A Government Free of Corruption: JANUARY 1, 2015

JANUARY 1 , 201 5
34567
A GOVERNMENT
FREE OF CORRUPTION
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Vol. 136, No. 1 ENGLISH
THIS MAGAZINE, The Watchtower, COVER SUBJECT

honors Jehovah God, the Ruler of
the universe. It comforts people
with the good news that God’s A Government Free
heavenly Kingdom will soon end all
wickedness and transform the earth of Corruption PAGES 3-7
into a paradise. It promotes faith
in Jesus Christ, who died so that The Poison of Government Corruption 3
we might gain everlasting life and
who is now ruling as King of God’s God’s Kingdom—A Government With No Corruption 4
Kingdom. This magazine has been
published continuously since 1879
and is nonpolitical. It adheres to ALSO IN THIS ISSUE
the Bible as its authority.
The Bible Changes Lives
Bible Truth Satisfied My Thirst for Answers 8
Husbands—Make Your Home Secure 10
Did You Know? 13
Would you welcome
more information or a Should We Pray to Jesus? 14
free home Bible study? Bible Questions Answered 16
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COVER SUBJECT
The Poison of
Government Corruption
Government corruption has been defined as the
abuse of public power for private gain. Such
abuse has a long history. For example, the Bi-
ble includes a law prohibiting bribery in judi-
cial cases, showing that the practice was already
well-known over 3,500 years ago. (Exodus 23:8)
Of course, corruption involves more than just
accepting bribes. Corrupt public officials some-
times appropriate goods, take advantage of ser-
vices to which they are not entitled, or even steal
funds outright. They may also use their position
to favor their friends and relatives unfairly.
While corruption can exist in any human orga-
nization, it seems that corruption in government
is the worst. The 2013 Global Corruption Barom-
eter, published by Transparency International, re-
ported that people worldwide have the percep-
tion that the five most corrupt institutions are
political parties, the police, public officials, the
legislature, and the judiciary. Consider just some
reports that highlight the problem. ˘ EUROPE: “The extent of the problem [corrup-
˘ AFRICA: In 2013, some 22,000 public officials in tion in Europe] is breathtaking,” according to
South Africa were charged with misconduct for European Commission Home Affairs Commis-
corrupt activities. sioner Cecilia Malmström. She added that “the
˘ AMERICAS: In 2012, in Brazil, 25 people were political commitment to really root out corrup-
convicted of using public funds to buy political tion seems to be missing.”
support. Among those convicted was the former Government corruption has deep roots. Pro-
president’s chief of staff, the second most power- fessor Susan Rose-Ackerman, an expert on the
ful man in the country. subject of anticorruption, wrote that reform
˘ ASIA: In Seoul, South Korea, 502 people died in would require “fundamental changes in the way
a department-store collapse in 1995. Investiga- government does business.” While the situation
tors found that city officials had been bribed to al- might seem to be hopeless, the Bible shows that
low contractors to use substandard concrete and even greater changes are not only possible but
to violate safety rules. also certain to happen.
JANUARY 1, 2015 3
GOD’S KINGDOM
A Government With No Corruption
“At the end of the day, public officials are still citizens and we are all a product
of society.” So stated the chief auditor of Nicaragua when explaining why he felt
that government corruption was impossible to eliminate.
Would you not agree that if human society is cor- 1. POWER

rupt, then any government that is a part of it will THE PROBLEM: Human governments are funded
inevitably be corrupt? If that is the case, then a by their citizens, most often through taxes and
government free of corruption must come from duties. This flow of money tempts some officials
outside human society. The Bible describes just to steal, while others accept bribes from individ-
such a government—God’s Kingdom, the govern- uals who want them to reduce their taxes or oth-
ment for which Jesus taught his followers to pray. er payments due the government. A vicious cir-
—Matthew 6:9, 10. cle may result—the government raises taxes to
God’s Kingdom is a real government that rules make up for such losses, and this in turn fosters
from heaven. It will replace all human govern- more corruption. In an environment like that,
ments. (Psalm 2:8, 9; Revelation 16:14; 19:19-21) people who are honest may suffer the most.
Among the blessings that the Kingdom will bring THE SOLUTION: God’s Kingdom receives its pow-
to mankind is the elimination of government cor- er from the almighty God, Jehovah.1 (Revelation
ruption. Consider six features of the Kingdom 11:15) It does not need to collect taxes to pay
that guarantee this. 1 Jehovah is the name of God as revealed in the Bible.
4 THE WATCHTOWER
righteous man on earth who always does good.”
—Ecclesiastes 7:20.
THE SOLUTION: Unlike imperfect humans, Jesus
Christ, whom God has selected to be Ruler of the
Kingdom, cannot be tempted into doing what is
wrong. Jesus showed this by rejecting the most
massive bribe ever offered—“all the kingdoms of
the world and their glory.” Jesus was promised
this in exchange for one act of false worship to the
ruler of the world, the Devil. (Matthew 4:8-10;
John 14:30) Even when Jesus was being tortured
to death, he was so determined to maintain his
integrity that he refused a drug that would have
dulled the pain but might also have left him with-
out full command of his senses. (Matthew 27:34)
Now raised back to heavenly life by God, Jesus
Jesus rejected the has proved that he is fully qualified to rule over
most massive bribe the Kingdom.—Philippians 2:8-11.
ever offered
3. STABILITY
THE PROBLEM: Many countries hold elections
regularly, which in theory allows people to vote
corrupt officials out of office. The reality, though,
is that campaigns and elections are prone to cor-
ruption, even in so-called developed countries.
By means of campaign contributions and oth-
for its operation. Instead, God’s “awe-inspiring er actions, the rich can unduly influence current
power” and his unselfish generosity ensure that and future officeholders.
the Kingdom will abundantly provide for the Justice John Paul Stevens of the U.S. Supreme
needs of all its subjects.—Isaiah 40:26; Psalm Court wrote that such influence threatens “not
145:16. only the legitimacy and quality of Government
but also the public’s faith therein.” It is little won-
2. RULER der, then, that many people worldwide have the
THE PROBLEM: The effort to eliminate corruption perception that political parties are the most cor-
“must start at the top,” observes Susan Rose- rupt of all institutions.
Ackerman, quoted in the preceding article. Gov- THE SOLUTION: God’s Kingdom removes the pos-
ernments lose credibility when they try to eradi- sibility of campaign or electoral fraud by being
cate corruption among police or customs officers a stable, permanent rulership. (Daniel 7:13, 14)
while tolerating it among high officials. And even Since its Ruler is chosen by God, the Kingdom
the most ethical human ruler is subject to inher- is neither validated by elections nor subject to
ent imperfection. As the Bible says, “there is no overthrow. Its stability helps to ensure that the
JANUARY 1, 2015 5
actions it takes are always in the best long-term
interests of its people.
4. LAWS
THE PROBLEM: At first, you might think that en-
acting new laws could improve matters. How-
ever, experts have found that in many cases, in-
creasing the number of laws just provides more
opportunities for corruption. Additionally, legis-
lation specifically intended to reduce corruption
often costs much to implement yet accomplishes
little.
THE SOLUTION: The laws of the Kingdom of God
are vastly superior to those of human govern-
ments. For example, rather than itemizing an ex-
tensive list of dos and don’ts, Jesus gave what
is often called the Golden Rule. He stated: “All
God’s Kingdom is a things, therefore, that you want men to do to you,
real government that you also must do to them.” (Matthew 7:12) Per-
rules from heaven haps more significantly, the laws of the Kingdom
focus on both motives and actions. “You must
love your neighbor as yourself,” said Jesus. (Mat-
thew 22:39) Of course, God, who can read the
heart, could actually enforce such commands.
—1 Samuel 16:7.
5. MOTIVES
THE PROBLEM: The driving forces behind corrup-
tion are greed and self-interest. Government of-
ficials and citizens often display those negative
qualities. In the department-store collapse in
Seoul mentioned in the preceding article, gov-
ernment officials accepted bribes from contrac-
tors who knew that paying a bribe would be less
costly than using proper building materials and
construction practices.
To eliminate corruption, then, people must
be taught how to overcome entrenched motives
such as greed and selfishness. However, human
governments lack both the will and the ability to
implement this type of educational program.
6 THE WATCHTOWER
THE SOLUTION: God’s Kingdom deals with cor- will not qualify to inherit the Kingdom.—1 Corin-
ruption at its roots by teaching people how to thians 6:9-11; Revelation 21:8.
overcome the wrong motives that cause it.1 This People can learn to adhere to these high mor-
education helps them “to be made new in [their] al standards, as the early Christians proved. For
dominant mental attitude.” (Ephesians 4:23) example, when a disciple named Simon tried to
They learn to replace greed and selfishness with buy a spiritual favor from the apostles, they re-
contentment and interest in others.—Philippians fused the bribe and told him: “Repent of this bad-
2:4; 1 Timothy 6:6. ness of yours.” Once Simon saw the danger of his
wrong desire, he asked the apostles to pray in
6. SUBJECTS
his behalf so that he could overcome it.—Acts 8:
THE PROBLEM: Even in the best environment and 18-24.
with the finest education in morals, some people
will choose to be dishonest and corrupt. Experts HOW TO BECOME A SUBJECT OF THE KINGDOM
admit that this is why human governments can- Regardless of your nationality, you have the
not eliminate corruption. The most that can be opportunity to become a subject of God’s King-
hoped for is that the scope and destructive effects dom. (Acts 10:34, 35) The program of educa-
of corruption can be limited. tion offered by the Kingdom—which is available
THE SOLUTION: The United Nations Convention around the world right now—will show you how.
Against Corruption states that to fight corrup- Jehovah’s Witnesses will be happy to demon-
tion, governments should promote “integrity, strate their free home Bible study arrangement,
honesty and responsibility.” While this is a noble which can take as little as ten minutes a week.
goal, God’s Kingdom does more than just promote Among other things, you can learn more about
these qualities—it requires them of its subjects. “the good news of the Kingdom of God,” includ-
The Bible says that “greedy people” and “liars” ing how it will eliminate government corruption.
1 For example, see the article “Is It Possible to Be Honest in a (Luke 4:43) We invite you to contact the Witness-
Corrupt World?” in the October 1, 2012, issue of The Watchtower. es in your area or to visit our Web site, jw.org. ˇ
Would you like to

have a free home
Bible study?
Visit www.jw.org,
or scan code
JANUARY 1, 2015 7
THE BIBLE CHANGES LIVES
Bible truth
satisfied my thirst
for answers
MY PAST: I was born in Baku, Azerbaijan, as the second
of two children. My father was Muslim, and my mother
was Jewish. My parents loved each other and accepted
their differing beliefs. Mom supported Dad when he fast-
ed during Ramadan, and Dad supported Mom when she
observed the Passover. In our home we had the Koran, the
Torah, and the Bible.
I considered myself a Muslim. Although I never ques-
tioned God’s existence, there were issues that puzzled
me. I wondered, ‘Why did God create humans, and for
what useful purpose would someone suffer his entire life
AS TOLD BY MAYLI GÜNDEL only to be tormented forever in hell?’ Since people said
that everything that happens is God’s will, I wondered, ‘Is
God just a puppeteer who enjoys watching people suffer?’
When I was 12 years old, I started to pray namaz, the
YEAR BORN
Muslim’s five daily ceremonial prayers. About that time,
1987 Father sent my sister and me to a Jewish school. Among
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN other subjects, we were taught Torah traditions and the
AZERBAIJAN Hebrew language. Before daily classroom lessons, we had
HISTORY to pray according to Jewish tradition. Thus, in the morn-
MUSLIM FATHER AND ing, I prayed namaz at home, and later in the day, I joined
JEWISH MOTHER Jewish prayers in school.
I desperately hungered for logical answers to my ques-
tions. I repeatedly asked the rabbis at school: “Why did
God create humans? How does God view my Muslim fa-
ther? He is a good man, so why is he considered unclean?
Why did God create him?” The few answers I received
were irrational and unconvincing.
HOW THE BIBLE CHANGED MY LIFE: My faith in God was
shattered in 2002. We had just immigrated to Germany
when, only a week later, my father suffered a stroke and
fell into a coma. For years I had prayed for the health
8 THE WATCHTOWER
and well-being of my family. Convinced that the 18) His main quality is un-
Almighty alone has power over life and death, I selfish love. (1 John 4:8)
pleaded every day for the life of my dad. I He created humans be-
thought, ‘It is a small thing for God to fulfill a cause he wanted to share
little girl’s heartfelt wish.’ I was sure he would the gift of life. I came to
grant my entreaties. But my father died. understand that although
Aghast at God’s seeming indifference, I was God permits injustice, he
devastated. ‘Either I am praying the wrong way,’ detests it and will soon re-
I reasoned, ‘or God does not exist.’ I was stunned move it forever. I learned
and unable to pray namaz anymore. Other reli- that the rebellion of Adam
gions did not make sense to me, so I concluded and Eve has been detrimental to mankind. (Ro-
that there is no God. mans 5:12) Among the sad consequences is the
Six months later, Jehovah’s Witnesses called at death of beloved ones, such as my father. How-
our door. Since we did not think highly of Chris- ever, God will undo such tragedies in a coming
tianity, my sister and I wanted to show them new world, where those who have died will re-
politely that they were wrong. We asked them: turn to life.—Acts 24:15.
“How can Christians worship Jesus, the cross, Bible truth satisfied my thirst for answers. I
Mary, and other idols when that is against the started to believe in God again. As I got to know
Ten Commandments?” From the Scriptures the Jehovah’s Witnesses better, I realized that they
Witnesses showed us convincing proof that idol
are a worldwide brotherhood. The unity and love
worship is forbidden for true Christians and that
among them impressed me. (John 13:34, 35)
prayers should be directed exclusively to God.
What I learned about Jehovah moved me to want
That astonished me.
to serve him, so I decided to become one of Je-
Then we asked: “What about the Trinity? If Je-
hovah’s Witnesses. I was baptized on January 8,
sus is God, how could he live on earth and be
2005.
killed by humans?” Again, they answered with
the Bible and explained that Jesus is neither God HOW I HAVE BENEFITED: The Bible’s convincing
nor equal to Him. The Witnesses explained that logic changed my whole outlook on life for the
for this reason, they do not believe in the Trinity. better. The credible explanations I found through
I was astounded and thought, ‘These are really God’s Word bring me inner peace. I draw great
strange Christians.’ joy and comfort from the hope of seeing my fa-
Still, I wanted to know why people die and ther again through the resurrection promised in
why God allows suffering. The Witnesses God’s Word.—John 5:28, 29.
showed me the book Knowledge That Leads to For six years I have been happily married to my
Everlasting Life,1 which contained entire chapters God-fearing husband, Jonathan. We have both
that addressed my questions. They immediately learned that the truth about God is logical and
started a Bible study with me. simple, yet at the same time a priceless treasure.
During each study session, I found sensible, That is why we appreciate sharing our faith and
Bible-based answers to my questions. I came to our wonderful hope with others. Today I know
know that God’s name is Jehovah. (Psalm 83: that Jehovah’s Witnesses are not “strange” but
1 Published by Jehovah’s Witnesses but now out of print. are true Christians. ˇ
JANUARY 1, 2015 9
HAT kind of security should a man provide for his
Husbands W wife? Many people are raised to believe that a hus-
band’s primary goal is to help his family to be financially
secure. However, some wives who have plenty of materi-
Make al things still feel emotionally insecure—even terrified. A

Spanish woman named Rosa, for example, says about the
man she married, “With outsiders he was a likable man,
Your Home but at home he was a rough husband.” Joy, who is from
Nigeria, admits, “When I didn’t agree with my husband,
he would say, ‘You have to do everything I say because I
Secure am your husband.’ ”
How can a man fulfill his role as a husband in a lov-
ing way? What does it take for a husband to make his
home secure, “a resting-place” for his wife?—Ruth 1:9,
footnote.
WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS ABOUT A HUSBAND’S
AUTHORITY
Although husband and wife have an equal standing in
God’s eyes, the Bible says that each spouse has a distinct
role in the family. Romans 7:2 states that a married wom-
an comes under “the law of her husband.” Just as many
institutions appoint a head to oversee their affairs, God
has appointed the husband to be head of his wife. (1 Co-
rinthians 11:3) Husbands should take the lead in their
household.
As husbands, how should you exercise your God-given
authority? “Continue loving your wives,” the Bible says,
“just as the Christ also loved the congregation.” (Ephe-
sians 5:25) Yes, although he never married, Jesus Christ’s
example can help you to become a good husband. Let us
see how.
JESUS’ LIFE—A PERFECT MODEL FOR HUSBANDS
Jesus sought to refresh others and lighten their load. Je-
sus promised all who were oppressed and weighed down
by personal problems: “Come to me, . . . and I will re-
fresh you.” (Matthew 11:28, 29) He often alleviated their
physical suffering and provided refreshing spiritual help.
No wonder many felt drawn to Jesus, convinced that he
would lighten their load!
10 THE WATCHTOWER
Reflecting on Jesus’
example can help a man
become a better husband
and father
How husbands can imitate Jesus. Look for ways to light-

en your wife’s load. Some wives feel as did Rosa, who la-
mented: “I was nothing more than my husband’s maid-
servant.” In contrast, a man named Kweku, who has a
good marriage, says: “I often ask my wife how I can share
the load. Because I love her, I often take the initiative to
help her with household chores.”
Jesus was considerate and empathetic. For 12 years, a
poor woman had suffered from a grievous health problem.
On hearing about Jesus’ miraculous power, “she kept say-
ing: ‘If I touch just his outer garments, I will get well.’ ” She
was right. She approached Jesus, touched the fringes of
his garment, and was cured at once. Though some observ-
ers likely concluded that this woman acted presumptuous-
ly, Jesus perceived that she was desperate.1 He kindly told
1 According to the Mosaic Law, this woman’s condition made her reli-
giously impure, and thus anyone she touched would have been reckoned un-
clean.—Leviticus 15:19, 25.
her: “Daughter, . . . be healed from your grievous How husbands can imitate Jesus. Communicate
sickness.” Not only did he avoid embarrassing or —from your mind and heart—with your wife. A
rebuking her but he acknowledged her illness. woman may complain that her husband seems to
He thus showed what kind of man he was—a man have no trouble speaking in public but keeps si-
of empathy.—Mark 5:25-34. lent at home. On the other hand, note how Ana
How husbands can imitate Jesus. When your feels when her husband opens up to her. “I sense
wife does not feel well, show her extra consider- that he really loves me,” she says, “and I feel
close to him.”
ation and be patient. Try to relate to her and
understand her reactions. Ricardo, for example, Refuse to use silence as a weapon to punish
explains, “When I notice that my wife is extra your wife. “When my husband was upset with
me,” says one woman, “he refused to talk to me
sensitive, I make a special effort to avoid saying
for days. He made me feel guilty and despised.”
things that could make her feel worse.”
Edwin, however, tries to imitate Jesus’ example.
Jesus communicated with his disciples. Jesus “When I get annoyed, I don’t respond right away,
talked extensively to his friends. “I have made but I look for the right moment for us to talk
known to you all the things I have heard from my things out.”
Father,” he said. ( John 15:15) It is true that Jesus Joy, quoted at the outset, has seen changes in
sometimes wanted to be alone with his thoughts her husband since he began studying the Bible
and to pray. But he often shared his innermost with Jehovah’s Witnesses. Joy relates, “He has
feelings with his disciples. The night before he improved and is trying hard to be a more loving
was put to death as a condemned criminal, he husband in imitation of Jesus.” Millions of mar-
frankly told them that he was “deeply grieved.” ried couples are benefiting from the same Bible
(Matthew 26:38) Even when their actions dis- instruction. Would you like to join them? You
appointed him, Jesus never stopped talking to can ask one of Jehovah’s Witnesses for a free Bi-
his friends.—Matthew 26:40, 41. ble study. ˇ
DID YOU KNOW?
As used in the Bible, what does the term

“eunuch” mean?
At times, the word may refer to a man who was castrated. In Bi-
ble times, some men were castrated as punishment or on be-
ing captured or enslaved. Trusted men who had been castrated
oversaw the women’s quarters, or harems, in royal households.
For example, the eunuchs Hegai and Shaashgaz served as
guardians of the wives and concubines of Persian King Ahasu-
erus, who is thought to be Xerxes I.—Esther 2:3, 14.
However, not all whom the Bible calls eunuchs were actual-
ly castrated. Some scholars say that the term was also used
in a broader sense to refer to an official assigned to duties in
the court of the king. This appears to be the sense in which
the term is applied to Ebed-melech, the associate of Jeremiah,
and to the unnamed Ethiopian to whom the evangelizer Philip
preached. Ebed-melech evidently was a high-ranking official,
for he had direct access to King Zedekiah. (Jeremiah 38:7, 8)
DETAIL OF AN ASSYRIAN RELIEF And the Ethiopian is described as a royal treasurer who “had
OF A EUNUCH gone to Jerusalem to worship.”—Acts 8:27. ˇ
5 The Metropolitan Museum of Art,
Image source: Art Resource, NY
Why did shepherds in Bible times separate

sheep from goats?
When describing a future time of judgment, Jesus said: “When
the Son of man comes in his glory, . . . he will separate people
one from another, just as a shepherd separates the sheep from
the goats.” (Matthew 25:31, 32) Why would literal shepherds
separate these animals?
Normally, sheep and goats were herded and allowed to graze
together during the day. At night they would be gathered into en-
closures that protected them from wild animals, thieves, and
the cold. (Genesis 30:32, 33; 31:38-40) The two types of an-
imals would be placed in separate enclosures to protect the
relatively docile sheep, particularly the ewes and the lambs,
from harm that could be inflicted on them by the more aggres-
sive goats. The shepherd also separated the sheep from the
goats when “breeding, milking, and shearing,” says the book All
Things in the Bible. Jesus’ illustration thus drew on practices
and imagery that would be familiar to listeners in a pastoral en-
5 World Religions Photo Library/Alamy
vironment like that of ancient Israel. ˇ
JANUARY 1, 2015 13
Should We Pray to Jesus?
RESEARCHER recently polled over 800 HIS EXAMPLE: In line with the way he taught oth-
A youths from more than a dozen religious de-
nominations, asking whether they believed that
ers to pray, Jesus personally prayed: “I publicly
praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth.”
Jesus answers prayers. Over 60 percent said that (Luke 10:21) On another occasion, “Jesus raised
they firmly believe that he does. However, one his eyes heavenward and said: ‘Father, I thank
you that you have heard me.’ ” ( John 11:41) And
youth crossed out the name Jesus on the survey
as he was dying, Jesus prayed: “Father, into your
and wrote “God” instead. hands I entrust my spirit.” (Luke 23:46) In pray-
What do you think? Should we address our ing to his heavenly Father—the “Lord of heaven
prayers to Jesus or to God?1 To find the answer, and earth”—Jesus set a clear example for all to fol-
first let us consider how Jesus taught his disciples low. (Matthew 11:25; 26:41, 42; 1 John 2:6) Is that
to pray. how Jesus’ early disciples understood his instruc-
tions?
TO WHOM DID JESUS TEACH US TO PRAY?
Jesus both taught and showed us to whom we TO WHOM DID THE EARLY CHRISTIANS
should pray. PRAY?
Within weeks of Jesus’ return to heaven, his
HIS TEACHING: When one of his disciples asked
disciples were being harassed and threatened
Jesus, “Lord, teach us how to pray,” Jesus replied:
by their opposers. (Acts 4:18) Of course, they
“Whenever you pray, say: ‘Father.’ ” (Luke 11:1, 2)
reached out in prayer—but to whom did they
Further, in his famous Sermon on the Mount, Je-
turn? “They raised their voices with one accord
sus urged his listeners to pray. He said: “Pray to
to God,” praying that he would continue helping
your Father.” He also reassured them by saying:
them “through the name of [his] holy servant Je-
“Your Father knows what you need even before
you ask him.” (Matthew 6:6, 8) On his final night sus.” (Acts 4:24, 30) So the disciples followed Je-
as a human, Jesus told his disciples: “If you ask sus’ guidelines on prayer. They prayed to God,
the Father for anything, he will give it to you in not to Jesus.
my name.” ( John 16:23) Jesus thus taught us to Years later, the apostle Paul described the
pray to the one who is both his Father and our Fa- manner in which he and his associates prayed.
ther, Jehovah God.—John 20:17. Writing to fellow Christians, he said: “We always
thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
1 According to the Scriptures, God and Jesus are not equal. when we pray for you.” (Colossians 1:3) Paul also
For more information, see chapter 4 of the book What Does the
Bible Really Teach? published by Jehovah’s Witnesses. Also avail-
wrote to his fellow believers about “always giving
able at www.jw.org. thanks to our God and Father for everything in
14 THE WATCHTOWER
In praying to his
heavenly Father,
Jesus set an example
for us to follow
the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Ephesians 5:

20) From these words, we see that Paul encour- Did They Pray to Jesus?
aged others to pray to his “God and Father for
everything”—but, of course, in Jesus’ name.—Co- The Bible records a few occasions when
lossians 3:17. faithful humans spoke to the heavenly
Like the early Christians, we can show our love Jesus—and sometimes to angels. (Acts 9:
for Jesus by heeding his advice on prayer. ( John 4, 5, 10-16; 10:3, 4; Revelation 10:8, 9;
14:15) As we pray to our heavenly Father—and to 22:20) But were those men praying to
him alone—the words of Psalm 116:1, 2 will be- these heavenly creatures? No. In all such
come ever more meaningful to us: “I love Jehovah instances, the heavenly creatures initiat-
because he hears my voice . . . I will call on him ed the communication. Faithful men and
as long as I live.”1 ˇ women reserved prayer for God alone.
—Philippians 4:6.
1 In order for our prayers to be acceptable to God, we must
sincerely endeavor to live up to his requirements. For more infor-
mation, see chapter 17 of the book What Does the Bible Really
Teach?
JANUARY 1, 2015 15
BIBLE QUESTIONS ANSWERED
What moves many people

to consider the existence of
a Creator?
Some 3,000 years ago, a poet wrote: “In an awe-
inspiring way I am wonderfully made.” (Psalm 139:14)
When you consider how a baby develops from a single
cell, does it not fill you with awe? Many people credit
the design of living things to a Creator.—Read Psalm
139:13-17; Hebrews 3:4.
The One who created the universe and made the
earth inhabitable also created life. (Psalm 36:9) He has
communicated with mankind and told us about himself.
IS LIFE NOT MIRACULOUS? —Read Isaiah 45:18.
For more
Did we originate from animals?
information, In many details, our bodies are similar to those of an-
see chapter 1 imals. But this is because humans and animals were
of this book,
published by
both designed by the Creator to live on earth. He made
Jehovah’s the first human, not from an animal, but from the
WHAT DOES Witnesses ground.—Read Genesis 1:24; 2:7.
THE BIBLE Humans differ from animals in two important ways.
Really TEACH? Also available
at www.jw.org
First, humans are capable of knowing, loving, and re-
specting the Creator. Second, whereas animals were
not designed to live forever, humans were. But now, all
people inherit death because the first man rejected the
Please send me a copy of Creator’s guidance.—Read Genesis 1:27; 2:15-17.
What Does the Bible Really Teach?
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BIBLE QUESTIONS ONLINE
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HOW TO ENJOY
YOUR WORK
34567 ˙ 52,946,000 IN 228 LANGUAGES FEBRUARY 1, 2015
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with the good news that God’s How to Enjoy Your Work PAGES 3-6
wickedness and transform the earth Hard Work—Is It Outdated? 3
in Jesus Christ, who died so that
How to Enjoy Hard Work 4
who is now ruling as King of God’s
Kingdom. This magazine has been ALSO IN THIS ISSUE
and is nonpolitical. It adheres to
A Conversation With a Neighbor
Why Examine the Bible? 7
I Was Impressed by the Bible’s Clear,
Logical Answers 10
Would you welcome Imitate Their Faith
more information or a “Do Not Interpretations Belong to God?” 12
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FE BRUARY 1 , 2015
34567 ANSWERED
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Society of New York, Inc.; L. Weaver, Jr.,
Is the Bible a Book of
Human Wisdom?
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25 Columbia Heights, Brooklyn, NY 11201-2483, HOW TO ENJOY
YOUR WORK
and by Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of BIBLE QUESTIONS ANSWERED)
THIS MAGAZINE
Printed in Canada.
COVER SUBJECT
HARD WORK — Is It Outdated?

Alex sighs as he lifts another box onto the truck of the moving company he
works for. ‘Why am I stuck in this dead-end job?’ he asks himself. ‘When am
I going to hit it big? My life would be so much better if I didn’t have to work!’
Like Alex in this scenario, many today do not en- is extremely rewarding, especially when it’s di-
joy working hard. “A lot of people think that it’s rected toward worthwhile goals,” says a 25-year-
beneath them to do ‘menial’ work,” says an auto old construction worker named Daniel. Andre,
mechanic named Aaron. “Their attitude is: ‘I’m 23, would agree. “I believe that happiness and
only doing this until a better opportunity comes enjoyment are linked to work,” he says. “Less
along.’ ” work and activity is not a venture that will lead to
Why do many feel that hard work is not for long-term happiness—only long-term boredom!”
them? Perhaps they have been influenced by the How have people like Daniel and Andre devel-
media, which often portrays an “ideal” life as one oped a positive view of hard work? Simply put,
of luxury and ease. “People think that the hard- they have applied Bible principles in their life.
er you have to work to make a living, the less suc- Far from discouraging hard work, the Bible pro-
cessful you are,” says Matthew, a maintenance motes diligence and perseverance. But the Bible
worker. A janitor named Shane has noticed the does more than just tell us to work. It also shows
same trend. He says: “A full day’s work for a full us how to enjoy our work.
day’s wage is something that people simply do Which Bible principles can help you to find
not do anymore.” satisfaction in your work? We invite you to con-
On the other hand, many successful people sider a few of them, as discussed in the follow-
actually enjoy hard work. “I think that hard work ing article.
FEBRUARY 1, 2015 3
How to Enjoy Hard Work
“Everyone should eat and drink and find enjoyment for all his hard work.
It is the gift of God.” (Ecclesiastes 3:13) If God wanted us to enjoy our work,
is it not logical that he would show us how to find such joy? (Isaiah 48:17)
Thankfully, he does—through the pages of his Word, the Bible. Consider the
following Bible-based advice for finding satisfaction in your work.
CULTIVATE A POSITIVE VIEW OF WORK are able to pay for what you need, then your work
Whether your work is mostly mental, mostly is doing what it is supposed to do.”
physical, or somewhere in between, recognize Moreover, hard work contributes to our self-
respect. After all, hard work is just that—hard.
that “there is benefit in every kind of hard work.”
When we discipline ourselves to stick with our
(Proverbs 14:23) What sort of benefit? For one
work—even if it seems boring or difficult—we can
thing, hard work helps us to care for our materi-
have the satisfaction of knowing that we held
al needs. True, God promises to provide for the ourselves to a high standard. We have won a vic-
needs of those who sincerely worship him. (Mat- tory over the inclination to take the easy way out.
thew 6:31, 32) But he also expects us to do our (Proverbs 26:14) In that sense, work brings an
part by diligently trying to earn an honest living. intense feeling of satisfaction. “I love the feel-
—2 Thessalonians 3:10. ing I have after a long day of work,” says Aaron,
Thus, we can view our work as a means to an quoted in the preceding article. “I may be ex-
end. Work is an honorable way to care for our re- hausted—and my work might have even gone un-
sponsibilities. “Providing for yourself is an ac- noticed by others—but I know that I’ve accom-
complishment,” says 25-year-old Joshua. “If you plished something.”
4 THE WATCHTOWER
How They View Hard Work
“When I’m tired at the end of the day,
I feel a real sense of accomplishment
and joy. I know I really worked that day.”
—Nick.
APPLY YOURSELF TO YOUR WORK “Working hard is the best way to work. If
you’re going to do something worth-
The Bible speaks highly of the man who is
while, do it right.”—Christian.
“skillful at his work” and the woman who “de-
lights to work with her hands.” (Proverbs 22: “The human body can do extraordinary
29; 31:13) Of course, a person does not become things. I like to show my appreciation for
skillful automatically. And few of us enjoy doing the gift of life by using it to work hard
things that we are not good at. Perhaps that is and help other people.”—David.
why many do not enjoy their work; they simply
have not put forth enough effort to become good
at it.
In reality, a person can learn to enjoy almost
any kind of work if he approaches it with the Members of our household. When a family head
right mind-set—that is, if he focuses on learning works hard to provide for members of his house-
how to do the job well. “When you put your best hold, he benefits them in at least two ways. First,
into a task and see the results, it’s very satis- he makes sure that they have the physical neces-
fying,” says 24-year-old William. “You never get sities of life—food, clothing, and shelter. He thus
that feeling from cutting corners or doing only fulfills his God-given responsibility to “provide
the minimum.” for those who are his own.” (1 Timothy 5:8) Sec-
ond, a diligent breadwinner teaches by example
FOCUS ON HOW YOUR WORK the importance of hard work. “My father is a
BENEFITS OTHERS great example of someone who has a good work
Avoid the trap of thinking only about how ethic,” says Shane, quoted in the preceding arti-
much money you are earning. Rather, ask your- cle. “He is an honest man who has worked hard
self such questions as these: ‘Why is this job nec- his whole life, the majority of it as a carpenter.
essary? What would happen if it wasn’t done—or From his example, I’ve learned the value of work-
it wasn’t done right? How does my work benefit ing with your hands, building things that will
others?’ have practical use for other people.”
That last question is especially good to think Those in need. The apostle Paul advised Chris-
about, for work is most satisfying when we see tians to “do hard work . . . so that [they] may
how it benefits other people. Jesus himself said: have something to share with someone in need.”
“There is more happiness in giving than there is (Ephesians 4:28) Indeed, when we work hard to
in receiving.” (Acts 20:35) In addition to those provide for ourselves and our family, we may
who benefit directly from our services—such as also be in a position to help those who are less
customers and employers—there are others who fortunate. (Proverbs 3:27) So hard work can en-
benefit from our hard work. These include mem- able us to experience the greater happiness of
bers of our household and those in need. giving.
FEBRUARY 1, 2015 5
GO THE EXTRA MILE KEEP WORK IN ITS PROPER PLACE
In his famous Sermon on the Mount, Jesus Hard work is admirable, yet we do well to re-
said: “If someone in authority compels you into member that there is more to life than work.
service for a mile, go with him two miles.” (Mat- True, the Bible encourages diligence. (Proverbs
thew 5:41) How might you apply the principle 13:4) But it does not encourage becoming a work-
behind those words to your own work? Rather aholic. “Better is a handful of rest than two hand-
than simply doing the minimum, look for ways to fuls of hard work and chasing after the wind,”
do more than is required. Set personal goals; chal- says Ecclesiastes 4:6. The point? A workaholic
lenge yourself to do your work better or faster may never enjoy the fruitage of his labor if his
than expected. Take pride in even the small de- work consumes all his time and energy. In effect,
tails of your work. his work becomes as pointless as “chasing after
When you go the extra mile, you are more like- the wind.”
ly to enjoy your work. Why? Because you are in The Bible can help us to cultivate a balanced
control of your actions. You are giving more be- view of work. Although it says we should apply
cause you want to, not because someone forced ourselves to our work, it also advises us to “make
you to. (Philemon 14) In this regard, we might sure of the more important things.” (Philippians
recall the principle recorded at Proverbs 12:24: 1:10) What are the more important things? These
“The hand of the diligent ones will rule, but idle include spending time with family and friends.
hands will be put to forced labor.” True, few of us Even more important are spiritual activities, such
will be put under literal slavery or forced labor. as reading God’s Word and meditating on it.
However, a person who does only the bare mini- Those who keep their life balanced are likely
mum may feel that he is enslaved, always under to enjoy their work even more. “One of my for-
the yoke of the demands of others. But the per- mer employers is a great example of someone
son who goes the extra mile—doing more because with a balanced work ethic,” says William, quot-
he chooses to—feels in control of his life. He reed earlier. “He works hard, and he has a good
mains master over his actions. rapport with his clients because of the quality of
his work. But at the end of the day, when the job
is done, he knows how to leave his work behind
and focus on his family and his worship. And you
know what? He’s one of the happiest people I
know!” ˇ
6 THE WATCHTOWER
A CONVERSATION WITH A NEIGHBOR
Why Examine the Bible?

The following is a typical conversation that one of
Jehovah’s Witnesses might have with a neighbor.
Let us imagine that a Witness named Brian has
contacted a man named Eric.
THE BIBLE—ACCURATE HISTORY “Thus David the son of Jesse reigned over all Is-
Eric: I should tell you that I’m not very re- rael, and the length of his reign over Israel was
ligious. So I don’t think we have much to talk 40 years. In Hebron he reigned for 7 years, and in
about. Jerusalem he reigned for 33 years.”
Brian: I appreciate your telling me that. By the Eric: How is that an example of accurate his-
way, my name is Brian. And your name? tory?
Eric: Eric. Brian: Well, critics at one time claimed that
Brian: It’s nice to meet you, Eric. King David never existed.
Eric: You too. Eric: Really? Why would they question his ex-
Brian: If I may ask, did you grow up in a reli- istence?
gious household? Brian: There was little evidence outside the Bi-
Eric: Yes. But when I left home for college, I
ble that he was a real person. However, in 1993, a
kind of lost touch with religion.
team of archaeologists uncovered a very ancient
Brian: I see. What did you study in college?
stone with a word on it that
HUC, Tel Dan Excavations

Eric: Social studies and history. I’ve always
is translated “House of Da-
liked history—you know, man’s journey on earth.
Brian: History can be fascinating. The Bible, as vid.”
you may know, is a book of history. Did you ever Eric: Interesting.
include the Bible in your research? Brian: Another person
Eric: Not really. I know it’s a good book, but I from the Bible whose exis-
never really thought of the Bible as a historical tence was questioned was
book. Pontius Pilate, a governor
Brian: You seem to be an open-minded person. who ruled in Jesus’ day. He
If you have a few minutes, I would like to show is mentioned here at Luke
you just a few examples of accurate history found chapter 3, verse 1—among many other govern-
in the Bible. ment officials of the time.
Eric: Sure. But I don’t have a Bible. Eric: Yes, I see. It says that “when Pontius Pi-
Brian: That’s OK. I can show you from my late was governor of Judea, Herod was district
copy. The first example is here at 1 Chronicles ruler of Galilee.”
chapter 29, verses 26 and 27. Those verses say: Brian: Right. For years, some scholars doubted
FEBRUARY 1, 2015 7
whether Pontius Pilate was a real Eric: Well, yes, I have to agree with you there.
person. Then, about 50 years ago, My wife and I have been married for about a year,
a stone was found in the Middle and it’s not always easy to see eye to eye.
East with his name clearly etched Brian: Exactly. But the Bible contains simple
on it. principles that work. Take Ephesians chapter 5
Eric: Hmm. I’ve never heard as a case in point. Let’s read verses 22, 23, and
those details before. 28. If you like, you can read those verses.
Brian: I’m glad to share them Eric: Sure. It says: “Let wives be in subjec-
with you. tion to their husbands as to the Lord, because a
Eric: To be honest, I have al- husband is head of his wife just as the Christ
ways respected the Bible as a is head of the congregation, he being a savior
Photograph ˘ Israel Museum, Jerusalem; courtesy of Israel Antiquities Authority
work of literature, but I’ve never really felt that it of this body.” Then, verse 28 says: “In the same
had any relevance to our time. It may contain ac- way husbands should love their wives as their
curate history, but I don’t think it has any practi- own bodies. A man who loves his wife loves him-
cal value. self.”
Brian: Good. Thank you. Isn’t it true that if
THE BIBLE—AN OLD BUT MODERN BOOK
both mates tried to apply that simple advice,
Brian: A lot of people would agree with that
family life would improve?
statement. But I believe differently. Here’s why:
Eric: Yes, I guess so. But that’s easier said than
Our basic human needs have not changed from
done.
the beginning of time. For example, we have al-
Brian: True; no one is perfect. In fact, in that
ways needed food, clothing, and shelter. We’ve
same chapter of the Bible there is a verse that en-
always felt the need to communicate with one an-
courages us to be reasonable.1 With any relation-
other and to have a happy family. Isn’t it true that
ship, there needs to be balance and compromise.
we all value those things?
My wife and I have found that the Bible can help
Eric: Sure.
us find that balance.
Brian: The Bible can help us in all those areas.
Eric: That makes sense.
It is what we might call an old but modern book.
Brian: Jehovah’s Witnesses have a Web site
Eric: What do you mean?
that has some good information on marriage and
Brian: Let me put it another way: The Bible
family life. If you have a couple of minutes, I
contains fundamental principles that are as rele-
could show you a sample of what it offers.
vant today as they were when they were written
Eric: Sure. I can spare a couple of minutes.
centuries ago.
Brian: Good. The address for the Web site is
Eric: OK. In what areas?
www.jw.org. Here is the home page.
Brian: When it comes to things such as hav-
Eric: I like the photos.
ing a balanced view of money or a happy family
Brian: Those are scenes of the ministry work
life or being a good friend, Bible principles can
that we do all over the world. Ah, here we are.
guide us. This book is like a road map to suc-
cess. Wouldn’t you agree, for instance, that being This section is entitled “Help for Couples and
a successful husband and family head these days Parents.” Under that heading, there are several
can be a challenge? 1 See Ephesians 5:17.
8 THE WATCHTOWER
The Bible contains fundamental principles that are as relevant
today as they were when they were written centuries ago
brief articles dealing with different situations. Is Eric: That sounds as if it would work.
there one that interests you? Brian: So this one verse in the Bible, though
Eric: Yes. “Solving Problems in Your Mar- written almost 2,000 years ago, addresses the
riage.” I think I could use that! needs of both parties in a marriage and pro-
Brian: This article outlines four steps to solving vides helpful advice that, if applied, really works.
problems. Notice this paragraph. Would you like And to repeat the illustration we read earlier, the
to read it, Eric? “heart and lungs” of the marriage will remain
Eric: Sure. It says: “If communication is the healthy.
lifeblood of a marriage, then love and respect are Eric: I must admit, there is more to the Bible
the heart and lungs of the relationship.” Hmm, I than I thought.
like the way they explain that. Brian: I am happy to hear that, Eric. I would
Brian: Thank you for reading. There’s a Bible like to meet you here again and get your opinion
verse cited here. You can open it by tapping on it. on the subheading “Four Steps to Solving Prob-
Eric: Yes, I see it. Ephesians 5:33. It says: “Each lems” that appears in this same article on our
one of you must love his wife as he does himself; Web site.1
on the other hand, the wife should have deep re- Eric: Sure. My wife and I will take a look at it
spect for her husband.” together. ˇ
Brian: Did you notice that the emphasis is on 1 For more information, see chapter 14 of the book What Does
giving what each one expects to receive? the Bible Really Teach? published by Jehovah’s Witnesses. Also
Eric: I’m not sure what you mean. available at www.jw.org.
Brian: Well, isn’t it true that the man wants to
․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․
feel he is respected by his wife and that in turn,
the wife wants to be assured that her husband Is there a particular Bible subject that you
really loves her? have wondered about? Are you curious about
Eric: Yes. I’ll agree with that. any of the beliefs or religious practices of Jeho-
Brian: If the husband often looks for ways to vah’s Witnesses? If so, do not hesitate to ask
show his love for his wife, wouldn’t it be easier one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. He or she will be
for the wife to manifest respect for him? pleased to discuss such matters with you.
I was impressed
by the Bible’s clear,
logical answers
MY PAST: I was born in Székesfehérvár, Hungary, a city
with a rich history stretching back over 1,000 years. Sadly,
I can still remember the ugly marks that were left there by
the ravages of the second world war.
In my early childhood, I was raised by my grand-
parents. I remember them fondly—especially my grand-
mother Elisabeth. She instilled in me a strong faith in
God. From the age of three, I repeated with her every eve-
ning what is sometimes called the Lord’s Prayer. Even so,
it would not be until my late 20’s that I would come to un-
derstand the meaning of that prayer.
AS TOLD BY ERNEST LOEDI My grandparents took care of me in my early years be-
cause my parents were working day and night, hoping to
save enough money to buy a decent home. Every second
Saturday, though, the entire family gathered for a meal. I
YEAR BORN cherished those times we had together.
1948 In 1958, my parents’ dream came true; they were able
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN to purchase a house for the three of us to live in. Finally, I
HUNGARY was to live with my parents—I was elated! Six months lat-
HISTORY er, however, that happiness came to a sudden end. My fa-
YEARNED FOR ANSWERS ther died of cancer.
TO LIFE’S BIG QUESTIONS I was devastated. I remember praying: “God, I begged
you to save my dad. I need him. Why didn’t you answer
my prayers?” I desperately wanted to know where my fa-
ther was. I wondered: ‘Has he gone to heaven? Or has he
ceased to exist forever?’ I envied other children who still
had a father.
For many years, I went to the cemetery nearly every day.
I would kneel at my father’s grave and pray: “Please, God,
I want to know where my dad is.” I also prayed for help to
understand the meaning of life.
At the age of 13, I decided to learn German. I thought
that among the vast and rich German literature, perhaps
10 THE WATCHTOWER
I could find answers to my questions. In 1967, I
began studying in the city of Jena, then part of
East Germany. I eagerly read books by German
philosophers, especially those dealing with the
meaning of human existence. Although I found
some interesting ideas, none of them fully satis-
fied me. I continued praying for answers.
HOW THE BIBLE CHANGED MY LIFE: In 1970, in that new world, “there is going to be a resur-
I returned to Hungary, where I met my future rection.”—Acts 24:15.
wife, Rose. At the time, Hungary was under Rose joined me wholeheartedly in studying
Communist rule. Shortly after we were married, the Bible. We made rapid progress, finishing the
Rose and I escaped to Austria. Our goal was to
study publication in just two months! We attend-
emigrate eventually to Sydney, Australia, where
ed every meeting that the Witnesses held at the
my uncle lived.
Kingdom Hall. We were deeply impressed by
I soon found work in Austria. One day, a work-
the love, helpfulness, and unity among Jehovah’s
mate told me that I could find answers to all my
Witnesses.—John 13:34, 35.
questions in the Bible. He gave me a couple of In 1976, Rose and I were granted entry into
books that discussed the Bible. I devoured those Australia. We immediately located Jehovah’s
books and wanted to learn more. So I wrote to Je- Witnesses there. The local Witnesses made us
hovah’s Witnesses, the publishers of the books, feel at home right away. In 1978, we became Wit-
and requested more literature. nesses ourselves.
On the day of our first wedding anniversary,
Rose and I were visited by a young Austrian Wit- HOW I HAVE BENEFITED: I have finally found
ness. He brought the literature that I had request- answers to the questions that troubled me for so
ed and offered me a Bible study, which I accept- long. By drawing close to Jehovah God, I’ve also
found the best Father imaginable. (James 4:8)
ed. Since I was eager to learn, we studied twice
And my hope of seeing my biological father again
a week—each study session lasting for about four in the coming new world means a great deal to
hours! me.—John 5:28, 29.
I was thrilled by what the Witnesses taught In 1989, Rose and I decided to return to Hun-
me from the Bible. When they showed me God’s gary so that we could share our beliefs with our
name, Jehovah, in my Hungarian Bible, I could friends and family, as well as with others whom
hardly believe it. In my 27 years of attending we might meet. We have been privileged to teach
church, I had never heard God’s name men- the Bible to hundreds of people. More than 70 of
tioned even once. I was impressed by the Bible’s them have joined us in serving Jehovah, includ-
clear, logical answers to my questions. For exam- ing my dear mother.
ple, I learned that the dead are unconscious, as if I prayed for 17 years to find answers to my
in a deep sleep. (Ecclesiastes 9:5, 10; John 11:11- questions. Another 39 years have passed, and
15) I also learned about the Bible’s promise of a I am still praying—only now I can say, “Thank
new world where “death will be no more.” (Rev- you, my dear heavenly Father, for answering the
elation 21:3, 4) I hope to see my father again, for prayers of my childhood.” ˇ
FEBRUARY 1, 2015 11
IMITATE THEIR FAITH JOSEPH
“Do Not Interpretations

Belong to God?”
OSEPH walked along the dark corridor, drip- Have you ever felt as Joseph did? Sometimes
J ping with sweat from his toil in the stifling
heat. Outside, the Egyptian sun was baking the
life turns out to be a far cry from our youth-
ful hopes. Indeed, painful situations can seem to
prison like a kiln. It seemed at times as if he knew drag on endlessly, and it can be hard to see a way
every brick in the place, every crack in every out or a way to endure. Let us see what we can
wall. This was his whole world now. True, he was learn from the faith of Joseph.
highly regarded here. Nonetheless, he was a pris-
oner. “JEHOVAH CONTINUED WITH JOSEPH”
How often he must have cast his thoughts back Joseph knew that his God, Jehovah, never lost
to his life in the high rocky hills in Hebron, sight of him, and this knowledge surely helped
where he had tended his father’s flocks! He was him to endure. Even here in a foreign prison, Je-
about 17 years old when his father, Jacob, sent hovah found ways to bless Joseph. Thus, we read:
him on an errand that took him dozens of miles “Jehovah continued with Joseph and kept show-
(km) from home. Such freedom seemed almost ing loyal love to him and granting him favor in the
unimaginable now. Joseph’s jealous brothers had eyes of the chief officer of the prison.” (Genesis
turned on him with murderous hatred and then 39:21-23) As Joseph continued to work hard, he
sold him as a slave. He was taken down to Egypt, kept giving his God a basis for blessing him. How
where he first served in the household of the comforting it must have been for him to know
Egyptian official Potiphar. Joseph held his mas- that Jehovah was always with him!
ter’s trust until a false accusation of rape from Did Jehovah intend to let Joseph remain in that
Potiphar’s wife landed him here in this prison.1 prison indefinitely? Joseph could only guess at
—Genesis, chapters 37, 39. the answer, and he surely kept the matter be-
Joseph was 28 years old now, with about a de- fore his God in prayer. As it so often happens,
cade of slavery and imprisonment behind him. To the answer came in a most unexpected way. One
put it mildly, his life was not turning out as he day, there was some commotion in the prison
had hoped. Would he ever be set free? Would he as two new inmates arrived—officers from Pha-
see his dear elderly father again or his beloved raoh’s personal staff. One was the king’s chief
younger brother, Benjamin? How long would he baker; the other was the chief cupbearer.—Gene-
be stuck in this pit? sis 40:1-3.
1 See the “Imitate Their Faith” articles in the August 1 and No-
The chief of the guard entrusted Joseph with
vember 1, 2014, issues of The Watchtower. the care of those two formerly prominent
12 THE WATCHTOWER
men.1 One night they each had a vivid and puz- words resound today for all sincere students of
zling dream. When Joseph saw them in the morn- the Bible. If only every religious person showed
ing, he could tell that something was wrong. So the same humility! We need to be willing to set
he asked: “Why are your faces gloomy today?” aside prideful human thinking and to rely on God
(Genesis 40:3-7) Perhaps his kindly manner as- as we seek correct interpretations of his word.
sured the men that it was safe for them to re- —1 Thessalonians 2:13; James 4:6.
veal their troubles. Joseph did not know it, but The cupbearer went first. He told Joseph of a
that conversation would lead to a turning point in dream about a vine with three twigs that bore
his life. Would there have been any conversation, clusters of grapes. The grapes ripened, and the
though, had Joseph not chosen to show a little cupbearer squeezed the juice into Pharaoh’s cup.
kind concern for others? His choice may move us Thanks to Jehovah, Joseph instantly knew the
to ask ourselves, ‘Do I express my faith in God by meaning behind the dream. He told the cupbear-
showing an interest in fellow humans?’ er that the three twigs meant three days; within
The two men explained that they were agitated that time, Pharaoh would restore the cupbearer
by their vivid and puzzling dreams—and by the to his former position. As relief swept over the
fact that they had no interpreter with them. The cupbearer’s features, Joseph added this request:
Egyptians placed a lot of weight on dreams and “Please show me loyal love and mention me to
depended heavily on the men who claimed to be Pharaoh.” Joseph explained that he had been kid-
able to interpret them. The two men did not know napped from his home and imprisoned without
that their dreams had come from Joseph’s God,
just cause.—Genesis 40:9-15.
Jehovah. But Joseph knew. He assured them: “Do
Encouraged by the good news the cupbearer
not interpretations belong to God? Relate it [the
had received, the baker asked Joseph the mean-
dream] to me, please.” (Genesis 40:8) Joseph’s
ing of his own dream in which he had seen three
1 The ancient Egyptians enjoyed over 90 varieties of breads baskets of bread as well as birds eating from one
and cakes. So the chief of Pharaoh’s baking staff was a promi- of the baskets on his head. The answer to this rid-
nent man. And the chief cupbearer led a staff of servants who
made sure that Pharaoh’s wine and perhaps beer were of high dle was also given to Joseph. But it did not mean
quality and were kept safe from any attempt to poison the mon- good news for the baker. Joseph said: “This is its
arch—a real risk, for court intrigue and assassinations were com-
mon. It was not unusual for the cupbearer to become a trusted
interpretation: The three baskets are three days.
adviser to the king. Three days from now, Pharaoh will behead you
Joseph treated
his fellow prisoners
with kindness
and dignity
and will hang you on a stake, and the birds will seven choice ears. But then another seven ears,
eat your flesh from you.” (Genesis 40:16-19) Like wind-parched and sickly, sprouted up and de-
all of God’s faithful servants, Joseph boldly re- voured the choice ones. In the morning, Pharaoh
vealed God’s messages, both the good news and awoke deeply agitated over the dreams, so he
the news of impending judgment.—Isaiah 61:2. called on all his wise men and magic-practicing
Three days later, Joseph’s words came true. priests to interpret them. They all failed. (Gen-
Pharaoh held a birthday party—a practice not esis 41:1-8) Whether that means that they were
found among God’s people in Bible times—and dumbfounded or that they came up with a variety
pronounced judgment on his two servants. The of conflicting ideas, we do not know. At any rate,
baker was executed, just as Joseph had foretold, Pharaoh was let down—yet he was more desper-
whereas the cupbearer was restored to his former ate than ever to find an answer to this puzzle.
position. Sadly, though, that neglectful man for- Finally, the cupbearer remembered Joseph! His
got all about Joseph.—Genesis 40:20-23. conscience stung him, and he told Pharaoh about
the remarkable young man in prison who two
“I NEED NOT BE CONSIDERED!” years earlier had correctly interpreted his dream
Two full years passed. (Genesis 41:1) Imagine and that of the baker. Immediately, Pharaoh
how frustrating that must have been for Joseph! had Joseph summoned from prison.—Genesis 41:
Perhaps his hopes were high after Jehovah gave 9-13.
him the understanding of the puzzling dreams of Imagine Joseph’s feelings as Pharaoh’s messen-
the cupbearer and the baker. Thereafter, as each gers came with the royal summons. He quickly
day dawned, Joseph may have awakened with re- changed his clothes and shaved—likely removing
newed hope that this would be the day of his re- all the hair from his head, for such was the Egyp-
lease—only to find once again that the dull routine tian custom. No doubt he prayed fervently that Je-
of prison life dragged on, unchanged. Those two hovah would bless him in this interview! Soon
years might well have been the most challenging he found himself in the opulent court of the roy-
of all for Joseph to endure. Yet, he never gave up al palace, standing before the monarch. We read:
his trust in his God, Jehovah. Rather than giving “Then Pharaoh said to Joseph: ‘I had a dream, but
in to despair, he was determined to endure, and there is no one to interpret it. Now I have heard
he emerged from that trying time all the stronger. it said about you that you can hear a dream and
—James 1:4. interpret it.’ ” Joseph’s response showed, once
In these difficult times, who of us does not again, both his humility and his faith in his God:
need to work on our endurance? In order to face “I need not be considered! God will speak con-
life’s ongoing trials, we need the kind of determi- cerning Pharaoh’s welfare.”—Genesis 41:14-16.
nation, patience, and inner peace that only God Jehovah loves humble, faithful people, so it is
can give us. As he did with Joseph, he can help us no wonder that he gave Joseph the answer
to fight despair and hold on to hope.—Romans 12: that had eluded the wise men and priests. Jo-
12; 15:13. seph explained that Pharaoh’s two dreams had
The cupbearer may have forgotten Joseph, but the same meaning. By repeating the message, Je-
Jehovah never did. One night, he sent Pharaoh a hovah was signifying that the matter was “firmly
pair of unforgettable dreams. In the first, the king established”—absolutely sure of fulfillment. The
saw seven fine-looking, fat cows emerge from the fat cows and the healthy ears of grain represent-
Nile River, followed by seven ugly, thin cows. The ed seven years of plenty in Egypt, while the lean
thin ones devoured the fat ones. Later, Pharaoh cows and the sickly ears of grain pictured sev-
dreamed that he saw a stalk of grain sprouting en years of famine that would follow the years
14 THE WATCHTOWER
Joseph humbly said to Pharaoh: “I need not be considered!”
of plenty. That famine would devour the land’s all of this, there is no one as discreet and wise as
abundance.—Genesis 41:25-32. you. You will personally be over my house, and all
Pharaoh knew that Joseph had the answer. But my people will obey you implicitly. Only in my
what could be done? Joseph recommended a plan role as king will I be greater than you.”—Genesis
of action. Pharaoh needed to find a man both 41:38-41.
“discreet and wise” to oversee the gathering of Pharaoh was as good as his word. Joseph was
the land’s surplus grain into storehouses during soon clothed in fine linen. Pharaoh gave him a
the seven years of plenty and then to distribute gold necklace, a signet ring, a royal chariot, and
that surplus to the needy during the ensuing fam- full authority to travel through the land and put
ine. (Genesis 41:33-36) Joseph’s experience and his plan into effect. (Genesis 41:42-44) Within the
abilities more than qualified him for that job, but space of a day, then, Joseph went from prison
he did not promote himself. His humility made to palace. He awoke a lowly convict, and he fell
such a presumptuous course unthinkable; his asleep as the ruler second to Pharaoh. How clear
faith made it unnecessary. If we have real faith in that Joseph’s faith in Jehovah God was justified!
Jehovah, we have no need for ambition or self- Jehovah saw all the injustices that his servant had
promotion. We can be at peace, leaving matters in suffered through the years. He addressed those
his capable hands! issues at just the right time and in just the right
way. Jehovah had in mind not only correcting the
“CAN ANOTHER MAN BE FOUND LIKE wrongs done to Joseph but also preserving the fu-
THIS ONE?” ture nation of Israel. We will see how that was so
Pharaoh and all his servants saw the wisdom in in a future article in this series.
Joseph’s plan. The king also acknowledged that If you face a trialsome situation, perhaps an in-
Joseph’s God was the real force behind Joseph’s justice that seems to drag on for years on end, do
wise words. He said to his servants there in the not despair. Remember Joseph. Because he nev-
royal court: “Can another man be found like this er lost his kindness, his humility, his endurance,
one in whom there is the spirit of God?” To Jo- and his faith, he gave Jehovah every reason to re-
seph, he said: “Since God has caused you to know ward him in the end. ˇ
FEBRUARY 1, 2015 15
Will we ever have one government

for the whole world?
Imagine how a world government could benefit man-
kind. Today many people suffer because they are so
poor, while others are very rich. But a compassionate
world government could make sure that all have what
they need. Do you think humans will ever create such
a government?—Read Jeremiah 10:23.
Throughout history, governments have failed in
many ways to care for their subjects, especially the
poor. Some governments are cruel. (Ecclesiastes 4:1;
HOW COULD A WORLD GOVERNMENT 8:9) But Almighty God has promised to provide a
UNITE PEOPLE OF ALL NATIONS? government that will replace all others. Its Ruler will
ISAIAH 32:1, 17; 54:13
really take care of people.—Read Isaiah 11:4; Daniel
2:44.
For more
information, What will God’s Kingdom
see chapter 8
of this book, achieve?
published by Jehovah God has chosen an ideal world Ruler—his
Jehovah’s
Son, Jesus. (Luke 1:31-33) As a man on earth, Je-
WHAT DOES Witnesses
THE BIBLE sus was interested in helping people. As King, he will
Really TEACH? Also available unite people of all nations and relieve people of all
at www.jw.org
suffering.—Read Psalm 72:8, 12-14.
Will everyone accept Jesus as Ruler? No. But Jeho-
vah is patient. (2 Peter 3:9) He is giving people the
Please send me a copy of opportunity to accept Jesus as Ruler. Soon, Jesus will
What Does the Bible Really Teach? rid the earth of bad people and will establish peace
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Jesus’ Death and Resurrection
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Life Story
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COVER SUBJECT
Why We Need to Be Saved

“Man, born of woman, is short-lived and filled with trouble. He comes up like a blossom
and then withers away; he flees like a shadow and disappears.”—Job 14:1, 2.
From earliest times, people have dreamed about enemy will be brought to nothing? Yes, there is.
how wonderful it would be to live youthful, Jehovah God, the Creator, did not make humans
healthy lives forever. Sadly, though, the cold real- to live just a few years and then to die. Human
ity is this: We are mortal. The above words of Job, death was not part of his original purpose. He in-
spoken more than three thousand years ago, still tended for humans to live forever on the earth,
hold true today. and what he purposes, he accomplishes.—Isaiah
The desire to live endlessly is strong, and it is 55:11.
universal. The Bible tells us that God has put in How, then, will death be brought to an end?
our hearts a longing for eternity as well as a desire Throughout history, men have struggled to solve
to comprehend it. (Ecclesiastes 3:11) That being the problem of death, but with no success. In
so, does it seem reasonable to you that a loving modern times, the quest continues. Scientists
God would put a desire in us that is impossible to have developed vaccines and medications that
achieve? If your answer is no, you are right. God’s have subdued some diseases. They have peered
Word calls death an enemy and promises that into the genetic structure of living things. In
it “is to be brought to nothing.”—1 Corinthians many places, people, on average, live longer today
15:26. than they did a century ago. Yet, death is far from
There is no doubt that death is an enemy. No vanquished. As the Bible says, “all are returning
sound person would welcome it. When danger to the dust.”—Ecclesiastes 3:20.
approaches, we dodge, hide, or flee. When we The good news is that we do not have to rely
get sick, we seek ways to get well. We do every- on human ingenuity to solve this long-standing
thing we can to avoid things that could cause us problem. Jehovah God has already arranged for
to die. us to be saved or rescued from death, and the cen-
Is there any reason to believe that this age-old tral figure in that arrangement is Jesus Christ.
MARCH 1, 2015 3
JESUS’ DEATH AND RESURRECTION
What They Can Mean for You
“Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will get saved.”—Acts 16:31.
Those memorable words were spoken by the apostle Paul and Silas to
a jailer in the Macedonian city of Philippi. What do those words mean?
In order to understand how belief in Jesus is linked to salvation from
death, we must first learn why we die. Consider what the Bible teaches.
Humans were not meant to die

“Jehovah God took the man and settled him in the garden of Eden to cultivate
it and to take care of it. Jehovah God also gave this command to the man:
‘From every tree of the garden you may eat to satisfaction. But as for the tree
of the knowledge of good and bad, you must not eat from it, for in the day you
eat from it you will certainly die.’ ”—Genesis 2:15-17.
God placed the first man, Adam, in the Some believe that the tree symbolized
garden of Eden, an earthly paradise sexual relations, but that could not be.
filled with abundant wildlife and beauti- After all, Jehovah wanted Adam and his
ful vegetation. There were fruit-bearing wife, Eve, to “be fruitful and become
trees from which Adam could freely many” and to “fill the earth and subdue
eat. However, Jehovah God clearly told it.” (Genesis 1:28) The prohibition ap-
Adam not to eat from one specific tree, plied to a real tree. Jehovah called it “the
warning Adam that if he did, he would tree of the knowledge of good and bad”
die. because it represented his right to de-
Did Adam understand that prohibi- termine what was good or bad for hu-
tion? He knew what death was; he had mans. By not eating the fruit of that tree,
seen animals die. If Adam were created Adam would have shown not just his
to die eventually, God’s warning would obedience but also his appreciation for
have had little meaning. Instead, Adam the One who created him and who had
realized that if he obeyed God and did blessed him so richly.
not eat from that tree, he would live on
endlessly—he would not die.
4 THE WATCHTOWER
Adam died because he disobeyed God
“To Adam [God] said: ‘Because you . . . ate from the tree concerning
which I gave you this command, . . . in the sweat of your face you will
eat bread until you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken.
For dust you are and to dust you will return.’”—Genesis 3:17, 19.
Adam ate from the tree that was for- Just as Jehovah foretold, Adam even-
bidden to him. That act of disobedience tually died. God had formed Adam
was not to be taken lightly. It was re- “out of dust from the ground” and had
bellion, a flagrant disregard for all the told him that he would “return to the
good that Jehovah had done for him. By ground.” Adam did not live on in anoth-
eating that fruit, Adam rejected Jeho- er form or in another realm. At death,
vah, choosing a course of independence, he became as lifeless as the dust from
which would have catastrophic conse- which he had been formed.—Genesis
quences. 2:7; Ecclesiastes 9:5, 10.
We die because we come from Adam

“Through one man sin entered into the world and death through sin, and so
death spread to all men because they had all sinned.”—Romans 5:12.
Adam’s disobedience—or sin—had far- him, through no choice of our own, we

reaching consequences. By sinning, have inherited an imperfect body that is
Adam lost for himself, not just an ordi- prone to sin and eventual death. Paul
nary life of 70 or 80 years, but life with well described our plight. He wrote: “I
the prospect of living forever. Moreover, am fleshly, sold under sin. Miserable
when Adam sinned, he lost perfection man that I am! Who will rescue me from
and could only pass on imperfec- the body undergoing this death?” Paul
tion to all his progeny. then answers his own question: “Thanks
We are all descen- to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!”
dants of Adam. From —Romans 7:14, 24, 25.
MARCH 1, 2015 5
Jesus gave his life so that we might live forever
“The Father has sent his Son as Savior of the world.”—1 John 4:14.
Jehovah God arranged a means for over- ble for those who exercise faith in Je-
coming the effects of sin and freeing us sus to receive everlasting life.—Romans
from the penalty of eternal death. How? 3:23, 24; 1 John 2:2.
He sent his beloved Son from heaven to Jesus thus bought back what Adam
be born as a perfect human like Adam. had forfeited. He suffered death for us
But, unlike Adam, Jesus “committed no so that we could live forever. The Bi-
sin.” (1 Peter 2:22) Because he was per- ble says: “Jesus . . . suffered death, so
fect, he did not come under the penalty that by God’s undeserved kindness he
of death and he could have lived forever might taste death for everyone.”—He-
as a perfect human. brews 2:9.
Instead, however, Jehovah allowed Je- This provision reveals much about
sus to be killed by his enemies. Three Jehovah. His high standard of justice
days later, Jehovah brought him back to made it impossible for imperfect hu-
life as a spirit so that he could in time mans to redeem themselves. However,
return to heaven. There, Jesus present- his love and mercy moved him to meet
ed to God the value of his perfect hu- his own requirements at an enormous
man life to redeem what Adam had lost cost to himself—the giving of his own
for himself and his offspring. Jehovah Son to provide the redemption price.
accepted that sacrifice, making it possi- —Romans 5:6-8.
Jesus was resurrected from the dead,

and others will be too
“Christ has been raised up from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have
fallen asleep in death. For since death came through a man, resurrection
of the dead also comes through a man. For just as in Adam all are dying, so
also in the Christ all will be made alive.”—1 Corinthians 15:20-22.
There is no doubt that Jesus lived and died, but they could testify to what they had seen and
what evidence is there that he was raised from heard.—1 Corinthians 15:3-8.
the dead? Among the strongest evidence is Significantly, when Paul wrote that Christ
the fact that the resurrected Jesus appeared to was “the firstfruits” of those raised up, he was
many people on different occasions and at dif- indicating that others too would later be resur-
ferent places. Once, he appeared to more than rected. Jesus himself said that the time would
500 people. The apostle Paul wrote of that in his come when “all those in the memorial tombs”
letter to the Corinthians, noting that some of would “come out.”—John 5:28, 29.
those witnesses were still alive, implying that
6 THE WATCHTOWER
To live forever, we must exercise faith in Jesus
“God loved the world so much that he gave his only-begotten Son, so that
everyone exercising faith in him might not be destroyed but have everlasting life.”
—John 3:16.
The first pages of the Bible tell of the Do you believe that “these words are
time when death came to be and Par- faithful and true”? Then, learn more
adise was lost. The final pages tell of about Jesus Christ, and exercise faith in
the time when death will be brought to him. If you do, you will gain Jehovah’s
nothing and God will restore Paradise approval. Not only will you experience
to the earth. People will then be able his rich blessing now but you will gain
to live happy, productive lives forever. the hope of life eternal in the earthly
Revelation 21:4 says: “Death will be Paradise, where “death will be no more,
no more.” To underscore the reliability neither will mourning nor outcry nor
of that promise, verse 5 states: “These pain be anymore.”
words are faithful and true.” What Jeho-
vah promises, he is fully able to do.
Jesus’ Death
Commemorated
WHEN AND WHERE?
On the night before he died, Jesus instruct-
ed his disciples to commemorate the sacri-
fice that he was about to make. He told
them: “Keep doing this in remembrance
of me.”—Luke 22:19.
This year, the Memorial of Jesus’ death
falls on Friday, April 3, after sundown.
Jehovah’s Witnesses invite you and your For the time and place of this event,
family to attend and to listen to a talk that please check with Jehovah’s Witnesses
will explain why Jesus’ death is so impor- in your community or check for details at
tant and how it can benefit you. www.jw.org. ˇ
MARCH 1, 2015 7
OUR READERS ASK . . .
Is Easter really a Christian celebration?

Easter is described in the Encyclopædia Britan- ing “Christian commemorations” to the pagan
nica as the “principal festival of the Christian calendar, thus smoothing the way to mass con-
church that celebrates the Resurrection of Jesus version.
Christ.” However, is it a Christian celebration? This process of “Christianization” did not occur
To establish the authenticity of an artifact, at- while the apostles were still alive, because they
tention to detail is critical. Similarly, for us to see acted as a “restraint” against paganism. (2 Thes-
whether Easter is a Christian celebration, it is es- salonians 2:7) The apostle Paul warned that af-
sential that we take a look at the details related ter his “going away,” men would “rise and speak
to Easter. twisted things to draw away the disciples after
First of all, Jesus asked his followers to com- themselves.” (Acts 20:29, 30) And late in the first
memorate, not his resurrection, but his death. century, the apostle John wrote that some men
The apostle Paul called this occasion “the Lord’s were already misleading Christians. (1 John 2:18,
Evening Meal.”—1 Corinthians 11:20; Luke 22: 26) The way was open for the eventual adoption
19, 20. of pagan customs.
Additionally, many of the Easter traditions Some may feel, however, that allowing some of
“have little to do” with Jesus’ resurrection, states the Easter customs was not wrong—that it gave
the Britannica, “but derive “pagans” a better understanding of the meaning
from folk customs.” For in- of Jesus’ resurrection. Paul, however, would nev-
stance, regarding the popu- er have agreed. Although exposed to many pagan
lar Easter symbols the egg
and the rabbit, The Ency-
“Do not become unevenly yoked with
clopedia of Religion says:
“The egg symbolizes new life unbelievers.”—2 Corinthians 6:14
breaking through the appar-
ent death (hardness) of the customs while traveling through the Roman Em-
eggshell.” It adds: “The rab- pire, he never adopted any of them to give peo-
bit was known as an extraordinarily fertile crea- ple a better understanding of Jesus. On the con-
ture, and hence it symbolized the coming of trary, he warned the Christians: “Do not become
spring.” unevenly yoked with unbelievers. For what fellow-
Philippe Walter, a professor of medieval litera- ship do righteousness and lawlessness have? Or
ture, explains how such customs became part of what sharing does light have with darkness?
the Easter celebration. He wrote that “in the pro- ‘Therefore, get out from among them, and sepa-
cess of the Christianization of pagan religions,” it rate yourselves,’ says Jehovah, ‘and quit touching
was easy to associate the pagan festival that cel- the unclean thing.’ ”—2 Corinthians 6:14, 17.
ebrated “the passage from the death of winter What is the result of our brief examination of
to the life of springtime” with Jesus’ resurrection. the details? It has clearly revealed that Easter is
Walter adds that it was a key step in introduc- not a Christian celebration. ˇ
8 THE WATCHTOWER
LIFE STORY
Jairo’s Eyes
His Way to Serve God
AS TOLD BY HIS BROTHER
SAMUEL RUIZ-LEÓN ARROYO
Can you imagine having no control of your body except for your eyes? My brother
Jairo is in such a predicament. Yet, he enjoys a meaningful life. Before I explain why
he has found his life to be worth living, let me tell you his story.
Jairo was born with a type of cerebral palsy called remember Jairo crying out in pain every night
spastic quadriplegia.1 As a result, he has no con- during his recovery.
trol over most of his body. His brain cannot send Jairo’s severe disability makes him totally reli-
clear signals to his muscles, so his limbs twist, or ant on others to carry out daily functions, such as
writhe, uncontrollably. Sometimes, Jairo’s unpre- eating, getting dressed, and getting to bed. Mum
dictable jerking movements even cause him to and Dad usually perform these tasks. Though Jai-
hurt himself. People nearby may also get hurt if ro needs constant help, our parents always re-
they are not alert. Sadly, his arms and legs must mind him that his life depends not only on hu-
often be tied to his wheelchair to prevent such ac- mans but also on God.
cidents.
A WAY OF COMMUNICATION OPENS
PAINFUL PATH TO ADULTHOOD Our parents are Jehovah’s Witnesses, and they
Jairo’s physical growth has been very painful. have been reading Bible stories to Jairo ever since
When he was three months old, he started to he was a baby. They always knew that life is
have seizures that left him unconscious. All too more meaningful when one has a relationship
often, Mum would hold him tightly and rush him with God. Jairo was trapped in a frail body that
to the hospital, convinced that he was dead. jerked continually, but he could have a bright,
Because of all the tightening and contracting, solid hope for the future. However, they often
in time Jairo’s bones became deformed. At the wondered if Jairo could grasp Bible knowledge.
age of 16, he dislocated his pelvis and required One day, when Jairo was a child, Dad asked
major surgery to his thigh, hip, and pelvis. I still him, “Jairo, can you please talk to me?” Then he
1 Cerebral palsy (CP) is a general term used to describe brain added, “If you really love me, you will!” As Dad
damage that affects mobility. It can also lead to seizures, eating begged him to say at least one word, tears welled
disorders, and speech impairment. Spastic quadriplegia is the
most severe type of CP; it can result in the stiffness of all four
up in Jairo’s eyes. Though he tried to express
limbs and a floppy neck. his feelings with words, he could only mutter
MARCH 1, 2015 9
guttural sounds. Father felt bad for having made Father asked him, “Jairo, do you want to get bap-
Jairo cry. But that reaction showed that Jairo un- tized?” At once, his decisive look at Dad’s right
derstood what Father had said. The problem was hand revealed his desire to take that step. Then
that he could not speak. Dad added, “Have you promised God in prayer
Before long, our parents noticed that Jairo at to serve him forever?” Once again, Jairo gazed
times moved his eyes rapidly in an apparent at- straight at Dad’s right hand. It was clear that Jai-
tempt to convey his thoughts and feelings. It ro had already dedicated his life to Jehovah.
was frustrating for Jairo that he could not always After several Bible discussions, it was also
make himself understood. But when my parents clear that Jairo understood the significance of
learned to decipher his eye signals and get him Christian baptism. So, in 2004, he answered
what he needed, Jairo’s face would beam with a the most important question he was ever asked,
broad grin. It was his way of saying thank you. “Have you dedicated yourself to God to do his
A speech therapist suggested that for better will?” Jairo answered this question by raising his
communication, we should raise both hands in eyes upward. It was his prearranged way of say-
the air when asking him a yes-or-no question. ing yes. Thus, at age 17, he got baptized as one of
The right hand means yes, the left hand no. Thus, Jehovah’s Witnesses.
he could express his wishes by fixing his eyes on
EYES FOCUSED ON THE THINGS OF GOD
the proper hand.
In 2011, a new way to communicate opened
A MILESTONE IN JAIRO’S LIFE up for Jairo—an eye-controlled computer. This
Three times a year, Jehovah’s Witnesses hold device tracks the movements of his iris so that
assemblies and conventions, where Bible talks he can activate icons on the screen. Blinking or
are presented to large audiences. Jairo always got staring at an icon is like clicking a mouse on a
excited during the talk that was addressed to computer. A board consisting of pictograms was
baptism candidates. One day, when Jairo was 16, created to help Jairo communicate. When he
What Jairo’s Associates Say

Rosa, who is 63, observes: “Jairo
radiates joy. And his intense longing
to serve Jehovah is contagious.”
Antonio, who is 32, notes: “I am
moved every time I see Jairo
expressing his faith.”
Andrés, who is 67, says: “It seems
that Jairo gets the sense of some Jairo uses his eye-controlled computer and
its electronic voice to comment at meetings
Bible teachings better than I do.” and to share his beliefs with others
10 THE WATCHTOWER
blinks at one of them, the built-in software con- ness and death, Revelation 21:4.” If the listener
verts a written message into an electronic voice. shows interest, another click causes his computer
As Jairo’s understanding of the Bible in- to say, “Would you like to study the Bible with
creased, so did his desire to help others spiri- me?” Surprisingly, our grandfather accepted this
tually. During our weekly family Bible study, he invitation. It is thrilling to see Jairo, assisted by a
often looks back and forth between me and his fellow Witness, slowly teaching Grandpa the Bi-
computer. This is his way of reminding me that I ble! Happily, Grandpa got baptized at the region-
should write down comments that he can offer al convention in Madrid in August 2014.
during question-and-answer sessions at meet- Jairo’s devotion to God does not go unnoticed
ings of our Christian congregation. by the teachers at his school. Rosario, one of
At the meeting, he patiently navigates through his speech therapists, once confessed: “If I ever
the screen to click on the appropriate icon, and thought about joining a religion, I would become
then his electronic voice is heard by everyone. one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. I have seen how Jai-
He smiles broadly every time he encourages the ro’s faith has given him a real purpose in life, de-
members of the congregation in this way. Alex, spite his difficult situation.”
one of Jairo’s young friends, observes, “It always Jairo’s eyes always light up when I read him
impresses me when I hear Jairo’s comments on a the Bible’s promise: “The lame will leap like the
Bible subject.” deer, and the tongue of the speechless will shout
Jairo also uses his eyes to tell others about his for joy.” (Isaiah 35:6) Although he does get dis-
beliefs. One way he does this is by clicking a pic- couraged at times, he is generally in good spir-
togram that portrays a garden where animals and its. This is possible only because his life revolves
people of all races live in peaceful conditions. around God and around his Christian friends.
When he activates this, his computer voice pro- His cheerful outlook and strong faith are a testi-
claims, “The hope of the Bible is that the earth will mony that serving Jehovah makes a challenging
be a paradise where there will be no more sick- life worth living. ˇ
DID YOU KNOW?
How was Roman citizenship an advantage

for the apostle Paul?
Roman citizenship entitled a person to certain rights and privi-
leges wherever he went in the empire. A Roman citizen was sub-
ject to Roman law, not the laws of provincial cities. When ac-
cused, he could agree to be tried according to local law, yet he
still retained the right to be heard by a Roman tribunal. In the
case of a capital sentence, he had the right to appeal to the em-
peror.
On the basis of such rights, Cicero, a Roman statesman of the
first century B.C.E., stated: “It is a crime to bind a Roman citizen;
to scourge him is a wickedness; to put him to death is almost par-
ricide,” that is, killing one’s own parent or close relative.
The apostle Paul preached extensively throughout the Roman
Empire. He made use of his rights as a Roman citizen on three
recorded occasions: (1) He informed the Philippian magistrates
that they had infringed upon his rights by beating him. (2) He re-
vealed his status to avoid a scourging in Jerusalem. (3) He ap-
PAUL DECLARED:
pealed his case to Caesar, the emperor in Rome, so that it would
“I APPEAL TO CAESAR!”
be heard directly by him.—Acts 16:37-39; 22:25-28; 25:10-12. ˇ
How were shepherds paid in Bible times?

The patriarch Jacob shepherded the flocks of his uncle Laban for
20 years. Jacob worked the first 14 years for the hand of Laban’s
two daughters, and for the remaining 6 years, he was paid in live-
stock. (Genesis 30:25-33) “Shepherding agreements such as
those between Laban and Jacob,” says the magazine Biblical Ar-
chaeology Review, “would have been very familiar to the ancient
writers and readers of the Biblical text.”
Ancient contracts unearthed at Nuzi, Larsa, and other sites in
modern Iraq illustrate such agreements. A typical contract ran
from one annual shearing to the next. Shepherds accepted the
responsibility of caring for a specified number of animals listed
according to their age and sex. A year later, the owner received
a stipulated minimum of wool, dairy products, young stock, and
so on. Anything produced in excess went to the shepherd.
Increase in flock size depended on the number of ewes en-
trusted to a shepherd. One hundred ewes were generally expect-
A CUNEIFORM CONTRACT FOR
THE PURCHASE OF SHEEP AND
ed to produce 80 live lambs. The shepherd had to make good
GOATS, ABOUT 2050 B.C.E. any shortfall, or loss. Thus he had great incentive to take good
Yale Babylonian Collection care of the animals entrusted to him.ˇ
12 THE WATCHTOWER
Gifts
Fit for a King
“Astrologers from the East . . .
opened their treasures and
presented him with gifts—gold
and frankincense and myrrh.”
—Matthew 2:1, 11.
Aromatic spices were widely used in Bible times.
Clockwise from top: cumin, turmeric, saffron, paprika
HAT would you choose as a present for CROSSING THE ARABIAN DESERT
W a very important person? In Bible times
some spices were as precious as gold—so valu-
In Bible times, some spice plants grew in the
Jordan Valley. Other spices, however, had to be
able that they constituted gifts fit for a king.1 imported. A variety of spice products are men-
That is why two of the gift items that the astrol- tioned in the Bible. Among the more familiar are
ogers offered to the “king of the Jews” were aro- saffron, aloe, balsam, cinnamon, frankincense,
matic spices.—Matthew 2:1, 2, 11. and myrrh. Besides these, there were the com-
The Bible also relates that when the queen of mon food condiments such as cumin, mint, and
Sheba visited Solomon, “she gave the king 120 dill.
talents of gold and a great quantity of balsam oil Where did the exotic spices come from? Al-
and precious stones. Never again was such bal- oes, cassia, and cinnamon were found in what is
sam oil brought in as what the queen of Sheba today China, India, and Sri Lanka. Spices such
gave to King Solomon.”2 (2 Chronicles 9:9) Kings as myrrh and frankincense came from trees and
also sent Solomon balsam oil as a gesture of their bushes that grew in desert areas stretching from
goodwill.—2 Chronicles 9:23, 24. southern Arabia to Somalia in Africa. And nard,
Why were such spices and related products so or spikenard, was an exclusive Indian product
valuable and expensive in Bible times? Because from the Himalayas.
they played many important roles, as when they To reach Israel, many spices had to be trans-
were used in beauty care, religious services, and ported across Arabia. Partly as a result of this,
burial of the dead. (See the box “Uses of Aro- during the second and first millennia B.C.E.,
matic Spices in Bible Times.”) Apart from the Arabia became “the great monopolistic carri-
high demand for them, spices were expensive er of goods between East and West,” ex-
because of transportation and marketing costs. plains The Book of Spices. Ancient towns, for-
1 In the Bible, the original-language words translated “spice” tresses, and caravan stops found in the Negev of
or “spices” refer mainly to aromatic, or fragrant, plant products southern Israel mark the routes of spice trad-
and not to food seasonings.
2 “Balsam oil” refers to aromatic oils or resins obtained from
ers. These settlements also “reflect the huge-
trees and shrubs. ly profitable trade . . . from south Arabia to
MARCH 1, 2015 13
“Small in bulk, high in price, and in a
steady demand, spices were especially
desirable articles of commerce.”
—The Book of Spices
CINNAMON
the Mediterranean,” reports the World Heritage

Uses of Aromatic Spices Centre of UNESCO.
in Bible Times Caravans laden with these aromatic spices
Anointing oil and sacred incense. Jehovah regularly traveled distances of some 1,100 miles
gave Moses the formulas for the anointing (1,800 km) across Arabia. (Job 6:19) The Bible re-
oil, or ointment, and the sacred incense. fers to a caravan of Ishmaelite merchants carry-
Both contained four different spices. (Exodus ing such spices as “labdanum gum, balsam, and
30:22-25, 34-38) Certain priests specialized resinous bark” from Gilead to Egypt. (Genesis
in making anointing oil and in supervising 37:25) Jacob’s sons sold their brother Joseph as a
the supply of these items.—Numbers 4:16; slave to these traders.
1 Chronicles 9:30.
“THE BEST-KEPT TRADE SECRET
Perfumes and ointments. People who OF ALL TIME”
could afford it used fragrant powders Arabian merchants controlled most of the
for scenting their houses, garments, spice trade for centuries. They became the exclu-
beds, and bodies. (Esther 2:12; Prov- sive suppliers of spices from Asia, such as cassia
erbs 7:17; Song of Solomon 3:6, 7; 4:
From the book La Sagrada Biblia, Volume II, 1890
and cinnamon. In order to discourage the Medi-

13, 14) Lazarus’ sister Mary poured out terranean world from establishing direct com-
very expensive “perfumed oil, genuine mercial links with sources in the East, the Ara-
nard,” on Jesus’ hair and feet. The small
bians spread fanciful tales about the dangers
jar of “genuine nard” cost up to a year’s
involved in obtaining spices. The real source of
wages.—Mark 14:3-5; John 12:3-5.
spices was “probably the best-kept trade secret
Preparation of bodies for burial. Nicodemus of all time,” according to The Book of Spices.
supplied “a mixture of myrrh and aloes” for What stories did the Arabians spread? He-
making Jesus’ body ready for burial. (John rodotus, a Greek historian of the fifth cen-
19:39, 40) And some of Jesus’ disciples tury B.C.E., described tales of fearsome birds
prepared “spices and perfumed
building nests of cinnamon bark on inaccessible
oils” and took them to the tomb.
cliffs. To obtain this precious spice, he wrote, col-
—Luke 23:56–24:1.
lectors put large pieces of meat at the foot of
Seasoning. Israelites likely also used the cliff. The birds would greedily carry so much
spices or condiments to enrich the meat to their nests that the nests would crash
flavor of fish and meat dishes. Other to the ground. The men could then quickly col-
spices were used to fortify wine.—Song of
Solomon 8:2.
5 Image courtesy Missouri Botanical Garden.
http://www.botanicus.org.
Features of the Two Spices
Offered to Jesus
Both frankincense, or olibanum, and myrrh
came from resinous gum that was obtained by
making incisions in the bark of small trees or
thorny shrubs.
The frankincense tree grew along
the southern coast of Arabia, and
the myrrh bush thrived in the
semidesert countries of present-day
From the book La Bibbia, Volume I, 1907

Somalia and Yemen. Both spices
BALSAM OIL CUMIN were highly esteemed for their fragrance.
Jehovah himself chose them in connection
with his worship—myrrh was a component
of the holy anointing oil, and frankincense
5 Jolanta Dbrowska/Alamy
of the holy incense. (Exodus 30:23-25,
34-37) But they were used differently.
Frankincense, commonly used as incense,
had to be burned to release its fragrance. The
DILL CASSIA resin extracted from myrrh, on the other hand,
was used directly. Myrrh is mentioned three
times in accounts about Jesus: as a gift
when he was a baby (Matthew 2:11), as
an analgesic offered with wine when he
was hanging on the stake (Mark 15:23),
and as one of the spices used in the
preparation of his body for burial (John
19:39).
SAFFRON MINT 5 Image courtesy Missouri Botanical Garden.
http://www.botanicus.org.
lect the cinnamon bark and sell it to merchants. sailed from Egyptian ports to India. As a result,
Such stories became widespread. Thus, because luxury spices became much more abundant and
of the “alleged dangers of harvest, it [cinnamon] prices eased.
was sold at a very high price,” notes The Book of Today the value of spices bears no comparison
Spices. to that of gold. And we would hardly consider
Eventually, the Arabians’ secret was uncov- spices suitable gifts for a king. Yet, millions of
ered and their monopoly lost. By the first centu- people around the world continue to use them in
ry B.C.E., Alexandria, in Egypt, became a large perfumes and medicines and, of course, to add
port and commercial hub for spices. Once sail- flavor and zest to their food. Indeed, the alluring
ors learned how to take advantage of the mon- aromas of spices make them popular today, just
soon winds of the Indian Ocean, Roman ships as they were thousands of years ago. ˇ
MARCH 1, 2015 15
Why should we remember

Jesus’ death?
Jesus’ death was the most important event in history
—he died to restore human life to what it should be. Man
was not created with a tendency to do bad things, to get
sick, or to die. (Genesis 1:31) But sin entered the world
through the first man, Adam. Jesus gave his life to save
us from sin and death.—Read Matthew 20:28; Romans
6:23.
God showed outstanding love by sending his Son to
earth to die for us. (1 John 4:9, 10) Jesus told his follow-
ers to remember his death by means of a simple cere-
WHAT FUTURE DOES JESUS’ DEATH
MAKE POSSIBLE?—ISAIAH 25:8; 33:24 mony involving bread and wine. Doing so each year is a
way of expressing our appreciation for the love shown by
God and by Jesus.—Read Luke 22:19, 20.
For more
information
see chapter 5
Who should partake of the
of this book, bread and the wine?
published by
When Jesus first told his disciples to remember his
Jehovah’s
WHAT DOES Witnesses death, he spoke about a covenant, or an agreement.
THE BIBLE (Matthew 26:26-28) It opened up the prospect for them
Really TEACH? Also available and a limited number of others to become kings and
at www.jw.org priests with him in heaven. Although millions commem-
orate Jesus’ death, only those in that covenant partake
of the bread and the wine.—Read Revelation 5:10.
Please send me a copy For nearly 2,000 years, Jehovah has been choosing
of What Does the Bible Really Teach? those who will be kings. (Luke 12:32) They are few in
LANGUAGE _______________________________________________________________________ number compared with those who will live forever on
NAME _______________________________________________________________________________ earth.—Read Revelation 7:4, 9, 17.
ADDRESS _________________________________________________________________________
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Three Questions Changed My Life 8
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a Record of God’s
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25 Columbia Heights, Brooklyn, NY 11201-2483, WOULD YOU LIKE TO
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THIS MAGAZINE
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COVER SUBJECT
Why Study
the Bible?
What is the purpose of life?
Why do people suffer and die?
What does the future hold?
Does God care about me?
Have you ever asked yourself questions like However, one of Jehovah’s Witnesses answered
those? If so, you are not alone. People around the my questions using only the Bible. When he
world are pondering life’s big questions. Can you asked me if I wanted to learn more, I gladly ac-
find the answers? cepted.”—Koffi, Benin.
Millions of people would say, “Yes!” Why? Be- “I was curious about the condition of the dead.
cause they have found satisfying answers to their I believed that the dead could harm the living,
questions in the Bible. Would you like to know but I wanted to know what the Bible said. So I
what the Bible says? Then you may wish to ben- started studying the Bible with a friend who was
efit from a free Bible study program offered by Je- a Witness.”—José, Brazil.
hovah’s Witnesses.1 “I tried reading the Bible but could not under-
True, when it comes to looking into the Bible, stand it. Then Jehovah’s Witnesses called on me
some people say: “I’m too busy.” “It’s too hard.” and clearly explained several Bible prophecies. I
“I’m wary of commitment.” But others take a dif- wanted to see what else I could learn.”—Dennize,
ferent view. They welcome the opportunity to Mexico.
learn what the Bible teaches. Consider just a few “I wondered if God truly cared about me. So I
examples: decided to pray to the God of the Bible. The next
“I attended Catholic and Protestant churches, day the Witnesses knocked on my door, and I ac-
a Sikh temple, and a Buddhist monastery, and I cepted a Bible study.”—Anju, Nepal.
studied theology at a university. Yet many of my Those experiences remind us of Jesus’ words:
spiritual questions went unanswered. Then one “Happy are those conscious of their spiritual
of Jehovah’s Witnesses called at my home. Im- need.” (Matthew 5:3) Yes, humans have an innate
pressed by her Bible-based answers, I agreed to a spiritual need. Only God can fill that need, and
Bible study.”—Gill, England. he does so through his Word, the Bible.
“I had many questions about life, but my So, what does a Bible study involve? How can
church pastor’s responses did not satisfy me. it benefit you? These questions will be answered
1 Jehovah is the name of God as revealed in the Bible. in the following article.
APRIL 1, 2015 3
A BIBLE STUDY PROGRAM
BIBLE FACTS
NAME: From the Greek word
FOR ALL
bi·blia, meaning “little books” Jehovah’s Witnesses are well-known for
CONTENTS: 39 books in Hebrew their public preaching. But did you know
(with some passages in Aramaic) that we also conduct a global Bible study
and 27 books in Greek program?
WRITTEN: By about 40 writers
over some 1,600 years, from In 2014, over 8,000,000 Witnesses in 240
1513 B.C.E. to about 98 C.E.1 lands conducted nearly 9,500,000 Bible
LANGUAGES: Translated in studies each month.1 Indeed, the number of
whole or in part into over people studying the Bible with us exceeds
2,500 languages the individual population of some 140 coun-
DISTRIBUTION: An estimated tries!
five billion Bibles, making it the
world’s most widely distributed To carry out this educational work,
book Jehovah’s Witnesses publish nearly one
1 The abbreviation B.C.E. means “Before
and a half billion Bibles, books, magazines,
the Common Era,” and C.E. means and other Bible study aids each year—in
“Common Era.”
some 700 languages! This unequaled
publishing effort allows people to study the
Bible in the language of their choice.
1 Bible studies are generally conducted with individuals or small
groups of people.
4 THE WATCHTOWER
ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS FREQUENTLY ASKED ABOUT
OUR BIBLE STUDY PROGRAM
What is the format of the study

course?
We take various Bible topics and examine
Bible verses that relate to those subjects. “I never liked studying in
For example, the Bible answers such ques- school, but this study
tions as these: Who is God? What is he like? was fun. And the things
Does he have a name? Where does he live? I learned were so
Can we draw close to him? The challenge is comforting!”—Katlego,
knowing where to look in the Bible for the South Africa.
answers.
To help people find the answers, we nor-
mally use the 224-page book What Does
the Bible Really Teach?1 This book was spe-
cially designed to help people understand
the basic teachings of the Bible. It includes “The course covered
lessons on God, Jesus Christ, human suf- all my questions
fering, the resurrection, prayer, and many and many more.”
more subjects. —Bertha, Mexico.
1 Published by Jehovah’s Witnesses. More than
230 million copies of this book have been printed in over
260 languages.
APRIL 1, 2015 5
“The Bible study was When and where can the study
held at my home at
a time that I found
be held?
suitable. What more The study can be held at a time and place conve-
could I want!” nient for you.
—Eziquiel, Brazil.
“The lessons were How long are the study sessions?

