them or their intelligence, causing the child to feel humiliated. This is not proper. This is not Christian. This is not Biblical. Said the apostle Paul on this point: “You fathers, do not be exasperating your children, so that they do not become downhearted.” (Col. 3:21) A child will not be given every opportunity to grow up as a praiser of Jehovah in his youth if those who brought him into the world constantly berate him and bring him to the point of exasperation. This does not mean that every whim and wish of the child is to be granted by the parents. Rather, as the Proverbs say, train up the child in the way he should go.

12. (a) What common complaint do young people often have about their parents, and what, in turn, is the complaint of the parents? (b) What is thus the result?

12 One of the most common complaints of young people today is: “My parents just don’t understand me.” If that is the case in your family, or the situation is heading in that direction, then now is the time to straighten out matters before it is too late. Now is the time to be understood because the moment is late. A wicked system of things is about to be destroyed. For the preservation of yourself and your children now is the time to come to an understanding. Many parents will say: “If you only knew how we have tried, but we just seem to be in two different worlds.” But oftentimes parents have waited so long that there has been a breach that has widened between them and their children. The parents do not know what their children are doing, who their friends are, and where they are. The children adopt their own code, their own style of dress, their own way of life. Then suddenly the parents come to realize they are talking a different language, as it were, and so neither side understands the other.

13. What basic instructions are outlined for training a seeing-eye dog, leading to what comparison with training children?

13 It certainly is true that to be a good parent is a full-time job. There are no shortcuts in this training either. It is said regarding the training of seeing-eye dogs for the blind, that the trainer must have unlimited patience. All his lessons must be taught by affection and never by brutality. When a dog learns well he is always rewarded by an approving pat, kind words and a little tidbit that he is specially fond of. A mistake must never be let go by but must be corrected at once. There are times when adults give more attention and care to the training of animals than they do their children. Nothing is more important to the Christian than the training of his children. If unlimited patience is required in training an animal, can anything less be expected in training a child? If an animal needs to be taught by affection and never by brutality, what should we conclude about the children we may bring forth into this world? If an animal reacts to an approving word or deed, what should we expect in training children? And if animals’ mistakes must not go uncorrected, what is there to be said about mistakes children make?

14. Why is it not reasonable for parents to conclude that, if they just let things go, everything will work out all right in regard to their children?

14 The youths of today will be the adults of tomorrow. If a young person remembers his Creator in the days of his youth, then in his adult years he will be equipped to face the problems of life and bring praise to his heavenly Father, and honor to his parents. It is not reasonable for parents to think that if they just let things go everything will work out all right. The odds are against such an outcome. For a young child to be an example “in conduct, in love, in faith, in chasteness,” he must have the example from his parents and other adults in the Christian congregation and he must be aided to walk in the right path by such older ones.

15. What is required of the adult generation if it is going to help the young generation?

15 Now is the time of all times for young people to respond to the call to be servants of Jehovah God, mankind’s Creator and Great Benefactor. In the face of world rebellion by so many young people, now is the time to help those who truly wish to remember their Creator and who want to come to know him better. The adult generation can do much to help young persons who are searching for the right answers to the problems of the day. So it is up to the adult generation to remember the Creator and to walk in upright conduct, in love, in faith and in chasteness, so that they can assist the young to follow in such righteous steps. The answer does not lie in watering down God’s laws, becoming like those who have forsaken right principles. No, but it calls for mature people to set the right example. Avoid hypocrisy, trying to appear as something you are not. Put on a new personality, one fashioned according to Christ. Let this new personality serve as an encouragement to the young so that they will be drawn to the right principles of the Bible and want to remember their Creator.—Col. 3:5-10.

16. Who are we called upon to remember? Why?

16 Remember Elihu, Josiah, Jeremiah, Daniel and his three companions. Rehearse in your mind their acts of upright conduct in the days of their youth. Think of the young man Jesus and his way of life, which was one of righteousness and subjection to his parents. Think of the examples we have considered in today’s world of the young boys in France and in Burma as well as Jamaica and elsewhere in the world. They are remembering their Creator in the days of their young manhood. No doubt you are acquainted with many fine, young people who are conducting themselves in such a way that no man can look down on their youth. And perhaps you know of some young ones in need of help through mature assistance and care.

17. What will result if proper training and instruction, along with a good example, are given to our youth?

17 Now, then, ask yourself, What can I do to be of further help to the young persons? If you are a parent, can you give even more care and attention to your children to ensure their growing up as praisers of Jehovah? If you are associated with the Christian witnesses of Jehovah in a congregation, ask what you can do to help the young by your example in zeal and devotion to Jehovah and the doing of his will. Do not conclude that you are doing all you possibly can. There is always room for improvement. By taking a proper interest in gaining and maintaining good lines of communication with the young ones and by the young ones responding in their speaking, conduct, love, faith and chasteness, great praise will be given to mankind’s Creator, Jehovah God. Then all together can carry out the words of the psalmist, who said: “Praise Jah, you people! Praise Jehovah from the heavens, praise him in the heights. Praise Jehovah from the earth, . . . you young men and also you virgins, you old men together with boys. Let them praise the name of Jehovah, for his name alone is unreachably high. His dignity is above earth and heaven.”—Ps. 148:1, 7, 12, 13.

“Happy are the Peaceable”

An article specially designed for parents to read with their children

DO YOU know any boys who are always trying to act big and tough? Do you like to be with them? Or would you rather be with someone who is peaceable?

The Great Teacher knows what kind of person God likes. He said: “Happy are the peaceable, since they will be called ‘sons of God.’” That is the kind of person we want to be, isn’t it? We want to be peaceable.—Matt. 5:9.

But sometimes other people do things that make us angry. And we may feel like getting even with them. Once this happened to Jesus’ disciples.

They were traveling with Jesus toward Jerusalem. When they had gone some distance, Jesus sent certain ones ahead to a village to find a place for them to rest. But the people there did not want them to stay. Those people had a different religion. And they did not like anyone that went to the city of Jerusalem to worship.

If that had happened to you, what would you have done? Would you have gotten angry? Would you have wanted to get even with them?

…

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The Watchtower, June 15, 1971