sometimes 15 to 30
minutes long—other Many people set aside an hour or so each week
times longer—whatever to study the Bible. But the length of the study is
was convenient for me.” flexible. We will adapt it to fit your schedule.
—Viniana, Australia. Some study for just 10 or 15 minutes each week.
“The course was free How much does the course cost?
—it was amazing!”
—Aimé, Benin. The course and the study materials are free. This
is in line with Jesus’ direction to his disciples:
“You received free, give free.”—Matthew 10:8.
“My Bible teacher was How long does the course last?
so patient and kind. We
developed a close bond.” The length of the study course depends on you.
—Karen, Northern Ireland. The book What Does the Bible Really Teach? con-
tains 19 lessons. You can cover any or all of the
lessons at a pace that suits you.
“Many people Do I have to become one of

study the Bible
without becoming
Jehovah’s Witnesses?
Witnesses.” No. We respectfully recognize that each person
—Denton, England. has the right to choose what he or she will be-
lieve. People who gain a basic knowledge of the
Bible, however, can make an informed choice.
6 THE WATCHTOWER
HELP FOR FAMILIES
Where can I get more information? “When my wife started studying
The Web site jw.org provides accurate informa- the Bible, I noticed significant chang-
tion about the beliefs and activities of Jehovah’s es in her. Our family life improved.
Witnesses. Curious to see what she was learning,
I began to study too. What I learned
How can I request a Bible study? made me a better person. Studying
˘ Submit a request online at www.jw.org.
the Bible brought our family togeth-
˘ Write to the nearest address listed on page er.”—Eziquiel.
two of this magazine. “After I began studying the Bible,
˘ Contact Jehovah’s Witnesses near you. You I kicked my drug habit, stopped abus-
can look for “Jehovah’s Witnesses” in a ing alcohol, and learned to control my
listing of local telephone numbers. ˇ anger. My house is cleaner and tidier.
I appreciate my family more and en-
joy doing things to make them happy.
I am so much happier.”—Karen.
“Some people criticized me for study-
ing the Bible. But my husband sup-
ported my decision, saying: ‘I don’t
care what people say. Seeing you
change for the good—that is what
matters to me. Keep doing what you
are doing.’ Our family life has never
been better!”—Viniana.
APRIL 1, 2015 7
Three questions
changed my life
MY PAST: I grew up in Ancram, a small town in upstate
New York, U.S.A. The town consisted mostly of dairy
farms. In fact, the town had more cows than people.
My family attended the only church in town. On Sun-
day mornings, Grandpa would polish my shoes, and then
I would head off to Sunday school with the little white Bi-
ble my grandmother had given me. My siblings and I were
taught to work hard, respect and help our neighbors, and
be thankful for our blessings.
When I grew up, I moved away and became a school-
teacher. I had many questions about God and life. Some
of my students were quite gifted. Others were not as gift-
ed but worked very hard. Some had physical disabilities,
while others excelled physically. I felt that the situation
AS TOLD BY DORIS ELDRED
was unfair. Sometimes the parents of my less-fortunate
students would say things such as, “This is the way God
wants my child to be.” I wondered why God would al-
YEAR BORN low some babies to be born with disabilities. After all, the
1949 baby hadn’t done anything wrong.
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN I also wondered, ‘What meaningful thing am I sup-
UNITED STATES posed to do with my life?’ I felt that my life was pass-
ing quickly. I had grown up in a nice family, I went to
HISTORY
good schools, and now I was working at a job that I loved.
SEARCHED FOR
But the remainder of my life seemed empty. At best, I
MEANING IN LIFE could hope to get married, have a nice home and some
children, continue working until I retired, and eventually
move into a nursing home. I wondered if there was more
to life.
HOW THE BIBLE CHANGED MY LIFE: One summer, I
toured Europe with some fellow teachers. We went to
Westminster Abbey, Notre-Dame de Paris, and the
Vatican, as well as to many smaller churches. Everywhere
I went, I asked my questions. After returning home to
Sloatsburg, New York, I visited a number of churches. But
no one could give me satisfying answers.
8 THE WATCHTOWER
One day, a 12-year-old student approached me On another occasion, I asked a question that I
and asked me three questions. First, she asked if thought would be too difficult for a 12-year-old to
I knew that she was one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. answer. I wanted to see if she would just make
I said yes. Second, she asked if I would like to up an answer. When I asked the question, she
know more about Jehovah’s Witnesses. Again, I looked at me very seriously and said: “That is
said yes. Third, she asked where I lived. When a hard question. I’m going to write it down and
I told her my address, we learned that I lived ask my parents.” Sure enough, the next time
around the corner from her family. Little did I she arrived for our study, she brought an issue
know that those three questions from a young of The Watchtower that contained the answer to
girl would change my life forever. my question. This is what drew me to the Wit-
Soon thereafter, she rode her bicycle to my nesses—their publications provided Bible-based
home and started a Bible study with me. I asked answers to all my questions. I continued study-
her the questions that I had asked many religious ing with that young girl, and one year later I was
leaders. Unlike them, she showed me clear and baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses.1
satisfying answers from my own Bible—answers HOW I HAVE BENEFITED: When I finally received
that I had never seen before! satisfying answers to my questions, I wanted to
What I learned from the Bible filled me with share them with everyone. (Matthew 12:35) At
joy and contentment. I was moved when I read first, my family opposed my new beliefs. In time,
1 John 5:19, which says: “The whole world is though, they softened their attitude. Near the
lying in the power of the wicked one.” I was end of my mother’s life, she began to study the
relieved to learn that it is, not God, but Satan Bible. Although she did not live long enough to
who causes all the sorrow we see around us be baptized, I am sure that she had decided to
serve Jehovah.
—and that God will remedy the situation. (Reve-
In 1978, I married a Witness named Elias Ka-
lation 21:3, 4) I discovered that the Bible makes
zan. In 1981, Elias and I were invited to become
sense when it is explained clearly. Although the
members of the United States Bethel family.2 Sad-
Witness who was studying with me was only 12
ly, after we had served there for just four years,
years old, I reasoned that the truth is the truth no
Elias passed away. Though widowed, I remained
matter who speaks it.
in my Bethel assignment, which gave me some-
Even so, I wanted to see if the Witnesses prac- thing to focus on and brought me a measure of
ticed what they preached. For instance, the comfort.
young girl emphasized that true Christians dis- In 2006, I married Richard Eldred, a fellow
play such qualities as patience and kindness. member of the Bethel family. Richard and I con-
(Galatians 5:22, 23) I decided to test her to see if tinue to enjoy the privilege of serving at Bethel.
she showed those qualities herself. One day, I in- Knowing the truth about God, I truly feel that I
tentionally arrived late for my study. I wondered: have found not only the answers I was searching
‘Will she be waiting for me? And if so, will she be for but also a real purpose in life—and it all started
angry that I was late?’ As I pulled into my drive- with three questions from a young girl. ˇ
way, I saw her waiting on the front steps of my
home. She ran to my car and said: “I was about to 1 All told, the girl and her siblings helped five of their teach-
ers study the Bible and begin worshipping Jehovah.
go home and tell my mother that we need to call 2 “Bethel,” meaning “House of God,” is the term that Jeho-
the hospitals and the police to see if you’re OK vah’s Witnesses use to describe their branch facilities around
the world. (Genesis 28:17, 19, footnote) Members of the Bethel
because you are never late for your study. I was family care for various assignments that support the education-
worried about you!” al work of Jehovah’s Witnesses.
APRIL 1, 2015 9
Rescuing an Ancient Gem
From the Trash
HAT comes to your mind when you think of DETERMINING ITS AGE
W a rubbish heap? You likely associate such a
sight with refuse and an unpleasant smell. So
Roberts suspected that this papyrus scrap was
very old. But how old? To find out, he compared
you would hardly expect to find anything of val- the handwriting on it with other dated ancient
ue there, much less a priceless gem. manuscripts—a discipline called paleography.1
Yet, a century ago a treasure of sorts was found By applying this method, he was able to assign an
in just such a place—the trash. The treasure was, approximate age. But he wanted to be sure. So
not a literal gem, but something else of great val- he photographed the fragment, sent copies of it
ue. What kind of treasure was uncovered? Why to three papyrologists, and asked them to deter-
is its discovery important to us today? mine its age. What did these experts conclude?
By studying the style of the script and the
AN UNEXPECTED FIND
strokes, all three of the expert scholars agreed
At the turn of the 20th century, Bernard P. that the fragment had been written in the first
Grenfell and Arthur S. Hunt, scholars at the Uni- half of the second century C.E.—just a few de-
versity of Oxford, visited Egypt. There, among cades after the apostle John’s death! Paleogra-
the garbage heaps close to the Nile Valley, they phy, however, is not a foolproof method of dating
discovered a number of papyrus fragments. Lat- manuscripts, and another scholar believes that
er, in 1920, while the two colleagues were busy the text could have been written anytime during
cataloging the collection, Grenfell acquired some the second century. Yet, this tiny scrap of papy-
additional fragments that had been dug up in rus was—and still is—the oldest existing manu-
Egypt. He acquired these on behalf of The John script fragment of the Christian Greek Scrip-
Rylands Library in Manchester, England. How- tures that has ever been found.
ever, both men died before the catalog was fin-
ished. WHAT THE RYLANDS FRAGMENT REVEALS
Colin H. Roberts, another scholar at Oxford Why is this fragment of John’s Gospel so im-
University, completed the task. While he was portant to lovers of the Bible today? For at least
sorting the fragments, he spotted a papyrus two reasons. First of all, the format of the frag-
scrap measuring 3.5 by 2.4 inches (9 x 6 cm). ment gives us some insight into how the early
To his amazement, the Greek handwriting con- Christians valued the Scriptures.
tained words that were familiar to him. On one In the second century C.E., written text came
side were words taken from John 18:31-33. The 1 According to the book Manuscripts of the Greek Bible, paleog-
other side contained parts of verses 37 and 38. raphy “is the science that studies ancient writing.” Over a peri-
od of time, handwriting style changes. These changes can reveal
Roberts realized that he had stumbled upon a the age of a manuscript if it can be compared to other reliably
priceless gem. dated documents.
10 THE WATCHTOWER
Why is this
fragment of
John’s Gospel
so important
to lovers of the
Bible today?
THE RYLANDS FRAGMENT
front and back
(shown actual size)
5 Copyright of the University
of Manchester 2014
in two formats—the scroll and the codex. Scrolls A second reason why the Rylands fragment
were pieces of papyrus or parchment that were is important to us today is that it reveals how
pasted or stitched together to form one long reliably the original Bible text was transmitted.
sheet. This sheet could then be rolled up and un- Though the fragment contains just a few verses
rolled whenever needed. In most cases, only one from John’s Gospel, its contents agree almost ex-
side of a scroll was used for writing. actly with what we read today in our own copies
However, the tiny fragment that Roberts dis- of the Bible. The Rylands fragment thus shows
covered has handwriting on both sides. This sug- that the Bible has not been altered despite being
gests that it came from a codex rather than a copied and recopied over time.
scroll. A codex was made from sheets of parch- Of course, the Rylands fragment of John’s
ment or papyrus that were sewn together and Gospel is but one piece of evidence among the
folded in a format resembling a book. thousands of fragments and manuscripts that
What were the advantages of the codex over confirm the reliable transmission of the original
the scroll? Well, the early Christians were evan- Bible text. In his book The Bible as History, Wer-
gelizers. (Matthew 24:14; 28:19, 20) They spread ner Keller concluded: “These old [manuscripts]
the Bible’s message wherever they could find are the most convincing answer to all doubts as
people—in homes, in marketplaces, and on the to the genuineness and reliability of the text that
street. (Acts 5:42; 17:17; 20:20) So having access we have in our Bibles today.”
to the Scriptures in a compact format was much True, Christians do not base their faith on ar-
more practical. chaeological finds. They believe that “all Scrip-
The codex also made it easier for congrega- ture is inspired of God.” (2 Timothy 3:16) None-
tions and individuals to make their own copies of theless, how reassuring it is when priceless gems
the Scriptures. Thus, the Gospels were copied from the past confirm what the Bible has said all
over and over again, and this no doubt contribut- along: “The saying of Jehovah endures forever”!
ed to the rapid growth of Christianity. —1 Peter 1:25. ˇ
APRIL 1, 2015 11
A CONVERSATION WITH A NEIGHBOR
Why Commemorate the

Death of Jesus?
The following is a conversation that one of
Jehovah’s Witnesses might have with a neighbor.
Let us imagine that a Witness named Megan has
called at the home of a woman named Shirley.
“KEEP DOING THIS IN REMEMBRANCE OF ME” lowers clear instructions. Would you please read
Megan: Hi, Shirley. It was so good to see you his words recorded here at Luke 22:19?
at the Memorial of the death of Jesus Christ last Shirley: OK. “Also, he took a loaf, gave thanks,
week.1 What did you think of the meeting? broke it, and gave it to them, saying: ‘This means
Shirley: I enjoyed being there, but I must ad- my body, which is to be given in your behalf.
mit that I didn’t fully understand everything that Keep doing this in remembrance of me.’ ”
was said. I’ve heard of people celebrating the Megan: Thank you. Notice Jesus’ instructions
birth of Jesus at Christmas and his resurrection in the final sentence of that verse: “Keep doing
at Easter, but I’ve never heard of anyone com- this in remembrance of me.” And right before
memorating his death. instructing his followers to remember him, Je-
Megan: It’s true, Christmas and Easter are sus made it clear what they were to remember
popular celebrations around the world. But Jeho- about him. He said that his life would be given
vah’s Witnesses feel that it’s important to memo- in behalf of his followers. Jesus expressed this
rialize the death of Jesus. If you have a few min- thought in similar terms, as recorded at Matthew
utes, I would be glad to review the reasons for 20:28. That verse reads: “The Son of man came,
this. not to be ministered to, but to minister and to
Shirley: Sure, I have some time. give his life as a ransom in exchange for many.”
Megan: Basically, Jehovah’s Witnesses com- In a nutshell, that is why Jehovah’s Witnesses
memorate the death of Jesus because he in- gather each year on the anniversary of the death
structed his followers to do so. Consider what of Jesus—to remember the ransom sacrifice that
happened on the night before Jesus died. Do Jesus offered. His death can mean life for all obe-
you recall hearing about a special meal that he dient humans.
shared with his faithful followers?
Shirley: You mean the Last Supper? WHY WAS A RANSOM NEEDED?
Megan: Exactly. It’s also called the Lord’s Eve- Shirley: I’ve heard people say that Jesus died
ning Meal. During that meal, Jesus gave his fol- so that we could have life. But to be honest, I’ve
never really understood how that works.
1 Once a year, Jehovah’s Witnesses gather on the anniversary
of the death of Jesus to remember his sacrifice. This year, that
Megan: You’re not alone, Shirley. The sub-
anniversary falls on Friday, April 3. ject of Jesus’ ransom sacrifice is a deep one.
12 THE WATCHTOWER
But it’s also one of the most beautiful truths in for baking bread. Before you have an opportuni-
God’s Word. By the way, how are you doing on ty to use it even once, though, it falls on the floor
time? and gets a big dent. Now, what will happen to
Shirley: I have a few more minutes. any loaves of bread you bake in that pan? Won’t
Megan: Good. I’ve just been reading up on the they too have a dent in them?
topic of the ransom, and I will try to explain it in Shirley: Yes, of course.
a simple way. Megan: In a similar way, when Adam and Eve
Shirley: OK. chose to disobey God, they became “dented,”
Megan: In order to understand the ransom, or blemished, by sin and imperfection. And be-
we first need to grasp the situation that Adam cause they became sinners before they had any
and Eve created when they sinned in the garden children, all their children would be born with
of Eden. To help us comprehend the issue in-
volved, let’s read together Romans 6:23. Would
you please read that verse? The ransom sacrifice
Shirley: Sure. It says: “The wages sin pays is
death, but the gift God gives is everlasting life by is the greatest expression
Christ Jesus our Lord.” of love ever
Megan: Thank you. Let’s analyze those words.
First, notice how the verse begins: “The wag-
es sin pays is death.” This is a simple rule that the same “dent.” They would all be born in a sin-
God set out at the outset of human history—the ful condition. In the Bible, the word “sin” refers
wage, or penalty, for sin is death. Of course, in not only to an act but also to the condition that
the beginning, no one was a sinner. Adam and we have inherited. The end result is that even
Eve were created perfect, and all their children though you and I hadn’t done anything wrong
would have been born perfect. So there would —we hadn’t even been born when Adam and Eve
have been no reason for anyone to die. Adam and sinned—they doomed us and all their future off-
Eve and all their offspring had the prospect of spring and ours to a life of imperfection and sin
eternal life in happiness. But as we know, things that would end in death. As we read at Romans
didn’t work out that way, did they? 6:23, the penalty for sin is death.
Shirley: No. Adam and Eve ate of the forbid- Shirley: That doesn’t seem fair. Why should
den fruit. all humans suffer forever because of the sin of
Megan: That’s right. And when they did Adam and Eve?
—when Adam and Eve chose to disobey God— Megan: You’re right—it doesn’t seem fair. But
they sinned. In effect, they chose to become im- there is more to it than that. In his perfect jus-
perfect, to become sinners. That choice would tice, God determined that Adam and Eve should
have disastrous consequences not just for Adam die for their sins, but we as their offspring were
and Eve but also for all their offspring. not left without hope. God made a way for us to
Shirley: What do you mean? get out of this predicament. That is where the
Megan: Well, maybe I could use an illustra- ransom sacrifice of Jesus comes in. Look again at
tion. Let me ask you, do you like to bake? Romans 6:23. After mentioning that “the wages
Shirley: Yes! I love to. sin pays is death,” the verse says: “But the gift
Megan: Let’s say that you have a nice new pan God gives is everlasting life by Christ Jesus our
APRIL 1, 2015 13
Lord.” So it’s the death of Jesus that opens the Shirley: No, I guess I haven’t.
way for us to escape from sin and death.1 Megan: I see some toys here in the front yard.
You must have children.
THE RANSOM—GOD’S GREATEST GIFT Shirley: Yes, I have two—a boy and a girl.
Megan: There’s another detail in this verse Megan: As a parent, stop and think about how
that I would like to draw to your attention. Jesus’ heavenly Father, Jehovah God, must have
Shirley: What’s that? felt on the day that Jesus died. I mean, how did
Megan: Notice that the verse says: “The gift he feel watching from heaven as his dear Son
God gives is everlasting life by Christ Jesus our was arrested, ridiculed, and struck with fists?
Lord.” Now, if Jesus is the one who suffered and And how did the Father feel as his Son was
died for us, giving up his life in our behalf, why nailed to a wooden pole and left there to die a
does the verse speak of the ransom as “the gift slow, agonizing death?
God gives”? Why not, “the gift Jesus gives”?2 Shirley: He must have felt terrible. I never
Shirley: Hmm. I don’t know. thought of that before!
Megan: Well, God created Adam and Eve, and Megan: Of course, it’s impossible for us to
he was the one they sinned against when they say exactly how God felt on that day. But we do
disobeyed in the garden of Eden. He must have know that he has feelings, and we also know
been deeply hurt when his first two human chil- why he allowed all of that to happen. It’s ex-
dren rebelled against him. But Jehovah immedi- plained beautifully for us in a famous scripture,
ately stated a solution.3 He purposed that one of John 3:16. Would you please read that?
his spirit creatures come to the earth, live as a Shirley: Yes. It says: “God loved the world so
perfect human, and ultimately offer his life as a much that he gave his only-begotten Son, so that
ransom sacrifice. So, really, the entire provision everyone exercising faith in him might not be de-
of the ransom was a gift from God. There’s an- stroyed but have everlasting life.”
other way too in which the ransom was God’s Megan: Thank you. Look again at the begin-
gift. Have you ever thought of what God must ning of that verse. It says: “God loved the world.”
have felt when Jesus was put to death? That’s the key—love. Love moved God to send his
Son to earth to die in our behalf. Really, the ran-
1 A future article in this series will consider how the ransom
som sacrifice is the greatest expression of love
sacrifice of Jesus provides escape from sin, as well as what we
must do in order to benefit from the ransom. ever. And that’s what Jehovah’s Witnesses gath-
2 According to the Bible, God and Jesus are two separate indi- er to remember each year on the anniversary of
viduals. For more information, see chapter 4 of the book What the death of Jesus. Has this review been helpful?
Does the Bible Really Teach? published by Jehovah’s Witnesses.
Also available at www.jw.org. Shirley: Yes, it has. Thank you for taking the
3 See Genesis 3:15. time to go over this with me. ˇ
․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․
Is there a particular Bible subject that you have wondered about? Are you curious about any
of the beliefs or religious practices of Jehovah’s Witnesses? If so, do not hesitate to ask one of
Jehovah’s Witnesses. He or she will be pleased to discuss such matters with you.
14 THE WATCHTOWER
DID YOU KNOW?
What was the role of a centurion

in the Roman army?
The Christian Greek Scriptures make a number of references to
Roman centurions. The army officer who oversaw Jesus’ execu-
tion held that rank, as did Cornelius, the first Gentile convert to
Christianity. The officer who was to oversee the apostle Paul’s
scourging and Julius, who escorted Paul to Rome, were also
centurions.—Mark 15:39; Acts 10:1, footnote; 22:25; 27:1.
A centurion normally commanded a century, which consisted
of between 50 and 100 foot soldiers. His duties included train-
ing and disciplining his men, inspecting their clothes and equip-
ment, and commanding them during deployments.
The rank of centurion was the highest that an ordinary sol-
dier could reach. Those who filled this office were career sol-
diers who had to be good leaders. The discipline and efficiency
of the Roman military machine depended on them. According
to one source, centurions “were often the most experienced
and best-informed men in the army.” ˇ
STELA OF CENTURION
MARCUS FAVONIUS FACILIS
5 Colchester and Ipswich Museums
How did mirrors in Bible times differ

from those of today?
Unlike the glass mirrors of today, mirrors in Bible times were
generally made of metal that was highly polished—usually
bronze, but possibly also copper, silver, gold, or electrum. The
first mention of mirrors in the Bible is in connection with the
construction of the tabernacle, Israel’s first center of worship.
Women contributed mirrors for the fabrication of a sacred cop-
per basin and its stand. (Exodus 38:8) Presumably, the mirrors
would have to be melted down to be used for that purpose.
Mirrors recovered from archaeological excavations in and
around Israel have usually been found with jewelry and other
ANCIENT items of feminine adornment. Typically, those mirrors were cir-
EGYPTIAN cular in shape, with an ornamented wood, metal, or ivory han-
MIRROR dle, which was frequently shaped like a female figure. The mir-
5 The Metropolitan ror’s unpolished face was usually left unadorned.
Museum of Art, Image
source: Art Resource, NY The reflecting ability of ancient mirrors was limited compared
to that of today’s glass mirrors. This likely explains what the
apostle Paul was referring to when he said: “Now we see in hazy
outline by means of a metal mirror.”—1 Corinthians 13:12. ˇ
APRIL 1, 2015 15
What does the future hold for

humankind?
Humans no doubt will continue to make scientific ad-
vances. But will they on their own ever build a society in
which people really care for one another? No. Today, the
world is driven by selfishness and greed. However, God
purposes something better for the human family.—Read
2 Peter 3:13.
God’s Word describes a future worldwide society in
which people will love one another. People will live in se-
curity, and there will be no one to cause them harm.
HOW DOES JESUS’ DEATH MAKE POSSIBLE —Read Micah 4:3, 4.
A SOCIETY WHERE PEOPLE CARE FOR
ONE ANOTHER?
How will selfishness be

For more
eliminated?
information God originally created man without any selfish tenden-
see chapter 5 cy. But by choosing to disobey God, the first human lost
of this book,
published by his perfection. We inherited the tendency to be selfish
Jehovah’s from him. And yet God will use Jesus to restore human-
WHAT DOES Witnesses kind to perfection.—Read Romans 7:21, 24, 25.
THE BIBLE In harmony with God’s will, Jesus died as a sacrifice
Really TEACH? Also available
at www.jw.org and canceled the effect of the first man’s disobedience.
(Romans 5:19) Thus Jesus made possible a marvelous
future when people will be free from the selfish tenden-
cy to do wrong.—Read Psalm 37:9-11.
Please send me a copy of
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wickedness and transform the earth “The End”—What Does It Mean? 3
Is the End Near? 6
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Did You Know? 9
I Learned That Jehovah Is Merciful and Forgiving 10
Imitate Their Faith
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M AY 1 , 201 5
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The Watchtower (ISSN 0043-1087) is published What Will

God’s Kingdom
Accomplish?
r
25 Columbia Heights, Brooklyn, NY 11201-2483, IS THE END
NEAR?
THIS MAGAZINE
Printed in Canada.
COVER SUBJECT
“THE END” When you hear the words “The end is near!” what
comes to mind? Do you think of a wild-eyed preacher
thundering from the pulpit and gesturing dramatically,
WHAT DOES Bible in hand? Or do you picture a bearded old man
standing on a street corner, wearing a long robe tied at
IT MEAN? the waist with a rope, holding a sign bearing a dooms-
day message? Imagining such scenes may make some
people feel concerned, while others may feel skeptical
or even amused.
The Bible does state: “The end will come.” (Matthew

24:14) The same event is also called “the great day of
God” and “Armageddon.” (Revelation 16:14, 16) True,
there is much religious confusion on the subject and
strange, gloomy notions abound. Nonetheless, the Bible
itself is quite clear about the end—revealing what it
is and what it is not. God’s Word also helps us to see
clearly whether the end is near. Best of all, it teaches
us how to survive! First, though, let us clear up some
misconceptions and establish a definition. What does
“the end” really mean according to the Bible?
MAY 1, 2015 3
WHAT THE END IS NOT 3. THE END IS NOT TRIGGERED BY HUMANS OR
BY DEBRIS HURTLING THROUGH SPACE.
1. THE END IS NOT AN EPIC, FLAMING
What will bring about the end? Revelation 19:11
DESTRUCTION OF THE EARTH.
says: “I saw heaven opened, and look! a white
The Bible states: “[God] has established the earth horse. And the one seated on it is called Faithful
on its foundations; it will not be moved from its and True.” Verse 19 continues: “And I saw the
place forever and ever.” (Psalm 104:5) That scrip- wild beast and the kings of the earth and their ar-
ture and others assure us that God will neither mies gathered together to wage war against the
destroy the earth nor allow it to be destroyed one seated on the horse and against his army.”
—ever!—Ecclesiastes 1:4; Isaiah 45:18. (Revelation 19:11-21) Though much of the lan-
guage here is symbolic, we can readily discern
2. THE END IS NOT A RANDOM, this much: God will send an army of angelic crea-
UNSCHEDULED EVENT. tures to exterminate his enemies.
The Bible reveals that the end is scheduled—God
has set a specific time for it. We read: “Concern-
ing that day or the hour nobody knows, neither WHAT THE END IS
the angels in heaven nor the Son, but the Father.
Keep looking, keep awake, for you do not know 1. THE END OF FAILING HUMAN
when the appointed time is.” (Mark 13:32, 33) GOVERNMENTS.
Clearly, God (“the Father”) has scheduled the ex- The Bible explains: “The God of heaven will set
act “appointed time” when he will initiate the up a kingdom [government] that will never be
end. destroyed. And this kingdom will not be passed
The Bible’s message about the end is good news rather than bad
4
on to any other people. It will crush and put an 4. THE END OF PEOPLE WHO PERPETUATE
end to all these kingdoms, and it alone will stand AND SUPPORT THE CURRENT STATE OF
forever.” (Daniel 2:44) As was stated earlier, in AFFAIRS.
point 3, there will be an extermination of “the Jesus Christ said: “Now this is the basis for judg-
kings of the earth and their armies,” who will ment: that the light has come into the world,
have “gathered together to wage war against the but men have loved the darkness rather than
one seated on the horse and against his army.” the light, for their works were wicked.” (John
—Revelation 19:19. 3:19) The Bible describes an earlier worldwide
destruction during the time of the faithful man
2. THE END OF WAR, VIOLENCE, Noah. “The world of that time suffered destruc-
AND INJUSTICE. tion when it was flooded with water. But by the
“[God] is bringing an end to wars throughout the same word the heavens and the earth that now
earth.” (Psalm 46:9) “Only the upright will reside exist are reserved for fire and are being kept un-
in the earth, and the blameless will remain in it. til the day of judgment and of destruction of the
As for the wicked, they will be cut off from the ungodly people.”—2 Peter 3:5-7.
earth, and the treacherous will be torn away from Note that the upcoming “day of judgment and
it.” (Proverbs 2:21, 22) “Look! I am making all of destruction” is compared with the destruc-
things new.”—Revelation 21:4, 5. tion of “the world” of Noah’s time. What world
was destroyed? Our planet survived; it was
“the ungodly people”—God’s enemies—who “suf-
3. THE END OF RELIGIONS THAT HAVE FAILED fered destruction.” During God’s upcoming “day
GOD AND HUMANS. of judgment,” those who choose to be God’s
“The prophets prophesy lies, and the priests enemies will likewise be destroyed. But God’s
dominate by their own authority. . . . But what friends will be preserved, as were Noah and his
will you do when the end comes?” (Jeremiah 5: family.—Matthew 24:37-42.
31) “Many will say to me in that day: ‘Lord, Lord, Imagine how splendid this earth will be af-
did we not prophesy in your name, and expel deter God eliminates all wicked influences! Clearly,
mons in your name, and perform many powerful the Bible’s message about the end is good news
works in your name?’ And then I will declare to rather than bad. Still, you may wonder: ‘Does the
them: ‘I never knew you! Get away from me, you Bible tell us when the end will come? Could it be
workers of lawlessness!’ ”—Matthew 7:21-23. near? How can I survive it?’
AFTER THE END What will it be like after the end? Many scriptures describe that wonderful
time. For example: “ ‘[God] will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no
more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed
away.’ And the One seated on the throne said: ‘Look! I am making all things new.’ ” (Revela-
tion 21:4, 5) The end does not have to mean the end of your life. God wants us to survive,
and he tells us how.
IS THE END NEAR?
Will God let humans continue to dominate one would also accompany the next three warning
another and threaten the future of mankind? No, signals.
as we have seen, he will step in and bring an end
2. THE ATTITUDES OF PEOPLE The Bible says
to centuries of misery and oppression. The Cre-
that “the last days”—the time period leading to
ator of humans and the earth wants you to know
the end—would be marked by a major deteriora-
that his time to take action is approaching. How tion of peoples’ attitudes. We read: “Men will be
does he reveal that vital knowledge? lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful,
Consider this illustration: When you travel by haughty, blasphemers, disobedient to parents,
car, you might first consult online sources, maps, unthankful, disloyal, having no natural affec-
and written directions. Then, as you see signs tion, not open to any agreement, slanderers,
and landmarks that match what the directions without self-control, fierce, without love of
say, you gain confidence that you are nearing goodness, betrayers, headstrong, puffed up with
your destination. In a similar way, God has giv- pride, lovers of pleasures rather than lovers of
en us his Word, which describes striking global God.” (2 Timothy 3:1-4) True, disrespect for fel-
trends. As we see those landmark events unfold- low humans is not new, but only in “the last
ing, we become convinced that we are in the time days” would that spirit reach such extremes that
period leading up to the end. the era could rightly be described as “critical
The Bible explains that world history would times hard to deal with.” Have you noticed this
reach a unique, pivotal time period that would ugly downward trend in people’s attitudes?
culminate in the end. That time would see a com- 3. THE EARTH IS BEING RUINED The Bible states
bination of worldwide events and circumstances that God will “bring to ruin those ruining the
that differs from anything in mankind’s histo- earth.” (Revelation 11:18) In what ways would
ry. Consider some of the features mentioned in people be ruining the earth? The time period
God’s Word. when Noah lived was described in a similar way:
1. WORLDWIDE UPHEAVALS A prophecy record- “The earth had become ruined in the sight of the
ed in Matthew chapter 24 lists events on the true God, and the earth was filled with violence.
earth that would make up a composite sign. That Yes, God looked upon the earth, and it was ru-
sign would mark “the conclusion of the system ined.” So God said of that corrupt society: “I am
of things” and lead to the time when “the end bringing them to ruin.” (Genesis 6:11-13) Have
will come.” (Verses 3, 14) These features include you noticed the mounting evidence that the earth
major wars, food shortages, earthquakes in one is becoming filled with violence? Additionally,
place after another, an increase of lawlessness, a humans have arrived at a unique point in history:
lack of love, and sly efforts by religious leaders to They have the potential literally to ruin the earth
mislead people. (Verses 6-26) Of course, to some by wiping out all human life on it. They have the
extent, such events have been taking place for weaponry in their hands. And the earth is be-
centuries. However, as the end approaches, they ing ruined in another way. The systems that sup-
would all occur in the same troubled era. They port life on earth—the air we breathe, the animal
6 THE WATCHTOWER
God’s Kingdom is being proclaimed
worldwide in hundreds of languages
and plant ecosystems, the oceans—are steadily

being degraded because of human mismanage-
ment.
Ask yourself, ‘Just over a century ago, did
mankind even have the power of complete self-
destruction?’ But now humans are exerting that
power by amassing advanced weaponry and by The Web site www.jw.org focuses on “this
devastating the environment. The rapid devel- good news of the Kingdom.” The site features lit-
opments in technology seem to be outpacing erature explaining that message in over 700 lan-
man’s ability to understand or control the conse- guages. Do you know of any other initiative that
quences. However, earth’s destiny is not for man emphasizes the Kingdom good news to such a
to decide or control. Before all life on this earth is global extent? Long before the Internet was avail-
eradicated, God will step in to destroy those de- able, Jehovah’s Witnesses had gained a reputa-
stroying the earth. That is his promise! tion for their efforts to spread the good news
4. A GLOBAL PREACHING WORK Another part about God’s Kingdom. Since 1939, the cover of
of the sign of the end foretold that an unprece- each issue of The Watchtower magazine has dis-
dented work would be under way: “This good played the words “Announcing Jehovah’s King-
news of the Kingdom will be preached in all the dom.” A book on religions commented that the
inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations, preaching work of Jehovah’s Witnesses has been
and then the end will come.” (Matthew 24:14) “almost unparalleled in its intensity and scope.”
This preaching campaign would differ signif- This witnessing emphasizes the good news that
icantly from most religious proselytizing carried very soon “the end will come” through the action
out over the centuries. During the last days, a of God’s Kingdom.
specific message would be emphasized, “this
good news of the Kingdom.” Do you know of any A PIVOTAL POINT IN WORLD HISTORY
religious group that highlights that particular Have you noticed that all four of the Bible’s
message? And even if some seem to be preach- warning signals described in this article have
ing such a message, are they a local group, or been evident during your lifetime? For over one
have they spread this good news to “all the in- hundred years, this magazine has been provid-
habited earth for a witness to all the nations”? ing its readers with information about world
DOOMSDAY PROPHETS? Jehovah’s Witnesses are not doomsday prophets. They have been
sharing a positive message about the future for over one hundred years. For example, their
1958 convention talk, “God’s Kingdom Rules—Is the World’s End Near?” explained that
“God’s kingdom comes, not to destroy this earth, but to destroy Satan’s world. God’s king-
dom comes, not to burn up this earth, but to bring to pass God’s will here on earth as well
as in heaven. For that reason the earth is worth preserving as God’s creation; and God will
preserve it for all eternity.”
events to help them personally verify that we are Nations Security Council about major threats to
nearing the end. Of course, some skeptics dis- the existence of mankind. Those scientists testi-
agree, asserting that facts and statistics are sub- fied: “A careful review of these threats leads us to
jective and can be manipulated. They also claim conclude that the risk of civilization-threatening
that since worldwide communication continues technological catastrophe remains high.” Many
to increase, world conditions only appear to be people are increasingly convinced that we have
worsening. Nonetheless, there is ever-increasing reached a pivotal point in world history. The
evidence that we are at the conclusion of a publishers of this magazine and many of its read-
unique period in the history of humanity. ers have no doubt that this unique period really
Some experts feel that we are approaching is the last days and that the end is near. But rath-
major changes to this earth. For example, in er than dreading the future, you can be happy
2014, the Science and Security Board of the Bul- about the outcome. Why is that so? Because you
letin of the Atomic Scientists warned the United can survive the end!
MANY WILL
SURVIVE THE END
YOU CAN TOO
The Bible informs us that the end will involve de- devotion, as you await and keep close in mind
struction: “There will be great tribulation such as the presence of the day of Jehovah.” (2 Peter 3:10-
has not occurred since the world’s beginning un- 12) The context shows that “all these things” that
til now . . . In fact, unless those days were cut are to be dissolved include the ruling elements of
short, no flesh would be saved.” (Matthew 24:21, this corrupt world and all those who choose such
22) But God promises us that many humans will rulership rather than God’s. Clearly, if we were
survive: “The world is passing away . . . , but the to stockpile material goods, that would not save
one who does the will of God remains forever.” us from such a destruction.
—1 John 2:17. Really, our survival involves being devoted to
If you want to survive the passing of this Jehovah God and learning about the kind of con-
world and ‘remain forever,’ what should you do? duct and deeds that please him. (Zephaniah 2:3)
Should you start stockpiling supplies or mak- Rather than following the majority today and
ing other physical preparations? No. The Bible ignoring the clear signals that we are living in
strongly urges us to set different priorities. We such important times, we need to “keep close in
read: “Since all these things are to be dissolved in mind the presence of the day of Jehovah.” Jeho-
this way, consider what sort of people you ought vah’s Witnesses can show you from the Bible how
to be in holy acts of conduct and deeds of godly you can be a survivor of this upcoming day. ˇ
8 THE WATCHTOWER
DID YOU KNOW?
Does archaeology support the Bible record?

An article published in Biblical Archaeology Review stated that
the existence of “at least 50” individuals mentioned in the He-
brew Scriptures can now be confirmed by the findings of ar-
chaeologists. Among these are 14 kings of Judah and Israel, in-
cluding such well-known figures as David and Hezekiah, and
the lesser-known Menahem and Pekah. The list also includes
5 Pharaohs and 19 kings of Assyria, Babylonia, Moab, Persia,
and Syria. Monarchs are not the only ones to appear in both the
Biblical and archaeological record, however. So do lesser fig-
ures, such as high priests, a scribe, and other officials.
For all those individuals, there is “a substantial amount of
scholarly agreement” for a firm identification, states the article.
Of course, the Christian Greek Scriptures refer to many other
historical figures, and there is archaeological evidence to sup-
port a number of them as well—such as Herod, Pontius Pilate,
Tiberius, Caiaphas, and Sergius Paulus. ˇ
ASSYRIAN KING SARGON II,
MENTIONED AT ISAIAH 20:1
Photograph taken by courtesy
of the British Museum
When did lions disappear from Bible lands?

Although there are no lions in the wild in the Holy Land to-
day, some 150 Scriptural references to this animal show that
it was familiar to Bible writers. Most of those references are
figurative; yet, some record actual encounters with lions. Sam-
son, David, and Benaiah, for example, are credited with killing
lions. (Judges 14:5, 6; 1 Samuel 17:34, 35; 2 Samuel 23:20)
Other individuals were slain by lions.—1 Kings 13:24; 2 Kings
17:25.
In ancient times, the Asiatic lion (Panthera leo persica)
ranged from Asia Minor and Greece to Palestine, Syria, Meso-
potamia, and northwest India. Feared and respected, the an-
imal often appeared in ancient Near Eastern art. Outstand-
ing glazed-brick depictions of lions decorated ancient Babylon’s
Processional Way.
Crusaders reportedly hunted lions in Palestine toward the
end of the 12th century C.E. Lions seem to have become extinct
A GLAZED-BRICK FRIEZE in the area shortly after 1300. However, their presence was
FROM ANCIENT BABYLON
Courtesy of Archaeological Museum of Istanbul
still reported in Mesopotamia and Syria until the 19th century
and in Iran and Iraq as late as the first part of the 20th cen-
tury. ˇ
MAY 1, 2015 9
I learned that
Jehovah is merciful
and forgiving
MY PAST: I grew up in a depressed area in the city
of Montreal. When I was six months old, my father
died, which left my mother with all the household
responsibilities. I was the youngest in a family of eight
children.
As I grew up, my everyday life revolved around drugs,
gambling, violence, and association with criminals. At the
age of ten, I began running errands for prostitutes and
loan sharks. I lied often and took pleasure in manipulat-
ing people in any fraudulent way I could. It was like a drug
for me.
AS TOLD BY
By the time I was 14, I excelled in devising ways to
NORMAND PELLETIER
trick people. For example, I would buy large quantities
of gold-plated watches, bracelets, and rings, mark them
as 14-carat gold with an engraver’s stamp, and then sell
YEAR BORN them on the street and in the parking lots of shopping
1954 centers. I was fascinated with making easy money. One
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN time, I made $10,000 in a single day!
CANADA After I was expelled from reform school at age 15, I had
HISTORY nowhere to live. I slept on the streets, in parks, or in the
DEFRAUDER, homes of casual friends who took me in.
GAMBLER Because of my fraudulent activities, I was often ques-
tioned by the police. Since I was not selling stolen goods,
I was never sent to jail. However, I did pay many hefty
fines for fraud, false representation, and selling without a
permit. Fearing no one, I even collected money for loan
sharks. That was dangerous, and at times I carried a gun.
On some occasions I worked with organized crime.
HOW THE BIBLE CHANGED MY LIFE: I first came in contact
with the Bible when I was just 17. I was living with
my girlfriend when she began to study the Bible with
Jehovah’s Witnesses. However, I objected to the Bible’s
10 THE WATCHTOWER
moral restrictions, so I left her and went to live
with another woman, whom I was dating.
The turning point came when my second girl-
friend too started to study with the Witness-
es! She made changes in her life, and I was im-
pressed that she was becoming milder and more
patient. I accepted an invitation to a meeting at
the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses. I was
welcomed by people who were decent and kind.
What a contrast to the world I knew! I had never
felt wanted by my family; I felt deprived of affec-
tion and tenderness throughout my childhood. I am alive today because of
The warmth I experienced among Jehovah’s Wit-
nesses was exactly what I craved. When the Wit- applying Bible principles
nesses offered to study the Bible with me, I glad-
ly accepted. to look for a job. I told potential employers that I
What I was learning from the Bible probably wanted to change my life and do an honest day’s
saved my life. I had been planning a robbery work. At times, I explained that I was studying
with two partners in order to get free of my gam- the Bible and that my desire was to become a bet-
bling debts, which amounted to more than $50,- ter citizen. Many potential employers refused to
000. But how glad I am that I backed out! My for- hire me. Finally, after I openly disclosed my trou-
mer partners went ahead with the robbery. One bled past during yet another interview, the inter-
of them was arrested, and the other was killed. viewer said: “I don’t really know why, but some-
As I continued to study the Bible, I came to see thing tells me that I should hire you.” I believe
just how many changes I needed to make. For ex-
that this was the answer to my prayers. In time,
ample, I learned what the Bible says at 1 Corin-
both my wife and I were baptized as Jehovah’s
thians 6:10: “Thieves, greedy people, drunkards,
Witnesses.
revilers, and extortioners will not inherit God’s
Kingdom.” When I read that verse, the gravity of HOW I HAVE BENEFITED: I am alive today because
my situation brought me to tears. I realized that I of applying Bible principles and living a Christian
needed to transform my life completely. (Romans way of life. I have a fine family of my own.
12:2) I was violent and aggressive, and my whole Convinced that Jehovah has forgiven me, I enjoy
life was built on lies. a clean conscience.
However, I also learned from studying the Bi- For the past 14 years, I have served in the full-
ble that Jehovah is merciful and forgiving. (Isaiah time ministry, helping others to learn what the Bi-
1:18) I prayed intensely, begging Jehovah to help ble teaches, and recently, my wife has joined me
me break free from my former lifestyle. With his in the full-time ministry. Over the past 30 years, I
help, I was able gradually to make over my per- have had the joy of helping 22 of my coworkers to
sonality. A key step came when my girlfriend and begin worshipping Jehovah. I still go to shopping
I legalized our marriage. centers—but not to defraud people as I once did.
I was 24 years old and married with three chil- Now when I go there I often share my faith with
dren. Now I had to find a legitimate line of work. others. I want to give them something: the hope
Yet I had little education and no references. of living in a future new world that will be free of
Again, I fervently prayed to Jehovah. Then I went defrauders.—Psalm 37:10, 11. ˇ
MAY 1, 2015 11
IMITATE THEIR FAITH JOSEPH
“Am I in the Place of God?”

OSEPH stood in his garden as dusk fell. Per- the nation’s surplus grain. During that time, he
J haps his gaze took in date palms and oth-
er fruit trees, pools with water plants, and just
had fathered two boys by his wife, Asenath. Still,
his mind often turned to his family hundreds of
beyond the wall, a glimpse of Pharaoh’s palace. miles away—especially his younger brother, Ben-
Imagine that stray snatches of sound drifted to jamin, and their dear father, Jacob. Joseph may
Joseph from his own house; his son Manasseh have wondered if they were well and safe. Per-
was making his baby brother, Ephraim, giggle. haps he wondered, too, if his older brothers had
Joseph could picture the scene inside, his wife changed their violent ways or if he could ever
laughing gently at the boys’ antics. He smiled. heal the breach that had torn his family apart.
He knew that he was a blessed man. If the peace of your family has ever been dis-
Joseph had given his firstborn the name Ma- rupted by jealousy, betrayal, or hatred, you may
nasseh because it referred to forgetfulness. have something in common with Joseph. What
(Genesis 41:51) God’s blessings in recent years can we learn from Joseph’s faith as he took care
had surely soothed the pain of Joseph’s memo- of his family?
ries of his home, his brothers, and his father. His
older brothers’ hatred for him had changed his “GO TO JOSEPH”
life. They had assaulted him, contemplated kill- The days were busy for Joseph, and the years
ing him, and then sold him as a slave to travel- fled by. Just as Jehovah foretold in the dream
ing merchants. Since then, his life had taken one he sent to Pharaoh, the seventh year of bump-
tumultuous turn after another. For about a doz- er crops was followed by a drastic change. The
en years, he had endured slavery and then im- crops failed! Soon famine loomed over all the
prisonment—for a time in iron fetters. But now, neighboring lands. As the Bible notes, though,
here he was—the second ruler to Pharaoh in the “in all the land of Egypt there was bread.” (Gen-
mighty nation of Egypt!1 esis 41:54) No doubt, Joseph’s inspired predic-
For several years, Joseph had seen events un- tion and his example of good organization were
folding just as Jehovah had foretold. Egypt was benefiting the Egyptian people.
well into the prophesied seven years of plentiful The Egyptians may have felt indebted to Jo-
harvests, and Joseph had overseen the storing of seph and praised his skill as an organizer. Still,
Joseph would not have wanted credit to go any-
1 See the “Imitate Their Faith” articles in the August 1, 2014;
November 1, 2014; and February 1, 2015, issues of The Watch-
where but to his God, Jehovah. If we use any gifts
tower. we may have in humble service to our God, he
12 THE WATCHTOWER
may put them to use in ways that exceed any- it his older brothers. That was the last Jacob
thing we could ever imagine. had seen of the boy. The older sons had brought
In time, though, the Egyptians too felt the bite home Joseph’s elegant coat—a mark of his fa-
of the famine. When they cried out to Pharaoh ther’s love and regard—all torn and bloodied.
for aid, he simply directed them: “Go to Joseph, They led the heartbroken old man to believe that
and do whatever he tells you.” So Joseph began Joseph had been eaten by wild beasts.—Genesis
to open up the granaries where the surplus grain 37:31-35.
was stored, and the people could buy what they
needed.—Genesis 41:55, 56. “JOSEPH IMMEDIATELY REMEMBERED”
In the surrounding lands, however, people After a long journey, the sons of Jacob reached
were not so fortunate. Hundreds of miles away Egypt. When they inquired about purchasing
in Canaan, Joseph’s family was suffering. Aged grain, they were directed to a high government
Jacob heard that there was grain in Egypt, so he official named Zaphenath-paneah. (Genesis 41:
told his sons to go down there to buy foodstuffs. 45) Did they know when they saw him that he
—Genesis 42:1, 2. was Joseph? Not at all. They saw only a high-
Jacob sent ten sons but not the youngest, Ben- ranking Egyptian ruler, one whose help they
jamin. Jacob remembered only too well the time needed. To show deference, they did what was
when he sent his beloved Joseph alone to vis- natural: They “bowed low to him with their faces
to the ground.”—Genesis 42:5, 6.
Because he remained humble, Joseph remained What about Joseph? He recognized his broth-
useful to Jehovah ers right away! What is more, when he saw
them there bowing before him, his thoughts flew
back to his boyhood. The account tells us that
“Joseph immediately remembered the dreams”
that Jehovah had given him when he was but a
boy, dreams foretelling a time when his broth-
ers would be bowing low before him—exactly as
they now were! (Genesis 37:2, 5-9; 42:7, 9) What
would Joseph do? Embrace them? Take revenge?
Joseph knew that he must not act on his im-
pulses, whatever they might be. Jehovah was
clearly guiding this remarkable turn of events.
His purpose was involved. He had promised
to turn Jacob’s offspring into a mighty nation.
(Genesis 35:11, 12) If Joseph’s brothers were
still violent, selfish, unscrupulous men, the long-
term effects could be disastrous! Besides, were
Joseph to act impulsively, he might upset some
delicate balance back at home, perhaps even en-
dangering his father and Benjamin. Were they
even alive? Joseph decided to keep his identi-
ty concealed so that he could test out his broth-
ers and see what kind of men they had become.
MAY 1, 2015 13
Then he might know what Jehovah wanted him He sent them home and kept Simeon as a
to do. prisoner. He also had money concealed in the
You are not likely ever to find yourself in that bags of food that they took home. The brothers
unusual position. However, strife and division journeyed home and, with difficulty, persuad-
within the family are common in today’s world. ed Jacob to let them take his beloved Benjamin
When we face such challenges, we may tend sim- with them to Egypt. When they arrived in Egypt,
ply to follow our heart and act on our imper- they openly told Joseph’s steward of the mon-
fect impulses. It is much wiser to imitate Joseph ey they had found in their bags, offering to re-
and try to discern how God wants us to handle pay the full amount. That offer was admirable,
matters. (Proverbs 14:12) Remember, as impor- but Joseph needed to see more of their true na-
tant as it is to make peace with family members, ture. He provided them with a feast, barely con-
peace with Jehovah and his Son is even more vi- cealing how moved he was upon seeing Benja-
tal.—Matthew 10:37. min. Then he sent them on their way homeward,
again laden with food, but this time a silver cup
“YOU WILL BE TESTED” was hidden in Benjamin’s bag.—Genesis 42:26–
Joseph launched into a series of tests designed 44:2.
to reveal who his brothers were at heart. He start- Joseph then sprang his trap. He had his broth-
ed by speaking to them harshly, through an in- ers pursued, arrested, and accused of stealing
terpreter, accusing them of being foreign spies. the cup. When it was found in Benjamin’s bag,
To defend themselves, they told him about their all of them were brought back to Joseph. Now Jo-
family—including the key fact that they had a seph had a chance to learn what kind of men his
younger brother still at home. Joseph tried to brothers were. Judah acted as their spokesman.
hide his excitement. Was his little brother real- He pleaded for mercy, even offering that all 11 of
ly alive? Now Joseph knew how to proceed. He them become slaves in Egypt. Joseph countered
said: “By this you will be tested,” and then he that Benjamin alone must remain in Egypt as a
told them that he must see this youngest broth- slave but that all the rest of them must leave.
er. In time, he agreed to let them return home to —Genesis 44:2-17.
fetch the youngest if one of them would agree to Judah was moved to respond with an impas-
remain behind as a hostage.—Genesis 42:9-20. sioned speech. “He is the only remaining son
As the brothers talked matters over, unaware of his mother, and his father loves him,” Judah
that Joseph could understand them, they re- said. Those words must have touched Joseph, for
proached themselves for the terrible sin they had he was the older son of Jacob’s beloved wife Ra-
committed 20 years earlier. “We are surely being chel, who had died while giving birth to Benja-
punished on account of our brother,” they said, min. Joseph, like his father, evidently cherished
“because we saw his distress when he begged us memories of Rachel. Perhaps that connection
to show compassion, but we did not listen. That made Benjamin even dearer to Joseph.—Genesis
is why this distress has come upon us.” Joseph 35:18-20; 44:20.
understood what they were saying, and he had to Judah went on to implore Joseph not to en-
turn aside so that they could not see his tears. slave Benjamin. He even offered to become a
(Genesis 42:21-24) He knew, though, that real slave in Benjamin’s place. Then he concluded
repentance involves far more than a mere feel- with this heartrending plea: “How can I return
ing of regret over the consequences of a wicked to my father without the boy along with me? I
deed. So he proceeded with his test. could not bear looking on when this calamity
14 THE WATCHTOWER
Joseph saw that his brothers regretted what they had done to him
befalls my father!” (Genesis 44:18-34) Here, now, phetic blessings on his 12 sons. To Joseph, his
was evidence of a changed man. Not only did he 11th son, he gave the double portion usually due
show a repentant spirit but he even showed an the firstborn. Two of Israel’s tribes would come
admirable degree of empathy, selflessness, and from him. And what of Judah, the fourth son,
compassion. who excelled his brothers when he showed such
Joseph could bear no more. He had to release a repentant spirit? He received a great blessing:
the emotion that was pent up within him. Dis- The Messiah would come from his family line!
missing all his servants, he wept so loudly that —Genesis, chapters 48, 49.
the sound carried to Pharaoh’s palace. Then he When Jacob died at 147 years of age, Joseph’s
revealed himself at last: “I am Joseph your broth- brothers feared that their powerful sibling might
er.” He embraced his stunned brothers and kind- now seek revenge. But Joseph responded with
ly extended forgiveness for all that they had done a loving reassurance. He had long maintained
to him. (Genesis 45:1-15) He thus reflected the that since Jehovah was behind the family’s move
disposition of Jehovah, who forgives generously. to Egypt, his brothers should stop feeling bad
(Psalm 86:5) Do we do likewise? about what happened. Now he added this re-
markable question: “Am I in the place of God?”
“YOU ARE STILL ALIVE”! (Genesis 15:13; 45:7, 8; 50:15-21) Joseph saw Je-
When Pharaoh heard the whole story behind hovah as the perfect Judge. Who was Joseph,
the commotion in Joseph’s house, he invited Jo- then, to punish those whom Jehovah had forgiv-
seph to move his aged father to Egypt, along with en?—Hebrews 10:30.
the whole family. It was not too long, then, be- Do you ever find it a challenge to forgive? It
fore Joseph was finally reunited with his beloved can be especially hard when someone has done
father. Jacob wept and said: “Now I am ready to us deliberate harm. But if we forgive from the
die; I have seen your face and know that you are heart those who are truly repentant, we will help
still alive.”—Genesis 45:16-28; 46:29, 30. to heal many a wound—including our own. And
In fact, Jacob lived on for another 17 years in we will imitate the faith of Joseph and the exam-
Egypt. He lived long enough to pronounce pro- ple of his merciful Father, Jehovah. ˇ
MAY 1, 2015 15
What is Judgment Day?

In Bible times, God used judges to save his people
from injustice. (Judges 2:18) The Bible describes the
future Judgment Day as a happy time when Jehovah,
the Judge of all the earth, will save mankind from in-
justice.—Read Psalm 96:12, 13; Isaiah 26:9.
God has appointed Jesus to grant justice to both
the living and the dead. (Acts 10:42; 17:31) Many
people have died without knowing God. During Judg-
ment Day, Jesus will bring such people back to life so
that they might know and love the true God.—Read
Acts 24:15.
WHY WILL JUDGMENT DAY
BE A HAPPY TIME?
Why will Judgment Day last

a thousand years?
For more The dead will be raised during the thousand years.
information,
see page 213 (Revelation 20:4, 12) They will need time to learn
of this book, God’s ways and obey him. Contrary to popular opin-
published by ion, the Bible shows that people will be judged on the
Jehovah’s basis of what they do after their resurrection.—Read
WHAT DOES Witnesses Romans 6:7.
THE BIBLE
Really TEACH?
The Bible also describes a day of judgment that
Also available
at www.jw.org will occur suddenly before the thousand years begin.
That day is also called the end, as discussed in the
cover articles of this issue. In that day, God will re-
move all ungodly, wicked people. (2 Peter 3:7) There-
What Does the Bible Really Teach? fore, we should take care to prove our love for God.
—Read 2 Peter 3:9, 13.
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Science Has Its Limitations 6
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Life Story
A Legacy That Has Lasted Seven Generations 11
Who Is the Antichrist? 14
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COVER SUBJECT
How Science Affects Your Life

Science, according to one dictionary, is “the sys- are benefiting from some of the ways in which
tematic study of the nature and behaviour of the science has been a boon to humanity. Science
material and physical universe, based on obser- has affected your life in many positive ways.
vation, experiment, and measurement.” To do all THE REACH OF MODERN SCIENCE
of that is hard, often frustrating, work. Scientists
In an effort to expand their horizon, modern
struggle with experiments and observations for
scientists are searching deep into the natural
weeks, months, or even years. Sometimes their
world. Nuclear physicists peer into the inner
labors lead to dead ends, but in many cases they
workings of the atom, while astrophysicists trace
deliver benefits to mankind. Consider a few ex-
back billions of years, in an attempt to under-
amples.
stand the origin of the universe. As they probe
A European company has combined strong
deep and far, even into realms that are invisible
plastic and advanced filters to produce a device
and untouchable, some scientists feel that if the
that has made it possible for a person to avoid ill-
God of the Bible exists, they should be able to
ness from drinking contaminated water. Devices
find him.
like that one have been put to use during natural
Some prominent scientists and philosophers
disasters, such as the 2010 earthquake in Haiti.
go further. They carry on what science author
High above the earth, networks of satellites
Amir D. Aczel called “a scientific argument
make up what is called the Global Positioning against the existence of God.” For example, a
System (GPS). Originally designed for military world-famous physicist claimed that “the absence
applications, the GPS helps motorists, airplane of evidence for any God who plays an important
pilots, ship navigators, and even hunters and hik- role in the universe proves beyond a reasonable
ers to find their way. Thanks to the scientists who doubt that such a god does not exist.” Others al-
invented it, the GPS makes it easier to get to lude to the activity of the God of the Bible as
where you want to go. “magic” and “supernatural shenanigans.”1
Do you use a cell phone, a computer, or the In-
ternet? Have you seen that your health has im- 1 Some people reject the Bible because of past and present
church teachings, such as the belief that the earth is the center
proved or has been restored because of advanced of the universe or that God created the world in six 24-hour days.
medicine? Do you travel by airplane? If so, you —See the box “The Bible and Proven Scientific Facts.”
JUNE 1, 2015 3
However, the question must be asked: Has ˘ Cosmologists estimate
science learned enough about the natural world that about 95 percent
to be able to draw definitive conclusions? The of what makes up
simple answer is no. Science has made tremen- the universe is invisible
dous progress, but many scientists recognize that and undetectable by
scientific instruments.
there are still many unknowns and perhaps un-
They divide this
knowables. “We will never get to the bottom of strange entity into
things,” said physicist and Nobel laureate Ste- two categories, dark
ven Weinberg on understanding nature. Profes- matter and dark energy.
sor Martin Rees, Astronomer Royal of Great Brit- The nature of these
ain, wrote: “There may be things that humans remains unknown.
will never understand.” The truth is that much of
nature, from the tiny cell to the vast universe, still
remains beyond the grasp of modern science.
Note the following examples:
There are other unknowns that confound
scientists. Why is this important? A popular
science writer notes: “Our knowledge is vastly
˘ Biologists do not outstripped by our ignorance. For me, a life in
fully understand the science prompts awe and exploration over dog-
processes that take matism.”
place in living cells.
So if you wonder whether science is about to
How cells consume
energy, how they replace the Bible and dispense with belief in
produce proteins, God, consider this point: If brilliant scientists
and how they divide with their powerful instruments have been able
are questions science to gain only limited understanding of the natural
has not yet completely world, would it be logical to dismiss out of hand
answered.
the matters that lie beyond the reaches of science
to investigate? Quite to the point, at the end of a
˘ Gravity affects us lengthy article on the history and development
every second of every of astronomy, Encyclopedia Britannica concludes:
day. Yet it is some- “After almost 4,000 years of astronomy, the uni-
thing of a mystery verse is no less strange than it must have seemed
to physicists. They do
to the Babylonians.”
not know fully how
gravity pulls you down Jehovah’s Witnesses respect each person’s
to the ground when right to make a decision on this matter. We en-
you jump or how it deavor to follow the Biblical guideline: “Let your
keeps the moon in or- reasonableness become known to all.” (Philippi-
bit around the earth. ans 4:5) It is with that spirit that we invite you to
examine how science and the Bible harmonize
and complement each other.
4 THE WATCHTOWER
The Bible and Proven Scientific Facts
The Bible does not claim to be a textbook of scientific knowledge. Its writers, however,
did make accurate comments on matters that should interest scientists today. Here are
some examples.
Age of the earth How the earth

and the universe is suspended
Scientists estimate that the earth The Bible describes the earth
is about 4 billion years old and as suspended “upon nothing.”
that the universe was born some (Job 26:7) There is no mention
13 to 14 billion years ago. The Bible sets no of our planet resting on the shoulders of a giant
date for the creation of the universe. In no or on the backs of elephants that stand on a
place does it affirm that the earth is only a few turtle, as some popular myths of ancient times
thousand years old. The very first verse in the had it. Rather, the Bible leaves the door open to
Bible reads: “In the beginning God created the scientific discovery. In time, Nicolaus Copernicus
heavens and the earth.” (Genesis 1:1) That gen- and Johannes Kepler described how the planets
eral statement allows scientists to determine move around the sun driven by an invisible force.
the age of the physical world according to sound Isaac Newton later showed how gravitation gov-
scientific principles. erns the movement of all objects in space.
Preparation of the earth Instructions on disease

for human habitation control and hygiene
Genesis chapter 1 uses the term The book of Leviticus contains the
“day” to set out the stages in the instructions given to the Israelites
preparation of the earth for life on how they were to avoid out-
in all its diverse forms. The culminating event in breaks of contagious diseases, including the
this simple description was the appearance of practice of quarantine. And regarding sanitation,
humans. The Bible fixes no duration for the six the law recorded at Deuteronomy 23:12, 13 or-
creative “days.” Instead, it opens the door for dered the Israelites to care for their waste in a
modern scientists to study them and assign ac- private place outside their encampments. They
curate time spans to them. We know that the had to ‘cover their excrement’ in the ground. It is
creative “days” were much longer than 24-hour only in the last 200 years that scientists and doc-
days. tors have seen the need to set such standards.
The Bible information that you just read was written down many centuries ago. How did
those writers come up with such accurate information when even the most learned people
of their time were ignorant of such things? The Bible’s Author answers: “As the heavens are
higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts than your
thoughts.”—Isaiah 55:9.
Science Has Its Limitations
In recent times, a number of books setting out everything. Astrophysicist Carl Sagan wrote of
the views of the so-called new atheists have Ptolemy: “His Earth-centered universe held sway
come into circulation. These publications have for 1,500 years, a reminder that intellectual ca-
caught the attention of many and have brought pacity is no guarantee against being dead wrong.”
about no little discussion and debate. Regard- Today scientists face similar challenges in their
ing this, neuroscientist David Eagleman wrote: pursuits. Will they ever find a complete explana-
“Some readers walk away . . . with the impression tion of the universe? While it is proper to ac-
that scientists think they have the big picture knowledge the progress science has made and
solved.” Then he added: “But good science is al- the benefits it has brought us, it is also essential to
ways open-minded, and the history of science is bear in mind its limitations. Physicist Paul Davies
one of surprises.” observed: “The search for a closed logical scheme
Down through the ages, talented scientists that provides a complete and self-consistent ex-
have indeed made surprising breakthroughs in planation for everything is doomed to failure.”
their search for answers to puzzling questions Those words state an undeniable truth: Humans
about nature. Some, however, have also made se- cannot completely understand the natural world.
rious errors in the process. Isaac Newton was one So when assertions are made about the potential
of the greatest scientists of all time. He showed of science to provide an explanation of every-
how the force of gravitation binds the planets, thing that exists, it is only reasonable to take such
stars, and galaxies into one universe. He invent- assertions with reservations.
ed calculus, a branch of mathematics used in The Bible speaks of the wonders of nature in
computer design, space travel, and nuclear phys- these words: “Look! These are just the fringes
ics. However, Newton also pursued alchemy, a of [God’s] ways; only a faint whisper has been
pseudoscience that used astrology and magical heard of him!” (Job 26:14) There remains a vast
formulas in attempts to turn lead and other met- store of knowledge that is beyond human percep-
als into gold. tion and understanding. Admittedly, the words
Over 1,500 years before Newton, the Greek of the apostle Paul, written nearly 2,000 years
astronomer Ptolemy explored the heavens with ago, still hold true: “O the depth of God’s riches
his eyes alone. He tracked the planets across and wisdom and knowledge! How unsearchable
the night sky and was skilled as a mapmaker. his judgments are and beyond tracing out his
But he believed that the earth was the center of ways are!”—Romans 11:33. ˇ
6 THE WATCHTOWER
Guidance That Science Cannot Provide
While science offers knowledge of the natural world,
the Bible provides principles and guidance that lead to
peaceful human relations and a happy, satisfying way
of life. Consider the following examples.
Protection of
Crime Family
the natural
Prevention Happiness
world
Have regard for life Obey your parents Regarding polluters of various
“You must not murder.” “Children, be obedient to your kinds in ancient Israel, the
—Exodus 20:13. parents in union with the Lord, Bible stated: “The land has
“Everyone who hates his for this is righteous. ‘Honor been polluted by its inhabi-
brother is a murderer.” your father and your mother’ tants . . . Those inhabiting it
—1 John 3:15. is the first command with a are held guilty.” (Isaiah 24:
promise: ‘That it may go well 5, 6) God will hold wanton de-
Make and keep peace with you and you may remain stroyers of the environment
“Turn away from what is bad a long time on the earth.’ ” accountable. He will “bring to
and do what is good; seek —Ephesians 6:1-3. ruin those ruining the earth.”
peace and pursue it.” (Revelation 11:18) They will
—Psalm 34:14. Teach your children properly
not get away with their actions.
“Do not be irritating your chil-
“The fruit of righteousness is
dren, but go on bringing them
sown in peaceful conditions
up in the discipline and admo-
for those who are making
nition of Jehovah.”—Ephesians
peace.”—James 3:18.
6:4.
Shun violence “Do not be exasperating your
Clearly the
“Jehovah examines the children, so that they do not Bible fills our
righteous one as well as the become downhearted.”—Co-
wicked one; he hates anyone lossians 3:21. needs in ways
who loves violence.”—Psalm
11:5. Love and respect your that science
marriage mate
“Do not envy the violent man “Each one of you must love cannot
nor choose any of his ways, his wife as he does himself;
for Jehovah detests a devious on the other hand, the wife
person.”—Proverbs 3:31, 32. should have deep respect
for her husband.”—Ephesians
5:33.
OW do you feel when the thought of aging
H comes up? It fills many with concern, anx-
iety, and even dread. This is because aging is
How to Age usually associated with negatives, such as di-

minished looks, a frail body, memory loss, and
chronic diseases.
Gracefully However, the fact is that people differ great-

ly in the way they age. Some enjoy relatively
good health, physically and mentally, in their lat-
er years. Advances in medicine have enabled oth-
ers to treat or control chronic illnesses. As a re-
sult, in some lands more and more people are
living longer and healthier lives.
Nevertheless, whether confronted with age-
related problems or not, most people wish to be
able to age gracefully. How can this be done? In
part, doing so depends on our attitude and our
willingness and ability to adapt to this new phase
in life. To help in these areas, let us consider
some simple and practical Bible principles.
BE MODEST: “Wisdom is with the modest ones.”
(Proverbs 11:2) In this context, “the modest
ones” can refer to elderly ones who recognize and
come to terms with the limitations of their age,
not trying to deny or ignore them. Charles, 93, in
Brazil, is realistic when he says: “If you live long,
you will have to age. There is no way to turn back
the clock.”
Being modest, however, in no way means
adopting the defeatist attitude “I am old, and
there is nothing more for me.” Such an attitude
can sap one of enthusiasm. “If you become dis-
couraged in the day of distress, your strength will
be meager,” says Proverbs 24:10. Instead, a mod-
est person shows wisdom, making the best of a
situation.
Corrado, 77, in Italy, wisely says: “When you
drive uphill, you just change gears and avoid
stalling the engine.” Yes, adjustments need to be
made when someone grows older. Corrado and
his wife have developed a balanced approach to
domestic chores, following a moderately relaxed
BE MODEST schedule to avoid feeling completely drained of
8 THE WATCHTOWER
energy at the end of the day. Marian, 81, in Bra- BE POSITIVE: “All the days of the afflicted one are
zil, also has a down-to-earth approach to aging. bad, but the one with a cheerful heart has a con-
“I have learned to pace myself,” she says. “I take tinual feast.” (Proverbs 15:15) As you age, you
short breaks between tasks when necessary. I sit may experience negative feelings when you re-
down or lie down to read or listen to music. I have member your youthful vigor and the many things
learned to recognize and respect my limits.” you were once able to do. This is understandable.
However, make an effort not to be overcome by
BE BALANCED: “Women should adorn them- those negative feelings. Dwelling on the past can
selves in appropriate dress, with modesty and make your days gloomy and discourage you from
soundness of mind.” (1 Timothy 2:9) The expres- doing what you are still able to do. Joseph, 79, in
sion “appropriate dress” denotes balance and Canada, thinks positively: “I try to enjoy doing
good taste. Barbara, 74, in Canada, says: “I try to the things I can do and not cry over the things
look neat and clean. I don’t want to look dowdy that I used to do but can’t do now.”
with that ‘I’m old; I don’t care what I look like’ at- Reading and learning can also make you feel
titude.” Fern, 91, in Brazil, says: “I buy some new more positive, broadening your horizons. Thus,
clothes once in a while to boost my spirits.” And to the extent possible, be alert for opportunities
what can be said about older men? “I try my best to read and learn new things. Ernesto, 74, in the
to look smart, wearing clean and fresh clothes,”
Philippines, goes to the library and checks out in-
says Antônio, 73, in Brazil. Regarding personal
teresting books to read. He says, “I still enjoy the
hygiene, he adds: “I shower and shave daily.”
thrill of adventure, the joy of traveling beyond
On the other hand, it is important to avoid be-
the confines of home through the written word.”
coming concerned about your personal appear-
Lennart, 75, in Sweden, even took on the daunt-
ance to the point of failing to exercise “soundness
ing task of learning a new language.
of mind.” Bok-im, 69, in South Korea, has a bal-
anced view about clothes. She says: “I am quite BE GENEROUS: “Practice giving, and people will
aware that it is not appropriate for me to wear give to you.” (Luke 6:38) Make it a practice to
some of the clothes that I wore when I was young.” share some of your time and resources with
BE BALANCED BE POSITIVE BE GENEROUS
JUNE 1, 2015 9
others. This will give you a feeling of accomplish- bique, says: “I am friendly and treat others with
ment and happiness. Hosa, 85, in Brazil, makes dignity. I listen to what they have to say in or-
it a point to help others despite her physical lim- der to find out what they think and what they
itations. She says: “I call friends who are sick like.” José, 73, in Brazil, says: “People enjoy be-
or discouraged and write letters to them. Some- ing around good listeners—those who show em-
times I send them little gifts. I also like to cook a pathy and interest in others, who give a word of
meal or make a dessert for sick ones.” commendation at the right time, and who have a
Generosity begets generosity. “When you sense of humor.”
show love to others, they respond by giving you When expressing your thoughts, take care to
their love and affection,” says Jan, 66, in Sweden. ‘season your words with salt.’ (Colossians 4:6) Be
Yes, a generous person creates an atmosphere of thoughtful and encouraging.
warmth and appreciation that others find enjoy-
able. BE THANKFUL: “Show yourselves thankful.” (Co-
lossians 3:15) When receiving help, show appre-
BE FRIENDLY: “Whoever isolates himself pursues ciation for the attention. Expressions of thank-
his own selfish desires; he rejects all practical fulness help to cultivate good relationships. “My
wisdom.” (Proverbs 18:1) While there are times husband and I recently moved from a house to an
when you may want to be alone, avoid becom- apartment. We had dozens of friends helping us.
ing isolated and withdrawn. Innocent, 72, in Ni- We could not thank them enough. We sent per-
geria, enjoys the company of friends. “I joyfully sonalized thank-you cards and have had some of
associate with people of all ages.” Börje, 85, in them over for a meal since then,” says Marie-
Sweden, says: “I strive to be around young peo- Paule, 74, in Canada. Jae-won, 76, in South Ko-
ple. Their vitality makes me feel young again—at rea, appreciates the rides she gets to the King-
least on the inside.” Take the initiative to invite dom Hall. She says: “I am so grateful for all this
friends over occasionally. Han-sik, 72, in South help that I make a point of offering some money
Korea, says: “My wife and I like to invite friends for the gas. I sometimes prepare small gifts with
of all ages—elderly ones and teenagers—for a get- thank-you notes.”
together or dinner.” Above all, be thankful for life itself. “A live dog
Friendly people are communicative. But since is better off than a dead lion,” wise King Solo-
communication is a two-way street, you need to mon reminded us. (Ecclesiastes 9:4) Yes, with the
make it a point to be good company. Show per- right attitude coupled with willingness to adapt,
sonal interest in others. Helena, 71, in Mozam- it is possible to age gracefully. ˇ
BE FRIENDLY BE THANKFUL
LIFE STORY
A Legacy That Has Lasted

Seven Generations
AS TOLD BY KEVIN WILLIAMS
People say I am much like my father. My posture,

my eyes, and my sense of humor have all come from Learning about our family legacy,
him. But he has also passed on something else with my father
—a legacy treasured by seven generations of
my family. Let me explain.
On January 20, 1815, my ancestor Thomas 1 1 long hours in primitive conditions and tropical
Williams was born at Horncastle, England. His heat. They also confronted unspeakable horrors
mother died two years later, so he and his three —tribal war, strangling of widows, infanticide,
siblings were raised by their father, John Wil- and cannibalism—and the local people gener-
liams. John trained Thomas to be a carpenter, but ally resisted their message. Mary and her first-
Thomas aspired to a different career. born son, John, fell sick and nearly died. In 1843,
A religious revival was then sweeping through Thomas wrote: “My heart was overwhelmed
England. Preacher John Wesley had split off within me. . . . I was on the edge of desperation.”
from the Church of England to form the Soci- Yet he and Mary persevered, drawing strength
ety of Methodists, a group that emphasized from their faith in Jehovah God.
personal Bible study and evangelism. Wesley’s Thomas, meanwhile, put his carpentry skills
teachings spread like wildfire, and the Williams to good use by building the first European-style
family firmly embraced them. Thomas became house in Fiji. The dwelling featured a ventilated
a Wesleyan preacher and promptly volunteered raised floor and other innovations that aroused
for missionary work in the South Pacific. In great curiosity among the local Fijians. Just be-
July 1840, he and his bride, Mary, 2 landed at La- fore the house was completed, Mary gave birth to
keba Island,2 Fiji, a volcanic isle then inhabited her second son, Thomas Whitton 3 Williams, my
by cannibals. direct ancestor.
In 1843, Thomas senior helped to translate
LIVING AMONG CANNIBALS the Gospel of John into Fijian, a task that he
During their early years in Fiji, Thomas and found particularly challenging.1 He was, how-
Mary endured severe hardships. They labored ever, a gifted anthropologist with keen powers of
1 The number corresponds to the individual in the pictures on 1 Missionary John Hunt translated most of the Fijian New Tes-
pages 12 and 13. tament, which was published in 1847. The translation is note-
2 Formerly called Lakemba Island, it is located in Fiji’s eastern worthy in that it uses the divine name, “Jiova,” at Mark 12:36,
Lau Group. Luke 20:42, and Acts 2:34.
JUNE 1, 2015 11
Kingdom Hall,
Donnybrook,
Australia, 1947
3 4
2 Mary Williams 1 Phoebe Williams

(1816-1890) (1850-1926) 5
Thomas Williams, Thomas Whitton Arthur Bakewell

a Wesleyan minister Williams Williams
(1815-1891) (1841-1902) (1875-1959)
observation. He carefully recorded his research died soon afterward. His mother, Phoebe, and
in his book, Fiji and the Fijians (1858), a classic ac- his sisters, Violet and Mary, also became Bible
count of 19th-century Fijian life. Students. Violet became a full-time evangelizer,
As a result of his 13 years of toil in Fiji, Thom- or pioneer. Arthur said that she was “the finest
as’ health finally broke down, and he and his and the most zealous and earnest pioneer West-
family moved to Australia. After a long and dis- ern Australia produced.” Arthur was probably bi-
tinguished career as a clergyman, Thomas died ased, but Violet’s zealous example greatly influ-
at Ballarat, Victoria, in 1891. enced the next Williams generation.
In time, Arthur married and moved to Donny-
“GOLD” IN THE WEST
brook, a fruit-growing town in southwest West-
In 1883, Thomas Whitton Williams and his
ern Australia. There he was nicknamed “Old
wife, Phoebe, 4 moved their young family to
Mad 1914!” because of his zealous proclama-
Perth, Western Australia. Their second-oldest
tion of Bible prophecies pointing forward to that
child, Arthur Bakewell 5 Williams, my next direct
year.1 The teasing stopped when World War I
ancestor, was then nine years old.
broke out. Arthur regularly witnessed to custom-
When Arthur was 22, he sought his fortune
ers in a store that he owned, where he displayed
at Kalgoorlie, a gold-mining boomtown some
Bible literature prominently in the window.
370 miles (600 km) east of Perth. There he read
The window also displayed a sign that offered
some literature published by the Internation-
100 pounds to anyone who could prove the Trin-
al Bible Students, as Jehovah’s Witnesses were
ity—an unscriptural doctrine that Arthur firmly
then known. He also subscribed to Zion’s Watch rejected. No one ever collected the money.
Tower. Fascinated by what he read, Arthur be- The Williams’ home became a focal point for
gan sharing his newfound knowledge with oth- group Bible study and congregation meetings in
ers and holding meetings for Bible study. From Donnybrook. Later, Arthur built a Kingdom Hall,
those humble beginnings sprang the modern ac- or meeting place, in town—one of the first in
tivity of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Western Austra- Western Australia. Well into his 70’s, he would
lia.
Arthur also told his family about what he was 1 See the appendix topic “1914—A Significant Year in Bible
Prophecy” in the book What Does the Bible Really Teach?
learning. His father, Thomas Whitton, supported published by Jehovah’s Witnesses and available online at
Arthur’s association with the Bible Students but www.jw.org.
12 THE WATCHTOWER
In the 11
In India 10
Solomon Islands
Florence Williams
(1911-2003) 7 8 9 12
Arthur Lindsay
Williams Ronald Williams Geoffrey Williams Kevin Williams
(1904-1984) (1935-) (1962-) (1986-)
don a suit and tie, saddle up his old horse named mon Islands. Now nearly 80 years old, Gramp
Doll, and go preaching far and wide throughout still serves as a congregation elder and helps to
the Donnybrook district. build and renovate Kingdom Halls in Western
Arthur’s children were deeply affected by their Australia.
father, who was quiet and dignified, yet zealous.
HONORING MY HERITAGE
His daughter Florence 6 served as a missionary
Following our family legacy, my parents, Geof-
in India. His sons, Arthur Lindsay 7 and Thomas,
frey 9 and Janice 10 Williams, worked hard to raise
like their father, served as longtime congregation
my sister, Katharine, 11 and me 12 to value Chris-
elders.
tian principles. At age 13, I made those values
SWEET LADY WILLIAMS my own. While attending a Christian assembly, I
Arthur Lindsay Williams, my great grandfa- heard John E. Barr, a member of the Governing
ther, was known and loved for his kind disposi- Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses, urge young ones
tion. He always had time for people and treated in the audience: “Do not waste the most pre-
them with respect. He was also a champion ax- cious thing you have—the opportunity to know
man, winning 18 regional wood-chopping events and love Jehovah.” That night I dedicated my life
in 12 years. to Jehovah. Two years later, I started pioneering.
Arthur, however, was less than impressed Today, I enjoy preaching full-time with my
when his two-year-old son, Ronald 8 (my grand- wife, Chloe, in Tom Price, a remote mining town
father), took an ax to a small apple tree next to in the northwest of Western Australia. We work
the family home. Ronald’s mother carefully ban- part-time to care for our needs. My parents
daged the tree, and it eventually bore apples of and my sister, Katharine, and her husband, An-
exceptional sweetness. Dubbed the Lady Wil- drew, pioneer in Port Hedland, some 260 miles
liams apple, the new variety became a forebear (420 km) to the north. Dad and I also serve as
of the Cripps Pink apple, one of the world’s most congregation elders.
popular apple varieties. Seven generations ago, my ancestor Thomas
Ronald, or Gramp, as I call him, later turned Williams determined to serve Jehovah God. That
to more constructive pursuits. He and Grandma legacy of faith and service has been passed down
served for years as volunteer workers on Witness to me. I feel truly blessed to have such a rich spir-
construction projects in Australia and the Solo- itual heritage. ˇ
JUNE 1, 2015 13
Who Is the Antichrist?
ˇ A recent horror film was entitled Antichrist.
ˇ A popular music group named one of its albums Antichrist Superstar.
ˇ Friedrich Nietzsche, 19th-century philosopher, named one of his works The Antichrist.
ˇ Kings and emperors in the Middle Ages often called their opponents antichrists.
ˇ Martin Luther, German Reformation leader, labeled Roman Catholic popes as antichrists.
INCE the term “antichrist” has long been Christ or his representatives, but since “they
S used as a label for everything from mon-
archs to movies, it is only natural to ask: Who is
went out from us,” they deviated from true Bible
teachings. Furthermore, this group was present
the antichrist? Does this term have anything to at the time when John wrote his letter, in “the
do with us today? Surely the logical place to be- last hour,” presumably the end of the time of the
gin when searching for the identity of the anti- apostles.
christ is in the Bible, where the term appears five What else did John write regarding the anti-
times. christ? Speaking about false prophets, he
ANTICHRIST EXPOSED warned: “Every inspired statement that ac-
knowledges Jesus Christ as having come in the
The only Bible writer to use the word “anti-
flesh originates with God. But every inspired
christ” is the apostle John. How did he describe
statement that does not acknowledge Jesus does
the antichrist? Note these words in the first let-
not originate with God. Furthermore, this is the
ter bearing his name: “Young children, it is the
antichrist’s inspired statement that you have
last hour, and just as you have heard that the
antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists heard was coming, and now it is already in the
have appeared, from which fact we know that it world.” (1 John 4:2, 3) Then, in his second letter,
is the last hour. They went out from us, but they John reiterated this point: “Many deceivers have
were not of our sort . . . Who is the liar but the gone out into the world, those not acknowledg-
one who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is ing Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This is
the antichrist, the one who denies the Father and the deceiver and the antichrist.” (2 John 7) Clear-
the Son.”—1 John 2:18, 19, 22. ly, John understood the antichrist to be all who
What do we learn from those words? John deliberately spread religious deception about Je-
mentioned “many antichrists,” indicating that sus Christ and Jesus’ teachings.
the antichrist is, not an individual, but a col- “FALSE PROPHETS” AND “THE MAN OF
lective term. People or organizations making up LAWLESSNESS”
the antichrist spread lies, deny that Jesus is the Long before John wrote about such religious
Christ, or the Messiah, and try to distort the rela- deceivers, Jesus Christ advised his followers: “Be
tionship between God and His Son, Jesus Christ. on the watch for the false prophets who come to
Those who make up the antichrist claim to be you in sheep’s covering, but inside they are rav-
14 THE WATCHTOWER
The apostle John understood the antichrist to be
all who deliberately spread religious deception about
Jesus Christ and Jesus’ teachings
enous wolves.” (Matthew 7:15) The apostle Paul curs some 7,000 times in the original text of the
likewise warned Christians in Thessalonica: “Let Bible. The result? The identity of the true God
no one lead you astray in any way, because it [the becomes even more shrouded in mystery.
day of Jehovah] will not come unless the aposta- On the other hand, knowing God’s name, Je-
sy comes first and the man of lawlessness gets re- hovah, has helped many honesthearted worship-
vealed, the son of destruction.”—2 Thessalonians pers to draw closer to God. That was the experi-
2:3. ence of Richard, who recalls a conversation with
Hence, in the first century, false prophets and two of Jehovah’s Witnesses. “They showed me
apostates were already at work, endeavoring to from the Bible that the name of the true God
weaken the Christian congregation. All those in- is Jehovah,” explains Richard. “I was fascinated
volved in spreading lies and religious deception by the thought that God has a personal name,
about Jesus Christ and his teachings were includ- something I had never heard before.” From that
ed in John’s term “antichrist.” Jehovah’s view of
them was revealed when Paul described them as
“the son of destruction.”
BEWARE OF ANTICHRIST’S ACTIVITIES TODAY
What about today? People and organizations
Jesus warned that
making up the antichrist still oppose Christ and false prophets
his teachings. They deliberately spread lies and would come as
deceptions with the intent of confusing the iden- ‘ravenous wolves in
tity of the Father, Jehovah God, and of His Son, sheep’s covering’
Jesus Christ. We have good reason to beware of
such religious deceptions. Let us look at two ex-
amples.
For centuries, the churches propagated the
doctrine of the Trinity, claiming that the Father
and the Son are part of the same entity. The anti- point on, he made changes in his life to conform
christ thus shrouds in mystery the identity of to Bible standards and to please Jehovah. “Learn-
Jehovah God and Jesus Christ. This mystery hin- ing God’s name has helped me to develop a close
ders sincere people from imitating Jesus Christ relationship with him.”
and drawing close to God, as the Bible encour- For centuries, the antichrist has kept millions
ages them to.—1 Corinthians 11:1; James 4:8. in spiritual darkness. But by studying God’s
The churches add to the confusion by promot- Word, the Bible, we are able to learn the true
ing the use of Bible translations that omit God’s identity of the antichrist and be set free from the
personal name, Jehovah, from the text. They do antichrist’s religious lies and deceptions.—John
this despite the fact that the name Jehovah oc- 17:17. ˇ
JUNE 1, 2015 15
What makes a good parent?

A home in which parents love and respect each oth-
er is an excellent environment for a child to grow up
in. (Colossians 3:14, 19) Good parents love their chil-
dren and commend them, just as Jehovah God com-
mended his Son.—Read Matthew 3:17.
Our heavenly Father listens to his servants, and
he pays attention to their feelings. Parents do well to
learn from him and listen to what their children have
to say. (James 1:19) They should acknowledge their
children’s feelings, including negative expressions.
—Read Numbers 11:11, 15.
DO YOU TEACH YOUR CHILD
TO LOVE GOD?
How can you raise responsible
children?
For more
As a parent, you have the authority to make rules.
information,
What Does the see chapter 14 (Ephesians 6:1) Learn from God’s example. He ex-
Bible Really Teach? presses love for his children by clearly defining the
of this book,
published by rules and the consequences of disobeying them.
Jehovah’s (Genesis 3:3) But rather than force people to obey,
Witnesses he teaches them how to benefit from doing what is
Also available right.—Read Isaiah 48:18, 19.
at www.jw.org Make it your goal to help your children to love God.
Then they will act wisely even when they are not with
you. Just as God teaches by example, teach your chil-
Please send me a copy of dren to love God by your example.—Read Deuteron-
What Does the Bible Really Teach? omy 6:5-7; Ephesians 4:32; 5:1.
LANGUAGE _______________________________________________________________________
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ADDRESS __________________________________________________________________________
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How to Deal With Anxiety PAGES 3-9
Anxieties Are Everywhere! 3
earth into a paradise. It promotes Anxiety About Money 4
that we might gain everlasting life Anxiety About Family 6
and who is now ruling as King of Anxiety About Danger 8
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to the Bible as its authority. ALSO IN THIS ISSUE

My Life Was Going From Bad to Worse 10
Can We Really Please God? 12
Would you welcome
Did You Know? 15
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ported by voluntary donations. Unless otherwise JULY 1, 2 0 1 5
Holy Scriptures.
The Watchtower (ISSN 0043-1087) is published Will God Help Me

ety of New York, Inc.; L. Weaver, Jr., President; if I Pray?
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How to Deal With Anxiety
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COVER SUBJECT
ANXIETIES ARE
EVERYWHERE!
“I went to buy food but found only cookies
—for 10,000 times the normal price! The next
day, stores had no food at all.”—Paul, Zimbabwe.
“My husband sat me down and said he was leaving

us. How could I bear the betrayal? What would
happen to my children?”—Janet, United States.
“When the sirens go off, I run for cover and lie

on the floor as the rockets explode. Hours later
my hands still shake.”—Alona, Israel.
We live in times of anxiety, “critical times hard to deal

with.” (2 Timothy 3:1) Many are reeling from financial cri-
ses, family breakdown, war, deadly disease outbreaks, and
natural or man-made disasters. Add to this a variety of
personal worries: ‘Will the growth I discovered on my
body turn out to be cancer?’ ‘What kind of world will my
grandchildren grow up in?’
Not all anxiety is bad. We naturally feel some stress be-
fore a test, a performance, or a job interview. And a
healthy fear of danger helps us to avoid harm. But extreme
or constant anxiety is destructive. A recent series of stud-
ies involving more than 68,000 adults revealed that even
mild anxiety increases the risk of premature death. With
good reason, then, Jesus asked: “Who of you by being
anxious can add one cubit to his life span?” Indeed, worry
lengthens no one’s life. Jesus therefore advised: “Stop be-
ing anxious.” (Matthew 6:25, 27) But how is that even pos-
sible?
The answer involves applying practical wisdom, nurtur-
ing real faith in God, and building a reliable hope for the
future. Even if we do not now face dire circumstances, we
may in the future. So let us see how taking these steps has
helped Paul, Janet, and Alona to deal with anxiety.
JULY 1, 2015 3
ANXIETY ABOUT
MONEY
“After runaway inflation struck in our country,
food became expensive and scarce,” relates Paul,
a husband and father of two. “We stood in lines
for hours, but often the food ran out before we
got to the front of the line. People got terribly thin
from hunger, and some collapsed in the street.
Prices for basic needs soared into the millions,
then billions. Finally, the local currency became
valueless. I lost my bank account, insurance, and
pension.”
Paul was aware that, for his family to survive,
he had to use “practical wisdom.” (Proverbs 3:21)
“I was an electrical contractor, but I took what-
ever work I could find, at much less than nor-
mal pay,” he explains. “Some paid me in food or
household goods. If I was paid four bars of soap,
I’d use two and sell the others. I eventually got 40
chicks. When they got big, I sold them and bought
300 more. Later, I bartered 50 chickens for two
110-pound (50 kg) bags of cornmeal. From those
bags, I fed my family and several other families for
a long time.”
Paul also knew that the most practical thing
anyone can do is trust in God. When we do what
God commands, he helps us. In regard to obtain-
ing life’s necessities, Jesus said: “Stop being in
anxious suspense; for . . . your Father knows you
need these things.”—Luke 12:29-31.
Tragically, God’s great enemy, Satan, has
tricked most of the world into centering their lives
around physical concerns. People worry desper-
PAUL ately about their needs, real and imagined, and
strive anxiously to obtain things they do not real-
ly need. Many go into debt, learning the hard
way that “the borrower is a slave to the lender.”
—Proverbs 22:7.
4 THE WATCHTOWER
God has promised: “I will never leave you, and
I will never abandon you.”—Hebrews 13:5
Some people make damaging decisions. “Many “We now understand clearly that what humans
neighbors left their family and network of friends need to survive is, not work or money, but food.
to search for ‘greener pastures’ abroad,” relates We eagerly await the time when God’s promise will
Paul. “Some went without proper immigration be fulfilled: ‘There will be an abundance of grain
papers and were unable to find work. They of- on the earth.’ In the meantime, ‘having food and
ten found themselves hiding from the police and clothing, we will be content with these things.’ We
sleeping in the streets. They did not give God an draw strength from the Bible’s words: ‘Let your
opportunity to help them. But we resolved to way of life be free of the love of money, while you
face financial problems together as a family, with are content with the present things. For he has
God’s help.” said: “I will never leave you, and I will never aban-
don you.” So that we may be of good courage
FOLLOWING JESUS’ ADVICE and say: “Jehovah is my helper; I will not be
Paul continues: “Jesus said: ‘Never be anxious afraid.”’ ”1
about the next day, for the next day will have its It takes genuine faith to ‘walk with God’ as Paul
own anxieties. Each day has enough of its own and his family are doing. (Genesis 6:9) Whether
troubles.’ So my daily prayer was simply that God we now face a serious financial crisis or may face
would ‘give us today our bread for this day’ in or- one in the future, Paul’s example of faith and prac-
der for us to survive. And he did help, just as tical wisdom teaches us important lessons.
Jesus promised. We didn’t always get our first But what if family problems are causing us anx-
choice. Once, I got into a food line not knowing iety?
what was being sold. When I got to the front, I saw
1 See Psalm 72:16; 1 Timothy 6:8; Hebrews 13:5, 6.
that it was yogurt. I don’t like yogurt. But it was
food, so we ate yogurt that night. I am grateful to God helps faithful ones to find their
God that during that entire period, my family nev- “bread for this day”
er went to bed hungry.”1
“Things are easier for us financially at the mo-
ment. But through our experiences we have
learned that the most important antidote to anxi-
ety is trust in God. Jehovah2 will always help us as
long as we keep seeking to do his will. We have
seen the truthfulness of Psalm 34:8: ‘Taste and
see that Jehovah is good; happy is the man who
takes refuge in him.’ As a result, we are not afraid
of facing difficult economic circumstances again.
1 See Matthew 6:11, 34.
2 Jehovah is the name of God as revealed in the Bible.
JULY 1, 2015 5
ANXIETY ABOUT
FAMILY
“Shortly after my father died, my husband told
me that he was seeing another woman,” relates
Janet. “Soon afterward, without further warning
or good-bye, he emptied his closet and left me and
our two children.” Janet found a job, but her pay
was not enough for her to keep their house. And
she has faced more than just financial concerns.
“The crushing anxiety of all the new responsibili-
ties that I now had to handle alone was over-
whelming,” she recalls. “I felt guilty that I could
not provide as much for my children as other par-
ents do. And even now, I worry about how others
view me and my children. Do they wonder if I did
all I should have to preserve my marriage?”
Prayer helps Janet tame her feelings and nur-
ture her friendship with God. “Nighttime is the
hardest, when everything is so quiet and my anx-
ious thoughts are so loud. Praying and reading the
Bible help me to sleep. A favorite passage of mine
is Philippians 4:6, 7: ‘Do not be anxious over
anything, but in everything by prayer and sup-
plication along with thanksgiving, let your peti-
tions be made known to God; and the peace of
God that surpasses all understanding will guard
your hearts and your mental powers.’ I have spent
many nights in prayer and have felt Jehovah’s
peace comfort me.”
Jesus’ reassuring words about prayer in his Ser-
mon on the Mount apply to anxieties of all kinds:
“Your Father knows what you need even before
you ask him.” (Matthew 6:8) And we do need to
JANET ask him. Prayer is the primary way we can “draw
close to God.” The result of doing so? “He will
draw close to you.”—James 4:8.
Yes, prayer does more than simply make us feel
better for having expressed our anxiety. Jehovah,
6 THE WATCHTOWER
God is “a father of the fatherless and a
protector of widows.”—Psalm 68:5
the “Hearer of prayer,” also acts on behalf of all en. They are always there for me and are good ex-
who seek him in faith. (Psalm 65:2) That is why amples for my children.”1
Jesus taught his followers “always to pray and not “I know why Jehovah says at Malachi 2:16: ‘I
to give up.” (Luke 18:1) We must keep asking God hate divorce.’ For an innocent mate, it’s the deep-
for his direction and help, confident that he will est of betrayals. Years have passed since my hus-
reward our faith. We need never doubt his desire band left, but at times I still feel hollow inside.
or ability to act. To “pray constantly” in this way When I do, I try to do something to help someone
shows we have genuine faith.—1 Thessalonians else, and that always helps me too.” By thus apply-
5:17. ing the Bible principle to avoid isolating herself,
Janet lowers her anxiety.2—Proverbs 18:1.
WHAT HAVING FAITH “My greatest comfort,” Janet says, “comes
REALLY MEANS from knowing that God is ‘a father of the father-
But what really is faith? Faith involves “coming less and a protector of widows.’ He will never
to know” God as a person. (John 17:3) We do so abandon us as my husband did.” (Psalm 68:5)
first by absorbing God’s thoughts through the Bi- Janet knows that God does not test us “with evil
ble. We learn that he sees each of us and wants things.” On the contrary, he gives wisdom “gener-
to help us. Yet, real faith involves more than ously to all” and gives “power beyond what is nor-
just knowing something about God. It also means mal” to help us deal with our anxieties.—James 1:
having a bond of respectful friendship with him. 5, 13; 2 Corinthians 4:7.
As is true with a human friend, we cannot forge But what if we are anxious because our life is in
such a bond overnight. Our faith “continues to danger?
increase” over time as we learn more about him, 1 See 1 Corinthians 10:13; Hebrews 4:16.
as we “do the things pleasing to him,” and as we 2 For additional practical ways to deal with anxiety, see the cover
series “Are You in Control of Your Life?” in the July 2015 issue of
experience his active help. (2 Corinthians 10:15; Awake! available online at www.jw.org.
John 8:29) That is the kind of faith that helps
Janet deal with anxieties.
“What has truly helped build my faith is seeing
Jehovah’s hand every step of the way,” says Janet.
“Many times we faced injustices that seemed im-
possible to deal with. With much prayer, Jehovah
always made a way out for us that I never could
have figured out on my own. When I thank him, it
reminds me of how much he has done for me.
He has always come through for us at the right
time, often just in time. And he has given me true
friends who are genuine Christian men and wom-
JULY 1, 2015 7
ANXIETY ABOUT
DANGER
“When I hear the siren, my heart starts racing and
I run to a bomb shelter,” says Alona. “But even
there I feel anxious. It’s worse when I’m outside,
with no place to hide. Once, while just walking
down the street, I started to cry and couldn’t
breathe. It took me hours to calm down. Then the
siren went off again.”
War is only one of many sources of danger. For
example, the discovery that you or a loved one
has a life-threatening illness can make you feel as
though you have been hit by a bomb. And for oth-
ers, fear of the future can cause anxiety. They
worry, ‘Will our children, or their children, have
to live in a world of war, crime, pollution, climate
change, and epidemics?’ How can we deal with
such anxieties?
Knowing that bad things happen, “the shrewd
person sees the danger and conceals himself.”
(Proverbs 27:12) And just as we try to protect our
physical well-being, we can take steps to shield
our mental and emotional health. Violent enter-
tainment and even news reports filled with hor-
rific images add to our own and our children’s
anxiety. To avoid unnecessary exposure to these
things is not hiding our head in the sand. God
ALONA
With her
husband, Avi
8 THE WATCHTOWER
What About Professional Help?
If after taking practical steps you find that
did not design our minds to dwell on evil. In- anxiety continues to interfere with your daily
stead, we should fill them with “whatever things life, you may want to consult a doctor. When
are true, . . . righteous, . . . chaste, . . . lovable.” If anxiety grows out of proportion to the prob-
we do, “the God of peace” will give us peace of lems or the stresses a person is facing, it may
mind and heart.—Philippians 4:8, 9. indicate a deeper problem. Your doctor may
begin with a physical checkup, since anxiety
THE IMPORTANCE OF PRAYER is sometimes the result of an underlying medi-
Real faith helps us to deal with anxiety. The Bi- cal condition. From there the doctor may help
ble urges us to “be vigilant with a view to prayers.” you to decide on additional treatment.1
(1 Peter 4:7) We can ask God for his help and for 1 This magazine does not endorse any particular medical
the wisdom and courage to make the best of our treatment. Christians should make sure that any treatment
situation, confident that “he hears us concerning they pursue does not conflict with Bible principles. See also
the article “How to Help Those With Anxiety Disorders,” in the
whatever we are asking.”—1 John 5:15. March 2012 issue of Awake! available online at www.jw.org.
The Bible explains that Satan, not God, is “the
ruler of this world” and that “the whole world is
lying in the power of the wicked one.” (John 12:
31; 1 John 5:19) Therefore, Jesus used no mere
figure of speech when he taught us to pray: “De-
Today, despite all precautions, it is not always
liver us from the wicked one.” (Matthew 6:13)
possible to prevent “unexpected events” or to
“Whenever the siren goes off, I ask Jehovah to
avoid being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
help me control my feelings,” says Alona. “Also,
(Ecclesiastes 9:11) As they have for centuries, war,
my dear husband calls me and prays with me.
violence, and disease continue to kill good peo-
Praying really helps.” It is as the Bible says: “Jeho-
ple. What hope do those innocent victims have?
vah is near to all those calling on him, to all
Countless millions, their number known only to
who call on him in sincerity.”—Psalm 145:18, foot-
God, will live again. For now, they sleep, safe in
note.
God’s perfect memory, until the day when “all
OUR HOPE FOR THE FUTURE those in the memorial tombs will . . . come out.”
In his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus taught his (John 5:28, 29) Speaking of the resurrection,
followers to pray: “Let your Kingdom come.” the Bible assures us: “We have this hope as an
(Matthew 6:10) God’s Kingdom will root out anchor for the soul, both sure and firm.” (He-
all harmful anxiety forever. Through Jesus, the brews 6:19) And God “has provided a guarantee
“Prince of Peace,” God will bring “an end to wars to all men by resurrecting [Jesus] from the dead.”
throughout the earth.” (Isaiah 9:6; Psalm 46:9) —Acts 17:31.
“He [God] will render judgment among many peo- For now, even those who are trying to please
ples . . . Nation will not lift up sword against na- God will face anxieties. By taking practical steps,
tion, nor will they learn war anymore. . . . No one drawing close to God through prayer, and build-
will make them afraid.” (Micah 4:3, 4) Happy fam- ing faith in the Bible’s hope for the future, Paul,
ilies “will build houses and live in them, and they Janet, and Alona are all dealing successfully with
will plant vineyards and eat their fruitage.” (Isaiah anxiety. As he has in their case, “may the God who
65:21) “And no resident will say: ‘I am sick.’” gives hope fill you with all joy and peace by your
—Isaiah 33:24. trusting in him.”—Romans 15:13. ˇ
JULY 1, 2015 9
My life was going from

bad to worse
MY PAST: I grew up in Los Angeles, California, U.S.A., in various
neighborhoods infamous for their street gangs and drugs. My
parents had six children, of whom I was the second.
My mother raised us as members of an evangelical church.
However, as a teenager, I led a double life. On Sundays I sang in
the church choir. During the rest of the week, I lived to party,
abuse drugs, and commit sexual immorality.
I had a quick and violent temper. I would use anything as a
weapon to win. What I learned at church did not help. I used to
say, “Vengeance is the Lord’s—and I’m his instrument!” While
in high school during the late 1960’s, I was influenced by the
Black Panthers, a political group known for their militant ap-
proach to civil rights issues. I joined a civil rights student union.
AS TOLD BY On several occasions we staged protests, each time temporarily
STEPHEN MCDOWELL closing the school.
It seemed that protesting did not satisfy my violent nature.
So I started participating in hate crimes. For example, on occa-
YEAR BORN
sion my friends and I saw films featuring the past suffering of
1952 African slaves in the United States. Incensed by those injus-
tices, we assaulted white youths right there in the movie theater.
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN
Then we went to white neighborhoods, looking for more people
UNITED STATES
to beat up.
HISTORY By the time I was in my late teens, my brothers and I were con-
VIOLENT TEMPER firmed hoodlums. We got in trouble with the authorities. One of
my younger brothers was a member of a notorious gang, and I
associated with them. My life was going from bad to worse.
HOW THE BIBLE CHANGED MY LIFE: A friend of mine had parents
who were Jehovah’s Witnesses. They invited me to their
congregation meetings, and I accepted. From the very start, I
could see how different the Witnesses were. Everyone had
a Bible and used it during the meeting. Young people even
gave talks on the program! I was impressed to learn that God
has a name, Jehovah, and to hear it used. (Psalm 83:18) The
congregation was made up of many nationalities, but it was
obvious that there were no racial divisions.
10 THE WATCHTOWER
Initially, I did not want to study the Bible with to him, he dropped the radio and ran away. When
the Witnesses, but I liked going to their meetings. I related to the others with me how I got my radio
One night, while I was at a meeting of the Witness- back, an elder in the group asked me, “Stephen,
es, a group of my friends went to a concert. There, what would you have done if you had caught up
they beat a teenager to death because he would with him?” That question made me think and mo-
not give up his leather jacket. The next day, they tivated me to keep working at being peaceable.
bragged about the murder. They even laughed off In October 1974, I began serving as a full-time
their crime when being tried in court. Most of minister, spending 100 hours each month teach-
them were sentenced to life in prison. Needless to ing the Bible to others. Later, I had the privi-
say, I was very glad that I had not been with them lege of volunteering at the world headquarters
that night. I resolved to change my life and start of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Brooklyn, New York.
studying the Bible. In 1978, I returned to Los Angeles to care for
Having been exposed to so much racial preju- my ill mother. Two years later, I married my
dice, I saw things among the Witnesses that as- dear wife, Aarhonda. She was a great support
tounded me. For example, when a white Witness to me as we cared for my mother until Moth-
had to travel abroad, he left his children in the er’s death. In time, Aarhonda and I attended the
care of a black family. Also, a white family took Watchtower Bible School of Gilead and were as-
into their home a black youth who needed a place signed to Panama, where we continue to serve as
missionaries.
Since baptism, I have faced a number of poten-
I had to make my mind over so that tially explosive situations. I’ve learned either to
I not only acted peaceably but also walk away from people who are trying to provoke
saw this as the best way of life me or to defuse the situation in other ways. Many
people, including my wife, have commended me
on how I have handled these situations. I’ve even
to live. I became convinced that Jehovah’s Wit- surprised myself! I do not take credit for these
nesses fit the words of Jesus recorded at John 13: changes in my personality. Rather, I believe that
35: “By this all will know that you are my disciples they are testimony to the transforming power of
—if you have love among yourselves.” I knew I the Bible.—Hebrews 4:12.
had found a true brotherhood.
HOW I HAVE BENEFITED: The Bible has given my
From studying the Bible, I began to realize that life purpose and taught me to be truly peaceable. I
I needed to change my thinking. I had to make my don’t beat people up anymore; rather, I help them
mind over so that I not only acted peaceably but heal spiritually. I even studied the Bible with a
also saw this as the best way of life. (Romans 12:2) previous enemy from high school! After he was
Gradually, I made progress. In January 1974, I was baptized, we became roommates for a time. To
baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. this day, we are close friends. To date, my wife and
Even after I was baptized, however, I had to I have helped over 80 people to become Jehovah’s
keep working on my temper. For example, on one Witnesses by studying the Bible with them.
occasion while going from house to house in the I am profoundly grateful to Jehovah for giving
Christian ministry, I chased after a thief who had me a life full of meaning and happiness amid a
just stolen the radio from my car. As I got closer true brotherhood. ˇ
JULY 1, 2015 11
“[God] rescued righteous
Lot, who was greatly
distressed by the brazen
conduct of the lawless
people.”—2 Peter 2:7
The patriarch Job is described as “blameless and

Can We Really upright.” (Job 1:1, footnote) Lot was called a
“righteous man.” (2 Peter 2:8) And David was
Please God? said to do “what was right” in God’s eyes. (1 Kings
14:8) However, let us take a closer look at the lives
of those Bible characters. We will see that (1) they
Have you ever read about made mistakes, (2) we can learn much from their
example, and (3) imperfect humans really can
people who are described in please God.
the Bible in glowing terms and THEY MADE MISTAKES
said to yourself, ‘I can’t be like Job suffered a series of personal hardships that
them!’ You might reason, seemed unfair. He got the wrong idea, concluding
that God did not care whether he kept his faith in
‘I’m not blameless or righteous, Him or not. (Job 9:20-22) Job was so convinced
and I definitely don’t always of his own righteousness that to others it sounded
as though he were proclaiming himself more righ-
do what is right.’ teous than God.—Job 32:1, 2; 35:1, 2.
Lot hesitated to make what should have been a
clear and simple decision. He was greatly dis-
12 THE WATCHTOWER
David “walked after
[God] with all his heart,
doing only what was right
in [God’s] eyes.”—1 Kings
14:8
Job was “a blameless
and upright man.”
—Job 1:1, footnote
tressed by the gross immorality of the people liv- God “well knows how we are
ing in Sodom and Gomorrah, even “tormenting
his righteous soul” over their behavior. (2 Pe-
formed, remembering that we
ter 2:8) God announced that he intended to de- are dust.”—Psalm 103:14
stroy those wicked cities and gave Lot an op-
portunity to be rescued along with his family.
You might imagine that troubled Lot would be Job, Lot, and David all made mistakes, some
the first one to leave. At this crucial moment, very serious ones at that. But, as we will see,
though, he lingered. The angels sent to rescue they were wholehearted in their desire to serve
him and his family had to grab hold of their hands God obediently. They were willing to show that
they were sorry and to change their ways where
and take them out of the city to safety.—Genesis
needed. Hence, God looked on them with favor,
19:15, 16.
and overall the Bible refers to them as faithful
David on one occasion showed a lack of self-
men.
control and committed adultery with another
man’s wife. Shockingly, in an attempt to cover WHAT CAN WE LEARN?
it up, David had her husband killed. (2 Samu- As imperfect humans, we cannot avoid making
el, chapter 11) The Bible says that what David mistakes. (Romans 3:23) But when we do, we need
did “was very displeasing to Jehovah.”—2 Samu- to show that we are sorry and then do what we can
el 11:27. to put matters right.
JULY 1, 2015 13
A complete heart is sensitive to God’s will and motivated
by a strong desire to serve him obediently
How did Job, Lot, and David try to put their escaped God’s judgment. Obediently he did not
mistakes right? At heart, Job was a man of integ- even look back at what he was leaving behind. Al-
rity. After God reasoned with him, Job correct- though David made a serious mistake in breaking
ed his wrong thinking and took back what he God’s law, he revealed what was truly in his heart
had said. (Job 42:6) Lot’s view of the immor- by sincerely repenting and throwing himself on
al conduct of people in Sodom and Gomorrah God’s mercy.—Psalm 51.
completely agreed with God’s standards. It was God’s favorable view of those men is in accord
his temporary lack of urgency that was the prob- with his reasonable expectations for imperfect
lem. He eventually fled the condemned cities and humans. God “well knows how we are formed, re-
membering that we are dust.” (Psalm 103:14) So,
if God knows we cannot avoid making mistakes,
what does he expect of us?
HOW CAN IMPERFECT HUMANS
PLEASE GOD?
David’s counsel to his son Solomon gives us the
key to how we can please God. “You, Solomon my
son, know the God of your father and serve him
with a complete heart.” (1 Chronicles 28:9) What
is a complete heart? It is a heart that loves God
and is resolved to be sensitive to his will and re-
quirements. It is not a heart that is perfect, but it
is one that yearns to serve God obediently and is
willing to be corrected. Love of God and a desire
to be obedient marked Job as “blameless,” Lot as
“righteous,” and David as “doing only what was
right” in God’s eyes. Although they made mis-
takes, they were able to please God.
So if we have bad thoughts that we wish had
not come into our mind or say something we are
ashamed of or do things that we later realize are
wrong, let us take courage from the examples just
discussed. God knows perfection is beyond our
reach at this time. He does, however, expect us to
love him and to strive for obedience. If we have a
complete heart in this regard, we can be confident
that we can please God too. ˇ
14 THE WATCHTOWER
DID YOU KNOW?
How were hand mills used in ancient times?

Hand mills were used to grind grain into flour to make bread.
Use of such mills was a daily chore for the women or the ser-
vants of virtually every household. The sound of grinding was
associated with everyday life in ancient times.—Exodus 11:5;
Jeremiah 25:10.
Artifacts from ancient Egypt illustrate the process. Grain
was placed on a slightly concave, horizontal stone surface,
sometimes called a saddle-quern. The grinder knelt in front
of the fixed quern while grasping with both hands a smaller
grinding stone, or rider, which was moved back and forth over
the horizontal surface to grind the grain. According to one
source, such riders typically weighed between four and nine
pounds (2 and 4 kg). If used as a weapon, such a stone could
be deadly.—Judges 9:50-54.
Grinding cereals was so essential to a family’s well-being
that a Biblical law forbade seizure of a millstone as a pledge.
5 The Art Archive/Ashmolean Museum/Art Resource, NY
“No one should seize a hand mill or its upper millstone as se-
curity for a loan, for that would be taking someone’s livelihood
as security,” states Deuteronomy 24:6. ˇ
To what does the expression

“bosom position” refer?
The Bible says that Jesus is “in the bosom position with
the Father.” (John 1:18, footnote) This expression refers to
the particular closeness and favor that Jesus has with God.
These words allude to the custom that the Jews followed when
dining.
In Jesus’ day, the Jews reclined on couches arranged
around the dinner table. Each diner’s head was positioned to-
ward the table and his feet away from it, while he supported
himself on a cushion with his left elbow. This posture allowed
his right arm to remain free. Since the diners all lay on their left
side, one beside the other, “the head of one man was near the
breast of the man who lay behind him,” explains one source,
“and he was, therefore, said ‘to lie in the bosom’ of the other.”
To lie in the bosom of the head of a family or of the host of a
feast was considered to be a special honor or privilege. Hence,
at Jesus’ last Passover, it was “the disciple whom Jesus loved,”
the apostle John, who lay in Jesus’ bosom. John could thus
‘lean back on Jesus’ chest’ to ask him a question.—John 13:23-
25; 21:20. ˇ
JULY 1, 2015 15
Where does evil come from?

Normally, people want to be peaceable, honest, and
kind. Why, then, do we often see violence, injus-
tice, and cruelty? Horrific news reports are common.
Is there someone trying to make people act badly?
—Read 1 John 5:19.
Did God make humans with an evil tendency? No,
Jehovah God created humans in his image, with a ten-
dency to imitate God’s love. (Genesis 1:27; Job 34:10)
But God also dignified humans with free choice. When
our first parents chose to act badly, they rejected
WHO TRIED TO MAKE JESUS DO God’s example and became imperfect. We inherited
SOMETHING BAD?—MATTHEW 4:8-10 the tendency to sin from them.—Read Deuteronomy
32:4, 5.
For more
information, Will we always have evil?
What Does the see chapter 3
Bible Really Teach? of this book, God wants us to resist our bad tendencies. (Proverbs
published by 27:11) So he teaches us how to avoid doing wrong
Jehovah’s and how to find real happiness. At present, though,
Witnesses
we cannot imitate God’s love perfectly.—Read Psalm
Also available 32:8.
at www.jw.org Although evil abounds now, God is permitting it
for a limited time to allow all to see its sad con-
sequences. (2 Peter 3:7-9) Soon, however, the earth
will be filled with happy people who obey God.—Read
Psalm 37:9-11.
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Life After Death—Is It Possible?
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Hope for the Dead—How Can You Be Sure? 7
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Life Story
Jehovah Has Given Me More Than I Deserve 9
Imitate Their Faith
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Holy Scriptures. Fear of Death
The Watchtower (ISSN 0043-1087) is published —How Can You
ety of New York, Inc.; L. Weaver, Jr., President; Overcome It?
LIFE AFTER DEATH
Is It Possible?
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IN VARIOUS
COVER SUBJECT
What Happens
After Death?
“I thought there were three places a
person could go at death: heaven,
hell, or purgatory. I knew I wasn’t good
enough for heaven or bad enough for
hell. It was not clear to me exactly what
was in purgatory. I never saw any of
that in the Bible. It was just what people
said.”—Lionel.
“I was taught that all people go to

heaven at death, but I was not convinced.
I thought that death ends everything
—that no future exists for the dead.”
—Fernando.
Have you wondered: ‘What really

happens at death? Are our dead loved
ones suffering somewhere? Will we ever
see them again? How can we be sure?’
Please consider what the Scriptures
actually teach. First, let us examine
what the Bible says death is like.
Then we will discuss the hope that
God’s Word, the Bible, offers.
AUGUST 1, 2015 3
What is the condition of the dead?
THE BIBLE’S ANSWER: “The living know that they will
die, but the dead know nothing at all, nor do they have
any more reward, because all memory of them is forgot-
ten. Whatever your hand finds to do, do with all your
EIGHT RESURRECTIONS DESCRIBED
might, for there is no work nor planning nor knowledge
IN THE BIBLE1
nor wisdom in the Grave, where you are going.”1—Ec-
A widow’s son The prophet Elijah resurrected clesiastes 9:5, 10.
the young son of a widow who lived in Zare- The Grave, simply put, is where humans go when
phath, north of Israel.—1 Kings 17:17-24. they die; it is a symbolic place or condition where
A Shunammite boy Elijah’s successor, the any consciousness or activity ceases. How did the
prophet Elisha, resurrected a boy in the town faithful man Job view the Grave? He had lost all his
of Shunem and restored him to his parents. possessions and children in one day, and then he
—2 Kings 4:32-37. was struck with agonizing boils all over his body. He
pleaded with God: “O that in the Grave [“in hell,”
A man in a burial place The corpse of a man
who had recently died was hastily left in the
Catholic Douay Version] you would conceal me, that
same burial place where Elisha’s bones lay. you would hide me.” (Job 1:13-19; 2:7; 14:13) Clear-
When the man’s body touched the prophet’s ly, Job did not understand the Grave to be a fiery
bones, the man was resurrected.—2 Kings 13: hell, a place where his suffering would be even
20, 21. worse. Rather, he thought of it as a place of relief.
There is another way to learn about the condi-
The son of the widow of Nain Jesus inter-
tion of the dead. We can examine the inspired
rupted a burial procession outside Nain to res-
urrect a young man and restore him to his
Scriptural records concerning eight people who re-
grieving mother.—Luke 7:11-15. turned from the dead.—See the box “Eight Resur-
rections Described in the Bible.”
Jairus’ daughter Jairus, an officer of the syna- Not one of those eight spoke about being in a
gogue, implored Jesus to help his sick daugh- place of bliss or torment. If the people who were
ter. Jesus resurrected her shortly after she
resurrected had gone to such a place when they
died.—Luke 8:41, 42, 49-56.
died, would they not have told people about it?
Lazarus, Jesus’ dear friend Lazarus was dead And would this not be included in the inspired Bi-
for four days when Jesus resurrected him be- ble record for all to see? In the Scriptures, nothing
fore a number of onlookers.—John 11:38-44. of the kind is recorded. Those eight people evi-
dently had nothing to say on the subject. Why not?
Dorcas The apostle Peter resurrected this be-
loved woman, who was known for her many Because they had been unconscious, as if in a deep
acts of kindness.—Acts 9:36-42. sleep. In fact, the Bible sometimes uses sleep as an
illustration to explain death. For example, faithful
Eutychus The young man Eutychus died when David and Stephen both “fell asleep in death.”
he fell from a high window; the apostle Paul —Acts 7:60; 13:36.
raised him back to life.—Acts 20:7-12.
What hope, then, is there for the dead? Can they
1 The most important resurrection, that of Jesus Christ, awaken from this sleep?
differed significantly from these eight, as the following
article will show. 1 In the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures, the word “Grave”
is used to render the Hebrew word “Sheol” and the Greek word
“Hades.” Some Bible versions use the word “hell,” but the notion of
a fiery place of torment for the dead is not Scriptural.
4 THE WATCHTOWER
Is There Hope for the Dead?
Can the dead live again? again?” Then he confidently answered: “I will wait
all the days of my compulsory service [time in the
THE BIBLE’S ANSWER: “The hour is coming in which all Grave] until my relief comes. You will call, and I
those in the memorial tombs will hear [Jesus’] voice will answer you.”—Job 14:14, 15.
and come out.”—John 5:28, 29. The resurrection was not a new thought to Laz-
Jesus thus foretold the future time when, under arus’ sister Martha. After Lazarus died, Jesus said
the rule of his Kingdom, the Grave would be emp- to her: “Your brother will rise.” Martha respond-
tied. “I was astounded the first time I read John 5: ed: “I know he will rise in the resurrection on the
28, 29,” recalls Fernando, mentioned in the pre- last day.” Jesus then said to her: “I am the resur-
ceding article. “It gave me real hope, and I start- rection and the life. The one who exercises faith
ed thinking about the future with optimism.” in me, even though he dies, will come to life.”
In ancient times, the faithful man Job expected (John 11:23-25) Then Jesus promptly raised Laz-
that after his death God would eventually restore arus back to life! That thrilling account gives us a
him to life. Job asked: “If a man dies, can he live preview of grander events in the future. Imag-
ine such resurrections taking place on a global
The resurrection of scale!
Lazarus gives us
hope for the future
Will some be raised to heaven?
THE BIBLE’S ANSWER: God’s Word shows that Jesus’
resurrection differed from the other eight in the
Bible record. Those eight people returned to life
here on earth. But of Jesus’ resurrection, we read:
“Jesus Christ . . . is at God’s right hand, for he went to
heaven.” (1 Peter 3:21, 22) Would Jesus remain the
only one to be resurrected to heaven? Jesus had
earlier told his apostles: “If I go my way and pre-
pare a place for you, I will come again and will re-
ceive you home to myself, so that where I am you
also may be.”—John 14:3.
Christ went to heaven and prepared for the ar-
rival of some of his disciples. Those resurrected to
heaven will eventually number 144,000. (Revela-
tion 14:1, 3) But what will those close followers of
Jesus do there?
AUGUST 1, 2015 5
All who choose to serve God will have the prospect of living forever
in complete health and happiness
They will be very busy! The Scriptures tell us: ple. The faithful man Daniel was told toward the
“Happy and holy is anyone having part in the first end of his life: “You will rest, but you will stand up
resurrection; over these the second death has no for your lot at the end of the days.” (Daniel 12:13)
authority, but they will be priests of God and of Where will Daniel awake from the sleep of death?
the Christ, and they will rule as kings with him for “The righteous will possess the earth, and they
the 1,000 years.” (Revelation 20:6) Those res- will live forever on it.” (Psalm 37:29) And Je-
urrected to heaven will rule as king-priests with sus foretold: “Happy are the mild-tempered, since
Christ over the earth. they will inherit the earth.” (Matthew 5:5) Dan-
iel and other faithful men and women will be
Who will be resurrected later? raised to live on the earth once again, even eter-
nally.
THE BIBLE’S ANSWER: The inspired Scriptures re- Who will be included in the group that Paul
cord this speech given by the apostle Paul: “I have called “the unrighteous”? They are the billions of
hope toward God, which hope these men also look for- humans who have lived and died, many without
ward to, that there is going to be a resurrection of both ever having an opportunity to understand and ap-
the righteous and the unrighteous.”—Acts 24:15. ply Bible truth. After their resurrection, they will
Who will be included in the group that Paul re- be able to come to know and appreciate Jehovah1
ferred to as “the righteous”? Consider an exam- and Jesus. (John 17:3) All those who choose to
serve God will have the prospect of living as long
as Jehovah himself lives—forever.
What will earthly conditions

be like?
THE BIBLE’S ANSWER: God “will wipe out every tear
from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will
mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore.” (Revela-
tion 21:4) “They will build houses and live in them,
and they will plant vineyards and eat their fruit-
age.”—Isaiah 65:21.
Imagine living under such conditions with your
resurrected loved ones! But the question remains,
God’s Word assures us How can you know for sure that the resurrection
that billions who have will take place?
died will live again
1 Jehovah is the name of God as revealed in the Bible.
6 THE WATCHTOWER
HOPE FOR THE DEAD
How Can You Be Sure?
Is it naive to think that the dead will live again?
The apostle Paul did not think so. He wrote under
inspiration: “If in this life only we have hoped in
Christ, we are to be pitied more than anyone.
But now Christ has been raised from the dead,
the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep in
death.” (1 Corinthians 15:19, 20) Paul saw the res-
urrection as a certainty. It was, in effect, guaran-
teed by the resurrection of Jesus himself.1 (Acts
17:31) That is why Paul called Jesus “the first-
fruits”—he was the first one raised to eternal life.
If Jesus was first, then logically there would be
others.
Here is another reason you can be sure of the
resurrection hope. Jehovah is the God of truth.
“God . . . cannot lie.” (Titus 1:2) Jehovah has
never lied, and he never will. Would he hold out
the resurrection hope, even demonstrating that
he can fulfill it, and then turn his promises into
lies? The very notion is absurd!
Why has Jehovah arranged for the future res-
urrection? Because of his love. “If a man dies, can
he live again?” asked Job. “You will call, and I will
answer you. You will long for the work of your
hands.” (Job 14:14, 15) Job was convinced that
his loving heavenly Father would yearn to resur-
rect him. Has God changed? “I am Jehovah; I do
not change.” (Malachi 3:6) God still longs to see
the dead brought back to life healthy and happy.
This is just as any loving parent would wish after
losing a child in death. The difference, of course,
is that God has the power to do as he wishes.
Job said to God: “You will long for the work
—Psalm 135:6. of your hands.”—Job 14:14, 15
1 For evidence that Jesus was resurrected, see the book The Bible
—God’s Word or Man’s? pages 78-86, published by Jehovah’s Wit-
nesses.
AUGUST 1, 2015 7
Death is a terrible problem,
but God has the perfect solution
Jehovah will empower his Son to bring un-

bounded joy to those who have mourned the loss
of loved ones. And how does Jesus feel about
the resurrection? Before raising Lazarus to life,
Jesus observed the anguish of Lazarus’ sisters
and friends, and he “gave way to tears” him-
self. (John 11:35) On another occasion, Jesus
encountered the widow of Nain, who had lost her
only son in death. Jesus “was moved with pity for
her, and he said to her: ‘Stop weeping.’ ” Immedi-
ately he raised her son. (Luke 7:13) So Jesus feels
deeply about grief and death. How delighted he
will be when he will turn sorrow into elation all
over the world!
Have you been touched by grief? You might
feel that death is a problem that has no solution.
But there is a solution—namely, the resurrection
that God will carry out by means of his Son. Re-
member that God wants you to see that solu-
tion. He wants you to be there to embrace your
loved ones again. Imagine planning together for
an everlasting future, never again to say good-
bye!
Lionel, quoted earlier, reflects: “Eventually, I
learned about the resurrection. At first, it was
hard to believe, and I did not trust the person
who told me about it. But I checked it out in the
Bible and found it was true! I can hardly wait to
see my grandfather again.”
Would you like to know more? Jehovah’s Wit-
nesses would be delighted to show you in your
own Bible why they are convinced of the future
resurrection.1 ˇ
1 Please see chapter 7 of the book What Does the Bible Really Teach?
published by Jehovah’s Witnesses. Also available at www.jw.org.
8 THE WATCHTOWER
LIFE STORY
Jehovah Has Given Me

More Than I Deserve
AS TOLD BY FÉLIX ALARCÓN
I was just 17 years old and had the concerns and

ambitions typical of most teenagers. I loved mingling
with my friends, swimming, and playing soccer. But
one evening my life changed dramatically. I was involved
in a horrific motorcycle accident that left me paralyzed
from the neck down. That was some 30 years ago, and
I have been bedridden for a long time now.
I grew up in the city of Alicante, on the east coast stuck inside a hospital ward. Coming to terms
of Spain. My family was completely dysfunction- with this predicament was really tough. I kept ask-
al, so as a youth I spent much of my time on the ing myself, ‘Is there any point in living?’
streets. Close to my house was a tire repair shop. José María came to see me, and he quickly ar-
There I became friends with José María, one of ranged for Jehovah’s Witnesses from the local
the employees. He was a warm person who gave congregation to visit me at the hospital. Those
me the attention I sorely missed in my own fami- regular visits touched my heart. As soon as I left
ly. In times of distress, he was like a real brother the intensive care unit, I began to study the Bible.
to me—a true friend, although he was 20 years my I discovered the truth about why people suffer
senior. and die and why God allows bad things to happen.
José María had started studying the Bible with I also learned about God’s promises for the fu-
Jehovah’s Witnesses. I could tell that he loved the ture, when the whole earth will be filled with per-
Scriptures, and he often shared Bible truths with fect humans and nobody will ever say: “I am sick.”
me. I listened to him respectfully, but I never real- (Isaiah 33:24) For the first time in my life, a won-
ly took an interest in what he said. My teenage derful hope was opening up to me.
heart was preoccupied with other matters. That, When I left the hospital, I progressed quickly in
however, was about to change. my study of the Bible. With the use of a special
wheelchair, I even attended some meetings of Je-
AN ACCIDENT THAT CHANGED MY LIFE hovah’s Witnesses and shared in their preaching
I do not like to talk much about that road acci- activity. On November 5, 1988, at the age of 20, I
dent. What I will say is that I was foolish and was baptized by immersion in a special bathtub.
reckless. In just one day, my whole life changed Jehovah God had given me a whole new outlook
completely. From being a young teenager full of on life. But what could I do to show my apprecia-
vitality, I suddenly found myself paralyzed and tion?
AUGUST 1, 2015 9
ON THE MOVE DESPITE MY DISABILITY all, it gives me access to the jw.org website and
I was determined not to let my condition stop the Watchtower ONLINE LIBRARY. What marvelous
me from doing all that I could in Jehovah’s ser- tools these have proved to be for me! I often
vice. I wanted to progress. (1 Timothy 4:15) At spend hours each day studying and researching
first, that was not easy, for my family was opposed Bible-based publications so that I can continue
to my new faith. But I had my fellow believers, learning about God and his wonderful qualities.
who were my spiritual brothers and sisters. They And whenever I feel alone or a little discouraged,
made sure that I never missed a meeting and that there is always something on the website that lifts
I had an active share in the preaching work. my spirits.
As time went by, however, it became evident My computer also allows me to listen to and
that I was going to need round-the-clock special- participate in congregation meetings. I can com-
ized care. After a long search, I eventually found ment, offer prayers, present talks, and even read
a suitable center for the disabled in the city of Va- the Watchtower magazine when I am assigned to
lencia, 100 miles (160 km) north of Alicante. This do so. Although I cannot attend those meetings in
center became my permanent home. person, I still feel that I am very much a part of the
Although bedridden, I was determined to con- local congregation.
tinue pressing forward. Using my disability pen- Having a telephone and a computer also allows
sion and other subsidies, I obtained a computer me to have a full share in the preaching work.
and had it installed next to my bed. I also pur- True, I cannot go from house to house as most of
chased a cell phone. Now, each morning, a care- Jehovah’s Witnesses do. But that has not stopped
giver switches on my computer and activates my me. Using these tools I am able to share my faith
cell phone. To operate the computer, I use a joy- with others. In fact, I enjoy my phone conversa-
stick that I control with my chin. I also have a spe- tions so much that the local elders have even asked
cial rod that I hold with my mouth. This rod allows me to coordinate telephone preaching campaigns.
me to type letters on a keyboard and dial numbers These campaigns have been particularly helpful to
on my cell phone. housebound members of the congregation who
How has this technology helped me? First of are unable to leave their homes.
Conducting a Bible study Enjoying an evening of family worship with friends
10 THE WATCHTOWER
But my life does not revolve around just tech- ing God, keeping my eyes focused on the hope
nology. Each day, dear friends come to see me. ahead.
They bring along relatives and acquaintances who I often think about the new world and what it
are interested in the Bible. Often, they even ask will be like to run and jump again. At times, I have
me to take the lead in discussions with them. On joked with my good friend José María—who suf-
other occasions, families visit and invite me to fers from polio—about running a marathon to-
share in their evening of family worship. I espe- gether. “Who would win?” I ask him. “It doesn’t
cially like it when young children sit at my bedside matter who wins,” he replies. “What really matters
and tell me why they love Jehovah. is being there, in Paradise, to run the race.”
I appreciate receiving so many visitors. My It has not been easy for me to come to terms
room is often a hub of activity, with friends com- with my disability. I know that as a teenager, I did
ing to see me from near and far. As you can imag- something stupid, and that has cost me dearly.
ine, this loving attention surprises the caregivers Yet, how grateful I am that Jehovah did not aban-
at my center. Each day, I thank Jehovah for allow- don me. He has given me so much—a large spiritu-
ing me to be part of such a wonderful brother- al family, the will to live, the joy of helping others,
hood. and a wonderful hope for the future. If I had to
sum up my feelings in just one sentence, I guess I
BATTLING ON
would say that Jehovah has truly given me more
Whenever anybody greets me and asks how I than I deserve. ˇ
am, I simply say, “Here I am, still battling on!” Of
course, I know I am not alone in this struggle.
Whatever our circumstances or impediments, all
Christians are in a fight—“the fine fight of the Although bedridden, I am
faith.” (1 Timothy 6:12) What has helped me to
battle on for so many years? I pray each day and
determined to share my faith
thank Jehovah for giving my life a sense of pur- with others
pose. And I try to stay as busy as possible in serv-
José María
With a rod I can

dial numbers on
a cell phone
IMITATE THEIR FAITH DEBORAH
“I Arose as a Mother
in Israel”
EBORAH looked around at the soldiers who Did she wonder what she was doing there? Evi-
D were gathered atop Mount Tabor. It was
touching to see them there. In the morning light,
dently not! Jehovah, her God, had told her to
start this war; he had also revealed that he would
she contemplated their bravery and the faith of use a woman to bring it to an end. (Judges 4:9)
their leader, Barak. Though they were 10,000 What can Deborah and these courageous fighters
strong, their faith and courage would face a teach us about faith?
great test this day. They were going against a vi-
“GO AND MARCH TO MOUNT TABOR”
cious foe, and they were outnumbered and poor-
ly armed. But they had come here anyway—largely When the Bible first introduces Deborah, it re-
because of the encouragement of this one woman. fers to her as “a prophetess.” That designation
Picture Deborah, her garments rustling in makes Deborah unusual in the Bible record but
the breeze as she and Barak looked out over a hardly unique.1 Deborah had another responsibil-
sweeping vista. Mount Tabor resembled a great ity. She was also evidently settling disputes by giv-
cone with its top blunted. Its flat summit coming Jehovah’s answer to problems that came up.
manded a view of the Plain of Esdraelon, some —Judges 4:4, 5.
1,300 feet (400 m) below, which fanned out to the Deborah lived in the mountainous region of
southwest. The Kishon River wound through the Ephraim, between the towns of Bethel and Ra-
flat grassland, leading out to the Great Sea by mah. There she would sit beneath a palm tree and
Mount Carmel. The riverbed may have been dry serve the people as Jehovah directed. Her assign-
that morning, but something else glistened on ment was surely challenging, but Deborah did not
that broad plain. Sisera’s army was drawing near- allow it to daunt her. There was a dire need for her
er, flashing ominously with the glint of iron. It services. In fact, she later took part in composing
came from the pride of Sisera’s forces—some 900 an inspired song, and it included this comment
chariots, which may have been equipped with iron about her unfaithful people: “They chose new
scythes protruding from the axles. Sisera intend- gods; then there was war in the gates.” (Judges
ed to cut down the ill-equipped Israelites as if he 5:8) Because the Israelites left Jehovah to serve
were harvesting barley! other gods, Jehovah abandoned them to their en-
Deborah knew that Barak and his men were emies. Canaanite King Jabin dominated them, us-
waiting for some word, some signal, from her. Was ing a mighty general named Sisera.
she the only woman there? What was it like for her 1 Other prophetesses included Miriam, Huldah, and the wife of Isa-
to bear so much responsibility in such a setting? iah.—Exodus 15:20; 2 Kings 22:14; Isaiah 8:3.
12 THE WATCHTOWER
Sisera! The very name caused terror and panic tative there to strengthen him and his men. (He-
in Israel. The Canaanite religion and culture were brews 11:32, 33) Jehovah responded favorably.
brutal, featuring child sacrifice and temple prosti- He allowed Deborah to go, as Barak requested.
tution. What was it like to have a Canaanite gener- However, Jehovah also inspired her to prophesy
al and his army dominating the land? Deborah’s that the battle’s final glory would not go to a
song reveals that travel was nearly impossible in man. (Judges 4:9) God had decided that a woman
the land and village life had all but ended. (Judges would execute wicked Sisera!
5:6, 7) We may imagine people cowering in the In today’s world, a great deal of injustice, vio-
woods and hills, afraid to farm or to live in un- lence, and abuse is heaped upon women. Rare-
walled villages and terrified to travel on the open ly are they accorded the dignity that God wants
roads lest they be attacked, their children taken, them to receive. However, God grants women and
and their women raped.1
Terror reigned for 20 years, until Jehovah saw Deborah encouraged Barak to stand up as a deliverer
of God’s people
evidence that his stubborn people were ready to
change or, as the inspired record of the song of
Deborah and Barak says, “Until I, Deborah, rose
up, until I arose as a mother in Israel.” We do not
know if Deborah, the wife of a man named Lappi-
doth, was a mother in a literal sense, but this ex-
pression was intended figuratively. In effect, Je-
hovah assigned Deborah to provide the nation
with motherly protection. He commissioned her
to summon a strong man of faith, Judge Barak,
and direct him to rise up against Sisera.—Judges
4:3, 6, 7; 5:7.
“Go and march to Mount Tabor,” Jehovah or-
dered through Deborah. Barak was to muster 10,-
000 men from two of Israel’s tribes. Deborah con-
veyed God’s promise that they would defeat the
mighty Sisera and his 900 chariots! The prom-
ise surely astounded Barak. Israel had no army
and virtually no weaponry. Still, Barak agreed
to go into battle—but only if Deborah came to
Mount Tabor too.—Judges 4:6-8; 5:6-8.
Barak has been called faithless because of this
request, but unfairly so. After all, he did not ask
God for more weapons. Rather, as a man of faith,
Barak saw the value in having Jehovah’s represen-
1 The song of Deborah indicates that Sisera often returned from his
military actions with plunder that included girls, sometimes more
than one for each soldier. (Judges 5:30) The word used for “girl” in
that verse literally means “womb.” Such language reminds us that
those women were valued mainly for their reproductive organs. Rape
was likely commonplace.
AUGUST 1, 2015 13
men equal value and standing before him. (Ro- The forces of Israel charged down the moun-
mans 2:11; Galatians 3:28) Deborah’s example retain and out onto the open, flat ground, head-
minds us that he also blesses women with privi- ing right toward those fearsome machines of war.
leges and signs of his particular trust and favor. It Did Jehovah go out before them, as Deborah
is vital that we never adopt the bigotry so com- had promised? The answer came very soon. “The
mon in this world. earth shook, and the heavens poured,” we read.
Sisera’s proud forces were thrown into confusion.
“THE EARTH SHOOK, AND THE HEAVENS
And down came the rain! It came in such torrents,
POURED”
it seems, that the ground was quickly swamped.
Barak went to muster his army. He gathered 10,- Soon, the heavy iron-bearing chariots were more
000 men who were brave enough to go up against of a liability than an asset. They sank into the mud
Sisera’s daunting forces. As Barak led his men up and became hopelessly bogged down.—Judges 4:
to Mount Tabor, he was glad to have a way to 14, 15; 5:4.
boost their courage. We read: “Deborah also went Barak and his men were not troubled by the
up with him.” (Judges 4:10) Imagine how it lifted storm. They knew where it was coming from. They
the spirits of those soldiers to see that brave wom- ran right at the Canaanite forces. Acting as God’s
an join them in their march toward Mount Tabor, executioners, the Israelites left none of Sisera’s
willing to risk her life at their side because of her army alive. The Kishon River surged and flood-
faith in Jehovah God! ed, washing the corpses downstream toward the
When Sisera learned that Israel had dared to Great Sea.—Judges 4:16; 5:21.
muster an army against him, he acted quickly. Today, Jehovah no longer sends his servants
A number of Canaanite kings joined forces with into physical battles. Yet, he does ask his people to
King Jabin, who may have been the most power- engage in spiritual warfare. (Matthew 26:52; 2 Co-
ful among them. Then Sisera’s great squadrons of rinthians 10:4) If we try to obey God in today’s
chariots made the earth shake as they rumbled in world, we are taking our stand in that war. We
formation across the plain. The Canaanites were need courage, for those who side with God today
sure that they would make quick work of the pa- may face fierce opposition. But Jehovah has not
thetic army of Israel.—Judges 4:12, 13; 5:19. changed. He still comes to the defense of those
What would Barak and Deborah do as the ene- who, like Deborah, Barak, and the brave soldiers
my approached? If they remained on the slopes of of ancient Israel, put their faith and trust in Him.
Mount Tabor, they might have an advantage over
“MOST BLESSED OF WOMEN”
the advancing Canaanite forces, for those chari-
One of the Canaanite enemies escaped—the
ots needed flat open country to fight effectively.
worst of them all! Sisera, the great oppressor of
But Barak was going to fight as Jehovah directed,
God’s people, fled the battlefield on foot. Leaving
so he waited for word from Deborah. At last, the
his men to die in the mire, he slipped past the Isra-
moment came. She said: “Rise up, for this is the
elite soldiers and made his way to firmer ground,
day that Jehovah will give Sisera into your hand.
heading toward the nearest allies he could think
Is Jehovah not going out before you?” Next, we
of. Scurrying across miles of open terrain, ever
read: “Barak descended from Mount Tabor with
terrified that Israelite soldiers might find him, he
10,000 men following him.”—Judges 4:14.1
headed to the tents of Heber, a Kenite who had
1 The battle that ensued is described twice in the Bible—in the histor- broken away from the rest of his nomadic people
ical narrative of Judges chapter 4 and in the song of Deborah and Ba-
rak in chapter 5. The two records are complementary, each supplying
to the south and established some kind of accord
details not mentioned in the other. with King Jabin.—Judges 4:11, 17.
14 THE WATCHTOWER
As Deborah foretold, Jehovah fought for his people, defeating Sisera’s forces
Exhausted, Sisera arrived at Heber’s encamp- think of God’s people and of how this man had
ment. He found that Heber was not at home. But brutalized them for decades? Or did she think of
the man’s wife, Jael, was there. Sisera evidently the privilege of taking her stand for Jehovah? The
assumed that Jael would honor her husband’s ac- record does not say. We know only that the deed
cord with King Jabin. Perhaps it was inconceiv- was soon done. Sisera was dead!—Judges 4:18-21;
able to him that a woman could act or even think 5:24-27.
differently from her husband. Sisera obviously did Later, Barak came in search of his quarry. When
not know Jael! Clearly, she saw the wickedness of Jael showed him the corpse with the tent pin
the Canaanite oppression in the land; likely she through the temples, he knew that Deborah’s
also saw that she had a choice before her. Either prophecy had come true. A woman had killed
she could aid this wicked man or she could throw the mighty warrior Sisera! Modern-day critics and
in her lot with Jehovah and strike a blow against skeptics have called Jael all manner of vile names,
this enemy of His people. But what could she do? but Barak and Deborah knew better. In their song,
How could a woman vanquish such a powerful, they were inspired to praise Jael as “most blessed
battle-hardened warrior? of women” for her courageous deed. (Judges 4:
Jael had to think fast. She offered Sisera a place 22; 5:24) Note the generosity of Deborah’s spirit.
to rest. He ordered her to conceal his presence She did not begrudge Jael such praise; rather, she
from any man who might come looking for him. cared only that Jehovah’s word had come true.
She covered him when he lay down, and when he With Sisera gone, King Jabin’s power was bro-
asked her for water, she gave him creamy milk. ken. The Canaanite oppression was over at last.
Soon Sisera sank into a deep sleep. Jael then took Peace prevailed for 40 years. (Judges 4:24; 5:31)
a pair of household implements that tent-dwelling How blessed were Deborah, Barak, and Jael for
women used often and skillfully—a tent pin and putting faith in Jehovah God! If we imitate the
a mallet. Crouching near Sisera’s head, she now faith of Deborah, boldly taking our stand for Je-
faced the terrifying task of acting as an execution- hovah and encouraging others to do the same,
er for Jehovah. Even an instant of uncertainty Jehovah will bless us with victories—and lasting
or hesitation could have meant disaster. Did she peace. ˇ
AUGUST 1, 2015 15
Is this life all there is?

Have you ever wondered if there is more to life than
just playing, working, marrying, raising a family, and
growing old? (Job 14:1, 2) The Bible shows that even
very wise people have wondered about this.—Read
Ecclesiastes 2:11.
Does life have some meaning? First, we have to ask,
How did life begin? After considering the remarkable
design of our brain and the rest of our body, many
have concluded that a wise Creator is behind it all.
(Read Psalm 139:14.) If so, then he must have made
DOES IT SOMETIMES SEEM TO YOU us for a reason! Learning that reason can add great
THAT LIFE IS ALL TOO SHORT? meaning to our life.
For more Why were humans created?

information,
God blessed the first human pair and gave them a
Bible Really Teach? of this book, thrilling assignment. His purpose was for them to fill
published by the earth, make it a paradise, and live forever.—Read
Jehovah’s
Genesis 1:28, 31.
Witnesses
God’s purpose was delayed when humans rebelled
Also available against his rule. But God did not give up on us—or
at www.jw.org
his purpose. The Bible assures us that God has been
working to save faithful people and that his purpose
concerning the earth will be fulfilled! So God wants
Please send me a copy of you to see life the way he meant it to be! (Read Psalm
What Does the Bible Really Teach? 37:29.) From the Bible, learn how you personally can
LANGUAGE _______________________________________________________________________ fit into God’s purpose.
NAME ________________________________________________________________________________
ADDRESS __________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
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Why Do We Preach? 7
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE
Life Story
Would you welcome Finding Something Better Than Glamour 8
Bedell’s Bible
—One Small Step to Better Bible Understanding 11
Are You Disappointed in God? 14
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ported by voluntary donations. Unless otherwise SEPTEMBER 1 , 2 0 1 5
Holy Scriptures. What Is the
The Watchtower (ISSN 0043-1087) is published Battle of
ety of New York, Inc.; L. Weaver, Jr., President; Armageddon?
r
WHO ARE
G. F. Simonis, Secretary-Treasurer; 25 Columbia JEHOVAH’S (Look under BIBLE TEACHINGS ˛
Heights, Brooklyn, NY 11201-2483, and by Watch WITNESSES?
IN VARIOUS
COVER SUBJECT
Who are Jehovah’s Witnesses?

“I had known Mike for years. He is one of Jehovah’s
Witnesses. But his religion always baffled me. Who is
Jehovah? Why don’t Witnesses celebrate the holidays?
Was Mike mixed up in a cult?”—Becky, California, U.S.A.
“When my neighbors started to study the Bible with

Jehovah’s Witnesses, I wondered: ‘What does that
name, Jehovah’s Witnesses, mean? What a strange
name for a religion!’ ”—Zenon, Ontario, Canada.
“My wife and I thought that Jehovah’s Witnesses called

to prey on our guilt feelings because we weren’t at
church. And we figured that if the mainline churches
didn’t have what we were looking for, a weird sect like
Jehovah’s Witnesses couldn’t have it either.”—Kent,
Washington, U.S.A.
“I honestly didn’t know who they were and what they

stood for.”—Cecilie, Esbjerg, Denmark.
You have likely seen them preaching from door to Internet,” says Cecilie, quoted earlier. “I heard
door or in a public place, distributing Bible-based some rumors, and I listened to a great deal of prej-
literature and offering free Bible studies. You may udiced talk. As a result, I formed a very negative
have received this magazine from one of them. view of Jehovah’s Witnesses.” Later, however, she
Still, you may wonder who Jehovah’s Witnesses spoke to Jehovah’s Witnesses directly and found
really are. Perhaps your thoughts are similar to satisfying answers to her questions.
one of those quoted above. Would you like to receive truthful answers to
If you have such questions and concerns, where your questions about Jehovah’s Witnesses? We
might you go for answers? How can you learn what encourage you to turn to the most knowledgeable
Jehovah’s Witnesses really believe, how their min- source—Jehovah’s Witnesses themselves, who
istry and places of worship are financed, and why publish this magazine. (Proverbs 14:15) We hope
they call at your home and approach you in public that the following articles will help you to see who
places? we are and what we believe as well as to under-
“I read a lot about Jehovah’s Witnesses on the stand the work we do.
SEPTEMBER 1, 2015 3
What sort of people are Jehovah’s Witnesses?
We are an international organization unaffiliated
with other religious groups. Although our world
headquarters is in the United States, the vast majori-
ty of Jehovah’s Witnesses live
in other countries. In fact, LANDS WITH THE
some eight million of us teach MOST WITNESSES
people the Bible in over 230 United
lands. We do so in response States 1,190,000
to Jesus’ words: “This good Mexico 800,000
news of the Kingdom will be Brazil 770,000
preached in all the inhabited Nigeria 330,000
earth for a witness to all the Italy 250,000
nations.”—Matthew 24:14. Japan 220,000
Regardless of where we
live, we conscientiously obey
the law. Yet we endeavor to remain politically neutral.
This is because we observe Jesus’ direction for Chris-
tians to be “no part of the world.” Thus we do not take
part in political issues and activities or support war-
fare. (John 15:19; 17:16) In fact, during World War II,
Jehovah’s Witnesses were imprisoned, tortured, and
even worse because they would not compromise their
neutrality. A former German bishop wrote: “They can
“[Jehovah’s Witnesses] have rightfully claim to be the only major conscientious
tremendous moral strength. We objectors in the Third Reich.”
could use such unselfish people Still, we do not isolate ourselves. Jesus prayed to
God regarding his followers: “I do not request that
even in the highest political
you take them out of the world.” (John 17:15) There-
functions—but we are never going fore, you may see us as we work, shop, and go to
to get them there. . . . They school in the local community.
recognize governmental
authorities but believe that only
God’s Kingdom is capable of
solving all human problems.”
—Nová Svoboda newspaper,
w Watch the video Special Conven-
tion in Israel at www.jw.org, and
see how Israeli and Palestinian
Czech Republic. Witnesses have overcome national
and ethnic differences. (Look under
ABOUT US CONVENTIONS)
4 THE WATCHTOWER
What do Jehovah’s Witnesses believe?
Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that “all Scripture is in-
spired of God and beneficial.” (2 Timothy 3:16) We
use the Bible as a practical guide to learn about the
Creator and to live meaningful lives.
The Bible says: “May people know that you, whose
name is Jehovah, you alone are the Most High over all
the earth.” (Psalm 83:18) Therefore, we worship only
Jehovah God, and as his Witnesses, we endeavor to
make known his personal name.—Isaiah 43:10-12.
As Christians, we believe that Jesus, “the Son of
God,”1 came to earth and became the Messiah. (John
1:34, 41; 4:25, 26) After he died, Jesus was raised
to heaven. (1 Corinthians 15:3, 4) Later he became
King of God’s Kingdom. (Revelation 11:15) That King-
dom is a real government that will restore Paradise to
the earth. (Daniel 2:44) “The meek will possess the
earth, and they will find exquisite delight in the abun-
dance of peace,” says the Bible.—Psalm 37:11, 29.
Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that Bible principles “When they read in the Bible,
can benefit people even today. (Isaiah 48:17, 18) they believe God is talking to
Therefore, we adhere closely to those principles. For
them. Whenever problems
example, because the Bible warns us to avoid prac-
tices that pollute our minds and bodies, we do not appear in their lives, they take
smoke or misuse drugs. (2 Corinthians 7:1) We also God’s Word and search in it
avoid practices specifically condemned in the Bible, for a solution. . . . For them,
such as drunkenness, sexual immorality, and stealing. God’s Word is still alive.”
—1 Corinthians 6:9-11.
—Catholic clergyman Benjamin
1 The Bible also refers to Jesus as “the only-begotten Son of God” because Cherayath, Münsterländische
he was the first and only direct creation of Jehovah.—John 3:18; Colos-
sians 1:13-15. Volkszeitung newspaper, Germany
To learn about our beliefs, includ-

ing why we do not celebrate the
holidays or accept blood transfu-
sions, go to www.jw.org, and look
under ABOUT US FREQUENTLY
ASKED QUESTIONS.
SEPTEMBER 1, 2015 5
How is our ministry financed?
Each year, we print and distribute hundreds of mil-
lions of Bibles and pieces of Bible literature. We build
and operate branch offices and printeries around the
world. Tens of thousands of congregations meet in
modest yet attractive places of worship called King-
dom Halls. Who pays for all of this?
Our work is supported entirely by voluntary dona-
tions. (2 Corinthians 9:7) In 1879, the second issue of
this magazine stated: “‘Zion’s Watch Tower’ [as this
magazine was then called] has, we believe JEHOVAH
for its backer, and while this is the case it will never
beg nor petition men for support.” We have not wa-
vered from that policy.
Donations are sent directly to one of our branch of-
fices or placed in a contribution box that is located in
each Kingdom Hall. But we never tithe, take up col-
lections, or charge a fee for our services or publica-
tions. We are not paid to preach, to teach in the con-
gregation, or to help build places of worship. After
all, Jesus said: “You received free, give free.” (Mat-
thew 10:8) All ministers at our branch offices and at
our world headquarters, including those making up
the Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses, are un-
“As is the case with all the salaried members of a religious order.
activities of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Donated funds are also used for disaster relief. The
early Christians were pleased to share in relief mea-
religious funding is handled
sures for victims of adversity. (Romans 15:26) We
on a voluntary basis, each one likewise assist the afflicted by rebuilding their homes
personally determining the and places of worship and by providing food, cloth-
amount and frequency of his ing, and medical treatment.
religious ‘donations.’ ”
—European Court of
Human Rights, 2011
w Watch the video Philippines

Typhoon—Faith Conquers
Adversity at www.jw.org. (Look
under ABOUT US ACTIVITIES)
6 THE WATCHTOWER
Why do we preach?
Perhaps nothing distinguishes us as much as our ex-
tensive preaching work—from house to house, in
public places, and wherever people are found. Why
do we do it?
Jehovah’s Witnesses preach to glorify God and
to make known his name. (Hebrews 13:15) We also
want to obey Christ Jesus, who commanded: “Go,
therefore, and make disciples of people of all the na-
tions, . . . teaching them to observe all the things I
have commanded you.”—Matthew 28:19, 20.
Moreover, we love our neighbor. (Matthew 22:39)
Of course, we realize that most people have their
own religious beliefs and that not everyone is in-
terested in our message. Still, we feel that Bible
teachings are lifesaving. That is why we continue
“without letup teaching and declaring the good news
about the Christ,” as did the first-century Christians.
—Acts 5:41, 42.
Most readers of our literature are not Jehovah’s
Witnesses. And millions who study the Bible with us
belong to other religions. Yet they are grateful that
Jehovah’s Witnesses call on them.
Of course, you may have other questions about
Jehovah’s Witnesses. We invite you to learn the an-
swers by
˙ Asking one of Jehovah’s Witnesses.
˙ Visiting our website, www.jw.org. Sociologist Antonio Cova Maduro
˙ Attending our meetings, which are free and wrote of “the effort and trouble
open to all. ˇ to which Jehovah’s Witnesses
go, to the point of exhausting
themselves . . . , so that the sacred
text reaches the farthest corner
w For additional information about
Jehovah’s Witnesses, watch the
of the earth.”—El Universal
feature-length video Jehovah’s newspaper, Venezuela
Witnesses—Organized to Share
the Good News, at www.jw.org.
(Look under PUBLICATIONS VIDEOS)
SEPTEMBER 1, 2015 7
LIFE STORY
Finding Something
Better Than Glamour
AS TOLD BY MINA HUNG GODENZI
One night in 1984, I changed from being just an

ordinary teenager to being a celebrity. I was crowned
Miss Hong Kong. My picture was on the front page of
magazines and newspapers. I sang, danced, gave
speeches, hosted TV shows, wore beautiful clothes,
and appeared with important people, such as the
governor of Hong Kong.
The next year, I started acting in movies, several In 1995, I married a movie producer. Although
times starring in the leading role. Reporters want- I seemed to have everything to make me happy
ed my story, photographers wanted my picture, —glamour, wealth, and a loving husband—I was
and people wanted my presence for premieres, depressed and sad. I decided to stop acting.
ribbon cuttings, lunches, and dinners. I was always
REMEMBERING MY CHILDHOOD FAITH
the center of attention.
Gradually, though, I discovered that all of this I began to remember with fondness the faith
was not as attractive as I had imagined. I worked that I had when I was a little girl. Back then, each
Saturday my sister and I went to visit a family of
mainly on action movies, and that was dangerous.
Jehovah’s Witnesses. The father, Joe McGrath,
Actors in Hong Kong did not use doubles as often
studied the Bible with us together with his three
as actors in Hollywood did, so I performed my
daughters. Theirs was a warm and loving family,
own stunts, such as riding a motorcycle over a car.
and “Uncle Joe” treated his wife and children with
Many films I starred in were immoral and violent.
respect. I also enjoyed going with them to their
Some featured demonism.
Christian meetings. Sometimes we went to big as-
In an semblies. Those were happy times. I felt safe with
action film the Witnesses.
In contrast, terrible things happened to me in
my own home. My father’s way of life caused my
mother a lot of grief, and she became deeply de-
pressed. When I was about ten, Mother stopped
associating with Jehovah’s Witnesses. I contin-
ued halfheartedly and was baptized at age 17. But
soon afterward, I became involved in unchristian
52010 Fortune Star Media Limited All Rights Reserved.
8 THE WATCHTOWER
conduct and was no longer a part of the congrega- She could find no consolation from her Buddhist
tion. religion. Like me, she had achieved the glamorous
life that others envy, yet she was sad and unable
I DECIDED TO RETURN
to trust anyone. I began sharing with her what
Shortly after my wedding, two overseers from I had learned from the Bible, but her Buddhist
the local congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses background made it difficult for her to appreci-
came to visit me. They explained how I could re- ate it.
turn to Jehovah God, and they arranged for a mis- One day in 2003, Cheri called me from Vancou-
sionary named Cindy to help me. By this time, ver, Canada, where she was making a film. Ex-
I had lost much of my faith, so I asked her to citedly, she told me that she had been driving
prove to me that the Bible really is God’s Word. and admiring the countryside when suddenly she
She showed me examples of Bible prophecies that started to pray out loud: “Tell me, Who is the true
have been fulfilled. Gradually, we became close God? What is your name?” At that moment, she
friends, and she invited me to study the basic drove by a Kingdom Hall and saw the name Jeho-
teachings of the Bible with her. I accepted. For the vah. That, she felt, was a reply from God, and
first time, I came to appreciate that Jehovah is a she wanted to meet with Jehovah’s Witnesses as
God of love, who wants me to be happy. soon as possible. I made arrangements, and with-
When I started going to Christian meetings in a few days, she was at
again, I found that I enjoyed the company of the the meeting of a Chinese-
My friend Cheri
Witnesses much more than the company of peo- language congregation in
on a movie set
ple in the movie business. But my childhood ex- Vancouver.
periences left me feeling that I could not trust “These people are gen-
anyone, and I did not like myself. A member of uinely interested in me,”
the congregation helped me when she showed me Cheri told me later. “I
from the Bible how to deal with those emotional can tell them how I feel.”
problems, and I also learned to make genuine I was very pleased to hear
friends.
SOMETHING BETTER THAN GLAMOUR
In 1997, my husband and I moved to Hollywood,
California, U.S.A. There I became more involved
Cheri today
in helping people to benefit from the wisdom of
God’s Word. Teaching the Bible has given me more
satisfaction than all the glamour of acting and
starring in movies. For example, in 2002, I met up
with Cheri, an old acquaintance from Hong Kong.
In many ways our experiences in life had been sim-
ilar. She had been Miss Hong Kong the year before
I was. In fact, when I won the title, she was the one
who crowned me. She also became a movie actor
and later a producer, working with famous direc-
tors. She too had moved to Hollywood.
My heart went out to Cheri when I learned that
she had lost her fiancé to a sudden heart attack.
SEPTEMBER 1, 2015 9
that, because when Cheri was in the movie busi- in order to serve Jehovah fully. She made many
ness, she never made friends. Cheri continued at- new friends in the Christian congregation. She be-
tending the meetings. But in 2005, she signed a came a full-time preacher of the good news of the
contract to produce two epic films in China, mak- Kingdom and really enjoyed helping people find a
ing it necessary for her to return to Hong Kong. better way of life.—Matthew 24:14.
Happily, in 2006, Cheri dedicated her life to Jeho- Then Cheri decided to learn Nepalese to support
vah and was baptized at a Witness assembly in the growing group of Nepalese-speaking Witness-
Hong Kong. Although she wanted to serve Jeho- es in Hong Kong. I should explain that most Nep-
vah more fully, her work in the movie business alese people in Hong Kong tend to be ignored or
made things very difficult for her, and she was very even despised because they speak little English or
unhappy. Chinese and because their customs are different.
Cheri told me how much she enjoyed helping these
THE JOY OF HELPING OTHERS
people to understand the Bible. For example, when
In 2009, Cheri’s whole situation in life changed. calling from house to house one day, she met a
She decided to withdraw from the movie industry Nepalese woman who knew a little about Jesus but
nothing about the true God, Jehovah. Cheri used
the Bible to show her that Jesus prayed to his Fa-
I have found that helping people
ther in heaven. When the woman realized that she
to understand God’s Word makes could pray to the true God, whose name is Jeho-
me genuinely happy vah, she opened her heart to accept the good news.
Soon her husband and daughter were also studying
the Bible.—Psalm 83:18; Luke 22:41, 42.
When I saw how much Cheri enjoyed preaching
full-time, I asked myself, ‘What prevents me from
doing what she is doing?’ By this time, I too was
living in Hong Kong again. I decided to reorganize
my life to share more fully in teaching Bible truth.
I have found that listening to people and helping
them to understand God’s Word makes me genu-
inely happy.
For instance, I have been able to study the Bible
with a Vietnamese woman who was always sad and
often had tears in her eyes. Now she has a joyful
outlook on life and really enjoys associating with
the congregation.
Both Cheri and I found something far better
than glamour. Although being in the movie indus-
try was exciting and brought us fame, teaching
people about Jehovah God is more satisfying be-
cause it brings glory to him. We have certainly ex-
perienced the truth of Jesus’ words: “There is
more happiness in giving than there is in receiv-
ing.”—Acts 20:35. ˇ
10 THE WATCHTOWER
Bedell’s Bible
One Small Step to Better
Bible Understanding Portrait: Reproduced by kind permission of Emmanuel College, Cambridge; text:
With the permission of the governor and guardians of Marsh’s Library, Dublin
W HEN English cleric William Bedell went to

Ireland in 1627, he found a very puzzling sit-
uation. Ireland, a predominantly Catholic coun-
gation I would rather speak five words with my
mind, that I might also instruct others, than ten
thousand words in a tongue,” that is, in a lan-
try, was ruled by Protestant Britain. Protes- guage little understood.
tant Reformers had already translated the Bible But influential authority figures made every ef-
into local languages all over Europe. Yet no one fort to stop him. According to historians, some
seemed interested in translating it into Irish. asserted that the use of Irish was “dangerous
Bedell felt strongly that the Irish people “ought to the State” and others suggested that it was
not to be neglected till they can learn English.” He “against the interests of the Government.” Some
set out to produce a Bible in the Irish language. felt that it was in the interests of England to keep
But he met with bitter opposition, particularly the Irish in ignorance. In fact, laws were enacted
from Protestant sources. Why was that? that required the Irish to abandon their own lan-
guage and customs and to learn English and fol-
OPPOSITION TO THE USE OF IRISH
low English ways and manners.
Bedell made it his business to learn Irish him-
self. He encouraged students to use Irish when he BEDELL’S BIBLE PROJECT
became provost, or head, of Trinity College in Bedell was not deterred by such dictatorial
Dublin and when he later became the bishop of views. Early in the 1630’s, he started translat-
Kilmore. As a matter of fact, when Queen Eliza- ing the recently published English-language Bible
beth I of England founded Trinity College, she did (the King James Version of 1611) into Irish. He
so to produce ministers who could teach her sub- wanted to produce a Bible that was understand-
jects the Bible’s message in their mother tongue. able to as many people as possible. He felt strong-
Bedell tried to make that happen. ly that the poor people could not search the Scrip-
In the Kilmore diocese, by far the majority of tures to find the way to everlasting life as long as
people spoke Irish. So Bedell insisted on hav- the Bible remained a sealed book to them.—John
ing ministers who could speak Irish. He made his 17:3.
appeal in the spirit of the apostle Paul’s words Bedell was not the first to see this. Some 30
at 1 Corinthians 14:19, which says: “In a congre- years earlier, another bishop, William Daniel, had
SEPTEMBER 1, 2015 11
“When we read
Bedell’s Bible, we
heard the words
of the Bible in our
mother tongue. This
was a crucial key that
opened the way for
me and my family to
learn the wonderful
truths found in the
Scriptures”
5 King’s College London/Mary Evans
The title page of Bedell’s original manuscript,

circa 1640, and the published Bible, 1685
With the permission of the governor
and guardians of Marsh’s Library, Dublin
seen how difficult it was for anyone to learn what Giovanni Diodati, as well as the Greek Septuagint
the Bible taught when it came, as he put it, “in the and a precious old Hebrew Bible manuscript.
cloud of an unknown tongue.” Daniel had trans- The team followed the lead of the translators
lated the Christian Greek Scriptures into Irish. of the King James Version (many of whom Be-
Bedell now took on the task of translating the He- dell would have known personally) and includ-
brew Scriptures. What is known as Bedell’s Bible ed God’s personal name in a number of places
includes both his work and William Daniel’s earli- in their Bible. For example, at Exodus 6:3, they
er work. As things turned out, Bedell’s Bible—the rendered God’s name “Iehovah.” Bedell’s original
first complete Bible in Irish—was the only trans- manuscript is preserved in Marsh’s Library, Dub-
lation of the Bible into Irish for the next 300 lin, Ireland.—See the box “Bedell Remembered
years. and Recognized.”
Bedell, a qualified Hebrew scholar, enlisted two
native speakers of Irish to help with the transla- FINALLY PUBLISHED
tion from English into Irish. As they progressed Bedell completed his project about 1640. But he
with their work, Bedell, along with one or two could not immediately publish it. Why? For one
trusted helpers, painstakingly checked and re- thing, he still faced unrelenting opposition. De-
vised each verse. For reference, they consulted tractors vilified Bedell’s chief translator, hoping
an Italian translation made by Swiss theologian thus to discredit his work. They even maliciously
12 THE WATCHTOWER
Bedell Remembered and Recognized
For nearly 300 years after the publication
of Bedell’s Bible in 1685, no other com-
plete Bible in Irish was published. Then, in
1981, Catholic scholars produced the May-
nooth Bible, a translation in modern Irish.
had him arrested and imprisoned. As if that were
In its foreword, the Maynooth Bible recog-
not enough, Bedell found himself in the middle of nizes the “great achievement on the part of
a bloody and bitter anti-English rebellion, which The Church of Ireland when they published
broke out in 1641. Local Irish people protected their version of the Bible in the 17th centu-
Bedell for a time despite his English origins be- ry.” That, of course, was Bedell’s transla-
cause they recognized his genuine concern for tion, although, in fact, until very recently
them. Eventually, however, rebel soldiers impris- the Catholic Church prohibited Catholics
oned him in very poor conditions. No doubt this from reading the Bedell Bible.
hastened his death in 1642. He never saw his work
The scholars who produced the Maynooth
published.
Bible published some of their preparatory
Bedell’s work almost perished completely when
work in 1971. One part of this was the Pen-
his home was ransacked and destroyed. Thankful-
tatúc (Pentateuch), the first five books of
ly a close friend managed to rescue all his trans- the Bible. In recognition of the pioneering
lated documents. In time, Narcissus Marsh, who work that Bedell had done, those Catholic
later became the archbishop of Armagh and the scholars included the note “In memory of
primate of the Church of Ireland, got hold of William Bedell” inside its cover page.
them. He received financial support from scien-
tist Robert Boyle and courageously published Be- The translators of the Pentatúc used the
dell’s Bible in 1685. Irish term “Iávé” for God’s name in many of
the places where it appears in the Hebrew
A SMALL YET SIGNIFICANT FORWARD STEP Scriptures, represented by the Tetragram-
Bedell’s Bible did not receive worldwide ac- maton or YHWH. Examples can be found at
claim. Still, it was one small yet significant step to- Exodus 6:2-13. Sadly, when the complete
ward better Bible understanding, especially for Maynooth Bible was eventually published,
people who spoke Irish—not only in Ireland but the editors—unlike Bedell—decided to re-
also in Scotland and many other places. They move the divine name completely from
could now satisfy their spiritual need as they read their translation and substitute “an Tiarna”
(the Lord) in its place.
God’s Word in their mother tongue.—Matthew 5:
3, 6.
Bedell’s Bible has continued to help lovers of
truth to do that right up to modern times. One EXODUS 6:3 EXODUS 6:3
speaker of Irish, who in relatively recent times BEDELL’S BIBLE MAYNOOTH BIBLE
learned what the Bible really teaches, says: “When

we read Bedell’s Bible, we heard the words of the
Bible in our mother tongue. This was a crucial key
that opened the way for me and my family to
learn the wonderful truths found in the Scrip-
tures.” ˇ
Are You Disappointed in God?
“W HY ME? Why did God permit this to happen
to me?” Those are questions that disturbed
24-year-old Sidnei from Brazil. After an accident
But today, living conditions are far from per-
fect. In fact, throughout history, mankind’s plight
has been severe. True is the description: “All cre-
on a waterslide, he became permanently confined ation keeps on groaning together and being in pain
to a wheelchair. together until now.” (Romans 8:22) What hap-
Suffering that results from accident, illness, pened?
death of a loved one, natural disaster, or war
WHY IS THERE SUFFERING?
can easily make people feel disappointed in God.
This is nothing new. The patriarch Job of ancient To understand why there is suffering, we should
times was struck with one calamity after another. go back to the time when it started. Induced by
Mistakenly he blamed God, saying: “I cry to you a rebellious angel, later called Satan the Devil,
for help, but you do not answer me; I stand up, Adam and Eve rejected God’s standards of right
but you just look at me. You have cruelly turned and wrong as represented by the command for
against me; with the full might of your hand, you them to refrain from eating of “the tree of the
assault me.”—Job 30:20, 21. knowledge of good and bad.” The Devil told Eve
Job did not know the source of his troubles nor that they would not die if they disobeyed God,
why they came upon him or were permitted. Hap- thus accusing God of being a liar. Satan also ac-
pily, the Bible enlightens us on the reason why cused God of withholding from his subjects the
such events occur as well as how we should react right to determine good and bad. (Genesis 2:17; 3:
to them. 1-6) Satan implied that mankind would be better
off without God’s rulership. All of this raised an is-
DID GOD INTEND FOR PEOPLE TO SUFFER? sue of vital importance—Was God fit to rule?
Regarding God, the Bible tells us: “Perfect is his The Devil raised yet another issue. He accused
activity, for all his ways are justice. A God of faith- humans of serving God with selfish motives.
fulness who is never unjust; righteous and upright About faithful Job, the Devil said to God: “Have
is he.” (Deuteronomy 32:4) That being the case, is you not put up a protective hedge around him and
it consistent or even comprehensible that a God his house and everything he has? . . . But, for a
who is “righteous and upright” would intend for change, stretch out your hand and strike every-
humans to suffer or that he would use calamities thing he has, and he will surely curse you to your
to punish or purify them? very face.” (Job 1:10, 11) Though Satan’s words
On the contrary, the Bible tells us: “When under were about Job, the implication was that all hu-
trial, let no one say: ‘I am being tried by God.’ For mans have selfish motives for serving God.
with evil things God cannot be tried, nor does he
himself try anyone.” (James 1:13) In fact, we learn HOW GOD RESOLVES THE ISSUES
from the Bible that God gave mankind a perfect What would be the best way to resolve those
start. He gave the first humans, Adam and Eve, a fundamental issues once and for all? God, who is
beautiful home, all of life’s necessities, and mean- all-wise, had the best solution—one that does not
ingful work to do. God told them: “Be fruitful and leave us feeling disappointed. (Romans 11:33) He
become many, fill the earth and subdue it.” Adam decided to allow humans to rule themselves for a
and Eve certainly had no reason to be disappoint- time and let the results prove whose rulership is
ed in God.—Genesis 1:28. superior.
14 THE WATCHTOWER
The miserable conditions on earth today are morial tombs will hear his voice and come out.”
clear evidence that human rulership has utterly (John 5:28, 29) What heartwarming promises!
failed. Not only have worldly governments failed
OVERCOMING DISAPPOINTMENT
to bring peace, security, and happiness but they
have also brought the earth to the brink of ruin. Some 17 years after his accident, Sidnei, men-
This reinforces the fundamental truth stated in tioned at the outset of this article, said: “I never
the Bible: “It does not belong to man who is walk- blamed Jehovah God for the accident, but I have
ing even to direct his step.” (Jeremiah 10:23) Only to admit that at first I was disappointed in him.
God’s way of ruling can guarantee lasting peace, There are days when I feel really down, and I cry
happiness, and prosperity to mankind, because when I think about my physical disability. How-
that is God’s purpose.—Isaiah 45:18. ever, from the Bible I have come to understand
How, then, will God bring the human condi- that the accident was not punishment from God.
tion in line with his purpose? Recall that Je- As the Bible says, ‘time and unexpected events
sus taught his followers to pray: “Let your King- overtake us all.’ Praying to Jehovah as well as
dom come. Let your will take place, as in heaven, reading specific scriptures has made me stronger
also on earth.” (Matthew 6:10) Yes, in due time spiritually and kept my spirits up.”—Ecclesiastes 9:
God, through his Kingdom, will remove all causes 11; Psalm 145:18; 2 Corinthians 4:8, 9, 16.
of suffering. (Daniel 2:44) Poverty, disease, and Keeping in mind the reasons why God has per-
death will be things of the past. Regarding the mitted suffering and how its effects will soon be
poor, the Bible indicates that God “will rescue the undone helps us to overcome any feeling of dis-
poor who cry for help.” (Psalm 72:12-14) As for appointment in God that we may have. We are as-
the sick, the Bible promises: “No resident will say: sured that God is “the rewarder of those earnestly
‘I am sick.’ ” (Isaiah 33:24) Even concerning the seeking him.” No one who rests his faith on him
dead ones who are in God’s memory, Jesus said: and his Son will be disappointed.—Hebrews 11:6;
“The hour is coming in which all those in the me- Romans 10:11. ˇ
Building faith in God’s

promises helps us to
overcome any feeling
of disappointment
in him
Why are there prophecies

in the Bible?
Many detailed prophecies are found throughout the
Bible. No man can foretell the future in detail. Thus,
the fulfillment of Bible prophecies provides convinc-
ing evidence that the Bible is God’s Word.—Read
Joshua 23:14; 2 Peter 1:20, 21.
Bible prophecies already fulfilled give us a sound
basis for faith in God. (Hebrews 11:1) They also give
us confidence that God’s promises of a better future
will come true. Thus, Bible prophecy gives us sure
WHY DOES THE BIBLE DESCRIBE EVENTS hope.—Read Psalm 37:29; Romans 15:4.
OF OUR TIME?—LUKE 21:10, 11.
How do Bible prophecies

For more
information help us?
Bible Really Teach? Some prophecies warn God’s servants to take action.
of this book,
published by For example, when first-century Christians saw cer-
Jehovah’s tain prophecies fulfilled, they left Jerusalem. Later,
Witnesses when the city was destroyed because most of its peo-
Also available ple had rejected Jesus, the Christians were far away in
at www.jw.org a safe place.—Read Luke 21:20-22.
Today, fulfilled prophecies show that God’s King-
dom will soon bring an end to human kingdoms and
governments. (Daniel 2:44; Luke 21:31) So it is urgent
Please send me a copy of that each person act now to gain the approval of the
King, Jesus Christ, whom God has appointed.—Read
LANGUAGE _______________________________________________________________________
Luke 21:34-36.
NAME ________________________________________________________________________________
ADDRESS __________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
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Does It Do Any Good to Pray? PAGES 3-8
heavenly Kingdom will soon end all Why Do People Pray? 3
earth into a paradise. It promotes Is Anyone Listening? 4
that we might gain everlasting life
Why God Invites Us to Pray 5
and who is now ruling as King of Prayer—What It Can Do for You 6
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE
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Did You Know? 9

I Now Feel That I Can Help Others 10
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Forgive Freely 15
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Holy Scriptures. What Does the Bible
Say About the Origins
DOES IT DO ANY GOOD
The Watchtower (ISSN 0043-1087) is published TO PRAY?
ety of New York, Inc.; L. Weaver, Jr., President; of Halloween?
THIS MAGAZINE
COVER SUBJECT
Why Do People Pray?

“I was a heavy gambler. I prayed to win a fortune.
It never happened.”—Samuel,1 Kenya.
“In school all we had to do was recite the

memorized prayers we were taught.”—Teresa,
Philippines.
“I pray when I face problems. I pray for

forgiveness of sins and to be a better Christian.”
—Magdalene, Ghana.
The comments made by Samuel, Teresa, and Magda-

lene show that people pray for a wide range of reasons,
some more noble than others. Some people’s prayers are
heartfelt; others’ prayers are almost devoid of any per-
sonal touch. Nevertheless, whether they pray to pass ex-
aminations at school or pray for their favorite sports
team to win, for God’s guidance in their family life, or
for a multitude of other reasons, hundreds of millions
feel the need to pray. In fact, surveys show that even
some with no religious affiliation pray regularly.
Do you pray? If so, what do you pray for? Whether
you are in the habit of praying or not, you may wonder:
‘Does it really do any good to pray? Is anyone listening?’
One writer expressed the view that prayer is just “a form
of therapy . . . like talking to your pet fish.” Some medical
authorities have a similar view, calling prayer a form of
“alternative medicine.” Are people who pray just going
through a meaningless exercise or, at best, getting some
therapeutic benefit from the practice?
In contrast, the Bible presents prayer as much more
than just a form of therapy. It tells us that someone real-
ly is listening to prayers that are made in the right way
and for the right things. Is this true? Let us look at the
evidence.
1 Some names have been changed.
OCTOBER 1, 2015 3
Is Anyone Listening?
Some people feel that prayer is just a waste of pray only to the God of the Bible, Jehovah,1 not
time, that no one is listening. Others have tried to any other god or to ancestors. God also re-
to pray but feel that they got no answer. One quires that we “ask according to his will”—for
atheist conjured up an idea of what he imagined things he approves of. God assures us that if we
God to be and then prayed: “Just give me a little pray in this way, “he hears us.” (1 John 5:14) So,
whisper.” But he said that God maintained “state- for our prayers to be heard, we need to get to
ly silence.” know the God of the Bible and learn what his
Yet, the Bible assures us that there is a person- will is.
al God and that he does hear prayers. The Bible Many people believe that prayer is not just a re-
records this statement to a people long ago: “He ligious exercise but that God does listen to prayers
[God] will surely show you favor at the sound of and answers them. Isaac, from Kenya, says: “I
your cry for help; he will answer you as soon as prayed for help to understand the Bible. Soon af-
he hears it.” (Isaiah 30:19) Another Bible verse terward, someone approached me and offered the
says: “The prayer of the upright is a pleasure to help I needed.” In the Philippines, Hilda wanted
Him.”—Proverbs 15:8. to quit smoking. After repeated failures, her hus-
The Bible also recounts examples of those band suggested, “Why not pray to God for help?”
whose prayers were heard. One verse says that She applied the advice and says: “I was amazed at
Jesus offered up “petitions . . . to the One who how He helped me. It was as if I began to lose my
was able to save him” and that “he was favorably desire to smoke. I was able to stop.”
heard.” (Hebrews 5:7) Other examples can be Might God be interested in helping you with
found at Daniel 9:21 and 2 Chronicles 7:1. your personal concerns that are in harmony with
Why, then, do some people feel that their his will?
prayers are not answered? To be heard, we must 1 Jehovah is the name of God as revealed in the Bible.
Jesus prayed to his

Father, “and he was
favorably heard.”
—Hebrews 5:7
4 THE WATCHTOWER
Why God Invites Us to Pray
God extends his hand of friendship.
Friends communicate with each other to cultivate
a good relationship. Likewise, God invites us to What Does Prayer Involve?
talk to him, opening the way for a warm friendship.
He says: “You will call me and come and pray to The Bible shows that prayer can
embrace every facet of our life.
me, and I will listen to you.” (Jeremiah 29:12) As
Prayer may include the following:
you speak to God, you will “draw close to [him],
and he will draw close to you.” (James 4:8) The Bi-
Confession “I confessed my sin to you;
ble assures us: “Jehovah is near to all those calling I did not cover my error.”—Psalm 32:5.
on him.” (Psalm 145:18) The more we pray to him,
the more our friendship with God will flourish. Thanks “It is good to give thanks to
Jehovah.”—Psalm 92:1.
God wants to help you.
Praise “I will praise Jehovah at all times;
Jesus said: “Which one of you, if his son asks for his praise will be on my lips constantly.”
bread, will hand him a stone? Or if he asks for a —Psalm 34:1.
fish, he will not hand him a serpent, will he? There-
Requests for Guidance “Guide me in the
fore, if you . . . know how to give good gifts to your
pathway of your commandments, for in it
children, how much more so will your Father who I take delight.”—Psalm 119:35.
is in the heavens give good things to those asking
him!” (Matthew 7:9-11) Yes, God invites you to Request for Strength “Turn to me and
pray because “he cares for you” and wants to help show me favor. Give your strength to your
servant.”—Psalm 86:16.
you. (1 Peter 5:7) He even invites you to go to him
with your problems. The Bible tells us: “Do not
be anxious over anything, but in everything by
prayer and supplication along with thanksgiving,
let your petitions be made known to God.”—Philip-
pians 4:6.
Humans have a spiritual need.
Experts on human nature have observed that hun- “Jehovah is near to all those
dreds of millions of people feel a need to pray. calling on him.”—Psalm 145:18
Even some atheists and agnostics are included
in this number.1 This attests to the fact that hu-
mans were created with a spiritual need. Jesus
said: “Happy are those conscious of their spiritual
need.” (Matthew 5:3) One way we can fill that need
is by regularly communicating with God.
If we accept God’s invitation to pray to him,
what benefits may we expect?
1 A 2012 Pew Research Center survey revealed that 11 percent of
atheists/agnostics in the United States pray at least once a month.
OCTOBER 1, 2015 5
PRAYER What It Can Do for You
Before you embark on any endeavor, you might Peace of mind.
naturally wonder, ‘What’s in it for me?’ Is it self- When problems and challenges arise in your life,
ish, though, to ask this about prayer? Not neces- do you feel overwhelmed with anxiety? The Bible
sarily. We naturally want to know whether it does encourages us to “pray constantly” at times like
any good. Even the good man Job once asked: these and to let our “petitions be made known to
“If I call out to him, will he answer me?”—Job God.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17; Philippians 4:6) The
9:16. Bible assures us that if we turn to God in prayer,
In the preceding articles, we considered evi- “the peace of God that surpasses all understand-
dence that prayer is far more than a religious rou- ing will guard [our] hearts and [our] mental pow-
tine or a type of mental therapy. The true God ers.” (Philippians 4:7) We can gain a measure of
really does listen to prayer. If we pray in the right tranquillity by pouring out our concerns to our
way and for the proper things, he will pay atten- heavenly Father. In fact, he encourages us to do
tion. In fact, he urges us to draw close to him. so. “Throw your burden on Jehovah, and he will
(James 4:8) So, what can we expect if we make sustain you,” says Psalm 55:22.
prayer a part of our life? Let us look at just some Countless people the world over have experi-
of the benefits. enced this peace. Hee Ran, from South Korea,
6 THE WATCHTOWER
Benefits of Prayer
Peace of mind “Do not be anxious over anything,
but in everything by prayer and supplication along
with thanksgiving, let your petitions be made
known to God; and the peace of God that surpass-
es all understanding will guard your hearts and
your mental powers by means of Christ Jesus.”
—Philippians 4:6, 7.
Comfort from God “Praised be the God and Father
of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of tender
mercies and the God of all comfort, who comforts
us in all our trials.”—2 Corinthians 1:3, 4.
Guidance to make wise decisions “If any one of
you is lacking in wisdom, let him keep asking God,
for he gives generously to all and without re-
proaching, and it will be given him.”—James 1:5.
Help to avoid temptation “Carry on prayer so that

you do not enter into temptation.”—Luke 22:40.
Forgiveness of sins “If my people on whom my

name has been called humble themselves and pray
and seek my face and turn away from their evil
Prayer can give us strength when
facing trials ways, then I will hear from the heavens and forgive
their sin.”— 2 Chronicles 7:14.
A way to help others “A righteous man’s supplica-
tion has a powerful effect.”—James 5:16.
Encouragement when prayers are answered

“Jehovah said to him [Solomon]: ‘I have heard your
says: “Even though I have serious problems, once prayer and your request for favor that you made
I pray about them, I feel relieved of the burden before me.’ ”—1 Kings 9:3.
and I feel I have the power to endure.” Cecilia, in
the Philippines, relates: “Being a mother, I worry
a lot about my daughters and my mother, who
is now unable to recognize me. But because of
prayer, I am able to go about my daily life with
fewer worries. I know that Jehovah will help me
to take care of them.”
“Throw your burden on Jehovah,
Comfort and strength when facing trials. and he will sustain you.”
Are you facing extreme stress, perhaps even life- —Psalm 55:22
threatening or tragic circumstances? Praying to
“the God of all comfort” can bring immense relief.
The Bible says that he “comforts us in all our
trials.” (2 Corinthians 1:3, 4) For instance, on one
OCTOBER 1, 2015 7
occasion when Jesus was greatly distressed, “he him.” (James 1:5) If we pray for wisdom, God can
bent his knees and began to pray.” The result? “An use his holy spirit to guide us to make wise deci-
angel from heaven appeared to him and strength- sions. In fact, we can specifically ask for holy spir-
ened him.” (Luke 22:41, 43) Another faithful it because Jesus assures us that “the Father in
man, Nehemiah, suffered threats from evil people heaven [will] give holy spirit to those asking him!”
who tried to stop him from doing God’s work. He —Luke 11:13.
prayed: “Now, I pray, strengthen my hands.” The Even Jesus felt the need to ask his Father for
subsequent events show that God really did help help when making important decisions. The Bible
him to rise above his fears and to succeed in his tells us that when he wanted to select the 12 men
work. (Nehemiah 6:9-16) Reginald, in Ghana, de- who would serve as his apostles, “he spent the
scribes his experience with prayer: “When I pray, whole night in prayer to God.”—Luke 6:12.
especially in times of overwhelming difficulties, I Like Jesus, many today have been reassured
get a feeling of having told my problem to some- when they have seen how God has responded
one who has the means to help me and who as- to their requests for help in making wise deci-
sures me that there is no cause for alarm.” Yes, sions. Regina, in the Philippines, tells of the vari-
God can comfort us when we pray to him. ous problems she has faced, such as supporting
herself and her family after the death of her hus-
Wisdom from God. band, losing a job, and experiencing difficulty in
Some decisions we make can permanently affect raising children. What has helped her to make
us and our loved ones. How can we make wise wise decisions? She says, “I depend on Jehovah’s
choices? The Bible says: “If any one of you is lack- help through prayer.” Kwabena, in Ghana, tells
ing in wisdom [especially in dealing with trials], let why he asked for God’s help, “I lost my well-
him keep asking God, for he gives generously to paying job in construction.” About considering
all and without reproaching, and it will be given his options, he says, “I consistently prayed to Je-
hovah for guidance in making the right decision.”
He adds, “I feel strongly that Jehovah helped me
“I consistently prayed to Jehovah for guidance in to choose a career that enables me to care for my
making the right decision.”—Kwabena, Ghana
spiritual and physical needs.” You too can experi-
ence God’s guidance by praying about matters
that could affect your relationship with him.
We have mentioned just a few things that
prayer can do for you. (For more examples, see
the box “Benefits of Prayer.”) But for you to get
these benefits, you need first to get to know God
and his will. If that is what you want, we encour-
age you to ask Jehovah’s Witnesses to help you
study the Bible.1 This can be your first step in
drawing closer to the “Hearer of prayer.”—Psalm
65:2. ˇ
1 For more information, contact Jehovah’s Witnesses locally or visit
our website, www.jw.org.
8 THE WATCHTOWER
DID YOU KNOW?
What challenges did Herod face in rebuilding

the temple in Jerusalem?
Originally, Solomon erected Jerusalem’s temple on a hill and
had retaining walls built on the east and west sides of the hill
in order to create level terraces around the sacred structure.
Herod wanted a temple more magnificent than Solomon’s, so
he set about remodeling and enlarging the existing one.
Herod’s engineers enlarged the flat area north of the temple
in order to expand the terraces there. Toward the south, the
platform was extended 105 feet (32 m). To accomplish this, a
series of stonework vaults and a thick retaining wall were con-
structed. At some points, this wall stood 165 feet (50 m) high.
Herod tried not to offend Jewish sensibilities or disrupt the
temple’s services and sacrifices. Jewish historian Josephus
says that Herod even trained Jewish priests as stonemasons
and carpenters so that no unauthorized worker would enter the
holy areas.
Herod did not live to complete the project. By 30 C.E., the
rebuilding had been under way for 46 years. (John 2:20) The
work was completed by Herod’s great-grandson, Agrippa II, in
the middle of the first century C.E. ˇ
Why did the people of Malta think that

the apostle Paul was a murderer?
Some of the people of Malta may have been influenced by con-
cepts of Greek religion. Consider what occurred after Paul’s
shipwreck on Malta, as reported in the book of Acts. When the
apostle laid a bundle of sticks on the fire that had been lit to
keep his shipwrecked traveling companions warm, a viper at-
tached itself to his hand. At that, the islanders said: “Surely this
man is a murderer, and although he made it to safety from the
sea, Justice did not permit him to keep on living.”—Acts 28:4.
The Greek term for “Justice” here is “di’ke.” The word can
mean justice in an abstract sense. In Greek mythology, how-
ever, Dike was the name of the goddess of justice. It was
thought that she oversaw human affairs and reported un-
disclosed injustices to Zeus, so that the guilty would be pun-
ished. Thus, according to one source, the residents of Malta
may have been thinking: “Though Paul has escaped the sea, he
is a marked man who is now overtaken by the goddess Dike . . .
THE GODDESS OF JUSTICE (LEFT) through the viper.” The people changed their minds when it be-
BEATING THE GODDESS OF INJUSTICE came clear that Paul was unharmed. ˇ
KHM-Museumsverband
OCTOBER 1, 2015 9
I now feel that I can

help others
MY PAST: I was born in Acul, an isolated town in the western
highlands of Guatemala. My family belongs to the Ixil people,
an ethnic group of Maya descent. In addition to the Spanish
language, I grew up speaking our indigenous language. My first
years of life coincided with a savage period of Guatemala’s
36-year-long civil war. During this time many Ixil died.
When I was four years old, my seven-year-old brother was
playing with a hand grenade that accidentally exploded. I lost
my sight as a result of that accident; sad to say, my brother lost
his life. Thereafter, my childhood was spent at an institute for
blind children in Guatemala City, where I learned Braille. There,
for reasons I did not fully understand, the staff prohibited me
from conversing with other children and my fellow students
avoided me. I was always lonely and longed for the two months
AS TOLD BY JULIO CORIO each year when I could be at home with my mother, who was al-
ways kind and compassionate. Sadly, she died when I was ten
years old. Feeling that I had lost the only person in the world
who loved me, I was devastated.
YEAR BORN
At age 11, I returned to my hometown and started living with
1981
my half brother and his family. They cared for my physical
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN needs, but no one could help me emotionally. At times, I would
GUATEMALA cry out to God: “Why did my mother die? Why do I have to be
HISTORY blind?” People told me that these tragedies were the will of God.
TRAGIC CHILDHOOD I concluded that God must be insensitive and unfair. The only
reason I did not commit suicide was that I did not have a means
to do so.
Being blind left me physically and emotionally vulnerable. As
a boy, I was sexually abused on several occasions. I never report-
ed those crimes—I didn’t think anyone would care. People rare-
ly spoke to me, and I did not converse with anyone. I was reclu-
sive and depressed, and I did not trust anyone.
HOW THE BIBLE CHANGED MY LIFE: In my early teens, two of
Jehovah’s Witnesses (a married couple) approached me during
a school recreation period. One of the teachers at my school,
who sympathized with my situation, had asked them to visit
With the brother whose family
took me in
me. They told me about the Bible’s promise that
the dead will be resurrected and that one day
the blind will see again. (Isaiah 35:5; John 5:
28, 29) I liked what they taught me, but it was
hard for me to converse with them, since I was not Giving a talk using my Braille Bible
used to speaking. However, despite my being very
withdrawn, they kindly and patiently persisted in congregation was over that same mountain range
visiting me in order to teach me about the Bible. that the Witness couple had navigated to study
This couple walked more than six miles (10 km) with me, and it was difficult for me to make the
and over a mountain to reach my town. trip. To help me, the elder located a Witness fam-
My half brother described them to me as neatly ily in Escuintla who were willing to take me into
dressed but of little means materially. Yet, they al- their home and help me to attend congregation
ways showed personal interest in me, bringing me meetings. To this day, they care for me as if I were
small gifts. I felt that only true Christians would a member of their own family.
show such self-sacrifice. I could relate many more examples of the genu-
I studied the Bible with the help of Braille publi- ine love that members of the congregation have
cations. Although intellectually I understood what shown me. Collectively, these experiences con-
I was learning, emotionally some things were dif- vince me that as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, I am
ficult for me to accept. For example, I struggled to among true Christians.—John 13:34, 35.
believe that God really cared about me as a person HOW I HAVE BENEFITED: I no longer feel worthless
and that others could share God’s feelings toward and without hope. Now my life is full of purpose.
me. I understood why Jehovah temporarily per- As a full-time minister in the Bible education work
mits wickedness, but I had a hard time seeing him of Jehovah’s Witnesses, I focus on teaching others
as a truly loving Father.1 precious Bible truths instead of focusing on my
Gradually, what I learned from the Scriptures disability. Also, I have the privilege of serving as a
helped me to change my viewpoint. For exam- congregation elder and giving Bible discourses for
ple, I learned that God feels deep empathy for the public in local congregations. I have even had
those who suffer. Regarding his worshippers who the privilege of giving Bible-based talks at regional
were being mistreated, God said: “I have certain- conventions where thousands of people are in
ly seen the affliction of my people . . . I well attendance.
know the pains they suffer.” (Exodus 3:7) When In 2010, I graduated from the Ministerial Train-
I came to appreciate Jehovah’s tender qualities, I ing School (now called the School for Kingdom
was moved to dedicate my life to him. In 1998, I Evangelizers) held in El Salvador. This school pre-
was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. pared me to fulfill my responsibilities in the con-
About a year after I was baptized, I attended a gregation better. Receiving this training made me
course for the blind near the city of Escuintla. An feel deeply valued and loved by Jehovah God,
elder in the local congregation found out about who can qualify anyone for his work.
the challenges I was facing to attend the meetings Jesus said: “There is more happiness in giving
while living in my hometown. You see, the nearest than there is in receiving.” (Acts 20:35) Today, I
can truly say that I am happy, and although previ-
1 For information regarding why God allows wickedness, see chap- ously I never imagined it possible, I now feel that
ter 11 of the book What Does the Bible Really Teach? published by Je-
hovah’s Witnesses. I can help others. ˇ
OCTOBER 1, 2015 11
Can We Really Find God?
“God is incomprehensible.”
—Philo of Alexandria, first-century philosopher.
“[God] is not far off from each one of us.”

—Saul of Tarsus, addressing first-century philosophers in Athens.
A S YOU read those two statements, which one

describes your view? Many find the words of
Saul of Tarsus, also called the apostle Paul, com-
The Bible frankly acknowledges that there are
some things about God that are difficult for hu-
mans to understand. For example, the length of
forting and appealing. (Acts 17:26, 27) And the the Creator’s existence, the brilliance of his mind,
Bible contains other assurances like that one. and the depth of his wisdom cannot be measured,
For example, Jesus offered a prayer that contains quantified, or fathomed. They simply exceed hu-
a warm assurance that his followers can come man comprehension. However, those aspects of
to know God and receive his blessing.—John God present no obstacle to our getting to know
17:3. him. In fact, meditating on those very things can
However, philosophers such as Philo took a dif- help us to “draw close to God.” (James 4:8) Let us
ferent view. They implied that we could never consider a few examples of such incomprehensi-
know God at all because he is completely incom- ble things. Then we will look at aspects of God we
prehensible. Where does the truth lie? really can grasp.
12 THE WATCHTOWER
The length of the Creator’s existence, the brilliance of his mind, and the
depth of his wisdom cannot be measured, quantified, or fathomed
What Aspects Are reveal his ways to those who want to please him.
—Amos 3:7.
Incomprehensible?
How you benefit: If you read and study the Bible,
GOD’S ETERNAL EXISTENCE: The Bible teaches that you will never cease to learn new things about God
God exists “from everlasting to everlasting.” and his ways. This means that we can draw ever
(Psalm 90:2) In other words, God had no closer to our heavenly Father for all eternity.
beginning and will have no end. From a human
point of view, “the number of his years is beyond
comprehension.”—Job 36:26. What You Can Know
How you benefit: God promises you everlasting
Just because we cannot fully comprehend cer-
life if you truly come to know him. (John
tain aspects of God does not mean that we cannot
17:3) How reliable would such a promise be
get to know him at all. The Bible contains plenty
if God himself did not live forever? Only “the
of information that helps us to get to know God
King of eternity” could fulfill such a promise.
better. Consider some examples:
—1 Timothy 1:17.
GOD’S NAME: The Bible teaches us that God has
GOD’S MIND: The Bible teaches that God’s
given himself a name. He says: “I am Jehovah.
“understanding is unsearchable” because his
That is my name.” God’s name appears some 7,000
thoughts are so much higher than ours. (Isaiah
times in the Bible, more than any other name.
40:28; 55:9) Appropriately, the Bible asks the
—Isaiah 42:8.
rhetorical question: “Who has understood the
mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?” How you benefit: Jesus said in his model prayer:
—1 Corinthians 2:16, English Standard Version. “Our Father in the heavens, let your name be
sanctified.” (Matthew 6:9) Could you also use
How you benefit: God is able to listen to millions
God’s name in your prayers? Jehovah is willing to
of prayers at the same time. (Psalm 65:2) He even
save everyone who shows proper respect for his
notices every sparrow that falls to the ground. Will
name.—Romans 10:13.
God’s mind ever be overloaded, preventing him
from noticing you and listening to your prayers?
GOD’S DWELLING: The Bible teaches that there are
No, because his mind is not limited. What is more,
two “realms”—a spirit realm where spirit creatures
“you are worth more than many sparrows” to him.
with spirit bodies exist and a physical realm
—Matthew 10:29, 31.
consisting of our earth and the universe. (John 8:
GOD’S WAYS: The Bible teaches that man can 23; 1 Corinthians 15:44) In the Bible, the word
“never find out the work that the true God has “heavens” often refers to the spirit realm. The
made from start to finish.” (Ecclesiastes 3:11) Creator’s “dwelling place” is in those “heavens.”
Hence we will never know everything about God. —1 Kings 8:43.
The wisdom behind God’s ways is “beyond tracing How you benefit: You get a clearer picture of
out.” (Romans 11:33) However, God is willing to God. The Creator is not an obscure force that
OCTOBER 1, 2015 13
is everywhere and in everything. Jehovah is a (1 Chronicles 28:9) Why not get to know God by
real Person who lives in a real place. Still, “there reading and meditating on Bible accounts? If you
is not a creation that is hidden from his sight.” do so, the Bible promises that God “will draw
—Hebrews 4:13. close to you.”—James 4:8.
You might wonder, ‘Since I cannot comprehend
GOD’S PERSONALITY: The Bible teaches that everything about the Creator, how can I ever be
Jehovah has endearing qualities. “God is love.” his friend?’ Consider this: Does the best friend of
(1 John 4:8) He never lies. (Titus 1:2) He is a surgeon need to have a degree in medicine? Not
impartial, merciful, compassionate, and slow to at all! The surgeon’s friend might have a com-
anger. (Exodus 34:6; Acts 10:34) It may come as a pletely different profession. Still, a close friend-
surprise to many that the Creator desires to have ship is possible. What really counts is that the sur-
a “close friendship” with those who respect him. geon’s friend knows the surgeon’s personality as
—Psalm 25:14. well as what he likes and what he dislikes. Similar-
How you benefit: You can become Jehovah’s ly, you can learn from the Bible what kind of per-
friend. (James 2:23) Then, as you come to know son Jehovah is—exactly what you need to know in
Jehovah’s personality, you can better understand order to forge a friendship with him.
Bible accounts. Far from providing a faint outline of the Cre-
ator, the Bible contains the kind of infor-
“SEARCH FOR HIM” mation that we need in order to get to know
The Bible portrays a clear picture of Jeho- God. Would you like to learn more about Jehovah
vah God. He is far from being incomprehensible. God? Jehovah’s Witnesses offer a free home Bi-
In fact, the Creator wants you to get to know ble study program. We invite you to contact the
him. His Word, the Bible, promises: “If you search Witnesses in your area or to visit our website,
for him, he will let himself be found by you.” www.jw.org. ˇ
If you read and study the Bible, you will never cease to learn new things about God and his ways
ANCIENT WISDOM FOR MODERN LIVING
Forgive Freely
BIBLE PRINCIPLE: “Continue . . . forgiving one another
freely even if anyone has a cause for complaint
against another. Just as Jehovah freely forgave you,
you must also do the same.”—Colossians 3:13.
What does it mean? In the Bible, sin is likened to debt and

forgiveness is compared to the cancellation of a debt. (Luke
11:4) One reference work says that in the Scriptures the
Greek word translated “forgive” means “to let go [of] a debt,
by not demanding it.” Thus, when we choose to forgive
someone who has wronged us, we let go of any need for
reparations from the offender. Our willingness to forgive
does not mean that we approve of the wrong behavior or
minimize the hurt that it has caused us. Rather, we simply
decide to let go of resentment, even though we may have a
legitimate “cause for complaint.”
Is it practical today? As imperfect humans, we all sin.

(Romans 3:23) Hence we are wise to be inclined to forgive
others, for sooner or later we will need to have others forgive
us. Moreover, when we choose to forgive, we also benefit
ourselves. How so?
When we harbor anger and resentment—and withhold for-
giveness—we hurt ourselves. Such negative emotions can rob
us of happiness, restrict our life, and make us miserable.
They can also pose a serious health risk. A report in the Jour-
nal of the American College of Cardiology, by Dr. Yoichi Chida
and Professor of Psychology Andrew Steptoe, concluded:
“The current findings suggest a harmful association between
anger and hostility and CHD [coronary heart disease].”
On the positive side, consider the benefits of forgive-
ness. When we freely forgive others, we preserve unity and
peace, thereby safeguarding relationships. More important,
we prove ourselves imitators of God, who freely forgives re-
pentant sinners and who expects us to do the same.—Mark
11:25; Ephesians 4:32; 5:1.
OCTOBER 1, 2015 15
Is a world without poverty

possible?
Extreme poverty kills millions every year through mal-
nutrition and disease. Although parts of the world
are prosperous, a large portion of mankind still live
in extreme poverty. The Bible indicates that poverty
has been an ongoing problem among humans.—Read
John 12:8.
It would take a world government to end poverty.
Such a government would have to have the power
both to distribute the world’s resources fairly and to
HOW WILL GOD BRING ABOUT A WORLD end wars, which are a major cause of poverty. God
WITHOUT POVERTY?—MATTHEW 6:9, 10.
has promised such a world government.—Read Daniel
2:44.
For more
What Does the

information,
see chapter 8
Who can eliminate poverty?
Bible Really Teach? of this book, God has appointed his Son, Jesus, to rule over all
published by mankind. (Psalm 2:4-8) Jesus will rescue the poor
Jehovah’s
Witnesses and bring an end to oppression and violence.—Read
Psalm 72:8, 12-14.
Also available As the foretold “Prince of Peace,” Jesus will estab-
at www.jw.org
lish world peace and security. Then all on earth will
live in their own home, enjoy satisfying work, and have
plenty to eat.—Read Isaiah 9:6, 7; 65:21-23.
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How Does God View War? PAGES 3-8
God’s View of War in the Ancient Past 4
earth into a paradise. It promotes God’s View of War in the First Century 6
that we might gain everlasting life God’s View of War Today 7
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Holy Scriptures.
The Watchtower (ISSN 0043-1087) is published What Is the Battle

ety of New York, Inc.; L. Weaver, Jr., President; of Armageddon?
HOW DOES GOD
VIEW WAR?
THIS MAGAZINE
COVER SUBJECT
How Does God View War?

How would you answer that question? Many torious. On the other hand, how would you feel if
think that God approves of war. They reason you learned that God supports the opposing side
of a conflict? Likely you would reconsider your
that he commanded some of his worshippers position on the matter.
in the past to engage in warfare; the Bible Something more important is at stake. Knowing
record confirms as much. Others, however, how God views war may affect how you view God.
note that God’s Son, Jesus, taught his If you are among the millions who have been deep-
ly hurt by human warfare, you no doubt need to
followers to love their enemies. (Matthew know the answer to the question, Is God, as some
5:43, 44) So they reason that at some point believe, a warmonger who allows or even encour-
God’s view of war changed and that today ages the suffering associated with war, or might he
he disapproves of war. be passive and unconcerned about the welfare of
the oppressed?
You may be surprised to learn that the Bible’s
What do you think? Does God approve of warfare? answer differs greatly from either of those opin-
If so, whose side does he take in today’s conflicts? ions. Furthermore, from the past down to today,
Finding the answers to these questions can affect God’s view of war has remained the same. Let
your own view of war. For example, if you knew us consider what the Bible says about how God
that God not only approves of war but also sup- viewed war in the ancient past and in the first cen-
ports the side that you favor in a particular war, tury, when Jesus walked the earth. That will help
likely you would feel good about your stand on the us to see how God views war today and whether
issue, confident that your side would come off vic- war will be a part of mankind’s future.
NOVEMBER 1, 2015 3
God’s View of War
IN THE ANCIENT PAST
The people were being oppressed. They repeatedly
prayed to God for relief, but none came—at least not
right away. The people were the Israelites, God’s people
in ancient times. The oppressor was the mighty nation
of Egypt. (Exodus 1:13, 14) For years, the Israelites
waited for God to bring an end to the Egyptian tyranny.
Eventually, God’s due time for action arrived. (Exodus
3:7-10) The Bible reports that God personally waged war
against the Egyptians. He beset Egypt with a series of
devastating plagues, and then he destroyed Egypt’s king
and his army in the Red Sea. (Psalm 136:15) Jehovah
God proved to be “a powerful warrior” in
behalf of his people.—Exodus 15:3, 4.
The fact that God himself waged war against the 1. GOD ALONE DETERMINED WHO WOULD EN-
Egyptians shows that he is not against all warfare. GAGE IN WARFARE. On one occasion, God told the
On other occasions, he authorized his people Isra- Israelites: “You will not need to fight this battle.”
el to wage war. For example, he commanded them The reason? God himself would wage war in their
to wage war against the Canaanites, who were ex- behalf. (2 Chronicles 20:17; 32:7, 8) He did so
ceedingly wicked. (Deuteronomy 9:5; 20:17, 18) many times, such as on the occasion mentioned at
He directed Israel’s King David to war against the outset of this article. At other times, God com-
the oppressive Philistines. God even provided Da- manded his people in ancient Israel to fight in wars
vid with a battle strategy that ensured victory. that he approved, namely, those that involved se-
—2 Samuel 5:17-25. curing and defending their Promised Land.—Deu-
Those Bible accounts reveal that when certain teronomy 7:1, 2; Joshua 10:40.
forms of wickedness and oppression threatened
the Israelites, God authorized warfare for the pro- 2. GOD ALONE DETERMINED WHEN SUCH WAR-
tection of his people and the preservation of true FARE WOULD TAKE PLACE. God’s servants were to
worship. But note the following three key points wait patiently for God’s appointed time to war
about such God-ordained warfare. against the oppression and wickedness that sur-
4 THE WATCHTOWER
rounded them. Until then, they were not to take it fare was to take place and who was to be involved.
upon themselves to engage in war. When they did, And did God wage war eagerly, in a bloodthirsty
they lost divine approval. In fact, the Bible shows way? Quite the contrary. He actually hates vio-
that when the Israelites presumed to engage in lence. (Psalm 11:5) Did God’s view of war change
warfare that God had not authorized, the results when his Son, Jesus Christ, began his ministry in
were often disastrous.1 the first century?
3. GOD TAKES NO PLEASURE IN THE DEATH OF

HUMANS, INCLUDING THE WICKED. Jehovah God
is the Source of life and the Creator of human-
kind. (Psalm 36:9) Therefore, he does not desire Though God waged war against the
to see people die. Sadly, though, there are people Canaanites, he spared some, such
who wickedly scheme to oppress and even kill oth-
as Rahab and her family
ers. (Psalm 37:12, 14) To halt such evil, God has at
times authorized warfare against the wicked. And
yet, throughout the years that he had the Israelites
engage in such wars, he was still “merciful” and
“slow to anger” toward Israel’s oppressors. (Psalm
86:15) For example, he decreed that before the Is-
raelites warred against a city, they were to “an-
nounce to it terms of peace,” in order to give the
inhabitants an opportunity to change their ways
and avoid war. (Deuteronomy 20:10-13) In this
way, God showed that he takes “no pleasure in the
death of the wicked, but rather that someone wick-
ed changes his way and keeps living.”—Ezekiel 33:
11, 14-16.2
From the foregoing we see that in the ancient
past, God viewed warfare as a legitimate means
of bringing an end to various forms of oppres-
sion and wickedness. But it was God—not hu-
mans—who rightfully determined when such war-
1 For example, on one occasion, the Israelites suffered defeat when
they engaged in war with the Amalekites and Canaanites after God
had ordered them not to do so. (Numbers 14:41-45) Many years lat-
er, faithful King Josiah engaged in a battle without divine approval,
and this rash action cost him his life.—2 Chronicles 35:20-24.
2 The Israelites did not announce terms of peace before warring
against the Canaanites. Why not? Because the Canaanites had been
given 400 years to correct their wicked ways. By the time the Israel-
ites came to war against them, the Canaanites, as a group, were in-
corrigibly wicked. (Genesis 15:13-16) Thus, they were to be com-
pletely annihilated. However, individual Canaanites who changed
their ways were spared.—Joshua 6:25; 9:3-27.
NOVEMBER 1, 2015 5
God’s View of War
IN THE FIRST CENTURY
The people were being oppressed. Like their ancestors, first-century Jews no doubt
prayed repeatedly to God for relief, this time from the oppressive yoke of the Roman
Empire. Then they heard of Jesus. Would he prove to be the foretold Messiah?
Not surprisingly, many “were hoping that this man was the one who was going to
deliver Israel” from their Roman oppressors. (Luke 24:21) But no relief came. Instead,
in 70 C.E., Roman armies came and destroyed Jerusalem and its temple.
What happened? Why did God not fight for the to God-ordained warfare, God alone determines
Jews, as he had in the past? Or why did he when such warfare is to take place, as the pre-
not authorize them to engage in warfare to free ceding article showed. God did not fight battles
themselves from oppression? Had God’s view of for first-century Christians, nor did he authorize
war changed? No. But something had drastically them to engage in secular warfare. Clearly, the
changed regarding the Jews. They had rejected first century was not God’s time to war against
God’s Son, Jesus, as the Messiah. (Acts 2:36) wickedness and oppression.
Therefore, as a nation, they lost their special rela- Thus, like God’s servants of the ancient past,
tionship with God.—Matthew 23:37, 38. those first-century Christians were to wait until
The Jewish nation and its Promised Land no God’s time to bring an end to wickedness and
longer enjoyed divine protection, nor could the oppression. In the meantime, they were not au-
Jews ever again rightly claim to engage in war- thorized by God to take it upon themselves to
fare that had God’s approval or backing. As Je- engage in warfare against their enemies. Jesus
sus foretold, the blessings associated with having Christ made this clear in his teachings. For exam-
God’s favor had been transferred from the fleshly ple, he did not direct his followers to engage in
nation of Israel to a new nation, a spiritual nation, warfare, but instead he told them: “Continue to
later referred to in the Bible as “the Israel of love your enemies and to pray for those who per-
God.” (Galatians 6:16; Matthew 21:43) The con- secute you.” (Matthew 5:44) Foretelling the time
gregation of spirit-anointed Christians proved to when first-century Jerusalem would be attacked
be the spiritual Israel of God. Pointedly, in the by Roman armies, Jesus instructed his disciples,
first century, they were told: “Now you are God’s not to stay and fight, but to flee—which they did.
people.”—1 Peter 2:9, 10. —Luke 21:20, 21.
Since first-century Christians were now “God’s Additionally, under inspiration the apostle Paul
people,” did God fight in their behalf, so as to wrote: “Do not avenge yourselves, . . . for it is writ-
free them from Roman oppression? Or did he au- ten: ‘Vengeance is mine; I will repay,’ says Jeho-
thorize them to wage war against their oppres- vah.” (Romans 12:19) Paul was quoting what God
sors? No, he did not. Why not? When it comes had stated centuries earlier as recorded at Leviti-
6 THE WATCHTOWER
cus 19:18 and Deuteronomy 32:35. As seen in the mined when such warfare was to take place and
preceding article, one way God avenged his peo- who was to be involved.
ple in ancient times was by aiding them in waging Clearly, God did not authorize Christians in the
war against their enemies. Thus Paul’s words show first century to fight in wars. But what about today?
that God’s view of warfare had not changed. In Has God authorized any group of people today to
the first century, God still viewed war as a legiti- engage in warfare? Or is now the time for God to
mate way to avenge his servants and bring an end step in and wage war in behalf of his servants? Just
to various forms of oppression and wickedness. how does God view war today? The final article in
However, as was true in the past, God alone deter- this series will answer those questions.
God’s View of War TODAY

Today people are being oppressed. To this day, God’s view of war has not changed.
Many repeatedly cry out to God for relief He still views war as a legitimate means of bring-
ing an end to oppression and wickedness. But as
and wonder if relief will ever come. Does
has been true throughout history, it is God alone
God hear their cries for help? And what who rightly determines when such warfare is to
about those who resort to warfare to take place and who is to be involved. As we have
bring an end to their oppression? Does seen, God has already determined that the war to
God support their efforts, viewing their end wickedness and to avenge the oppressed is a
warfare as justifiable?
First, take comfort in this truth: God sees the suf-
fering in the world today, and he intends to do
something about it. (Psalm 72:13, 14) In his Word,
the Bible, God promises that those “who suffer
tribulation will be given relief.” When? “At the rev-
elation of the Lord Jesus from heaven with his
powerful angels . . . as he brings vengeance on
those who do not know God and those who do
not obey the good news about our Lord Jesus.”
(2 Thessalonians 1:7, 8) This revelation of Jesus
will take place in the future in what the Bible calls
“the war of the great day of God the Almighty,”
also known as Armageddon.—Revelation 16:14, 16.
In that future war, God will use, not humans,
but his Son, Jesus Christ, along with other power-
ful spirit creatures to wage war against the wicked.
The heavenly forces will bring an end to all oppres-
sion.—Isaiah 11:4; Revelation 19:11-16.
Armageddon will be the war to end all wars

future war and that it will be fought by his Son, Je- presumptuous acts of aggression that bring his
sus Christ. This means that the wars being fought displeasure. Thus, at Armageddon, God will ex-
in the earth today do not have God’s approval, no press his indignation and settle the nations’ dis-
matter how noble the cause may appear to be. putes once and for all by “bringing an end to wars
To illustrate: Imagine two siblings who begin throughout the earth.” (Psalm 46:9; Isaiah 34:2)
fighting while their father is away. They temporari- Indeed, Armageddon will be the war to end all
ly stop fighting and call their father on the tele- wars.
phone. One sibling claims that the other started The end of warfare is one of the many blessings
the fight, while the other claims that he was being of God’s Kingdom. Jesus spoke of that govern-
mistreated. Both appeal to their father, each hop- ment in this well-known prayer: “Let your King-
ing for his support in the dispute. However, after dom come. Let your will take place, as in heaven,
hearing both sides, the father tells them to stop also on earth.” (Matthew 6:10) Not only will God’s
fighting and to wait for him to settle the matter Kingdom eliminate all war but it will eliminate the
when he gets home. For a while the two siblings root cause of war, wickedness.1 (Psalm 37:9, 10,
wait. Soon, though, they are fighting again. When 14, 15) Little wonder that Jesus’ followers eagerly
the father gets home, he is not pleased with ei- look forward to the blessings of God’s Kingdom.
ther child and punishes them both for not obeying —2 Peter 3:13.
him. How long, though, must we wait for God’s King-
Today, warring nations often appeal to God for dom to bring an end to all suffering, oppression,
support. But God does not take sides in today’s and wickedness? The fulfillment of Bible prophe-
wars. Instead, in his Word, the Bible, he clearly cies indicates that we are living in “the last days”
states: “Return evil for evil to no one,” and, “Do of this system of things. (2 Timothy 3:1-5)2 Soon,
not avenge yourselves.” (Romans 12:17, 19) More- God’s Kingdom will bring an end to these last days
over, he has made known that mankind should with the war of Armageddon.
“wait patiently for him” to take action, which he As noted earlier, those who perish in this final
will do at Armageddon. (Psalm 37:7, footnote) war will be those who refuse to “obey the good
When the nations fail to wait for God to act and in- news about our Lord Jesus.” (2 Thessalonians
stead resort to warfare, he views such wars as 1:8) But recall, God takes no pleasure in the death
of anyone, including the wicked. (Ezekiel 33:11)
Because “he does not desire anyone to be de-
stroyed” in this final war, he is now seeing to it
that the good news about our Lord Jesus is being
“preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness
to all the nations” before the end comes. (2 Peter
3:8, 9; Matthew 24:14; 1 Timothy 2:3, 4) Yes, by
means of the global preaching work of Jehovah’s
Witnesses, people today have an opportunity to
get to know God, to obey the good news about Je-
sus, and to live to see the day when war will be no
more. ˇ
1 God’s Kingdom will also eliminate mankind’s enemy death. As
noted in the article on page 16, God will resurrect countless people,
including many throughout history who have been victims of war.
2 For more information on the last days, see chapter 9 of the book
What Does the Bible Really Teach? published by Jehovah’s Witnesses.
8 THE WATCHTOWER
DID YOU KNOW?
Why did Joseph shave before seeing Pharaoh?

According to the Genesis account, Pharaoh ordered that the
Hebrew prisoner Joseph be quickly brought before him to in-
terpret his troubling dreams. By this time, Joseph had been
imprisoned for a number of years. Despite the urgency of
Pharaoh’s summons, Joseph took the time to shave. (Genesis
39:20-23; 41:1, 14) That the writer mentions this seemingly in-
significant detail at all shows that he was familiar with Egyp-
tian customs.
Letting one’s beard grow was the norm among many an-
cient nations, including the Hebrews. In contrast, “the ancient
Egyptians were the only Oriental nation who objected to wear-
ing the beard,” says McClintock and Strong’s Cyclopedia of
Biblical, Theological, and Ecclesiastical Literature.
Was shaving limited to the beard? The magazine Biblical Ar-
chaeology Review suggests that some Egyptian ceremonial
customs required a man to prepare to appear before Pharaoh
AN ANCIENT EGYPTIAN WALL PAINTING as he would to enter a temple. In such a case, Joseph would
SHOWING A BARBER AT WORK have had to shave all the hair of his head and body. ˇ
5 James Morris/Art Resource, NY
The Acts account says that Timothy’s father

was a Greek. Does this mean that he came
from Greece?
Not necessarily. In his inspired writings, the apostle Paul
sometimes contrasted Jews with Greeks, or Hellenes, as if us-
ing the Greeks to represent all non-Jewish peoples. (Romans 1:
16; 10:12) One of the reasons for this was doubtless the exten-
sive use of the Greek language and Greek culture through the
areas in which Paul preached.
Whom did the ancients consider to be Greek? In the fourth
century B.C.E., the Athenian orator Isocrates, for one, spoke
proudly of the way Greek culture was spreading in the world.
He noted that as a result, “those are called Greeks that have
had the advantage of our education, rather than the natives of
Greece.” It is thus possible, although by no means certain, that
Timothy’s non-Jewish father and others whom Paul referred to
as Greeks were Greek by culture and not by birth.—Acts 16:1. ˇ
NOVEMBER 1, 2015 9
I thought that I was living

my life to the full
MY PAST: I was born in a small town in Poland, not far from
the German border. Surrounded by farms and forests, I had a
peaceful life. My loving parents encouraged me to live a good
life, do well in school, and pursue a prestigious career.
My troubles began when I went to study law at a university in
the city of Wrocław. Away from my parents, I chose harmful as-
sociates. I had always liked soccer, but under the influence of
my new associates, I became a true fanatic. My favorite team
came from Warsaw, and on weekends I followed them no matter
where they were playing. Those trips featured heavy drinking,
drug abuse, and occasional violent fights with supporters of the
opposing team. I viewed this as an escape from the stress of dai-
ly life, though I knew that getting arrested by the police could
ruin my law career.
AS TOLD BY PAWEL PYZARA My friends and I liked to visit clubs and discos. Once there,
we often became involved in street fights. I was arrested by the
police several times, but I always managed to avoid serious
trouble with the law—sometimes by means of a bribe. I really
YEAR BORN
thought I was living life to the full. Even so, deep down I knew
1982
that what I was doing was wrong. I went to church every Sunday
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN in an attempt to ease my conscience.
POLAND
HOW THE BIBLE CHANGED MY LIFE: In 2004, two of Jehovah’s
HISTORY
Witnesses knocked on my door, and I agreed to discuss the Bi-
PURSUED VIOLENCE, DRUGS,
AND A PRESTIGIOUS CAREER
ble with them. As I learned more about what it means to be a
true Christian, my conscience really began to bother me. I knew
that I should stop drinking heavily, taking drugs, and associat-
ing with people who did not live by Bible standards. I also saw
that I needed to transform my aggressive, violent personality.
Although I realized that I needed to change, I found myself con-
tinuing down the wrong path.
A turning point came one night when I started a fight with
eight men. I remember lying on the street, being punched and
kicked in the head. Feeling that I was close to death, I prayed:
“I’m sorry, Jehovah, for not taking your Word seriously. If I
survive, I promise to study the Bible with the Witnesses and sort
10 THE WATCHTOWER
out my life.” To my surprise, I did survive. I kept
my promise to study the Bible.
In 2006, I moved to England. My goal was to
earn enough money to return to Poland and gain
a higher law degree. As I continued studying the
Bible, one scripture made a huge impression on
me. The apostle Paul wrote: “I do indeed also con-
sider all things to be loss on account of the excel-
ling value of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my
Lord. For his sake I have taken the loss of all
things and I consider them as a lot of refuse, that
I may gain Christ.” (Philippians 3:8) Like me, the
apostle Paul had received a law education—and he
too had been a very violent man. (Acts 8:3) Yet he
came to see that there was a better way to live:
Esther and I find real joy in teaching
serving God and doing his best to imitate Jesus. Polish-speaking people about the Bible
When I meditated on Paul’s example, I realized
that a lucrative career and violent conduct were
not keys to happiness. I became convinced that if 4:16, which says that “God is love,” I began to dis-
Paul could change, so could I. So I decided to stay cern why God hates violence.
in England and forget about pursuing a further I was also impressed by the conduct of the Wit-
law degree. nesses. It was obvious to me that they try to live
The more I learned about Jehovah, the more I by the Bible’s high moral standards. I wanted to
felt drawn to him. I was touched by his promise to be part of the happy brotherhood that they enjoy.
forgive those who sincerely want to make chang- After some struggles and adjustments in my life, I
es. (Acts 2:38) And when I meditated on 1 John was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses in
2008.
I wanted to be part of the happy HOW I HAVE BENEFITED: The Bible has trans-
formed me from an ambitious, violent, drug-
brotherhood that the Witnesses enjoy abusing, heavy-drinking soccer fanatic into a ser-
vant of God who enjoys teaching others about the
Bible. I still like to watch soccer, but I am deter-
mined to keep such entertainment in its proper
place.
I am now happily married to Esther, a beautiful
fellow worshipper of Jehovah. We find real joy in
teaching the Bible to Polish-speaking people here
in northwest England. For the first time in my life,
I feel true satisfaction. I have a clean conscience
and a full, meaningful life. ˇ
NOVEMBER 1, 2015 11
IMITATE THEIR FAITH TIMOTHY
“My Beloved and Faithful

Child in the Lord”
T IMOTHY strode steadily along the road lead-
ing away from home, his eyes eagerly focused
on what lay ahead. His companions led the way as
in a secluded, well-watered valley. The people may
have understood the Greek language, but they still
spoke the local tongue, Lycaonian. One day, the
they traversed the fields Timothy knew so well. quiet town was in an uproar. Two Christian mis-
Slowly receding behind them was the city of Lys- sionaries, the apostle Paul and his traveling com-
tra, which sat atop a low hill on the valley floor. panion, Barnabas, arrived from Iconium, a larg-
Timothy smiled as he thought of his mother and er city nearby. As they preached in public, Paul
grandmother, beaming with pride and hiding their caught sight of a crippled man who showed evi-
tears as they watched him go. Should he turn and dence of real faith. So Paul performed a miracle
wave—one last time? and healed the man!—Acts 14:5-10.
Now and again, the apostle Paul would turn to Many of the people of Lystra evidently believed
Timothy and smile encouragingly. He knew that in local legends about gods disguised as humans
Timothy still had a measure of shyness to overcoming to the region in times past. So the peo-
come, but he was pleased to see the young man’s ple mistook Paul for Hermes and Barnabas for
enthusiasm. Timothy was quite young, perhaps Zeus! The two humble Christians could barely re-
still in his late teens or early twenties, and he had strain the people from sacrificing to them.—Acts
tremendous respect and affection for Paul. Now 14:11-18.
Timothy was following this dynamic and faithful To a few in Lystra, though, that occasion was no
man on a journey that would take him hundreds of visit from mythical pagan gods; it was something
miles from home. They would travel on foot and real and wonderful. For instance, Eunice, a Jewish
by ship, facing countless dangers on the way. Tim- woman married to an unbelieving Greek man,1
othy could not really know whether he would ever along with her mother, Lois, surely listened to
see his home again. Paul and Barnabas with great eagerness and joy.
What led the young man to pursue such a course Here at last was the news that every faithful Jew
of life? What rewards could make such sacrifices longed to hear—the Messiah had come and had
worthwhile? And how can Timothy’s faith influ- fulfilled many prophecies written about him in the
ence our own? Scriptures!
“FROM INFANCY” Imagine how Timothy was affected by Paul’s vis-
Let us go back in time two or three years, and it. Timothy had been trained “from infancy” to
let us assume—as seems probable—that Lystra was love the holy writings of the Hebrew Scriptures.
Timothy’s hometown. It was a small, rustic town 1 See “Did You Know?” in this issue.
12 THE WATCHTOWER
(2 Timothy 3:15) Like his mother and grandmoth- have been when he stirred, got up, and then cou-
er, he could see that Paul and Barnabas spoke the rageously went right back into Lystra! The next
truth about the Messiah. And think of the crippled day, he and Barnabas left for the town of Derbe to
man that Paul healed. Why, from boyhood Timo- continue their preaching. After making new disci-
thy had probably seen that man countless times on ples there as well, they again braved danger and re-
the streets of Lystra. Now Timothy could see the turned to Lystra. To what end? “They strengthened
man walking for the first time! No wonder that Eu- the disciples,” the account tells us, “encourag-
nice and Lois became Christians, as did Timothy. ing them to remain in the faith.” Imagine young
To this day, grandparents and parents can learn Timothy listening, wide-eyed, as Paul and Bar-
much from Lois and Eunice. Can you be an influ- nabas taught those Christians that their glorious
ence for good on the young? hope for the future was well worth the present
cost. They said: “We must enter into the King-
“THROUGH MANY TRIBULATIONS” dom of God through many tribulations.”—Acts
Those who became Christian disciples in Lys- 14:20-22.
tra must have been thrilled to learn of the hope Timothy had seen Paul live up to those words,
that was held out to Christ’s followers. But they facing tribulation bravely in order to share the
learned, too, that discipleship would exact a price. good news with others. So Timothy knew that if
Fanatic Jewish opposers from Iconium and Anti- he followed Paul’s example, the people of Lys-
och came into town, and they stirred up those vol- tra would oppose him, and his own father might
atile people, turning them against Paul and Barna- oppose him as well. But Timothy was not going
bas. Before long, violent crowds came after Paul, to allow such pressures to influence his decision
hurling stones at him. Struck repeatedly, he fell to about how to serve God. Today, there are many
the ground. The mob dragged him outside the city young people like Timothy. Wisely, they seek out
and left him for dead.—Acts 14:19. friends with strong faith, who will encourage and
However, the disciples in Lystra went out to strengthen them. And they do not let opposition
Paul, surrounding him. How relieved they must turn them away from serving the true God!
Timothy opened his heart to the teachings of the apostle Paul

“HE WAS WELL-REPORTED-ON appointed to a special post of service to Jehovah
BY THE BROTHERS” God.—1 Timothy 1:18; 4:14.
As mentioned earlier, Paul’s next visit probably Timothy, we may well imagine, was awed and
came two or three years later. Picture the excite- humbled by this great trust and responsibility. He
ment in Timothy’s household when Paul arrived, was prepared to go.1 How, though, did Timothy’s
this time accompanied by Silas. It was surely a joy- unbelieving father react to his son’s new calling to
ful time for Paul too. He could see for himself be a traveling Christian minister? He probably had
what had come from the seeds of truth that he very different things in mind for his son’s future.
had sown in Lystra. There were Lois and Eunice, What about Timothy’s mother and grandmother?
her daughter, now loyal Christian women, full of Did they glow with pride while trying to hide their
that “unhypocritical faith” that Paul so admired. concerns for the young man’s safety? That would
(2 Timothy 1:5) And what of young Timothy? only be natural.
Paul learned that the young man had matured What is certain is that Timothy went. On the
admirably since the previous visit. Timothy was morning described at the outset of this article, he
“well-reported-on by the brothers,” not only in took up a life of traveling with the apostle Paul. As
Lystra but also in Iconium, about 20 miles (32 km) he left Lystra behind, every crunch of the peb-
to the northeast. (Acts 16:2) How had he built up bles under his sandals, every rustle of the grass
such a reputation? he trampled, meant another step toward the un-
“The holy writings” that Timothy had been known and away from his home. After a long day
taught “from infancy” by his mother and grand- of walking, the three men reached Iconium. Timo-
mother included sound, practical counsel for thy then began to observe how Paul and Silas
young people. (2 Timothy 3:15) Here is one ex- passed on the latest directions from the governing
ample: “Remember, then, your Grand Creator in body in Jerusalem and worked to build up the
the days of your youth.” (Ecclesiastes 12:1) Those faith of the believers in Iconium. (Acts 16:4, 5) But
words took on a deeper meaning after Timothy em- that was only the beginning.
braced Christianity. He saw that the best way for After visiting the congregations in Galatia, the
him to remember his Grand Creator included shar- missionaries left the broad, paved Roman roads
ing the good news about God’s Son, the Christ. and walked hundreds of miles across the vast
Timothy gradually learned to overcome any nat- tablelands of Phrygia, heading north and then
ural shyness that held him back and to be bold west. Ever following the direction of God’s holy
in telling others the good news about Jesus Christ. spirit, they made their way to Troas, boarded a
The men taking the lead in the congregations ship, and sailed to Macedonia. (Acts 16:6-12) By
noticed Timothy’s progress. No doubt they were then, Paul saw just how useful Timothy was. Paul
touched to see how the youth built up and en- was able to leave Timothy in Beroea with Silas.
couraged everyone around him. More important, (Acts 17:14) He even sent the young man alone to
though, is that Jehovah noticed Timothy. God in- Thessalonica. There Timothy imitated the exam-
spired some prophecies to be made about him ples he had observed so keenly, and he built up
—perhaps relating to the kind of service he would the faithful Christians there.—1 Thessalonians 3:
one day render to many congregations. When Paul 1-3.
visited, he saw that Timothy could be a helpful 1 Timothy was even willing to submit to circumcision at Paul’s re-
traveling companion on missionary journeys. The quest—not because that was a requirement for Christians but be-
cause Paul did not want to give the Jews to whom they would preach
brothers in Lystra agreed. They laid their hands on any reasons to object to the presence of this young man whose father
the young man, a gesture that signified that he was was a Gentile.—Acts 16:3.
14 THE WATCHTOWER
Paul later wrote about Timothy: “I have no one
else of a disposition like his who will genuinely
care for your concerns.” (Philippians 2:20) That
reputation did not come about by accident. Timo-
thy earned it through hard work, humble service,
and faithful endurance under difficult challenges.
What a remarkable example for young people to-
day! Never forget that your reputation is largely in
your own hands. If you are young, you have a mar-
velous opportunity to make a name for yourself by
putting Jehovah God first in your life and treating
others with kindness and respect.
“DO YOUR UTMOST TO COME TO ME”
Over a period of about 14 years, Timothy spent
a great deal of time working with the apostle Paul,
his friend. He shared many of the dangers of Paul’s
work and many of the joys as well. (2 Corinthians
11:24-27) At some point, Timothy was even im-
prisoned for his faith. (Hebrews 13:23) He also
shared Paul’s deep and heartfelt love and concern
for his Christian brothers and sisters. Paul thus At a young age, Timothy began a life devoted
to the Christian ministry
wrote to him: “I remember your tears.” (2 Timo-
thy 1:4) Like Paul, it seems that Timothy learned deal with the frequent cases of sickness that beset
to “weep with those who weep,” empathizing with the young man, possibly a recurring stomach ail-
them so that he could better encourage and comment.—1 Timothy 5:23.
fort them. (Romans 12:15) May each of us learn to The time came when Paul knew that the end of
do the same! his life was near; evidently a death by execution
Not surprisingly, Timothy in time became an lay just ahead of him. He sent one final inspired
outstanding Christian overseer. Paul entrusted letter to Timothy. It included the touching words:
him with the responsibility not only to visit con- “Do your utmost to come to me shortly.” (2 Tim-
gregations to strengthen and encourage them but othy 4:9) Paul dearly loved Timothy; he called
also to appoint men who qualified to serve as con- him “my beloved and faithful child in the Lord.”
gregation elders and ministerial servants.—1 Tim- (1 Corinthians 4:17) No wonder that he wanted his
othy 5:22. friend by his side as the end approached! Each of
Paul was very fond of Timothy, giving much us may well ask, ‘Do people seek me out as a
helpful counsel and fatherly advice to the younger source of comfort when they face trouble?’
man. He urged Timothy to nurture his spiritual Was Timothy able to reach Paul in time? We do
gifts and to keep growing, making advancement. not know. We do know that he always did his ut-
(1 Timothy 4:15, 16) He encouraged Timothy nev- most to give Paul and many others comfort and
er to let his youth—and perhaps some natural dif- encouragement. He lived up to the meaning of the
fidence—hold him back when it was time to take a name Timothy, “One Who Honors God.” And he
firm stand for what is right. (1 Timothy 1:3; 4:6, 7, left an outstanding example of faith for all of us,
11, 12) Paul even offered him advice on how to young and old, to imitate. ˇ
NOVEMBER 1, 2015 15
Will the dead live again?

Jehovah God is the Source of life. (Psalm 36:9) Does
it not seem reasonable, then, that the same God could
restore life to those who have died? The Bible assures
us that he will do just that in the future. (Read Acts
24:15) But why will he do so?
Our Creator originally intended for man to live for-
ever on earth. (Genesis 1:31; 2:15-17) This is still what
he wants for mankind. It pains him to see what we
deal with now—lives that are full of trouble and that
end all too quickly.—Read Job 14:1, 14, 15.
SURELY THE CREATOR OF LIFE CAN
RESTORE LIFE
Where will the resurrected live?
Did God create man to live in heaven? No. God creat-
For more ed angels to live in heaven. He made humans to live on
information, the earth. (Genesis 1:28; Job 38:4, 7) With that in
Bible Really Teach?
mind, consider the resurrections Jesus performed. He
of this book,
published by restored people to life right here on earth. Likewise,
Jehovah’s most of those resurrected in the future will return to
Witnesses life on the earth.—Read John 5:28, 29; 11:44.
Also available However, God has chosen a few people to be resur-
at www.jw.org rected to life in heaven, where they will have spirit
bodies. (Luke 12:32; 1 Corinthians 15:49, 50) Those
resurrected to heaven will rule as kings with Christ
over the earth.—Read Revelation 5:9, 10.
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ported by voluntary donations. Unless otherwise D EC E M B E R 1 , 2 0 1 5
Holy Scriptures.
The Watchtower (ISSN 0043-1087) is published Does Science Agree

With the Bible?
YOU CAN
UNDERSTAND
ety of New York, Inc.; L. Weaver, Jr., President;
r
THE BIBLE
G. F. Simonis, Secretary-Treasurer; 25 Columbia (Look under BIBLE TEACHINGS ˛
Heights, Brooklyn, NY 11201-2483, and by Watch BIBLE QUESTIONS ANSWERED)
IN VARIOUS
COVER SUBJECT
Why Understand the Bible?

“The Bible is a religious classic. But it’s a foreign book
and not relevant to the Chinese.”—LIN, CHINA.
“I can’t even understand the holy books of my Hindu

religion. So how could I understand the Holy Bible?”
—AMIT, INDIA.
“I respect the Bible as an old book and have heard

that it’s a best seller. But I’ve never personally seen
a copy.”—YUMIKO, JAPAN.
Many people around the world hold the Bible in high es-
teem. Yet they may know little, if anything, about the Bible’s
contents. That is certainly true of millions living in Asia,
but it is also true of many in lands where the Bible is widely
circulated.
However, you might ask, ‘Why should I be interested in
understanding the Bible?’ Unlocking the meaning of this sa-
cred book can help you to do the following:
˙ Find contentment and happiness
˙ Deal with family problems
˙ Cope with anxieties
˙ Improve personal relationships
˙ Manage money wisely
Take, for instance, Yoshiko, in Japan. She wondered what

the Bible was all about and decided to read it for herself.
What was the result? “The Bible has helped me to find a pur- For more information on
pose in life and hope for the future,” she said, adding: “I no how the Bible can benefit
longer feel empty inside.” Amit, quoted earlier, decided to you, see the brochure
examine the Bible personally. “I was amazed,” he says. “The A Satisfying Life—How to
Bible contains practical information for everyone.” Attain It, published by
Jehovah’s Witnesses.
The Bible has profoundly affected the lives of millions of 1 19697 965
8)1 .) 1..#( 9.
people. Why not examine it for yourself and see how it can
benefit you?
DECEMBER 1, 2015 3
A Book to Be Understood
By all measures, the Bible is a very old book. How WRITTEN TO BE UNDERSTOOD
old is it? The writing of the Bible began in the Mid- The Bible gives practical counsel to help us
dle East some 3,500 years ago. By comparison, solve everyday problems. That counsel is easy to
that was during the time of the mighty Shang dy- understand. This is so in two aspects.
nasty of China and about ten centuries before First, the Bible’s language is clear, direct, and
Buddhism started in India.—See the box “Facts appealing. Rather than using many expressions
About the Bible.” that are abstract or mystical, the Biblical text uses
If a book is to be a helpful and beneficial guide words that are concrete or that relate to our sens-
to people, it must be understandable and relevant es. Difficult ideas are expressed by words that are
to them. The Bible is just such a book. It offers common to our daily experience.
satisfying answers to life’s most important ques- For example, Jesus used many simple illustra-
tions. tions based on people’s daily experience in order
For example, have you ever wondered, ‘Why are to teach lessons that touched their heart. Many of
we here?’ That question has baffled man for thou- these are found in what is commonly called the
sands of years, and it still does. Yet, the answer Sermon on the Mount, which is recorded in chap-
can be found in the first two chapters of the first ters 5 to 7 of the Bible book of Matthew. Calling
book of the Bible, Genesis. There the Bible ac- it “a practical discourse,” one commentator ob-
count reaches back to “the beginning”—billions of served that its aim is “not to fill our heads with
years ago—when our physical universe, including ideas, but to guide and regulate our practice.” You
the galaxies, the stars, and the earth, came into
existence. (Genesis 1:1) Then it describes, in pro-
For more information
˘ Digital Vision Ltd/age fotostock
gressive stages, how the earth came to be habit-

about the origin of life,
able, how various life forms came into existence,
see the brochure Was
and how humans appeared on the scene—as well Life Created? published Was Life Created?
as the purpose of it all. by Jehovah’s Witnesses.

Also available at
www.jw.org.
4 THE WATCHTOWER
To learn more about
the Bible, see the
brochure The Bible
—What Is Its Message?
Facts About the Bible published by Jehovah’s
Witnesses. Also avail-
˙ The Bible is a collection of 66 sacred books.
able at www.jw.org.
˙ The contents of the Bible include history, laws,
prophecy, poetry, proverbs, songs, and letters.
˙ The writing was begun in 1513 B.C.E. and completed
in 98 C.E., a span of over 1,600 years.
The Bible
˙ Some 40 men wrote the Bible under
inspiration from God. WHAT IS ITS MESSAGE?
can read those chapters in perhaps 15 to 20 min- The Bible offers satisfying answers
utes, and you will be amazed to find how simple
yet powerful Jesus’ words are. to life’s most important questions
Another factor that makes the Bible easy to un-
derstand is its subject matter. It is not a book of ed, in whole or in part, into about 2,700 lan-
mythology or fables. Rather, for the most part, it guages. This means that over 90 percent of man-
is, as The World Book Encyclopedia puts it, “about kind can read at least some part of the Bible in
both great and ordinary people” and their “strug- their mother tongue.
gles, hopes, failures, and triumphs.” It is easy for Publishing. The original text of the Bible was
us to relate to these accounts of real people and written on perishable materials, such as leather
events and to understand the vital lessons con- and papyrus. To pass on the message, those writ-
tained therein.—Romans 15:4. ings had to be carefully copied and recopied by
AVAILABLE TO ALL hand. Such copies were expensive, and few people
For you to understand a book, it must be in a could afford them. But with the invention of Gu-
language that you know. Today it is likely that the tenberg’s printing press over 550 years ago, circu-
Bible is available in a language you can under- lation of the Bible greatly accelerated. According
stand, no matter where you live or what your na- to one estimate, more than five billion copies of
tionality is. Consider what is involved in making the Bible, in whole or in part, have been distrib-
that amazing feat possible. uted.
Translation. The Bible was originally written No other religious text can compare with the Bi-
in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. That naturally ble in these respects. Clearly, the Bible is a book
limited the scope of its readership. In order to to be understood. However, understanding it can
make the text available in other languages, tireless be challenging. But help is available. Where can
efforts have been made by sincere translators. you find it? And how can you benefit? Find out in
Thanks to their labors, the Bible is now translat- the following article.
DECEMBER 1, 2015 5
Finding Help to Understand the Bible
Imagine visiting a foreign land for the first time. ples while they were walking along the road to-
You encounter people, customs, foods, and cur- ward a village near Jerusalem, “fully opening up
rency that are all unfamiliar to you. Understand- [“clearly explaining,” footnote] the Scriptures” to
ably, you may feel frustrated. them.—Luke 24:13-15, 27, 32.
You may feel the same way when you first read Disciples of Jesus were also instructors of
the Bible. You are stepping back into an an- God’s Word. On one occasion, an official from
cient world that seems foreign to you. There you Ethiopia was reading a certain passage of the
meet a people called Philistines, come across un- Scriptures. A disciple named Philip approached
usual customs, such as ‘ripping garments apart,’ him and asked: “Do you actually know what you
or learn about a food called manna and a coin are reading?” The Ethiopian replied: “Really, how
known as the drachma. (Exodus 16:31; Joshua could I ever do so unless someone guided me?”
13:2; 2 Samuel 3:31; Luke 15:9) All of this could be Philip then explained the meaning of the passage
confusing. As in the case of visiting a foreign land, to him.—Acts 8:27-35.
would you not appreciate getting help from some-
HELP AVAILABLE TODAY
one who could explain things to you?
Like teachers and instructors of the Bible in the
HELP IN THE PAST past, Jehovah’s Witnesses today are engaged in a
From the time the sacred writings were first Bible educational work in 239 lands worldwide.
penned in the 16th century B.C.E., help has been (Matthew 28:19, 20) Week by week, they help well
provided for people to understand the text. For over nine million individuals to understand the
instance, Moses, the first leader of the nation of Bible. Many of those learners come from non-
Israel, “undertook to explain” what was written. Christian backgrounds. These study sessions are
—Deuteronomy 1:5. free and can be held at one’s home or at anoth-
Qualified instructors of the Scriptures were still er convenient location. Some people even enjoy
on hand some ten centuries later. In 455 B.C.E., their lessons by phone or video, using a computer
a large group of Jews, including many children, or a mobile device.
were gathered together in a public square in the Please contact any one of Jehovah’s Witnesses
city of Jerusalem. Bible instructors were there for details on how you can benefit from this ar-
“reading aloud from the [same sacred] book.” But rangement. You will discover that, far from being
they did more. “They helped the people to under- a closed book, the Bible is “beneficial for teach-
stand what was being read.”—Nehemiah 8:1-8. ing, for reproving, for setting things straight,
Five centuries later, Jesus Christ was involved for disciplining in righteousness,” so that you
in a similar educational work. In fact, he was “may be fully competent, completely equipped
primarily known among the people as a teach- for every good work.”—2 Timothy 3:16, 17. ˇ
er. (John 13:13) He taught large crowds, as well
as individuals. On one occasion, he spoke to a
great multitude, giving the famous Sermon on the You can download a copy of the
Mount, and “the crowds were astounded at his Bible or request a Bible study
way of teaching.” (Matthew 5:1, 2; 7:28) In the
spring of 33 C.E., Jesus spoke to two of his disci-
online at our website, www.jw.org
6 THE WATCHTOWER
s Help on the Web
Would you like to take a self-guided tour of
the Bible? To get started, go to the jw.org
website. The site offers free information on
the Bible in over 700 languages. You may
enjoy learning about the following topics:
Questions people often ask

ˇ What is the meaning of life?
ˇ Why do people die?
ˇ What happens when you die?
Personal issues
ˇ What you can do when you are depressed
ˇ Dealing with a chronic illness
ˇ Money problems and debt
Help for the family

ˇ How to stop arguing
ˇ Raising responsible children
ˇ Inculcating moral values
COUPLES & PARENTS)
Advice for teenagers

ˇ How to deal with sexual harassment
ˇ What to do when bullied
ˇ How to deal with loneliness
(Look under BIBLE TEACHINGS ˛ TEENAGERS)
w See the video

Why Study the Bible? w See the video
What Happens at a Bible
at www.jw.org Study? at www.jw.org
HYPOCRISY! Will It Ever End?
P ANAYIOTA grew up on an island in the Medi-
terranean. As a teenager, she took a keen in-
terest in politics. Later she served as the secretary
commercial. Appropriately, the English word
“hypocrite” comes from a Greek root that denotes
a speaker or a stage actor, often donning a mask.
for a political party in the village where she lived. In time, the term came to mean anyone who was
She even went from house to house to raise funds putting on an act to deceive others or to advance
for the party. As time passed, though, Panayiota certain selfish goals.
became disillusioned. Nepotism, ambition, fric- Hypocrisy can arouse strong emotions in those
tion, and jealousy persisted despite party mem- affected by it, including bitterness, anger, and re-
bers calling each other comrade. sentment. In frustration, the victims may say:
Daniel was raised in a staunchly religious fami- “Hypocrisy! Will it ever end?” Thankfully, God’s
ly in Ireland. Sadly, however, he has vivid memo- Word gives us reasons to believe that it will.
ries of the hypocrisy of the priests who drank
heavily, gambled, and stole from the collection HOW GOD AND HIS SON VIEW HYPOCRISY
plate, all the while preaching to him about burn- According to the Bible, hypocrisy got its start,
ing in hell if he sinned. not among humans, but with an unseen spirit
Jeffery spent most of his working life in market- creature. Early in human history, Satan the Devil
ing and sales for international ship owners based used a serpent as a mask and portrayed himself as
in the United Kingdom and the United States. He a benefactor in order to mislead the first woman,
recalls many instances where clients and compet- Eve. (Genesis 3:1-5) Since then, many humans
itors resorted to fraud when negotiating with gov- have similarly made themselves out to be some-
ernment officials. Hypocritically, they were will- thing they were not, and they have done this to
ing to say almost anything in order to secure a deceive others and to achieve selfish aims.
contract. When the ancient nation of Israel fell into the
Regrettably, these are not isolated cases. Hy- trap of false worship and spiritual hypocrisy, God
pocrisy is all too common today in nearly every repeatedly warned them of the consequences.
area of human activity—political, religious, and Through the prophet Isaiah, Jehovah God de-
8 THE WATCHTOWER
clared: “This people approaches me with their Herod approached Jesus with a tax question. Us-
mouth and they honor me with their lips, but ing flattery, they said to Jesus: “Teacher, we know
their heart is far removed from me.” (Isaiah 29: you are truthful and teach the way of God in
13) When the nation failed to turn around, God truth.” Then they set a trap by asking the ques-
allowed foreign powers to destroy Israel’s reli- tion: “Is it lawful to pay head tax to Caesar or
gious center—Jerusalem and its temple—first by not?” Jesus replied: “Why do you put me to the
the Babylonians in 607 B.C.E. and ultimately by test, hypocrites?” Jesus rightly called them hypo-
the Roman armies in 70 C.E. Clearly, God does crites because they were not really seeking an an-
not tolerate hypocrisy indefinitely. swer to their question but were trying to “trap
On the other hand, God and His Son, Jesus, him in his speech.”—Matthew 22:15-22.
greatly value humans who are honest and sin- When the Christian congregation was estab-
cere. For example, early in Jesus’ ministry, a man lished at Pentecost 33 C.E., an environment was
named Nathanael approached him. Upon seeing created in which truth and honesty flourished.
him, Jesus exclaimed: “See, truly an Israelite in True Christians worked hard to eradicate hyp-
whom there is no deceit.” (John 1:47) Nathanael, ocritical tendencies from their personality. For
also known as Bartholomew, became one of Je- example, Peter, one of the 12 apostles, encour-
sus’ 12 apostles.—Luke 6:13-16. aged fellow Christians to practice “obedience
Jesus spent time with his followers, and he
taught them God’s way of thinking. Hypocrisy was
to have no place among them. As a warning, Jesus True Christians practice “love out
strongly condemned the hypocritical practices of of a clean heart and out of a good
the religious leaders of that time. Consider some conscience and out of faith without
of their ways.
hypocrisy.”—1 TIMOTHY 1:5
They practiced “righteousness” with showy display.
Jesus told his audience: “Take care not to practice
your righteousness in front of men to be noticed
to the truth with unhypocritical brotherly affec-
by them . . . as the hypocrites do.” He also told tion.” (1 Peter 1:22) The apostle Paul exhorted his
them to make gifts of mercy “in secret,” or dis- coworkers to practice “love out of a clean heart
creetly. They should pray in private, not just to be
and out of a good conscience and out of faith
seen by others. Then their worship would be genu- without hypocrisy.”—1 Timothy 1:5.
ine and would be appreciated by his Father.—Mat-
thew 6:1-6. THE POWER OF GOD’S WORD
They were quick to criticize. Jesus said: “Hyp- The teachings of Jesus and the apostles, as
ocrite! First remove the rafter from your own found in the Bible, are just as powerful today as
eye, and then you will see clearly how to remove they were in the first century. Regarding this, the
the straw from your brother’s eye.” (Matthew apostle Paul wrote: “The word of God is alive and
7:5) By drawing attention to the faults of others exerts power and is sharper than any two-edged
while having greater faults himself, an individual sword and pierces even to the dividing of soul
is making himself appear to be something he is and spirit, and of joints from the marrow, and is
not. For, in reality, “all have sinned and fall short able to discern thoughts and intentions of the
of the glory of God.”—Romans 3:23. heart.” (Hebrews 4:12) Coming to know the Bi-
They harbored impure motives. On one occasion, ble’s teachings and endeavoring to live in har-
disciples of the Pharisees and party followers of mony with them has helped many to turn from
DECEMBER 1, 2015 9
“I saw real love and preaching about God’s Kingdom—the only way we
genuine interest for can have a just world.”
fellow man being Daniel made good progress in the Christian
displayed.”—PANAYIOTA congregation and was given certain responsibili-
ties. A few years later, he made an error in judg-
ment and his conscience started to trouble him.
“With memories of the hypocrisy I had seen in the
church years before,” he said, “I felt no alterna-
“I couldn’t live tive but to give up my privileges of service. I
with allowing fellow couldn’t live with allowing fellow Christians to be-
Christians to believe lieve I was something that I was not.”
Happily, after a period of readjustment, Daniel
I was something that
felt he could resume his privileges of service with
I was not.”—DANIEL a good conscience, and he gladly accepted re-
sponsibilities in the congregation once again. This
refreshing honesty is typical of those who serve
God without hypocrisy. They learn to “remove the
rafter” from their own eye before offering to “re-
“I could no longer be
move the straw” from their brother’s eye.
the slick, fast-talking
Jeffery, who spent his life in the business world,
salesman. . . . My said: “As I progressed in Bible knowledge, I re-
conscience had been alized that I could no longer be the slick, fast-
affected.”—JEFFERY talking salesman who was prepared to say any-
thing to get the contract. My conscience had been
affected by Bible verses such as Proverbs 11:1,
hypocrisy and to pursue sincerity and honesty. which tells us that ‘dishonest scales are detestable
Consider the experience of the three individuals to Jehovah.’” Yes, unlike those who posed the tax
mentioned at the outset. question to Jesus, Jeffery learned to act without
Panayiota experienced a turning point in her hidden motives in his dealings with both fellow
life when she accepted an invitation to attend Christians and nonbelievers.
meetings at a Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witness- The millions of Jehovah’s Witnesses worldwide
es. She did not see any outward display of righ- are endeavoring to apply what they have learned
teousness to impress others. She says: “There I from the Bible. They are making tireless efforts to
saw real love and genuine interest for fellow man “put on the new personality that was created ac-
being displayed, something I had not seen all the cording to God’s will in true righteousness and
years that I had been active in politics.” loyalty.” (Ephesians 4:24) We encourage you to
Panayiota started to study the Bible and pro- find out who Jehovah’s Witnesses are, what they
gressed to the point of baptism. That was 30 believe, and how they can help you to learn about
years ago. She now says: “I found true meaning in the new world of God’s promise. There “righ-
life, not when I was going from house to house teousness is to dwell” and hypocrisy will be no
promoting the political party, but when I began more.—2 Peter 3:13. ˇ
10 THE WATCHTOWER
DID YOU KNOW?
Did Jews really come “from every nation under

heaven” to Jerusalem at Pentecost 33 C.E.?
In addition to the Bible account at Acts 2:5-11, the contempo-
rary Jewish writer Philo provided an account that describes the
crowd of people who came to Jerusalem at Pentecost 33 C.E.
About travelers to Jerusalem, Philo wrote: “Countless multi-
tudes from countless cities come, some over land, others over
sea, from east and west and north and south, at every feast.”
He also quoted from a letter sent by Agrippa I, grandson of Her-
od the Great, to the Roman Emperor Caligula. In it, Agrippa
stated concerning Jerusalem: “The Holy City . . . is the capital
not of the single country of Judaea but of most other countries
also, because of the colonies which it has sent out from time to
time to the neighbouring lands.”
Agrippa listed areas in which Jewish colonies had been es-
tablished, including faraway places in Mesopotamia, North Af-
rica, Asia Minor, Greece, and islands of the Mediterranean.
“Although this list makes no specific mention of journeys to Je-
A CROWDED STREET IN JERUSALEM rusalem,” says scholar Joachim Jeremias, “the idea is implicit,
AT PENTECOST 33 C.E. since it was obligatory for all adult Jews to make the pilgrim-
age there.”—Deuteronomy 16:16. ˇ
How were the thousands who came to Jerusalem

for the Jewish festivals accommodated?
Three festivals were held yearly in Jerusalem—Passover, Pente-
cost, and the Festival of Booths. In the first century, hundreds
of thousands traveled to Jerusalem for such occasions from all
over Israel and from every other land where Jews lived. (Luke 2:
41, 42; Acts 2:1, 5-11) All these pilgrims had to find somewhere
to stay.
Some would spend the night with friends; others at inns or
lodging houses. Many camped in tents within or around the city
walls. During his last stay in Jerusalem, Jesus lodged in the
nearby city of Bethany.—Matthew 21:17.
A number of structures containing many bath basins have
been found near the temple. These buildings are thought to
have been hostels where pilgrims could stay and cleanse them-
selves before entering the temple. An inscription found in one
of these buildings indicates that Theodotus, a priest and lead-
er of the local synagogue, “built the synagogue for the reading
RUINS OF A RITUAL BATH of Torah and . . . furthermore, the hostel, and the rooms, and
FOUND IN JERUSALEM the water installation for lodging needy strangers.” ˇ
Todd Bolen/BiblePlaces.com
DECEMBER 1, 2015 11
Was Peter the First Pope?
“Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, S.J., has been elected as Supreme
Pontiff, the 265th successor of Peter.”—VATICAN INFORMATION SERVICE,
VATICAN CITY, MARCH 13, 2013.
“The bishop of Rome has the right of primacy above the universal
Church, since he is the successor of Saint Peter, who received such
prerogative from Jesus Christ.”—THE PRIMACY OF THE BISHOP OF ROME DURING
THE FIRST THREE CENTURIES, 1903, BY VINCENT ERMONI.
“If, then, anyone shall say . . . that the Roman Pontiff is not the
successor of Blessed Peter in this primacy; let him be anathema
[that is, be declared a heretic].”—THE FIRST VATICAN COUNCIL, JULY 18, 1870.
T O MILLIONS of Catholics around the world,

the 1870 decree of the first Vatican Council is
a dogma of the church, a binding teaching. How-
ter: “I say to you, you are Peter [whose name
means “A Piece of Rock”], and upon this rock
I will build my church.”1 Was Jesus saying that
ever, the question must be asked, Is it a Scriptural his “church,” or congregation, would be built
teaching? In addition, is Pope Francis really a suc- upon Peter, a man? Was Peter to be the head of
cessor of the apostle Peter? And was Peter the first all other followers of Jesus? How did the other
pope? apostles present at that conversation understand
Jesus’ words? The Gospels reveal that later, on
“UPON THIS ROCK I WILL BUILD MY CHURCH” a number of occasions, they argued about who
The 1870 Vatican Council’s decree was based was the greatest among them. (Matthew 20:20-27;
primarily on its interpretation of Matthew 16:16- Mark 9:33-35; Luke 22:24-26) If Jesus had al-
19 and John 21:15-17. The conversations between ready given Peter primacy, or superiority, could
Jesus and Peter that we read in these passages as there have been any question as to who was the
well as other Bible accounts show that the apostle greatest among the apostles?
Peter had an important role in the history of early How did Peter himself understand Jesus’
Christianity. In fact, the first time they met, Jesus words? Growing up an Israelite, Peter would have
predicted that Peter would display rocklike quali- been familiar with various Hebrew prophecies
ties in his life. (John 1:42) But did Christ give Pe- speaking of a “stone” or a “cornerstone.” (Isaiah
ter primacy?
1 All Biblical quotations in this article are from the Catholic New
At Matthew 16:17, 18, we find Jesus’ words to Pe- American Bible, the version used in the official Vatican website.
12 THE WATCHTOWER
How are we to understand Jesus’ words:
“You are Peter, and upon this rock
I will build my church”?
8:13, 14; 28:16; Zechariah 3:9) When he quoted because he clearly was wrong.” (Galatians 2:11-
one of them in a letter to his fellow believers, Pe- 14) Paul did not think that Christ had built his
ter explained that the prophesied “cornerstone” church, or congregation, upon Peter or any other
was the Lord Jesus Christ, the Messiah. Peter used imperfect man. On the contrary, he believed that
the Greek term pe’tra (the same word found in Je- the congregation was built on Jesus Christ as the
sus’ statement at Matthew 16:18) for Christ alone. foundation. For Paul, “the rock was the Christ.”
—1 Peter 2:4-8. —1 Corinthians 3:9-11; 10:4.
The apostle Paul was another faithful follower
of Jesus. Did Paul believe that Jesus had given Pe- “YOU ARE PETER . . .”
ter primacy? Acknowledging Peter’s position in So how are we to understand the words: “You
the early Christian congregation, Paul wrote that are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my
Peter was among those “reputed to be pillars.” For church”? To understand an excerpt correctly, we
Paul, there was more than just one ‘pillar.’ (Gala- need to read its context. What were Jesus and
tians 2:9) Moreover, if Peter had been appointed Peter speaking about? Jesus had just asked his
by Jesus as the head of the congregation, how disciples: “Who do you say that I am?” Without
could he simply be reputed, that is to say, supposed hesitation, Peter answered: “You are the Messi-
or thought by his fellow believers, to be a pillar? ah, the Son of the living God.” With that, Je-
When writing regarding certain inconsistencies sus commended Peter and then added that he
in the way Peter treated people, Paul respectfully would build his “church,” or congregation, on an
but frankly stated: “I opposed him to his face even more solid “rock,” the one in whom Peter
DECEMBER 1, 2015 13
The Evolution of Papal Primacy had just expressed faith—Jesus himself.—Matthew
16:15-18.
32 C.E.: Jesus foretells he will build his church, or Consistent with this, many of the “Church Fa-
congregation, upon himself; no primacy conferred thers” wrote that the rock of Matthew 16:18 is
on the apostle Peter Christ. For example, Augustine in the fifth centu-
55-64: The apostles Paul and Peter write various ry wrote: “The Lord said: ‘On this rock-mass I will
letters with the underlying thought that Jesus is the build my Church,’ because Peter had told him:
only foundation of the Christian congregation ‘You are the Christ the Son of the living God.’ It is
254-257: Stephen, bishop of Rome, advances the therefore on this rock-mass, that you confessed,
idea that he has primacy over other bishops as the that I will build my Church. ” Augustine repeated-
successor of Peter; but other bishops, such as Fir- ly stated that “the Rock (Petra) was Christ.”
milian of Caesarea and Cyprian of Carthage, reject Augustine and others would be considered her-
Stephen’s claim etics if judged according to current Catholic doc-
296-304: First known inscription attesting the use trine. In fact, according to Swiss theologian Ul-
of the title “papa,” or “pope,” with reference to the rich Luz, the consensus of opinion on this subject
bishop of Rome among Bible scholars today would have been con-
5th century: Another bishop of Rome, Leo I, uses demned by the 1870 Vatican Council as heresy.
Matthew 16:18 to affirm his primacy over other
THE POPE—PETER’S SUCCESSOR?
bishops
The title “pope” was unknown to the apostle Pe-
6th century: Increasing use of papa (pope) as a title ter. In fact, until the ninth century, many non-
for the Roman bishop; however, non-Roman bishops
Roman bishops applied the title to themselves.
continue to apply the term to themselves until the
ninth century Even so, the term was rarely applied as an official
title until the late 11th century. Moreover, no ear-
1075: Gregory VII declares that “pope” is an exclu- ly Christian thought that a primacy supposedly
sive title for the bishop of Rome; his Dictatus Papae
given to Peter had been transmitted to any succes-
(Papal Dictates) makes the papacy “appear as a re-
placement for Christ,” according to one historian
sors. Hence, German scholar Martin Hengel con-
cluded that there is “no demonstrable historical
/ 1870: The First Vatican Council decrees that “the and theological way to arrive at what later became
Roman pontiff is the successor of Blessed Peter, papal ‘primacy.’ ”
Prince of the Apostles, and is true Vicar of Christ,
and Head of the whole Church”
In conclusion: Was Peter the first pope? Did he
have any successors? Is the Catholic dogma of pa-
pal primacy Scripturally valid? The only correct
answer to each question is a simple no. Never-
theless, the fact remains that Jesus unquestion-
ably did build his church, his true congregation,
upon himself. (Ephesians 2:20) For each one of
us, then, the important question is, Have I found
that true congregation? ˇ
Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division, LC-DIG-pga-03306

OUR READERS ASK . . .
What is wrong with Christmas customs?
Christmas has long been described as a tradition-

al Christian festival to celebrate the birth of Jesus.
Many of the customs used in this celebration, how-
ever, make us wonder how they came to be associ-
ated with Jesus’ birth in the first place.
For one thing, there is the myth of Santa Claus.
The modern-day jolly, white-bearded, rosy-
cheeked, red-suited Santa is known to have been a
successful Christmas advertisement created for a
North American beverage company in 1931. Dur-
ing the 1950’s, some Brazilians tried to re-
place Santa Claus with a native legendary fig-
ure—Grandpa Indian. The result? Santa Claus not
only defeated Grandpa Indian but even “defeated
the child Jesus and became the official represen-
tative of the feast of December 25,” says Profes-
sor Carlos E. Fantinati. But are myths such as San- Penne L. Restad. And on December 25, the Ro-
ta Claus the only problem with Christmas? For the mans celebrated the birth of the Invincible Sun. In-
answer, let us go back to early Christianity. stituting Christmas on that day, the church cajoled
“During the first two centuries of Christianity many Romans into celebrating the birth of Jesus
there was strong opposition to recognizing birth- instead of the birth of the sun. Romans “were still
days of martyrs or, for that matter, of Jesus,” able to enjoy the trappings of these midwinter fes-
states the Encyclopedia Britannica. Why? Chris- tivals,” says Santa Claus, a Biography, by Gerry
tians viewed birthday celebrations as a pagan cus- Bowler. In reality, they “continued to mark the new
tom, something to be avoided altogether. In fact, days with old ways.”
no mention of the date of Jesus’ birth can be Clearly, then, the main problem with Christmas
found in the Bible. celebrations lies in their unsavory origins. In his
In the fourth century C.E., despite the stand tak- book The Battle for Christmas, Stephen Nissen-
en by the early Christians against the custom of baum refers to Christmas as “nothing but a pagan
celebrating birthdays, the Catholic Church insti- festival covered with a Christian veneer.” Christ-
tuted Christmas. The church wanted to strengthen mas, therefore, dishonors God and his Son, Jesus
its position by removing one of the main obsta- Christ. Is this just a trivial matter? The Bible asks:
cles in its way—the popularity of the pagan Ro- “What fellowship do righteousness and lawless-
man religions and their winter solstice festivals. ness have? Or what sharing does light have with
Each year, from December 17 through January 1, darkness?” (2 Corinthians 6:14) Like the trunk of
“most Romans feasted, gamed, reveled, paraded, a tree that has grown crooked, Christmas is so
and joined in other festivities as they paid homage twisted that it “cannot be made straight.”—Eccle-
to their deities,” says Christmas in America, by siastes 1:15. ˇ
DECEMBER 1, 2015 15
Can we know the truth

about God?
God has communicated with mankind. He used his
holy spirit, or active force, to put his thoughts into the
minds of Bible writers. (2 Peter 1:20, 21) We can come
to know the truth about God by reading the Bible.
—Read John 17:17; 2 Timothy 3:16.
In the Bible, God reveals many things about him-
self. He makes known why he created human life, what
he will do for mankind, and how he wants us to live.
(Acts 17:24-27) Jehovah God wants us to know the
WHY DOES GOD WANT US TO KNOW
THE TRUTH? READ JOHN 17:3 truth about him.—Read 1 Timothy 2:3, 4.
Why does God welcome lovers

For more
information of truth?
Bible Really Teach? of this book, Jehovah is the God of truth, and he sent his Son, Je-
published by sus, to teach mankind the truth. Therefore, lovers of
Jehovah’s truth are attracted to Jesus. (John 18:37) God wants
Witnesses
such people as his worshippers.—Read John 4:23, 24.
Also available Satan the Devil has prevented many people from
at www.jw.org knowing God by spreading teachings about God that
are not true. (2 Corinthians 4:3, 4) People who do not
love what is good are attracted to such false teach-
ings. (Romans 1:25) But millions of sincere people are
finding the truth about God by studying the Bible.
—Read Acts 17:11.
LANGUAGE _______________________________________________________________________
NAME ________________________________________________________________________________
ADDRESS _________________________________________________________________________
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wp15 12/01-E

150820
JANUARY 1 5, 201 5
34567
SIMPLIFIED EDITION
STUDY ARTICLES
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
MARCH 2-8
Give Thanks
to Jehovah and
Be Blessed
PAGE 3 ˙ SONGS: 2, 75
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
MARCH 9-15
Why We Observe the

Lord’s Evening Meal
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
MARCH 16-22
Build a Strong
and Happy Marriage
PAGE 15 ˙ SONGS: 36, 51
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
MARCH 23-29
Let Jehovah Fortify

and Safeguard
Your Marriage
PAGE 21 ˙ SONGS: 87, 50
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
MARCH 30–APRIL 5
Is Unfailing Love
Possible?
PAGE 27 ˙ SONGS: 72, 63
STUDY ARTICLES
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
ˇ Give Thanks to Jehovah and Be Blessed

We can remain grateful by meditating on our blessings and
thanking Jehovah for them. If we appreciate all that Jehovah
has done for us, it will help us to avoid becoming unthankful
SWITZERLAND and will help us to cope with trials. Our yeartext for 2015 will
remind us of this throughout the coming year.
COVER: Witnessing in beautiful
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Grindelwald, with the Bernese Alps
in the background ˇ Why We Observe the Lord’s Evening Meal
‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐
This article explains why we should attend the Memorial
POPULATION of Jesus’ death. It describes what the bread and the wine
represent. It explains how a person knows whether he or
7,876,000 she should partake of these emblems. This article will also
PUBLISHERS help us to see how we can personally prepare for the Lord’s
Evening Meal.
18,646 __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
MEMORIAL ATTENDANCE (2013)

ˇ Build a Strong and Happy Marriage
31,980 ˇ Let Jehovah Fortify and Safeguard
Your Marriage
Husbands and wives must protect their marriage from the
pressures and temptations of Satan’s world. With Jehovah’s
help, it is possible to have a strong and happy marriage.
The first article will discuss five ways to build a strong and
lasting marriage. The second article will examine how we
can protect our marriage.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
ˇ Is Unfailing Love Possible?

What is true love between a man and a woman like?
Can love really last? How is true love expressed?
Learn what the Song of Solomon teaches us about
love that is true and lasting.
34567 ˙
Vol. 136, No. 2 Semimonthly ENGLISH
January 15, 2015
This publication is not for sale. It is provided as part of The Watchtower (ISSN 0043-1087) is published semi- ON L7G 4Y4. Periodicals Postage Paid at Brooklyn, NY,
a worldwide Bible educational work supported by vol- monthly by Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send
untary donations. Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture New York, Inc.; L. Weaver, Jr., President; G. F. Simonis, address changes to Watchtower, 1000 Red Mills Road,
quotations are from the modern-language New World Secretary-Treasurer; 25 Columbia Heights, Brooklyn, Wallkill, NY 12589-3299. 5 2015 Watch Tower Bible
Translation of the Holy Scriptures. NY 11201-2483, and by Watch Tower Bible and Tract and Tract Society of Pennsylvania. Printed in Canada.
Society of Canada, PO Box 4100, Georgetown,
Our yeartext for 2015:
“Give thanks to Jehovah,
for he is good.”—Psalm 106:1
Give Thanks to Jehovah

and Be Blessed
“Give thanks to Jehovah, for he is good.”
—PSALM 106:1.
JEHOVAH gives us “every good gift and every perfect HOW WOULD YOU
present.” ( James 1:17) He is our loving Shepherd, and ANSWER?
he tenderly cares for all our needs. (Psalm 23:1-3) In- ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
deed, Jehovah deserves our sincere thanks. He is What can we learn from
the apostle Paul about
our “refuge and strength,” especially when we suffer. gratitude?
(Psalm 46:1) We feel the way the psalmist did who
wrote: “Give thanks to Jehovah, for he is good; his loy- ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
al love endures forever.”—Psalm 106:1. How do meditation and

2 Why should we be thankful to Jehovah? As fore- prayer help us to remain
told, people in the last days have become very ungrate- thankful?
ful. (2 Timothy 3:2) Many do not appreciate the good
things Jehovah has done for them. We live in a materi- ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
alistic world that encourages millions of people to buy How can meditating on
our blessings help us
1. Why do we thank Jehovah? to cope with trials?
2, 3. (a) What are the dangers of becoming ungrateful? (b) What ques-
tions will we discuss in this article?
3
What blessings from
Jehovah are you grateful for?
(See paragraphs 6, 7)
more than they really need. As a re- us. When the psalmist did so, he
sult, many are not satisfied with was amazed by all the wonderful
what they already have. Like the an- things that Jehovah had done for
cient Israelites, we could become him.—Read Psalm 40:5; 107:43.
ungrateful and lose our apprecia- 5 We can learn how to be grateful
tion for our blessings and for our to Jehovah by considering the exam-
precious relationship with Jehovah. ple of the apostle Paul. We know
—Psalm 106:7, 11-13. that he meditated on his blessings
3 Think, too, about what can hap- because he regularly thanked God in
pen when we suffer trials. Our prob- prayer. Paul recognized that he had
lems may become so overwhelming been “a blasphemer and a persecu-
that we focus on them instead of our tor and an insolent man.” He was
blessings. (Psalm 116:3) How can grateful that, despite his past, God
we remain grateful? How can we and Christ had shown him mercy
keep a positive attitude despite se- and had given him the privilege of
vere trials? Let us see. preaching to others. (Read 1 Tim-
othy 1:12-14.) Paul was also very
“HOW MANY THINGS
grateful for his Christian brothers
YOU HAVE DONE, O JEHOVAH”
and sisters and often thanked Je-
4It takes effort to remain grateful hovah for their good qualities and
to Jehovah. First, we need to look faithful service. (Philippians 1:3-5,
for the ways Jehovah has blessed 7; 1 Thessalonians 1:2, 3) Paul was
us personally. And then, we need quick to thank Jehovah for all that
to think carefully about how those his brothers had done for him when
blessings show God’s great love for
5. What can we learn from the apostle Paul
4. How can we remain grateful to Jehovah? about gratitude?
4 SIMPLIFIED EDITION
he endured trials. (Acts 28:15; 2 Co- clude thanks to him for what we al-
rinthians 7:5-7) It does not surprise ready have. In the Bible, we find
us that Paul encouraged Christians many examples of God’s servants,
this way: “Show yourselves thank- such as Hannah and Hezekiah, who
ful . . . , encouraging one another thanked Jehovah in their prayers.
with psalms, praises to God, spiritu- (1 Samuel 2:1-10; Isaiah 38:9-20) So
al songs sung with gratitude.”—Co-
lossians 3:15-17.
MEDITATION AND PRAYER
Imitate the grateful
HELP US TO REMAIN THANKFUL attitude of Hannah and
6 How can we imitate Paul’s exam-
ple? We can meditate on what Je-
Hezekiah, and thank
hovah has done for us personal- Jehovah for what he
ly. (Psalm 116:12) If someone asked
you, “What blessings from Jehovah
has done for you
are you grateful for?” how would
you answer? Would you include imitate their grateful attitude, and
your precious relationship with Je- thank Jehovah for what he has done
hovah? Or the forgiveness of your for you. (1 Thessalonians 5:17, 18)
sins because of Christ’s ransom sac- When you do so, you will feel re-
rifice? Would you mention Chris- freshed, your love for God will grow,
tian brothers and sisters who have and you will become and remain his
helped you during difficult times? friend.—James 4:8.
Would you say how grateful you are 8 If we are not careful, we can
for your marriage mate or children? easily lose our appreciation for Je-
Take time to meditate on the many hovah’s good gifts. Why? Because
ways God has blessed you. This will we are imperfect and have inherit-
motivate you to thank him every day. ed an unthankful attitude from our
—Read Psalm 92:1, 2. first parents. Jehovah gave Adam
7 When we meditate on all our
and Eve a paradise home and made
blessings, we will want to thank Je- sure that they had everything they
hovah in prayer. (Psalm 95:2; 100: needed. They could have lived for-
4, 5) Some people only use prayer ever in peace. (Genesis 1:28) But
to ask God for things. But Jeho- they did not appreciate their bless-
vah is pleased when our prayers in- ings. They were greedy and wanted
6. Why are you grateful to Jehovah? more. In the end, they lost every-
7. (a) Why should we thank Jehovah in our thing. (Genesis 3:6, 7, 17-19) We live
prayers? (b) How will you benefit from thank-
ing Jehovah in your prayers? 8. What could cause us to become ungrateful?
JANUARY 15, 2015 5

in an unthankful world, and we too 10 Irina, a regular pioneer in North
could become unthankful for all that America, was married to an elder
Jehovah has done for us. We could who was unfaithful to her and aban-
lose our appreciation for our close doned her and their children.1 (See
friendship with God or our privilege footnote.) What helps Irina to con-
of being part of a worldwide brother- tinue serving Jehovah faithfully? She
hood. We could be distracted by the says: “I am grateful for Jehovah’s per-
things of this world. (1 John 2:15-17) sonal care for me as an individual. By
To avoid that trap, we need to medi- choosing to count my blessings each
tate on our many blessings and reg- day, I can see what a privilege it is to
ularly thank God for the privilege be known and loved by our protec-
we have of being his people.—Read tive heavenly Father. I know that he
Psalm 27:4. will never abandon me.” Although
Irina has endured many tragic cir-
cumstances in her life, her joyful at-
One of our most titude helps her to cope successfully
and to encourage others.
treasured blessings 11 Kyung-sook, who lives in Asia,
is knowing that pioneered with her husband for

more than 20 years. Suddenly, she
soon there will be was diagnosed with advanced lung
no more pain cancer and was told that she had
from three to six months to live. Al-
though she and her husband had en-
WHEN COPING WITH TRIALS dured many trials before, they al-
9A grateful attitude will help us to ways had good health. She says:
endure severe trials. We may feel “This health issue hit me hard. I felt
overwhelmed by terrible situations that I had lost everything, and I
that suddenly change our lives, such was very scared.” What has helped
as the unfaithfulness of our mar- Kyung-sook to cope? She says:
riage mate, a serious illness, the “Every night before going to bed, I go
death of a loved one, or a devastat- to the rooftop of our home and pray
ing natural disaster. Meditating on out loud about five things that I am
Jehovah’s blessings will give us com- grateful for from that day. Then I feel
fort and will strengthen us to en-
1 Some names in this article have been changed.
dure. Consider the following experi-
ences. 10. How did Irina benefit from meditating on
her blessings?
9. When suffering severe trials, why should we 11. What helped Kyung-sook to cope with a se-
meditate on our blessings? rious illness?
“I am very thankful
that Jehovah is
my God.”
—Sheryl
Sheryl with her surviving brother, John
(See paragraph 13)
reassured, and I am moved to ex- and thereafter started to thank Jeho-

press my love for Jehovah.” How has vah regularly for such happy memo-
Kyung-sook benefited from these ries. Gratefulness has made a big dif-
nightly prayers? She says: “I have ference in my outlook. I still feel the
come to realize that Jehovah sustains pain of the loss, but thanking Jeho-
us through trialsome circumstances vah for having had a good marriage
and that there are far more blessings and for the privilege of serving him
in our lives than there are trials.” with someone who deeply loved him
12 Jason, who serves at a branch has improved my outlook.”
office in Africa, has been in the full- 13 When Super Typhoon Haiyan
time service for more than 30 years. hit the central Philippines in late
He says: “Seven years ago, I lost my 2013, Sheryl, who was only 13 years
wife in death, and the pain can be old at the time, lost almost every-
overwhelming. Letting myself dwell thing. She says: “I lost my home, and
on what she experienced while fight- I lost most of my family.” Her father,
ing cancer can be very dishearten- her mother, and three of her siblings
ing.” What has given Jason some re- died in the powerful storm waters.
lief? He says: “At one point I was What has helped Sheryl to endure
remembering a pleasant time that this tragedy without becoming bit-
my wife and I had spent together, ter? Sheryl is still grateful to Jehovah
and I thanked Jehovah in prayer for because she meditates on all the
that memory. I felt a sense of relief blessings she has. She says: “I saw all
12. How was Jason comforted after his wife’s 13. What has helped Sheryl to endure the loss
death? of most of her family?
JANUARY 15, 2015 7

that the brothers and sisters did to How thankful we will be to Jehovah
bring relief and encouragement to on that day!—Revelation 20:1-3; 21:
those who needed help. I knew that 3, 4.
brothers all around the world were 15 During 2015, we look forward to
praying for me.” She adds: “I am very many blessings from Jehovah. Of
thankful that Jehovah is my God. course, we may suffer some trials.
He always gives us the things we But whatever happens, we know
need.” Yes, when we are thankful for that Jehovah will never abandon us.
our blessings, we avoid being over- (Deuteronomy 31:8; Psalm 9:9, 10)
whelmed by grief. This will help us He will continue to give us every-
to endure any difficulties we may ex- thing we need to serve him faithful-
perience.—Ephesians 5:20; read Phi- ly. Let us be determined to imitate
lippians 4:6, 7. the attitude of the prophet Habak-
“AS FOR ME, I WILL kuk, who said: “Although the fig tree
EXULT IN JEHOVAH” may not blossom, and there may be
14Throughout history, Jehovah’s no fruit on the vines; although the ol-
people have been grateful for their ive crop may fail, and the fields may
blessings. After they were saved produce no food; although the flock
from Pharaoh and his armies at may disappear from the pen, and
the Red Sea, the Israelites joyful- there may be no cattle in the stalls;
ly sang songs, praising and thank- yet, as for me, I will exult in Jeho-
ing Jehovah. (Exodus 15:1-21) Today, vah; I will be joyful in the God of
one of our most treasured blessings my salvation.” (Habakkuk 3:17, 18)
is knowing that soon there will be Throughout the coming year, may
no more pain. (Psalm 37:9-11; Isaiah we continue to meditate on all our
25:8; 33:24) Imagine how we will feel blessings and be encouraged to fol-
when Jehovah destroys all of his en- low the advice of our 2015 yeartext:
emies and welcomes us into a new “Give thanks to Jehovah, for he is
world of peace and righteousness. good.”—Psalm 106:1.
14. What exciting hope do we have? (See open- 15. What are you determined to do throughout
ing picture.) 2015?
SOME Blessings: To meditate on our

All the good things that Jeho- blessings:
EXPRESSIONS vah has given us, has done To take the time to think and
EXPLAINED for us, and will do for us in pray carefully and seriously
the future about all our blessings
Why We Observe
the Lord’s Evening Meal
“Keep doing this in remembrance of me.”
—1 CORINTHIANS 11:24.
IN Jerusalem, on the night of Nisan 14, 33 C.E., there HOW WOULD YOU
was a full moon. Jesus and his apostles celebrated the ANSWER?
Passover, a memorial that reminded people of the way ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Jehovah delivered Israel from Egypt 1,500 years before. Why should we observe the
Jesus had a special meal with his 11 loyal apostles, a Lord’s Evening Meal?
meal that his followers would repeat yearly to remem-
ber his death.—Matthew 26:1, 2. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
2 Jesus said a prayer, passed unleavened bread to his

What are the Memorial
apostles, and said: “Take, eat.” Then he took a cup of emblems, and what do they
wine, prayed again, and said: “Drink out of it, all of represent?
you.” (Matthew 26:26, 27) The bread and the wine had
special meaning. Jesus’ faithful apostles learned many ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
things on that important night. How do Christians feel about

3 Jesus wanted his disciples to remember his death the hope God has given
them?
1, 2. What did Jesus do on the evening of Nisan 14, 33 C.E.? (See open-
ing picture.)
3. What questions will we discuss in this article?
9
yearly. The occasion was later called 16) Jesus also proved his love by giv-
“the Lord’s Evening Meal,” or the ing his life for us. Even before he
Memorial. (1 Corinthians 11:20) came to earth, Jesus “was especially
Some questions arise. Why should fond of the sons of men.” (Prov-
we remember Jesus’ death? What is erbs 8:30, 31) We deeply appreciate
the meaning of the bread and the what Jehovah and Jesus have done
wine? How can we prepare for the for us! That is why we obey Jesus’
Memorial? Who should partake? command to “keep doing this in re-
And how do Christians show that membrance of me” by attending the
they value their hope? Memorial.—1 Corinthians 11:23-25.
WHAT THE EMBLEMS MEAN
We deeply 6 During his last meal with his
apostles, Jesus did not perform a
appreciate what miracle by changing the bread into
God and Jesus his body or the wine into his blood.
He said of the bread: “This means
have done for us! my body.” He said of the wine: “This
means my ‘blood of the covenant,’
WHY WE REMEMBER which is to be poured out in behalf
JESUS’ DEATH of many.” (Mark 14:22-24) It is clear
4 Because Adam sinned, we in- that the bread and the wine are sym-
herited sin and death. (Romans 5: bols, or emblems.
7 On that important evening, Je-
12) No imperfect human can give
God a ransom for his life or the life sus used unleavened bread from the
of others. (Psalm 49:6-9) But Jesus Passover meal. (Exodus 12:8) The Bi-
gave his perfect life for us and pre- ble sometimes uses leaven to repre-
sented to God the value of that ran- sent sin. (Matthew 16:6, 11, 12; Luke
som. By doing so, Jesus made it pos- 12:1) The unleavened bread Jesus
sible for us to have the hope of living used represented his sinless body.
forever, free from sin and death. (Hebrews 7:26) This is why we use
—Romans 6:23; 1 Corinthians 15: unleavened bread at the Memorial.
8 The wine Jesus used represent-
21, 22.
5 God proved his love for humans ed his blood, or his life, as does the
by providing the ransom. ( John 3: wine we use at the Memorial today.
4. What did Jesus’ death make possible for us? 6. What do we understand about the Memori-
al bread and wine?
5. (a) How do we know that God and Jesus
love us? (b) Why should we attend the Memo- 7. What does the unleavened bread represent?
rial? 8. What does the wine represent?
By following the Memorial
Bible reading schedule,
we prepare ourselves for
the Memorial
(See paragraph 9)
At a place outside Jerusalem called special each year. I remember stand-

Golgotha, he died for us and gave ing in the funeral home . . . , looking
his life “for forgiveness of sins.” at my dear dad and coming to a true
(Matthew 26:28; 27:33) If we appre- heartfelt appreciation for the ran-
ciate that precious gift, we will per- som. . . . Oh, I knew all the scrip-
sonally prepare each year for this tures and how to explain them! But
special occasion. How can we do only when I felt the cold reality of
that? death did my heart fairly leap with
joy over what will be accomplished
SOME WAYS TO PREPARE
for us by means of that precious ran-
9One way to prepare for the Me- som.” Meditating on how Jesus’ sac-
morial is to use the schedule for rifice will help us personally is an
Memorial Bible reading found in important part of preparing for the
Examining the Scriptures Daily. Read- Memorial.
ing the Bible accounts will help us 10 Another way we can prepare is
to meditate on what Jesus did just to increase the time we spend in the
before his death.1 (See footnote.) ministry, inviting as many people as
“We look forward to the Memorial,” possible to the Memorial. Perhaps
wrote one sister. “It becomes more we could auxiliary pioneer. When
1 See Appendix B12 in the New World Translation.
we talk to others about God, his
Son, and the hope of everlasting life,
9. (a) Why should we use the schedule for Me-
morial Bible reading? (b) How do you feel about 10. What else can we do to prepare for the Me-
the ransom? morial?
JANUARY 15, 2015 11

we will feel satisfied that we have meal, Paul warned partakers: “You
done what God wants us to do. cannot be drinking the cup of Jeho-
—Psalm 148:12, 13. vah and the cup of demons; you can-
11 When preparing for the Memo- not be partaking of ‘the table of Je-
rial, meditate on what Paul wrote hovah’ and the table of demons.”
to the Christians in Corinth. (Read (1 Corinthians 10:16-21) If a person
1 Corinthians 11:27-34.) He said who partakes of the emblems has
that if a person who ate the bread seriously sinned, he must go to the
and drank the wine did so unworthi- elders for help. (Read James 5:14-
ly, or disrespectfully, he would be 16.) If his actions prove that he has
guilty regarding “the body and the sincerely repented, then he is not
blood of the Lord.” So if an anointed showing disrespect for Jesus’ sacri-
person is involved in wrong conduct fice when he partakes at the Memo-
and partakes of the emblems, he rial.—Luke 3:8.
“eats and drinks judgment against 13 We can also prepare for the
himself.” In Paul’s time, many of Memorial by praying and meditat-
ing on the hope God has given
to us personally. We would nev-
We would never er want to show disrespect for Je-
want to show sus’ sacrifice. So we do not partake
of the emblems if we do not have
disrespect for clear evidence that we are anointed.
Jesus’ sacrifice Who, then, should partake of the
emblems?
the Corinthians were involved in WHO SHOULD PARTAKE?
wrong conduct. Possibly, some of 14 Those who partake of the Me-
them ate and drank too much before morial emblems are absolutely sure
or during the Memorial and became that they are part of the new cove-
sleepy. They were showing great nant. Jesus said of the wine: “This
disrespect for the occasion, so when cup means the new covenant by vir-
they partook of the emblems, God tue of my blood.” (1 Corinthians 11:
did not approve. 25) Jehovah made the Law cove-
12 Comparing the Memorial to a
nant with the Israelites but later said
11. Why did Paul say that some Corinthians that he would replace it with a new
ate and drank unworthily at the Memorial?
13. Why should we pray about the hope God
12. (a) What did Paul compare the Memorial
to? What warning did he give to partakers? has given us?
(b) What should a partaker do if he has serious- 14. Because the anointed are part of the new
ly sinned? covenant, what do they do at the Memorial?
covenant. (Read Jeremiah 31:31-34.) ness” with them, so that they know
God made this new covenant, or without a doubt that they are his
agreement, with the anointed. (Ga- anointed sons. It does not mean
latians 6:15, 16) Jesus’ death made that they do not want to live on
this agreement possible. (Luke 22: the earth. They know that if they
20) Jesus is the Mediator of the new are faithful until their death, they
covenant. The loyal anointed ones will be kings in heaven with Jesus.
who are part of the new covenant And they know that they “have an
will be with Jesus in heaven.—He- anointing from the holy one,” Jeho-
brews 8:6; 9:15. vah. Today there are only a few of
15 The anointed know that they these 144,000 sons of God left on
are also part of the Kingdom cove- earth. (1 John 2:20; Revelation 14:1)
nant. (Read Luke 12:32.) This cove- They feel so close to Jehovah that
nant was made between Jesus and they call him “Abba, Father!”
his loyal anointed followers, who
VALUE YOUR
shared “in his sufferings.” (Philippi- BIBLE-BASED HOPE
ans 3:10) Faithful anointed ones to-
day are also part of this covenant.
17If you are an anointed Chris-
They will rule as kings with Christ tian, you will often mention your
in heaven forever. (Revelation 22:5) heavenly hope in your personal
They are qualified to partake of the prayers. And the Scriptures will
emblems during the Lord’s Evening have special meaning to you. For ex-
Meal. ample, when the Bible talks about
16 The anointed are absolutely
the marriage in heaven between Je-
sus and his “bride,” you know that
sure that they are God’s children
this applies to you and you look for-
and that they can partake of the em-
ward to it. ( John 3:27-29; 2 Corin-
blems. (Read Romans 8:15-17.) Paul
said that they cry out: “Abba, Fa- thians 11:2; Revelation 21:2, 9-14)
ther!” The Aramaic word “Abba” is Or when the Bible explains God’s
both loving, like “papa,” and re- love for the anointed, you know
spectful, like “father.” It express- that he is talking to you. And when
es the special relationship that the you read instructions specifically
anointed have with Jehovah when for the anointed in God’s Word,
they receive “a spirit of adoption holy spirit moves you to obey them.
as sons.” God’s spirit “bears wit- God’s holy spirit “bears witness”
with you that your hope is to go to
15. Who are part of the Kingdom covenant? If heaven.
they are faithful, what privilege will they have?
16. Briefly explain the meaning of Romans 8: 17. What hope do the anointed have? How do
15-17. they know that they are anointed?
JANUARY 15, 2015 13

18 If you are one of the “great WILL YOU BE THERE?
crowd” of “other sheep,” God has 19 You can live forever, either on
given you the opportunity to live for- earth or in heaven, only if you ex-
ever in Paradise on earth. (Revela- ercise faith in Jehovah God, Jesus
tion 7:9; John 10:16) How do you feel Christ, and the ransom. When you
about your future? You are excit- go to the Memorial, meditate on
ed when you meditate on what the your hope and on the great impor-
Bible says about the future Para- tance of Jesus’ death. After sunset
dise. You look forward to living in a on Friday, April 3, 2015, millions of
peaceful world with your family and people around the world will attend
friends. You want to see the end of the Memorial at Kingdom Halls and
hunger, poverty, suffering, sickness, other locations.
and death. (Psalm 37:10, 11, 29; 67:6; 20 When we prepare to attend the
72:7, 16; Isaiah 33:24) You cannot Memorial with the right attitude, we
wait to see your resurrected loved will be very grateful for Jesus’ ran-
ones. (John 5:28, 29) You are deeply som sacrifice. By listening closely
grateful to Jehovah for this wonder- to the Memorial talk, you will be
ful hope! Even though you do not moved to show love for others and
partake of the emblems, you attend tell them about Jehovah’s love and
the Memorial because you appreci- his purpose for all of us. (Matthew
ate Jesus’ ransom sacrifice. 22:34-40) Be determined to be there.
18. What hope do the “other sheep” have? 19, 20. (a) How is it possible for you to live
How do you feel about this hope? forever? (b) Why will you attend the Memorial?
SOME The emblems at the Memo- The new covenant is an

rial are the bread and the agreement Jehovah made
EXPRESSIONS wine, which represent Jesus’ with the anointed. The
EXPLAINED perfect body and blood Kingdom covenant is an
agreement Jesus made with
The anointed partake by
the anointed
eating the bread and drink-
ing the wine God’s holy spirit bears
witness with the anointed.
It tells them that they are
God’s sons and that they
should partake of the em-
blems
Build a Strong
and Happy Marriage
“Unless Jehovah builds the house, it is in vain that
its builders work hard on it.”—PSALM 127:1a.
“IF YOU put forth sincere effort and show that you want CAN YOU EXPLAIN?
your marriage to succeed, you can enjoy Jehovah’s ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
blessing,” says a husband who has been happily mar- What challenges do married
ried for 38 years. Yes, it is possible for husbands and couples experience?
wives to be happy together and to support each other
through difficult times.—Proverbs 18:22.
2 It is common for married couples to experience
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
some difficulties. The Bible calls this “tribulation in How can a couple include
their flesh.” (1 Corinthians 7:28) Why? Everyday prob- Jehovah in their marriage?
lems can cause stress in a marriage. Because they
are imperfect, husbands and wives sometimes hurt
each other’s feelings and fail to communicate clear-
ly with each other. (James 3:2, 5, 8) Many couples ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
have demanding jobs and are also raising children. How can husbands and wives
Stress and exhaustion make it a challenge to find apply the Golden Rule?
enough time to strengthen their marriage. Financial

1-3. What challenges do married couples experience? (See opening pic-
ture.)
15
problems, illness, or other difficul- was under a lot of stress financially.
ties might slowly weaken their love And because I didn’t really commu-
and respect for each other. And a nicate with my wife, she also came
marriage that seems to be strong can under a lot of pressure. In addi-
be devastated by “the works of the tion, she recently experienced seri-
flesh,” such as sexual immorality, ous health problems. At times, this
brazen conduct, hostility, strife, jeal- stress caused us to clash.” There
ousy, fits of anger, dissensions.—Ga- will be some challenges in a mar-
latians 5:19-21. riage, but we can overcome them.
3 To make matters worse, people
With Jehovah’s help, couples can en-
in these “last days” are often selfish joy a strong and happy relationship.
and lack respect for God, attitudes (Read Psalm 127:1.) Let us discuss
that can poison a marriage. (2 Timo- five ways to build a strong and last-
thy 3:1-4) In addition, a vicious ene- ing marriage. We will also examine
my is determined to destroy mar- why love is necessary to keep a mar-
riages. The apostle Peter warns us: riage strong.
“Your adversary, the Devil, walks
about like a roaring lion, seeking to INCLUDE JEHOVAH
devour someone.”—1 Peter 5:8; Rev- IN YOUR MARRIAGE
elation 12:12. When a couple are loyal and
5
4 A husband in Japan admits: “I submissive to Jehovah, their mar-

4. How is it possible to have a strong and hap- 5, 6. What can husbands and wives do to in-
py marriage? clude Jehovah in their marriage?
When they serve Jehovah as a couple, a

husband and a wife grow closer to God and
to each other and have a happy marriage
riage will have a strong foundation. the Christ; in turn, the head of a
(Read Ecclesiastes 4:12.) By fol- woman is the man.” (1 Corinthians
lowing God’s loving guidance, hus- 11:3) What does that mean? Hus-
bands and wives include God in bands should treat their wives in the
their marriage. The Bible says: “Your same way that Jesus treated his dis-
own ears will hear a word behind you ciples. He was never cruel or harsh.
saying, ‘This is the way. Walk in Jesus was always loving, kind, rea-
it,’ in case you should go to the sonable, mild-tempered, and lowly
right or in case you should go to in heart.—Matthew 11:28-30.
the left.” (Isaiah 30:20, 21) Today, 8 Christian husbands do not need
couples “hear” Jehovah’s word when to demand the respect of their
they read the Bible together. (Psalm wives. Instead, they “continue show-
1:1-3) They strengthen their mar- ing them consideration” and “as-
riage even more by having regular sign them honor as to a weaker
family worship that is enjoyable and vessel, the feminine one.” (1 Peter
upbuilding. And when couples pray 3:7; footnote) In public and in pri-
together every day, they build a mar- vate, husbands should use respect-
riage that can resist the attacks of Sa- ful words and show compassion. By
tan’s world. the way they treat their wives and
6 Gerhard from Germany says:
speak to them, husbands show that
“Whenever our joy has been clouded their wives are precious to them.
by personal difficulties or misunder- (Proverbs 31:28) When a husband
standings, the counsel from God’s treats his wife lovingly, she will love
Word has helped us to develop pa- and respect him and Jehovah will
tience and practice forgiveness.” He bless their marriage.
adds that these qualities are essen-
tial in a successful marriage. When WIVES WHO ARE
husbands and wives work hard to HUMBLE AND SUBMISSIVE
keep God in their marriage by serv- 9Unselfish love for Jehovah that is
ing him together, they stay close to based on his principles will help us to
Jehovah and strengthen their rela- humble ourselves “under the mighty
tionship. hand of God.” (1 Peter 5:6) An impor-
tant way that a wife shows respect for
HUSBANDS WHO ARE
Jehovah’s authority is by cooperating
LOVING FAMILY HEADS
with her husband. The Bible says:
7 The way a husband takes the
“You wives, be in subjection to your
lead in his family can help build a husbands, as it is becoming in the
strong and happy marriage. The Bi-
ble says: “The head of every man is 8. How can a husband gain his wife’s love and
respect?
7. How should a husband treat his wife? 9. How can a wife show that she is submissive?
JANUARY 15, 2015 17

Lord.” (Colossians 3:18) It is true that riage becomes much stronger when a
a wife may not like all her husband’s husband and a wife forgive each oth-
decisions. But as long as his deci- er, just as Jehovah forgives them.
sions are not against God’s laws, a —Micah 7:18, 19.
submissive wife will want to cooper- 12 True love “does not keep ac-
ate with her husband.—1 Peter 3:1. count of wrongs.” In fact, “love cov-
10 Jehovah has given wives an hon- ers a multitude of sins.” (1 Corinthi-
orable role in the family. A wife ans 13:4, 5, footnote; read 1 Peter
is her husband’s “partner.” (Malachi 4:8.) So if we love others, there is
2:14) When a couple are making no limit to the number of times we
family decisions, a wife respectfully can forgive. When the apostle Peter
says what she thinks and how she asked how many times he should
feels, yet she remains submissive. A forgive someone, Jesus replied: “Up
wise husband will listen carefully to to 77 times.” (Matthew 18:21, 22)
what his wife says. (Proverbs 31:10- What did Jesus mean? He meant that
31) Loving submission can bring joy, there is no limit to the number of
peace, and harmony to the family. As times a Christian should forgive oth-
a result, husbands and wives can ers.—Proverbs 10:12.1 (See footnote.)
13 Annette from Germany says: “If
feel satisfied because they know that
they are pleasing God.—Ephesians a couple do not want to be forgiving,
5:22. resentment and mistrust grow, and
that is poison to a marriage. Being
KEEP FORGIVING forgiving strengthens the bonds of
ONE ANOTHER FREELY marriage and draws you closer to-
11To build a marriage that lasts, gether.” Be thankful and express ap-
husbands and wives must learn to preciation. Look for things to com-
forgive each other. When couples mend your spouse for. By doing so,
“continue putting up with one anoth- you will be able to fight the tenden-
er and forgiving one another freely,” cy to be unforgiving. (Colossians 3:
they strengthen their relationship. 15) As a result, you will have peace
(Colossians 3:13) However, a mar- of mind, unity, and God’s approval.
riage is weakened when a couple re- —Romans 14:19.
fuse to forget past mistakes and use 1 Although couples try to forgive and work out
them to attack each other. Just as their difficulties, the Bible says that an innocent mate
has the right to decide whether to forgive or to di-
cracks can weaken a building, hurt vorce a mate who commits adultery. (Matthew 19:9)
feelings and anger make it more and See the article “The Bible’s Viewpoint: Adultery—To
more difficult for a couple to be for- Forgive or Not to Forgive?” in the August 8, 1995, is-
sue of Awake!
giving and work together. But a mar-
12. How does love cover “a multitude of sins”?
10. Why is loving submission important? 13. How can we fight the tendency to be unfor-
11. Why is forgiveness essential? giving?
APPLY THE GOLDEN RULE as a joke. Remember that marriage is
14 Most likely you want to be treat- not a competition to prove who is
ed with dignity and respect. You ap- stronger, who can shout louder, or
preciate it when others listen to you who can say something that hurts
and care about how you feel. But the most. True, all of us are imper-
have you ever heard a person say, “I fect and sometimes upset others. But
am going to do to him what he did
to me”? Sometimes this reaction is
understandable. However, the Bible We need to put
tells us: “Do not say: ‘I will do to him into our marriage
just as he has done to me.’ ” (Prov-
erbs 24:29) Jesus taught people the what we hope
best way to handle difficult situa- to get out of it
tions. What Jesus said is often called
the Golden Rule: “Just as you want
men to do to you, do the same way to there is never a good reason for
them.” (Luke 6:31) Jesus meant that a couple to make each other feel
we should treat people the way we ashamed, to use hurtful words when
would like to be treated, not the way speaking to each other or, worse, to
they treat us. This means that we push or hit each other.—Read Prov-
need to put into our marriage what erbs 17:27; 31:26.
17 In some cultures, men bully or
we hope to get out of it.
15 Couples strengthen their rela- hit their wives to prove that they
tionship when they truly care about are strong. But the Bible says: “The
each other’s feelings. “We have tried one slow to anger is better than a
to put the Golden Rule into prac- mighty man, and the one control-
tice,” says a husband in South Afri- ling his temper than one conquering
ca. “True, there are times when we’re a city.” (Proverbs 16:32) A person
upset, but we have worked hard to needs great inner strength to show
treat each other the way we would self-control as did Jesus Christ, the
like to be treated—with respect and greatest man who ever lived. A man
dignity.” who bullies or hits his wife is a weak
16 Do not reveal your mate’s weak- man who will lose his relationship
nesses to others or keep complaining with Jehovah. The psalmist David,
about traits that upset you, not even who was a strong and courageous
man, said: “Be agitated, but do not
14, 15. What is the Golden Rule, and how can sin. Have your say in your heart,
applying it strengthen a marriage?
16. What should husbands and wives never do 17. How can husbands live by the Golden
to each other? Rule?
JANUARY 15, 2015 19

upon your bed, and keep silent.” 19 Love, loyalty, and sincere ef-
—Psalm 4:4. fort are needed for a successful
marriage. When there are difficul-
“CLOTHE YOURSELVES WITH LOVE”
ties, mates should not give up on
18 Read 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. Love
their marriage. They should be de-
is the most important quality in a termined to grow closer to each oth-
marriage. The Bible says: “Clothe er. Couples who love Jehovah and
yourselves with the tender affections each other should be determined
of compassion, kindness, humility, to resolve their problems, because
mildness, and patience. But besides “love never fails.”—1 Corinthians 13:
all these things, clothe yourselves 8; Matthew 19:5, 6; Hebrews 13:4.
with love, for it is a perfect bond of 20 It is especially difficult to build
union.” (Colossians 3:12, 14) Hus-
a strong and happy marriage in
bands and wives need to show un-
these “critical times.” (2 Timothy 3:1)
selfish love and imitate Jesus Christ,
But with Jehovah’s help, it is possi-
who was willing to sacrifice himself
ble. Still, couples also have to fight
for others. If a marriage is based
against the world’s obsession with
on such love, it will be strong de-
sex. In the next article, let us see how
spite any annoying habits, serious
husbands and wives can keep their
health challenges, distressing finan-
marriage strong.
cial problems, and difficulties with
in-laws. 19, 20. (a) How can couples successfully
build a strong and happy marriage? (b) What
18. Why is it important to keep showing love? will we discuss in the next article?
SOME EXPRESSIONS EXPLAINED

A loving husband imitates A submissive wife shows Family head:
the attitude of Jesus respect for God’s authority Jehovah has given the hus-
Christ. He is kind and rea- by cooperating with her band the responsibility to
sonable, never cruel or husband. She says what provide for his family. He
harsh. He always treats his she thinks and tells him provides for their material
wife with respect, kind- how she feels, but she is needs, for example, food,
ness, and compassion always respectful of the clothing, and a place to
dignified role Jehovah has live. He also takes the lead
given her husband. Even if in worship
she does not like some of
her husband’s decisions,
she is willing to support
them as long as they are
not against God’s laws
Let Jehovah Fortify and
Safeguard Your Marriage
“Unless Jehovah guards the city, it is in vain that
the guard stays awake.”—PSALM 127:1b.
SHORTLY before the nation of Israel entered the Prom- CAN YOU ANSWER?
ised Land, tens of thousands of men committed “sexual ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
immorality with the daughters of Moab.” As a result, Why do we need to guard our
24,000 Israelites died. They had waited so long and were heart?
so close to receiving their inheritance! Sadly, they lost a
wonderful reward because they gave in to the tempta-
tion to commit immorality.—Numbers 25:1-5, 9.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
2 That tragic example was “written for a warning to us
Why should we keep drawing
upon whom the ends of the systems of things have close to God?
come.” (1 Corinthians 10:6-11) We live at the very end of
“the last days” and are very close to the new world.
(2 Timothy 3:1; 2 Peter 3:13) Sadly, though, some of Je-
hovah’s worshippers have lowered their moral stan- ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
dards and have given in to the temptation to commit im- What kind of communication
morality. They are now suffering the sad consequences strengthens a marriage?
of their actions, and if they are not repentant, they could
1, 2. (a) Why did 24,000 Israelites lose their wonderful reward?
(b) Why is this account important for us?
21
even lose the opportunity to live for- cause they seek attention from some-
ever in Paradise on earth. one other than their marriage mate.
3 Husbands and wives need Je- We live in a world where people have
hovah’s direction and protection to very little self-control and find plea-
keep their marriage safe because the sure in every kind of immorality.
world is obsessed with sex. (Read Also, because our imperfect heart
Psalm 127:1.) In this article, we will is deceitful and desperate, we may
discuss how a couple can protect easily develop romantic feelings for
their marriage. They need to guard someone other than our husband or
their hearts, draw close to God, put wife. (Read Jeremiah 17:9, 10.) Jesus
on the new personality, communi- said: “Out of the heart come wicked
cate well, and give each other the reasonings, murders, adulteries, sex-
marriage due. ual immorality.”—Matthew 15:19.
6 Once wrong desires have devel-
GUARD YOUR HEART
oped in their hearts, two people who
4 How is it possible for a Christian are attracted to each other may start
to be tempted to commit immorali- having conversations about things
ty? It often starts with the eyes. Je- that they should discuss only with
sus explained: “Everyone who keeps
their own husband or wife. Soon,
on looking at a woman so as to
they make more and more excuses to
have a passion for her has already
be together. They meet each oth-
committed adultery with her in his
er more frequently, pretending that
heart.” (Matthew 5:27, 28; 2 Peter 2:
they just met by accident. As their
14) Many who have committed im-
feelings for each other become more
morality have lowered their moral
intense, it becomes more difficult to
standards by viewing pornography,
do what is right. The more their rela-
reading erotic literature, or watching
tionship grows, the more difficult it is
shocking material on the Internet.
to end it, even though they know that
Others have watched movies, stage
what they are doing is wrong.—Prov-
plays, or television programs that are
erbs 7:21, 22.
sexually explicit. Still others have vis-
7 They completely forget Jehovah’s
ited nightclubs and strip shows or
have gone to places to have sensual moral standards as wrong desires
or immoral massages. and conversations turn into holding
5 Some give in to temptation be-
hands, kissing, caressing, and touch-
ing each other in a sexual way. Sad-
3. Why do married couples need Jehovah’s di- ly, they are doing things that they
rection and protection? (See opening picture.) should do only with their own mar-
4. Why have some Christians been tempted to
commit immorality? 6, 7. (a) What can happen if wrong desires de-
5. Why do we need to guard our imperfect velop in our heart? (b) How can we avoid sin-
heart? ning against Jehovah?
riage mate. They are “drawn out and very attracted to him. Day after day
enticed [“caught as by bait,” foot- she tried to tempt him to have sex
note]” by their own desire. Finally, with her. Eventually, “she grabbed
when the desire is strong enough, hold of him by his garment and said:
they commit sexual immorality. ‘Lie down with me!’ ” But Joseph re-
( James 1:14, 15) It is tragic because fused and ran away. How could Jo-
both individuals could have avoided seph be strong enough to remain
sinning against Jehovah if they had faithful? It was because he was de-
allowed him to strengthen their re- termined to protect his friendship
spect for marriage. How can a person with God. Joseph did lose his job
develop such respect? and was sent to prison, but Jehovah
blessed him. (Genesis 39:1-12; 41:38-
KEEP DRAWING CLOSE TO GOD
43) Whether we are at work or any-
8 Read Psalm 97:10. Friendship where else, we need to avoid tempt-
with Jehovah can protect us from im- ing situations.
morality. When we learn about his
wonderful qualities, we try to “be- PUT ON THE NEW PERSONALITY
come imitators of God, as beloved 10 The new personality that is
children, and go on walking in love.” “created according to God’s will in
As a result, we will have the strength true righteousness and loyalty” will
to reject “sexual immorality and protect a couple from committing
every sort of uncleanness.” (Ephe- sexual immorality. (Ephesians 4:24)
sians 5:1-4) Husbands and wives When we put on the new personali-
who know that “God will judge sex- ty, we “deaden” our body members
ually immoral people and adulterers” by fighting against “sexual immorali-
work hard to remain faithful to each ty, uncleanness, uncontrolled sexual
other.—Hebrews 13:4. passion, hurtful desire, and greedi-
9 Some Christians have lowered ness.” (Read Colossians 3:5, 6.)
their moral standards by spending Here, the word “deaden” means
time with non-Witness workmates that we must do whatever is neces-
after work hours. Others have also sary to fight against immoral desires.
been tempted while at work. That We will avoid anything that might
is what happened to a young man cause us to have improper sexual de-
named Joseph. While at work, he re- sires. ( Job 31:1) When we live ac-
alized that his employer’s wife was cording to God’s standards, we learn
to hate “what is wicked” and hold on
8. How does our friendship with Jehovah pro-
tect us from immorality? tight to “what is good.”—Romans 12:
9. (a) How could Joseph remain faithful de- 2, 9.
spite being tempted by his employer’s wife?
(b) What lessons can we learn from Joseph’s ex- 10. How does the new personality help to pro-
ample? tect a marriage?
JANUARY 15, 2015 23

11 When we put on the new per- and said: “Kindness is certainly a vi-
sonality, we imitate Jehovah’s quali- tal quality. And we have also tried to
ties. (Colossians 3:10) When a hus- show humility, even though it isn’t
band and wife show “compassion, always easy.”
kindness, humility, mildness, and
COMMUNICATE WELL
patience,” they will have a strong
marriage and Jehovah will bless
13 One of the best ways to keep our
them. (Colossians 3:12) Also, they marriage strong is to talk to our mar-
will enjoy greater harmony when riage mate in a kind way. Unfortu-
they “let the peace of the Christ con- nately, some husbands and wives
trol [their] hearts.” (Colossians 3:15; speak to each other with less re-
footnote) Having “tender affection,” spect than they do to strangers or
even to their pets! When “malicious
bitterness, anger, wrath, screaming,
Couples need to and abusive speech” are in a mar-
riage, they slowly weaken a cou-
strengthen their ple’s relationship. (Ephesians 4:31)
relationship by A critical and hurtful attitude will
damage a marriage. So couples need
speaking to each to strengthen their relationship by
speaking to each other in a kind, ten-
other in a kind, der, and compassionate way.—Ephe-
tender, and sians 4:32.
14 The Bible says that there is “a
compassionate way time to be silent.” (Ecclesiastes 3:7)
Of course, this does not mean that
a couple will “take the initiative” to we can stop speaking to our mar-
give each other attention and re- riage mate, because communication
spect.—Romans 12:10; footnote. is important for a good marriage.
12 When one couple were asked One wife in Germany says: “Un-
what qualities have helped them to der such circumstances, silence can
have a happy marriage, Sid, the hus- hurt your partner.” She adds: “Even
band, said: “Love is the main quality though it is not always easy to keep
that we’ve always worked on. And calm under stress, it is not good just
we’ve also found mildness to be very to let off steam. Then you impul-
important.” Sonja, his wife, agreed sively say or do something that can
hurt your marriage mate, and that
11. How can the new personality strengthen a
marriage? 13. What is necessary for a strong marriage,
12. What qualities do you think are important and why?
for a happy marriage? 14. What should we avoid doing?
only makes matters worse.” Hus- GIVE THE MARRIAGE DUE
bands and wives do not solve their 16 Couples can also build a strong
problems by screaming or by refus- marriage when they put the person-
ing to talk to each other. Instead, cou- al needs of their mate ahead of their
ples strengthen their marriage when own. (Philippians 2:3, 4) Husbands
they choose to settle disagreements as well as wives need to be sensi-
quickly and do not let them grow tive to each other’s emotional and
into arguments.
sexual needs.—Read 1 Corinthians 7:
15 You can make your marriage
3, 4.
stronger when you take time to share 17 Sadly, some marriage mates do
your thoughts and feelings with each
other. How you say something is as
not show affection or are not inti-
important as what you say. So even mate with each other. And some
in difficult situations, do your best men think that if they are gentle with
to use kind words and speak in a their wife, it means that they are
kind way. Then it will be easier for weak. But the Bible says: “You hus-
your husband or wife to listen to bands should try to understand the
you. (Read Colossians 4:6.) A couple wives you live with.” (1 Peter 3:7,
can strengthen their marriage with Phillips) A husband needs to under-
good communication when they use stand that the marriage due does not
words that are encouraging and ben- just involve having intercourse. He
eficial.—Ephesians 4:29. needs to be loving and affectionate at
15. How can good communication strengthen 16, 17. Why is it important to be sensitive to
a marriage? each other’s emotional and sexual needs?
A husband and wife can strengthen

their marriage with good communication
(See paragraph 15)
all times. Then his wife is more like- that of the other person.” They do
ly to enjoy sexual relations. When this because they love each other,
both show love and affection, it will not because it is their duty. Intimate
be easier to satisfy each other’s emo- expressions of love and tenderness
tional and physical needs. strengthen their relationship.—1 Co-
18 Although there is no excuse for rinthians 10:24.
us to be unfaithful to our marriage KEEP STRENGTHENING
mate, a lack of tenderness could be YOUR MARRIAGE
one of the reasons why a husband 19 We are so close to entering the
or a wife seeks love and intimacy new world! What a disaster it would
from someone else. (Proverbs 5:18; be to give in to wrong desires, as
Ecclesiastes 9:9) That is why the Bi- the 24,000 Israelites on the Plains
ble counsels married couples not to of Moab did. After describing what
“deprive each other” of the marriage happened, the Bible warns: “Let the
due unless both have agreed to do so one who thinks he is standing be-
for a short time. Why? “In order that ware that he does not fall.” (1 Corin-
Satan may not keep tempting you thians 10:12) To strengthen our mar-
for your lack of self-control.” (1 Co- riage, we must remain faithful to
rinthians 7:5) It would be so tragic Jehovah and to our spouse. (Matthew
for a couple to allow Satan to use 19:5, 6) Now, more than ever before,
their “lack of self-control” to tempt we need to “do [our] utmost to be
either mate to commit adultery! By found finally by him spotless and un-
giving the marriage due, each mate blemished and in peace.”—2 Peter 3:
seeks, “not his own advantage, but 13, 14.
18. How can husbands and wives strengthen 19. What should we be determined to do, and
their relationship? why?

The marriage due: Sexual immorality: To put on the
Loving and gentle expres- Breaking God’s laws new personality:
sions or words of affection about sexual relations. To change our thinking
that we give only to our This includes such sins and conduct so that we
husband or wife. It also as adultery, prostitution, imitate Jehovah’s qualities
includes sexual relations sexual relations between
people who are not mar-
ried to each other, and
homosexuality
Is Unfailing Love Possible?
“[Love’s] flames are a blazing fire, the flame of Jah.”
—SONG OF SOLOMON 8:6.
THE bride and groom looked into each other’s eyes and WHAT IS YOUR ANSWER?
smiled. Everyone could see that they were in love. The ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
brother who had given their wedding talk noticed how Why is true love between a
tenderly they held each other, and he wondered: ‘As the man and a woman possible?
years go by, will their love deepen? Or will it slowly fade

away?’ When a husband and wife truly love each other,
their relationship can endure even the most difficult
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
problems. But sadly, many married people become un-
What can married Christians
happy and break up. So you may wonder, ‘Can love learn from the Song of
really last?’ Solomon?
2 Even when King Solomon was alive, true love was
not common. Why? Solomon explained: “One upright

man out of a thousand I found, but a woman among
them I have not found. This alone I have found: The ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
true God made mankind upright, but they have sought What can unmarried
out many schemes.” (Ecclesiastes 7:26-29, footnote) Im- Christians learn about dating
and marriage?
moral foreign women who worshipped Baal were living
among the Israelites. As a result, many Israelite men
1, 2. Who can benefit from the Song of Solomon, and why? (See open-
ing picture.)
27
and women had also become im- working in her brothers’ vineyards
moral.1 (See footnote.) But about 20 close to where King Solomon and
years earlier, King Solomon wrote a his soldiers were camped. He no-
poem about a man and a woman ticed the girl and ordered his ser-
who were truly in love. Whether we vants to bring her into the camp.
are married or not, the Song of Sol- Then he told her how beautiful she
omon can help us to understand was and offered her many gifts. But
what true love is and how we can the girl was in love with a shepherd
show it. and insisted that she wanted to be
TRUE LOVE IS POSSIBLE! with him. (Song of Solomon 1:4-
14) The shepherd looked for her
3 Read Song of Solomon 8:6. Love
and went into the camp. When he
is described as “the flame of Jah.”
found her, they expressed their love
Why? Because Jehovah’s greatest
for each other with beautiful words.
quality is love, and he created us
—Song of Solomon 1:15–17.
with the ability to imitate his love.
5 When Solomon returned to Je-
(Genesis 1:26, 27) After Jehovah
created the first man, Adam, he gave rusalem, he took the young wom-
him a beautiful wife. When Adam an with him, and the shepherd fol-
saw Eve for the first time, he felt so lowed her. (Song of Solomon 4:1-5,
happy that he just had to describe 8, 9) Nothing that Solomon said
how he felt about her. Eve also felt or did could change the girl’s love
very close to her husband. After for the shepherd. (Song of Solomon
all, Jehovah had created Eve from 6:4-7; 7:1-10) So Solomon let the
Adam. (Genesis 2:21-23) From the girl go back home. Finally, the Shu-
beginning, Jehovah made it possible lammite called to her dear one to
for a man and a woman to have true come running to her “like a gazelle.”
and lasting love for each other. —Song of Solomon 8:14.
4 The Song of Solomon beautiful- 6 The Song of Solomon is a beau-
ly describes the love that a man and tiful song. In fact, it has been called
woman can have for each other. The “the song of songs.” (Song of Solo-
song is about the love between a mon 1:1) But in the song, Solomon
country girl from the village of Shu- did not include the names of the
nem, or Shulem, and a young shep- characters when they were speak-
herd. This is their story: The girl was ing. He wanted the beauty of poetry
and song to stand out instead of add-
1 See The Watchtower, January 15, 2007, page 31.
ing many details. Even though the
3. Why is true love between a man and a wom- song does not include names, it is
an possible?
4, 5. What is the story in the Song of Solo- 6. Why can it be difficult to know who is speak-
mon? ing in the Song of Solomon?
still possible to know which charac- delicious honey. When the shep-
ter is speaking by what he or she herd told the girl “you are altogether
says.1—See footnote. beautiful” and “there is no blemish
in you,” he was talking not just about
“YOUR EXPRESSIONS OF AFFECTION
her beauty but also about her lovely
ARE BETTER THAN WINE”
qualities.
7 The young woman and the shep- 9 Today, for a husband and wife
herd said beautiful things to each who serve Jehovah, marriage is
other to express their love. Some of much more than just a formal agree-
their “expressions of affection” may ment. They truly love each other and
sound strange to us because they express their love. But what kind of
were written over 3,000 years ago. love should it be? Is it the unselfish
(Song of Solomon 1:2) Even though love that the Bible teaches us to have
their culture was different from ours for all people? (1 John 4:8) Is it the
today, we can understand how the natural love that we feel toward our
couple felt about each other. For ex- family? Is it the closeness between
ample, the shepherd said that the two good friends? (John 11:3) Or is
girl’s eyes were like “those of doves,” it romantic love? (Proverbs 5:15-20)
which meant that he loved her kind Actually, as a married couple, you
eyes. (Song of Solomon 1:15) And
she said that his eyes were as beau-
tiful as doves. (Read Song of Solo- A husband and wife
mon 5:12.) To her, the color of his
eyes stood out against the white, like
reassure each other
blue-gray doves bathing in milk. of their love by what
8 The shepherd and the young
they say and do
woman praised each other’s good
looks, but that is not all. For exam-
ple, he loved the kind way she spoke need to express true love for each
to other people. (Read Song of Solo- other in all these ways. By what you
mon 4:7, 11.) So he told her: “Your say and do, you can reassure each
lips, my bride, drip with comb hon- other of your love and be happy in
ey. Honey and milk are under your your marriage. Yes, it is very impor-
tongue.” To him, her words were as tant to do so, no matter how busy
sweet and good as milk and the most your life may be. In some cultures
where marriages are arranged, the
1 See the “Outline of Contents” of the Song of Sol-
omon in the New World Translation, pages 926-927. 9. (a) What does the love between a husband
and wife include? (b) Why is it important that a
7, 8. How did the shepherd and the girl ex- husband and wife express their love to each
press their love for each other? Give examples. other?
JANUARY 15, 2015 29

husband and wife may not have husband and wife to express their
known each other before the wed- affection for each other often be-
ding day. So as they get to know cause it helps their love to grow. And
each other and their love grows, they their memories of these expressions
need to tell each other of the love will help their love to stay strong.
they feel. This will bring them closer
DO NOT AWAKEN LOVE
together and strengthen their mar-
“UNTIL IT FEELS INCLINED”
riage.
10 When a couple express their af-
11 If you would like to get mar-
fection to each other, they strength- ried, what can you learn from the
en their marriage in another way. Shulammite? She felt no love for
In the song, King Solomon offered King Solomon and firmly told the
the young woman “gold ornaments women in the palace: “Do not try to
studded with silver.” He praised her, awaken or arouse love in me until it
saying that she was “as beautiful as feels inclined.” (Song of Solomon
2:7; 3:5) So would it be right to start a
romantic relationship with just any-
It is wise to wait one? No, instead it is wise to wait pa-
tiently and marry someone you can
patiently and marry the truly love.
one you can truly love 12 Why did the Shulammite girl
love the shepherd? She thought he

was handsome, like “a gazelle.” His
the full moon, as pure as the sun- hands were strong like “cylinders of
light.” (Song of Solomon 1:9-11; 6: gold,” and his legs were beautiful
10) But the young woman had al- and strong like “pillars of marble.”
ready found the one she truly loved. But he was not just strong and hand-
What helped her to stay loyal to some. The girl knew that the shep-
the shepherd? What comforted her herd loved Jehovah and had beauti-
when they could not be together? ful qualities. That is why he was
(Read Song of Solomon 1:2, 3.) She
special to her, “like an apple tree
remembered how happy his words
among the trees of the forest.”—Song
of love had made her feel. His ex-
of Solomon 2:3, 9; 5:14, 15.
pressions of affection had been “bet- 13 The Shulammite was very beau-
ter than wine” to her, and there in
the palace they comforted her like 11. What can we learn from the Shulammite’s
“fragrant oil” on the head. (Psalm words to the women in Solomon’s palace?
23:5; 104:15) It is important for a 12. Why did the Shulammite girl love the shep-
herd?
10. How else can expressing affection to each 13. Why did the shepherd love the Shulam-
other strengthen a marriage? mite girl?
A Christian will not want
to date or marry someone
who is not a baptized
servant of Jehovah
(See paragraph 14)
tiful. Even King Solomon was at- happy. So if you would like to be
tracted to her, although he already married, follow the example of the
had “60 queens and 80 concubines shepherd and the Shulammite. Look
and young women without number.” for someone with beautiful qualities
Was her beauty the only reason the who really loves Jehovah.
shepherd loved the girl? No. She
MY BRIDE “IS LIKE
also loved Jehovah and had beauti- A LOCKED GARDEN”
ful qualities. For example, the girl
was humble and compared herself
15Read Song of Solomon 4:12.
to a common flower, “a saffron of the Why did the shepherd say that his
Shulammite girl was like “a locked
coastal plain.” But to the shepherd
garden”? A garden with a locked
she was unique, “like a lily among
gate is not open to the public. The
thorns.”—Song of Solomon 2:1, 2;
girl was like that garden because
6:8.
14 Jehovah commands his ser-
she loved only the shepherd. She
planned to marry him, so she ig-
vants to marry “only in the Lord.” nored any attention from the king.
(1 Corinthians 7:39) This means And she would not change her mind.
that we would only date or marry She was like “a wall” and not “a
someone who is a baptized servant door” that could be easily opened.
of Jehovah. How will this help a (Song of Solomon 8:8-10) In the
marriage? A husband and wife will same way, a Christian couple who
have to cope with the stress of dai- are planning to get married will be
ly life. But when they both have loyal to each other. They will not give
a close relationship with Jehovah, romantic attention to anyone else.
their marriage can be peaceful and
15. How is the loyalty of the Shulammite girl a
14. If we would like to be married, what can we good example for unmarried Christian cou-
learn from the shepherd and the Shulammite? ples?
JANUARY 15, 2015 31

16When the shepherd asked the press your affection for each other
girl to go for a walk with him, her only in a clean way.
brothers did not let her go. Instead, 17 Jehovah wants marriages to
they sent her to guard their vine- last. He wants a husband and wife to
yards. Did they not trust her? Did love each other. It is natural for them
they think that their sister and the to be in love when they get married.
shepherd wanted to do something But for their marriage to last, they
immoral? No. Her brothers wanted must keep their love strong, like
to protect their sister from a situ- a flame that never stops burning.
ation that could tempt her to do —Mark 10:6-9.
something wrong. (Song of Solomon 18 If you would like to be married,
1:6; 2:10-15) If you are dating, how look for someone you can truly love.
can you avoid anything that could When you find that person, work to-
lead you into sexual immorality? De- gether to keep your love for each oth-
cide ahead of time what you will er strong. As we learned from the
avoid so as to keep your relation- Song of Solomon, true and lasting
ship clean. Never be alone together love is possible, for it is “the flame of
where no one else can see you. Ex- Jah.”—Song of Solomon 8:6.
16. If you are dating, what can you learn from 17, 18. How has this study of the Song of Sol-
the Song of Solomon? omon helped you?
SOME Unfailing love: Expressions of affection:

Love that lasts and stays Different ways you show
EXPRESSIONS strong. This love grows someone that you love him
EXPLAINED because it is loyal and or her. For example, a hus-
unselfish band and wife may say
things that make each other
feel loved. Couples express
their affection in ways that
show they deeply respect
each other
s
n p
ws15 01/15-E
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Imitate Jesus’ Imitate Jesus’ Preparing Jehovah Guides

Humility and Courage and the Nations for Our Global
Tenderness Discernment “the Teaching Teaching Work
PAGE 3 ˙ SONGS: 5, 84 PAGE 9 ˙ SONGS: 99, 108 of Jehovah” PAGE 21 ˙ SONGS: 103, 66
PAGE 15 ˙ SONGS: 98, 104
STUDY ARTICLES
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
ˇ Imitate Jesus’ Humility and Tenderness

ˇ Imitate Jesus’ Courage and Discernment
The Bible encourages us to follow Jesus’ example closely.
(1 Peter 2:21) As imperfect humans, can we really follow
INDONESIA the perfect example of Jesus? The first of these two articles
discusses how we can imitate his humility and tenderness.
COVER: Offering Awake! magazine
in the house-to-house ministry on The second article shows how we can imitate his courage
the island of Bali while enjoying and discernment.
warm Indonesian hospitality __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ ˇ Preparing the Nations for “the Teaching

POPULATION
of Jehovah”
ˇ Jehovah Guides Our Global Teaching Work
237,600,000
The first article shows how Jehovah helped Jesus’ disciples
PUBLISHERS in the first century to preach the good news. In the second
24,521 article, we discuss some things that help us today to teach
people worldwide about God’s Kingdom.
REGULAR PIONEERS
2,472
There are ALSO IN THIS ISSUE
369
special pioneers
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27 A Surprise Gift for Japan

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
serving on
29 Maintain Your Zeal for the Ministry
28
different islands
34567 ˙
February 15, 2015
Imitate Jesus’ Humility
and Tenderness
“Christ suffered for you, leaving a model for you
to follow his steps closely.”—1 PETER 2:21.
WE USUALLY try to imitate the people we admire. Of HOW WOULD YOU

all the humans who have ever lived, Jesus Christ is the ANSWER?
best person to imitate. Why? Jesus once said: “Whoever ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
has seen me has seen the Father also.” (John 14:9) This Why is Jesus the best person
is because Jesus imitates his Father’s personality per- to imitate?
fectly. So when we learn about Jesus, we learn about Je-
hovah. And when we imitate Jesus, we draw closer to Je-
hovah, the greatest Person in the universe. What a great ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
honor! How can you imitate Jesus’

2 In the Bible, Jehovah has given us a detailed de- humility?
scription of Jesus’ life. Why? Because our God wants us
to know his Son so that we can imitate him closely.
(Read 1 Peter 2:21.) In the Bible, the example Jesus left ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
for us is compared to footsteps. What does that mean? How can you imitate Jesus’
tenderness?
1. Why will imitating Jesus draw us closer to Jehovah?
2, 3. (a) Why did Jehovah give us a detailed description of Jesus’ life,
and what does our God expect us to do? (b) What will we discuss in this
article and in the next?
3
Jehovah wants us to follow in his God.” Also, if we are humble, we will
Son’s footsteps, that is, to imitate Je- not feel that we are better than oth-
sus in everything he did. Of course, er people. (Romans 12:3) It is not
Jesus was perfect, so Jehovah does easy for imperfect humans to show
not expect us to imitate his Son per- this quality. But we can learn to be
fectly. Instead, God wants us to do humble if we meditate on Jehovah’s
our very best to imitate Jesus. greatness and imitate Jesus’ exam-
3 Let us examine some of Jesus’ ple.
beautiful qualities. In this article, we 5 How did Jesus show humility?
will discuss his humility and tender- God’s Son has always been humble,
ness. In the next, we will discuss his both as a powerful angel in heaven
courage and discernment. We will and as a perfect man on earth. Let us
answer three questions about each see a few examples.
quality: What does it mean? How did 6 His attitude. In the Bible book of
Jesus show this quality? How can we Jude, we read about Jesus’ life before
imitate him? he came to the earth. (Read Jude 9.)
As Michael the archangel, that is, the
chief angel, Jesus “had a difference
If we are humble, with the Devil” and “was disputing”
with that wicked one “about Moses’
we will not feel that we body.” After Moses died, Jehovah
are better than others buried his body in a place where no
human would find it. (Deuteronomy
34:5, 6) Perhaps the Devil wanted
JESUS IS HUMBLE to tempt the Israelites to use Mo-
4 What is humility? Many people ses’ body for false worship. What-
who are proud think that humility is ever evil the Devil wanted to do,
a sign of weakness or a lack of confi- Michael courageously stopped him.
dence. But is that true? Actually, to One reference book says that the
be humble, we need to be strong and words “had a difference” and “dis-
courageous. Humility is the opposite puting” are also used to describe
of pride and arrogance. In the Bible, “a legal dispute” and may suggest
the word “humility” can be translat- that “Michael ‘challenged the Devil’s
ed as “lowliness of mind.” (Philippi- right’ to take Moses’ body.” Yet, the
ans 2:3, footnote) To be humble, we archangel knew that his authority
first need to have the right attitude was limited. So he referred the case
about ourselves. For example, one to Jehovah, the Supreme Judge, the
Bible dictionary says: “Humility is to only one who had the right to judge
know how lowly we really are before
5, 6. (a) Who is Michael the archangel?
4. What does it mean to be humble? (b) How did Michael show a humble attitude?
Satan. What a humble attitude Jesus icize them or doubt their motives.
showed! (Luke 6:37; James 4:12) Humility
7 When Jesus was on earth, he helps us to avoid being “overly righ-
also showed humility by the way he teous.” This means that we will not
spoke and by the things he did. feel that we are better than those
His speech. Jesus never wanted un- who do not have the same abilities
necessary attention from others. In- or privileges that we have. (Eccle-
stead, he wanted his Father to have siastes 7:16) Humble elders do not
all the glory. (Mark 10:17, 18; John 7: think that they are better than their
16) Jesus never spoke to his disciples
in a way that made them feel fool-
ish or inferior. Rather, he respected Jesus humbly did
them and showed that he trusted everything that Jehovah
them by commending them for their
good qualities. (Luke 22:31, 32; John told him to do, even
1:47) His actions. Jesus chose to live
a simple life without many material
“to the point of death”
things. (Matthew 8:20) He was will-
ing to do humble work that others brothers and sisters. Rather, these
were not willing to do. (John 13:3-15) loving shepherds “consider others
He also set a perfect example of hu- superior,” that is, they think of oth-
mility by his obedience. (Read Phi- ers as more important than them-
lippians 2:5-8.) Unlike proud people selves.—Philippians 2:3; Luke 9:48.
who hate to obey others, Jesus hum- 9 Consider W. J. Thorn, who
bly did everything that Jehovah told served as a traveling overseer start-
him to do, even “to the point of ing in 1894. After many years, he was
death.” It is clear that Jesus, the Son assigned to take care of chickens at
of man, was “lowly in heart.”—Mat- Kingdom Farm in upstate New York.
thew 11:29. Whenever he felt that he should be
IMITATE JESUS’ HUMILITY doing more important work, Broth-
8 How can we imitate Jesus’ hu- er Thorn would tell himself: “You lit-
mility? Our attitude. When we are tle speck of dust. What have you got
humble, we know that our authori- to be proud of?” (Read Isaiah 40:12-
ty is limited. Therefore, we know 15.) What a humble attitude!
10 Our speech. If we are truly
that we do not have the right to
judge other people. We will not crit- humble, it will affect the way that we
speak to others. (Luke 6:45) When
7. How did Jesus show humility in his speech
and in his actions? 10. How can we show humility in our speech
8, 9. How can we show humility? and in our actions?
FEBRUARY 15, 2015 5

we talk with them, we will not focus ty that motivates a person to make a
on our own privileges and the things difference in the lives of others.
we have done. (Proverbs 27:2) In- 12 How did Jesus show tender-
stead, we will commend our broth- ness? His tender feelings and ac-
ers and sisters for the good that they tions. Jesus felt tender compas-
do and focus on their good qualities sion for others. When he saw
and abilities. (Proverbs 15:23) Our his friend Mary and others cry-
actions. Humble Christians do not ing because Lazarus had died, Je-
try to become famous or important sus cried with them. (Read John
in this world. Instead, they choose to 11:32-35.) Then, the same compas-
live a simple life, even doing humble sion that made him want to resur-
work, so that they can serve Jehovah rect a widow’s son motivated him
as much as they can. (1 Timothy 6: to resurrect Lazarus. (Luke 7:11-15;
6, 8) Most important, we can show John 11:38-44) This tender act may
humility by being obedient. We must have given Lazarus the opportunity
be humble in order to “be obedient to receive life in heaven. Earlier,
to those who are taking the lead” in Jesus “felt tender affection” for a
the congregation and to accept and crowd that came to him. His ten-
follow the direction of Jehovah’s order compassion motivated him “to
ganization.—Hebrews 13:17. teach them many things.” (Mark 6:
JESUS IS TENDER 34; Kingdom Interlinear) This expe-
11What is tenderness? The word rience changed the lives of those
“tender” describes gentle and car- who followed his teachings! Jesus’
ing emotions. Tenderness is an ex- tenderness was more than just a
pression of love and is similar to feeling. His tenderness also moti-
emotions such as compassion and vated him to help people in need.
mercy. The Bible refers to “tender —Matthew 15:32-38; 20:29-34; Mark
compassion,” “tender mercies,” and 1:40-42.
13 His tender words. Jesus’ com-
“tender affection.” (Luke 1:78; 2 Co-
rinthians 1:3; Philippians 1:8) One passion motivated him to speak
Bible reference says that showing tenderly to others, especially to the
tenderness is more than just feeling oppressed. The apostle Matthew
sorry for those in need. It says that quoted Isaiah’s words about Jesus.
having tender feelings means that Isaiah said: “No crushed reed will he
we “care enough to become involved break, and no smoldering wick will
and to help” by doing something
12. What shows that Jesus felt tender compas-
that will change other people’s lives sion for others, and what did his tenderness
for the better. Tenderness is a quali- motivate him to do?
13. How did Jesus speak tenderly to others?
11. What is tenderness? (See opening picture.)
he extinguish.” (Isaiah 42:3; Mat- vah expects all Christians to put on.
thew 12:20) What does that mean? (Read Colossians 3:9, 10, 12.) How
Jesus did not abuse or mistreat peo- can you show tender feelings? The
ple. Instead, he spoke in a way Bible says: “Open your hearts wide.”
that refreshed them. He preached a (2 Corinthians 6:11-13) Listen care-
message of hope to “the broken- fully when someone tells you how he
hearted.” (Isaiah 61:1) He invited feels and what he is worried about.
people who were “toiling and load- (James 1:19) Use your imagination
ed down” to come to him so that and ask yourself: ‘If I were in his situ-
they could “find refreshment.” (Mat- ation, how would I feel? What would
thew 11:28-30) He promised his dis- I need?’—1 Peter 3:8.
15 Our tender actions. Tenderness
ciples that God had tender concern
for each of His worshippers, includ- will motivate us to help others, espe-
ing the “little ones,” or those whom cially those who are grieving or suf-
the world saw as unimportant.—Mat- fering. How can we help them? Ro-
thew 18:12-14; Luke 12:6, 7. mans 12:15 says: “Weep with those
who weep.” Many times, people
IMITATE JESUS’ TENDERNESS need comfort more than solutions.
14How can we imitate Jesus’ ten- They need a friend who is interested
derness? Our tender feelings. The in them and who listens to them.
Bible tells us to work at showing One sister who felt comforted by the
“the tender affections of compas- brothers and sisters after her daugh-
sion,” even if it does not come natu- ter died says, “I appreciated it when
rally to us. These feelings are part friends came over and just cried with
of “the new personality” that Jeho- me.” We can also show tenderness
14. How can we show tender feelings for oth- 15. What can we do to help those who may be
ers? grieving or suffering?
Do you have
genuine concern
for your brothers
and sisters?
(See paragraph 15)
by doing practical things to help cares for his servants who are “bro-
others. Perhaps there is a widow kenhearted” or “crushed in spirit.”
who needs help with repairs on her (Psalm 34:18) Our tender words can
home. Or maybe there is an older really refresh those who need com-
Christian who needs help getting to fort.—Proverbs 16:24.
the meetings, out in the ministry, or 17 Elders, Jehovah expects you to
to the doctor. Even a small act of treat his sheep with tenderness.
kindness can make a big difference (Acts 20:28, 29) Remember, it is your
in a person’s life. (1 John 3:17, 18) responsibility to teach, encourage,
Most important, we can show ten- and refresh his sheep. (Isaiah 32:1, 2;
derness to others by doing as much 1 Peter 5:2-4) So an elder who is ten-
as we can to preach the good news. derly compassionate will not try to
This is the best way to make a differ- control his brothers, that is, to make
ence in the lives of sincere people! rules or to use guilt to pressure them
16 Our tender words. Our tender
to do more when they are not able to.
feelings will motivate us to “speak Instead, an elder wants his brothers
consolingly to those who are de- and sisters to be truly happy, and he
pressed.” (1 Thessalonians 5:14) trusts that their love for Jehovah will
What can we say to encourage them? motivate them to give God their very
We can tell them how much we care best.—Matthew 22:37.
about them. We can commend them 18 As we meditate on Jesus’ humil-
and help them to see their posi- ity and tenderness, we will be moti-
tive qualities and abilities. We can vated to imitate him. In the next arti-
remind them that Jehovah helped cle, we will discuss how we can
them find the truth, so they must be imitate Jesus’ courage and discern-
precious to him. (John 6:44) We can ment.
reassure them that Jehovah deeply
17, 18. (a) How does Jehovah expect the el-
16. What can we say to encourage those who ders to treat his sheep? (b) What will we dis-
are depressed? cuss in the next article?
SOME Humility: Tenderness:

The opposite of pride. An expression of love that
EXPRESSIONS To be humble, we need to is similar to emotions such
EXPLAINED be strong and courageous. as compassion and mercy.
We can learn to be humble When we show tenderness,
if we meditate on Jehovah’s we do more than just feel
greatness and imitate Jesus’ sorry for those in need.
example We are motivated to make
a difference in their lives
Imitate Jesus’ Courage
and Discernment
“Though you never saw him, you love him. Though you
do not see him now, yet you exercise faith in him.”
—1 PETER 1:8.
WHEN we become Christians, it is as if we begin a jour- HOW WOULD YOU

ney. If we remain faithful to God, our journey will be a RESPOND?
success and we can live forever. Jesus said: “The one who ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
has endured to the end will be saved.” (Matthew 24:13) What can help you to stay
Yes, to finish our journey, we must remain faithful to on your journey to everlasting
God until “the end,” whether it is the end of our life or life?
the end of this wicked world. But we must be careful not
to get distracted by this world. (1 John 2:15-17) How can ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
we stay focused on our journey? How can you imitate Jesus’

2 Jesus set the perfect example for us. By studying
courage?
what the Bible says about Jesus’ journey, or his way of
life, we can learn what he is like. And we will love him
and have faith in him. (Read 1 Peter 1:8, 9.) The apostle ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Peter said that Jesus left an example for us to follow How can you imitate Jesus’
closely. (1 Peter 2:21) And if we carefully imitate Jesus’ discernment?
1, 2. (a) How can we gain everlasting life? (b) What can help us to stay
focused on our journey?
9
example, we will be able to endure to sus did not allow their knowledge to
the end.1 (See footnote.) In the previ- stop him from speaking up. He was
ous article, we learned how we can not afraid. He kept “asking them
imitate Jesus’ example of humility questions.” Of course, Jesus was not
and tenderness. In this article, we asking questions that a young boy
will learn how to imitate his example would usually ask. Instead, we can
of courage and discernment. imagine him asking deep questions
JESUS IS COURAGEOUS
that made those teachers pay atten-
tion and think. And if the teach-
3 Courage is a feeling that can ers tried to trick Jesus with ques-
strengthen us and help us to endure tions that would cause arguments,
difficulties. Courage also helps us to they failed. All those listening, in-
defend what is right. It can help us
cluding the teachers, were amazed
to remain calm and faithful to God
“at his understanding and his an-
when we suffer trials. Courage is re-
swers.” Yes, Jesus courageously de-
lated to fear, hope, and love. How?
fended the truth that is found in
When we have a fear of displeasing
God’s Word!
God, we will not let fear of man af- 5 During his ministry, Jesus
fect us. (1 Samuel 11:7; Proverbs 29:
25) Hope in Jehovah helps us to fo- showed courage in different ways.
cus on our future and not on our For example, he showed the people
trials. (Psalm 27:14) Unselfish love that the religious leaders were mis-
motivates us to show courage even leading them with their false teach-
when we are persecuted. (John 15:13) ings. (Matthew 23:13-36) Also, Jesus
We get courage by trusting in God did not allow the world to corrupt
and imitating his Son.—Psalm 28:7. him. (John 16:33) He kept preach-
4 At 12 years of age, Jesus showed ing despite opposition. (John 5:15-
courage when he was “in the tem- 18; 7:14) And twice, he cleansed the
ple, sitting in the midst of the teach- temple by courageously throwing out
ers.” (Read Luke 2:41-47.) Those reli- those who were corrupting true wor-
gious teachers knew the Mosaic Law ship there.—Matthew 21:12, 13; John
very well, but they also knew the 2:14-17.
6 Let us examine Jesus’ courage on
Jewish traditions. These traditions
made the Law difficult to obey. But Je- the final day of his life on earth. Jesus
knew what would happen once Ju-
1 First Peter 1:8, 9 was written to Christians with das betrayed him. Yet, at the Pass-
the heavenly hope. However, Peter’s words can also
apply to Christians who have the hope of living for- over meal, Jesus told Judas: “What
ever on earth.
5. In what ways did Jesus show courage during
3. What is courage, and how do we get it? his ministry?
4. How did Jesus show courage in the temple? 6. How did Jesus show courage on the final day
(See opening picture.) of his life on earth?
you are doing, do it more quickly.” ing that you courageously defended
(John 13:21-27) Then, in the garden Bible truth!
of Gethsemane, Jesus courageously 8 In our ministry. As true Chris-
identified himself to the soldiers who tians, we need to keep “speaking

came to arrest him. Even though his with boldness by the authority of
own life was in danger, he protect- Jehovah.” (Acts 14:3) Why can we
ed his disciples, telling the soldiers: preach with courage? First, we know
“Let these men go.” (John 18:1-8) that what we preach comes from the
Later, when the Jewish high court Bible. It is the truth. (John 17:17) Sec-
questioned him, Jesus courageously ond, “we are God’s fellow workers,”
told them that he was the Christ and he has given us his holy spirit to
and the Son of God. He was not help us. (1 Corinthians 3:9; Acts 4:31)
afraid, even though the high priest Third, we love Jehovah and people,
was looking for an excuse to kill him. so we are motivated to do as much
(Mark 14:60-65) Jesus kept his integ- as we can to tell others about the
rity to God and died on the tor- good news. (Matthew 22:37-39) Be-
ture stake. With his very last breath, cause we are courageous, we will not
he cried out: “It has been accom- stop preaching. We are determined to
plished!”—John 19:28-30. teach the truth to those who have
IMITATE JESUS’ COURAGE been “blinded” or deceived by re-
7 How can we imitate Jesus’ cour- ligious leaders. (2 Corinthians 4:4)
age? At school. Young ones, you are And we will continue to preach the
courageous when you tell your class- good news even if others reject our
mates and others that you are one message or persecute us.—1 Thessa-
of Jehovah’s Witnesses. In this way, lonians 2:1, 2.
9 When we suffer trials. When we
you show that you are proud to be
called by Jehovah’s name, even if it trust in God, he will give us the
means that others may make fun of faith and courage we need to en-
you. (Read Psalm 86:12.) Some may dure difficulties. If a loved one dies,
want you to believe in evolution. But we grieve, but we do not lose hope.
you can trust that what the Bible We are confident that “the God of all
says about creation is true. You can comfort” will strengthen us. (2 Corin-
use the brochure The Origin of Life thians 1:3, 4; 1 Thessalonians 4:13) If
—Five Questions Worth Asking to an- we are sick or injured, we may be in
swer those who want to know “a rea- pain, but we refuse any treatment
son for the hope you have.” (1 Peter 3: that will displease God. (Acts 15:
15) Then you will feel satisfied know-
8. What reasons do we have to preach with
7. Young ones, how do you feel about being courage?
one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, and how can you 9. How can we show courage when we suffer
show that you are courageous? trials?
FEBRUARY 15, 2015 11

28, 29) If we are depressed, “our Word and apply what we learn.
hearts may condemn us,” but we do (Proverbs 2:1-5, 10, 11) We can also
not give up. We trust in Jehovah, study and imitate Jesus’ perfect ex-
who is “close to the brokenheart- ample of discernment.
ed.”1 (See footnote.)—1 John 3:19, 20; 11 Jesus showed discernment in all
Psalm 34:18. that he said and did. In his speech.

When he preached the good news, Je-
JESUS IS DISCERNING
sus used kind words that amazed his
10Discernment is the ability to listeners. (Matthew 7:28; Luke 4:22)
understand the difference between He often read or referred to God’s
right and wrong and then to choose Word. He knew exactly what scrip-
to do what is right. (Hebrews 5:14) tures to use in any situation. (Mat-
A discerning Christian makes deci- thew 4:4, 7, 10; 12:1-5; Luke 4:16-21)
sions that will strengthen his rela- Also, people who heard Jesus explain
tionship with God. He is careful not the Scriptures were deeply affected
by his words. After his resurrection,
Jesus spoke to two disciples on their
Jesus courageously way to Emmaus. He explained the
meaning of the scriptures that ap-
told the Jewish plied to himself. The disciples later
high court that he said: “Were not our hearts burning
within us as he was speaking to us on
was the Christ and the road, as he was fully opening
the Son of God up the Scriptures to us?”—Luke 24:
27, 32.
12 In his emotions and attitude.
to hurt others with his speech. In- Discernment helped Jesus to be

stead, he pleases Jehovah because “slow to anger.” (Proverbs 16:32) He
he chooses words that help others. was able to control his emotions,
(Proverbs 11:12, 13) He is “slow to and he was “mild-tempered.” (Mat-
anger.” (Proverbs 14:29) He “walks thew 11:29) Jesus was always patient
straight ahead,” that is, he makes with his disciples despite their faults.
good decisions throughout his life. (Mark 14:34-38; Luke 22:24-27) And
(Proverbs 15:21) How can we learn to he remained calm even when he was
be discerning? We must study God’s mistreated.—1 Peter 2:23.
13 Discernment helped Jesus to be
1 For examples of people who showed courage
when suffering trials, see The Watchtower, Decem-
reasonable. He understood the rea-
ber 1, 2000, pages 24-28; Awake! April 22, 2003, pag-
es 18-21; and January 22, 1995, pages 11-15. 11. How did Jesus show discernment in his
speech?
10. What is discernment, and how does a dis- 12, 13. What examples show that Jesus was
cerning Christian speak and act? slow to anger and was reasonable?
Discernment helps us to
understand what people
need and to choose our
words carefully
(See paragraph 15)
sons for the Mosaic Law, which af- career. (Luke 4:43) Also, Jesus made
fected the way he treated people. decisions that helped him to focus on
For example, think about the woman this work and finish his assignment.
who had “a flow of blood.” (Read For example, he kept his life simple
Mark 5:25-34.) The woman walked so that he could use his time and
through a crowd of people, touched energy in the ministry. (Luke 9:58)
Jesus’ garment, and was healed. Ac- He knew that it was necessary to
cording to the Law, she was unclean, train others in order to continue the
so she should not have touched any- preaching work after his death. (Luke
one. (Leviticus 15:25-27) But Jesus 10:1-12; John 14:12) And he promised
did not speak unkindly to her. Why? his disciples that he would help them
Because he understood that quali- in the ministry “until the conclusion
ties such as “mercy and faithfulness” of the system of things.”—Matthew
were more important than strict obe- 28:19, 20.
dience to the Law. (Matthew 23:23)
Jesus kindly said: “Daughter, your IMITATE JESUS’ DISCERNMENT
faith has made you well. Go in peace, 15 How can we imitate Jesus’ dis-
and be healed from your grievous cernment? In our speech. When
sickness.” What a beautiful example we talk to our brothers and sisters,
of how discernment motivated Jesus we use words that encourage them
to show kindness! rather than discourage them. (Ephe-
14 In his way of life. Jesus showed sians 4:29) When we talk to oth-
discernment by the way he lived his ers about God’s Kingdom, our words
life. He chose the ministry as his should be “seasoned with salt,” that
14. Jesus chose to do what, and how did he 15. How can we show discernment in our
stay focused on his ministry? speech?

is, we should speak in a tactful way. ers and sisters to be perfect. Instead,
(Colossians 4:6) We try to under- we remember that they may have
stand what people need and what in- problems that we do not fully under-
terests them, and then we choose stand. We are willing to listen to
our words carefully. If we use kind their opinions. And when we can, we
words, people may want to listen to yield, which means that we do not in-
us, and our message may touch their sist on our own way.—Philippians 4:5.
hearts. Also, when we explain our be- 17 In our way of life. We know that
liefs, we read from the Bible when- preaching the good news is the great-
ever possible because God’s Word is est honor we could have. So we want
the authority. We know that the Bi- to make decisions that will help us
ble’s message is much more power- to stay focused on our ministry. We
ful than anything we could ever say. choose to put Jehovah first in our life.
—Hebrews 4:12. We live a simple life so that we can
16 In our emotions and attitude. use our time and energy to preach
Discernment helps us to control our the good news before the end comes.
emotions when we are under pres- —Matthew 6:33; 24:14.
18 It has been a joy to learn about
sure, and it helps us to be “slow to an-
ger.” (James 1:19) When people of- some of Jesus’ beautiful qualities!
fend us, we try to understand why Imagine how we could benefit from
they speak or act the way they do. studying his other qualities and from
Then it is easier to forgive and not be learning to be more like him. So let us
angry with them. (Proverbs 19:11) be determined to imitate Jesus. By
Discernment also helps us to be rea- doing so, we will continue our jour-
sonable. We do not expect our broth- ney to everlasting life and we will
draw closer to Jehovah.
16, 17. (a) How can we show that we are slow
to anger and reasonable? (b) How can we stay 18. How can we continue our journey to ever-
focused on our ministry? lasting life, and what are you determined to do?
SOME Courage: Discernment:

A quality that gives us the The ability to understand the
EXPRESSIONS strength to endure difficul- difference between right and
EXPLAINED ties. It can also help us to wrong and then to choose to
defend what is right despite do what is right. A Christian
opposition who is discerning makes
decisions that will help to
strengthen his relationship
with God. We can learn to be
discerning by studying God’s
Word and applying what we
learn
Preparing the Nations
for “the Teaching of Jehovah”
“The proconsul . . . became a believer, for he was
astounded at the teaching of Jehovah.”—ACTS 13:12.
JESUS CHRIST gave his followers much work to do. He CAN YOU ANSWER?
commanded them to “make disciples of people of all the ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
nations.” They needed to preach the “good news of the How did the Roman Peace
Kingdom” to people “in all the inhabited earth for a wit- make it easier for Jesus’
ness to all the nations.”—Matthew 24:14; 28:19. disciples to preach?
2 The disciples loved Jesus and the good news. But
they probably wondered, ‘How can we do what Jesus ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
commanded us?’ First of all, there were only a few of How did improvements in
them. Also, they were teaching people that Jesus is travel help Christians, and
how did the Greek language
God’s Son, but people knew that Jesus had been killed. also help them?
Further, many people thought that the disciples were
“uneducated and ordinary.” (Acts 4:13) The Jewish reli-
gious leaders had studied in religious schools, but the ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
How did Christians benefit

disciples had not. And the message they preached did
from Roman law and the fact
not agree with Jewish traditions that religious leaders that Jews were living in many
had taught for hundreds of years. Since the disciples countries?
1-3. Why was it not easy for Jesus’ disciples to preach the good news in
“all the nations”?
15
were not respected in Israel, they could say that they had “preached in
may have wondered if anyone in the all creation under heaven.” And peo-
mighty Roman Empire would listen ple from many different nations be-
to them. came disciples. (Colossians 1:6, 23)
3 Jesus had warned his disciples For example, when Paul preached on
that they would be hated and perse- the island of Cyprus, even the Roman
cuted and that some of them would ruler, or proconsul, became a disciple
be killed. (Luke 21:16, 17) Their because “he was astounded at the
friends and families would be- teaching of Jehovah.”—Read Acts 13:
tray them. Also, some people who 6-12.
5 The disciples knew that on their
own they could not preach in all the

Jesus promised earth. But they also knew that Jesus
had promised to be with them and
that he would be that holy spirit would help them.
with his disciples (Matthew 28:20) Other circumstanc-
es at that time may also have helped
and that holy spirit the disciples. In fact, one history
book explains that the first century
would help them was probably the best time for Chris-
to preach tians to begin preaching and that
Christians later felt that God had pre-
pared the way for them.
would call themselves Christ’s disci- 6 Did Jehovah change world events
ples would teach lies. And the disci- in the first century so that Christians
ples would preach in areas filled with could do the preaching work? The Bi-
crime and violence. (Matthew 24:10- ble does not say. But we know that Je-
12) So how would they be able to hovah wanted his people to preach
preach “to the most distant part of the the good news and that Satan was not
earth”? (Acts 1:8) The disciples must able to stop them. In this article, we
have wondered how they could do will discuss some things in the first
this work despite all these difficulties. century that may have made it easier
4 Although the disciples knew for the disciples to preach. In the next
that the work would not be easy, article, we will discuss some things
they obeyed Jesus’ command and that have helped us in recent times to
preached in Jerusalem, in Samaria, preach the good news worldwide.
and even in other countries. After
5. (a) What did Jesus promise his disciples?
about 30 years, they had traveled to (b) What does a history book say about the first
so many places that the apostle Paul century?
6. (a) What will we discuss in this article?
4. What was the result of the preaching work? (b) What will we discuss in the next article?
THE ROMAN PEACE and preached the good news every-
7 In the first century, a time of where.—Read Romans 12:18-21.
peace in the Roman Empire made it TRAVELING BECAME EASIER
easier for the disciples to preach.
This period was called the Roman
9The Romans built over 80,000 ki-
Peace, or Pax Romana in Latin. During lometers (50,000 miles) of roads that
that time, the Roman government connected almost every part of the
stopped any small rebellion. It is true empire. The soldiers in the power-
that there were some wars, just as ful Roman army could quickly travel
Jesus had prophesied there would anywhere on these roads to defend
be. (Matthew 24:6) The Romans de- their territory and keep control over
stroyed Jerusalem in the year 70, and the people. Christians used these
they fought small battles near the roads to travel through forests, across
borders of the empire. But there was deserts, and over mountains in order
peace in most of the empire, and to preach in many places.
the disciples could easily travel and
preach. This period of peace lasted
about 200 years. One book says that The roads that the
in all human history, there has never Romans built made
been such a long period of peace that
affected so many people. it easier for the
8 About 250 years after Christ, a
disciples to preach
scholar named Origen wrote about
this time of peace. He said that in many places
because the Romans ruled over so
many countries, it was easier for the 10In addition to roads, the Ro-
disciples to preach in all of them.
mans also traveled by boat. They
People were not fighting to defend
sailed along rivers and canals or over
their own country, but they were
the sea to hundreds of harbors all
living peacefully in their villages.
over the empire. In fact, the Romans
So Origen felt that because of this,
used over 900 sea routes. So Chris-
many had the opportunity to listen to
the disciples preach about love and tians too could travel by boat to many
peace. Although the disciples were places. They did not need legal docu-
persecuted, they used that time of ments, like passports, to enter dif-
peace in the best way they could ferent countries. Also, there were
few robbers on the roads because
7. What was the Roman Peace, and what made they knew that the Romans would
it different from other times?
8. How did the Roman Peace help the disci- 9, 10. What were some things that made trav-
ples? eling easier for the disciples?

punish criminals harshly. And be- the Romans had been conquered
cause there were many Roman mili- years before by the Greek ruler Al-
tary ships sailing on the sea routes, exander the Great. So people in
travelers were not afraid of being at- those places had learned to speak
tacked by pirates. Although the Bible a form of Greek known as Koine
says that Paul traveled on boats that Greek. As a result, the disciples
were shipwrecked and that he was in could preach to them in that lan-
danger at sea at other times, it does guage. And they could even quote to
not say that he was attacked by pi- them from the Hebrew Scriptures
rates. So traveling by road and by because these had been translated
boat was usually safe.—2 Corinthians into Greek. Many people knew about
11:25, 26. this translation, called the Septuagint,
THE GREEK LANGUAGE which was translated by the Jews liv-
ing in Egypt. Bible writers also used
11 Many places that were ruled by
Greek to write the rest of the Bible.
11. Why did the disciples use the Greek lan- Greek had a large vocabulary, so it
guage? was a good language to explain deep
Bible truths. And the Greek language
helped the congregations to com-
municate with one another and be
united.
12 What did Christians in the first
It was much easier to find
a scripture in a book
century use to teach the Bible? First,
(See paragraph 12) they used scrolls. But scrolls were
not easy to use or carry. Every time
Christians wanted to find a scripture,
they had to unroll a scroll and later
roll it up again. Scrolls usually had
writing only on one side. The Gospel
of Matthew filled one whole scroll.
Then people started using the codex,
which was the first kind of book. A
reader could open a book and easily
turn the pages to find a scripture.
Historians say that Christians quick-
ly started using books and that after
12. (a) What is a codex, and why was it easier
to use than a scroll? (b) When did most Chris-
tians start using books?
the year 100, most of them were us- JEWS LIVED IN
ing books. MANY COUNTRIES
15 Something else may have
ROMAN LAW
helped Christians in the first century
13 Christians in the first century to preach in all the earth. At that
benefited from Roman law. For exam- time, there were Jews in many coun-
ple, Paul was a Roman citizen, and tries, not just in Israel. Why? Hun-
the law often protected him when he dreds of years earlier, the Jews were
traveled. When Roman soldiers ar- taken captive to Assyria, and years
rested Paul in Jerusalem and were later, others were taken to Babylon.
about to whip him, he told them that Later, when the Persians were rul-
he was a Roman citizen. He reminding Babylon, there were Jews living
ed the commander that a Roman cit- throughout the Persian Empire. (Es-
izen should not be whipped without ther 9:30) By the first century, when
a proper trial. So “the men who were Jesus was on earth, there were Jews
about to interrogate him under tor- living throughout the Roman Em-
ture backed away from him; and the pire, such as in Egypt and other parts
military commander became afraid of North Africa, as well as Greece,
when he realized that [Paul] was a Asia Minor (Turkey), and Mesopota-
Roman and that he had bound him in mia (Iraq). It is thought that of the
chains.”—Acts 22:25-29. 60 million people living in the em-
14 The fact that Paul was a Roman pire, over 4 million of them were
citizen affected how he was treated in Jews. Even though they were scat-
Philippi. (Acts 16:35-40) And when tered in many places, the Jews kept
an angry mob wanted to harm some their religion.—Matthew 23:15.
16 Because there were Jews in so
Christians in Ephesus, a government
official calmed the mob down and many countries, many people who
warned the people that they were were not Jews knew about the He-
breaking Roman law. (Acts 19:35-41) brew Scriptures and learned what
Later, when he was in Caesarea, Paul the Jews believed. For example,
demanded to use his right to appear they learned that there is only
before the emperor in Rome. There, one true God and that those who
he defended the good news. (Acts 25: serve him must obey his laws. They
8-12) So Christians used Roman law learned that the Hebrew Scrip-
for “defending and legally establish- tures were from God and contained
ing” their right to preach.—Philippi- 15. Where did many Jews live in the first cen-
ans 1:7. tury?
16, 17. (a) Because there were Jews in so many
13, 14. (a) What protection did Paul have be- countries, how did people who were not Jews
cause he was a Roman citizen? (b) How did benefit? (b) In what ways did the Christians fol-
Christians benefit from Roman law? low the example of the Jews?

JEHOVAH HELPED THEM TO PREACH
Christians used 18 The first century was a unique
time in history. In the Roman Empire,
Roman law for there was peace, many people could
“defending and speak the same language, and the
law protected the people. It was easi-
legally establishing” er to travel, and people in many coun-
tries knew about the Jews and the
their right to preach Hebrew Scriptures. All these things
helped Christians to continue doing
many prophecies about the Messiah. the work that God gave them.
19 About 400 years before Jesus
(Luke 24:44) So when the Christians
preached the good news, both Jews came to earth, the Greek philosopher
and those who were not Jews al- Plato wrote that it is very difficult for
people to get to know the Creator
ready knew about some of the things
and that it is impossible for them
the Christians were preaching. Paul
to tell everyone in the world about
wanted to find people who would
him. But Jesus said: “The things im-
listen to the good news. He often
possible with men are possible with
went into synagogues, where Jews God.” (Luke 18:27) It is clear that the
worshipped, and used the Scriptures preaching work has been possible be-
to reason with them.—Read Acts 17: cause of Jehovah’s help. He wants
1, 2. “people of all the nations” to hear the
17 The Jews regularly met together
good news and get to know him.
to worship, either in synagogues or (Matthew 28:19) The next article will
outdoors. They sang songs, prayed, explain how the good news is being
and discussed the Scriptures. The preached worldwide today.
Christians followed their example,
18, 19. (a) What did the circumstances in the
and today we do the same in our con- first century help Christians to do? (b) How
gregations. does this article make you feel about Jehovah?
SOME The Roman Empire: Pax Romana:

The lands ruled by the A Latin expression that
EXPRESSIONS Romans. The Romans means “Roman Peace.”
EXPLAINED conquered many lands There was a period of peace
around Rome. Eventually, in the Roman Empire. For
they ruled the lands around about 200 years, there were
the Mediterranean Sea not many wars in the lands
and even Britain they ruled
Jehovah Guides Our
Global Teaching Work
“I, Jehovah, am your God, the One teaching you
to benefit yourself, the One guiding you in the way
you should walk.”—ISAIAH 48:17.
WHEN Jehovah’s people began preaching the good CAN YOU EXPLAIN?
news over 130 years ago, they faced many difficulties.1 ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
(See footnote.) Like the Christians in the first century, What work have Jehovah’s
they were a small group and they preached a message Witnesses done to translate
the Bible?
that many people did not like. Some people thought
that they were not well-educated. Later, when Satan
was thrown down to earth, they were persecuted. (Rev- ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
elation 12:12) And since that time, they have been How have we used times
of peace, and how have
preaching during these “last days” that are “hard to deal
improvements in the way we
with.”—2 Timothy 3:1. travel helped us?
2 But Jehovah has been helping his people. He wants
them to preach the good news in all the earth, and he

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
1 From about 1870, Jehovah’s people were known as Bible Students. In 1931, What inventions have helped
they began using the name Jehovah’s Witnesses.—Isaiah 43:10. us to preach the good news?
1. What has made the preaching work difficult to do?
2. What has Jehovah been doing to help us to preach?
21
will not allow anything to stop that BIBLE TRANSLATION
work. He has helped his people to 4 Today, many people have a Bible,
worship him in a way that he ap- and this helps us to teach them the
proves by separating them from false good news. But it was not always like
religion. He did the same in the past that. For hundreds of years, the cler-
when he freed the Israelites from gy of Christendom did not want peo-
Babylon. (Revelation 18:1-4) And ple to read the Bible. They even
what Jehovah teaches us benefits persecuted those who read it and
us personally. He helps us to live killed some who translated it. But
in peace with one another, and he then, during the 1800’s, some orga-
trains us to teach others about him. nizations translated or printed the
(Read Isaiah 48:16-18.) Although Je- Bible or parts of it in about 400
hovah guides our work, it does not languages. By the year 1900, many
mean that he always changes world people owned a Bible. Even so, they
events to help us preach. It is true, did not understand what it teaches.
some things that have happened in 5 Jehovah’s people knew they had
the world have made our preaching to tell others what the Bible teaches,
work easier. But we still are perse- and that is what they did. At first,
cuted and face other problems that they used versions of the Bible that
come from Satan’s world. It is only were available, and they offered cop-
with Jehovah’s help that we are able ies to people. Since 1950, they have
to preach.—Isaiah 41:13; 1 John 5:19. published the New World Translation
3 Daniel prophesied that in the of the Holy Scriptures or parts of it in
time of the end, many people would over 120 languages. In 2013, they
understand Bible truth. (Read Dan- published a revised English edition
iel 12:4.) Shortly before “the time of of the New World Translation. This
the end” began, Jehovah helped his edition is easier to understand and
people to understand important Bi- also to translate. And when we use a
ble teachings and to reject Chris- Bible that people can understand, it
tendom’s false teachings. Today, his is easier to teach them the truth.
people are teaching Bible truth all TIMES OF PEACE
around the world. Clearly, the proph- During the past 100 years, there
6
ecy in Daniel has come true. Nearly have been many wars, including two
eight million people have learned
the truth and are teaching it to 4. By the year 1900, how many languages was
the Bible translated into?
others. So, what are some things
5. What work have Jehovah’s Witnesses done
that have helped Jehovah’s people to to translate the Bible?
preach worldwide? 6, 7. (a) What wars have there been during
the past 100 years? (b) How have peaceful times
3. How has Daniel’s prophecy come true? in some countries helped us to preach?
world wars. Millions of people have only about 8,000 cars and just a few
died. So in what way has there been good roads in that country. But to-
peace, and how has it helped Je- day, there are over one and a half bil-
hovah’s people to preach? During lion cars worldwide and many good
the second world war, Nathan Knorr roads in most places. So we can use
was taking the lead among Jeho- cars and roads to go and preach to
vah’s Witnesses. At a convention in people in places that are far from cit-
1942, he gave an exciting talk en- ies and are difficult to get to. But
titled “Peace—Can It Last?” Broth- even if we live in a place where trav-
er Knorr explained the prophecy of el is not easy and we have to walk
Revelation chapter 17 and proved long distances, we do all we can to
from it that Armageddon was not go and preach to people wherever
coming just yet. After the war, there they are.—Matthew 28:19, 20.
would be a time of peace.—Revela-
tion 17:3, 11.
7 Of course, this did not mean that We do all we can
after the war there was peace every- to go and preach to
where. Since the second world war,
millions have died in other wars. But people wherever
in many countries, there have been they are
peaceful times that have made it eas-
ier for Jehovah’s people to preach.
What has been the result? During 9 We also use other kinds of trans-
the second world war, there were portation. We send Bibles and oth-
fewer than 110,000 Witnesses of Je- er literature on trucks, ships, and
hovah. But today there are nearly trains. This means that in just a
eight million! (Read Isaiah 60:22.) few weeks, we can send literature
Yes, in times of peace, we can preach to brothers and sisters in isolat-
the good news to even more people. ed areas. Circuit overseers, Branch
Committee members, missionaries,
IMPROVEMENTS IN
and others travel by airplane to give
THE WAY WE TRAVEL
talks at conventions and to help
8 When Jehovah’s people began the congregations. Members of the
preaching in the United States, it Governing Body and other brothers
was not easy for them to travel. In from world headquarters also fly to
1900, about 21 years after they began many countries to encourage and
printing The Watch Tower, there were train their brothers and sisters. All
8, 9. How has it become easier to travel, and
of this helps Jehovah’s people to be
why does this help us in our work? united.—Psalm 133:1-3.

We offer Bible literature
in many languages
The Harp “Let God

of God Be True”
5,800,000 COPIES 18,400,000 COPIES
[36 languages] [56 languages]
LANGUAGE AND TRANSLATION 12 But we have the responsibility

10 In the first century, many peo- to preach the good news to people
ple in the Roman Empire spoke all over the world. That is why we
Greek. Today, English is spoken by translate our literature into over 700
many people around the world. In languages. How has this been possi-
fact, the book English as a Global Lan- ble? Computers and computer pro-
guage says that about one quarter of grams, such as MEPS, have helped
the population of the world speaks us to do the translation work. As a
or understands English. Many peo- result, Jehovah’s Witnesses around
ple learn English because it is used the world can understand the “pure
worldwide in business, politics, language” of Bible truth and be unit-
science, and technology. ed.—Read Zephaniah 3:9.
11 The wide use of English has
LAWS AND COURT DECISIONS
helped to spread the truth. In the 13 In many ways, Roman laws
past, our publications were avail-
helped Christians in the first centu-
able first in English. Many people
ry to preach. Today, too, the laws in
could read them because English
many countries help us as we do the
was spoken worldwide. English is
preaching work. For example, the
also used at our world headquar-
laws in the United States give people
ters. And brothers and sisters who
the right to choose their religion, to
come from various countries and
talk about what they believe, and to
understand English are trained at
our schools in Patterson, New York. 12. Into how many languages have we translat-
ed our literature, and how have computer pro-
10. How is English used worldwide? grams made this possible?
11. How has English affected the work of Jeho- 13, 14. How have laws and court decisions
vah’s people? helped us?
The Truth That Leads What Does the Bible
to Eternal Life Really Teach?
107,300,000 COPIES 237,600,000 COPIES
meet together. This means that we tions,” the laws in many countries
have the freedom to have our meet- have allowed us to worship Jehovah
ings and to preach in that coun- in freedom.—Matthew 24:9.
try. We also have freedom to orga-
INVENTIONS THAT HAVE HELPED US
nize the worldwide preaching work
from our world headquarters in the 15New methods of printing have
United States. Of course, there have helped us preach the good news to
been times when we needed to go to
court to defend our right to preach
the good news. (Philippians 1:7) Jehovah’s Witnesses
And when judges and juries in those around the world
courts tried to take away our right to
preach, we went to higher courts understand the “pure
where we often won.
14 In other countries too, we have
language” of Bible
been to court to defend our freedom truth and are united
to worship Jehovah and to preach.
When we have lost, we have gone to
international courts. For example, more and more people. For hun-
we have often gone to the Euro- dreds of years, people used a print-
pean Court of Human Rights. By ing method that was invented by Jo-
June 2014, we had already won 57 hannes Gutenberg in about 1450.
cases in that Court, and the deci- But in the last 200 years, print-
sions of that Court must be obeyed ing presses have improved in many
in most countries in Europe. Even 15. In what ways have printing methods im-
though we are “hated by all the na- proved, and how have these helped us?

ways. Offset printing was invent- bicycles, typewriters, Braille devices,
ed; thereafter, printing became fast- the telegraph, telephones, cameras,
er and the quality improved. Also, audio recorders, video recorders, ra-
it became cheaper to make pa- dio, television, movies, computers,
per and to bind books. How have and the Internet. Although Jeho-
these changes affected our publica- vah’s people have not invented these
tions? In 1879, the first Watch Tower things, they use them to produce the
was printed in English only. It had Bible and other literature in many
no pictures, and 6,000 copies were languages and to preach worldwide.
printed. Today, The Watchtower is In this way, they “drink the milk of
nations,” just as was prophesied in
the Bible.—Read Isaiah 60:16.
Jehovah loves us 17 It is clear that Jehovah is guid-
ing our preaching work. Jehovah has

and wants us given us this work, not because he
to work with him cannot do it without our help, but
because he loves us and wants us to
work with him. By our preaching, we
printed in over 200 languages. It has show him that we love him and that
beautiful and colorful pictures, and we love other people. (Mark 12:28-
more than 50,000,000 copies of each 31; 1 Corinthians 3:9) We are very
issue are printed. grateful to Jehovah for helping us to
16 Many inventions during the
preach in all the earth. So may we
past 200 years have helped Jehovah’s use every opportunity we have to
people to preach the good news. We preach about Jehovah and his King-
already mentioned trains, cars, and dom!
airplanes. But there have also been
17. (a) What is clear about the preaching
16. What inventions have helped us to preach work? (b) Why does Jehovah want us to work
worldwide? (See opening picture.) with him?
SOME MEPS:
This is a short name for the Multilanguage Electronic
EXPRESSIONS Publishing System. It is a set of computer programs that
EXPLAINED the brothers have made and keep updating. These
programs make it easier for us to prepare, translate, and
publish our literature in many different languages
A SURPRISE
GIFT FOR JAPAN
AT A special meeting held in Nagoya, Japan, on
April 28, 2013, Anthony Morris of the Governing
Body made a thrilling announcement: the release
of a new publication in Japanese entitled The Bi-
ble—The Gospel According to Matthew. Over 210,-
000 attended the meeting in person or by video
tie-line. After they heard the announcement, the
audience expressed their joy by applauding for a
long time.
This edition of Matthew’s Gospel was reprint-
ed from the New World Translation. However,
this 128-page book is unique. Brother Morris ex-
plained that it was designed to help people in the
Japanese territory. What is different about this
book? Why was it needed? And how have people
responded?
WHAT IS DIFFERENT
ABOUT THIS BOOK?
Many people were surprised by the format of horizontal style, but many Japanese people prefer
Matthew. Japanese characters can be set verti- the vertical composition.”
cally or horizontally, and the text in many printed
items, including our publications, is set horizontal- DESIGNED FOR THE JAPANESE TERRITORY
ly. However, the text in this new book was set ver- Why is this single Bible book especially useful
tically, similar to the style of many Japanese news- in the Japanese territory? Although many Japa-
papers and other literature. For many Japanese nese people do not know much about the Bible,
people, this style is easier to read. Also, the head- they are willing to read it. Many who have never
ings that are usually at the top of the page were seen a Bible will now have a chance to hold a sec-
moved into the text as subheadings in order to tion of it in their hands and read it.
help the readers see the main points more easily. Why was the book of Matthew chosen? When
The brothers and sisters in Japan began to read most Japanese hear the word “Bible,” they think
Matthew right away. A sister in her 80’s said: “I of Jesus Christ. So the book of Matthew was cho-
have read the book of Matthew many times be- sen because it includes an account of Jesus’ fam-
fore, but the vertical style and the subheadings ily line and birth, his famous Sermon on the
helped me to understand the Sermon on the Mount, and his dramatic prophecy about the last
Mount more fully.” One young sister wrote: “I read days. These are all subjects that interest many
through Matthew in one sitting. I am used to the Japanese people.

Publishers in Japan zealously started to offer say that they immediately read some or even all
this new book from house to house and on return of it. A man in his 60’s told one publisher: “I read
visits. One sister wrote: “I now have more oppor- it many times over and was comforted. Please
tunities to place God’s Word with the people in our teach me more about the Bible.”
territory. In fact, I was able to place a copy of Mat- Matthew is also offered in public witnessing.
thew on the very afternoon of the special meet- While preaching, a Witness gave her e-mail ad-
ing!” dress to a young woman who accepted the book.
One hour later, the woman e-mailed the sister and
HOW HAVE PEOPLE RESPONDED?
said that she had read part of the book and want-
How do publishers present this new book? ed to know more. One week later, the woman had
Many Japanese people know expressions such as her first Bible study, and soon she started to at-
“the narrow gate,” “pearls before swine,” and tend meetings.
“never be anxious about the next day.” (Matthew More than 1,600,000 copies of Matthew have
6:34; 7:6, 13) They are surprised to learn that been shipped to congregations in Japan. Each
these are words of Jesus Christ. When they see month, the Witnesses are giving tens of thou-
these words in Matthew, many say: “I have always sands of copies to people. The foreword to this
wanted to read the Bible at least once.” edition expresses the feelings of the book’s pub-
When publishers return to visit those who ac- lishers by saying: “We sincerely hope that reading
cepted a copy of Matthew, householders often this volume will deepen your interest in the Bible.”
Maintain Your Zeal
for the Ministry
PREACHING the good news is the most impor- il, so we expect that it will be difficult for us to
tant work being done on earth today. It is an preach the good news.—1 John 5:19.
honor to represent Jehovah in this teaching No matter what challenges you personally ex-
work. However, at times it can be challenging perience in your ministry, you can be sure that
for pioneers and publishers to maintain their Jehovah will help you to overcome them. But
zeal for the ministry. Why? what can you do to increase your zeal for the
Some publishers find that they have very few ministry? Let us discuss some suggestions.
conversations when they preach from house to
house because many people are not at home. HELP NEW PUBLISHERS
And when people are at home, they may not be Every year, thousands are baptized as Jeho-
interested in the Kingdom message and may vah’s Witnesses. If you are newly baptized, you
even get angry with us. Other publishers have a can learn a lot from those who have been
very large and productive territory but fear that preaching for many years. And if you have been
they will never be able to preach to everyone in a publisher for many years, can you help train
it. Still others have been preaching for many newer ones? Doing so can be very satisfying.
years and have become discouraged because Jesus knew that his disciples needed di-
the end has not yet come. rection to become effective teachers, and he
There will be challenges in our ministry that showed them how to preach. (Luke 8:1) Today,
can affect our zeal. We live in a world that is new ones need similar training to become effec-
controlled by “the wicked one,” Satan the Dev- tive ministers.

We should not think that just because a new interchange of encouragement” when we work
publisher goes out in the ministry, he is actual- with our brothers and sisters in the ministry.
ly learning how to teach. He needs personal in- —Romans 1:12.
struction from a kind and loving trainer. The ex- What are some things you might talk about?
perienced publisher needs to teach him how to Has either of you recently had an encouraging
(1) prepare and practice what to say to a house- experience? Have you learned an interesting
holder, (2) have a conversation with people, point in your personal or family study? Were
(3) offer literature, (4) return to visit those who you encouraged by something you heard at a
are interested, and (5) start a Bible study. A new meeting? Sometimes you may work with a pub-
publisher can become an effective minister if he lisher whom you do not know well. Maybe you
observes and imitates how the experienced can ask him how he came into the truth. What
publisher teaches. (Luke 6:40) And the new convinced him that this is Jehovah’s organiza-
publisher will feel more confident knowing that tion? What privileges or experiences has he
someone is ready to help when needed. Giving had? Perhaps you can share some of your own
commendation and offering suggestions can experiences. Whatever the response from the
also help the new publisher.—Ecclesiastes 4: territory is, when you work with someone in the
9, 10. ministry, you have a good opportunity to keep
“building one another up.”—1 Thessalonians
TALK WITH YOUR PARTNER
5:11.
IN THE MINISTRY
Despite all your efforts to talk with house- IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF
holders, on some days the best conversation YOUR PERSONAL STUDY
you will have while preaching is with your part- To maintain our zeal for the ministry, we
ner. Remember that Jesus sent his disciples to need to improve the quality of our personal
preach “by twos.” (Luke 10:1) As they worked study. “The faithful and discreet slave” publish-
together, they could encourage and motivate es information on many different subjects that
each other. We have a good opportunity for “an we can study. (Matthew 24:45) Let us discuss
WHY MAINTAIN YOUR ZEAL FOR THE MINISTRY?

ˇ The preaching work ˇ It is our duty to share the ˇ We worship Jehovah by
fulfills Bible prophecy. good news with others. speaking about him and
—Mark 13:10. —Acts 20:26, 27; Romans praising him publicly.
ˇ We prove that we are obe- 1:14, 15. —Hebrews 13:15.
dient when we go in the ˇ We will not be guilty when ˇ We show that we love
ministry to talk to others. the wicked are judged. Jehovah and Jesus by
—Matthew 28:19, 20. —Ezekiel 3:18. obediently doing this work.
ˇ Jehovah wants the wicked ˇ We need to teach Bible —John 14:15; 1 John 5:3.
to be warned about what truths in order to save both ˇ Our ministry helps to prove
will happen if they do not ourselves and others. that Satan is a liar.—Isaiah
change.—Ezekiel 3:19. —1 Timothy 4:16. 43:10-12; 2 Corinthians 4:4.
Talk with your
partner in the
ministry
Be willing to try Improve your

something new personal study
Help a new
publisher
What can help you to maintain your zeal for the ministry?
one example of a good subject for personal when they are at their place of work. Perhaps
study: Why is the preaching work so important? we could also make plans to preach in areas
The box “Why Maintain Your Zeal for the Min- where there are few or no Witnesses.
istry?” provides some of the reasons. Are you willing to try something new? Many
Examining the points listed in the box can who have tried these suggestions have been
motivate you to continue preaching with zeal. successful. Consider three examples.
As a study project, try to list other Scriptural A sister named April decided to try a sugges-
reasons to preach with zeal. Then meditate on tion from one of the Kingdom Ministry articles
these reasons. When you do this, your zeal for on how to start Bible studies. She offered a
the ministry will be stronger. study to three people she works with. April was
surprised and excited when all three agreed to
BE WILLING TO TRY SOMETHING NEW study and also began to attend congregation
Jehovah’s organization regularly suggests meetings.
ways to help us improve our ministry. For exam- We have also been encouraged to look for
ple, in addition to our house-to-house work, we people who may be interested in specific arti-
could also try letter writing, telephone witness- cles in our magazines. A circuit overseer in the
ing, preaching on the street or in other public United States decided to offer an Awake! article
places, and witnessing to people informally or on tires to the managers of all the tire stores in

a certain area. He and his wife also offered a se- The suggestions made in our publications
ries on “Understanding Your Doctor” to over really work. Try them! They can help you to
100 doctor’s offices. He says that these visits maintain your joy and your zeal for the ministry.
have helped people become familiar with our
SET REASONABLE GOALS
preaching work and our literature. After getting
to know people in the territory better, the cir- What makes us successful in our preaching
cuit overseer and his wife have been able to work? It is not how many publications we place,
make more return visits. how many Bible studies we conduct, or how
A sister named Judy wrote to world head- many people we help to become Jehovah’s Wit-
quarters because she was grateful for the en- nesses. Think of Noah. How many people be-
couragement to do telephone witnessing. She sides his family did Noah help to become Je-
said that her mother, who was 86 years old and hovah’s worshippers? Yet, he was certainly a
had many health problems, regularly preached successful preacher. What is important is that
we serve Jehovah faithfully.—1 Corinthians 4:2.
to people over the telephone. As a result, she
began conducting a Bible study with a woman Many publishers realize that in order to feel
who was 92 years old! excited about the preaching work, they need to
set reasonable goals. What are some of these
goals? A few ideas are listed in the box “Set Rea-
sonable Goals.”
Ask Jehovah to help you make your ministry
SET REASONABLE GOALS rewarding and meaningful. When you reach
your goals, you will feel satisfied knowing that
ˇ Make a weekly schedule for field service,
and follow it. you are doing all you can to preach the good
news.
ˇ Offer a Bible study at every opportunity.
It is true that preaching the good news can be
ˇ If possible, read at least one scripture a challenge. But there are things you can do to
during each conversation with a house- be zealous in your ministry. Have encourag-
holder.
ing conversations with your preaching partner,
ˇ Try to offer the magazines more often. make your personal study regular and meaning-
ˇ Return to visit all who listened to the ful, try the suggestions of the faithful and dis-
Kingdom message. creet slave, and set reasonable goals. Most im-
ˇ Try different ways of preaching. portant of all, remember that Jehovah God has
given you the honor of preaching the good news
ˇ Make more opportunities to witness
informally. as one of his Witnesses. (Isaiah 43:10) Yes, you
will experience great joy as you continue to
maintain your zeal for the ministry!
s
n p
ws15 02/15-E

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M ARC H 1 5, 201 5
34567
SIMPLIFIED EDITION
STUDY ARTICLES
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
MAY 4-10 MAY 11-17 MAY 18-24 MAY 25-31
“This Is the Way Will You Learn From Loyally Supporting

You Approved” “Keep on the Illustration Christ’s Brothers
PAGE 3 ˙ SONGS: 65, 64 the Watch”? of the Talents PAGE 24 ˙ SONGS: 107, 63
PAGE 9 ˙ SONGS: 108, 24 PAGE 17 ˙ SONGS: 101, 116
STUDY ARTICLES
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
ˇ “This Is the Way You Approved”

ˇ Will You “Keep on the Watch”?
In the first article, we will discuss how Jehovah has guided
his people to understand deep Bible truths in a simpler and
HONDURAS clearer way over time. In the second, we will examine Jesus’
COVER: Many tourists parable of the ten virgins and see how it can help us to keep
come to Copán to see the on the watch today.
pre-Columbian ruins from the __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
past, but Jehovah’s Witnesses

here are helping people to ˇ Learn From the Illustration of the Talents
look to the future ˇ Loyally Supporting Christ’s Brothers
‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ When Jesus told his disciples about the sign of the time of
POPULATION
the end, he told them two parables. One of them is the
parable of the talents, and the other is the parable of the
8,111,000 sheep and the goats. We will learn why Jesus told these
PUBLISHERS parables and why they are important for us.
22,098
REGULAR PIONEERS
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE
3,471 __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
15 Questions From Readers

Spanish is the official __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
language of Honduras. 30 Marry “Only in the Lord”—Still Realistic?

But 365 publishers in
12 congregations use the
Garifuna language. There
are also 11 congregations
and 3 groups that use
Honduras Sign Language
34567 ˙
March 15, 2015
“This Is the Way You Approved”
“You have carefully hidden these things from wise
and intellectual ones and have revealed them to
young children.”—LUKE 10:21.
TRY to imagine what it must have been like to see Jesus HOW WOULD YOU
when he was “overjoyed in the holy spirit.” Perhaps he ANSWER?
had a big smile on his face and his eyes were full of ex- ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
citement. But why? He had just sent 70 of his disciples What examples show that
to preach the good news of God’s Kingdom. Because Jehovah approves of teaching
that is clear and simple?
there were many powerful enemies of the good news, he
was eager to find out how his disciples would handle
their assignment. These enemies included the scribes
and Pharisees, who were very educated and smart. They ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
wanted people to view Jesus as simply a carpenter and How has our way of explaining
Bible accounts changed over
to view his disciples as “uneducated and ordinary men.” time?
(Acts 4:13; Mark 6:3) Even so, when the disciples re-
turned from their assignment, they were filled with joy.
They had preached despite opposition, even from de-
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
mons! Why were they able to stay joyful and coura-
How has our understanding
geous?—Read Luke 10:1, 17-21. of Jesus’ illustrations become
2 Jesus said to Jehovah: “I publicly praise you, Father,
clearer?
1. Why was Jesus “overjoyed in the holy spirit”? (See opening picture.)
2. (a) How were Jesus’ disciples like children? (b) What helped Jesus’
disciples to understand deep Bible truths?
3
Lord of heaven and earth, because Jehovah makes known deep Bible
you have hidden these things from truths to humble people today.
the wise and intellectual ones and
EXPLAINING DEEP TRUTHS TO ALL
have revealed them to young chil-
dren. Yes, O Father, because this is
4 In recent years, God’s organiza-
the way you approved.” (Matthew 11: tion has highlighted the importance
25, 26) Why did Jesus call his dis- of teaching in a simpler and clearer
ciples young children? Because un- way. Let us discuss three examples.
like the scribes and Pharisees, who First, there is the simplified edition of
The Watchtower.1 (See footnote.) It
were well-educated and who thought
is a gift that has helped many, in-
that they were wise, Jesus’ disci-
cluding those who have difficulties
ples were willing to be taught like
with reading or with language. Fami-
children. They learned to be hum-
lies find that because of the sim-
ble, not proud. (Matthew 18:1-4) Be-
plified edition, their children under-
cause they were humble, Jehovah
stand The Watchtower better. Many
have written letters of appreciation.
One sister said that she used to be
God’s people have afraid to comment at the Watchtower
improved their Study. But not anymore! After using
the simplified edition, she wrote: “I
teaching by making now comment more than once, and
it simpler and clearer the fear is gone! I thank Jehovah and
you.”
5 Second, there is the revised edi-
used his holy spirit to help them tion of the New World Translation of
understand deep Bible truths. But the Holy Scriptures, released in En-
the proud Jewish religious leaders glish at the annual meeting on Octo-
remained blinded by Satan and by ber 5, 2013.2 (See footnote.) Many
their own pride. scriptures now use fewer words, yet
3 No wonder Jesus was so joyful! their meaning has not changed and
He was happy to see how Jehovah
1 The simplified edition was first made available in
made known deep Bible truths to the English language in July 2011. Since then, a sim-
humble people regardless of their ed- plified edition has been made available in a few oth-
er languages.
ucation. This way of teaching is ap- 2 The revised edition will be made available in oth-
proved by God, and God has not er languages.
changed. How does he show that he
4. In what ways has the simplified edition of
still approves of this way of teaching? The Watchtower been a gift?
In this article, we will learn how 5. What are some benefits of the revised edi-
tion of the New World Translation of the Holy
3. What will we discuss in this article? Scriptures?
they are easier to understand. For ex- mon to say that some accounts repre-
ample, Job 10:1 went from 27 words sented something greater in the fu-
to 19, and Proverbs 8:6 went from 20 ture. The account itself was called the
words to 13. Both verses are clearer in type. What the type represented was
the new edition. One anointed broth- called the antitype. Are there good
er who has been serving Jehovah reasons for explaining Bible accounts
faithfully for many years said, “I just in this way? Yes. For example, Jesus
read the book of Job in the new edi- referred to “the sign of Jonah the
tion, and I feel as if I understand it for prophet.” (Read Matthew 12:39, 40.)
the first time!” Many have said some- Jesus explained that the time that Jo-
thing similar. nah spent in the belly of the fish rep-
6 Third, think about some of the
resented the time that Jesus would
recent improvements in our under- spend in the grave.
standing of certain scriptures. For ex- 8 There are other Bible accounts
ample, a clearer understanding of that represented something greater in
“the faithful and discreet slave” was
published in the July 15, 2013, Watch-
tower. (Matthew 24:45-47) That article It strengthens our
explained that the faithful slave is the
Governing Body. And the “domes- faith when we
tics” are those of the anointed and of study Bible accounts
the “other sheep,” who are all fed by
the faithful slave. (John 10:16) We en- and what they
joy learning about these truths and
are happy to teach them to others! In
represent
what other ways has Jehovah shown
that he approves of teaching that is the future. The apostle Paul described
simple and clear? several of them. For example, Abra-
A SIMPLER EXPLANATION ham’s relationship with Hagar and
OF BIBLE ACCOUNTS Sarah represented Jehovah’s relation-
7 If you have been serving Jeho-
ship with the nation of Israel and the
heavenly part of God’s organization.
vah for many years, you have like-
(Galatians 4:22-26) In a similar way,
ly noticed a change in the way
our literature explains some Bible the tabernacle, the temple, Atone-
accounts. In the past, it was comment Day, the high priest, and other
elements of the Law were “a shadow
6. How do you feel about our clearer under- of the good things to come.” (Hebrews
standing of Matthew 24:45-47?
9:23-25; 10:1) It strengthens our faith
7, 8. What are some examples of Bible ac-
counts that represented something greater in
when we study these Bible accounts
the future? and what they represent. But does
MARCH 15, 2015 5

Naboth’s example teaches us
a powerful lesson
(See paragraph 11)
that mean that every person, event, represented Jesus’ execution. How-
and object described in the Bible rep- ever, in 1961, the book “Let Your
resents someone or something? Name Be Sanctified” said that Na-
9 In the past, our literature often both represented the anointed and
explained that each person, event, or Jezebel represented Christendom.
object in some accounts represented Also, Naboth’s persecution by Jeze-
someone or something. For exam- bel represented the persecution of
ple, wicked Queen Jezebel had Na- the anointed during the last days. For
both executed so that her husband, many years, these explanations have
Ahab, could take Naboth’s vine- strengthened the faith of God’s peo-
yard. (1 Kings 21:1-16) In 1932, The ple. So why are we explaining things
Watchtower explained that Ahab and differently now?
Jezebel represented Satan and his 10 Over the years, Jehovah has
organization, that Naboth represent-
ed Jesus, and that Naboth’s death 10. (a) In what way is the faithful slave more
cautious when explaining certain Bible ac-
9. In the past, how was the Bible account of counts? (b) What does our literature focus more
Naboth explained? on today?
helped “the faithful and discreet All Christians can understand, re-
slave” to become more discreet, or member, and apply that lesson and
cautious. In what way? Now the faith- strengthen their faith.
ful slave is careful to say that a Bible 12 Should we conclude that Bible
account represents something great- accounts have only practical lessons

er only when there is a clear Scriptur- and no other meaning? No. But in-
al reason to do so. Some older expla- stead of explaining some Bible ac-
nations about types and antitypes counts as types and antitypes, our
were difficult to understand, to re-
member, and to apply. Most impor-
tant, when too much focus was put Illustrations are
on the possible greater meanings of
Bible accounts, the moral or practical
effective because
lessons were lost. So, today our liter- they explain difficult
ature focuses more on simple, practi-
cal lessons about faith, endurance,
ideas in a simple
godly devotion, and other valuable way that can make
qualities that we can learn from Bible
accounts.1—See footnote.
us think and can
11 Our understanding of the ac- affect our heart
count of Naboth is clearer and sim-
pler now. Naboth did not die be-
cause he represented Jesus or the publications now focus more on how
anointed. Instead, he died because he one Bible account relates to another.
was determined to stay faithful to For example, Naboth’s integrity de-
God. He remained obedient to Jeho- spite persecution and death does re-
mind us of the integrity of Christ and
vah’s Law despite severe persecu-
the anointed. However, we are also re-
tion from a powerful ruler. (Numbers
minded of the integrity of many of the
36:7; 1 Kings 21:3) What a good ex-
“other sheep.” We can clearly see how
ample for all of God’s servants to-
Jehovah is teaching us in a simple
day who may have to endure similar
way.1—See footnote.
persecution. (Read 2 Timothy 3:12.)
1 God’s Word also contains things that may seem
1 For example, the book Imitate Their Faith discuss- “hard to understand,” including some parts of Paul’s
es the lives of 14 different Bible characters. The book writings. However, all Bible writers were inspired by
focuses on practical lessons, not on types or anti- holy spirit. God’s spirit helps true Christians today
types. to understand the Bible, including “even the deep
things of God.”—2 Peter 3:16, 17; 1 Corinthians 2:10.
11. (a) How do we now understand the ac-
count about Naboth, and how does his example 12. (a) What should we not conclude about Bi-
help us? (b) In recent years, why has our litera- ble accounts? (b) Why are we able to have clear
ture rarely mentioned types and antitypes? explanations of even deep things? (See foot-
(See “Questions From Readers” in this issue.) note.)
MARCH 15, 2015 7

A SIMPLER EXPLANATION years, the answer has become clearer.
OF JESUS’ ILLUSTRATIONS For example, think about the way
13 Jesus Christ was the greatest we used to explain Jesus’ parable
Teacher who ever lived. He loved of the kind Samaritan. (Luke 10:30-
to use illustrations, or examples, to 37) In 1924, The Watch Tower said
teach. (Matthew 13:34) Illustrations that the Samaritan represented Jesus
are effective because they explain dif- and that the road that ran downhill
ficult ideas in a simple way that can from Jerusalem to Jericho represent-
make us think and can affect our ed the worsening condition of hu-
heart. Over the years, our literature mans since the rebellion in Eden.
has explained Jesus’ illustrations in a Also, the thieves on the road repre-
simpler and clearer way. For exam- sented large corporations and greedy
ple, The Watchtower of July 15, 2008, businessmen, and the priest and the
helps us to understand more clearly Levite represented Christendom. But
Jesus’ illustrations of the leaven, the today, our literature uses that illustra-
mustard seed, and the dragnet. Now tion to remind all Christians not to be
we can see that these illustrations re- prejudiced. We must help all those in
fer to God’s Kingdom, which has need, especially by helping them to
helped many people to reject this learn the truth about God. It brings
wicked world and to become disci- us joy to see how Jehovah makes the
ples of Christ. truth clear.
14 How can we understand the 15 In our next article, we will dis-
more detailed stories, or parables, cuss Jesus’ parable of the ten vir-
that Jesus told? Some of these sto- gins. (Matthew 25:1-13) How did Je-
ries are symbolic or prophetic. Oth- sus want his followers in the last
ers teach a practical lesson. But how days to understand that powerful il-
can we know which stories are sym- lustration? Does every person, object,
bolic and which are not? Over the or event in the illustration represent
someone or something greater in the
13. What examples show that we now explain
future? Or did he want us to learn
some of Jesus’ illustrations in a simpler, clearer
way? practical lessons that would help us
14. (a) How did we explain the parable of the during the last days? Let us see.
kind Samaritan? (b) How do we understand Je-
sus’ parable now? 15. What will we discuss in the next article?
SOME Type: Antitype:

A person, an event, or an The person, event, or object
EXPRESSIONS object that represents some- that the type represents.
EXPLAINED one or something greater (See the article “Questions
in the future from Readers” in this issue
of The Watchtower)
Will You
“Keep on the Watch”?
“Keep on the watch, therefore, because you know
neither the day nor the hour.”—MATTHEW 25:13.
TRY to imagine Jesus sitting on the Mount of Olives HOW WOULD YOU
overlooking the temple in Jerusalem. He is with four ANSWER?
of his apostles, Peter, Andrew, James, and John. They ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
pay close attention to Jesus as he tells them a thrilling What is the message of the
parable of the ten virgins?
prophecy about the future. The prophecy reveals what
would happen during the last days of this wicked ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
world when Jesus would rule in God’s Kingdom. Jesus How have the anointed
tells them that during that exciting time, his “faithful applied the counsel of Jesus’
and discreet slave” would represent him on earth and parable about the ten virgins?
would give his followers spiritual food at the proper ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
time.—Matthew 24:45-47. How can the “other sheep”

2 Next, in that same prophecy, Jesus tells the parable benefit from the parable of
the ten virgins?
1, 2. (a) What did Jesus reveal about the last days? (b) What questions
will we discuss?
9
of the ten virgins. (Read Matthew of the parable was lost? The answer
25:1-13.) In this article, we will dis- to that question is important.
cuss these questions: (1) What is the 4 Let us examine the basic mes-
parable’s basic message? (2) How sage in Jesus’ parable. First, think
have faithful anointed ones applied about the characters in the parable
the parable’s counsel, and what of the ten virgins. Who is the bride-
are the results? (3) How can each of groom? Jesus. We know this be-
us benefit from Jesus’ parable to- cause earlier, Jesus referred to him-
day? self as the bridegroom. (Luke 5:34,
WHAT IS THE PARABLE’S
35) Who are the virgins? They are
MESSAGE? the “little flock” of anointed Chris-
tians. How do we know? In the
3In the previous article, we
parable, the virgins must be ready
learned that in recent years, the
with their lamps lit when the bride-
faithful slave has adjusted the
groom comes. Now note what Jesus
way certain Bible accounts are ex-
said to his anointed followers: “Be
plained. The faithful slave now fo-
dressed and ready and have your
cuses more on practical lessons and
lamps burning, and you should be
like men waiting for their master to
return from the marriage.” (Luke
The virgins must 12:32, 35, 36) In addition, both the
be ready with apostle Paul and the apostle John
their lamps lit when compared Christ’s anointed follow-
ers to chaste virgins. (2 Corinthians
the bridegroom 11:2; Revelation 14:4) So we can see
comes that the counsel and warning found
at Matthew 25:1-13 is directed to Je-
sus’ anointed followers.
less on possible symbolic or pro- 5 Next, what time period does Je-
phetic meanings. Take, for exam- sus’ counsel apply to? What Jesus
ple, Jesus’ parable of the ten virgins. said near the end of the parable
Our literature used to say that the helps us to know. He said: “The
lamps, the oil, and the flasks repre- bridegroom came.” (Matthew 25:
sented something or someone. Is it 10) In the July 15, 2013, Watchtower,
possible that by focusing on small we learned that Jesus’ prophecy in
details, the simple, urgent message
4. In the parable, how do we know (a) who is
3. In the past, how has our literature explained the bridegroom? (b) who are the virgins?
the parable of the ten virgins, with what possi- 5. How did Jesus reveal the time period when
ble result? his parable would apply?
Matthew chapters 24 and 25 re- gins, the discreet virgins were ready
fers eight times to Jesus’ “coming.” when the bridegroom came. Why?
When Jesus refers to his “coming,” Because they were prepared and
he is referring to the time during the watchful. All ten virgins needed to
great tribulation when he comes remain alert and to keep their lamps
to judge and destroy this wicked burning during the night. Unlike
world. So we can conclude that Je- the foolish virgins, the five discreet
sus’ parable applies to the last days, virgins were prepared because they
but he will “come” during the great brought extra oil along with their
tribulation. lamps. How have faithful anointed
6 What basic message do we Christians prepared for Jesus’ ar-
learn from this parable? Remember rival?
the context of the Bible account.
In Matthew chapter 24, Jesus dis-
cussed “the faithful and discreet Jesus warned
slave.” That slave would be a small the anointed
group of anointed men who would
take the lead among Christ’s fol- to remain faithful
lowers during the last days. Jesus
warned those men that they must 8 The anointed are prepared to
remain faithful. In the next chapter, fulfill their assignment until the
Jesus uses the parable of the ten vir-
end. They realize that their ser-
gins to counsel all his anointed fol-
vice to God will require giving up
lowers in the last days. The message
material comforts found in Satan’s
was to “keep on the watch” so that
world, but they are willing to do so.
they would not lose their heaven-
They are determined to serve Jeho-
ly reward. (Matthew 25:13) Let us
vah loyally, not because the end is
now examine the parable and see
near, but because they love him and
how the anointed have applied the
his Son. They keep their integrity
counsel.
and do not allow the world’s ma-
HOW HAVE THE ANOINTED terialistic, immoral, and selfish atti-
APPLIED THE COUNSEL OF tudes to affect them. Like the dis-
THE PARABLE? creet virgins who were ready with
7In the parable, Jesus empha- their lamps, the anointed continue
sizes that unlike the foolish vir- shining brightly, patiently waiting
for the arrival of the Bridegroom,
6. What is the basic message of the parable?
7, 8. (a) Why were the discreet virgins ready?
even if he may seem to be delayed.
(b) How are the anointed prepared? —Philippians 2:15.
MARCH 15, 2015 11

9The discreet virgins were also REWARD FOR THE DISCREET
ready for the bridegroom’s arrival AND PUNISHMENT FOR THE FOOLISH
because they were watchful. But in 10 Near the end of the parable,
the parable, all ten virgins “became the foolish virgins ask the discreet
drowsy and fell asleep” while wait- virgins to give them oil for their
ing for the bridegroom who seemed lamps. But the discreet virgins re-
to be delayed. So is it possible for fuse to help. (Read Matthew 25:
anointed Christians today to “fall 8, 9.) But when have faithful anoint-
asleep,” that is, to become distracted Christians ever refused to help
ed while waiting for Christ’s arriv- someone in need? Remember the
al? Yes. Jesus knew that even a per- time period that the parable applies
son who is willing and eager could to. Jesus, the Bridegroom, comes to
become weak and distracted while judge near the end of the great trib-
waiting for his arrival. So faithful ulation. So it is likely that the con-
anointed Christians have worked versation refers to what happens
even harder to keep on the watch. just before the end of the great trib-
How so? In the parable, all ten vir- ulation. Why do we say so? Because
gins responded to the shout: “Here by that time, the anointed will have
is the bridegroom!” But only the received their final sealing.
discreet virgins remained watchful. 11 So, then, before the great tribu-
(Matthew 25:5, 6; 26:41) Similarly,
lation starts, all the faithful anoint-
during the last days, faithful anoint-
ed on earth will have received
ed Christians have responded to the
their final sealing. (Revelation 7:1-4)
shout: “Here is the bridegroom!”
From then on, it is certain that they
They have accepted the strong evi-
will go to heaven. But think about
dence that Jesus is about to come,
the years before the great tribula-
and they are ready for his arrival.1
tion. What would happen to anoint-
(See footnote.) Let us next examine
the end of Jesus’ parable, which fo- ed ones who did not keep on the
cuses on a specific time period. watch and became unfaithful? They
would not receive a final sealing.
1 In the parable, there is a time period between By that time, other faithful Chris-
the shout, “Here is the bridegroom!” (verse 6) and
the coming of the bridegroom (verse 10). Throughout tians would be anointed. Once the
the last days, anointed ones have remained watchful. tribulation begins, the foolish ones
They have recognized the sign of Jesus’ presence, so
they know that he is ruling as King in God’s King-
10. What might we ask about the conversation
dom. Still, they must keep on the watch until he
comes. between the discreet virgins and the foolish vir-
gins?
9. (a) What warning did Jesus give about 11. (a) What will happen just before the start
drowsiness? (b) How have the anointed re- of the great tribulation? (b) What did the dis-
sponded to the shout: “Here is the bride- creet virgins mean by telling the foolish virgins
groom”? (See also footnote.) to go and buy oil?
may be shocked to see Babylon the
Great destroyed. It may only be Each anointed
then that they realize they are not
ready for Jesus’ arrival. At that time, Christian must
what would happen if they asked choose to be
for help? The answer is in the par-
able. The discreet virgins refused to prepared and
give their oil to the foolish virgins watchful
and instead told them to go and buy
oil. Since it was “in the middle of
the night,” there was no one to sell 13 Was Jesus saying that many of
oil to them. It was too late! the anointed will become unfaithful
12 During the great tribulation, and need to be replaced? No. In
faithful anointed ones cannot help Matthew chapter 24, we read that
anyone who became unfaithful. It Jesus warned the faithful and dis-
will be too late. So, what will hap- creet slave not to turn into an evil
pen to the unfaithful? Notice what slave. This did not mean that he ex-
happened to the foolish virgins who pected to see that happen. Similar-
went off to buy oil: “The bridegroom ly, the parable of the ten virgins is a
came. The virgins who were ready warning. Just as five virgins were
went in with him to the marriage foolish and five were discreet, each
feast, and the door was shut.” When anointed Christian must choose to
Jesus comes in his glory near the be prepared and watchful. Other-
end of the great tribulation, he will wise, he or she could become fool-
gather the faithful anointed ones to ish and unfaithful. Paul gave a simi-
heaven. (Matthew 24:31; 25:10; John lar warning to his anointed brothers
14:1-3; 1 Thessalonians 4:17) How- and sisters. (Read Hebrews 6:4-9;
ever, Jesus will reject the unfaithful compare Deuteronomy 30:19.) His
ones. Like the foolish virgins, they warning was direct, but he also had
may say: “Sir, Sir, open to us!” But confidence that his brothers and
how will Jesus respond? Sadly, he sisters would receive their reward.
will give them the same answer that The warning in the parable of the
he will give to many goatlike ones: “I ten virgins reveals that Jesus had
tell you the truth, I do not know similar confidence in the anointed.
you.”—Matthew 7:21-23; 25:11, 12. He knows that each of his anointed
12. (a) During the great tribulation, what will 13. (a) Why is there no need to conclude that
happen to any who were once anointed but many of Christ’s anointed followers will be-
who became unfaithful before the final sealing? come unfaithful? (b) Why can we say that Je-
(b) What will happen to those who are like the sus’ parable reveals his confidence in anointed
foolish virgins? Christians? (See opening picture.)
MARCH 15, 2015 13

virgins asked the discreet virgins to
No one can be give them some of their oil. Their
request was not granted. That re-
faithful for us or stay minds us that it is up to each of us
watchful for us to remain faithful to God, to be pre-
pared, and to keep on the watch. No
one can do that for us. Each of us is
servants can remain faithful and re- accountable to the righteous Judge,
ceive the wonderful reward! Jesus Christ, who is coming soon.
HOW CAN CHRIST’S So we must be ready!
15 All Christians are thrilled about
“OTHER SHEEP” BENEFIT?
14Jesus’ parable was directed to the marriage that is mentioned in
anointed Christians. But can the Jesus’ parable. In the future, af-
“other sheep” also benefit from Je- ter the war of Armageddon, anoint-
sus’ parable? (John 10:16) Yes! The ed Christians will become Christ’s
message of the parable is simple: bride. (Revelation 19:7-9) Everyone
“Keep on the watch.” And Jesus on earth will then benefit from that
once said: “What I say to you, I say marriage in heaven. Why? Because
to all: Keep on the watch.” (Mark it guarantees a perfect government
13:37) Jesus requires that all his for all humans. Whether we hope to
disciples be prepared and watch- live forever in heaven or on earth, let
ful. And all Christians can imitate us stay determined to be prepared
the good example of the anointed, and keep on the watch. If we do so,
who put the ministry first in their we can enjoy the wonderful future
lives. Remember that the foolish that Jehovah has prepared for us!
14. Why can the “other sheep” also benefit 15. Why is the marriage of Christ and his bride
from the parable of the ten virgins? thrilling for all true Christians?
SOME Parable: The discreet virgins:

A detailed story that Faithful anointed Christians
EXPRESSIONS teaches a lesson who keep on the watch
EXPLAINED The bridegroom: The foolish virgins:
Jesus Unfaithful Christians who
lose their heavenly reward
because they do not keep
on the watch
QUESTIONS FROM READERS
In the past, our publications often mentioned types

and antitypes. However, in recent years, this is
rarely done. Why?
ˇ The Watchtower of September 15, 1950, gave a The Scriptures do teach that some Bible char-
definition of a “type” and an “antitype.” It ex- acters are types that represent someone or some-
plained that a type is a person, an event, or an ob- thing greater in the future. For example, at
ject that represents someone or something great- Galatians 4:21-31, the apostle Paul refers to “a
er in the future. An antitype is the person, event, symbolic drama” that involves two women. The
or object that the type represents. A type was also first woman is Hagar, Abraham’s slave girl. Paul
called a shadow, and an antitype was called a re- explains that she represented the nation of Israel,
ality. which was bound to Jehovah by the Mosaic Law.
In the past, our publications said that faithful The second woman is “the free woman,” Sarah,
men and women such as Deborah, Elihu, Jeph- Abraham’s wife. She represented God’s wife,
thah, Job, Rahab, Rebekah, and many others were which is the heavenly part of God’s organization.
types who represented either the anointed or the Paul also mentions the many similarities between
“great crowd.” (Revelation 7:9) For example, we the king-priest Melchizedek and Jesus. (Hebrews
said that Jephthah, Job, and Rebekah represent- 6:20; 7:1-3) In addition, Paul compares the proph-
ed the anointed and that Deborah and Rahab rep- et Isaiah and his sons to Jesus and the anointed
resented the great crowd. However, in recent Christians. (Hebrews 2:13, 14) Jehovah inspired
years, we have not made similar comparisons. Paul to make all these comparisons, so we can be
Why is that? sure that these types and antitypes are accurate.
TYPE ANTITYPE
The Passover lamb sacrificed in ancient Israel was a Paul said that Christ is “our Passover lamb.”
type.—Numbers 9:2 —1 Corinthians 5:7
15
However, even when the Bible shows that a nation. However, we should not give a symbolic
person is a type, we should not assume that every meaning to a Bible account when there is no
detail or event in that person’s life represents Scriptural reason to do that.
something greater in the future. For example, How, then, can we benefit from details and ac-
Paul explains that Melchizedek represents Jesus. counts that we read in the Bible? The apostle Paul
Yet, Paul does not mention the time that Melchiz- wrote: “All the things that were written before-
edek brought out bread and wine for Abraham af- hand were written for our instruction, so that
ter he defeated four kings. So there is no Scriptur- through our endurance and through the comfort
al reason to search for a hidden meaning in that from the Scriptures we might have hope.” (Ro-
event.—Genesis 14:1, 18. mans 15:4) Paul was writing to the anointed
Some writers in the centuries after Christ’s Christians in the first century, telling them how
death made a serious mistake. They made almost they could benefit from Bible accounts. However,
every Bible account a type. The International Stan- since that time, all Christians, including the “oth-
dard Bible Encyclopaedia describes the teachings of er sheep,” have benefited from the lessons found
Origen, Ambrose, and Jerome, explaining: “They in the Scriptures.—John 10:16; 2 Timothy 3:1.
sought for types, and of course found them, in Most Bible accounts, therefore, do not apply to
every incident and event, however trivial, record-
only the anointed, the “other sheep,” or Chris-
ed in Scripture. Even the most simple and com-
tians during one specific time in history. Instead,
monplace circumstance was thought to conceal
most Bible accounts have benefited all of God’s
within itself the most [hidden] truth . . . , even in
servants, both in the past and present. For exam-
the number of fish caught by the disciples on the
ple, Job’s suffering does not represent only the
night the risen Saviour appeared to them—how
suffering of the anointed during World War I.
much some have tried to make of that number,
Many of God’s people, both men and women,
153!”
both of the anointed and of the “other sheep,”
Another writer, Augustine of Hippo, explained
have suffered like Job and have benefited from
that the Bible account in which Jesus fed 5,000
studying that account. They “have seen the out-
men with five barley loaves and two fish had a
come Jehovah gave, that Jehovah is very tender in
symbolic meaning. He said that the five barley
loaves represented the first five books of the Bi- affection and merciful.”—James 5:11.
ble. And because barley was thought to be inferi- In our congregations today, we find faithful
or to wheat, this meant that the “Old Testament” older women who are loyal like Deborah, as well
was inferior to the “New Testament.” Also, he ex- as young elders who are wise like Elihu. We also
plained that the two fish represented a king and find pioneers who have zeal and courage similar
a priest. Another scholar explained that Jacob’s to that of Jephthah, as well as faithful men and
buying Esau’s birthright with a bowl of red stew women who are patient like Job. We are very
represented Jesus’ buying the heavenly hope for thankful that Jehovah made sure that “all the
mankind with his red blood! things that were written beforehand” are avail-
If those explanations seem hard to believe, you able for us today, so that “through the comfort
can understand the problem. Humans cannot from the Scriptures we might have hope”!
know which Bible accounts represent something So for these reasons, we do not try to find a
greater and which do not. Therefore, what is the symbolic meaning or future fulfillment in every
wise thing to do? When the Scriptures teach that Bible account. Instead, our literature now focus-
a person, an event, or an object represents some- es more on teaching valuable lessons from the
thing greater in the future, we accept that expla- Scriptures.
Learn From the Illustration
of the Talents
“He gave five talents to one, two to another,
and one to still another.”—MATTHEW 25:15.
JESUS told the parable of the talents to make clear to his HOW WOULD YOU
anointed followers what their responsibility is. But that RESPOND?
parable affects all of Jesus’ disciples. So whether we ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
have the hope of living in heaven or on earth, we need Why did Jesus tell the parable
of the talents?
to understand the meaning of this parable.
2 When did Jesus tell the parable? It was while he was
giving his disciples a sign that would show that he had

become King and that the time of the end had begun. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
(Matthew 24:3) So the parable of the talents is part of When will the Master come
that sign and is being fulfilled in our time. to settle accounts?
3 When Jesus told the parable of the talents, he told
three other parables that were also part of the sign

of the time of the end. All these parables describe ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
specific qualities that his followers must have. We What lessons do we learn
can read these parables at Matthew 24:45 to 25:46. from this parable?
The first parable is about the faithful slave, the small
1, 2. Why did Jesus tell the parable of the talents?
3. What do we learn from the parables in Matthew chapters 24 and 25?
17
group of anointed ones who have to become a king.1 (See footnote.)
the responsibility to teach Jehovah’s (Luke 19:12) Our publications have
people. They need to be faithful and said for many years that in both par-
discreet.1 (See footnote.) The follow- ables this man refers to Jesus, who
ing parable is about the ten virgins. went to heaven in the year 33. But
In it, Jesus warned all the anointed Jesus did not immediately become
ones that they would need to be pre- King when he went to heaven. He
pared and watchful because they waited until 1914, when his enemies
would not know the day or the hour were “placed as a stool for his feet.”
when he would come.2 (See foot- —Hebrews 10:12, 13.
5 Jesus said that the man in the
note.) Next, Jesus told the parable of
the talents to teach all the anointed parable had eight talents. That was a
ones that they would need to work lot of money.2 (See footnote.) Before
hard in caring for their Christian re- the man went away, he gave this
sponsibilities. Then, Jesus told the money to his slaves. He told them to
use it to make more money for him.
parable of the sheep and the goats,
Just as the money was very valuable
which focuses on those who would
to that man, there was something
have the hope of living on earth. He
that was very valuable to Jesus. What
emphasized that they must be loyal
was that? It was the work he did
and do all they can to help his anoint- while he was on earth.
ed brothers.3 (See footnote.) This ar-
ticle will explain the meaning of the
parable of the talents. “Lift up your eyes
A MAN GIVES HIS SLAVES and view the fields,
A LOT OF MONEY
4Read Matthew 25:14-30. In the
that they are white
parable of the talents, Jesus talked for harvesting”
about a man who went on a jour-
ney. In a similar parable, Jesus spoke 6The preaching work was very im-
about a man who went on a journey
portant to Jesus. As a result of his
1 The Watchtower, July 15, 2013, pages 21-22, para- preaching, many became his disci-
graphs 8-10, explains who the faithful and discreet
slave is.
ples. (Read Luke 4:43.) But he knew
2 The previous article in this magazine explains that there was more work to do and
who the virgins are.
3 The parable of the sheep and the goats is ex- 1 See the box “How Is the Parable of the Talents
plained in The Watchtower, October 15, 1995, pag- Similar to the Parable of the Minas?”
es 23-28, and in the next article in this magazine. 2 In Jesus’ time, one talent was the amount of
money a worker earned in 20 years.
4, 5. Whom does the man in the parable refer
to, and what is a talent? 6, 7. What do the talents refer to?
How Is the Parable of the Talents Similar
to the Parable of the Minas?
The parable of the talents is very similar
to the parable of the minas. They both are
about a master who has slaves. Just before
he goes away on a journey, he gives them — –
money and tells them to make more mon-
ey for him. When he comes back, he asks
his slaves what they did with his money.
(Matthew 25:14-30; Luke 19:12-27) What ˜
do these parables mean? In both parables,
the master – refers to Jesus. The slaves —
refer to his anointed disciples. The mon-
ey ˜ refers to the precious responsibility of
making disciples. Both of these parables
warn anointed Christians that they should
not become wicked and lazy.
that more people would accept the anointed followers the work of mak-
good news. In fact, he told his disci- ing disciples. (Matthew 25:14) So the
ples: “Lift up your eyes and view talents refer to the responsibility to
the fields, that they are white for preach and make disciples.
harvesting.” (John 4:35-38) A good 8 Jesus said that the master gave
farmer would not abandon a field five talents to the first slave, two tal-
that was ready to be harvested. Je- ents to the second slave, and one tal-
sus had the same attitude. So just ent to the third slave. (Matthew 25:
before he returned to heaven, Je- 15) The master gave each slave a
sus commanded his followers: “Go, different amount of money, but he
therefore, and make disciples.” (Mat- expected all of them to do their best
thew 28:18-20) In this way, Jesus to make more money for him. In
gave them a precious treasure, the the same way, Jesus expected his
important responsibility to preach. anointed followers to do their best
—2 Corinthians 4:7. in the preaching work. (Matthew
7 Like the man who gave his mon-
8. Even though each slave received a different
ey to his slaves, Jesus gave his amount of money, what did the master expect?
MARCH 15, 2015 19

22:37; Colossians 3:23) At Pentecost of the two slaves received a differ-
in the year 33, Jesus’ followers began ent amount of money, but this does
making disciples of people of all na- not mean that there are two differ-
tions. And when we read the Bible ent groups of faithful anointed ones.
book of Acts, we see clearly how Both slaves worked hard and dou-
hard they worked.1 (See footnote.) bled the money. But are the anoint-
—Acts 6:7; 12:24; 19:20. ed the only ones who must work
hard in the preaching and teach-
THE SLAVES USE THE TALENTS
ing work? No. Jesus’ parable of the
IN THE TIME OF THE END
sheep and the goats teaches us that
9The first two slaves, who used those who hope to live forever on
their master’s money well, re- earth must help his anointed broth-
fer to the faithful anointed brothers with the preaching work and be
ers and sisters during the time of loyal to them. They feel that it is an
the end. Especially since 1919, they honor to help them. Yes, Jehovah’s
have been doing their best in the people are “one flock,” and they all
preaching work. In the parable, each work hard to preach and make disci-
1 Soon after the apostles died, the apostasy spread ples.—John 10:16.
to all congregations. For many centuries, very little 10 Jesus expects all his followers to
was done in the preaching work. But during “the har-
vest,” or the time of the end, the preaching work work hard to make more disciples.
would begin again. (Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43) See That is what his disciples did in the
The Watchtower, July 15, 2013, pages 9-12.
first century. In this time of the end,
9. (a) What did the two faithful slaves do with when Jesus’ parable about the tal-
the money, and what do we learn from that?
(b) What must those who hope to live on 10. What is one part of the sign that proves we
earth do? are living in the time of the end?
Jesus has given his

servants a precious
treasure, the important
responsibility to preach
(See paragraph 10)
Judged As Worthy When They Die
From the first century on, anointed disci- sealing by the time that they die. But in the
ples have been given the talents, that is, parable of the talents, Jesus was talk-
the responsibility to preach. They will be ing about when he comes to settle ac-
judged based on how they fulfill it. Faithful counts with the anointed ones who will still
anointed ones who die before the great be alive on earth during the great tribula-
tribulation will have received their final tion.
ents is being fulfilled, are his follow- Son of man coming on the clouds of
ers doing this work? Yes, never be- heaven.” This refers to the time dur-
fore have so many people heard the ing the great tribulation when Jesus
good news and become disciples! Be- will judge people. He also warned
cause of the hard work that is being his followers living in the time of the
done by all of Jesus’ followers, hun- end to be watchful. He said: “You do
dreds of thousands of people are get- not know on what day your Lord is
ting baptized each year. And they too coming” and, “The Son of man is
join in the preaching work. All this coming at an hour that you do not
activity and the good results clearly think to be it.” (Matthew 24:30, 42,
show that the preaching work is an 44) So in the parable of the talents,
important part of the sign Jesus gave Jesus was also referring to the time
about the time of the end. No doubt, when he will come to judge peo-
Jesus is pleased with his workers! ple and destroy Satan’s world.1—See
footnote.
WHEN WILL THE MASTER COME? 12 When the master came back
11Jesus said: “After a long time, from his journey, he saw that the
the master of those slaves came and slave with five talents had earned
settled accounts with them.” (Mat- five more and the slave with two tal-
thew 25:19) The Master, Jesus, will ents had earned two more. The mas-
do this toward the end of the great ter told each of them: “Well done,
tribulation. How do we know that?
1 See The Watchtower, July 15, 2013, pages 7-8,
In his prophecy found in Matthew paragraphs 14-18.
chapters 24 and 25, Jesus said many
times that he is coming. For exam- 12, 13. (a) What does the master say to the
two slaves, and why? (b) When do anointed
ple, he said that people “will see the ones receive their final sealing? (See also the
box “Judged As Worthy When They Die.”)
11. How do we know that Jesus will come dur- (c) What reward will those who supported the
ing the great tribulation? anointed receive?
MARCH 15, 2015 21

How Should We Understand
the Parable of the Talents? good and faithful slave! You were
faithful over a few things. I will
appoint you over many things.”
(Matthew 25:21, 23) What will the
Master, Jesus, do when he comes in
the future?
13 Just before the great tribulation,
God will give his final approval to

the hardworking anointed ones who
are still on earth at that time. This
When Does the Master is their final sealing. (Revelation 7:
Reward the Slaves? 1-3) Then, before Armageddon, Je-
Old explanation: sus will reward them by raising them
In 1919, Jesus rewarded his anointed slaves to heaven. But what about those with
on earth by giving them more responsibility.
the hope of living on earth who sup-
New explanation: ported the anointed in the preaching
When Christ comes in the future, he will work? They will have been judged as
reward his faithful anointed slaves by
sheep. And they will be rewarded
raising them to heaven.
with life on earth under the rule of
God’s Kingdom.—Matthew 25:34.
A WICKED AND LAZY SLAVE
14 The parable also mentions the
slave who had one talent. He did not
use it to make more money for his
master or put it in the bank to earn
interest. Instead, he buried the mon-
Who Is the Wicked ey. The master said that the slave
and Lazy Slave? was wicked and lazy. He took the tal-
Old explanation: ent away from the wicked slave and
The wicked and lazy slave refers to gave it to the first slave. Then he
those anointed ones during the time threw the wicked slave out “into the
period of 1914 who refused to preach. darkness,” and there the slave cried
New explanation: in despair.—Matthew 25:24-30; Luke
Jesus was not prophesying that a specific 19:22, 23.
group of anointed ones would become wicked 15 When Jesus said that one of the
and lazy. Instead, he was warning anointed
Christians about what would happen if they
three slaves was wicked and lazy, he
became wicked and lazy. 14, 15. Was Jesus saying that many anointed
ones would become wicked and lazy? Explain.
22
did not mean that one third of the
anointed ones would be like that Jesus will reward
slave. We know this by comparing
this parable with two others. In the all his disciples who
parable of the faithful and discreet work hard in the
slave, Jesus mentioned an evil slave
who persecuted the other slaves. Je- preaching work
sus did not mean that those who
are part of the faithful and discreet
slave would become evil. Instead, he like a wicked slave but to continue
was warning those anointed ones working hard in the preaching work.
that they should not become like the —Matthew 25:16.
16 What two lessons do we learn
evil slave. Then, in the parable of
the ten virgins, Jesus mentioned five from the parable of the talents? First,
foolish virgins. He was not saying Jesus gave his anointed disciples a
that half of those who are anointed precious treasure, the important re-
would be foolish. Instead, Jesus was sponsibility to preach and make dis-
warning about what would happen if ciples. Second, Jesus expects all of
they were not prepared and watch- us to work hard in the preaching
ful.1 (See footnote.) Similarly, in the work. If we endure faithfully in this
parable of the talents, Jesus was not work and remain obedient and loyal
saying that many of the anointed to Jesus, we can be sure that he will
ones during the last days would be reward us.—Matthew 25:21, 23, 34.
wicked and lazy. No, he was warning 16. (a) What two lessons do we learn from the
the anointed ones not to become parable of the talents? (b) How has this article
helped us to understand the parable of the tal-
1 See paragraph 13 of the article “Will You ‘Keep ents? (See the box “How Should We Under-
on the Watch’?” in this magazine. stand the Parable of the Talents?”)

Parable: Talent: Final sealing:
A detailed story that A large amount of money The anointed ones receive
teaches a lesson in Jesus’ day. A man had the final sealing from
to work for 20 years to Jehovah when he judges
earn just one talent them as faithful and
approves them to receive
immortal life in heaven
Loyally Supporting
Christ’s Brothers
“To the extent that you did it to one of the least of
these my brothers, you did it to me.”
—MATTHEW 25:40.
HOW WOULD YOU JESUS was talking to his close friends Peter, Andrew,
ANSWER? James, and John about something very interesting. Af-
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
ter telling them the parables of the faithful and discreet
How has Jehovah helped us slave, the ten virgins, and the talents, Jesus told his
to understand the parable of
the sheep and the goats?
friends another parable. In it, he spoke about a time
when “the Son of man” will judge “all the nations.” He
said that “the Son of man” will separate people into two
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
groups, one described as the sheep and the other as the
Who are commanded to goats. And he described an important third group, the
preach?
King’s “brothers.”—Read Matthew 25:31-46.
2 Like the apostles, Jehovah’s servants in our time
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ have also been interested in this parable because the

Why is it important to be loyal lives of people are involved. Jesus said that some will re-
to Christ’s brothers now?
1, 2. (a) What parables did Jesus tell his close friends? (See opening
picture.) (b) What do we need to know about the parable of the sheep
and the goats?
24
ceive everlasting life but that oth- those who imitated God’s love in
ers will be destroyed. This is why everything they did would be called
it is very important that we know sheep.
what the parable means and what 5 Later, Jehovah helped his peo-
we must do to receive everlasting ple to understand this parable more

life. So in this article, we will answer clearly. In 1923, the Watch Tower of
the following questions: How has Je- October 15 said that “the Son of
hovah helped us to understand this man” is Jesus. But then it used Bible
parable? How do we know that the verses to explain that the “brothers”
parable emphasizes the preaching in the parable refer only to those
work? Who should preach? And why who will rule with Jesus and that
is it important for people to be loyal they would all be in heaven during
now to “the King” and his “broth- the Thousand Year Rule. It also said
ers”? that the sheep refer to those who will
live on earth under the rule of Jesus
HOW HAS JEHOVAH HELPED US
and his brothers. And since the par-
TO UNDERSTAND THE PARABLE?
able says that these ones help the
3 To understand what the parable King’s brothers, the separating, or
of the sheep and the goats means, judgment, would need to happen
we need to know (1) who is “the Son while these anointed brothers of Je-
of man,” or “the King,” who are the sus are still on earth, before the
sheep and the goats, and who are Thousand Year Rule begins. The ar-
the King’s “brothers”? (2) when does ticle also said that the sheep would
“the Son of man” separate, or judge, be those who believe in Jesus and
the sheep and the goats? and (3) why who believe that the Kingdom will
are some called sheep and others bring a better life.
called goats? 6 For many years we thought that
4 In 1881, the Watch Tower said
people were judged by means of the
that “the Son of man,” or “the King,” preaching work in this time of the
is Jesus. And it explained that the end. If they accepted our message,
King’s “brothers” were not only they were sheep, and if they reject-
those who will rule in heaven with ed the message, they were goats.
Jesus but also all people who will live But in 1995 the way we understood
on earth when they become perfect. the parable changed. The Watchtower
The Watch Tower said that people compared Matthew 24:29-31 (read)
would be separated during the Thou- with Matthew 25:31, 32 (read), and
sand Year Rule of Christ and that
5. In 1923, how did God’s people understand
3, 4. (a) What do we need to know to under- the parable?
stand this parable? (b) In 1881, how did the 6. In 1995, how did our understanding of the
Watch Tower explain this parable? parable change?
MARCH 15, 2015 25

explained that Jesus will judge peo- THE PARABLE TEACHES US
ple during the great tribulation THAT THE PREACHING WORK
when the Son of man “comes in his IS VERY IMPORTANT
glory.”1—See footnote. 8 Jesus did not use the words
7 Today, we understand the par- “preach” or “preaching work” in the
able of the sheep and the goats clear- parable of the sheep and the goats.
ly. We know that “the Son of man,” So how do we know that the parable
or “the King,” is Jesus. The King’s teaches us that the preaching work is
“brothers” are those who are anoint- very important?
ed with holy spirit and who will rule 9 To find the answer, we first have
in heaven with Jesus. (Romans 8:16, to remember that Jesus was teaching
17) “The sheep” and “the goats” are a lesson by means of a parable. He
people from all nations. They will was not talking about real sheep and
goats. So in the same way, he did not
mean that every person who will be
We are so grateful judged as a sheep should give food
and clothes to the anointed, look
that Jehovah has after them when they are sick, or
helped us to visit them in prison. No, Jesus de-
scribed the sheep as “righteous” be-
understand Jesus’ cause they view the anointed as his
parables brothers and because they are loyal
to the anointed during these difficult
last days.—Matthew 10:40-42; 25:40,
be judged toward the end of the 46; 2 Timothy 3:1-5.
great tribulation that will soon be- 10 When Jesus gave the parable of
gin. And we know that Jesus will the sheep and the goats, he had been
judge people according to how they talking about what would happen
have treated the anointed ones who in the time of the end. (Matthew
are still on earth. We are so grateful 24:3) For example, he said: “This
that Jehovah has helped us over the good news of the Kingdom will be
years to understand this parable and preached in all the inhabited earth.”
the other parables in Matthew chap- (Matthew 24:14) And then, just be-
ters 24 and 25! fore he spoke about the sheep and
1 For a detailed discussion of this parable, see the the goats, he gave the parable of the
articles “How Will You Stand Before the Judgment talents. Jesus told this parable to
Seat?” and “What Future for the Sheep and the
Goats?” in the October 15, 1995, issue of The Watch-
teach the anointed ones that they
tower.
8, 9. Why did Jesus call the sheep “righteous”?
7. What does the parable mean? 10. How can the sheep help Christ’s brothers?
must work hard in the preaching 13From the book of Revelation,
work. But there are only a small we learn that the preaching work
number of them left on earth, and would be done both by the anointed
there is so much work to do! The and by others. Jesus gave the apostle
anointed have been told to preach to John a vision of a “bride” who invites
“all the nations” before the end. As people to come and drink water that
we learn in the parable of the sheep gives life. The bride refers to the
and the goats, “the sheep” help Je- 144,000 anointed ones who will rule
sus’ brothers. And one of the best with Jesus in heaven. (Revelation 14:
ways they can do this is to help Jesus’ 1, 3; 22:17) The water refers to Je-
brothers with the preaching work. sus’ ransom sacrifice that will help
But is it enough just to donate mon- people to have life without sin and
ey for the work or to encourage them death. (Matthew 20:28; John 3:16;
to do the preaching work?
WHO SHOULD PREACH? All of us must
11 Today, there are eight million
disciples of Jesus, and most of them preach, whether we
are not anointed. Jesus did not give hope to live in
them the talents. He gave the talents
to his anointed brothers. (Matthew
heaven or on earth
25:14-18) So some may ask, ‘If Jesus
did not give them the talents, do 1 John 4:9, 10) Anointed ones zeal-
they really need to preach?’ Yes. Let ously teach people about the ransom
us see why. and how they can benefit from it.
12 Jesus commanded all his disci- (1 Corinthians 1:23) But the vision
ples to preach. After Jesus was res- mentions another group of people
urrected, he told his followers to who are not anointed but who have
“make disciples” and to teach them the hope of living on earth. They
“all the things” he had commanded. too are commanded to tell people:
So these disciples also had to obey “Come!” And they obey that com-
Jesus’ command to preach. (Read mand by teaching others the good
Matthew 28:19, 20.) It is clear that news. So this vision shows that all
all of us must preach, whether we those who accept the message of the
hope to live in heaven or on earth. good news must preach to others.
—Acts 10:42. 14 All who obey “the law of the
11. What question might some ask, and why? 13. What do we learn from the vision that John
12. What do we learn from Jesus’ words found saw?
at Matthew 28:19, 20? 14. How do we obey “the law of the Christ”?
MARCH 15, 2015 27

We help Christ’s brothers in many different ways
(See paragraph 17)
Christ” must preach. (Galatians 6:2) 15 What Jesus said to a few of

Jehovah expects all who worship his disciples can sometimes refer to
him to obey the same laws. In the many disciples. For example, Jesus
past, he expected both Israelites and made a covenant with just 11 of his
foreigners living with them to obey disciples and promised them that
his laws. (Exodus 12:49; Leviticus 24: they would rule in his Kingdom. But
22) Of course, today we do not need 144,000 will rule with him. (Luke 22:
to obey all the laws given to the 29, 30; Revelation 5:10; 7:4-8) And af-
Israelites. Instead, whether we are ter Jesus was resurrected, only a few
anointed or not, we must obey “the of his disciples heard his command
law of the Christ.” One of the most
to preach. (Acts 10:40-42; 1 Corinthi-
important things Jesus taught us is
ans 15:6) But all of Jesus’ disciples in
to love. (John 13:35; James 2:8) We
the first century obeyed that com-
must love Jehovah, Jesus, and peo-
ple. And the best way we show that mand. (Acts 8:4; 1 Peter 1:8) Today,
love is by telling people about the too, we know that we must preach,
good news of the Kingdom.—John 15. Why can we say that Jesus commanded all
15:10; Acts 1:8. his disciples to preach?
even though we have not heard Je- dom Halls, Assembly Halls, and
sus’ voice telling us to do this work. branch offices. When we loyally obey
In fact, there are eight million of us the elders and other brothers ap-
doing the preaching work. We know pointed by “the faithful and dis-
that by preaching, we show that we creet slave,” we show that we want
truly have faith in Jesus.—James 2:18. to help Christ’s brothers.—Matthew
24:45-47; Hebrews 13:17.
NOW IS THE TIME TO BE LOYAL
16 Satan is fighting more and more
against Christ’s anointed broth- It is an honor
ers who are still on earth, and he
knows that he has only “a short pe- to help Christ’s
riod of time” left. (Revelation 12:
9, 12, 17) But despite Satan’s at-
brothers
tacks, the anointed continue to lead
the preaching work and more peo- 18 Soon the remaining anointed
ple than ever before are hearing the ones will receive the final sealing.
good news. Clearly, Jesus is with the Then the angels will let go of “the
anointed, and he is guiding them. four winds of the earth,” and the
—Matthew 28:20. great tribulation will begin. (Revela-
17 We feel that it is an honor to
tion 7:1-3) Before Armageddon be-
help Christ’s brothers by preach- gins, Jesus will take the anointed to
ing. We also help by donating mon- heaven. (Matthew 13:41-43) So if we
ey and working hard to build King- want to be judged as sheep when Je-
16-18. How can we loyally help Christ’s broth-
sus comes, now is the time to be loy-
ers, and why should we do this now? al to Christ’s anointed brothers.

The Son of man: Christ’s brothers: The sheep:
Jesus. In the parable, he is Those who are anointed People who are given
also called “the King” with holy spirit. In the everlasting life on earth
parable, they are referred because they have helped
to as the “brothers” of the the anointed
King
Marry “Only in the Lord”
Still Realistic?
ers. In many countries, this is true. For example,
in Korea, 57 percent of single Christians are sis-
“I cannot find a mate within ters and 43 percent are brothers. And in Colom-
the congregation, and I am afraid bia, 66 percent of Christians are sisters and
of growing old alone.” 34 percent are brothers.
In some places, parents who are not Witness-
“Some men in the world are kind, es may demand a lot of money or other expen-
lovable, and thoughtful. They are sive gifts when their daughters get married. And
not opposed to my religion, and some single brothers may not be able to afford
these gifts. As a result, some sisters worry about
they seem to be more interesting
whether they will ever be able to find a Christian
than some brothers.” husband.1—See footnote.
CONFIDENCE IN JEHOVAH IS ESSENTIAL
If you have ever had similar feelings, you can
Some servants of God who are single have be sure that Jehovah understands your situation
said something similar. They know that Jehovah and knows exactly how you feel.—2 Chronicles 6:
wants his servants to marry “only in the Lord,” 29, 30.
that is, to marry only true Christians. (1 Corinthi- Still, in the Bible, Jehovah commands us to
ans 7:39) So why do some Christians say these
marry only in the Lord. Why? Because he knows
things?
what is best for us and he wants to protect us. He
WHY SOME HAVE DOUBTS does not want us to make bad choices that will
Christians who say these things may feel that 1 In this article, we discuss this subject from a sister’s view-
there are more single sisters than single broth- point. However, the principles also apply to brothers.
hurt us or make us unhappy. In Nehemiah’s day, It is true that some Christians have married a
many Jews were marrying women who did not mate who does not serve Jehovah but who is still
serve God. So Nehemiah mentioned the bad ex- kind and fair. However, even if your mate who
ample of Solomon. He “was loved by his God, so did not serve Jehovah was kind, how would
that God made him king over all Israel. But the your relationship with Jehovah be affected? How
foreign wives caused even him to sin.” (Nehemi- would you feel knowing that you did not listen to
ah 13:23-26) Jehovah knows that his reminders the counsel he gave for you to be happy? And
are good for us, and that is why he has directed most important, how would Jehovah feel about
Christians to marry only in the Lord. (Psalm 19: what you have done?—Proverbs 1:33.
7-10; Isaiah 48:17, 18) We are very thankful that Brothers and sisters around the world who
he gives us counsel that is loving and reliable. have obeyed Jehovah’s counsel to marry “only in
When we obey Jehovah as our Ruler, we accept the Lord” are convinced that this is the best deci-
that he has the right to tell us what to do.—Prov- sion. Single brothers and sisters are determined
erbs 1:5. to make Jehovah happy by marrying someone
Surely, you do not want to become “unevenly who worships him. Michiko from Japan was de-
yoked,” that is, to marry someone who does not termined to obey God even though her relatives
love Jehovah. That person could cause you to stop tried to convince her to marry someone who did
serving God. (2 Corinthians 6:14) God’s counsel not love Jehovah. And it was hard for her to watch
always works, and many Christians today have some of her friends marry true Christians while
wisely chosen to obey Jehovah. However, others she remained unmarried. She says: “I kept telling
have chosen differently. myself that since Jehovah is a ‘happy God,’ our
STILL REALISTIC happiness does not depend on whether we are
married or not. I also believe that he grants us the
A sister in Australia named Maggy began dat- desires of our heart. So if we cannot find a mate
ing someone who was not a true Christian.1 (See even though we want to marry, it is best for us to
footnote.) She says: “I missed a lot of meetings stay single for the time being.” (1 Timothy 1:11)
just to be with him. My spirituality dropped dras- Later on, Michiko married a fine brother, and she
tically.” Another young woman in India named
is happy that she listened to Jehovah’s counsel.
Ratana dated a classmate who started studying
There also are some brothers who have waited
the Bible. However, he only studied the Bible so
to find the right person to marry. For example, Bill
that he could date her. Eventually, she stopped
from Australia admits that at times he was at-
serving Jehovah and joined another religion so
tracted to women who were not Witnesses. How-
that she could marry him.
ever, he did not get too friendly with any of them
Ndenguè from Cameroon was 19 years old
because he did not want to start a relationship
when she married a man who did not serve Jeho-
that would result in his becoming “unevenly
vah. Before their wedding, he promised that she
yoked” with an unbeliever. Over the years, he was
could continue to be a Witness. However, two
also interested in a few sisters, but they did not
weeks after their wedding, he told her that she
feel the same way about him. Bill waited 30 years
was not allowed to go to congregation meetings.
until he found a Christian woman who had simi-
She says: “I found myself lonely and weeping. I
lar goals. He says: “I have no regrets. I feel blessed
realized that I had lost control of my life. I felt
because we go out in the ministry together,
constant remorse.”
study together, and worship together. I am happy
1 Some names have been changed. to meet and associate with my wife’s friends
MARCH 15, 2015 31

At times you may feel like David,
who said: “Do answer me quickly,
O Jehovah; my strength has come to
an end. Do not hide your face from
me.” (Psalm 143:5-7, 10) Do not give
up. Give Jehovah time to show you
what he wants you to do. Listen to Je-
hovah by reading the Bible and med-
itating deeply on what you have read.
This will help you know what Jeho-
vah requires of you and how he has
helped his servants in the past. By lis-
Single Christians are valuable in the congregation, tening to him, you will have the con-
often helping families and young ones fidence to keep obeying him.
What else can you do to remain
happy and busy while you are single?
You can work on strengthening your
because they are all fellow worshippers of Jeho- relationship with Jehovah and developing a good
vah. We work on our marriage using Bible princi- reputation. You can also learn to be generous,
ples.” hardworking, easy to get along with, and loyal to
Jehovah. These qualities are necessary for a hap-
WHILE WAITING ON JEHOVAH
py marriage. (Genesis 24:16-21; Ruth 1:16, 17; 2:
What can you do while you trust in Jehovah’s 6, 7, 11; Proverbs 31:10-27) Seek first the King-
counsel and wait for a husband or a wife who dom by staying busy in the ministry and in
serves him? You can think about why you are not your congregation. These things will protect you
married. If you feel that it is because you want to from making unwise decisions. Bill says of the
obey Jehovah’s command, then you can be sure years that he was single: “They passed so quick-
that this makes Jehovah happy. (1 Samuel 15:22; ly! I used the time in Jehovah’s service as a pio-
Proverbs 27:11) Also, continue to pray to Jehovah neer.”
regularly and tell him exactly how you feel. Jehovah’s command to marry “only in the
(Psalm 62:8) As you do your best to resist temp- Lord” is not old-fashioned or out-of-date. By
tation and fight wrong desires, your relationship choosing to marry a true Christian, we honor Je-
with Jehovah will be strengthened day by day. hovah and we will be happy. The Bible says:
You can be confident that Jehovah cares about “Happy is the man who fears Jehovah, who takes
your desires and your needs because you are pre- great pleasure in his commandments. Wealth
cious to him. He does not promise anyone a hus- and riches are in his house, and his righteous-
band or a wife. But if marriage is what you really ness continues forever.” (Psalm 112:1, 3) So be
need, Jehovah knows the best way to satisfy your determined to obey God’s command to marry
needs.—Psalm 145:16; Matthew 6:32. “only in the Lord.”
s
n p
ws15 03/15-E

141106

APRIL 1 5, 201 5
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SIMPLIFIED EDITION
STUDY ARTICLES
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
JUNE 1-7
Elders,
How Do You
Feel About
Training Others?
PAGE 3 ˙ SONGS: 123, 121
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
JUNE 8-14
How Elders
Train Others to
Become Qualified
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
JUNE 15-21
How Real Is
Your Relationship
With Jehovah?
PAGE 15 ˙ SONGS: 91, 11
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
JUNE 22-28
Always Trust
in Jehovah!
PAGE 21 ˙ SONGS: 106, 49
STUDY ARTICLES
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
ˇ Elders, How Do You Feel About Training Others?

ˇ How Elders Train Others to Become Qualified
How important is it for elders to train less experienced
brothers? What methods of training are successful?
HONG KONG What can elders and those whom they train learn from
COVER: An elder trains the prophets Samuel, Elijah, and Elisha? The answers
a ministerial servant to do will be discussed in these two articles.
metropolitan witnessing on __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Haiphong Road, Kowloon

ˇ How Real Is Your Relationship With Jehovah?
‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐
ˇ Always Trust in Jehovah!
POPULATION
When we have a strong relationship with Jehovah, we will
7,234,800 be able to endure trials. These two articles will show us
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27 Blessings “in Favorable Times and Difficult Times”

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32 Can a Cut-Down Tree Sprout Again?
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April 15, 2015
Elders, How Do You Feel
About Training Others?
“There is an appointed time for everything.”
—ECCLESIASTES 3:1.
THE circuit overseer was about to end his meeting with HOW WOULD YOU
the elders. He looked at the brothers and felt deep love ANSWER?
for these hardworking men, some of whom were old ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
enough to be his father. Still, there was an important is- How important is training
sue that worried him. He asked them, “Brothers, what others, and why?
have you done to train others to take on more responsi-
bility in the congregation?” The brothers knew that the ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
circuit overseer during his last visit had encouraged How does a congregation
them to spend more time training others. Finally, one el- benefit when elders give
der admitted, “We have done very little.” All the other el- training?
ders agreed.
2 If you are an elder, perhaps you would give a similar ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
answer. Circuit overseers have noticed that many elders When training others, how
need to spend more time training younger and older can elders imitate Samuel’s
example?
brothers to help care for the congregation. However,
1, 2. What have circuit overseers noticed in many congregations?
3
this may be very difficult. Why is ly. However, if you delay training
that? brothers, you may actually harm the
3 As an elder, you know that it congregation.
is important to spend time training 5 Think of an example. To maintain
brothers.1 (See footnote.) You know a car, a driver knows that he needs to
that more brothers are needed to change the oil regularly. Still, he may
help keep congregations strong now feel that it is more urgent to put fuel
and to support new congregations in in the tank because without it, the car
the future. (Read Isaiah 60:22.) The will stop. He may also think that if he
Bible says that you should “teach oth- is too busy, he can change the oil lat-
ers.” (Read 2 Timothy 2:2.) Still, it er. After all, the car will continue
may be difficult to take the time to do to run for some time. But this can
so. You must care for the needs of be dangerous. If the driver does not
your family and work at your job. You change the oil when necessary, soon-
also have to care for the needs of the er or later the car will be damaged. In
congregation and for other urgent the end, he will need to spend a lot of
matters. Since there is so much to do, time and money to repair the car.
let us discuss why it is vital for you to What is the lesson?
take the time to train others. 6 Elders must care for important
TRAINING IS URGENT matters quickly. If they do not, the

congregation will suffer. Like the
4Why might it be difficult to spend
driver who must regularly put fuel in
time training brothers in the con-
the tank, elders must “make sure of
gregation? Some may think: ‘Other
the more important things.” (Philip-
congregation matters are more ur-
pians 1:10) But some elders may be-
gent and must be cared for immedi-
come so busy with important matters
ately. If I do not train others right
that they do not have the time to train
away, the congregation will not be af-
others. This would be like neglecting
fected.’ Is that true? Other matters
to put oil in a car. If elders delay
may need your attention immediate-
training brothers, sooner or later the
1 This article and the next are written especially congregation will not have enough
for elders. But everyone should be interested in this trained brothers to care for all that
information. Why? It will help all brothers to under-
stand that they need training to do more in the con- needs to be done.
gregation. When there are more trained brothers to 7 So never think that training is not
help in the congregation, everyone will benefit.
a priority. Elders who are interested
3. (a) How does the Bible show that it is im-
portant to train others, and why should all of us 5, 6. What can we learn from the example of a
be interested in this training? (See footnote.) driver and how he maintains his car? How can
(b) Why may it be difficult for some elders to we compare this to training in the congrega-
train others? tion?
4. At times, why do elders delay training broth- 7. How should we view elders who make time
ers? for training?
in the future of the congregation and Jehovah’s people, elders work hard
who take the time to train others are to teach younger brothers what they
wise servants and valuable to their have learned over the years.—Read
brothers and sisters. (Read 1 Peter 4: Psalm 71:17, 18.
10.) How does the congregation ben- 9 Elders who train others are also
efit? valuable because their efforts will

A GOOD USE OF TIME
help to strengthen the congregation.
That training allows more brothers to
8Even the most experienced el- be ready to help the congregation
ders must be modest and understand remain united and faithful to God.
that as they get older, they will not be This is important now during the
able to do as much as they do now. last days, and it will be vital during
(Micah 6:8) Also, elders should know the coming great tribulation. (Ezekiel
that “time and unexpected events” 38:10-12; Micah 5:5, 6) So, dear el-
could suddenly make it difficult for ders, regularly take the time to train
them to care for their responsibilities. others starting today.
(Ecclesiastes 9:11, 12; James 4:13, 14) 10 We understand that your sched-
So because they love and care about
ule is already full because you are
8. (a) What reasons do elders have to train oth-
ers? (b) Elders who serve where the need is 9. What future event makes training vital?
great have what urgent responsibility? (See the 10. To have the time to train others, what may
box “An Urgent Mission.”) an elder need to do?
An Urgent Mission
BROTHERS and sisters from all over the
world have moved to congregations in
countries where the need for publishers is
greater. They work hard to preach and
teach the good news. But what would hap-
pen if they had to leave the country? In
many places, there would not be enough
trained local brothers to care for the
needs of the congregation. So if you are
an elder who has moved to serve where
the need is greater, it is urgent that you
train local brothers to help care for the
congregation.
APRIL 15, 2015 5

caring for important congregation seeds, a teacher needs to prepare a
matters. Therefore, you may need to learner’s heart before he can teach
take some of the time you spend car- him new skills. So how can a teacher
ing for those responsibilities and use create the right conditions for train-
it for training. (Ecclesiastes 3:1) Do- ing? He can follow the example of a
ing that will be a very good use of skillful teacher of the past, the proph-
your time and will benefit the congre- et Samuel.
gation in the future. 13 One day, more than 3,000 years
CREATE THE RIGHT CONDITIONS ago, Jehovah told the elderly prophet
Samuel: “Tomorrow about this time,
11 Recently, some elders who are
I will send to you a man from the
successful in training brothers to
do more in the congregation were land of Benjamin. You must anoint
asked how they do it.1 (See footnote.) him as leader over my people Israel.”
All the elders gave similar advice (1 Samuel 9:15, 16) Samuel under-
even though they have very differ- stood that he would not lead the
ent circumstances. What does this nation of Israel anymore and that
prove? That training based on the Bi- Jehovah wanted him to anoint a new
ble is useful to learners “everywhere leader. So to prepare that man for the
in every congregation.” (1 Corinthi- new assignment, Samuel got an idea
ans 4:17) So in this article and the and created a plan.
14 The next day Samuel met Saul,
next, we will discuss some of the sug-
gestions these elders made. (Prov- and Jehovah told the prophet: “Here
erbs 15:22) Those who give training is the man.” Right away, Samuel
will be called teachers, and those did exactly what he had planned
who receive training will be called to do. He created a good opportu-
learners. nity so that he could talk to Saul.
12 First, a teacher needs to create Samuel invited Saul and his servant
the right conditions. Why is this im- to a meal and gave them the best
portant? Just as a gardener needs seats and the best pieces of meat.
to prepare the soil before he plants Samuel said: “Eat, because they have
reserved it for you for this occa-
1 These elders live in Australia, Bangladesh, Bel-
gium, Brazil, France, French Guiana, Japan, Korea, sion.” After the meal, Samuel invit-
Mexico, Namibia, Nigeria, Réunion, Russia, South ed Saul to his house. On the way
Africa, and the United States.
there, the two men enjoyed a pleas-
11. (a) What is interesting about the sugges- ant conversation. When they arrived
tions on training given by elders from different
lands? (b) According to Proverbs 15:22, why is 13-15. (a) What did Jehovah tell Samuel to do?
it important to discuss the suggestions of other (b) How did Samuel prepare Saul for his new
elders? assignment? (See opening picture.) (c) Why is
12. What does a teacher need to create, and this Bible account about Samuel valuable to el-
why? ders today?
Training others starts
with becoming friends
at Samuel’s house, they went up to 8:4-8) Three times Jehovah had to tell
the roof, and Samuel “continued to him to listen to the people, because
speak with Saul on the housetop” un- Samuel did not want to give them
til they went to sleep. The next day, a king. (1 Samuel 8:7, 9, 22) Even
Samuel anointed Saul, kissed him, though Samuel had these feelings, he
and gave him more instructions. Af- did not become jealous or angry with
ter that, Saul left, ready for what the man who would take his place as
would happen next.—1 Samuel 9:17- leader. When Jehovah told him to
27; 10:1. anoint Saul, Samuel did not hesi-
15 Samuel anointed Saul to be the tate. He willingly obeyed, not just be-
leader of a nation. Of course, this is cause he had to, but because he loved
very different from training a brother Jehovah.
to be an elder or a ministerial ser- 17 There are many experienced el-
vant in the congregation. Still, elders ders today who have imitated Samu-
can learn many important lessons el and trained others in a loving way.
from the way Samuel prepared Saul’s (1 Peter 5:2) These kind elders are
heart. Let us discuss two of them. willing to teach others and are not
WILLING TEACHERS afraid of sharing some of their privi-
AND GOOD FRIENDS leges in the congregation with the
16 Be willing, do not hesitate. learners. Instead, they feel that these
When Samuel first heard that the Is- brothers are precious “fellow work-
raelites wanted a human king, he felt ers” who will help them care for the
disappointed and rejected. (1 Samuel needs of the congregation. (2 Co-
rinthians 1:24; Hebrews 13:16) And
16. (a) How did Samuel feel when Israel asked
for a king? (b) How did Samuel react when Je- 17. How do elders today imitate Samuel, and
hovah told him to anoint Saul? what joy does that give them?
APRIL 15, 2015 7

he should make an effort to become
Teachers, take time out friends with the learner. What an el-
der does to make a learner feel com-
of your busy schedule to fortable will be different depending
on their circumstances and culture.
be with the learner Still, no matter where you live, if you
take time out of your busy schedule
these unselfish elders enjoy seeing to be with the learner, he will know
the learners use their abilities to help that he is important to you. (Read Ro-
Jehovah’s people.—Acts 20:35. mans 12:10.) Surely, learners will be
18 Be a friend, not just a teacher. deeply grateful for the loving care
When Samuel met Saul, the proph- and attention that you give them.
20 It is true that a successful teach-
et could have immediately anoint-
ed him as king by taking the oil er loves to train others. But a success-
and pouring it on his head. The new ful teacher must also love the person
king would then be anointed, but he he is training. (Compare John 5:20.)
would be unprepared to lead God’s Why is this important? Because if a
people. Instead, Samuel took the learner feels that you truly care about
time to prepare Saul’s heart for his him, he will be willing to learn from
new assignment. Before he anointed you. So elders, make an effort not
Saul, they ate together, went for a only to teach but also to be a good
pleasant walk, talked for a long time, friend.—Proverbs 17:17; John 15:15.
and even got some rest. Samuel wait- 21 After preparing a learner’s
ed for the right time to anoint the heart, an elder can begin to train him.
new king. What methods could the elder use?
19 The same is true today. Before That will be discussed in the next ar-
an elder begins to train a brother, ticle.
18, 19. How can an elder prepare the heart of 20, 21. (a) How would you describe a success-
a learner for training, and why is that impor- ful teacher? (b) What will we discuss in the
tant? next article?
SOME To prepare a learner’s heart:

To help a brother to be willing to learn new skills. A teacher
EXPRESSIONS does this by taking the time to become the learner’s friend.
EXPLAINED The teacher must make the learner feel comfortable and
important to him
How Elders Train Others
to Become Qualified
“The things you heard from me . . . , entrust to
faithful men.”—2 TIMOTHY 2:2.
GOD’S people have always known that training brings HOW WOULD YOU
success. For example, Abram organized “his trained ANSWER?
men,” who successfully fought to rescue Lot. (Genesis ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
14:14-16) Singers in King David’s day “were trained” to In what ways can an elder
sing songs that praised Jehovah. (1 Chronicles 25:7) To- help a brother to strengthen
his love for Jehovah?
day, we must fight against Satan and his world. (Ephe-
sians 6:11-13) We also work hard to praise Jehovah by
speaking to others about his name. (Hebrews 13:15, 16)
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Like God’s servants in the past, to be successful, we
What scriptures may help a
must be trained. In the congregation, Jehovah has given
brother who does not seem
elders the responsibility to train others. (2 Timothy 2:2) interested in doing more in
What methods have some elders used to train brothers the congregation?
to care for Jehovah’s people?
STRENGTHEN THE LEARNER’S LOVE FOR JEHOVAH
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
2 An elder can be compared to a gardener. Before How can those who are being
trained imitate Elisha?
1. (a) What have God’s servants always known about training, and
how does this apply today? (b) What will we discuss in this article?
2. Before teaching a learner new skills, what may an elder want to do,
and why?
9
Explain to a brother
why the work you
have given him to do
needs to be done, and
commend him for his efforts
(See paragraphs 5-8)
planting seeds, a gardener may need 4 When you first start training, it is
to add nutrients to the soil so that the good to discuss Bible accounts that
plants will grow and become strong. help the learner to see the impor-
In a similar way, before an elder tance of being helpful, reliable, and
teaches a learner new skills, he may humble. (1 Kings 19:19-21; Nehemiah
want to share some Bible principles 7:2; 13:13; Acts 18:24-26) These quali-
that will help the learner to be ready ties are as important to the learner as
to apply what he learns.—1 Timothy nutrients are to soil. They will help
4:6. the learner to grow, that is, to make
3 It is important to understand
progress faster. Jean-Claude, an elder
from France, says that his goal when
how the truth affects the learner’s
training is to help a learner to make
thoughts and feelings. To do that, you
wise decisions based on Bible princi-
may ask him how his dedication to ples. He says: “I look for occasions
Jehovah has affected his decisions in when we can read a scripture togeth-
life. That question could lead to a er to ‘open the eyes’ of the learner
conversation about how we can serve to ‘the wonderful things’ found in
Jehovah with our whole heart. (Read God’s Word.” (Psalm 119:18) What
Mark 12:29, 30.) You may even want are some other ways to strengthen a
to pray with the brother and ask learner?
Jehovah to give him the holy spir-
SUGGEST GOALS AND GIVE REASONS
it he needs for his training. When
the brother hears you pray for him, 5 Ask a learner what his goals are in
it will likely encourage him to do 4. (a) Give examples of Bible accounts that
more! can help a learner to make progress. (b) What
goal should elders have when training others?
3. (a) How might Jesus’ words found at Mark 5. (a) How important is it to speak with a
12:29, 30 be used in a conversation with a learn- learner about goals in Jehovah’s service?
er? (b) How may an elder’s prayer affect a (b) Why should elders train those who are still
learner? young? (See footnote.)
Jehovah’s service. If he does not have are trained while they are still young,
any goals, help him to set one that he it can help them to stay focused on
can reach. Be enthusiastic while tell- their goals even as they get older and
ing him about a goal that you had and have many distractions.—Read Psalm
how good you felt when you reached 71:5, 17.1 (See footnote.)
it. This method is simple but effective. 6 To motivate the learner to serve,
Victor, an elder and pioneer in Afri- you must do more than tell him what
ca, says: “When I was young, an el- to do. You must also explain why it is
der asked me a few questions about important to do it. The Great Teacher,
my goals. Those questions helped me Jesus, told his apostles to preach. But
to start thinking seriously about my 1 If a young brother shows that he is mature and
ministry.” Experienced elders say that humble and has the other qualities necessary to
it is important to train brothers while serve in the congregation, the elders might suggest
that he be appointed as a ministerial servant even if
they are still young, perhaps when he is not yet 20 years old.—1 Timothy 3:8-10, 12; see
they are in their early teens. You can the July 1, 1989, issue of The Watchtower, page 29.
give them some work in the congrega- 6. What important method did Jesus use to
tion according to their age. If brothers train others?
How to Train Others

ELDERS who are successful in training others
give these suggestions:
1. Be an example in what you say and
in what you do.
2. Encourage the learner to strengthen his
relationship with Jehovah by reading
the entire Bible in one year.
3. Work together in field service.
(See picture on cover.)
4. Teach him to conduct meetings for field
service that benefit the brothers.
5. When you give a public talk, give him
the outline so that he can see how you
developed the subject. )
6. At times, invite him and his family to join you
for your family worship.
7. Ask him and his family to go with you and your
family to preach in areas where there are few
or no Witnesses.1—See footnote.
1 Elders in Africa, the Americas, Asia, Australia, and Europe have
tried these suggestions and have had good results.
first he gave them a reason why they ANOTHER DIFFICULTY
should obey. He said: “All authority 9 Elders in wealthy lands may find
has been given me in heaven and on it difficult to encourage baptized
the earth. Go, therefore, and make brothers in their 20’s or 30’s to
disciples of people of all the nations.” do more in the congregation. Ex-
(Matthew 28:18, 19) How can you im- perienced elders in about 20 lands
itate Jesus’ method of training? told us why they believe that some
7 When you ask a brother to do
young brothers do not do more
some work, explain to him from the in the congregation. Most of them
Bible why this work is important. By said that when some brothers were
doing that, you teach him to do things young, their parents did not encour-
because of Bible principles and not age them to set goals in Jehovah’s ser-
just because of rules. For example, if vice. And when some young brothers
you ask a brother to keep the entrance wanted to do more, their parents en-
of the Kingdom Hall clean and safe couraged them to set goals involving
for walking, you might show him Ti- higher education or a career in the
tus 2:10. Explain how his work will world! So service to God never came
make the Kingdom message more at- first in their lives.—Matthew 10:24.
tractive. Also, ask the learner to think 10 If a brother does not seem inter-
about the older ones in the congrega- ested in doing more in the congrega-
tion and how doing this work will tion, it will take a lot of work and pa-
help them. A conversation such as tience to change his way of thinking,
this provides training that will help but it can be done. A gardener can
him to think more about people rath- help a plant to grow straight by slow-
er than rules. When he sees how the ly guiding the stem. In a similar way,
brothers and sisters benefit from his
you can slowly help a brother to see
work, he will feel good because he is
that he needs to change his attitude
serving others.
about accepting more responsibilities
8 Also, be sure to commend the
in the congregation. But how?
learner for applying your sugges- 11 Take time to become friends
tions. How important is it to do that?
with the brother. Let him know that
Just as water helps a plant to grow
the congregation needs him. Then, as
and to be healthy, commending a
time passes, sit down and reason with
learner helps him to make progress
in his service to Jehovah.—Compare 9. (a) Why may it be difficult for elders in
Matthew 3:17. some wealthy lands to train others? (b) Why is
service to God not a priority in the life of some
7, 8. (a) How can elders today imitate Jesus’ younger brothers?
way of training? (b) How important is it to com- 10, 11. (a) How may an elder slowly help a
mend a learner? (c) What suggestions can help brother to change the way he thinks? (b) What
elders to train others? (See the box “How to scriptures could an elder use to motivate a
Train Others.”) brother, and why? (See footnote.)
him on scriptures that can help him as he could. And Jehovah rewarded
think about his dedication to Jehovah. Elisha’s loyalty and faithfulness by al-
(Ecclesiastes 5:4; Isaiah 6:8; Matthew lowing him to see Elijah’s being taken
6:24, 33; Luke 9:57-62; 1 Corinthians away in a windstorm.—2 Kings 2:1-12.
15:58; 2 Corinthians 5:15; 13:5) Try to 14 As a learner, how can you imitate
touch his heart by asking questions Elisha? Be quick to accept assign-
such as: ‘What did you promise Jeho- ments, even humble tasks. Remem-
vah when you dedicated your life to ber that your teacher is your friend.
him? How do you think Jehovah felt Tell him that you appreciate what
when you got baptized?’ (Proverbs 27: he is doing for you, and show him
11) ‘How did Satan feel?’ (1 Peter 5:8) that you want to continue learning
Such scriptures can be very power- from him. Most important, be faithful
ful and can deeply affect a broth- in caring for your assignment. Why?
er’s heart.—Read Hebrews 4:12.1 (See When you prove that you are faithful
footnote.) and reliable, the elders can be confi-
LEARNERS, PROVE FAITHFUL dent that Jehovah wants you to have
more responsibilities in the congrega-
12 Young brothers, the congrega-
tion.—Psalm 101:6; read 2 Timothy
tion needs your help! What attitude
2:2.
will help you to have success in your
service to Jehovah? To find the an- RESPECT EXPERIENCED ELDERS
swer, let us discuss some events in the 15 The account of Elisha also shows
life of a learner in the past, Elisha. that it is important for brothers to-
1 3 About 3,000 years ago, the
day to show respect for experienced
prophet Elijah invited young Elisha to elders. After Elijah and Elisha had
become his helper. Elisha immediate- visited a group of prophets in Jeri-
ly agreed and faithfully did humble cho, the two men came to the Jor-
work for the prophet. (2 Kings 3:11) dan River. Then “Elijah took his of-
Elijah trained Elisha for about six ficial garment and rolled it up and
years. Then, when Elijah’s work in Is- struck the waters, and they were di-
rael was about to end, the prophet vided.” The men crossed the Jordan
told his helper that he could stop serv- on dry ground, and they kept “speak-
ing him. But three times Elisha said: “I ing as they walked.” Elisha listened
will not leave you.” He was deter- very carefully to everything his teach-
mined to stay with his teacher as long er said and kept learning from him.
1 You might discuss the points found in The Watch-
14. (a) How can learners today imitate Elisha?
tower, April 15, 2012, pages 14-16, paragraphs 8-13;
and “Keep Yourselves in God’s Love,” chapter 16, para- (b) Why is it so important for a learner to be
graphs 1-3. faithful?
15, 16. (a) In what ways did Elisha show re-
12, 13. (a) What attitude did Elisha show as a spect for his teacher? (See opening picture.)
learner? (b) How did Jehovah reward Elisha for (b) Why were other prophets confident in Eli-
being faithful? sha?
APRIL 15, 2015 13

Elisha never felt that he knew it all. gation or because of direction from
Then Elijah was taken away in a wind- Jehovah’s organization. You should
storm, and Elisha went back to the not make changes just because you
Jordan River. There, he hit the waters want to. By continuing to use Elijah’s
with Elijah’s official garment and said: methods, Elisha helped other proph-
“Where is Jehovah, the God of Eli- ets to have confidence in him and he
jah?” Again, the water in the river was showed respect for his teacher. In a
divided.—2 Kings 2:8-14. similar way, if you continue to use the
16 Did you notice that Elisha’s first Bible-based methods of your teachers,
miracle was exactly the same as Eli- you show respect for experienced el-
jah’s last miracle? What does this ders, and your brothers and sisters
teach us? Elisha did not feel that be- will have confidence in you. (Read
cause he was now in charge, he need- 1 Corinthians 4:17.) As you gain more
ed to do things differently from the experience, you will apply changes
way Elijah had done them. Instead, that can help the congregation to fol-
by copying Elijah’s methods, Elisha low Jehovah’s organization, which is
showed that he respected his teacher, always moving ahead. And Jehovah
which helped other prophets to have may in time help you to do greater
confidence in Elisha. (2 Kings 2:15) works than those of your teachers,
Elisha served as a prophet for 60 just as he helped Elisha to do.—John
years, and Jehovah gave him the pow- 14:12.
18 We hope that the suggestions
er to perform many more miracles
than Elijah had. What is the lesson for in this article and the previous one
learners today? will motivate more elders to take the
17 When you receive more respon- time to train brothers. And we pray
sibility in the congregation, do not that more brothers are willing to be
feel that you need to do things in a trained and to use what they learn in
way that is completely different from order to care for Jehovah’s people.
the way they were done before. Re- This will strengthen the congrega-
member, the reason to make changes tions all over the world and will help
is because of a need in the congre- each one of us to remain faithful dur-
ing the thrilling times ahead.
17. (a) How can learners today imitate Elisha’s
attitude? (b) In time, how may Jehovah use 18. Why is it urgent to train brothers in the
faithful learners? congregations?
SOME Experienced elders train brothers by teaching them

important skills that they will need in order to care
EXPRESSIONS for God’s people
EXPLAINED
How Real Is Your
Relationship With Jehovah?
“Draw close to God, and he will draw close to you.”
—JAMES 4:8.
IF YOU are a baptized Witness of Jehovah, you have HOW WOULD YOU
something very valuable. You have a personal relation- ANSWER?
ship with Jehovah. But that relationship is being at- ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
tacked by Satan’s world and can also be weakened by What should your goal be
when you study the Bible?
our own imperfections. That is why we all must keep
our relationship with Jehovah as strong as possible.
2 Is Jehovah real to you? Do you feel that he is your
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Friend? Would you like your relationship with him to How do you know that
be even stronger? James 4:8 tells you what you need to Jehovah always does what
do: “Draw close to God, and he will draw close to you.” is right?
Your relationship with Jehovah involves both you and
Jehovah.1 (See footnote.) If you take steps to draw close ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
1 A relationship is the way two people feel about and act toward each other.
Why should you ask for
Both of them must do something to keep their relationship strong. specific things in your
prayers?
1. Why do we need to keep our relationship with Jehovah strong?
2. (a) What is a relationship? (See footnote.) (b) How can we make our
relationship with Jehovah stronger?
15
to Jehovah, he will take steps to think about how you and a friend
draw close to you. The more you do who lives far away might communi-
this, the more real he will become to cate. You could write to each other
you, and your relationship will be often and talk on the telephone. You
so close that you will feel the way Je- talk to Jehovah when you regularly
sus did when he said: “The One who pray to him. (Read Psalm 142:2.) But
sent me is real” and, “I know him.” how can you let Jehovah talk to
(John 7:28, 29) But what are some you? You do this when you regularly
things you can do to draw closer to read his word, the Bible, and medi-
Jehovah? tate on it. (Read Isaiah 30:20, 21.)
3 If you want to draw close to Je-
Let us see how this communica-
hovah, it is very important that you tion between you and Jehovah can
and Jehovah communicate regular- strengthen your relationship with
ly. But how is this possible? Well,
him and make him a real Friend to
3. How can we communicate with Jehovah? you.
LET JEHOVAH SPEAK TO YOU
WHEN YOU STUDY THE BIBLE
How can you communicate with God? 4 We know that the Bible is God’s
(See paragraph 3)
message for everyone. But can the
Bible help you to draw closer to Je-
hovah? Yes! As you regularly read
and study the Bible, pay attention to
how you feel about what you are
reading. And think about how you
can apply what you learn. When
you do this, you are letting Jehovah
speak to you. He becomes a close
Friend who is helping you, and you
draw closer to him.—Hebrews 4:12;
James 1:23-25.
5 For example, how do you feel
when you read Jesus’ words: “Stop

storing up for yourselves treasures
on the earth”? If you are doing your
best to put Jehovah first in your
life, you will feel that he is pleased
4, 5. How does Jehovah speak to you when
you study the Bible? Give an example.
with you. But you might read Jesus’ ample, when Azariah was the king
words and realize that you need to of Judah, the people worshipped
simplify your life and focus more on false gods. Azariah did not join
serving God. If so, then Jehovah is them. “He continued to do what was
helping you to understand what you right in Jehovah’s eyes.” (2 Kings 15:
can do to draw closer to him.—Mat- 1-5) But Jehovah punished Azariah
thew 6:19, 20. with leprosy. Why? This part of the
6 It is true that when we study the story does not tell us. So how do you
Bible, we learn about the changes feel about what Jehovah did? Does it
we can make to serve Jehovah bet- worry you and make you feel that Je-
ter. But we also learn about the lov- hovah was not fair, that he punished
ing things he does and his beautiful Azariah for no good reason? No. If
personality, which makes us love you know Jehovah very well, you
him more. And as our love for him know that his discipline is always
grows, his love for us grows, and our right. He always disciplines “to the
relationship with him becomes even proper degree.” (Jeremiah 30:11) So,
stronger.—Read 1 Corinthians 8:3. even though you may not know why
7 If we want to draw close to Jeho- Jehovah punished Azariah, you can
vah, it is important that we study be sure that Jehovah did what was
the Bible for the right reason. Jesus right.
9 The Bible does give us more de-
said: “This means everlasting life,
their coming to know you, the only tails about the life of King Azariah,
true God, and the one whom you who was also known as King Uzzi-
sent, Jesus Christ.” (John 17:3) We ah. (2 Kings 15:7, 32) The rest of the
can learn many new and interesting story at 2 Chronicles 26:3-5, 16-21
things when we read the Bible, but says that he did “what was right in
our main goal should be to come to Jehovah’s eyes.” But it also says that
know Jehovah better as a Person. later “his heart became haughty to
—Read Exodus 33:13; Psalm 25:4. his own ruin.” The king tried to do
8 When we know Jehovah as a something that only priests were al-
close Friend, we will not be worried lowed to do. Eighty-one priests told
if the Bible does not always explain him that he was wrong and tried to
why he acted the way he did. For ex- stop him. How did he react? He had
become so proud that he got angry
6, 7. (a) When we study the Bible, what hap- with them! These additional details
pens to our love for Jehovah and his love for us?
(b) What should our main goal be when we help us to understand why Jehovah
study the Bible? punished the king with leprosy.
8. (a) What might some think about the way
Jehovah treated King Azariah? (b) If you know 9. What details help us to understand why Je-
Jehovah, how will you feel about what he does? hovah punished Azariah with leprosy?
APRIL 15, 2015 17

Keep drawing closer to Jehovah
WHEN YOU ARE IN THE

WHEN YOU ARE YOUNG FULL-TIME SERVICE
What important lesson do we

10 does what is right? (Deuteronomy
learn? In the story of King Azariah, 32:4) The more you get to know Je-
we have enough details to help us hovah as a Person, the more you will
understand why Jehovah punished love and trust him. And then you
him. But when the Bible does not will not need to know the reasons
give all the details, what will you do? for everything he does. As you study
the Bible, Jehovah will become more
real to you and you will draw closer
The more you get to him.—Psalm 77:12, 13.
to know Jehovah, YOU SPEAK TO JEHOVAH
WHEN YOU PRAY
the more you will trust 11When we pray, we draw close
that what he does to Jehovah. We praise him, thank
him, and ask him for help. (Psalm
is always right 32:8) But if you want a close friend-
ship with Jehovah, you must be con-
Will you wonder if Jehovah really vinced that he hears prayers.
12 Some people say that God does
did what was right? Or will you feel
that the Bible has enough informa- not listen to prayers and that say-
ing a prayer is just something that
tion for you to trust that God always
makes you feel better. They believe
10. Why do we not need to know the reasons that prayer simply helps you to think
for everything Jehovah does? How can we have
more trust that Jehovah always does what is 11-13. How do you know that Jehovah listens
right? to prayers? (See opening picture.)
WHEN YOU MARRY WHEN YOU HAVE PROBLEMS
carefully about your problems and tens to our prayers.—John 11:41, 42;
to find your own answers. It is true Psalm 65:2.
that prayer might help you in these 14 The answers to your prayers
ways. But when you talk to Jehovah may not always be obvious. But
in prayer, he really is listening to when you ask for specific things in
you. How can you be sure? your prayers, you will be able to see
13 Think about this: Before Jesus
Jehovah’s answers more clearly, and
came to earth, he saw that Jeho- he will become more real to you. If
vah answered the prayers of His hu-
man servants. When on earth, Jesus
prayed to his Father in heaven about You can be sure
his thoughts and feelings. One time,
he even prayed all night. (Luke 6:12; that Jehovah listens
22:40-46) Would Jesus have done to your prayers
that if he thought that Jehovah was
not really listening? Jesus also taught
his followers how to pray to Jeho- you openly let Jehovah know about
vah. Would he have done that if he everything that worries you, he will
thought that Jehovah does not listen draw closer to you.
to prayers? Clearly, Jesus knew that 15 For example, Kathy often went
Jehovah really does hear prayers. He in the field ministry, but she did not
even said: “Father, I thank you that
you have heard me. True, I knew 14, 15. (a) How do we benefit when we ask
for specific things in our prayers? (b) How did
that you always hear me.” We too Kathy’s prayers help her to draw closer to Jeho-
can be just as sure that Jehovah lis- vah?
APRIL 15, 2015 19

enjoy it.1 (See footnote.) She said: “I is so much closer than it used to be.”
did not like field service. I mean, I Kathy’s prayers truly helped her to
really did not like it.” When she re- draw closer to Jehovah.
tired from her job, an elder encour-
DO YOUR PART
aged her to become a regular pio-
neer. She said: “He even handed me 16 We can keep drawing closer to
an application form. I decided to Jehovah forever. So let us keep lis-
tening to him by regularly studying
the Bible, and let us keep speaking
We can keep to him by praying. If we do this,
our relationship with Jehovah will
drawing closer become stronger and stronger, and
to Jehovah forever with his help we will be able to en-
dure trials.
17 But sometimes we struggle with
pioneer, but I also began to pray dai- personal problems, even though we
ly that Jehovah would make me like continually pray to Jehovah. At these
field service.” Did Jehovah answer times, we could start to lose our trust
her prayers? After pioneering for in Jehovah. We might feel that Je-
three years, she now says: “As a re- hovah does not hear our prayers
sult of spending more time in the and may wonder if we really are his
ministry and learning from other sis- friend. If you begin to feel this way,
ters, I have gradually improved in what can you do? The next article
my ability to witness. Today, I do not
will help you.
like field service—I love it. What is
more, my relationship with Jehovah 16, 17. (a) What must we do to keep strength-
ening our relationship with Jehovah? (b) What
1 Name has been changed. will we discuss in the next article?
SOME Jehovah is real to you when You communicate with

you know him as a Person Jehovah when you speak
EXPRESSIONS and you have a close friend- to him in prayer, and
EXPLAINED ship with him. You know that Jehovah communicates
he speaks to you by means with you when you read
of his Word, the Bible, and and study the Bible
you know that you can trust
him. You also know that he
listens to your prayers
Always Trust in Jehovah!
“Trust in him at all times, O people.”—PSALM 62:8.
IF YOU were a Christian in Rome in the first century, HOW WOULD YOU
you would have been living at a dangerous time. The ANSWER?
Christians were being cruelly persecuted by the Ro- ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
mans. The Romans blamed them for starting a large fire Why does Jehovah not always
in Rome and accused them of hating people. Many of answer prayers right away?
your Christian brothers and sisters were being arrested.
Some were torn to pieces by animals. Others were
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
nailed to poles and then burned alive to light up the
How does Jehovah’s promise
night sky. Each day you knew that any one of these at 1 Corinthians 10:13
things might happen to you. comfort you?
2 During this very difficult time, the apostle Paul was
put in prison. He may have wondered whether his Chris-

tian brothers would help him, because he remembered ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
an earlier situation when nobody did. But Paul had re- What work will help you to
ceived help from Jehovah through the Lord Jesus. He build trust in Jehovah and
wrote: “The Lord stood near me and infused power make your relationship with
him stronger?
into me.” Jesus gave Paul the power that he needed.
1-3. Why was Paul convinced that he could trust in Jehovah? (See open-
ing picture.)
21
Paul even wrote that he “was rescued you the help you needed. Of course,
from the lion’s mouth.”—2 Timothy 4: some problems are impossible for
16, 17.1 (See footnote.) humans to solve. What will you do
3 Paul remembered how Jehovah then? The Bible tells us to “trust in Je-
had helped him in the past. So he hovah.” (Proverbs 3:5, 6) But can you
was convinced that Jehovah would be sure that he will help you? Yes! We
give him the strength he needed to can read about many examples in the
endure the situation he was in now Bible that convince us that Jehovah
really does help his people.
5 Do not feel bitter when people do
A trial gives us an not give you the help you need. In-
stead, like Paul, think of the trial as
opportunity to trust in an opportunity to trust in Jehovah
Jehovah completely completely. It is also an opportunity
to see in your own life how he cares
for you. Your trust in Jehovah and
as well as any future trials. He was so your relationship with him will then
sure of this that he wrote: “The Lord become stronger.
will rescue me from every wicked
WE NEED TO TRUST IN JEHOVAH
work.” (2 Timothy 4:18) Paul had
learned that even in situations in 6 You may have a difficult prob-
which his brothers were not able to lem that upsets you. You have done
help him, he could always trust in Je- everything you can about the situa-
hovah and Jesus for help. There was tion, and you have prayed to Jehovah
no doubt in his mind. for help. Can you now feel calm be-
cause you trust that he will help you?
OPPORTUNITIES FOR US Yes, you can! (Read Psalm 62:8; 1 Pe-
TO TRUST IN JEHOVAH ter 5:7.) If you want to have a good re-
4Have you ever had a difficult lationship with Jehovah, it is impor-
problem and felt alone, with no one tant for you to learn to trust in him.
to help you? Maybe you lost your job But doing this is not always easy.
or had pressures at school. Maybe Why? One reason is that Jehovah
you were very sick or had some oth- may not answer your prayer right
er difficult trial. You may have asked away.—Psalm 13:1, 2; 74:10; 89:46;
other people for help but were dis- 90:13; Habakkuk 1:2.
appointed because they did not give 7 Why does Jehovah not always an-
1 Paul may have been saved from real lions or from

swer our prayers right away? The Bi-
another dangerous situation.
6. Why might it not be easy to trust in Jehovah
4, 5. (a) Who can always give you the help you when we have a difficult problem?
need? (b) How can you make your relationship 7. Why does Jehovah not always answer our
with Jehovah stronger? prayers right away?
ble says that Jehovah is our Father and patiently for the best time to give us
we are his children. (Psalm 103:13) A what we need. The Bible tells us: “Je-
human father does not give his child hovah is waiting patiently to show you
everything he asks for or give it to him favor, and he will rise up to show you
right away. A father knows that a mercy. For Jehovah is a God of justice.
child might suddenly want something Happy are all those keeping in expec-
and then not want it anymore. A fa- tation of him.”—Isaiah 30:18.
ther also knows what is best for his
child, and he knows how it might af-
fect others. He knows what the child Jehovah, our Father
needs and when he should get it. If
the father gave the child everything in heaven, loves us and
he asked for right away, the father knows what we need
would become the child’s servant. Je-
hovah, our Father in heaven, loves us.
As our wise Creator, he knows what “THE LION’S MOUTH”
we need and he decides when is the 10Your situation might be so dif-
best time to give us what we ask for. It ficult for you that you feel like Paul
is good for us to wait and see how and need to be saved from “the li-
Jehovah answers our prayers.—Com-
on’s mouth.” (2 Timothy 4:17) During
pare Isaiah 29:16; 45:9.
8 Remember, too, that Jehovah
times like these, it is extremely im-
portant that you trust in Jehovah.
knows what each person can and can-
For example, you might be caring
not endure. (Psalm 103:14) So he gives
for a sick family member. You have
us the strength we need. It is true
prayed to Jehovah to help you make
that sometimes we may feel that we
cannot go on anymore. But Jehovah good decisions and to be strong.1
promises that if the trial becomes too (See footnote.) You can now feel
much for us to endure, he will “make some peace when you remember that
the way out.” (Read 1 Corinthians 10: Jehovah sees and understands you
13.) It is comforting to know that we and your situation. He will help you
can trust that Jehovah knows just how to endure and be faithful to him.
much we are able to endure. —Psalm 32:8.
9 If we pray for help from Jehovah
1 Articles have been published to help Christians
but he does not answer us right away, endure illness and to help the ones who take care of
let us be patient. Remember that Je- them. See Awake! of February 8, 1994; February 8,
1997; May 22, 2000; and January 22, 2001.
hovah is eager to help us, but he waits
10-12. (a) What might make it difficult to care
8. What does Jehovah promise about what we for a sick family member? (b) When you trust
are able to endure? in Jehovah during difficult times, how will this
9. What should we do if we pray for help from affect your relationship with him? Give an ex-
Jehovah but he does not answer us right away? ample.
APRIL 15, 2015 23

11Sometimes it may not seem that edies. This is what Rhonda expe-
Jehovah is helping you. Perhaps the rienced. Her husband, who is not
doctors do not agree on what should one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, was di-
be done. Or you had hoped that vorcing her. During this same time,
your relatives would comfort you, but her brother found out that he had a
instead they seem to make things very serious illness called lupus. And
worse. Always rely on Jehovah to give then, a few months later, her broth-
you strength. Keep drawing close to er’s wife died. When Rhonda started
him. (Read 1 Samuel 30:3, 6.) Later, to recover from the shock of these
when you realize how Jehovah has events, she began regular pioneer-
helped you, your relationship with ing. But then her mother died. How
him will be stronger. was Rhonda able to endure these
12 That is how Linda felt.1 (See tragedies? She says: “I communicat-
footnote.) She had been taking care ed with Jehovah every day, even with
regard to small decisions. Doing so
made Jehovah real to me. It taught
Trust that your me to rely on him rather than on my-
self or even on other people. And the
heavenly Father will help he gave me was real—all my
give you the strength needs were cared for. As a result, I
have experienced working hand in
to obey him faithfully hand with Jehovah.”
14 Think about another difficult sit-
of her sick parents for a long time be- uation. Perhaps someone in your
fore they died. She says: “While in family is disfellowshipped. You
the situation, my husband, brother, know what the Bible says about how
and I often found it hard to know to treat disfellowshipped ones. (1 Co-
what to do. We felt helpless at times. rinthians 5:11; 2 John 10) But because
Looking back, however, we see more you love that person, you may feel
clearly how Jehovah proved to be that it is very hard or even impossible
with us. He strengthened us and pro- to obey the Bible’s command. Will
vided just what we needed, even you trust that your heavenly Father
when it seemed that we had run out will give you the strength to obey him
of options.” faithfully? Will you think of this situ-
13 Our complete trust in Jehovah
ation as an opportunity to draw clos-
er to Jehovah?
will even help us to endure trag- 15 How does this compare to the
1 Names have been changed.

14. How can Jehovah help you if a family mem-
13. How did trusting in Jehovah help Rhonda ber is disfellowshipped?
endure one tragedy after another? 15. Why did Adam disobey Jehovah?
Even situations in
your family may test
your relationship
with Jehovah
situation of the first man, Adam? Did er they are serving Jehovah or not.
he believe that he could disobey Je- So keep strengthening your love for
hovah and keep on living? No, Adam Jehovah and your trust in him. If
“was not deceived.” (1 Timothy 2: you are worried about a disfellow-
14) So why did he disobey Jeho- shipped family member, pray to Je-
vah? Adam ate the fruit that his wife hovah and tell him everything that
gave him because he loved his wife you are feeling.1 (See footnote.) (Ro-
more than he loved Jehovah. He lis- mans 12:12; Philippians 4:6, 7) Even
tened to his wife instead of listening
though you are suffering so much,
to Jehovah’s command.—Genesis 3:
think of this situation as an opportu-
6, 17.
16 Adam’s decision teaches us that
nity to make your relationship with
Jehovah even stronger. Then you will
we should love Jehovah more than
we love anyone else. (Read Matthew be able to trust in him and know that
22:37, 38.) And when our love for Je- obeying him will bring the best pos-
hovah is that strong, we can help sible result.
our relatives in the best way, wheth- 1 Articles have been published to help us when a
family member leaves Jehovah. See The Watchtower
16. For whom should our love be the strongest, of September 1, 2006, pages 17-21, and January 15,
and why? 2007, pages 17-20.
APRIL 15, 2015 25

WHILE WE WAIT
Show Jehovah that you trust 17 Why did Jehovah rescue Paul
in him by keeping busy in
the preaching work from “the lion’s mouth”? Paul says:
(See paragraph 17) “So that through me the preaching
might be fully accomplished.” (2 Tim-
othy 4:17) Jehovah has also given
us the work of preaching “the good
news,” and he calls us his “fellow
workers.” (1 Thessalonians 2:4; 1 Co-
rinthians 3:9) If we keep as busy as
we can be in this work, we can trust
that Jehovah will give us everything
we need. (Matthew 6:33) And it will
be easier for us to wait for Jehovah to
answer our prayers.
18 So use every day to make your
relationship with Jehovah stronger.

When a trial comes along and you be-
come anxious, use this as an op-
portunity to draw closer to Jehovah.
Read, study, and meditate on God’s
Word, the Bible. Keep praying to Je-
hovah and keep busy serving him. If
you do these things, you can trust
that Jehovah will help you to endure
all your trials now and any that may
come in the future.
17. If we keep busy in the preaching work,
what can we trust that Jehovah will do?
18. How can you build trust in Jehovah and
make your relationship with him stronger?
SOME We trust in Jehovah by praying to him and by patiently

waiting for him to answer our prayers. In the meantime,
EXPRESSIONS we keep busy serving him, knowing that he will give us
EXPLAINED the strength to endure
LIFE STORY
Blessings “in
Favorable Times
and Difficult Times”
AS TOLD BY TROPHIM R. NSOMBA
I WAS born in March 1930, in the village of cause Lidasi was very supportive, I was able to
Namkumba, Malawi, into a family who were care for all the needs of our family and remain
faithful servants of God. In 1942, I dedicated in the full-time service.1 (See footnote.) Still,
my life to Jehovah and was baptized in one of we both wanted to serve Jehovah full-time. So
our beautiful rivers. For the past 70 years, I we planned carefully, and with our children’s
have tried to do just as the apostle Paul encour- cooperation, Lidasi was able to begin the full-
aged Timothy, to “preach the word; be at it ur- time service in 1960.
gently in favorable times and difficult times.” In 1962 we enjoyed the “Courageous Minis-
—2 Timothy 4:2. ters” District Assembly. And one year later,
In 1948, Nathan H. Knorr and Milton G. Brother Henschel visited Malawi for the spe-
Henschel came to Malawi, and their visit en- cial convention near the city of Blantyre. More
than 10,000 attended that convention. When I
couraged me to serve Jehovah full-time. Later,
think about those special programs, I realize
I met Lidasi, a lovely sister who, like me, had
how they prepared and strengthened all of us
the goal of serving Jehovah full-time. In 1950
in Malawi for the difficult times that were soon
we got married, and by 1953 we had two chil- to come.
dren. Even though we had many family re-
sponsibilities, we decided that I would begin DIFFICULT TIMES ARRIVE
regular pioneering. Two years later, I was invit- In 1964 the Witnesses were persecuted be-
ed to serve as a special pioneer. cause they refused to participate in political
Soon after that, I had the privilege of visit-
1 Brothers who have young children at home are no longer in-
ing congregations as a circuit overseer. Be- vited to serve in the circuit work.
APRIL 15, 2015 27

activities. As a result, more than 100 Kingdom forced to leave Mozambique and return to Ma-
Halls and over 1,000 homes of brothers were lawi, where the Witnesses were still being per-
destroyed. Lidasi and I continued in the circuit secuted.
work until the government banned the Wit- After returning, I was assigned to visit con-
nesses in 1967. The government took control gregations in the capital city, Lilongwe. De-
of the branch property, forced the missionar- spite the persecution and all the difficulties,
ies to leave the country, and put many Wit- the number of congregations increased in the
nesses in jail, including Lidasi and me. When circuits where we served.
we were released from prison, we discreetly
continued in the circuit work. JEHOVAH’S LOVING SUPPORT
One day in October 1972, members of an ex- One day, we came to a village where there
treme political group called the Malawi Youth was a political meeting going on. Some of the
League headed for our house. But one of their people found out that we were Witnesses and
members ran ahead and told me to hide be- made us sit with a political group called the
cause they were planning to kill me. I told my Malawi Young Pioneers. We begged Jehovah
wife and children to hide among some banana for help and direction. When the meeting was
trees nearby. Then I went and climbed a over, they started to beat us. Suddenly, an old-
large mango tree. From there, I watched as er woman came running and yelled: “Leave
they destroyed our house and everything we them alone, please! This man is my brother’s
owned. son. Let him go on his journey!” The person in
As the persecution increased, thousands of charge of the meeting said: “Let them go!” We
Witnesses left Malawi. We stayed in a refugee do not know why the woman said what she
camp in Mozambique until June 1974. At that did, because she was not our relative. We be-
time, Lidasi and I were asked to serve as spe- lieve that Jehovah must have heard our prayer.
cial pioneers in Dómue, Mozambique. We In 1981 the Malawi Young Pioneers found
continued to pioneer until 1975 when we were us again. This time they took our bicycles, lug-
Assemblies strengthened us
for future persecution
Because our brothers would not
get involved in politics,
their homes were burned
Political
party card
gage, and books, as well as important papers started to beat me. Then he tied me with ropes
about the brothers in the circuit. We escaped and put me in a room with prisoners who were
and ran to the home of an elder. However, we thieves.
were concerned about the information that The next day, the police chief took me to an-
was in the papers. When the Malawi Young other room and wanted me to sign a paper that
Pioneers looked at the papers, they found let- said: “I, Trophim R. Nsomba, have stopped be-
ters that brothers had sent to me from all ing a Jehovah’s Witness so that I can be set
over Malawi. This terrified them because they free.” I refused to sign the paper and told him:
thought that I was an important government “I am ready not only to be bound but also to
official. So they immediately returned all the die. I am still a Witness of Jehovah.” This made
papers to the local elders. the chief angry, and he hit his desk so hard
Another time, we were crossing the river in that a policeman in the next room ran over to
a boat. The owner of the boat was a political see what had happened. The chief told him:
leader, and he wanted to see the political par- “This man is refusing to sign that he has
ty cards of everyone on the boat. As he was stopped witnessing. So let him sign that he is
getting close to us, he discovered a thief whom one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, and we shall send
the police had been looking for. This distract- him to Lilongwe to be bound.” All this time,
ed everyone, and the owner stopped checking my wife did not know where I was. Four days
for party cards. Again we felt Jehovah’s loving later, some brothers were finally able to tell her
support. what happened.
At the Lilongwe police station, the police-
ARRESTED AND PUT IN PRISON men treated me kindly. The chief of police
In February 1984, I was on my way to Li- said: “Here is a plate of rice because you
longwe to deliver reports for the branch office have been bound on account of God’s Word.
in Zambia. A policeman stopped me and The other people here are thieves.” Then he
searched my bag. He found some Bible litera- sent me to Kachere Prison, where I stayed for
ture, so he took me to the police station and five months.
APRIL 15, 2015 29

The government
banned our work and
took control of the
branch property
Brothers being taken

away after a trial
The warden of that prison was happy that I their headquarters.” Because I would not tell
came because he wanted me to be the “pastor” them what they wanted to hear, I was sent to
for the prison. He removed the current pastor, Dzaleka Prison, north of Lilongwe.
telling him: “I don’t want you to teach God’s
BLESSINGS EVEN IN DIFFICULT TIMES
Word here again, for you were put in prison
because you stole from your church!” So each When I arrived at Dzaleka Prison in
week I taught the Bible at meetings for the July 1984, 81 Witnesses were already there.
prisoners. The prison was so crowded that 300 prisoners
Later, things got worse for me. Prison of- had to sleep on the floor shoulder to shoulder.
ficials questioned me because they wanted to Eventually, all the Witnesses were able to meet
know how many Witnesses there were in Ma- in small groups to discuss a scripture each day,
lawi. I did not give them an answer they liked, and that encouraged us very much.
so they beat me until I passed out. Another In October 1984, all of us went to court and
time, they wanted to know where our head- were sentenced to two years in prison. As
quarters was. I said, “You have asked a simple before, we were put in a prison with non-
question, and I will tell you.” I told them that Witnesses. But the prison warden told every-
our headquarters is described in the Bible. one: “Jehovah’s Witnesses don’t smoke ciga-
They were surprised and asked, “Where in the rettes. So guards, don’t trouble them by asking
Bible?” them for a cigarette and don’t send them to
“At Isaiah 43:12,” I said. They looked it up collect a burning piece of charcoal to light your
and read it carefully: “ ‘You are my witnesses,’ cigarette. They are God’s people! All of Jeho-
declares Jehovah, ‘and I am God.’ ” They read vah’s Witnesses should be given food twice a
that scripture three times. Then they asked: day, since they are not here for crimes but be-
“How can the headquarters of Jehovah’s Wit- cause of their beliefs in the Bible.”
nesses be here in the Bible and not in Ameri- There were more benefits because of our
ca?” I told them: “Jehovah’s Witnesses in good conduct. When it was dark or rainy, the
America also see this scripture as describing guards did not allow prisoners to go outside.
But they allowed us to leave the building be- We were very uncertain even of our lives. In
cause they trusted us and knew that we would fact, we felt that we had received the sentence
not try to escape. For example, one time we of death. This was so that we would trust, not
were working outside in the fields and a guard in ourselves, but in the God who raises up the
got sick. So we carried him back to the prison. dead. From such a great risk of death he did
Because we continued to have good conduct, rescue us.”—2 Corinthians 1:8-10.
we were able to see Jehovah’s name praised by At times it seemed that we would not sur-
the men who guarded us.—1 Peter 2:12.1 (See vive. But we always asked Jehovah to give us
footnote.) courage, wisdom, and humility so that we
could continue to bring glory to his great
A FAVORABLE TIME IS HERE AGAIN name.
On May 11, 1985, I was released from Jehovah has blessed our service to him dur-
Dzaleka Prison and was happy to be back with ing “favorable times and difficult times.” Today,
my family! We thank Jehovah for helping us to we are thrilled to see a beautiful new branch
keep our integrity to him during those difficult office in Lilongwe and over 1,000 new King-
times. We feel as the apostle Paul did when he dom Halls in Malawi! These blessings from Je-
wrote: “We do not want you to be unaware, hovah are so amazing to Lidasi and me that
brothers, of the tribulation we experienced . . . they almost seem like a dream!1—See footnote.
1 For more information about the persecution in Malawi, see 1 During the preparation of this article, Brother Nsomba died
the 1999 Yearbook of Jehovah’s Witnesses, pages 171-223. at the age of 83.
Brother Nsomba and his wife, Lidasi,

in front of a Kingdom Hall, 2004
Can a
Cut-Down
Tree
Sprout
Again?
COMPARED to a beautiful cedar tree of Lebanon, a bent and twisted

olive tree may not seem too impressive. But olive trees have the amaz-
ing ability to survive in difficult conditions. Some are about 1,000 years
old. An olive tree’s roots stretch far beneath the ground, and the tree
can be restored even if the trunk has been destroyed. As long as the
roots remain alive, it will grow again.
The faithful man Job was confident that even if he died, he would live
again. (Job 14:13-15) He used the example of a tree, possibly an olive
tree, to show his confidence in God’s ability to resurrect him. Job said:
“There is hope even for a tree. If it is cut down, it will sprout again.”
When it rains after a drought, a dry olive stump can come back to life
and produce “branches like a new plant.”—Job 14:7-9.
Just as a farmer is eager to see an olive tree that was cut down
come back to life, Jehovah God is eager to resurrect his servants and
many others. (Matthew 22:31, 32; John 5:28, 29; Acts 24:15) Imagine
how joyful we will be as we welcome back the dead and see them
alive once again!
s
n p
ws15 04/15-E

141215

M AY 1 5, 201 5
34567
SIMPLIFIED EDITION
STUDY ARTICLES
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
JUNE 29–JULY 5 JULY 6-12 JULY 13-19 JULY 20-26
Be Watchful You Can They “Saw” Imitate the One

—Satan Wants Fight Satan the Things Who Promises
to Devour You! —And Win! Promised Everlasting Life
PAGE 3 ˙ SONGS: 54, 43 PAGE 9 ˙ SONGS: 60, 100 PAGE 15 ˙ SONGS: 81, 134 PAGE 21 ˙ SONGS: 12, 69
STUDY ARTICLES
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
ˇ Be Watchful—Satan Wants to Devour You!

ˇ You Can Fight Satan—And Win!
The Bible compares Satan to a roaring lion that is hungry
for more victims. He is powerful, cruel, and deceptive.
ARMENIA These articles will help us to see why we must fight against
COVER: Two brothers study this dangerous enemy. They will also show us how we can
the Bible with a neighbor protect ourselves from his traps.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐
POPULATION
ˇ They “Saw” the Things Promised
3,026,900 ˇ Imitate the One Who Promises Everlasting Life
Jehovah gave us the ability to imagine things that we have
PUBLISHERS never seen. We can use this ability in good ways or in bad
11,143 ways. In these two articles, we will discuss some people in
Bible times and learn from their example how we can use
REGULAR PIONEERS
our imagination to have more faith. We will also learn how
2,205 our imagination can help us to imitate Jehovah’s love, kind-
ness, wisdom, and happiness.

More than double the number of
publishers attended the Memorial __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
on April 14, 2014

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
29 Why Disfellowshipping Is a Loving Provision
34567 ˙
May 15, 2015
Be Watchful
Satan Wants to Devour You!
“Be watchful! Your adversary, the Devil, walks about
like a roaring lion, seeking to devour someone.”
—1 PETER 5:8.
AT ONE TIME, he had a good relationship with Jehovah. HOW HAS SATAN
But later, this spirit creature, or angel, wanted humans SHOWN THAT HE IS . . .
to worship him. Instead of quickly rejecting this wrong ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
desire, he allowed it to grow until he sinned. (James 1: powerful?

14, 15) We do not know his original name, but we now
call him Satan. He “did not stand fast in the truth.” He
rebelled against Jehovah and became “the father of the
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
lie.”—John 8:44. cruel?

2 Since his rebellion, Satan has been Jehovah’s great-
est enemy and an enemy of all mankind. We can see how

corrupt Satan really is by looking at how the Bible de-
scribes him. Satan means “Resister,” which shows that ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
this wicked angel hates God’s rule and fights it with all deceptive?
1. Explain how an angel became Satan.

2, 3. What do the words “Satan,” “Devil,” “serpent,” and “dragon”
show about Jehovah’s greatest enemy?
3
his power. What Satan really wants is telligence and strength than humans.
to see the end of Jehovah’s rule. Of course, faithful angels use their
3 At Revelation 12:9, Satan is power for good. For example, one of
called Devil, which means “Slander- Jehovah’s angels killed 185,000 en-
er.” Satan has dishonored God by emy Assyrian soldiers. This would
calling him a liar. The words “the have been impossible for one human
original serpent” remind us of how to do and difficult even for an entire
Satan used a snake to deceive Eve. army. (2 Kings 19:35) Another time,
The expression “the great dragon” is an angel used his skills and power
also a good way to describe Satan. He to free Jesus’ apostles from jail. Al-
is fierce, he is cruel, and he is evil. He though guards were nearby, they did
wants to stop Jehovah’s purpose from not notice that the angel unlocked
coming true and to destroy God’s the doors, let the apostles out, and
people. then locked the doors behind them!
4 Clearly, Satan is the greatest —Acts 5:18-23.
threat to our integrity. That is why the 6 Faithful angels use their power
Bible warns us: “Keep your senses, be for good, but Satan uses his power for
watchful! Your adversary, the Dev- evil. And Satan surely has great pow-
il, walks about like a roaring lion, er and influence. The Bible refers to
him as “the ruler of this world” and
“the god of this system of things.”
Without Jehovah’s help, (John 12:31; 2 Corinthians 4:4) Sa-
tan even has “the means to cause
we could never win our death.” (Hebrews 2:14) This does not
fight against Satan mean that he kills all people directly.
So, what does it mean? First, this
world is filled with Satan’s hateful
seeking to devour someone.” (1 Peter and violent attitude. Second, because
5:8) Therefore, this article will dis- Eve believed Satan’s lie and Adam
cuss three traits of Satan that show disobeyed God, all humans sin and
why we need to protect ourselves die. (Romans 5:12) Satan is, as Jesus
from this wicked enemy of Jehovah called him, “a murderer.” (John 8:44)
and His people. He really is a powerful enemy.
7 When we oppose Satan, we also
SATAN IS POWERFUL
5Angels are “mighty in power.” oppose all those who support him
(Psalm 103:20) They have greater in- and who rebel against God’s rule.
That includes a large group of oth-
4. What will we discuss in this article? er rebellious angels, who are called
5, 6. (a) Give examples showing that angels
are “mighty in power.” (b) In what way does Sa- 7. How have the demons shown that they are
tan have “the means to cause death”? powerful?
Satan is very happy when
one of Jehovah’s servants
commits a sin
(See paragraph 10)
demons. (Revelation 12:3, 4) Many well that describes Satan’s cruel and
times they have shown that they are wicked attitude! He already con-
much stronger than humans, causing trols the whole world, yet that is
great suffering to them. (Matthew 8: not enough for him. Satan is like a
28-32; Mark 5:1-5) Never forget how lion that is hungry for more victims.
powerful the demons and their ruler (1 John 5:19) His main targets are
really are. (Matthew 9:34) Without Je- the anointed still on earth, who are
hovah’s help, we could never win our joined by the “other sheep.” (John 10:
fight against Satan. 16; Revelation 12:17) Satan’s goal is
SATAN IS CRUEL to destroy Jehovah’s people. The per-
secution of true Christians from the
8The apostle Peter compared Sa-
first century until now proves just
tan to “a roaring lion.” One reference
how cruel Satan is.
book explains that the Greek word 9 Satan has shown his cruelty in
translated “roaring” means “the howl
of a beast in fierce hunger.” How 9, 10. (a) How did Satan attack the nation of
Israel? (Give examples.) (b) Why did Satan have
8. (a) What is Satan’s goal? (See opening pic- special reason to target ancient Israel? (c) How
ture.) (b) From what you have seen, how is this do you think the Devil feels when one of Jeho-
world cruel like Satan? vah’s servants commits a serious sin today?
MAY 15, 2015 5

another way. A starving lion does not 11 Satan especially hated the fami-
feel sorry for its prey. It does not feel ly line that the Messiah would come
any compassion before the kill, and it from. For example, think about what
does not feel guilty after the kill. In a happened after Jehovah told Abra-
similar way, Satan does not feel any ham that he would become “a great
compassion for those whom he at- nation.” (Genesis 12:1-3) While Abra-
tacks. For example, how do you think ham and Sarah were in Egypt, Phar-
Satan felt each time he saw the Isra- aoh brought Sarah to his home and
elites give in to sins such as sexual wanted her to become his wife. How-
immorality and greed? Can you pic- ever, Jehovah protected Sarah and
ture Satan enjoying his victory as he saved her from this difficult situation.
saw the tragic results of Zimri’s im- (Read Genesis 12:14-20.) Something
morality and Gehazi’s greed?—Num- similar happened in the city of Gerar
bers 25:6-8, 14, 15; 2 Kings 5:20-27. before Isaac was born. (Genesis 20:
10 Satan had special reason to tar- 1-7) Is it possible that Satan was re-
get ancient Israel. Remember that the sponsible for these situations? Re-
Messiah would come from that na- member that Sarah had left the rich
tion, and he would be the one to city of Ur to live in tents. So, did Sa-
crush Satan and prove that Jehovah tan hope to tempt her with the luxu-
has the right to rule. (Genesis 3:15) rious palaces of Pharaoh and Abime-
Satan did not want the Israelites to lech? Did Satan think that she would
have God’s approval, so he did every- betray her husband and even Jehovah
thing he could to corrupt them with by marrying one of those kings? The
sin. Do not imagine that Satan felt Bible does not say, but it is very like-
ly that the Devil would have been
overjoyed if Sarah had lost the oppor-
Satan does not tunity to become part of the Messi-
ah’s family line. Satan would have
care about what felt no guilt at all if that good wom-
is right or wrong an’s marriage, reputation, and rela-
tionship with Jehovah had been ru-
ined. How cruel and wicked Satan is!
sorry for David when he commit- 12 Jesus was born hundreds of
ted adultery. Do not think that he years after Abraham. Do not imag-
had any compassion for Moses when ine that Satan saw this baby as
he lost the opportunity to enter the beautiful or adorable. Satan knew
Promised Land. Satan is actually very
happy to see one of God’s servants 11. Why did Satan probably target Sarah?
commit a serious sin. In fact, the Dev- 12, 13. (a) How did Satan show his cruelty af-
ter Jesus was born? (b) How do you think Satan
il uses such victories to taunt Jeho- feels about young ones who love Jehovah and
vah.—Proverbs 27:11. who are trying to serve Him today?
that this baby would grow up to be- 15 One of Satan’s greatest ways of
come the promised Messiah. Jesus deceiving people is through false re-
was the main part of Abraham’s off- ligion. He knows that Jehovah “re-
spring, and he would later “break up quires exclusive devotion.” (Exodus
the works of the Devil.” (1 John 3:8) 20:5) So imagine how pleased Satan
Would Satan think that killing a child
was too cruel? No. He does not care
about what is right or wrong. And he Satan can fool
acted quickly to try to kill the child Je-
sus. How? even zealous
13 When King Herod heard from
servants
the astrologers that the “king of the
Jews” had been born, he was very an- of Jehovah
gry and wanted to kill the baby. (Mat-
thew 2:1-3, 13) So he ordered the
is when he sees people worship their
murder of all boys two years old and
ancestors or nature or animals, that
younger in Bethlehem and its dis-
tricts. (Read Matthew 2:13-18.) Jesus is, anyone or anything other than Je-
survived that terrible slaughter, but hovah. Sadly, even many who think
what does this tell us about our ene- that their worship is acceptable to
my Satan? The Devil does not val- God are actually controlled by false
ue human life. He does not even beliefs and useless rituals. Israelites
care about children. Satan truly is “a in Isaiah’s day were in a similar situ-
roaring lion.” Never forget how cruel ation. Jehovah asked them: “Why do
he is! you keep paying out money for what
is not bread, and why spend your
SATAN IS DECEPTIVE earnings for what brings no satisfac-
14 The only way that Satan can tion? Listen intently to me, and eat
turn people against our loving God, what is good, and you will find great
Jehovah, is by deceiving them. delight in what is truly rich.”—Isaiah
(1 John 4:8) Satan deceives people so 55:2.
that they are not “conscious of their 16 Satan can fool even zealous ser-
spiritual need,” that is, they do not vants of Jehovah. For example, think
realize that they need a relationship about what happened when Jesus
with God. (Matthew 5:3) The Devil told his disciples that he would soon
has “blinded the minds of the unbe killed. The apostle Peter, who
believers” so that they cannot see the loved Jesus, said: “Be kind to your-
truth about Jehovah.—2 Corinthians self, Lord; you will not have this
4:4.
16, 17. (a) Why did Jesus tell Peter: “Get be-
14, 15. How has Satan “blinded the minds of hind me, Satan”? (b) How might Satan deceive
the unbelievers”? us so that we stop being watchful?
MAY 15, 2015 7

happen to you at all.” Jesus told Peter: do not deserve Jehovah’s love and
“Get behind me, Satan!” (Matthew that God will never forgive our sins.
16:22, 23) Why did Jesus call Peter But these are lies from Satan. Think
“Satan”? Because Jesus knew what about it, who is it that really does not
was about to happen. Soon, Jesus deserve Jehovah’s love? It is Satan.
would die as a ransom sacrifice and Who is it that God will never forgive?
would prove that the Devil is a liar. It is Satan. But as for us, the Bible
This was a critical time in human his- says: “God is not unrighteous so as to
tory and not the time for Jesus to “be forget your work and the love you
kind” to himself. Satan would have showed for his name.” (Hebrews 6:
loved it if Jesus had stopped being 10) Jehovah appreciates everything
watchful. we do to please him, and our ser-
17 The end of this system of things vice to him is never worthless. (Read
is near, so we too are living at a criti- 1 Corinthians 15:58.) So do not be
cal time. Satan wants us to “be kind” fooled by Satan’s lies.
to ourselves by having us focus on 19 As we have seen, Satan is pow-
being successful in this world. He erful, cruel, and deceptive. How can
wants us to forget that we are living we win our battle against an enemy
in the last days and to stop being like this? Jehovah gives us help. His
watchful. Do not let that happen to Word teaches us about Satan’s meth-
you! Instead, “keep on the watch.” ods so that “we are not ignorant of his
(Matthew 24:42) Never believe Sa- designs.” (2 Corinthians 2:11) When
tan’s lie that the end is far away or we understand the different ways Sa-
that it is not coming at all. tan attacks us, it is easier for us to re-
18 Satan tries to trick us in another main watchful. But just knowing Sa-
way. He wants us to believe that we tan’s methods is not enough. The
Bible says: “Oppose the Devil, and he
18, 19. (a) How might Satan try to trick us will flee from you.” (James 4:7) The
and make us think that we do not deserve Jeho-
vah’s love? (b) How does Jehovah help us to re- next article will discuss three areas in
main watchful? which we can fight Satan and win.
SOME To be watchful:
To be alert to the lies that Satan uses to try to trick us.
EXPRESSIONS For example, Satan wants us to believe that we do not live
EXPLAINED in the last days and that Jehovah does not love us
You Can Fight Satan
and Win!
“Take your stand against [Satan], firm in the faith.”
—1 PETER 5:9.
SATAN is fighting against the anointed who are still on HOW CAN WE
earth and the “other sheep.” (John 10:16) In the short SUCCESSFULLY AVOID
time that he has left, the Devil wants to destroy the faith SATAN’S TRAP OF . . .
of as many of Jehovah’s servants as he can. (Read Reve- ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
lation 12:9, 12.) But we can win the fight against Satan. pride?
The Bible says: “Oppose the Devil, and he will flee from
you.”—James 4:7.
2 Many laugh at the idea that Satan even exists.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
To them, Satan and the demons are characters found
materialism?
only in books, horror movies, and video games. Such
people feel that if you are intelligent, you would not be-
lieve that wicked spirits exist. Does it bother Satan that
people do not believe that he and his demons are real? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
No. It is easier for Satan to trick those who doubt that he sexual immorality?
1. (a) Why is our fight against Satan important especially now?
(b) How do we know that we can win the fight against Satan?
2, 3. (a) Why does Satan want people to believe that he does not exist?
(b) How do you know that Satan is real?
9
exists. (2 Corinthians 4:4) Satan actu- have done something good or pos-
ally promotes ideas like this so that sess something good.” There is noth-
he can mislead people. ing wrong with feeling that way.
3 As Jehovah’s servants, we are not The apostle Paul said to the brothers
misled. We know that the Devil is a in Thessalonica: “We ourselves take
real person. How do we know this? pride in you among the congrega-
The Bible tells us that Satan spoke to tions of God because of your endur-
Eve through a serpent. (Genesis 3: ance and faith in all your persecu-
1-5) He spoke to Jehovah, question- tions and the hardships that you are
ing Job’s motives. (Job 1:9-12) Satan suffering.” (2 Thessalonians 1:4) So
tried to tempt Jesus. (Matthew 4:1-10) feeling good about the work of others
And after Jesus became King in 1914, and even having some pride in our-
Satan began “to wage war” with the selves can benefit us. We do not need
anointed still on earth. (Revelation to be ashamed of our family, culture,
12:17) This war continues as the Dev- or the place where we grew up.—Acts
il tries to destroy the faith of the 21:39.
anointed and the other sheep. To win 6 However, there is a kind of pride
this battle, we must fight against Sa- that can ruin relationships, especial-
tan and keep our faith strong. This ar- ly our friendship with Jehovah. This
ticle discusses three ways to do so. type of pride can cause us to feel up-
set when we are counseled. It can
REJECT PRIDE even cause us to reject the counsel in-
4Satan is extremely proud. This stead of humbly accepting it. (Psalm
wicked angel dared to challenge 141:5) This kind of pride is described
God’s right to rule, and he tried to as thinking too much of ourselves
make others worship him instead of or as “a haughty attitude shown by
Jehovah. So he is the perfect example people who believe, often unjustifi-
of pride and arrogance. Therefore, ably, that they are better than oth-
one way that we can fight against Sa- ers.” Jehovah hates arrogant pride.
tan is to reject pride and to be hum- (Ezekiel 33:28; Amos 6:8) But Satan
ble. (Read 1 Peter 5:5.) But what is loves it when humans imitate his
pride? Is it always bad? arrogance by bragging about them-
5 According to one dictionary, selves. Imagine how Satan rejoiced
pride is a feeling of confidence and when Nimrod, Pharaoh, and Absa-
respect for ourselves. It is also “a feel- lom showed improper pride by their
ing of satisfaction which you have be- bragging! (Genesis 10:8, 9; Exodus 5:
cause you or people close to you 1, 2; 2 Samuel 15:4-6) Pride was also a
reason why Cain lost his relationship
4. How is Satan the greatest example of pride?
with God. Jehovah himself counseled
5, 6. (a) Is pride always bad? Explain.
(b) What kind of pride is dangerous, and what Cain, but Cain was too proud to lis-
are some Bible examples of this? ten. He was stubborn, ignored God’s
warning, and did not hesitate to sin ter than others, we need to remember
against Jehovah.—Genesis 4:6-8. that Jehovah hates “everyone proud
7 Today, people show pride in in heart.” (Proverbs 16:5) We also
many harmful ways. Pride is some- need to examine our hearts and ask
times related to racism. According to ourselves, ‘Do I feel that I am better
one dictionary, racism is prejudice than people who are of another race,
against people who belong to other nationality, or culture?’ If so, we are
races. It is also “the belief that people forgetting that God “made out of one
of different races have different quali- man every nation of men.” (Acts 17:
ties and abilities, and that some races 26) So in a way, we are all one race be-
are inherently superior or inferior.” cause everyone came from Adam. It
Racism has resulted in fights, wars, is very foolish to believe that God
and even mass murder. made some races better than others.
8 Of course, such things should If we think this way, we are allowing
not happen in the Christian con- Satan to destroy our Christian love
gregation. Still, disagreements be- and unity. (John 13:35) To fight Satan
tween brothers and sisters may start and win, we must avoid all kinds of
with pride and can get out of con- improper pride.—Proverbs 16:18.
trol. That happened to some early AVOID MATERIALISM
AND LOVE FOR THE WORLD
10 Satan is “the ruler of this world,”
Pride can harm the and he controls it. (John 12:31; 1 John
peace of a congregation 5:19) Many of the things this world
promotes go against Bible standards.
Of course, not everything in the
Christians, which is why James asked world is evil. However, we can be
them this powerful question: “What sure that Satan will use his world to
is the source of the wars and fights take advantage of our desires and try
among you?” (James 4:1) If we feel to cause us to sin. Or he will try to get
hatred for others and feel that we are us to love the world and neglect our
better than they are, we may say or worship of Jehovah.—Read 1 John 2:
do something that really hurts them. 15, 16.
(Proverbs 12:18) Clearly, pride can 11 Some early Christians loved the
harm the peace of a congregation. world. For example, Paul wrote: “De-
9 If we tend to feel that we are bet-
mas has forsaken me because he
7, 8. (a) What is racism, and how is it related loved the present system of things.”
to pride? (b) Explain how pride could destroy (2 Timothy 4:10) The Bible does not
the peace of a congregation.
9. How does the Bible help us to fight against 10, 11. (a) Why might it be easy to love the
racism and other kinds of improper pride? (See world? (b) What was the result of Demas’ love
opening picture.) for the world?
MAY 15, 2015 11

say exactly what part of this world the one and love the other, or he
Demas loved, which caused him to will stick to the one and despise
abandon Paul. It could be that Demas the other. You cannot slave for God
began to love material things more and for Riches.” (Matthew 6:24) If we
than his service to Jehovah. If that slave only for material things, we
was true, Demas lost the opportunity have stopped serving Jehovah. That
to have exciting privileges in God’s is exactly what Satan wants us to do.
service. Was it worth it? No. Demas May we never let money or the things
could have remained Paul’s help- it can buy become more important
er. The world could never offer him than our friendship with Jehovah.
anything better than Jehovah could! To fight Satan and win, we must
—Proverbs 10:22. have the right attitude toward materi-
12 The same can happen to us to- al things.—Read 1 Timothy 6:6-10.
day. As Christians, it is normal to
RESIST SEXUAL IMMORALITY
want to provide for ourselves and for
our family. (1 Timothy 5:8) Jehovah
13 Another one of Satan’s traps
wants us to enjoy life. We know that is sexual immorality. Many people
think that being faithful to a husband
or a wife, as well as marriage itself, is
May we never let outdated and limits their freedom.
For example, one actress said that it
money become more is impossible to be faithful to one per-
son. She added, “I don’t know any-
important than our one who’s faithful or wants to be.” An
friendship with Jehovah actor said, “I’m not sure if it really is
in our nature to be with someone for
the rest of our lives.” Satan must be
because he gave Adam and Eve a very happy when famous people crit-
beautiful paradise to live in. (Genesis icize God’s gift of marriage. The Dev-
2:9) But Satan can take advantage of il does not support the marriage ar-
our desires using “the deceptive pow- rangement, and he does not want
er of riches.” (Matthew 13:22) Many marriages to succeed. So to fight Sa-
think that money and material things tan and win, we must have God’s
will make them happy or successful. view of marriage.
If we think this way, it can cause us 14 Whether married or single, we
to lose the most valuable thing we must work hard to fight all kinds of
have, our friendship with Jehovah. Je- sexual immorality. Is this easy? Not
sus warned: “No one can slave for
two masters; for either he will hate 13. How has this world promoted a wrong
view of marriage and sex?
12. How can Satan take advantage of our de- 14, 15. What can you do if you are tempted to
sires using “the deceptive power of riches”? commit sexual immorality?
at all! For example, if you are a young sex but were not married say that
person, you might hear your school- they regret what they did. The enter-
mates brag about having sex with tainment world wants us to believe
whomever they want to. They may that there are no consequences for
also brag about sexting, that is, send- breaking God’s laws. If we believe
ing sexual messages and pictures on such lies, we can be misled by “the
their cell phones. In fact, in some deceptive power of sin.”—Hebrews
countries, sexting is understood to 3:13.
be the same as sending someone 15 If you are tempted to commit
child pornography. The Bible says: sexual immorality, what can you do?
“Whoever practices sexual immoral- Recognize that you have a weak-
ity is sinning against his own body.” ness. (Romans 7:22, 23) Pray to
(1 Corinthians 6:18) Much suffering God for strength. (Philippians 4:6,
and death have resulted from diseas- 7, 13) Avoid situations that could
es that are spread by sexual relations. cause you to commit immorality.
And most young people who had (Proverbs 22:3) And when there is
Satan will be destroyed

(See paragraph 18)
a temptation, reject it immediately. preaching. We expect to face such
—Genesis 39:12. difficulties. Jesus himself warned us:
16 Jesus set a powerful example for “You will be hated by all people on
us. He was not fooled by Satan’s account of my name, but the one
promises. He did not even stop to who has endured to the end will be
think about them. Instead, he im- saved.”—Matthew 10:22.
mediately told Satan: “It is written.” 18 How can we fight Satan and
(Read Matthew 4:4-10.) Jesus knew win? Jesus said: “By your endurance
God’s Word, so it was possible for you will preserve your lives.” (Luke
him to quote scriptures right away 21:19) Nothing that any human can
when Satan tried to tempt him. To do to harm us is permanent. Nobody
fight Satan and win, we must not al- can take away our friendship with
low ourselves to be tempted to com- God unless we allow that to happen.
mit sexual immorality.—1 Corinthi- (Romans 8:38, 39) Even if some of Je-
ans 6:9, 10. hovah’s faithful servants die, it does
not mean that Satan has won. Jeho-
WIN THE FIGHT BY ENDURING
vah will resurrect them. (John 5:28,
17 Pride, materialism, and sexual 29) But Satan has no future. After
immorality are just three of Satan’s this wicked world is destroyed, he
traps. There are many more. For ex- will be thrown into the abyss for
ample, some Christians have fami- 1,000 years. (Revelation 20:1-3) At the
ly members who oppose them or end of the thousand years of Christ’s
schoolmates who make fun of them. rule, Satan will be “released from
Others live in countries where the his prison” and will try for one last
government tries to stop them from time to mislead perfect mankind. Af-
16. What did Jesus say when Satan tried to
ter that, he will be destroyed. (Reve-
tempt him, and what can we learn from that ex- lation 20:7-10) Although the Devil
ample? has no future, you do! Continue to
17, 18. (a) What other traps does Satan use, fight against Satan, and keep your
and why do we expect that? (b) What will hap-
pen to Satan, and how does that encourage you faith strong. You can fight Satan and
to endure? win!
SOME Materialism:
The attitude of someone who thinks that money
EXPRESSIONS is more important than his relationship with Jehovah
EXPLAINED
They “Saw”
the Things Promised
“They did not receive the fulfillment of the promises;
but they saw them from a distance.”—HEBREWS 11:13.
JEHOVAH has given us a wonderful gift. It is the ability CAN YOU EXPLAIN?
to imagine things we have not seen. This ability helps us ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
to look forward to good things in the future and also to What gift from God helps us
plan ahead and avoid problems. Jehovah knows the fu- to have faith?
ture, and he tells us some of the things we can look for-
ward to. Although we cannot see them, we can imagine
them and have faith that they will happen.—2 Corinthi- ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
ans 4:18. How do we know that people

2 Of course, sometimes we imagine things that will in Bible times had faith
and could imagine the things
never happen. For example, a little girl might imagine that God promised them?
that she is riding on a butterfly. Of course, that is
not possible. But Samuel’s mother, Hannah, imagined
things that were possible. She kept thinking about the ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
day when she would take her son to the tabernacle to Why is it good to talk about
work with the priests. This was not just a dream. It was the future that Jehovah
has promised us?
1. Why is it good that we can imagine things we have not seen? (See
opening picture.)
2, 3. (a) How can our imagination help us? (b) What questions will we
answer in this article?
15
something that she had decided to had strong faith in God. He lived
do. So imagining that day gave Han- among wicked people who said
nah the strength to keep her prom- “shocking things” against God. But
ise to Jehovah. (1 Samuel 1:22) And Enoch was courageous and preached
when we imagine what Jehovah has God’s message. He told people that
promised to do, we are imagining Jehovah was going to destroy the
things that will certainly happen. wicked. (Jude 14, 15) What helped
—2 Peter 1:19-21. him to do this? Enoch may have
3 Many of Jehovah’s people in Bi- imagined what the world would be
ble times could imagine what he had like when everybody served Jeho-
promised. Why was it good for them vah.—Read Hebrews 11:5, 6.
to do this? And why is it good for us 6 Noah had faith in Jehovah, so
to imagine how our life will be when he was not destroyed in the Flood.
God’s promises come true? (Hebrews 11:7) And then because
THEIR FAITH BECAME STRONGER of his faith, Noah sacrificed ani-
WHEN THEY IMAGINED THE FUTURE mals to Jehovah. (Genesis 8:20) After
4 Abel was the first man who had
the Flood, the world became wick-
ed again. Nimrod began ruling and
faith in Jehovah’s promises. He knew
wanted people to rebel against Jeho-
what Jehovah said to the serpent af-
vah. (Genesis 10:8-12) But Noah’s
ter Adam and Eve sinned: “I will put
faith stayed strong. Like Abel, he
enmity between you and the wom-
was sure that God would one day re-
an and between your offspring and
move sin and death. Noah may also
her offspring. He will crush your
head, and you will strike him in the
have thought about the time when
heel.” (Genesis 3:14, 15) Abel did not there would be no cruel rulers. We
know exactly how this would hap- too can imagine this wonderful time,
pen. But he must have thought a which is now very close!—Romans
lot about what God had said. Abel 6:23.
could have thought, ‘Who will be the THEY IMAGINED THE TIME WHEN
one injured by the serpent and help GOD’S PROMISES WOULD COME TRUE
humans to become perfect again?’ 7 Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob could
Abel had faith that whatever Jeho- imagine a wonderful future. Jeho-
vah promised would come true, and vah had promised them that peo-
when he offered a sacrifice, Jehovah ple from all the nations would
was pleased with it.—Read Genesis 4: be blessed by means of their “off-
3-5; Hebrews 11:4. spring.” (Genesis 22:18; 26:4; 28:14)
5 Enoch was another man who
6. After the Flood, what may Noah have
4. Why could Abel imagine a better future? thought about?
5. Why was it good for Enoch to imagine the 7. What future could Abraham, Isaac, and Ja-
future? cob look forward to?
God had also promised them that ever because the rulers did not serve
their family would become a large Jehovah. (Joshua 24:2) Instead, he
nation and would live in the beauti- looked forward to the time when Je-
ful Promised Land. (Genesis 15:5-7) hovah and his government would
Because Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob rule the earth forever. This govern-
knew that Jehovah’s promises would ment is “the city having real founda-
come true, they could clearly imag- tions, whose designer and builder
ine their families already living in is God.” (Hebrews 11:10) Abraham
that land. In fact, ever since Adam
and Eve sinned, Jehovah has helped
his loyal servants to understand how People in Bible times
humans would one day have perfect
life again.
looked forward to the
8 Because he had strong faith, time when Jehovah and
Abraham was obedient to Jehovah
even when circumstances were very
his government would
difficult. Abraham and other loyal rule the earth forever
ones could clearly imagine the things
Jehovah promised, even though
these promises did not come true as well as Abel, Enoch, Noah, and
while they were alive. The Bible says: others believed in the resurrection.
“They saw them from a distance and Whenever they thought about living
welcomed them.” (Read Hebrews 11: forever on a beautiful earth, their
8-13.) Abraham knew that Jehovah faith in Jehovah grew even stronger.
had always kept his promises in the —Read Hebrews 11:15, 16.
10 Abraham’s wife, Sarah, had
past, so he was sure that all of Jeho-
vah’s promises for the future would strong faith in Jehovah’s promises.
come true as well. Even when she was 90 years old and
9 Because Abraham had faith in still had no children, she looked for-
what Jehovah had promised him, he ward to the time when she would
kept on doing what Jehovah asked have a baby. Sarah could even imag-
him to do. For example, he left his ine her children becoming a large na-
home in the city of Ur, and for the tion. (Hebrews 11:11, 12) How could
rest of his life, he did not live in any she be so sure of that? Because Jeho-
city permanently. He knew that the vah had told her husband: “I will
cities around him would not last for- bless her and also give you a son by
her; I will bless her and she will be-
8. What helped Abraham to have strong faith come nations; kings of peoples will
and be obedient?
9. How did Abraham’s faith in God’s promises 10. Why was it good for Sarah to look forward
help him? to the future?
MAY 15, 2015 17

come from her.” (Genesis 17:16) Just ly about Jehovah’s promise to free
as Jehovah promised, Sarah had a the Hebrews from slavery. Like oth-
son, Isaac. This miracle convinced er servants of Jehovah, Moses also
her that the rest of Jehovah’s prom- knew that Jehovah would free all
ise would come true. We too can humans from death. (Job 14:14, 15;
strengthen our faith when we imag- Hebrews 11:17-19) So Moses under-
ine all the wonderful things Jehovah stood how much Jehovah loves peo-
has promised us. ple. This made Moses love Jehovah
HE KEPT THINKING even more and have stronger faith in
ABOUT THE REWARD him. It helped him to keep serving Je-
hovah all his life. (Deuteronomy 6:
11 Moses also had faith in Jeho-
4, 5) Even when Pharaoh wanted
vah’s promises. He was raised in
to kill him, Moses was not afraid.
Egypt as a prince. But because he
loved Jehovah more than anything He knew that Jehovah would reward
else, Moses did not want power and him in the future.—Exodus 10:28, 29.
riches. He had learned about Jeho- IMAGINE THE THINGS
vah from his Hebrew parents, who GOD’S GOVERNMENT WILL DO
taught him that Jehovah promised to 14 Many people think about the fu-
free the Hebrews from slavery and ture and imagine things that will nev-
give them the Promised Land. (Gen- er happen. For example, some people
esis 13:14, 15; Exodus 2:5-10) The who are very poor dream that they
more Moses imagined these promis-
will become rich and have nothing
es, the more he loved Jehovah.
to worry about. But the Bible says
12 The Bible tells us what Moses
that life in Satan’s world will al-
kept thinking about: “By faith Mo-
ways be “filled with trouble and sor-
ses, when grown up, refused to be
row.” (Psalm 90:10) Or some imag-
called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter,
ine that a human government will
choosing to be mistreated with the
solve the world’s problems. But the
people of God rather than to have
Bible says that only God’s govern-
the temporary enjoyment of sin, be-
ment can do that. (Daniel 2:44) And
cause he considered the reproach of
many people think that the world
the Christ to be riches greater than
the treasures of Egypt, for he looked will never change. But the Bible says
intently toward the payment of the that God will destroy this wicked
reward.”—Hebrews 11:24-26. world. (Zephaniah 1:18; 1 John 2:15-
13 Moses must have thought deep-
17) Those who imagine things that
are the opposite of what Jehovah says
11, 12. What helped Moses to love Jehovah will be very disappointed.
more and more?
13. Why was it good for Moses to keep think- 14. What do some people imagine about the
ing about Jehovah’s promises? future?
15Jehovah has promised us a won-
derful future. When we think about
that time, we feel happier and we can
get the courage we need to keep serv-
ing him. Can you imagine yourself
doing the things Jehovah has prom-
ised you, whether you will be in heav-
en or on earth? If you look forward
to living forever on earth, imagine
working with your friends to make
the earth into a beautiful garden.
Those who supervise this work care
about you. And everyone around you
loves Jehovah, just as you do. You are
healthy and have a lot of energy, and
you have nothing to worry about. You
to honor Jehovah. Maybe you are
are happy because you can use your
even helping people who have been
talents and skills to help others and
resurrected to know Jehovah. (John
15. (a) Why is it good for us to imagine the fu- 17:3; Acts 24:15) When you imagine
ture that God has promised us? (b) What is one these things, you are not dreaming.
of the things you look forward to?
They will all come true because of
what the Bible says about the fu-
ture.—Isaiah 11:9; 25:8; 33:24; 35:5-7;
Can you imagine yourself 65:22.
doing the things Jehovah
has promised you? TALK ABOUT WHAT YOU
(See paragraph 15)
LOOK FORWARD TO
16When we tell our brothers and
sisters what we would like to do in
the new world, we help one another
to imagine this beautiful future more
clearly. Of course, we do not know
exactly what each of us will be doing.
But when we talk about what we
look forward to, we show that we
have faith in what Jehovah has prom-
ised. In this way, we encourage one
another to keep serving Jehovah in
16, 17. Why is it good to talk about the future
that Jehovah has promised us?
MAY 15, 2015 19

difficult times, just as the apostle selves ruling with Jesus in heaven
Paul and his brothers in Rome did. and helping obedient humans on
—Romans 1:11, 12. earth to become perfect.
17 When you think about the fu- 18 We have learned what helped
ture that Jehovah has promised, you Jehovah’s servants to have strong
will think less about your own prob- faith. Abel imagined Jehovah’s prom-
lems. At one time, Peter was worried ise of a better future, and because of
and said to Jesus: “Look! We have left his faith in that promise, he pleased
all things and followed you; what, Jehovah. Abraham imagined the
then, will there be for us?” Jesus time when Jehovah’s promises about
wanted Peter and the other disciples the “offspring” would come true, so
with him to think about the wonder- he obeyed Jehovah even when it was
ful things they would do in the fu- very difficult. (Genesis 3:15) Moses
ture. He told them: “When the Son looked forward to the reward Jeho-
of man sits down on his glorious vah promised him, and this helped
throne, you who have followed me him to love Jehovah and be faithful.
will sit on 12 thrones, judging the 12 (Hebrews 11:26) When we imagine
tribes of Israel. And everyone who the time when Jehovah will do all
has left houses or brothers or sisters that he has promised, our faith and
or father or mother or children or love for Jehovah become stronger. In
lands for the sake of my name will re- the next article, we will learn about
ceive a hundred times as much and another way that we can use our
will inherit everlasting life.” (Mat- imagination.
thew 19:27-29) So Peter and the oth- 18. Why is it good for us to imagine the time
er disciples could imagine them- when God will do what he has promised?
SOME They “saw” To have faith in God

the things promised: and his promises:
EXPRESSIONS Abraham and others imag- We have proof that what we
EXPLAINED ined the things Jehovah had believe is real, even though
promised. They thought we cannot see it with our
deeply about them and were eyes. And we have no doubt
convinced that they would that everything God has
happen just as Jehovah promised will happen
said. We too can imagine the
many things we will do when
Jehovah and his government
rule over the earth
Imitate the One Who
Promises Everlasting Life
“Become imitators of God, as beloved children.”
—EPHESIANS 5:1.
JEHOVAH created us with the ability to understand CAN YOU EXPLAIN?

how other people feel, even if we have never been in ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
their situation. (Read Ephesians 5:1, 2.) How can this How did Jesus imitate
ability help us to imitate Jehovah? And why do we need Jehovah’s qualities?
to be careful of how we use this ability?
2 Jehovah has promised us a wonderful future with-
out any suffering. Both the anointed and the “other ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
sheep” can look forward to everlasting life, whether in How can we imitate Jehovah’s
qualities, including his love?
heaven or on earth. (John 10:16; 17:3; 1 Corinthians 15:
53) But Jehovah understands the pain we feel when bad
things happen to us today. In the past, Jehovah felt hurt
when his people suffered in Egypt. “It was distressing ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
to him.” (Isaiah 63:9) And later, when his people were Why must we be careful
regarding what we think
rebuilding his temple and were afraid of their enemies,
about?
Jehovah understood how they felt. He told them:
1. What ability can help us to imitate Jehovah?
2. How does Jehovah react when we suffer?
21
“Whoever touches you touches the time after Jesus’ apostles had trav-
pupil of my eye.” (Zechariah 2:8) Just eled a long way to preach, they were
as a mother feels love for her baby, tired and needed to rest in a quiet
Jehovah feels love for his servants place. But Jesus saw many people
and wants to help them. (Isaiah 49: waiting for him. He understood that
15) We imitate Jehovah’s love when they needed his help, so he “started
we try to understand how others feel to teach them many things.”—Mark
by imagining ourselves in their situ- 6:30, 31, 34.
ation.—Psalm 103:13, 14. BE LOVING LIKE JEHOVAH
JESUS IMITATED JEHOVAH 5 If we want to be loving like Je-
AND LOVED PEOPLE hovah, what must we do? Think
3 Jesus understood how people about this situation. There is a young
felt when they were suffering, even brother called Alan. He is thinking
though he had never been in their about an older brother who cannot
situation. For example, he knew that walk well and who has bad eyesight.
many people had a hard life. The Alan thinks of Jesus’ words: “Just as
religious leaders lied to them and you want men to do to you, do the
made many rules that were not from same way to them.” (Luke 6:31) So
God. People were afraid of these Alan asks himself, ‘What do I want
leaders. (Matthew 23:4; Mark 7:1-5; others to do to me?’ He says, ‘I real-
John 7:13) Even though Jesus was ly want them to play ball with me!’
never afraid of them and never be- But this older brother cannot run
and play ball. So, what Alan really
lieved their lies, he could under-
needs to ask himself is, ‘If I were that
stand how the people felt. It hurt Je-
brother, what would I want others to
sus deeply when he saw how badly
do to me?’
they were treated. They were left 6 Although Alan is still young, he
without help, “like sheep without
tries to imagine how he would feel if
a shepherd.” (Matthew 9:36) Jesus
he were old. He spends time with
learned from his Father to love peo-
the older brother and listens careful-
ple and be “merciful and compas-
ly when he speaks. Then he begins
sionate.”—Psalm 103:8.
to understand that it is difficult for
4 When Jesus saw that people
the brother to read the Bible and
were suffering, he helped them be- walk from house to house in the
cause he loved them. He was just ministry. Alan sees how he can help
like his Father. For example, one him and wants to do whatever he
3. How did Jesus feel about people? 5, 6. If we want to be loving like Jehovah, what
4. When Jesus saw people suffering, how did must we do? Give an example. (See opening
he react? picture.)
can for him. When we understand
how other people feel and show
them love, we will be like Jehovah.
—1 Corinthians 12:26.
7 It is not always easy to under-
stand what other people are experi-

encing, especially if we have never
been in their situation. For example,
many of our brothers are in pain be-
cause they are sick or have been in-
jured or because they are getting
older. Some are suffering deeply be-
cause of depression or extreme anxi-
ety or because they were abused in
the past. Others are raising children
alone or have family members who Be kind like Jehovah
are not serving Jehovah. Everyone (See paragraph 7)
has problems, and most of those

problems are different from ours. But
we want to show love to others and
help them. So, what can we do? Each imagined how they would feel about
person might need something differ- what he might say or do. For exam-
ent. So if we listen carefully and keep ple, a woman who had done many
trying to understand how that per- bad things came to Jesus. She was
son feels, we will know the best way crying so much that her tears fell on
to help him. Perhaps we can remind Jesus’ feet. Jesus could see that she
him of how Jehovah feels about his felt very sorry about the bad things
problem. Or we may be able to give she had done and that she had re-
him help in other ways. When we do pented. He realized that if he was
this, we imitate Jehovah.—Read Ro- unkind to her, she would feel even
worse. So he praised her for the
mans 12:15; 1 Peter 3:8.
good she did and forgave her. Jesus
BE KIND LIKE JEHOVAH also spoke kindly to a Pharisee who
8 Jehovah is kind to all people. did not agree with what he had done
(Luke 6:35) And Jesus is just like his for this woman.—Luke 7:36-48.
Father. What helped Jesus to be kind 9 How can we be kind like Je-
to people when he was on earth? He hovah? We need to think before

we say or do something so that we
7. How can we understand what our brothers
are experiencing? 9. What can help us to be kind like Jehovah?
8. What helped Jesus to be kind? Give an example.
MAY 15, 2015 23

are gentle with others and do not sion, we can imagine how it might
hurt their feelings. Paul wrote that a affect us or others. We should not be
Christian “does not need to fight, like the Israelites. They did not think
but needs to be gentle toward all.” about what would happen to them if
(2 Timothy 2:24) For example, think they disobeyed Jehovah. And they
about how you can be kind in these did not think about their relation-
situations: If your employer is not do- ship with him and all that he had
ing his job well, what will you do? done for them. Because Moses real-
If a brother who has not been to ized this, he knew that the Israelites
the Kingdom Hall for many months were going to do what was bad. He
comes to the meeting, what will you said: “They are a nation devoid of
say to him? If you are preaching and sense, and there is no understand-
someone says that he is too busy to ing among them. If only they were
wise! They would ponder over this.
They would think about their out-
Before making come.”—Deuteronomy 31:29, 30; 32:
28, 29.
a decision, we can 11 For example, if you are dating,
imagine how it might remember that when you are at-

tracted to someone, it is difficult
affect us or others to control your feelings and sexu-
al desires. So do not do anything
talk to you, how can you be kind to that could harm your precious rela-
him? If your wife asks you why you tionship with Jehovah! Instead, be
did not tell her about some plans you wise and avoid danger. Listen to Je-
made, will you speak to her in a kind hovah’s wise counsel: “The shrewd
way? We need to imagine how others one sees the danger and conceals
are feeling and how our words might himself, but the inexperienced keep
affect them. Then we will know what right on going and suffer the conse-
we should say and do to be kind like quences.”—Proverbs 22:3.
Jehovah.—Read Proverbs 15:28. CONTROL WHAT YOU
BE WISE LIKE JEHOVAH THINK ABOUT
Jehovah is incredibly wise, and
10
12 A wise person controls what he
he can choose to see what will hap- is thinking about. Our thoughts can
pen in the future. Although we do help us or harm us, just as fire can
not know the future, we too can be help us or harm us. When we are
wise. How? Before making a deci- careful with a fire, we can use it to
cook food. But if we are not careful,
10, 11. How can we learn from Jehovah and be
wise? Give an example. 12. How could what we think about harm us?
a fire can burn down our house 14 Of course, Eve’s sin did not in-
and even kill us. It is similar with volve sexual immorality. But the Bi-
our thoughts. When we think about ble clearly warns us not to keep
things we learn from Jehovah, it is imagining ourselves doing anything
good for us. But if we keep thinking sexually immoral. Jesus said: “Every-
about sexual immorality and imag- one who keeps on looking at a wom-
ining ourselves doing bad things, we an so as to have a passion for her has
will desire these things so much that already committed adultery with her
we may actually do them. That might in his heart.” (Matthew 5:28) Also,
end our friendship with Jehovah. Paul warned: “Do not be planning
—Read James 1:14, 15. ahead for the desires of the flesh.”
13 We can learn from the example —Romans 13:14.
of the first woman, Eve. Jehovah had 15 The Bible also says that we
commanded Adam and Eve not to should focus on pleasing Jehovah

eat the fruit from “the tree of the and not keep thinking about getting
knowledge of good and bad.” (Gen- rich. Even if someone is rich, his
esis 2:16, 17) But Satan told Eve: money cannot really protect him.
“You certainly will not die. For God (Proverbs 18:11) Jesus said that a
knows that in the very day you eat person is foolish if he stores up
from it, your eyes will be opened and many treasures for himself but does
you will be like God, knowing good not keep Jehovah first in his life.
and bad.” Eve imagined how much He is “not rich toward God.” (Luke
better her life would be if she could 12:16-21) When we store up “trea-
decide for herself what was good sures in heaven” by doing things
and what was bad. She kept think- that please Jehovah, we make him
ing about this and “saw that the tree happy and we feel happy too. (Mat-
was good for food and that it was thew 6:20; Proverbs 27:11) And a
something desirable to the eyes.” good relationship with Jehovah is
What happened then? “She began more valuable than anything else.
taking of its fruit and eating it. Af-
DO NOT KEEP WORRYING
terward, she also gave some to her
husband when he was with her,
16 If we try to get rich in this
and he began eating it.” (Genesis 3: world, it will bring us a lot of
1-6) As a result, “sin entered into worries. (Matthew 6:19) Jesus said
the world and death through sin.” that those who always worry about
(Romans 5:12) Eve should not have 14. What warnings does the Bible give us
kept thinking about doing what was about sexual immorality?
wrong! 15. What treasures should we focus on, and
why?
13. What did Eve imagine about her life? 16. What can help us when we worry?
MAY 15, 2015 25

feel better than anyone else and can
When you are worried, help us to feel calmer when we are
worried. Paul wrote: “Do not be anx-
pray to Jehovah ious over anything, but in every-
thing by prayer and supplication
and think of the help along with thanksgiving, let your pe-
that he gives you titions be made known to God; and
the peace of God that surpasses
all understanding will guard your
money will find it difficult to keep hearts and your mental powers by
God’s Kingdom first in their lives. means of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians
(Matthew 13:18, 19, 22) Also, some 4:6, 7) So when you are worried,
people worry all the time about bad think of the help that Jehovah gives
things that might happen to them. you to keep your friendship with
But if we keep worrying, we might him strong, such as the help from
become sick or even start to lose your brothers and sisters, the elders,
faith in Jehovah. Instead, we must the faithful slave, the angels, and Je-
trust that Jehovah will help us. The sus.
Bible says that “anxiety in a man’s 18 As we have learned, we imitate
heart weighs it down, but a good Jehovah when we use our ability to
word cheers it up.” (Proverbs 12:25) understand how other people feel.
So if you are worried about some- (1 Timothy 1:11; 1 John 4:8) We will
thing, talk to someone who serves be happy when we show love and
Jehovah and who knows you well. A kindness to others, when we think
parent, your husband or wife, or a about the results of what we do, and
good friend can encourage you to when we avoid always worrying. Let
trust in Jehovah and help you feel us imagine what life will be like un-
less worried. der Kingdom rule and do our best to
17 Jehovah understands how we imitate Jehovah.—Romans 12:12.
17. How can Jehovah help us when we are wor- 18. How can our ability to imagine things
ried? help us?
SOME We imitate Jehovah when we think about how he treated

people in the past and how Jesus copied his example.
EXPRESSIONS Then we think of what others need, and we do what we can
EXPLAINED to help them
26
Who is Gog of Magog mentioned

in the book of Ezekiel?
ˇ For many years, our publications have ex- and “he will go out to mislead those nations in
plained that the name Gog of Magog refers to the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog,
Satan after he was thrown out of heaven. Why? to gather them together for the war.” (Revela-
Because the book of Revelation identifies Satan tion 20:8) But if Satan is Gog, this means that
as the leader of the worldwide attack against Satan would have to mislead himself. There-
God’s people. (Revelation 12:1-17) So we under- fore, “Gog” does not refer to Satan in either the
stood that Gog must be another name for Satan. book of Ezekiel or the book of Revelation.
However, there were some problems with So who is Gog of Magog? To answer that
this explanation. Think about the following: question, we need to search the Bible to find out
When talking about Gog’s destruction, Jehovah who attacks God’s people. The Bible mentions
said that he would give Gog “as food to all kinds the attack by ‘Gog of Magog,’ the attack by “the
of birds of prey and the wild beasts of the field.” king of the north,” and the attack by “the kings
(Ezekiel 39:4) Then Jehovah added: “On that of the earth.” (Ezekiel 38:2, 10-13; Daniel 11:40,
day I will give Gog a burial place there in Isra- 44, 45; Revelation 17:14; 19:19) Are these differ-
el.” (Ezekiel 39:11) But how could Satan, who is ent attacks? That is not likely. It seems that the
an invisible spirit creature, be eaten by birds Bible is using different names to describe the
and wild beasts? How could he be buried on same attack. Why do we say that? Because the
earth? The Bible clearly shows that Satan will be Bible tells us that all the nations of the earth will
thrown into the abyss for 1,000 years. He will be part of this final attack that starts the war of
not be eaten or buried.—Revelation 20:1, 2. Armageddon.—Revelation 16:14, 16.
The Bible says that at the end of the 1,000 When we compare all these Bible references
years, Satan will be released from the abyss, about the final attack on God’s people, it is clear
ATTACK OF GOG OF MAGOG

(EZEKIEL 38:2, 10-13)
+ GOG OF MAGOG: ARMAGEDDON: +

GREAT A group of nations that ˇ Jesus saves God’s people THE BEGINNING
TRIBULATION unite to try to destroy ˇ Gog of Magog destroyed OF CHRIST’S 1,000
BEGINS God’s people (Revelation 16:14, 16) YEAR REIGN
ˇ Satan and the demons
thrown into the abyss
(Revelation 20:1-3)
that the name Gog of Magog does not refer to occurred since there came to be a nation until
Satan. Instead, Gog of Magog refers to a group that time. And during that time your people will
of nations. Will “the king of the north” lead this escape, everyone who is found written down in
group? We cannot say for sure. But this expla- the book.” (Daniel 12:1) We read a similar de-
nation seems to be in harmony with what Jeho- scription of what Jesus will do at Revelation
vah says about Gog: “You will come from your 19:11-21.
place, from the remotest parts of the north, you But who is “Gog and Magog” mentioned at
and many peoples with you, all of them riding Revelation 20:8? This name refers to all those
on horses, a great assembly, a vast army.”—Eze- who rebel against Jehovah and attack his peo-
kiel 38:6, 15. ple during the final test at the end of the 1,000
Similarly, the prophet Daniel, who lived at years. They will have the same hateful attitude
the same time as Ezekiel, says about the king of as Gog of Magog, the nations that attack God’s
the north: “Reports out of the east and out of people at the end of the great tribulation. And
the north will disturb him, and he will go out in just like those nations that will be destroyed at
a great rage to annihilate and to devote many to Armageddon, Gog and Magog will also be de-
destruction. And he will plant his royal tents be- stroyed. (Revelation 19:20, 21; 20:9) It seems
tween the grand sea and the holy mountain of appropriate, then, that all who rebel at the
Decoration; and he will come all the way to his end of the 1,000 years be called “Gog and Ma-
end, and there will be no helper for him.” (Dan- gog.”
iel 11:44, 45) This is similar to what the book of As serious students of the Bible, we are eager
Ezekiel says that Gog will do.—Ezekiel 38:8- to find out who will become “the king of the
12, 16. north” in the near future. But no matter who
What will happen after the final attack? Dan- leads the nations against God’s people, we are
iel tells us: “During that time Michael [Jesus confident of two things: (1) Gog of Magog
Christ] will stand up [at Armageddon], the and his armies will be defeated and destroyed.
great prince who is standing [since 1914] in be- (2) Our King, Jesus Christ, will save God’s peo-
half of your people. And there will occur a time ple and bring them into a new world of peace
of distress [the great tribulation] such as has not and true security.—Revelation 7:14-17.
ATTACK OF GOG AND MAGOG

(REVELATION 20:8, 9)
END OF THE
1,000 YEARS
.
+ GOG AND MAGOG: +
SATAN Rebellious humans will surround righteous THE END OF WICKEDNESS:
RELEASED humans, wanting to destroy them ˇ Fire from heaven
Causes some to rebel destroys Gog and Magog
against Jehovah (Revelation 20:9)
and His people ˇ Satan and the demons
thrown into lake of fire
(Revelation 20:10)
Why Disfellowshipping
Is a Loving Provision
JULIAN remembers how he felt when he does not repent, he will be disfellow-
listened to the announcement that his son shipped.
was no longer one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Jehovah does not expect us to be per-
“My whole world seemed to come to an fect, but he does expect his servants to
end,” he says. “He was my oldest child, obey his laws and to remain holy. For ex-
and we were very close; we did lots of ample, Jehovah commands his servants to
things together.” Julian explains that his avoid serious sins such as sexual immoral-
son had always behaved well, but then he ity, idolatry, stealing, extortion, murder,
changed and began doing bad things. Juli- and spiritism.—1 Corinthians 6:9, 10; Rev-
an’s wife cried again and again, and he did elation 21:8.
not know how to comfort her. Julian says, What Jehovah expects of us is reason-
“We kept asking ourselves if we had some- able and is a protection for us. For exam-
how failed as parents.” ple, we all want to live among peaceful, de-
What reasons does the Bible give for cent, and honest people, and that is what
disfellowshipping someone? And since it we experience among our spiritual broth-
causes so much pain, why can we say that ers and sisters. Why are they this way? Be-
disfellowshipping is an act of love? cause they dedicated themselves to Jeho-
vah and promised to live by what he says
WHY A PERSON MAY in the Bible.
BE DISFELLOWSHIPPED But what if a baptized Christian com-
If one of Jehovah’s Witnesses who mits a serious sin because of human weak-
is baptized commits a serious sin and ness? This happened to some of Jehovah’s
MAY 15, 2015 29

servants in the past, but Jehovah did not Jehovah’s laws, we will bring honor to
reject them completely. For example, even him.
though King David committed adultery The apostle Peter counseled Christians:
and murder, the prophet Nathan told Da- “As obedient children, stop being molded
vid that Jehovah had forgiven his sin. by the desires you formerly had in your ig-
—2 Samuel 12:13. norance, but like the Holy One who called
Why did Jehovah forgive David? Be- you, become holy yourselves in all your
cause Jehovah could see that David was conduct, for it is written: ‘You must be
truly repentant. (Psalm 32:1-5) Today, too, holy, because I am holy.’ ” (1 Peter 1:14-16)
someone who sinned will be forgiven if he For example, if we practiced sexual im-
is truly repentant and stops doing what is morality, we would dishonor God’s name.
bad. (Acts 3:19; 26:20) If the elders on a ju- But when we keep our conduct clean, we
dicial committee do not discern that the honor Jehovah.
person is truly repentant, then he must be If one of Jehovah’s Witnesses practices
disfellowshipped. what is bad, people who know him will
If someone in your family or a close probably become aware of what he is do-
friend has been disfellowshipped, you ing. So when they learn that he is no lon-
may find it hard to accept that decision ger one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, they will
and may feel that it is too harsh. However, realize that Jehovah’s people obey what
Jehovah’s Word clearly shows us that dis- the Bible says and keep the congregation
fellowshipping is an act of love. clean. For example, a man came to a meet-
THE BENEFITS OF ing in Switzerland and said that he want-
DISFELLOWSHIPPING ed to become a member of the congrega-
Jesus said that “wisdom is proved righ- tion. His sister had been disfellowshipped
teous by its results.” (Matthew 11:19, foot- for immorality and now he wanted to join
note) Let us consider three reasons why it an organization that “does not tolerate bad
is a wise decision to disfellowship a per- conduct.”
son if he does not repent. Disfellowshipping keeps the Christian
Disfellowshipping protects Jehovah’s congregation clean. The apostle Paul
name from dishonor. What we do will warned the Corinthians of the danger of
bring either honor or dishonor to Jehovah letting an unrepentant sinner stay in the
because, as his Witnesses, we bear his congregation. He compared the bad influ-
name. (Isaiah 43:10) Just as a son’s con- ence of these sinners to that of leaven that
duct can honor or dishonor his parents, causes a batch of dough to rise. Paul
the conduct of Jehovah’s servants can said: “A little leaven ferments the whole
honor or dishonor Jehovah. In Ezekiel’s batch of dough.” Then he counseled them:
time, people of the nations linked the Jews “Remove the wicked person from among
with Jehovah’s name. (Ezekiel 36:19-23) yourselves.”—1 Corinthians 5:6, 11-13.
Similarly today, people link Jehovah’s Wit- That “wicked person” practiced sexual
nesses with Jehovah’s name. So if we obey immorality without any shame. Some in
his congregation had even begun to ex- To help a disfellowshipped person come
cuse his bad conduct. (1 Corinthians 5: back to the congregation, we need to
1, 2) This was dangerous because oth- show him love by being firm. For example,
er Christians could have been affected imagine two hikers waiting to be res-
by the immoral lifestyle that was com- cued on a cold winter day. Because it is
mon in Corinth. Similarly today, if the so cold, one hiker gets very tired and
congregation ignores serious sin, some wants to sleep. But if he falls asleep in
could begin to view Jehovah’s standards as the snow, he will die. To help him stay
unimportant. (Ecclesiastes 8:11) Just as awake, his friend slaps him in the face.
“rocks hidden below water” can cause Even though this hurts, it could save his
shipwreck, unrepentant sinners can de- life. David expressed a similar idea when
stroy the faith of others in the congrega- he said: “Should the righteous one strike
tion.—Jude 4, 12. me, it would be an act of loyal love.”
Disfellowshipping may help the sinner (Psalm 141:5) David recognized that even
realize he is wrong. Jesus used an illustra- though discipline was painful, it would
tion of a young man who left his father’s help him.
home and spent all his inheritance living Just like that slap, disfellowshipping is
an immoral life. The young man eventual- often what a person needs to come back to
ly realized that life away from his father’s Jehovah. Julian’s son, mentioned at the be-
home had no meaning. So he repented ginning of this article, changed his life and
and decided to go back to his family. The returned to the congregation ten years af-
father was very happy when he saw that ter he was disfellowshipped. Now he is an
his son had changed his attitude, and he elder. He admits: “Being disfellowshipped
welcomed him home. (Luke 15:11-24) This brought me face-to-face with the conse-
illustration helps us understand how Jeho- quences of my lifestyle. I needed that sort
vah feels when someone repents. He says: of discipline.”—Hebrews 12:7-11.
“I take no pleasure in the death of the
wicked, but rather that someone wicked HOW CAN WE SHOW THAT WE
changes his way and keeps living.”—Eze- LOVE DISFELLOWSHIPPED ONES
kiel 33:11. It is a tragedy when someone is disfel-
The Christian congregation is our spiri- lowshipped. But it does not mean that he
tual family. When someone is disfellow- can never come back to Jehovah. It is im-
shipped, he is no longer a part of that fam- portant that all of us allow the discipline
ily. After experiencing the results of his to work. How can we do that?
bad conduct, he may realize his mistake Elders always try to imitate Jehovah’s
and remember how much happier he was love, especially when they have to tell
when he had a good relationship with someone that he is no longer one of
Jehovah and the congregation. This may Jehovah’s Witnesses. They kindly and
encourage him to come back to his spiritu- clearly explain what he needs to do to
al family. come back to Jehovah and be a part of
MAY 15, 2015 31

Efforts are made to help repentant
ones return to Jehovah
the congregation again. If someone who given him through the elders. This means
has been disfellowshipped shows that he that they should not spend time with him
wants to come back to the congregation, or even talk to him. (1 Corinthians 5:
the elders may visit him from time to time 11; 2 John 10, 11) Also, the congregation
to remind him of what he can do to come should give extra love and support to the
back to Jehovah.1—See footnote. family of the disfellowshipped one. This is
Family members show love for the con- a very difficult time for the family. We
gregation and the disfellowshipped per- should never make them feel that they
son when they support the decision made have also been excluded from the congre-
by the elders. Julian explains, “He was still gation.—Romans 12:13, 15.
my son, but his lifestyle had put up a bar- “Disfellowshipping is an arrangement
rier between us.” that we need, one that helps us live ac-
All in the congregation show true love cording to Jehovah’s standards,” Julian
concludes. “In the long run, despite the
to the disfellowshipped person by sup-
pain, it brings good results. Had I been tol-
porting the discipline that Jehovah has
erant of my son’s bad conduct, he would
1 See The Watchtower, April 15, 1991, pages 21-23. never have recovered.”
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SIMPLIFIED EDITION
STUDY ARTICLES
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
JULY 27–AUGUST 2
Christ
—The Power of God
PAGE 3 ˙ SONGS: 14, 109
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
AUGUST 3-9
He Loved People
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
AUGUST 10-16
We Can
Remain Chaste
PAGE 14 ˙ SONGS: 83, 57
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
AUGUST 17-23
Live in Harmony
With the Model
Prayer—Part 1
PAGE 22 ˙ SONGS: 138
Jehovah Is Your Name
(new song), 89
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AUGUST 24-30
Live in Harmony
With the Model
Prayer—Part 2
PAGE 27 ˙ SONGS: 22, 68
STUDY ARTICLES
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ˇ Christ—The Power of God

ˇ He Loved People
These articles about Jesus’ miracles teach us practical
lessons about generosity and helping others. They also
PANAMA discuss some of Jesus’ beautiful qualities. The articles give
COVER: Some Witnesses use us hope for the time in the near future when we will see
boats to go and preach to people amazing miracles happen all over the earth.
living on the islands of the Bocas del __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Toro Archipelago near the northwest

coast of Panama. They preach to ˇ We Can Remain Chaste
some of them in the Ngabere We live in an immoral world, so it can be difficult to be
language chaste and do what pleases Jehovah. This article shows us
‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ that we can fight wrong desires by drawing close to Jehovah,
by listening to the counsel from his Word, and by getting
POPULATION
help from mature Christians.
3,931,000 __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
PUBLISHERS ˇ Live in Harmony With the Model Prayer—Part 1

16,217 ˇ Live in Harmony With the Model Prayer—Part 2
REGULAR PIONEERS We do not repeat the words Jesus used in the model prayer
every time we pray, but we can learn important lessons from
2,534 it. These articles show how we can live in harmony with the
model prayer.
In Panama’s 309 congregations,
there are over 180 special pioneers.
About 1,100 publishers in 35 con-
gregations and 15 groups use the ALSO IN THIS ISSUE
Ngabere language. Nearly 600 pub- __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
lishers serve in 16 congregations

and 6 groups that use Panamanian 19 “You Need Endurance”
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34567 ˙
June 15, 2015
Christ
The Power of God
“Christ is the power of God.”
JEHOVAH showed his power through Jesus Christ in CAN YOU EXPLAIN?
amazing ways. When Jesus was on earth, he performed ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
miracles. We can read about some of them in the Bible, What qualities did Jesus show
and they can strengthen our faith. (Matthew 9:35; Luke when he performed his first
miracle?
9:11) Yes, Jehovah gave Jesus great power, so the
apostle Paul could say: “Christ is the power of God.”
(1 Corinthians 1:24) But how do Jesus’ miracles af- ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
fect us? Why did Jesus perform the

2 The apostle Peter said that Jesus performed “won- miracle recorded at Matthew
ders,” or miracles. (Acts 2:22) What do these miracles 14:14-21?
teach us? They teach us what Jesus will do during his
Thousand Year Rule. At that time, he will perform great- ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
er miracles that will benefit all humans on the earth. His What did Jesus show when
miracles also help us to understand a lot about both his he calmed a violent storm?
1. Why did Paul say that “Christ is the power of God”?

2. What can we learn from Jesus’ miracles?
3
and his Father’s qualities. In this ar- teaches us? That Jehovah and Jesus
ticle, we will discuss three of Jesus’ are not stingy but are very gener-
miracles, and we will learn how they ous. This miracle convinces us that
can affect us today and in the future. they care deeply about people’s feel-
ings. It also shows that Jehovah will
A MIRACLE THAT use his power to provide plenty of
TEACHES GENEROSITY
food in the new world, no matter
3 Jesus performed his first miracle where we live on earth.—Read Isaiah
at a wedding in the town of Cana. 25:6.
We do not know why, but there 5 Think of it! Soon Jehovah will
was not enough wine for all the give us everything we really need.
guests who came. This could have Each person will have a nice home
been very embarrassing for the new- and good food. We feel very grateful
ly married couple, because it was when we think about all the wonder-
their duty to be hospitable. Jesus’ ful things Jehovah will generously
mother, Mary, was one of the guests. give us in the Paradise earth.
Did she ask Jesus to help because 6 Jesus never used his power for
she believed that he had the pow- selfish reasons. Think about what
er to do so? After all, Mary must happened when the Devil tempted
have meditated on all the prophecies Jesus to turn stones into loaves of
about her son, and she knew that he
6. How did Jesus always use his power, and
would be called “Son of the Most how can we imitate him?
High.” (Luke 1:30-32; 2:52) What is
clear is that both Mary and Jesus
wanted to help the couple. So Jesus
miraculously turned about 380 li- We imitate Jesus when we are
generous with our time
ters (100 gallons) of water into “fine (See paragraph 6)
wine.” (Read John 2:3, 6-11.) Did Je-
sus have to perform this miracle? No.
He did it because he cared about
people, and he was imitating his Fa-
ther, who is generous.
4 Jesus miraculously provided a
lot of fine wine, enough for a large

group. Do you see what this miracle
3. (a) Why did Jesus perform his first miracle?
(b) How did Jesus show generosity in Cana?
4, 5. (a) What does Jesus’ first miracle teach
us? (b) What does the miracle at Cana teach us
about the future?
bread. Jesus refused to use his pow- 145:16) When Jesus was on earth, he
er to benefit himself. (Matthew 4: perfectly imitated his Father and of-
2-4) But Jesus was willing to use his ten cared for the needs of others. He
power to help others. How can we did not do this simply to show that
imitate his unselfish attitude? Jesus
said that we should “practice giv-
ing.” (Luke 6:38) We can do this by Jesus said
inviting others to our home for a
meal. We can also spend time after a
that we should
meeting helping someone, such as “practice giving”
listening to a brother practice his
talk. Or we may be able to give prac-
tical help and training to others in he was powerful. Jesus truly cared
the ministry. We imitate Jesus’ gen- about people. Let us discuss Mat-
erosity when we eagerly help others thew 14:14-21. (Read.) A crowd had
whenever we can. followed Jesus on foot from the cit-
ies. (Matthew 14:13) By the evening,
“ALL ATE AND WERE SATISFIED” the disciples were worried that the
7 Poverty is not a new problem. people had become weak and hun-
Jehovah told the Israelites that there gry. So they asked Jesus to send the
would “always be poor people in the crowd away to buy food for them-
land.” (Deuteronomy 15:11) Hun- selves. What would Jesus do?
dreds of years later, Jesus said: “You 9 With five loaves of bread and
always have the poor with you.” two fish, Jesus fed about 5,000 men,
(Matthew 26:11) Did Jesus mean that as well as women and children. Why
there would always be poor people did Jesus perform this miracle? Be-
on the earth? No, he meant that cause he truly loved people and
there would be poverty as long as we cared about them. And Jesus must
live in Satan’s world. How different it have provided a lot of food, because
will be when we live in the new the crowds “ate and were satisfied.”
world! At that time, there will be no The food they ate would give them
more poverty. All will have plenty to the strength they needed to make
eat, and all will be satisfied! the long journey back home. (Luke
8 The psalmist said of Jehovah:
9:10-17) And, after all were satisfied,
“You open your hand and satisfy the the disciples even filled 12 baskets
desire of every living thing.” (Psalm with the leftovers!
10 Because of greedy and corrupt
7. What will always be a problem in Satan’s
world? rulers, hundreds of millions of
8, 9. (a) Why did Jesus feed thousands of peo-
ple? (b) How do you feel about this miracle? 10. In the future, what will happen to poverty?
JUNE 15, 2015 5

people live in poverty. Even some of JEHOVAH AND JESUS CONTROL
our brothers do not have enough to THE FORCES OF NATURE
eat. But soon, people who obey Jeho- 12 When God created the earth
vah will live in a world with no cor- and everything on it, Jesus was
ruption or poverty. Jehovah is the al- “beside him as a master worker.”
mighty God, and he has the power (Proverbs 8:22, 30, 31; Colossians 1:
and the desire to make sure that 15-17) So Jesus completely under-
everyone’s needs are satisfied. He stands the earth’s environment. He
promises to bring an end to suffering knows how to use and control all the
very soon!—Read Psalm 72:16. elements of nature.
11 When Jesus was on earth, he 13 When Jesus was on earth, he
performed miracles in a small area showed that he had God’s pow-

for only three and a half years. (Mat- er by controlling the forces of na-
thew 15:24) But as King, Jesus will ture. Think, for example, of how Je-
help all mankind during his Thou- sus controlled a windstorm. (Read
sand Year Rule. (Psalm 72:8) Jesus’ Mark 4:37-39.) One Bible scholar
miracles assure us that he wants to explains that the Greek word for
“windstorm” in the book of Mark
is used to describe a violent storm
Jesus’ miracles or hurricane. It refers to a storm
assure us that he that comes with black clouds, strong
gusts of wind, thunder, and floods of
wants to use his rain. When it is over, everything is
a mess. The apostle Matthew de-
power for our good scribes this windstorm as “a great
storm.”—Matthew 8:24.
14 Imagine the situation: The
use his power for our good. We do
not have the power to perform mira- waves were hitting against the boat,
cles, but what can we do? We can use throwing water into it again and
our time and energy to tell others again. Despite the noise of the storm
about the wonderful future that the and the boat being tossed around,
Bible promises. That is our responsi- Jesus was asleep because he was
bility as Jehovah’s Witnesses. (Ro- exhausted. But the disciples were
mans 1:14, 15) When we meditate on afraid, so they woke Jesus up and
what Christ will soon do, we will be said: “We are about to perish!” (Mat-
eager to tell others about it.—Psalm thew 8:25) How did Jesus respond?
45:1; 49:3.
12. Why can we be sure that Jesus fully under-
11. Why are you sure that Christ will soon use stands earth’s environment?
his power over the entire earth, and as a result, 13, 14. Give an example of how Christ can
what do you want to do? control the forces of nature.
What impresses you about the way Jesus used his miraculous power?
He got up and told the wind and the at Exodus 14:21, we read: “Jehovah
sea: “Hush! Be quiet!” (Mark 4:39) drove the sea back with a strong east
The terrible storm ended, and “a wind.” And we read at Jonah 1:4: “Je-
great calm set in.” What an amazing hovah hurled a strong wind at the
example of Jesus’ power to control sea, and there was such a violent
the forces of nature! storm on the sea that the ship was
15 Christ’s power comes from Je- about to be wrecked.” It is very good
hovah, so we know that Almighty to know that in the new world, Jeho-
God can control the forces of nature. vah will always control the elements.
For example, before the Flood, Jeho- 16 It is comforting to know that Je-
vah said: “In just seven days, I will hovah and Jesus have the power to
make it rain on the earth for 40 days control the forces of nature. During
and 40 nights.” (Genesis 7:4) Also,
16. Why is it comforting to know that Jehovah
15. How has Jehovah proved that he can con- and Jesus have the power to control the forces
trol the forces of nature? of nature?
JUNE 15, 2015 7

the Thousand Year Rule of Christ, One widow whose home was dam-
everyone living on the earth will aged after a hurricane said: “I am so
be safe. No one will be injured or deeply grateful to be in Jehovah’s or-
killed by natural disasters such as ganization, not only for the physical
typhoons, tsunamis, volcanoes, or help but also for the spiritual help.”
earthquakes. We will not be terrified Another single sister felt hopeless
of any disasters because “the tent of when a storm damaged her home.
God” will be with mankind! (Revela- After the brothers helped her repair
tion 21:3, 4) We can be confident that it, she said: “It is indescribable! I am
Jehovah will give Jesus the power to unable to express totally how I feel.”
control the forces of nature during She added: “Thank you, Jehovah!”
his Thousand Year Rule. We are grateful that our brothers
and sisters truly care about the needs
IMITATE GOD AND CHRIST NOW of others. Even more than that, we
17 Of course, we cannot prevent are grateful that Jehovah and Jesus
natural disasters. Only Jehovah and Christ really care for us.
Jesus can do that. But there is some- 1 8 During his ministry, Jesus
thing that we can do. We can approved that he is “the power of God.”
ply Proverbs 3:27. (Read.) When our But he never used his power to im-
brothers suffer, we can help care for press others or to benefit himself. In-
their physical and emotional needs, stead, Jesus used his power to per-
and we can comfort them. (Prov- form miracles because he truly loved
erbs 17:17) For example, we may people. We will learn more about
help them after a natural disaster. that in the next article.
17. What is one way that we can imitate God 18. What impresses you about the reason why
and Christ now? Jesus performed miracles?
SOME “Christ is the power Thousand Year Rule

of God”: of Christ:
EXPRESSIONS Jehovah gave Jesus the After God’s war of Armaged-
EXPLAINED power to perform miracles. don, Jesus will rule from
For example, Jesus turned heaven for a thousand
water into wine, he fed years. During that time,
thousands of people at Jesus will use his power to
once, and he controlled perform great miracles that
the forces of nature will benefit all humans
on earth
He Loved People
“I was especially fond of the sons of men.”—PROVERBS 8:31.
GOD’S firstborn Son is the greatest example of Jehovah’s CAN YOU EXPLAIN?
incredible wisdom and was his Father’s “master worker.” ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Imagine how happy and satisfied Jesus was as his Father What proves that Jesus has
“prepared the heavens” and “established the foundations deep love for humans?
of the earth.” But of all the things his Father created, Je-
sus “was especially fond of the sons of men.” (Proverbs 8:
22-31) Yes, he loved humans from the very beginning.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
2 Later, Jesus proved his loyalty and love for his Father
How do Jesus’ miracles give
and his deep love for all people when he willingly left us confidence for the future?
heaven and came to earth as a human. Jesus lovingly did
this so that he could give his life as “a ransom in ex-
change for many.” (Matthew 20:28; Philippians 2:5-8)
While Jesus was on earth, God gave him the power to ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
perform miracles. These miracles reveal how much Jesus What miracle do you look
loves people and show what wonderful things he will do forward to seeing Jesus
for mankind very soon. perform?
3 While on earth, Jesus preached “the good news
1, 2. How has Jesus proved his deep love for mankind?

3. What will we consider in this article?
9
of the Kingdom of God.” (Luke 4:43) 46) But Jesus did not get angry. In-
He knew that this Kingdom would stead, he was concerned about the
sanctify his Father’s name and that man and wanted to help him. We do
it would solve mankind’s problems not know exactly what Jesus was
forever. As Jesus preached, he per- thinking, but we do know how he
formed many miracles. These mira- felt. He felt so bad for the man that
cles revealed his great concern for all he performed a miracle. He touched
people. Why is that important for us? the man, something that no one
Because what he did gives us hope else would do. With confidence and
and confidence for the future. So let compassion, Jesus said: “I want to!
us consider four of Jesus’ miracles. Be made clean.” Then “the lepro-
sy vanished from him.” (Luke 5:13)
“POWER WAS WITH HIM Clearly, Jehovah gave Jesus the pow-
TO DO HEALING”
er to perform this great miracle and
4 During his ministry, Jesus went to show how much he loved people.
to the area called Galilee. In one of —Luke 5:17.
the cities there, he met a man with a 6 With God’s power, Jesus was able
terrible disease, leprosy. (Mark 1:39, to perform many amazing miracles.
40) The man was so sick that Luke, He cured more than just lepers. Jesus
who was a doctor, described him as also healed people with many other
being “full of leprosy.” (Luke 5:12) kinds of diseases. The Bible tells us
The Bible says that when the sick that people were amazed when “they
man saw Jesus, he “fell facedown and saw the speechless speaking and the
begged him: ‘Lord, if you just want maimed being made sound and the
to, you can make me clean.’ ” The lame walking and the blind seeing.”
man knew that Jesus had the power (Matthew 15:31) When Jesus healed
to heal him, but he needed to know someone, he did not need a healthy
whether Jesus wanted to heal him. person to donate his or her organs.
Why? Because the man was used to No, Jesus had the power to heal sick
the Pharisees, who looked down on parts of the body. And he healed peo-
people with leprosy. But what was Je- ple instantly, sometimes even those
sus thinking? How would he treat who were far away from him. (John 4:
this man who was probably very de- 46-54) What do these amazing ex-
formed? What would you have done? amples show? That our King, Jesus
5 Apparently, the sick man did not Christ, has the power and the desire
shout “Unclean, unclean!” as the Mo- to remove all sickness forever. When
saic Law required. (Leviticus 13:43- we learn about how Jesus treated
people, it gives us confidence that in
4. What happened when Jesus met a man with
leprosy? 6. What is interesting about the miracles Jesus
5. Why did Jesus want to heal the leper? performed, and what do they show?
the new world, “he will have pity on
the lowly and the poor.” (Psalm 72: Jesus searched for those
13) Because he really wants to, Jesus
will heal all who are suffering. who needed help
“GET UP! PICK UP
YOUR MAT AND WALK” a cure, so why was he there? His love
7 A few months after healing the for people made him go there. And
leper, Jesus traveled from Galilee to this is where he met a man who had
Judea where he continued to preach been sick longer than Jesus had been
the good news about God’s King- living on earth.—Read John 5:5-9.
dom. There must have been thou- 10 Jesus asked the man if he want-
sands of people who heard Jesus’ ed to walk again. Imagine the man’s
message and who were touched by sadness when he told Jesus that he
his love for them. Jesus really want- wanted to be healed but could not,
ed to comfort the poor and the op- because there was no one to help him
pressed and to give these people get into the pool. Jesus then told the
hope.—Isaiah 61:1, 2; Luke 4:18-21. man to do the impossible. He told
8 In the month of Nisan, Jesus trav- him to pick up his mat and walk. So
eled to Jerusalem to celebrate the the man picked up his mat and be-
Passover. The city was busy as peo- gan to walk! This miracle is wonder-
ple arrived for the special festival. ful proof of what Jesus will do in
Just north of the temple was a pool the new world. It also shows Jesus’
known as Bethzatha, and there Jesus deep love for people. He searched for
met a man who was unable to walk. those who needed help. Jesus’ exam-
9 Crowds of sick people would go ple should encourage us to continue
to Bethzatha. Why? Because they looking for people in our territory
thought that a sick person could mi- who are depressed because of the ter-
raculously be cured if he went into rible things happening in this world.
the pool when the water was moving. “WHO TOUCHED
Imagine how much confusion there MY OUTER GARMENTS?”
must have been with so many desper- 11Read Mark 5:25-34. For 12 years,
ate, anxious, and hopeless people one woman had suffered from an em-
who wanted to be cured. Jesus was barrassing illness. Her sickness had
perfect and certainly did not need affected every part of her life, in-
7, 8. Describe what happened before Jesus
cluding her worship. She had visited
met a sick man at Bethzatha. many doctors and had spent all her
9, 10. (a) Why did people go to the pool of money trying to find a cure, but she
Bethzatha? (b) What did Jesus do at the pool,
and what does this teach us? (See opening pic- 11. How does Mark 5:25-34 show that Jesus
ture.) had love for sick people?
JUNE 15, 2015 11

only got worse. One day, the woman lems. We can be thankful that we
had a different plan to get well, so she have such a loving King and High
walked through a crowd of people Priest! (Hebrews 4:15) It may be dif-
and touched Jesus’ clothing. (Leviti- ficult for us to understand the feel-
cus 15:19, 25) When Jesus realized ings of someone who has been sick
that power had gone out of him, he for a long time, especially if we
asked who had touched him. “Fright- are not sick. But think of Jesus. He
ened and trembling,” the woman had compassion for sick people even
“fell down before him and told him though he had never been sick. May
the whole truth.” Jesus knew that Je- we do our best to imitate his loving
hovah had healed the woman, so he example.—1 Peter 3:8.
kindly said: “Daughter, your faith has
“JESUS GAVE WAY TO TEARS”
made you well. Go in peace, and be
healed from your grievous sickness.” 13 Jesus was deeply moved by the
12 It really warms our heart to see pain of others. For example, when his
how loving Jesus was with people, es- friend Lazarus died, Jesus “groaned”
pecially those who were sick. This is and “became troubled” as he saw the
very different from Satan, who tries pain of Lazarus’ family and friends.
to convince us that we are worth- (Read John 11:33-36.) Even though
less and that no one loves us. Jesus’ he knew that he would resurrect Laz-
miracles, however, proved that he arus, Jesus cried. He was not afraid to
truly cares about us and our prob- let others see his feelings. Jesus loved
Lazarus and his family so much that
12. (a) From what we have learned, how
would you describe Jesus? (b) What example 13. What does the resurrection of Lazarus re-
did Jesus set for us? veal about Jesus?
By his miracles, Jesus proved

that he truly cares about us
and our problems
he used God’s power to bring Laza- of their eyeglasses, canes, crutches,
rus back to life!—John 11:43, 44. wheelchairs, and hearing aids. Je-
14 The Bible describes Jesus as be- hovah knows that all who survive
ing exactly like his Father, Jeho- Armageddon will need to become
vah. (Hebrews 1:3) So Jesus’ mira- strong and healthy, because they will
cles prove that Jehovah also wants have plenty of work to do. They are
to remove sickness, pain, and death. the ones who will turn our beautiful
Soon, Jehovah and Jesus will bring planet, Earth, into a global paradise.
many more people back to life. Jesus —Psalm 115:16.
17 The “great crowd” today are en-
said that “the hour is coming in which
all those in the memorial tombs” will couraged when they read about how
be resurrected.—John 5:28, 29. Jesus healed the sick. (Revelation
15 Jesus used the expression “me- 7:9) Those miracles strengthen our
morial tombs,” which shows that wonderful hope of being completely
God’s memory is involved. Almighty healed in the future. They also show
God, the Creator of the entire uni- how much God’s firstborn Son loves
verse, can remember every detail of mankind. (John 10:11; 15:12, 13) Je-
our dead loved ones, including their sus’ great compassion is a demon-
personality. (Isaiah 40:26) Not only stration of Jehovah’s deep love for
can Jehovah remember them but he each one of his servants.—John 5:19.
18 The world today is full of pain,
wants to remember them. The res-
urrections mentioned in the Bible suffering, and death. (Romans 8:22)
are wonderful examples of what will That is why we need God’s new
happen in the new world. world. There, all humans will have
the perfect health that God has
WHAT WE LEARN promised. Malachi 4:2 gives us hope
FROM JESUS’ MIRACLES that we will “skip about like fattened
16 If we remain faithful, we may calves,” happy and excited because
have the opportunity to experience we have been healed and freed from
one of the greatest miracles ever, sur- imperfection. May our appreciation
viving the great tribulation! Soon af- for Jehovah and our faith in his prom-
ter Armageddon, we will see many ises motivate us to do whatever is
more miracles. At that time, every needed to be in the new world. How
human will gain perfect health. (Isa- encouraging it is to know that the
iah 33:24; 35:5, 6; Revelation 21:4) miracles Jesus performed were ex-
Imagine watching people getting rid amples of the permanent relief that
mankind will soon enjoy during his
14, 15. (a) What shows that Jehovah wants to rule!
remove mankind’s suffering? (b) What do we
learn from the expression “memorial tombs”? 17, 18. (a) Why did Jesus perform miracles?
16. What opportunity will many of God’s ser- (b) Why should you do whatever is needed to
vants have? be in God’s new world?
JUNE 15, 2015 13

We Can Remain Chaste
“Cleanse your hands, . . . and purify your hearts.”
—JAMES 4:8.
HOW DO THE WE LIVE in a very immoral world. For example, many

FOLLOWING VERSES people think that it is normal to be a homosexual or to
HELP US TO REMAIN have sex with someone they are not married to. Movies,
CHASTE? books, songs, and advertisements are full of sexual im-
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ morality. (Psalm 12:8) But Jehovah can help us to live in a
James 1:14, 15 way that pleases him. We can be chaste, or pure, in
a world that is very immoral.—Read 1 Thessalonians 4:
3-5.
2 To please Jehovah, we must reject everything that he
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
hates. But because we are imperfect, we may be attracted
James 4:8 to immorality, like fish attracted to bait. If we start having
immoral thoughts, we must immediately reject them. If
we do not, the immoral desire will become so strong that
when we have the opportunity to sin, we may do so. It is
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
just as the Bible says: “The desire, when it has become fer-
James 5:13-15
tile, gives birth to sin.”—Read James 1:14, 15.
1. What do many people think is normal?
2, 3. (a) Why must we reject wrong desires? (b) What will we discuss
in this article?
14
3 A wrong desire can grow inside ful desires in our heart that could
our heart. That is why we should be make us sin. (Psalm 139:23, 24) Keep
very careful about what we start to asking Jehovah to help you to reject
desire. If we reject wrong desires, we immorality and to do what is right
will avoid sexual immorality and its even when it is difficult.—Matthew
bad results. (Galatians 5:16) In this ar- 6:13.
ticle, we will discuss three things that 6 Before learning about Jehovah, we
will help us to fight wrong desires: our may have liked doing things that he
friendship with Jehovah, the counsel does not approve of, and we may still
from his Word, and the help from ma- be fighting these wrong desires. But
ture Christians. Jehovah can help us change and do
what pleases him. For example, after
“DRAW CLOSE TO GOD”
King David had sexual relations with
4 The Bible tells those who want
Bath-sheba, he repented and begged
to “draw close to God”: “Cleanse Jehovah to give him “a pure heart” and
your hands” and “purify your hearts.” to help him be obedient. (Psalm 51:10,
(James 4:8) When Jehovah is our best 12) So if we had strong immoral de-
Friend, we not only want our ac- sires in the past and are still fighting
tions to please him but we also want them, Jehovah can help us to have
our thoughts to please him. If our
an even stronger desire to obey him
thoughts are chaste and pure, then
and to do what is right. He can help
our heart will also be pure. (Psalm 24:
us to control our imperfect thoughts.
3, 4; 51:6; Philippians 4:8) Jehovah un-
—Psalm 119:133.
derstands that we are imperfect and
that we may start thinking about im- “BECOME DOERS OF THE WORD”
moral things. But because we do not 7 Jehovah can answer our prayers
want to sadden Jehovah, we do all we for help by means of his Word, the Bi-
can to reject wrong thoughts. (Gene- ble. In it, we find God’s wisdom,
sis 6:5, 6) We do everything we can to which is pure. (James 3:17) When we
keep our thoughts chaste. read the Bible daily, we fill our mind
5 Jehovah will help us fight immor-
with pure thoughts. (Psalm 19:7, 11;
al thoughts when we keep praying for 119:9, 11) Also in the Bible, there are
his help. He gives us his holy spirit so examples and warnings that help us
that we have the strength to remain to reject immoral thoughts and de-
chaste. In our prayers, we can tell Je- sires.
hovah that we want our thoughts to 8 At Proverbs 5:8, God’s Word
please him. (Psalm 19:14) We humbly
ask him to see if there are any harm- 7. How can God’s Word help us to reject im-
moral thoughts?
4. Why is it important for us to draw close to 8, 9. (a) Why did one young man have sexual
Jehovah? relations with an immoral woman? (b) What
5, 6. How can prayer help us fight immoral de- situations can the example in Proverbs chap-
sires? ter 7 help us avoid?
JUNE 15, 2015 15

If a wrong desire begins to grow in our heart, we must reject it immediately
(See paragraph 6)
warns us to stay away from immorali- not understand the danger. For exam-
ty. In Proverbs chapter 7, we read the ple, at night, some television chan-
story of a young man who went for a nels show immoral programs, so it
walk at night near the house of an im- could be dangerous to keep changing
moral woman. The woman was on the the channels just to see what is on TV.
street corner, “dressed like a prosti- It could also be dangerous to click
tute.” She walked up to him, grabbed on Internet links without knowing
him, kissed him, and said things that where they lead to, as well as to
created wrong desires in him. He did visit chat rooms or Web sites that
not reject those desires, and as a re- include immoral advertisements and
sult, he had sexual relations with her. links to pornography. In these situa-
Even though he did not plan to sin, he tions, what we look at can make us
did. Then he had to live with the ter- have immoral desires, and this can
rible results. If he had understood the lead us to disobey Jehovah.
10 The Bible also tells us how men
danger, he would have stayed far away
from her!—Proverbs 7:6-27. and women should treat one another.
9 Like that young man, we could
10. Why is flirting dangerous? (See opening
make poor decisions because we do picture.)
(Read 1 Timothy 5:2.) Christians give already committed adultery with her
romantic attention to only their mar- in his heart.” (Matthew 5:28) This is
riage mate or to someone they want what happened to King David. “From
to marry. They do not flirt. Some the rooftop he saw a woman bathing,”
may think that behaving in a roman- but he did not stop looking at her and
tic way with someone, such as with thinking about her. (2 Samuel 11:2)
their body movements, gestures, or Even though she was another man’s
glances, is harmless as long as they wife, he started to desire her and had
are not touching. But when two peo- sexual relations with her.
ple flirt with each other, they can start 13 If we want to reject immoral
having immoral thoughts, and this thoughts, we need to follow Job’s ex-
can lead to sexual immorality. It has ample. He said: “I have made a cove-
happened before, and it can happen nant with my eyes.” (Job 31:1, 7, 9)
again. Like Job, we can decide never to think
11 Joseph is a good example for us. in an immoral way about someone we
Potiphar’s wife tried to tempt Joseph look at. And if we see a sexual picture
to have sex with her. He rejected her, on a computer screen, an advertising
but she did not stop trying to tempt sign, a magazine, or anywhere else,
him. Every day she asked Joseph “to we will immediately look away.
14 When you think about what we
remain with her.” (Genesis 39:7, 8, 10)
One Bible scholar explained that Pot- have discussed, you may realize
iphar’s wife hoped that if they were that you need to do more to fight
alone, Joseph would desire her. Jo- against immoral desires. If you need
seph was determined never to re- to make changes, make them immedi-
spond to her flirting, and he did not ately! When you obey what Jehovah
flirt with her. Thus, he did not let says, you can avoid sexual immorality
wrong desires grow in his heart. And and remain chaste.—Read James 1:
when she grabbed Joseph’s garment 21-25.
and tried to force him to have sexual “CALL THE ELDERS”
relations with her, he immediately 15 If you find it hard to fight wrong
“left his garment in her hand and fled
desires, talk to someone in the con-
outside.”—Genesis 39:12.
gregation who has been serving Jeho-
12 Jesus warned that what we look
vah for a long time and who can give
at can affect our heart and create you good advice from God’s Word. It
wrong sexual desires. He said: “Every- may not be easy for you to talk about
one who keeps on looking at a wom-
an so as to have a passion for her has 13. Why do we need to make “a covenant”
with our eyes, and how do we do that?
11. What lesson do we learn from Joseph? 14. What must we do to remain chaste?
12. How do we know that what we look at can 15. If we are finding it hard to fight wrong de-
affect our heart? sires, why is it important to ask for help?
JUNE 15, 2015 17

your personal problems with others, is to seek help instead of trying to car-
but it is important to ask for help. ry our burdens alone.”
(Proverbs 18:1; Hebrews 3:12, 13) Ma- 17 If you have the habit of viewing
ture Christians can help you to realize pornography, you should ask for help
what changes you need to make. Then immediately. The longer you wait to
make those changes so that you can ask for help, the greater the danger
keep Jehovah as your Friend. that you will commit sexual immoral-
16 The elders in our congregation
ity. Then you will hurt others and may
are especially qualified to help us. cause people to speak badly about Je-
(Read James 5:13-15.) For many years, hovah. Many have asked the elders
a young man in Brazil found it hard to for help and have accepted their coun-
fight wrong desires. He says: “I knew sel in order to please Jehovah and re-
that my thoughts displeased Jehovah, main in the Christian congregation.
but I was too ashamed to share with —Psalm 141:5; Hebrews 12:5, 6; James
others what I was feeling.” An elder 1:15.
realized that the young man needed
help and encouraged him to let the el- BE DETERMINED
ders help him. The young man says: “I TO REMAIN CHASTE!
was surprised at how kind the el- 18 Satan’s world is getting more and
ders were to me, much kinder and more immoral. But Jehovah’s servants
more understanding than I felt I de- work hard to keep their thoughts
served. They listened carefully to my pure and to be chaste. Jehovah is
problems. They used the Bible to re- very proud of these Christians. Let
affirm Jehovah’s love for me, and they us stay close to Jehovah and follow the
prayed with me. That made it easier counsel we get from his Word and
for me to accept the Bible’s counsel the Christian congregation. When we
that they provided.” After strengthen- do this, we will be happy and have
ing his relationship with Jehovah, he a clean conscience. (Psalm 119:5, 6)
says: “I realize now how important it And in the future, after Satan is re-
16, 17. (a) How can the elders help those who
moved, we will live forever in God’s
find it hard to fight immoral desires? Give an clean new world.
example. (b) Why is it important for those who
view pornography to ask for help immediately? 18. What are you determined to do?
SOME To be chaste:
To reject unclean thoughts and
EXPRESSIONS not give in to wrong sexual desires
EXPLAINED
“You Need Endurance”
WHEN Anita became one of Jehovah’s Witnesses,
her husband was extremely upset.1 (See footnote.) He tried
to stop her from going to meetings and ordered her never
to say God’s name. Just hearing her say the name Jehovah
would make him very angry.
In addition, Anita’s husband did not want her to teach
their children about Jehovah or take them to meetings.
This was very difficult for her because she had to try to help
their children without him knowing about it.
As Anita’s experience shows, some- band died suddenly. They had been
one in your family might try to stop married for 30 years. Ana says: “He
you from serving Jehovah. Or you never returned home from work. He
might have another difficult situation. was only 52 years old.”
Perhaps you have been sick for a long Ana’s job kept her busy, but it did
time. Maybe your child, husband, or not take away her pain. What did she
wife has died. Or perhaps a family do? She says: “I poured out my heart to
member whom you love has left Jeho- Jehovah and begged him to help me.”
vah. In these situations, what can you She knows that Jehovah helped her
do to stay faithful to Jehovah? because after she would pray, she felt
The apostle Paul said: “You need en- peaceful and calm. And she says: “I
durance.” (Hebrews 10:36) So, what have no doubt that Jehovah will bring
can help you to endure? my husband back in the resurrection.”
PRAY TO JEHOVAH FOR HELP
—Philippians 4:6, 7.
Jehovah promises his servants that
When you are suffering, remember
he will hear their prayers. (Psalm 65:2)
that you need to rely on Jehovah to
And he will give them everything they
help you endure. Pray to him for help.
need to continue serving him. Jehovah
That is what Ana did when her hus-
will help you to be faithful to him even
1 Some names have been changed. in difficult situations.
JUNE 15, 2015 19

If we think about how others have endured, it can help us to endure
STAY CLOSE TO YOUR We need to make close friends in

BROTHERS AND SISTERS the congregation and encourage one
There is another way Jehovah helps another, especially during difficult
us to endure. He has given us our times. (Romans 14:19) The apostle
brothers and sisters in the congrega- Paul suffered because of persecution
tion. We can learn from the way the and other problems, but Jehovah gave
brothers in Thessalonica helped one him the strength to endure. For exam-
another when they were being cruel- ple, Jehovah provided brothers and
ly persecuted. During that time, they sisters to encourage Paul. The apostle
especially needed to keep encourag- said about his friends: “They have be-
ing one another. (1 Thessalonians 2: come a source of great comfort to me.”
14; 5:11) They helped their brothers (Colossians 4:10, 11) These brothers
and sisters to keep faithful to Jehovah loved Paul. So when he needed help,
by meeting together and being close they comforted and encouraged him.
friends. What can we do to stay faith- Perhaps you can think of times when
ful like those in Thessalonica? brothers and sisters in your congrega-
tion said or did something that en- was so young. And he worried about
couraged you. his wife and their son, who was only
three years old. He says: “My wife not
ASK THE ELDERS
only had to look after our young child
TO HELP YOU
but also had to care for me, as well as
Jehovah has also given you the el- help me with all my medical appoint-
ders in the congregation. These men ments.” Because of the medical treat-
can encourage you and give you good ments, he felt very tired and had stom-
advice from the Bible. They are “like a ach problems. And that was not all.
hiding place from the wind, a place of John found out that his father was dy-
concealment from the rainstorm, like ing and needed someone to take care
streams of water in a waterless land, of him.
like the shadow of a massive crag in a What helped John and his family
parched land.” (Isaiah 32:2) It com- during that difficult time? Even though
forts us to know that these brothers John often felt tired, he made sure that
are ready to help us. So when times his family kept focused on serving Je-
are difficult, go to the elders. They can hovah. He says: “We attended all the
help you to keep serving Jehovah. meetings, had a weekly share in the
Of course, the elders cannot solve ministry, and had regular family wor-
all of your problems. And they are im- ship even when it was difficult.” John
perfect like you. (Acts 14:15) But you learned how important it was to keep
can feel better when you go to an elder his relationship with Jehovah strong.
and he prays to Jehovah about your Although at first he was shocked and
problem. (James 5:14, 15) For example, worried, he soon felt much calmer. He
the elders encouraged a brother in Ita- knew that Jehovah loved him and gave
ly who has been suffering for many him the strength he needed. Jehovah
years with a serious health problem. In can help you in the same way when
fact, he said: “The brothers’ love and you are worried or afraid. John says:
affection along with their frequent vis- “Jehovah can make you strong, just as
its have helped me to endure.” If you he has me.”
are suffering, Jehovah wants you to ask When you are suffering, remem-
the elders to help you. ber Paul’s words: “You need endur-
ance.” Rely on Jehovah by praying to
FOCUS ON SERVING JEHOVAH him. Stay close to your brothers in the
When we focus on serving Jehovah, congregation, ask the elders for help,
we will see how Jehovah helps us. That and keep focused on your worship to
is what John did. When he was 39 Jehovah. He will help you with any
years old, he found out that he had a problem you might have now or with
rare cancer. He felt that it was unfair whatever difficulty might come in the
that he was so sick, especially since he future.
JUNE 15, 2015 21

Live in Harmony With
the Model Prayer
Part 1
“Let your name be sanctified.”—MATTHEW 6:9.
DO YOU REMEMBER? MANY people know the words of the prayer found at
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Matthew 6:9-13. When we preach, we use the words of
What do we learn from the this prayer to teach people that the Kingdom is a real
words “our Father”? government from God that will change the earth into a
paradise. We also use the words “let your name be sanc-
tified” to show that God has a name and that we must
treat it as holy.—Matthew 6:9, footnote.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
2 Did Jesus want us to repeat the words he used every
Why should we pray for God’s
name to be sanctified? time we pray, as many do? No. Jesus had said: “When
praying, do not say the same things over and over again.”
(Matthew 6:7) Another time, when he was teaching his
disciples how to pray, he repeated the prayer but did not
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
use exactly the same words. (Luke 11:1-4) So Jesus was
Is it enough to pray for God’s giving us a model prayer to teach us what kinds of things
will to be done on earth?
we need to pray for.
Explain.
1. When we are preaching, how might we use Jesus’ prayer found at
Matthew 6:9-13?
2. How do we know that Jesus did not want us to repeat the same
words every time we pray?
22
3 In this article and the next, we was away from home. Our daughters
will carefully study the model prayer. often say that they do not remem-
As we do this, ask yourself, ‘How can ber the exact words of those nightly
this prayer help me to say better prayers. However, they recall the at-
prayers?’ And more important, ‘Am I mosphere, the sacredness of commu-
living in harmony with the model nicating with our Father, Jehovah,
prayer?’ and the feeling of calm and securi-
ty. As soon as they were able to, I
“OUR FATHER IN THE HEAVENS” encouraged them to pray out loud
4 Jesus started the prayer by say- so that I could hear them express
ing, “Our Father.” This reminds us their thoughts and feelings to Jeho-
that Jehovah is a Father to all our vah. This was a wonderful opportuni-
brothers and sisters worldwide. (1 Pe- ty to get a glimpse into their hearts.
ter 2:17) Those who are chosen by Then I could gently coach them to
Jehovah to live in heaven have been include important elements of the
adopted as his sons, so he is their Fa- model prayer in order to give their
ther in a special way. (Romans 8: prayers a meaningful foundation.”
15-17) Those who will live forever 6 His daughters continued to draw
on earth can also call him “Father.” close to Jehovah even when they
Jehovah gives them life and loving- grew up. They are now married and
ly provides for their needs. They are serving Jehovah full-time with
will be called “children of God” af- their husbands. The best gift that
ter they have become perfect and parents can give their children is to
have remained loyal to Jehovah in the teach them that Jehovah is a real Per-
final test.—Romans 8:21; Revelation son and that they can be his close
20:7, 8. friend. But each child needs to keep
5 Parents give their children a gift this close friendship with Jehovah.
when they help them to understand —Psalm 5:11, 12; 91:14.
that Jehovah is their heavenly Fa- “LET YOUR NAME BE SANCTIFIED”
ther and when they teach them to 7 We have the honor of knowing
pray to him. A circuit overseer in God’s name and of being “a people
South Africa says: “From the day for his name.” (Acts 15:14; Isaiah 43:
our daughters were born, I would 10) We pray, “Let your name be sanc-
pray with them every night unless I tified,” that is, for it to be made holy.
3. What questions could you ask yourself as
We also ask Jehovah to help us not to
you study the model prayer? do or say anything that might dishon-
4. What do the words “our Father” remind us or him. We should not be like some in
of, and how is Jehovah our Father? the first century who did not do what
5, 6. What is the best gift parents can give to
their children, and what should each child do 7. What honor do we have, but what must
with this gift? (See opening picture.) we do?
JUNE 15, 2015 23

they taught others to do. Paul wrote “LET YOUR KINGDOM COME”
to them: “The name of God is being 11 Before Jesus returned to heaven,
blasphemed among the nations be- his disciples asked: “Lord, are you
cause of you.”—Romans 2:21-24. restoring the kingdom to Israel at
8 We do everything we can to hon-
this time?” Jesus answered that it
or Jehovah’s name. A sister in Nor- was not yet time for them to know
way who was left alone with a two- when God’s Kingdom would begin to
year-old son after her husband died rule. He told his disciples to focus on
says: “It was a very difficult time in the important preaching work. (Read
my life. I prayed every day, nearly Acts 1:6-8.) But he also taught them
every hour, for strength to keep my to pray for God’s Kingdom to come
emotional balance so that I would not and to look forward to that time. That
give Satan reason to taunt Jehovah is why we still pray for the Kingdom
because of any unwise decision or to come.
unfaithfulness on my part. I wanted 12 When the time was near for Je-
to sanctify Jehovah’s name, and I sus to start ruling in heaven, Jeho-
wanted my son to see his father again vah helped his people understand
in Paradise.”—Proverbs 27:11. in what year that would happen.
9 Did Jehovah answer her prayers?
In 1876, Charles Taze Russell wrote
Yes. By regularly being with the the article “Gentile Times: When Do
brothers and sisters, she was encour- They End?” He explained that the
aged. Five years later, she married an “seven times” in Daniel’s prophecy
elder. Her son, who is now 20 years are the same as “the appointed times
old, is a baptized brother. She says: “I of the nations” in Jesus’ prophecy.
am so happy that my husband helped The article explained that those times
me to raise him.” would end in 1914.1 (See footnote.)
10 Jehovah will sanctify his name —Daniel 4:16; Luke 21:24.
completely when he removes all 13 In 1914, war began in Europe
those who dishonor him and reject and very soon it spread to the whole
him as their Ruler. (Read Ezekiel 38: world. Because of the war, there were
22, 23.) At that time, humans will be- terrible famines. And by the end of
come perfect, and everyone in heav- the war, in 1918, a deadly flu killed
en and on earth will worship Jehovah more people around the world than
and honor his holy name. At last, our
1 To learn how we know that this prophecy was
loving Father will “be all things to fulfilled in 1914, see the book What Does the Bible
everyone.”—1 Corinthians 15:28. Really Teach? pages 215-218.
8, 9. Give an example of how Jehovah helps 11, 12. In 1876, what did Jehovah help his peo-
those who want to sanctify his name. ple to understand?
10. How will God sanctify his name com- 13. What happened in 1914, and what do
pletely? world events since 1914 prove?
Are you teaching your children to do God’s will?
(See paragraph 16)
the war itself. All these things were though Jesus is ruling in heaven, Sa-
part of “the sign” that Jesus gave. tan is still ruling the earth. But soon
The sign proved that Jesus became Jesus will “complete his conquest” by
King in heaven in 1914. (Matthew 24: removing all wickedness from the
3-8; Luke 21:10, 11) In that year, he earth. Until then, we keep praying
“went out conquering and to com- for God’s Kingdom to come, and we
plete his conquest.” (Revelation 6:2) keep busy preaching about that King-
Jesus threw Satan and his demons dom. Our work fulfills Jesus’ prophe-
out of heaven and down to the earth. cy: “This good news of the Kingdom
After that, the prophecy began to will be preached in all the inhabited
be fulfilled: “Woe for the earth and earth for a witness to all the nations,
for the sea, because the Devil has and then the end will come.”—Mat-
come down to you, having great an- thew 24:14.
ger, knowing that he has a short peri-
“LET YOUR WILL TAKE PLACE
od of time.”—Revelation 12:7-12.
14 That prophecy in Revelation
. . . ON EARTH”
chapter 12 helps us to understand
15About 6,000 years ago, God’s
why terrible things started to happen will was being done on earth. That
on earth about the time that Jesus be- is why Jehovah said that everything
came King of God’s Kingdom. Even “was very good.” (Genesis 1:31)
Then Satan rebelled, and since that
14. (a) Why do we still pray for God’s King-
dom to come? (b) What important work must 15, 16. Is it enough to pray for God’s will to be
we do now? done on earth? Explain.
JUNE 15, 2015 25

time, most people have not done praying for his will to be done. Then
God’s will. But today there are about the earth will be made into a para-
eight million people serving Jehovah. dise, and billions of people will be
They pray for God’s will to be done resurrected. Jesus said that “the hour
on earth, and they also do God’s will. is coming in which all those in the
They live in a way that pleases God memorial tombs will hear his voice
and zealously teach others about his and come out.” (John 5:28, 29) Imag-
Kingdom. ine how happy we will be when we
16 For example, an 80-year-old mis- welcome back our loved ones! God
sionary in Africa, who was baptized “will wipe out every tear” from our
in 1948, says: “I often pray that all eyes. (Revelation 21:4) Most of those
sheeplike people will be contacted who will be resurrected will be “the
and helped to come to know Jehovah unrighteous,” those who had never
before it is too late. Also, when I am learned the truth about Jehovah and
about to witness to someone, I ask Jesus. We will enjoy teaching them
for wisdom to reach the person’s about God’s will so that they can
heart. And regarding sheeplike ones have “everlasting life.”—Acts 24:15;
who have already been found, I pray John 17:3.
18 When God’s Kingdom comes, it
that Jehovah will bless our efforts to
care for them.” This elderly sister has will sanctify his name, and everyone
helped many to learn about Jehovah. in the universe will unitedly worship
Can you think of other older ones Jehovah. Yes, God will give mankind
who are zealously doing Jehovah’s the things they need the most when
will?—Read Philippians 2:17. he answers the first three requests of
17 Until Jehovah removes his ene- the model prayer. In the next article,
mies from the earth, we will keep we will discuss what other important
needs Jesus taught us to pray for.
17. How do you feel about what Jehovah will
do in the future for humans and for the earth? 18. What does mankind need the most?

Model prayer: To sanctify God’s name:
The prayer that Jesus used to teach us To do everything we can to honor
how to pray. He did not want us to repeat Jehovah’s name. We never want to do
the words of this prayer over and over, or say anything that might cause people
but he taught us what things we should to say bad things about him. Jehovah will
pray for sanctify his name completely when he
removes all those who dishonor him and
reject him as their Ruler
the Model Prayer
Part 2
“Your Father knows what you need.”—MATTHEW 6:8.
LANA, a regular pioneer, will never forget what hap- DO YOU REMEMBER?
pened when she was visiting Germany in 2012. She feels ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
that Jehovah answered two of her prayers. While she What does asking for “our
was on a train going to the airport, she asked Jehovah to bread for this day” include?
help her find someone to preach to. When she arrived at
the airport, she found out that her flight was delayed un-
til the next day. Lana asked Jehovah for help because she ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
What should we do so that

had used most of her money and she needed some-
Jehovah will “forgive us our
where to stay that night. debts”?
2 As soon as Lana finished her prayer, she heard
someone say, “Hello, Lana, what are you doing here?” It

was a young man whom she had gone to school with. He ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
was with his mother and grandmother, who were saying How does Jehovah answer us
good-bye to him because he was leaving for South Afri- when we ask, “Do not bring
ca. When Lana told them about her situation, the moth- us into temptation”?
er and grandmother invited Lana to stay at their house.
1-3. Why did one sister feel sure that Jehovah knew what she needed?
27
They asked many questions about ously concerned about where our
her beliefs and her work as a pioneer. next meal will come from, nor do we
3 The next morning after break- have to worry about who will pay the
fast, Lana answered more of their rent. Our brothers kindly look after
questions about the Bible. Lana us every day. But I do pray that those
asked them for their contact infor- helping us will manage to handle the
mation so that someone could con- economic pressures they face.”
tinue to answer their questions. Lana 6 We may have plenty of food, but
returned home safely, and she is still many of our brothers are poor. Also,
pioneering. She feels that Jehovah some have been affected by disasters.
heard her prayers, knew what she Not only can we pray for them but we
needed, and helped her.—Psalm 65:2. can do something to help them. For
example, we can share what we have
with them. We can also regularly
We do not need to worry contribute to the worldwide work of
about our future needs Jehovah’s people. We know that our
contributions help our brothers in
need.—1 John 3:17.
4When we suddenly have a prob- 7 After Jesus taught the model
lem, it is easy to pray for Jehovah’s prayer, he taught us not to focus on
help, and he is happy to hear our material things. He said that if Jeho-
prayers. (Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 15:8) vah takes care of wildflowers, “will
But Jesus’ model prayer teaches us he not much rather clothe you, you
that there are more important needs with little faith? So never be anxious
that we must pray for. In this article, and say, . . . ‘What are we to wear?’ ”
we will discuss how the last four re- Then, he repeated: “Never be anx-
quests of the model prayer can help ious about the next day.” (Matthew 6:
us to be loyal to Jehovah.—Read Mat- 30-34) We do not need to worry
thew 6:11-13.
about our future needs. Instead, we
“GIVE US TODAY should be content with our basic
OUR BREAD FOR THIS DAY” needs for each day. For example, we
5Jesus taught us to ask for “our can pray for a place to live, a job to
bread,” not just “my bread.” Victor, a take care of our family, and wisdom
circuit overseer in Africa, explains: “I to make good decisions about our
often sincerely thank Jehovah that health. But there is something even
my wife and I don’t have to be seri- more important that we need to pray
for.
4. What needs will we discuss?
5, 6. Why did Jesus teach us to ask for “our 7. How did Jesus teach that we should “never
bread” even if we have plenty of food? be anxious about the next day”?
8 Jesus’ words about our daily
bread remind us of something else
that he said: “Man must live, not on
Always thank Jehovah
bread alone, but on every word that for the precious gift
comes from Jehovah’s mouth.” (Mat-
thew 4:4) So we should pray that Je- of the ransom
hovah will keep teaching us and will
give us what we need to stay close to vah. We owe Jehovah our love and
him. obedience. So when we sin against
“FORGIVE US OUR DEBTS” God, we are not giving him what we
9 Jesus said: “Forgive us our debts.” owe him. The Watchtower said that if
On another occasion, he said: “For- he wanted to, Jehovah could break
give us our sins.” (Matthew 6:12; his friendship with us. It added: “Sin
Luke 11:4) He said this because our is unloving toward God.”—1 John 5:3.
10 How grateful we are that Jeho-
sins are like debts. In 1951, The
Watchtower explained that when we vah provided Jesus’ ransom sacri-
sin, it is as if we are in debt to Jeho- fice to forgive our sins! We need
Jehovah’s forgiveness every day.
8. What do Jesus’ words about our daily bread
remind us of? (See opening picture.) 10. Why can Jehovah forgive our sins, and how
9. Why are our sins like debts? should we feel about that?
If you want God to forgive you, you need to forgive others

(See paragraph 11)
JUNE 15, 2015 29

Jesus died for us almost 2,000 years God’s gift of the ransom, and we
ago, yet we benefit from the ransom would not receive its benefits. (Mat-
today. We should always thank thew 18:35) When we do not forgive
Jehovah for this precious gift. None others, Jehovah cannot forgive us.
of us could ever have paid the ran- (Read Matthew 6:14, 15.) Also, if
som that was needed to free us we want Jehovah to forgive us, we
from sin and death. (Read Psalm 49: must not keep doing anything that he
7-9; 1 Peter 1:18, 19.) The words hates.—1 John 3:4, 6.
in the model prayer “forgive us our
“DO NOT BRING US
sins” remind us that just as we need
INTO TEMPTATION”
the ransom, our brothers and sis-
ters do too. Jehovah wants us also to
12 The words of the model prayer
think of them and their relationship “do not bring us into temptation” re-
with him. This includes quickly for- mind us of what happened to Jesus
giving them when they sin against us. shortly after he was baptized. God’s
Usually these are only small mis- spirit led him into the wilderness “to
takes, but when we forgive our broth- be tempted by the Devil.” (Matthew
ers, we prove that we love them. 4:1; 6:13) Why did Jehovah allow this
We also prove that we are grateful to happen? Jehovah sent Jesus to
earth to settle an issue that arose
when Adam and Eve rejected Je-
We can be loyal hovah’s rule. Their rebellion raised
questions that needed time to be
to Jehovah even in answered. For example, was there
extremely difficult something wrong with the way Jeho-
vah created humans? Could a perfect
situations human stay loyal to Jehovah when
tempted by “the wicked one”? And
would it be better for humans if they
that Jehovah forgives us.—Colossians
ruled themselves? (Genesis 3:4, 5) In
3:13.
11 Because we are imperfect, some-
the future, when all these questions
have been answered to Jehovah’s sat-
times it may be difficult to forgive
isfaction, everyone in heaven and on
those who offend us. (Leviticus 19:18)
earth will know that Jehovah’s way of
If we start talking about what they
have done to us, others in the congre-
ruling is best.
13 Jehovah is holy, so he never
gation may get involved, and this
would affect the unity of the congre- tempts anyone with evil things. It is
gation. If we allow this to continue, it 12, 13. (a) What happened to Jesus after he
would show that we do not value was baptized? (b) Why should we not blame
others if we give in to temptation? (c) What did
11. Why is it important to forgive others? Jesus prove by remaining faithful until death?
Satan who is “the Tempter.” (Mat-
thew 4:3) Satan tries to tempt us in Jehovah is confident
many ways. But we have a choice.
Each one of us can decide whether to that we can stay
resist temptation or not. (Read James loyal to him, and he
1:13-15.) When tempted by Satan,
Jesus immediately rejected him by wants to help us
quoting God’s Word. Jesus was loyal
to God. However, Satan did not give
up. He waited “until another conve- So for now, Jehovah allows Satan to
tempt us. Jehovah does not “bring us
nient time” to tempt Jesus. (Luke 4:
into temptation.” Actually, he is con-
13) But no matter what Satan did, Je-
fident that we can stay loyal to him,
sus always obeyed God as his Ruler.
and he wants to help us. But he nev-
He proved that a perfect human can
er forces us to do what is right. He re-
be loyal to Jehovah even in extreme-
spects our free will. So he allows us
ly difficult situations. Yet, Satan tries
to decide for ourselves whether we
to tempt Jesus’ followers, including
will be loyal or not. To avoid giv-
you, to disobey Jehovah. ing in to temptation, we need to do
14 The questions raised about Jeho-
two things: stay close to Jehovah and
vah’s rule still need to be answered. keep praying for his help. How does
14. What do we need to do to resist tempta-
Jehovah answer our prayers to resist
tion? temptation?
Stay close to Jehovah and be

zealous in the ministry
(See paragraph 15)
15Jehovah gives us his powerful and we can too.—1 Corinthians 10:
holy spirit to help us fight against Sa- 12, 13.
tan’s temptations. Jehovah has also
“DELIVER US FROM
given us the Bible and the congrega-
THE WICKED ONE”
tion to warn us of dangers. For exam-
ple, he warns us not to use most
17 How can we show that we want
of our time, money, and energy on Jehovah to “deliver us from the wick-
things that we do not really need. Es- ed one”? We must be “no part of the
pen and Janne live in a wealthy coun- world” and must “not love either the
try in Europe. For many years, they world or the things in the world.”
were regular pioneers in a part of the (John 15:19; 1 John 2:15-17) What a
country where there was a need for relief it will be when Jehovah re-
moves Satan and destroys this wick-
publishers. When they had a baby,
ed world! But until then, we need to
they had to stop pioneering, and now
remember that Satan has “great an-
they have two children. Espen says:
ger, knowing that he has a short pe-
“We often pray to Jehovah that we
riod of time.” He will do everything
may not fall into temptation now that
he can to stop us from serving Jeho-
we are unable to spend as much time
vah. So we must keep praying that Je-
as we previously did in theocratic ac-
hovah will protect us from Satan.
tivities. We ask Jehovah to help us
—Revelation 12:12, 17.
maintain our spirituality and zeal for 18 Do you want to live in a world
the ministry.”
16 Another temptation that we
without Satan? Then keep praying
for God’s Kingdom to come, for
need to resist is looking at pornogra-
God’s name to be sanctified, and for
phy. If we give in to this temptation,
his will to be done on earth. Always
we cannot blame Satan. Why? Be-
rely on Jehovah to take care of you
cause Satan and his world cannot and to give you everything you need
force us to do anything that is wrong. to stay loyal to him. Yes, do every-
Some watch pornography because thing you can to live in harmony with
they do not reject wrong thoughts. the model prayer.
But many of our brothers and sis-
ters have resisted this temptation, 17. (a) How can we show that we want Jehovah
to “deliver us from the wicked one”? (b) What
15, 16. (a) What are some temptations that relief is near?
we need to resist? (b) Who is to blame if we give 18. If we want to survive the end of Satan’s
in to temptation? world, what must we do?
s
n p
ws15 06/15-E

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JULY 1 5, 2 0 1 5
34567
SIMPLIFIED EDITION
STUDY ARTICLES
___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________
AUGUST 31–SEPTEMBER 6 SEPTEMBER 7-13 SEPTEMBER 14-20 SEPTEMBER 21-27

Work to Enhance “Your Deliverance Maintain This Is Our
the Spiritual Is Getting Near”! Your Loyalty to Place of Worship
Paradise PAGE 9 God’s Kingdom PAGE 22
PAGE 3 PAGE 16
STUDY ARTICLES
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
ˇ Work to Enhance the Spiritual Paradise

Jehovah’s people enjoy a special environment of peace
in the earthly part of his organization. How can we show
that we are deeply grateful for being part of his arrange-
RUSSIA ment for true worship, and what can we personally do to
make this environment of peace stronger? This article will
COVER: A group takes a lunch
answer these questions.
break during field service while
working in the central part of _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
the huge Siberian territory ˇ “Your Deliverance Is Getting Near”!

‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐
This article will explain some of the exciting events that will
POPULATION happen in the future. We will also learn why we will be able
to trust in Jehovah completely during the great tribulation.
143,930,000 _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
PUBLISHERS
ˇ Maintain Your Loyalty to God’s Kingdom
171,268 Many people in Satan’s world are loyal to their country,
culture, or race. But we have promised to be loyal to
Jehovah. This article will discuss why we do not take sides
in the world’s conflicts and how we can train ourselves
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE to think the way Jehovah and Jesus do.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
27 Remembering My First Love ˇ This Is Our Place of Worship

Has Helped Me to Endure
Around the world, Jehovah’s people meet for worship
in Kingdom Halls and similar buildings. In this article,
we will discuss Bible principles that teach us to respect
these meeting places, contribute toward them, and take
care of them so that we give glory to Jehovah.
34567 ˙
July 15, 2015
This publication is not for sale. It is provided as part The Watchtower (ISSN 0043-1087) is published semi- Tract Society of Canada, PO Box 4100, Georgetown,
of a worldwide Bible educational work supported monthly by Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of ON L7G 4Y4. Periodicals Postage Paid at Brooklyn, NY,
by voluntary donations. Unless otherwise indicated, New York, Inc.; L. Weaver, Jr., President; G. F. Simonis, and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send
Scripture quotations are from the modern-language Secretary-Treasurer; 25 Columbia Heights, Brook- address changes to Watchtower, 1000 Red Mills Road,
New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures. lyn, NY 11201-2483, and by Watch Tower Bible and Wallkill, NY 12589-3299. 5 2015 Watch Tower Bible
and Tract Society of Pennsylvania. Printed in Canada.
Work to Enhance
the Spiritual Paradise
“I will glorify the place for my feet.”—ISAIAH 60:13.
JEHOVAH GOD said: “The heavens are my throne, and SONGS: 102, 75
the earth is my footstool.” (Isaiah 66:1) God was also
speaking about his “footstool” when he said: “I will glo- CAN YOU EXPLAIN?
rify the place for my feet.” (Isaiah 60:13) How does he ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
glorify his footstool, or make it beautiful? And what What do all of Jehovah’s true
does this mean for those living on his footstool, the worshippers want to do?
earth?
2 In the Hebrew Scriptures, the word “footstool” is ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
also used to describe the ancient temple in Israel. What is the “paradise”
that the apostle Paul saw
(1 Chronicles 28:2; Psalm 132:7) The temple was very in a vision?
beautiful to Jehovah because it was the center of true
worship. And it was used to glorify Jehovah on the
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
earth.
How can we make the
3 What is the center of true worship today? It is not a
spiritual paradise more
beautiful?
1, 2. What can the word “footstool” refer to in the Hebrew Scriptures?
3. What is the center of true worship today, and when did it begin to
exist?
3
Aaron, and Samuel fully supported
Jehovah’s people God’s arrangement for true worship in
the past. (Psalm 99:6, 7) Today, be-
must praise him fore the anointed on earth begin serv-
here and now ing as priests with Jesus in heaven,
they faithfully serve Jehovah in the
earthly part of the spiritual temple.
building like the temple. It is a spiritu- Millions of “other sheep” loyally assist
al temple, and it glorifies Jehovah them. (John 10:16) Both groups unit-
more than any building ever could. edly worship Jehovah. However, we
What is the spiritual temple? It is should ask ourselves a personal ques-
God’s arrangement that allows hu- tion, ‘Am I fully supporting Jehovah’s
mans to become his friends and to arrangement for true worship?’
worship him. This arrangement is only
IDENTIFYING THOSE
possible because of Jesus’ ransom. WHO SERVE AT GOD’S
This arrangement began in the year 29 SPIRITUAL TEMPLE
when Jesus was baptized and anoint- 6 Less than 100 years after the
ed as High Priest of Jehovah’s spiritu- Christian congregation was formed,
al temple.—Hebrews 9:11, 12. an apostasy developed as foretold.
4 We are very grateful for God’s ar-
(Acts 20:28-30; 2 Thessalonians 2:
rangement of true worship. We show 3, 4) After that time, it became more
our gratitude by telling others about and more difficult to identify God’s
Jehovah’s name and his wonderful gift true worshippers. Hundreds of years
of the ransom. We are excited that passed before Jehovah used Jesus to
there are more than eight million true identify who really were serving God
Christians praising Jehovah each day! at His spiritual temple.
While many religious people wrongly 7 By the year 1919, those approved
think that they will praise God in heav- by God and serving at his spiritual
en after they have died, Jehovah’s temple were clearly identified. They
people know how important it is to had made adjustments so that their
praise him here and now. worship would be even more accept-
5 When we praise Jehovah, we imi- able to Jehovah. (Isaiah 4:2, 3; Mala-
tate the example of faithful servants chi 3:1-4) So a vision the apostle Paul
of God described at Psalm 99:1-3, 5. saw hundreds of years earlier began to
(Read.) Faithful men such as Moses, be fulfilled.
4, 5. (a) What do Jehovah’s true worshippers 6, 7. What problem developed in the early
want to do according to Psalm 99? (b) What Christian congregation, and what happened by
question should we ask ourselves? the year 1919?
8 Paul’s vision is described at 2 Co- 1919, Jehovah has allowed imperfect
rinthians 12:1-4. (Read.) In that vi- humans to cultivate, strengthen, and
sion, Jehovah showed Paul something increase the spiritual paradise. Are
that would exist in the future. What is you helping to do this wonderful
the “paradise” that Paul saw? First, it work? Do you appreciate the privilege
can refer to the literal Paradise soon of working with Jehovah to bring glo-
to come on earth. (Luke 23:43) Sec- ry to him on the earth?
ond, it can refer to the perfect spiritu-
JEHOVAH IS MAKING HIS
al paradise in the new world. And ORGANIZATION MORE BEAUTIFUL
third, it can refer to the wonderful 12 The prophet Isaiah foretold that
conditions in heaven in “the paradise
many wonderful changes and adjust-
of God.”—Revelation 2:7.
9 Why, though, did Paul say that he
ments would happen in the earth-
ly part of God’s organization. (Read
had “heard words that cannot be spo-
Isaiah 60:17.) Young or new Chris-
ken and that are not lawful for a man
tians have only read or heard about
to say”? Because it was not the time
for him to explain in detail the won-
derful things that he had seen in the Spiritual paradise
vision. But today Jehovah does allow
us to tell others about the blessings describes the special
that his people enjoy right now! environment of
10 We often talk about the spiritual
paradise, but what is it? It is the spe- peace among true

cial environment of peace that God Christians today
gives to his people. So the spiritual
paradise and the spiritual temple are
not the same. The spiritual temple is these changes. But there are many
God’s arrangement for true worship. brothers and sisters who have had the
The spiritual paradise clearly identi- privilege of experiencing those won-
fies those who are approved by God derful adjustments! These faithful ser-
and who worship him at his spiritual vants are convinced that God is using
temple.—Malachi 3:18. our King, Jesus, to guide and direct
11 It is exciting to know that since His organization! When we listen to
the experiences of these dear Chris-
8, 9. What is the “paradise” that Paul saw in a tians, our faith and trust in Jehovah
vision?
will be strengthened.
10. Why are the spiritual paradise and the spir-
itual temple not the same? 12. How do we know that Isaiah 60:17 has been
11. What privilege do we have today? fulfilled? (See opening picture.)
JULY 15, 2015 5

Jehovah is giving people all over the world
the guidance they need in life
13All true Christians must tell others gregations had a congregation ser-
about Jehovah’s organization. It is a vant rather than a body of elders,
miracle that even though we live in Sa- when countries had a branch ser-
tan’s wicked world, we have a peaceful vant rather than a Branch Commit-
and united brotherhood! We must joy- tee, or when the president of the
fully tell “future generations” about Watch Tower Society gave direction
Jehovah’s organization and about rather than the Governing Body of
the spiritual paradise!—Read Psalm Jehovah’s Witnesses. Even though all
48:12-14.
these brothers had faithful assistants,
14 Many older ones in our congre-
one person was basically responsible
gations have experienced adjust-
for making decisions in the congrega-
ments that have made the earthly
tions, at the branch offices, and at
part of Jehovah’s organization more
world headquarters. After 1970, ad-
beautiful. They remember when con-
justments were made so that groups
13. According to Psalm 48:12-14, what must of elders had the responsibility for
we do?
14, 15. What adjustments were made after
making decisions rather than one in-
1970, and how has the organization benefited? dividual.
You can help the spiritual paradise to grow
15 Why have these adjustments ben- example, the jw.org website reaches
efited the organization? Because they many more people so that they can re-
were based on a better understanding ceive the help they really need. In all
of the Scriptures. Instead of having these adjustments, we see Jehovah’s
one person making all the decisions, deep interest in people and his love
the organization benefits from the for them.
good qualities of all the elders, or 17 We also appreciate the adjust-
“gifts in men,” provided by Jehovah. ment made to our meetings so that we

—Ephesians 4:8; Proverbs 24:6. can have time for family worship or
16 Think about some of the recent
for personal study. And we appreciate
adjustments made to our literature. the changes made to our assembly
We enjoy offering helpful and attrac- and convention programs. They seem
tive literature in our ministry. Think, to get better and better every year!
too, about how we use new technol- We are also thankful for the train-
ogy to preach the good news. For ing we receive from our many Bible
16, 17. What recent adjustments have im- schools. In all these adjustments, it is
pressed you, and why? clear that Jehovah is directing his
JULY 15, 2015 7

19 We also help to beautify the spir-
We are thankful itual paradise when we work hard
to improve our Christian personality.
for the training we This helps to make the spiritual para-
receive from our dise more attractive to others. Usual-
ly, it is not just our knowledge of the
many Bible schools Bible but our clean and peaceful con-
duct that first attracts people to the
organization and then to both Jeho-
organization and that he continues to
vah and Jesus.
make the spiritual paradise even more
20 Jehovah and Jesus must be very
beautiful!
pleased when they see our beautiful
HOW WE HELP MAKE THE SPIRITUAL spiritual paradise today. The joy we
PARADISE MORE BEAUTIFUL feel now from making it more beauti-
18 Jehovah has given us the honor of ful is just a small sample of the joy we
helping to make our spiritual paradise will feel later when we work to make
even more beautiful. But how do we the earth into a literal paradise. We
do that? By zealously preaching the should always remember Proverbs 14:
good news of the Kingdom and mak- 35, which says: “The king finds plea-
ing more disciples. Every time we help sure in a servant who acts with in-
a person to become a servant of God, sight.” Let us be wise as we work
we help the spiritual paradise to grow. hard to beautify the spiritual para-
—Isaiah 26:15; 54:2. dise!
18, 19. How can we help to make the spiritual 20. According to Proverbs 14:35, what should
paradise more beautiful? be our desire?

God’s “footstool”: Spiritual temple: Spiritual paradise:
This expression refers Jehovah’s arrangement The special environment
to the earth. It is also that makes it possible for of peace that Jehovah
used to describe the an- us to worship him in a way gives to his people
cient temple in Jerusalem that he accepts
“Your Deliverance
Is Getting Near”!
“Stand up straight and lift up your heads, because your
deliverance is getting near.”—LUKE 21:28.
IMAGINE that you were a Christian living in Jerusalem in SONGS: 133, 43

the year 66. A lot had been happening. A Roman official
named Florus had stolen 17 talents from the temple trea- HOW WOULD YOU
sury. The Jews immediately became angry. They killed ANSWER?
many Roman soldiers and declared independence from ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Rome. But Rome reacted quickly. Within three months, What events similar to those
of the year 66 will we soon
30,000 soldiers led by Cestius Gallus surrounded Jerusa-
experience?
lem. The Jewish rebels hid in the temple fortress, but Ro-
man soldiers eventually got to the outer wall of the tem-
ple and tried to break in. Everyone within the city began ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
What time of testing will there

to panic. How would you have felt at seeing all of this?
be after “Babylon the Great”
2 Years before, Jesus had warned his disciples about this
is destroyed?
event and instructed them: “When you see Jerusalem
surrounded by encamped armies, then know that the des- ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
olating of her has drawn near. Then let those in Judea What is the gathering work
referred to at Matthew 24:31?
1. What events occurred in the year 66? (See opening picture.)
2. What did Christians need to do when they saw Roman soldiers sur-
rounding their city, and how was this possible?
9
begin fleeing to the mountains, let pends on it. So let us discuss how these
those in the midst of her leave, and let events will affect us personally.
those in the countryside not enter into THE BEGINNING OF
her.” (Luke 21:20, 21) How would it be THE GREAT TRIBULATION
possible for them to obey Jesus’ in- 4 How will the great tribulation be-
structions to leave Jerusalem when
gin? With the destruction of all false re-
there were soldiers surrounding the ligion. In the Bible, false religion is
city? Something amazing happened. called “Babylon the Great, the mother
The Roman army suddenly left Jerusa- of the prostitutes.” (Revelation 17:5-7)
lem! As Jesus said, the attack was Why is false religion called a pros-
“cut short.” (Matthew 24:22) Once the titute? Because its clergy have been
army had left, it was now the opportu- unfaithful to God. Instead of loyal-
nity for faithful Christians to obey ly supporting Jesus and his Kingdom,
Jesus by immediately fleeing to the they have supported human govern-
mountains.1 (See footnote.) Later, in ments and ignored Bible teachings in
the year 70, a new Roman army re- order to have more influence. Their
turned to Jerusalem. This time, they worship is not like the clean worship
destroyed the city. But everyone who of the anointed. (2 Corinthians 11:2;
obeyed Jesus’ instructions was saved. James 1:27; Revelation 14:4) But who
3 Jesus’ warning and instructions will destroy Babylon the Great? Jeho-
also apply to our day. Very soon, we vah will cause “the ten horns” of the
will be in a similar situation. Jesus “scarlet-colored wild beast” to “carry
used the events in the first centu- out his thought.” The “scarlet-colored
ry to explain what will happen when wild beast” represents the United Na-
the “great tribulation” suddenly be- tions, and “the ten horns” represent all
gins. (Matthew 24:3, 21, 29) Just as the political powers that support it.
there were faithful Christians who sur- —Read Revelation 17:3, 16-18.
5 Will all members of false religion
vived the destruction of Jerusalem,
there will be a “great crowd” who will be killed when Babylon the Great is
survive the coming worldwide disas- destroyed? No. Jehovah inspired the
ter. (Read Revelation 7:9, 13, 14.) It prophet Zechariah to write about what
is very important that we understand will happen. At that time, someone
who was once part of false religion will
what the Bible tells us about these fu-
say: “ ‘I am no prophet. I am a man cul-
ture events. Why? Because our life de-
tivating the soil, because a man bought
1 See The Watchtower, April 15, 2012, pages 25-26.
4. How will the great tribulation begin?
3. What similar situation will Christians soon 5, 6. Why do we say that the destruction of
experience, and what will we discuss in this ar- Babylon the Great does not mean the death of
ticle? all its members?
me when I was young.’ And if someone
asks him, ‘What are these wounds be- It will be an
tween your shoulders?’ he will answer,
‘Wounds I received in the house of my opportunity to prove
friends.’ ” (Zechariah 13:4-6) So even our love for Jehovah
religious leaders will pretend that they
are not religious and will deny that they and to support
were ever part of those false religions. the anointed
6 What will happen to God’s people
during that time? Jesus explains: “In

fact, unless those days were cut short, short” in the first century, it was not
no flesh would be saved; but on ac- the time for all the Jews suddenly to
count of the chosen ones those days convert to Christianity. Rather, it was
will be cut short.” (Matthew 24:22) In the time for those who were already
the first century, the tribulation in Je- Christians to get out of Jerusalem as
rusalem was “cut short.” This allowed Jesus had instructed. In a similar way
“the chosen ones,” the anointed Chris- in the future, when the attack against
tians, to flee. In a similar way, the first Babylon the Great is “cut short,” we
part of the great tribulation will be “cut cannot expect that many people will
short” because of “the chosen ones.” suddenly convert to true Christianity.
The political powers, “the ten horns,” Instead, it will be an opportunity for all
will not be allowed to destroy God’s true worshippers to prove their love for
people. Instead, there will be a short Jehovah and to support the anointed.
time of calm once the initial attack is —Matthew 25:34-40.
over. 8 We do not know exactly what will
A TIME OF TESTING AND JUDGMENT happen during that time of test. How-
7 What will happen after the destruc- ever, we do expect that life will not be
tion of false religion? It will be a time easy and that we will need to make sac-
to show what is really in our heart. rifices. In the first century, Christians
At that time, most humans will try had to leave their homes and endure
to get protection and help from hu- difficulties in order to survive. (Mark
man organizations, “the rocks of the 13:15-18) We should ask ourselves: ‘Am
mountains.” (Revelation 6:15-17) But I ready to give up material things? Am
Jehovah’s people will look to him for I willing to do whatever is necessary to
protection. When the attack was “cut remain loyal to Jehovah?’ Just think!
At that time, we will be the only ones
7, 8. What opportunity will there be after the worshipping our God no matter what
destruction of false religion, and how will God’s
people be different from everyone else at that happens, as did the prophet Daniel.
time? —Daniel 6:10, 11.
JULY 15, 2015 11

9 The great tribulation will not be the walls, bars, or gates.” It will be to
time to preach the “good news of the take much spoil and plunder, to at-
Kingdom.” The time to preach that tack the devastated places that are
message will have passed. The time for now inhabited and a people regathered
“the end” will have come! (Matthew 24: from the nations, who are accumulat-
14) God’s people will boldly declare a ing wealth and property, those who are
strong message of judgment that will living in the center of the earth.’ ”
affect all people. The message may be (Ezekiel 38:10-12) God’s people will
that Satan’s wicked world is about to stand out as different from everyone
be totally destroyed. The Bible com- else, as if they “are living in the center
pares this message to hailstones when of the earth.” The nations will no lon-
it says: “Great hailstones, each about ger be able to hold themselves back.
the weight of a talent, fell from heaven They will be eager to attack Jehovah’s
on the people, and the people blas- anointed ones and those who support
phemed God because of the plague them.
of hail, for the plague was unusually 11 What will happen next? The Bible
great.”—Revelation 16:21. does not tell us the exact order of

events, but some events will probably
happen at the same time. In his proph-
The time for “the end” ecy about the conclusion of this system
will have come! of things, Jesus said: “There will be
signs in the sun and moon and stars,
and on the earth anguish of nations not
10 Our enemies will hear this strong knowing the way out because of the
message. Jehovah inspired the proph- roaring of the sea and its agitation.
et Ezekiel to explain how a group People will become faint out of fear
of nations, called in the Bible Gog and expectation of the things com-
of Magog, will react: “This is what ing upon the inhabited earth, for the
the Sovereign Lord Jehovah says: ‘In powers of the heavens will be shak-
that day thoughts will come into your en. And then they will see the Son of
heart, and you will devise an evil man coming in a cloud with power
plan. You will say: “I will invade the and great glory.” (Luke 21:25-27; read
land of unprotected settlements. I will Mark 13:24-26.) Will the fulfillment of
come against those living in securi- this prophecy include frightening signs
ty, without disturbance, all of them and events in the sky? We must wait to
living in settlements unprotected by
11. (a) What do we need to remember about
9, 10. (a) What message will God’s people de- the order of events during the great tribulation?
clare during the great tribulation? (b) How will (b) How will people react when they see the
the enemies of God’s people react? signs?
We can be confident because we know that we will be saved!
find out. However, we do know that rates the sheep from the goats. And he
when God’s enemies see the signs, they will put the sheep on his right hand, but
will be terrified and they will panic. the goats on his left.” (Matthew 25:31-
12 What will happen when Jesus 33) What will happen to the sheep and
comes “with power and great glo- the goats? They will be judged. The
ry”? He will reward those who are goats, or the unfaithful ones, “will de-
faithful and will punish those who are part into everlasting cutting-off.” But
not. (Matthew 24:46, 47, 50, 51; 25:19, the sheep, or the faithful ones, will re-
28-30) Jesus used an illustration to ceive everlasting life.—Matthew 25:46.
explain this in more detail. He said: 13 How will the goats react when they
“When the Son of man comes in his realize that they will be destroyed?
glory, and all the angels with him, then They “will beat themselves in grief.”
he will sit down on his glorious throne. (Matthew 24:30) But how will the
All the nations will be gathered before anointed and those who support them
him, and he will separate people one react? They will do what Jesus said: “As
from another, just as a shepherd sepa- these things start to occur, stand up
straight and lift up your heads, be-
12, 13. (a) What will happen when Jesus
comes “with power and great glory”? (b) How cause your deliverance is getting near.”
will God’s servants react at that time? —Luke 21:28.
JULY 15, 2015 13

SHINING BRIGHTLY IN THE KINGDOM appear in heaven” and, Jesus will come
14 What will happen after Gog of Ma- “on the clouds of heaven.” (Matthew
gog starts to attack God’s people? The 24:30) The Bible also says that “flesh
Bible says that the Son of man “will and blood cannot inherit God’s King-
send out the angels and will gather his dom.” So those who will be taken to
chosen ones together from the four heaven will first need to be “changed,
winds, from earth’s extremity to heav- in a moment, in the blink of an eye,
en’s extremity.” (Mark 13:27; Matthew during the last trumpet.”1 (See foot-
24:31) This gathering work does not re- note.) (Read 1 Corinthians 15:50-
fer to the time when anointed Chris- 53.) We do not use the word “rapture”
tians are first chosen. And it does not here to describe this event because of
refer to the final sealing of the anoint- its connection to Christendom’s false
ed still on earth. (Matthew 13:37, 38) teaching. However, the faithful anoint-
That sealing happens just before the ed still on earth will be gathered to-
start of the great tribulation. (Revela- gether instantly.
16 Once all the 144,000 anointed are
tion 7:1-4) So, what is this gathering
work? It is the time when the anointed in heaven, the final preparations for
still on earth will receive their reward the marriage of the Lamb can be-
and go to heaven. (1 Thessalonians 4: gin. (Revelation 19:9) But something
15-17; Revelation 14:1) This event will else must happen before that excit-
happen at some point after Gog of Ma- ing event. Remember that Gog will at-
gog begins to attack. (Ezekiel 38:11) tack God’s people while the remain-
Then, just as Jesus said, “the righteous ing anointed ones are still on earth.
ones will shine as brightly as the sun in (Ezekiel 38:16) How will God’s people
the Kingdom of their Father.”—Mat- react? They will obey the following in-
thew 13:43.1 (See footnote.) structions: “You will not need to fight
15 Does this mean that there will be a this battle. Take your position, stand
“rapture” of the anointed? Many peo- still, and see the salvation of Jehovah
ple in Christendom believe that Chris- in your behalf. . . . Do not be afraid
tians will be taken to heaven in a hu- or be terrified.” (2 Chronicles 20:17)
man body. They also think that they Sometime after the attack of Gog be-
will see Jesus visibly return to rule the gins, all the remaining anointed ones
earth. However, the Bible clearly shows on earth will be taken to heaven. Then
that Jesus’ return is invisible when it Revelation 17:14 tells us about the re-
says: “The sign of the Son of man will 1 The physical bodies of the anointed alive at that time
will not be taken to heaven. (1 Corinthians 15:48, 49)
1 See The Watchtower, July 15, 2013, pages 13-14. Their bodies will likely be disposed of in the same way
that Jesus’ body was removed.
14, 15. What gathering work will occur after
the start of the attack by Gog of Magog, and 16, 17. What must happen before the marriage
how will this happen? of the Lamb?
action in heaven to Gog’s attack. The enjoy God’s favor and experience his
enemies of God’s people “will battle great love and generosity. We eagerly
with the Lamb, but because he is Lord look forward to that time. What a mar-
of lords and King of kings, the Lamb riage feast that will be!—Read 2 Peter
will conquer them. Also, those with 3:13.
him who are called and chosen and 18 With these exciting events soon to
faithful will do so.” Thus, Jesus, to- come, what should each of us be doing
gether with his 144,000 anointed kings now? Jehovah inspired the apostle Pe-
in heaven, will rescue God’s people ter to write: “Since all these things are
here on earth. to be dissolved in this way, consider
17 That rescue will result in the battle what sort of people you ought to be in
of Armageddon, which will bring glo- holy acts of conduct and deeds of god-
ry to Jehovah’s holy name. (Revela- ly devotion, as you await and keep
tion 16:16) All those who are judged close in mind the presence of the day of
as goats, or as unfaithful, will be de- Jehovah . . . Therefore, beloved ones,
stroyed. There will be no more wicked- since you are awaiting these things,
ness on earth, and the “great crowd” do your utmost to be found finally
will survive Armageddon. Finally, the by him spotless and unblemished and
exciting end to the book of Revelation in peace.” (2 Peter 3:11, 12, 14) Let
us, then, be determined to keep our
can take place, the marriage of the
worship pure, with no connection to
Lamb! (Revelation 21:1-4)1 (See foot-
false religion, and support the King of
note.) All who survive on the earth will
Peace, Jesus Christ.
1 Psalm 45 also gives some details of the order of
events. First the King fights the war, and then the mar- 18. With the foretold exciting events soon to
riage takes place. come, what should we be determined to do?
SOME Marriage of the Lamb: Gog of Magog:

Both the Lamb and the A group of nations that will
EXPRESSIONS Bridegroom refer to Jesus unite to attack God’s people
EXPLAINED Christ. The bride refers to during the great tribulation
the entire group of anointed
Christians when they are in
heaven. The marriage refers
to the uniting of Jesus with
all the resurrected anointed
ones so that they can work
together. The marriage takes
place in heaven after God’s
war of Armageddon
Maintain Your Loyalty
to God’s Kingdom
“They are no part of the world.”—JOHN 17:16.
SONGS: 63, 129 SERVANTS of Jehovah are neutral and do not get in-
volved in the issues that divide people, such as nationali-
CAN YOU ANSWER? ty, race, or culture. Why? Because we love Jehovah, we
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ are loyal to him, and we obey him. (1 John 5:3) No mat-
Why did Jesus not view any ter where we live or where we are from, we follow God’s
group of people as superior standards. Loyalty to Jehovah and to his Kingdom is
to another group?
more important than anything else. (Matthew 6:33) This
is why we can say that we are “no part of the world.”
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
—Read John 17:11, 15, 16; Isaiah 2:4.
Although we do not take 2 Many people in the world today are loyal to their coun-
sides with any human gov-
ernment or ruler, whose side try, tribe, or culture, or even to their sports team. Sadly,
do we take, and why? this has resulted in many of them competing with one an-
other, hating one another, and at times killing those who
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
are loyal to the opposing side. Even though we do not take
How can you train yourself
part in these conflicts, they can affect us and our family,
to be loyal to Jehovah and and we may suffer terrible injustice. It could be very
to his Kingdom?
1, 2. (a) What is the connection between being loyal to Jehovah
and not taking sides in this world’s conflicts? (See opening picture.)
(b) What are many people loyal to, but what is the result?
16
easy to take sides if governments make ‘What would Jesus have done?’ When
unfair decisions, because God made Jesus was on earth, there were con-
us with the ability to know whether flicts and disagreements between peo-
things are fair or not. (Genesis 1:27; ple from Judea, Galilee, and Samar-
Deuteronomy 32:4) How do you feel ia. Think of some examples. The Jews
when something unfair happens? Are and the Samaritans did not speak to
you able to stay neutral, or do you take one another. (John 4:9) The Pharisees
sides? and the Sadducees disagreed on many
3 Many people take sides when there things. (Acts 23:6-9) Jews who had
are conflicts because governments
convince them that this is what good
citizens should do. But we follow Je- True Christians do not
sus. So we do not get involved in poli- think that one part of
tics, and we do not go to war. (Matthew
26:52) True Christians do not think Satan’s world is better
that one part of Satan’s world is better than another
than another. (2 Corinthians 2:11) We
want nothing to do with the conflicts of
this world.—Read John 15:18, 19. studied the Law thought that they were
4 Because we are imperfect, some of better than those who had not. (John
us might still have negative feelings 7:49) And many hated the tax collec-
about people who are different from tors and the Romans. (Matthew 9:11)
us. (Jeremiah 17:9; Ephesians 4:22-24) But Jesus did not take part in these
In this article, we will learn principles conflicts. Although he always defended
that will help us to fight against and the truth about Jehovah and knew that
overcome those feelings that divide Israel was God’s special nation, he nev-
people. We will also discuss how we can er taught his disciples that they were
be loyal to the Kingdom by training better than others. (John 4:22) In-
ourselves to think the way Jehovah stead, he taught them to love all peo-
and Jesus do. ple.—Luke 10:27.
6 Why did Jesus not view any group
WHY WE DO NOT SUPPORT
ANY PART OF THE WORLD of people as superior? Because of how
5 When you find it hard to stay neu- he and his Father feel about people. Je-
tral and not take sides, ask yourself, hovah created humans so that they
would fill the earth with a variety of
3, 4. (a) Why do we not take sides when there races. (Genesis 1:27, 28) So Jehovah
are conflicts? (b) What will we discuss in this ar-
ticle? and Jesus do not think that one race,
5, 6. When Jesus was on earth, how did he nationality, or language is better than
view the different groups of people, and why? another. (Acts 10:34, 35; Revelation 7:
JULY 15, 2015 17

9, 13, 14) We must follow their perfect justice. We also follow Jehovah’s direc-
example.—Matthew 5:43-48. tion in the congregation, instead of
7 Why do we not support any human each person doing what he thinks is
ruler or government? Because we take best. That is why the congregation is
Jehovah’s side. He is our Ruler. In united.
Eden, Satan said that Jehovah was not 9 In the first century, some Christians
the best ruler for humans. Satan want- in Corinth were arguing with one an-
ed humans to believe that his way of other and saying: “ ‘I belong to Paul,’
doing things was better than God’s. ‘But I to Apollos,’ ‘But I to Cephas,’
‘But I to Christ.’ ” When Paul found
out about this, he was shocked. This
Jehovah and Jesus do not was a very serious problem, because
the peace of the congregation was in
think that one race, danger. So he asked his brothers and
nationality, or language sisters: “Is the Christ divided?” Paul
counseled them: “I urge you, brothers,
is better than another through the name of our Lord Jesus
Christ, that you should all speak in
Jehovah lets us decide for ourselves agreement and that there should be no
whose side we want to be on. But what divisions among you, but that you may
about you? Do you obey Jehovah be- be completely united in the same mind
cause you believe that his way of doing and in the same line of thought.” The
things is better than your way? Are same is true today. There should not
you convinced that only his Kingdom be any divisions in the congregation.
can solve our problems? Or do you —1 Corinthians 1:10-13; read Romans
think that people can rule themselves 16:17, 18.
10 Paul reminded anointed Christians
successfully without God?—Genesis 3:
4, 5. that they are citizens of heaven and
8 For example, if someone asks you that they should not focus on “earth-
what you think about a certain political ly things.” (Philippians 3:17-20)1 (See
party, activist group, or other simi- footnote.) The anointed are ambassa-
lar organization, how will you answer? dors who represent God and Christ.
Some of these groups may be sincere 1 Some in the congregation in Philippi may have had a
and want to help people. But we realize form of Roman citizenship and, for this reason, had
more rights than their brothers who were not Roman cit-
that only Jehovah’s Kingdom can solve izens.
mankind’s problems and remove all in-
9. What problem did some Christians in the first
7, 8. (a) Whose side do we take, and why? century have, and what did they need to do?
(b) What must we remember about the solution 10. Paul reminded Christians of what, and what
to mankind’s problems? do we learn from that?
When an ambassador is in a foreign tween various ethnic groups in the area
country, he does not get involved in its where she lived, Mirjeta started to have
problems and politics. In a similar way, negative feelings about Serbians again.
it would not be right for the anointed She did not even want to preach to
to get involved in the problems and them. She knew this was wrong, so she
politics of the world. (2 Corinthians 5: begged Jehovah to help her stop feel-
20) Those who hope to live forever on ing this way. She also asked him to help
earth are also loyal to the Kingdom and her start pioneering. Mirjeta says: “I
do not take sides in this world’s con- have found that focusing on the minis-
flicts. try is the best help ever. In the minis-
try, I try to imitate Jehovah’s loving
TRAIN YOURSELF TO BE LOYAL
TO JEHOVAH’S KINGDOM
personality, and I have seen my nega-
tive feelings melt away.”
11 In most parts of the world, people 13 Zoila is a sister from Mexico who
feel a special connection with those
moved to Europe. In her congregation,
who have the same history, culture,
there are brothers and sisters from an-
and language as they do. They are often
other part of Latin America. Zoila says
very proud of the place they come
that some of them made fun of the
from. But we must not let these atti-
country she was from, its customs, and
tudes affect us. Instead, we have to
its music. She was upset, so she prayed
change the way we think and we need
to Jehovah to help her not to feel of-
to train our conscience so that we re-
fended. How would we have reacted
main neutral in all circumstances. How
if we were in her situation? Some of
can we do this?
our brothers and sisters are still strug-
12 For example, Mirjeta1 (see foot-
gling to control their emotions when
note) was born in the country that they hear negative comments about
used to be called Yugoslavia. In the the place they are from. So we would
area where she grew up, people hated never want to say or do anything that
Serbians. When she learned about Je- makes one group of people seem better
hovah, she realized that he does not fa- than another. We do not want to cause
vor one ethnic group over another and divisions in the congregation or any-
that Satan wants people to hate one an- where else.—Romans 14:19; 2 Corinthi-
other. So she tried hard to change the ans 6:3.
way she felt. But when a war started be- 14 We all know that servants of
1 Some names have been changed.

13. (a) What happened to Zoila, and how did
11, 12. (a) What attitudes should we avoid if she react? (b) What can we learn from Zoila’s
we want to remain loyal to God’s Kingdom? experience?
(b) How did one sister feel about some people, 14. What can help you to think about people
and what helped her to change? the way Jehovah does?
JULY 15, 2015 19

personal study or family worship. Then
Ask Jehovah to help you ask Jehovah to help you feel the same
way he does about people.—Read Ro-
feel the same way mans 12:2.
he does about people 15 We want to serve Jehovah with a
good conscience, so at times we will

stand out as very different from our
Jehovah are united as one people, so workmates, classmates, neighbors, or
we must never feel that one place or relatives. (1 Peter 2:19) Jesus warned
country is superior to another. But us that others will even hate us because
your family and those you grew up we are different. Remember that most
around might have influenced you to of those who oppose us do not know
love the place where you come from. about God’s Kingdom. So they do not
So perhaps at times you still think neg- understand why it is so important for
atively about people of other nations, us to be loyal to the Kingdom instead of
cultures, languages, or races. What can to human governments.
help you change? Meditate on how 16 To be loyal to Jehovah, we must
Jehovah feels about people who are obey him no matter what other people
proud of their country or who think
15, 16. (a) How will some react because we
they are better than others. Do more are different? (b) How can parents help their
research on this subject during your children to remain loyal to Jehovah?
To be loyal to Jehovah, we must obey him no matter what other people might do to us
might do or say to us. (Daniel 3:16-18)
Young people especially may find it dif- Jehovah wants all kinds
ficult to be different from others. Par-
ents, help your children to be coura- of people to live forever
geous at school. Your children might be
afraid to refuse to salute the flag or to
refuse to participate in other national-
18Jehovah wants all kinds of people
istic celebrations. During family wor- to learn about him, to worship him,
ship, you can study how Jehovah feels and to live forever. (John 3:16; 1 Tim-
about these things. Teach them how othy 2:3, 4) So when our brothers have
to explain what they believe clearly ideas that are different from ours, we
and respectfully. (Romans 1:16) Also, if are willing to listen to them, as long as
necessary, help your children by speak- their ideas are acceptable to Jehovah.
ing to their teachers and explaining to If we do, our life is interesting and en-
them what we believe. joyable and we remain united with our
brothers and sisters. As we have dis-
ENJOY ALL OF cussed, because we are loyal to Jeho-
JEHOVAH’S CREATION vah and his Kingdom, we do not take
17 We usually enjoy the food, lan- sides in the world’s conflicts. We hate
guage, scenery, and customs of the the pride and competition in Satan’s
place we grew up in. But do we feel that world. How thankful we are that Jeho-
what we like is always better than what vah has taught us to love peace and be
other people like? Jehovah wants us to humble! We feel like the psalmist who
enjoy the variety of things he has creat- said: “Look! How good and how pleas-
ed. (Psalm 104:24; Revelation 4:11) So ant it is for brothers to dwell together
why insist that one way of doing things in unity!”—Psalm 133:1.
is better than another?
18. Why is it good for us to think of others the
17. What thinking should we avoid, and why? way Jehovah does?
SOME We are neutral when we do not take sides in the conflicts

and issues of the world because we have already taken
EXPRESSIONS Jehovah’s side. We are loyal to his Kingdom, so we do not
EXPLAINED feel that one country, culture, language, or race is better
than another
This Is Our
Place of Worship
“The zeal for your house will consume me.”—JOHN 2:17.
SONGS: 127, 118 GOD’S servants, in the past and today, have had places
where they worship God. For example, when Abel offered
HOW WOULD YOU sacrifices to Jehovah, he may have built an altar. (Genesis
ANSWER? 4:3, 4) Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Moses all made
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
altars. (Genesis 8:20; 12:7; 26:25; 35:1; Exodus 17:15) Je-
How can we show respect hovah told the Israelites to build a tabernacle. (Exodus
for our meetings? 25:8) Later, he instructed them to build a temple. (1 Kings
8:27, 29) After God’s people returned from exile in Bab-
ylon, they regularly met in synagogues. (Mark 6:2; John
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
18:20; Acts 15:21) And the first Christians met in homes.
In what ways do Jehovah’s (Acts 12:12; 1 Corinthians 16:19) Today, Jehovah’s people
people help in the building
all around the world meet in tens of thousands of Kingdom
of Kingdom Halls?
Halls, where they learn about Jehovah and worship him.
2 Jesus had deep respect for Jehovah’s temple in Jerusa-
lem. Jesus’ love for the temple reminded his disciples of

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
the words of the psalmist: “Zeal for your house has con-
Why is it important to keep
the Kingdom Hall clean and sumed me.” (Psalm 69:9; John 2:17) A Kingdom Hall is not
in good condition? “the house of Jehovah” in the same way the temple in Je-
1, 2. (a) In the past, where did Jehovah’s servants worship him?
(b) How did Jesus feel about Jehovah’s temple in Jerusalem? (c) What
will we discuss in this article?
22
rusalem was. (2 Chronicles 5:13; 33:4) show how much we respect Jehovah.
But we should have deep respect for our We want our conduct to bring praise to
places of worship. In this article, we will Jehovah’s name, which usually appears
discuss Bible principles that teach us on the Kingdom Hall sign.—Compare
how we should behave when we are at 1 Kings 8:17.
our Kingdom Halls, how we should take 6 When we show respect for our King-
care of them, and how we can help pay dom Halls, other people notice this. For
for them.1—See footnote. example, a man in Turkey said: “The
WE SHOW RESPECT cleanliness and orderliness that I ob-
FOR OUR MEETINGS served at the Kingdom Hall impressed
me. The people there were well-dressed,
3 A Kingdom Hall is the main place
had smiles on their faces, and greeted
where people can meet to worship Je-
me warmly. This impressed me greatly.”
hovah. Meetings are a gift from God,
The man started coming to all the meet-
and they help us to strengthen our rela-
ings and soon got baptized. In one
tionship with him. At our meetings, his
city in Indonesia, the brothers invited
organization gives us the encourage-
their neighbors, the mayor, and oth-
ment and direction that we need. It is
er officials to see their new Kingdom
an honor to be invited by Jehovah and
Hall. The mayor was impressed with the
his Son to eat at “the table of Jehovah”
good quality of the building, its design,
every week. (1 Corinthians 10:21) We
and its beautiful garden. He said: “The
must never forget how special this invi-
cleanliness of this hall reflects your true
tation is.
faith.”
4 Jehovah clearly tells us that he
7 Jehovah is the one inviting us to the
wants us to be at the meetings to wor-
meetings, and he cares about the way
ship him and to encourage one another.
we look and behave there. So we avoid
(Read Hebrews 10:24, 25.) Because
extremes. On the one hand, we are not
we respect Jehovah, we will not miss
too strict and formal, and on the other
meetings unless it is truly necessary. We
hand, we are not too relaxed and casu-
show that we are grateful for our meet-
al. It is true that Jehovah wants us and
ings when we prepare for them and
the people we invite to the Kingdom
look forward to participating in them.
Hall to feel comfortable there. But we
—Psalm 22:22.
do not want to show disrespect for the
5 How we behave at the meetings and
meetings in any way. That is why we do
how we care for our Kingdom Halls not wear clothes that are untidy or too
1 This article refers to Kingdom Halls. But what we will
discuss also applies to Assembly Halls and other places 6. What have people said about our Kingdom
that are used for worshipping Jehovah. Halls and those who are at the meetings? (See
opening picture.)
3-5. What is a Kingdom Hall, and how should 7, 8. How do we show that we respect Jehovah
we feel about our meetings? when we are at the Kingdom Hall?
JULY 15, 2015 23

casual, and we are careful not to text, beautiful Kingdom Halls worldwide, or
talk, or eat and drink during the meet- about 5 Kingdom Halls every day.
ings. And parents should teach their 10 Jehovah’s organization assigns vol-
children not to run or play in the King- unteers and uses contributions to help
dom Hall.—Ecclesiastes 3:1. build Kingdom Halls wherever there is a
8 When Jesus saw people selling
need. We follow the Bible principle that
things in God’s temple, he got angry those who have more can help those
and threw them out. (John 2:13-17) In who do not have enough. (Read 2 Co-
our Kingdom Halls, we worship Jeho- rinthians 8:13-15.) What have been
vah and learn about him. So it would the results? Many Kingdom Halls have
not be right to take care of business ac- been built for congregations that could
tivities while we are there.—Compare not afford to pay for them.
Nehemiah 13:7, 8. 11 Brothers from one congregation in
WE HELP TO BUILD KINGDOM HALLS Costa Rica wrote: “When we stand in

Jehovah’s people around the world
9 front of the Kingdom Hall, we feel that
work hard to build Kingdom Halls. Un- we must be dreaming! We cannot be-
paid volunteers design, build, and reno- lieve it. Our beautiful hall was finished
vate them. As a result, during the last 15 down to the last detail in only eight
years, we have built more than 28,000 days! It was made possible by Jehovah’s
blessing, the arrangements made by his
9, 10. (a) How do Jehovah’s people build King- organization, and the support of our
dom Halls, and what have been the results?
(b) How does Jehovah’s organization help con- dear brothers. This place of worship is
gregations that cannot afford to build their own indeed a precious gift, a gem that Jeho-
Kingdom Hall?
vah has given us. We feel extremely joy-
ful about it.” It truly makes us hap-
py to hear our brothers and sisters
The way we behave could show disrespect for God thank Jehovah for what he has done for
(See paragraphs 7, 8) them. And we are delighted that broth-
ers all over the world can have their
own Kingdom Hall. It is clear that Jeho-
vah is blessing the work of building
Kingdom Halls, because as soon as they
are built, many more people start at-
tending meetings to learn about Jeho-
vah.—Psalm 127:1.
12 How can you help build Kingdom
11. What do some brothers say about their new

Kingdom Hall, and how does this make you feel?
12. How can you help build Kingdom Halls?
We must keep our
Kingdom Hall clean
and in good condition
Halls? Perhaps you can volunteer to 14When we keep our Kingdom Hall
help in that work. And all of us can con- clean and tidy, we are proud to invite
tribute money to pay for building King- people to our meetings. And people will
dom Halls. When we do all we can to see that we truly put into practice what
support this work, we feel the joy of giv- we preach about a clean new world.
ing and, more important, we praise Je- They will see that we worship a holy and
hovah. We follow the example of God’s clean God who will make this earth into
people in Bible times who were eager a beautiful paradise.—Isaiah 6:1-3; Rev-
to contribute to the building of their elation 11:18.
places of worship.—Exodus 25:2; 2 Co- 15 People have different opinions
rinthians 9:7. about cleaning. Why? It could be

WE KEEP OUR KINGDOM HALL CLEAN because of the way they have been
brought up. Also, some live in a dusty
13 Jehovah is a clean and holy God.
place or in a place where the roads
He is a God of order. That is why we
are dirty and muddy. Others do not
must keep our Kingdom Hall clean and
have enough water or cleaning prod-
tidy. (Read 1 Corinthians 14:33, 40.)
ucts. But wherever we live and no mat-
And to be clean and holy like Jeho-
ter how people in our area feel about
vah, we not only keep our worship, our
cleaning, we should keep our Kingdom
thinking, and our actions clean, but we
Hall clean and tidy. It is the place where
also keep our bodies clean.—Revelation
19:8. 15, 16. (a) Why is it not always easy to keep
the Kingdom Hall clean? Why must we keep it
13, 14. What do we learn in the Bible that clean? (b) How is the cleaning of your Kingdom
shows we must keep our Kingdom Hall clean Hall organized, and what honor does each of us
and tidy? have?
JULY 15, 2015 25

we worship Jehovah.—Deuteronomy ticed that people in their countries are
23:14. not used to keeping buildings or equip-
16 If we want our Kingdom Hall to be ment in good condition. It may be that
as clean as possible, we need to be orga- few people in these countries know how
nized. The elders make a schedule for to do the work. Or they may not have
the congregation and make sure that enough money to pay for repairs. But if
there are always enough cleaning prod- we do not repair our Kingdom Hall
ucts and equipment available. The el- when necessary, it will begin to look
ders also organize the work so that untidy and people will notice this. It
it gets done. Some things need to be would not give them a good witness. In-
cleaned after every meeting, but others stead, when we all do what we can
not as often. All of us have the honor of to take care of our Kingdom Hall, we
sharing in the cleaning of our Kingdom praise Jehovah and we do not waste the
Hall. money that our brothers have contrib-
uted.
WE TAKE CARE OF OUR KINGDOM HALL 19 A Kingdom Hall is a building dedi-
17 We also keep our Kingdom Hall in cated to Jehovah. It does not belong to
good condition by doing any necessary any person or congregation. As we dis-
repairs. Jehovah’s servants in the past cussed in this article, Bible principles
did the same. For example, during the will help us to have the right attitude to-
reign of King Jehoash of Judah, people ward the place where we worship God.
contributed money to the temple. The Because we respect Jehovah, we show
king commanded the priests to use this respect for our meetings as well as for
money to repair the temple wherever the Kingdom Hall. We are happy to con-
any damage was found. (2 Kings 12:4, 5) tribute money to the building of King-
Over 200 years later, King Josiah also dom Halls, and we work hard to take
used temple contributions to pay for re- care of them and keep them clean. Like
pairs.—Read 2 Chronicles 34:9-11. Jesus, we show our zeal and respect for
18 Some Branch Committees have no- the place where we worship Jehovah.
—John 2:17.
17, 18. (a) What can we learn from the way Je-
hovah’s people in the past cared for the temple? 19. What will you do to show your respect for
(b) Why must we take care of our Kingdom Hall? the place where you worship Jehovah?
SOME We respect our Kingdom Halls and our meetings because

it is Jehovah who invites us to be there. The Kingdom Hall
EXPRESSIONS is the main place where we meet to worship him. So when
EXPLAINED we are there, we want everything we say and do to praise
Jehovah and to encourage others to worship him
LIFE STORY
Remembering
My First Love
Has Helped Me
to Endure
AS TOLD BY
ANTHONY MORRIS III
IN June 1970, I lay in a hospital bed in Pennsyl- country and I loved to work, so I wanted to help
vania, United States. I was a 20-year-old soldier my fellow countrymen right away. The injured
suffering from a serious infection. A male nurse soldiers were prepared for surgery and then
was taking my blood pressure every half hour. quickly sent to small air-conditioned metal con-
The nurse, who was a few years older than I was, tainers that were used as operating rooms. A
looked worried. As my blood pressure continued surgeon, an anesthetist, and two nurses did their
to drop, I said, “You’ve never seen anybody die best to save lives. I noticed large black bags that
before, have you?” His face became pale, and he were not unloaded from the helicopters. I was
answered, “No, I haven’t.” It looked as if I was told that those bags contained the body parts of
not going to survive, but I did. Let me tell you soldiers who had been blown apart in battle.
some of my life story. That was one of my first experiences of war.
MY FIRST EXPERIENCES OF WAR MY SEARCH FOR GOD
I became sick while working as a technician in I first heard the truth from Jehovah’s Witness-
an operating room during the war in Vietnam. I es when I was young. My mother studied the
enjoyed helping the sick and injured and had the Bible with the Witnesses, but she never got
goal of becoming a surgeon. I arrived in Vietnam baptized. Still, I really enjoyed attending those
in July 1969. Like all new soldiers, I was allowed studies. One day, my stepfather and I passed by
one week to adjust to the time difference and the a Kingdom Hall. I asked him, “What is that?” He
heat. answered, “Don’t ever go near those people!”
I was assigned to work in an army hospital in Because I loved and trusted my stepfather, I
the Mekong Delta. Many helicopters brought obeyed and no longer met with Jehovah’s Wit-
wounded soldiers to the hospital. I loved my nesses.
JULY 15, 2015 27

However, when I returned from Vietnam, I
had many painful memories. Because of the My love for Jehovah has
things I experienced during the war, I could not
feel any emotions. It seemed that no one really helped me to endure
understood what was happening in Vietnam. I painful memories from
remember hearing protesters call U.S. soldiers the war and many other
baby killers because of reports that innocent
children were being murdered. All these things problems
made me feel that I needed a relationship with
God.
In my search for God, I began to visit different this?” I said yes, and we decided to meet for my
churches. I always loved God, but I did not like first Bible study on Thursday morning.
what I saw in those churches. Eventually, I went After the meeting on Sunday, I had to go to
to a Kingdom Hall in Delray Beach, Florida. My work. I had a job at a hospital in Boca Ra-
first meeting was on a Sunday in February 1971. ton, Florida, and was scheduled to work from
When I walked into the Kingdom Hall, the 11 o’clock at night to 7 o’clock in the morning.
public talk was ending, so I stayed for the Watch- There were not many patients that night, so I
tower Study. I do not remember the subject of was able to read the Truth book. A nurse grabbed
the article, but I do remember watching the chil- the book from me, looked at the cover, and de-
dren finding the scriptures in their Bibles. I was manded to know whether I was going to become
so impressed! I just listened and watched. As I one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. I grabbed the book
was leaving, a brother who was about 80 years back and told her that even though I had only
old came over to me. His name was Jim Gardner. read part of the book, I was definitely thinking
He handed me the book The Truth That Leads to of becoming a Witness. She left me alone, and I
Eternal Life and asked, “Would you please accept finished reading the book that night.
I began my first Bible study with Broth-
er Gardner by asking, “So, what are we going to
study?” He answered, “The book that I gave
you.” I said, “I’ve already read it.” Brother Gard-
ner kindly said, “Well, let’s just consider this first
chapter.” I was amazed at how many details I had
missed. He asked me to look up many scriptures
I first heard
the good news
in my King James Version of the Bible. I was final-
when I was ly learning about the true God, Jehovah. Jim
young studied three chapters of the Truth book with me
that morning. After that, we studied three chap-
ters every Thursday morning. I enjoyed those
studies very much. It was a privilege for me to be
taught by that anointed brother who had known
Charles T. Russell!
After a few weeks of studying, I was approved
to preach the good news. Preaching from house
to house was not easy for me, but Jim helped me
to overcome my anxieties. (Acts 20:20) Because
of his help, I learned to love the ministry. I feel
that the ministry is the greatest privilege I have.
I am so happy that I can be God’s fellow worker!
—1 Corinthians 3:9.
MY FIRST LOVE FOR JEHOVAH
Now let me tell you about something very spe-
cial to me, my first love for Jehovah. (Revelation
2:4) That love for Jehovah has helped me to en-
dure painful memories from the war and many
other problems.—Isaiah 65:17.
In 1971, I was told to leave the apartment
where my parents had allowed me to live. Why?
My stepfather did not want one of Jehovah’s My Bible teacher was Jim Gardner, an anointed
Witnesses living there! I did not have a lot of brother who had known Charles Taze Russell
money at that time. The hospital only paid me
every two weeks, and I had just spent most of my
money on clothes for the ministry because I
wanted to represent Jehovah well. I had some
money saved in a bank, but it was in my home-
town in Michigan. So I needed to live in my car
for a few days. I washed and shaved in gas-
station restrooms.
One day while I was still living in my car, I fin-
ished work at the hospital and went to the King-
dom Hall a few hours before the meeting for field
service. As I sat behind the Kingdom Hall where
no one could see me, memories of Vietnam re-
turned to me. It seemed that I could smell the
burned human flesh and see all the blood, and I
began to feel anxious. It was as if I could hear
and see the young men begging me: “Am I going
to make it? Am I going to make it?” I knew they
I was baptized in July 1971

during the “Divine Name” District
Assembly at Yankee Stadium
JULY 15, 2015 29

found out that I was living in my car, he intro-
Whenever I have duced me to a sister who rented rooms in her
home. I am sure that Jehovah used Jim and the
problems in life, sister to provide a good home for me. Jehovah
I do my best is so kind! He takes care of his faithful worship-
to remember my pers.
first love for Jehovah LEARNING TO BE BOTH ZEALOUS

AND TACTFUL
In May 1971, I needed to go to Michigan. So
before I left Florida, I filled the trunk of my car
would die, but I tried to comfort them and pre-
with a lot of literature, and then I traveled north.
tended that everything would be fine. As I sat
Before I left the next state, Georgia, I had
there, I was overwhelmed with emotion.
placed all the literature. I zealously preached the
I prayed to Jehovah as I cried and cried.
good news of the Kingdom everywhere I went. I
(Psalm 56:8) I began to think seriously about the
preached in prisons and even gave tracts to men
resurrection. It was then that I realized how
in the restrooms of the rest areas. I still wonder
wonderful this hope is! Jehovah will bring those
young men back to life, and they will have the if any of the people I spoke to ever learned the
chance to learn the truth about him. The resur- truth.—1 Corinthians 3:6, 7.
rection will undo all the pain and suffering we I must admit that when I first learned the
have experienced. (Acts 24:15) When I under- truth, I was not always tactful, especially when I
stood that, my love for Jehovah became stron- talked to my family. Sometimes I was too direct.
ger than ever before. That day is still special to I love my brothers, John and Ron, very much,
me. Since then, whenever I have problems in life, and when I preached to them, I tried to force
I do my best to remember my first love for Jeho- them to accept my new beliefs. Later, I had to
vah. apologize. But I continue to pray that they will
accept the truth. Since then, Jehovah has helped
JEHOVAH HAS BEEN GOOD TO ME me to become more tactful when I preach and
People do terrible things during war, and so teach.—Colossians 4:6.
did I. But I have been comforted by meditating
on two of my favorite scriptures. The first one is OTHERS WHOM I LOVE
Revelation 12:10, 11, which says that the Devil is My relationship with Jehovah will always be
conquered not only through our preaching but first in my life. However, there are others whom
also by the blood of Jesus. The second is Gala- I love very much, especially my precious wife,
tians 2:20, which reminds me that Jesus died for Susan. I always wanted a wife who would help me
me. Thanks to Christ’s sacrifice, Jehovah has to continue serving Jehovah. Susan is a deter-
forgiven me for what I have done. So now I have mined woman who loves Jehovah very much.
a clean conscience and a strong desire to tell One day while we were dating, I visited her at
others about our merciful God, Jehovah!—He- her parents’ home in Rhode Island. There she
brews 9:14. was, sitting on the porch, reading The Watch-
When I think about what I have experienced in tower along with her Bible. What impressed me
life, it is clear to me that Jehovah has always tak- was that she looked up all the scriptures, even
en good care of me. For example, the day Jim though she was not reading a study article. I
With my wife, Susan,
and our sons, Paul and Jesse
We enjoyed preaching could see that her relationship with Jehovah was
in seldom-worked territory as a family very important to her. We got married in Decem-
ber 1971. I am so thankful to have such a sup-
portive wife. What I appreciate most is that al-
though she loves me, she loves Jehovah even
more.
Jehovah has given us two wonderful sons,
Jesse and Paul. As they grew up, Jehovah guid-
ed them. (1 Samuel 3:19) They have their own
personal relationship with him, and this makes
us very happy. They have each served Jehovah
full-time for more than 20 years. And they con-
tinue to serve him because they too have re-
membered their first love for him. I am also
Conducting a meeting for field service proud of my two beautiful daughters-in-law, Ste-
while in the traveling work phanie and Racquel, whom I view as my own
daughters. I am so grateful that my sons have
married women who love Jehovah with all their
heart and who use their lives to serve him.
—Ephesians 6:6.
I served for 16 years in Rhode Island, where I
made many friends. I still remember the excel-
lent elders with whom I served. I am also thank-
ful for the many traveling overseers who helped
me. It has been a privilege to serve Jehovah
along with men who have kept their first love for
Jehovah. In 1987, we moved to North Carolina
JULY 15, 2015 31

where the need was greater, and there we also responsibility, the work, and the travel involved.
made many good friends.1—See footnote. She has never liked traveling by airplane; how-
In August 2002, Susan and I accepted the invi- ever, we travel by plane a lot. The loving advice
tation to become members of the United States from other wives of members of the Governing
Bethel family in Patterson. I worked in the Ser- Body has been a great help to her. It makes her
vice Department, and Susan worked in the laun- more determined to support me, and I love her
dry, which she loved! In August 2005, I received for that!
the privilege of becoming a member of the Gov- In my office I have many wonderful pictures
erning Body. I did not feel qualified for this new that remind me of what a great life I have
assignment. Susan was also overwhelmed by the enjoyed. I have received many blessings for do-
1 More information about Brother Morris’ full-time service
ing my best to remember my first love for
can be found on page 26 of The Watchtower of March 15, 2006. Jehovah!
Spending time with my family gives me great joy
s
n Free downloads of this
p You can also read the Visit www.jw.org,
ws15 07/15-E
o
magazine and other New World Translation or scan code
150306
AUGUST 1 5, 2 0 1 5
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Meditate Keep in Prepare Now Watch Your
on Jehovah’s Expectation! for Life in Associations in
Enduring Love PAGE 9 the New World These Last Days
PAGE 3 PAGE 15 PAGE 21
STUDY ARTICLES
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
ˇ Meditate on Jehovah’s Enduring Love

Jehovah’s love for his people will last forever. In this article
we will learn in what ways God shows his love to us. When
we meditate on his love for us, we strengthen our friendship
ARGENTINA with him.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
COVER: A young brother shows
a video from jw.org while witnessing ˇ Keep in Expectation!
informally in the city of Esperanza
ˇ Prepare Now for Life in the New World
‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐
No matter how long we have been waiting for the new world
POPULATION to come, we know that Jehovah will keep his promises.
42,670,000 These articles discuss proof from the Bible that the end is
really near and show how we can be ready for it.
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150,171 ˇ Watch Your Associations in These Last Days

REGULAR PIONEERS Why is it so important to be careful of our associations
in these difficult last days? How does the Bible help us to
18,538 do this? These are some of the questions that will be
BIBLE STUDIES answered in this article.
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27 “Let the Many Islands Rejoice”
34567 ˙
August 15, 2015
Meditate on Jehovah’s
Enduring Love
“I will meditate on all your activity.”—PSALM 77:12.
WHY are you convinced that Jehovah loves his people? SONGS: 18, 61
Before you answer that question, consider these exam-
ples: For several years, brothers and sisters kindly en- HOW WOULD YOU
couraged a sister named Taylene. They told her not to ex- ANSWER?
pect too much of herself. She says: “If Jehovah didn’t ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Why are we convinced that

love me, his counsel would not have been so persistent.” Jehovah loves his people?
Brigitte, who raised two children alone after her husband
died, says: “Raising children in Satan’s system is one of
the most difficult challenges, especially for a single par- ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
ent. But I am convinced of Jehovah’s love because he has How has Jehovah shown
enduring love for us?
guided me through tears and heartache, and he never let
me experience more than I could endure.” (1 Corinthians
10:13) Sandra has a serious illness that has no cure. At a ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
convention, a sister showed Sandra personal interest. How can we show that we
“Although we did not know her personally,” says Sandra’s love Jehovah?
1, 2. (a) Why are you convinced that Jehovah loves his people?
(b) Humans were created with what need?
3
husband, “her deep concern brought done can help us to be more grateful
great joy to our hearts. Even small ex- for his enduring love.—Read Psalm
pressions of love from our brothers 77:11, 12.
and sisters show me how much Jeho-
MEDITATE ON JEHOVAH’S CREATION
vah loves us.”
2 Jehovah created humans with the
4 When we look at Jehovah’s cre-
need to love and to feel loved. How- ation, we learn how much he loves
ever, it is easy to become discouraged us. (Romans 1:20) For example, Jeho-
because of sickness or financial prob- vah designed the earth so that we can
lems or because we do not have results do more than just stay alive. He has
in our ministry. If we begin to feel that given us everything we need to en-
Jehovah no longer loves us, we should joy life. We need to eat, but Jeho-
remember that we are precious to him vah has given us such a variety of
and that he is there, holding our right foods that eating is an enjoyable ex-
hand and helping us. He will never for- perience! (Ecclesiastes 9:7) A sister
get us if we are faithful to him.—Isaiah named Catherine enjoys what she sees
41:13; 49:15. in creation, especially during spring-
time in Canada. She says: “It is truly
amazing how everything comes to life
When we look —flowers that are programmed to pop
out of the ground and birds that re-
at his creation, turn from their migration, including
we learn how much the tiny hummingbird that finds its way
to the bird feeder outside my kitchen
Jehovah loves us window. Jehovah must love us to give
us so much delight.” Our Father loves
3 The Witnesses mentioned earlier his creation, and he wants us to enjoy
were convinced that God was with it too.—Acts 14:16, 17.
them during difficult times. We can 5 Jehovah made us with the ability to
have the same confidence that he is on do meaningful work and enjoy it. (Ec-
our side. (Psalm 118:6, 7) In this ar- clesiastes 2:24) He gave humans the
ticle, we will discuss four gifts that assignment to fill the earth, cultivate
prove that Jehovah loves us. These it, and care for the fish, the birds, and
are (1) his creation, (2) the Bible, other living things on it. (Genesis 1:26-
(3) prayer, and (4) the ransom. Medi- 28) And he also created us with beau-
tating on the good things Jehovah has
4. What do we learn from Jehovah’s creation?
3. What can strengthen our conviction that Je- 5. How is Jehovah’s love shown in the way hu-
hovah’s love for us is enduring? mans are made?
tiful qualities so that we can imitate
him!—Ephesians 5:1. The Bible tells us
GOD’S WORD IS PRECIOUS
what we need
6 Jehovah gave us the Bible because
of his great love for us. It tells us to know about God
what we need to know about him and and how he feels
how he feels about humans. For exam-
ple, the Bible tells us how Jehovah about humans
felt about the Israelites, who often dis-
obeyed him. Psalm 78:38 says: “He was held back his anger instead of stir-
merciful; he would forgive their error ring up all his wrath.” Meditating on
and not bring them to ruin. He often that verse may help you to see just
6. Why should we have deep appreciation for how much Jehovah loves and cares for
God’s Word? you. We can be confident that Jehovah
Although Jehu had to counsel Jehoshaphat,

Jehovah found “good things” in the king
5
deeply cares about us.—Read 1 Peter good things that have been found in
5:6, 7. you.”—2 Chronicles 18:4, 5, 18-22, 33,
7 The Bible should be very precious 34; 19:1-3.
to us. Why? Because Jehovah com- 9 Years earlier, Jehoshaphat had told
municates with us through his Word. the princes, Levites, and priests to
When a parent and a child have open visit all the cities of Judah to teach
communication, they strengthen their the people Jehovah’s Law. They were
love and trust for each other. Jehovah so successful that even people from
is our loving Father. And even though other nations came to know Jehovah.
we have never seen him or heard his (2 Chronicles 17:3-10) So even though
voice, it is as if he communicates di- Jehoshaphat made a bad decision lat-
rectly with us through the Bible. We er, Jehovah did not forget the good
should keep listening to him! (Isaiah things he had done earlier in life. That
30:20, 21) When we read God’s Word, example is very comforting for us be-
we come to know and trust in Je- cause sometimes we make mistakes.
hovah, who guides and protects us. However, if we do our best to serve Je-
—Read Psalm 19:7-11; Proverbs 1:33. hovah, he will continue to love us and
8 Jehovah wants us to know that he will not forget the good things we
he loves us and that he sees more have done.
than our imperfections. He looks for APPRECIATE THE PRIVILEGE
the good in us. (2 Chronicles 16:9) OF PRAYER
Let us consider how Jehovah saw the 10 A loving father takes time to listen
good in King Jehoshaphat of Judah. to his children when they want to talk
Jehoshaphat made the bad decision to him. He wants to know how they feel
to join King Ahab of Israel and fight because he deeply cares about them.
against the Syrians at Ramoth-gilead. Our loving Father, Jehovah, does the
Even though 400 false prophets told same. He listens to us when we pray to
wicked Ahab that he would win the bat- him. Talking to our Father is a precious
tle, Jehovah’s true prophet Micaiah privilege!
told Jehoshaphat and Ahab that if they 11 We can pray to Jehovah at any
fought, they would lose. And that is ex- time. He is our Friend, and he is always
actly what happened. Ahab died in bat- ready to listen to our prayers. Tay-
tle, and Jehoshaphat barely survived. lene, mentioned earlier, says, “You can
After the battle, Jehovah used Jehu to say anything and everything to him.”
counsel Jehoshaphat for his mistake. When we tell Jehovah our deepest
Yet, Jehu also told him: “There are thoughts, he may answer us through a
7. Why should the Bible be precious to us? 10, 11. (a) Why is prayer a special gift from Je-
8, 9. What does Jehovah want us to know? hovah? (b) How may God answer our prayers?
Give an example from the Bible. (See opening picture.)
scripture, an article in our literature,
or encouragement from a brother or a Jehovah hears
sister. Jehovah hears our earnest re-
quests, and he understands us even our earnest requests,
when no one else does. His answers to
our prayers prove that his love for us is
and he understands
enduring. us even when no
12 We can learn important lessons
one else does
from prayers found in the Bible. At
times, it is helpful to study some of
these prayers during family worship. men at the appointed time. For hardly
The quality of our prayers will im- would anyone die for a righteous man;
prove when we meditate on the ear- though perhaps for a good man some-
nest prayers of God’s servants in the one may dare to die. But God recom-
past. For example, study Jonah’s hum- mends his own love to us in that, while
ble prayer from the belly of a huge we were yet sinners, Christ died for
fish. (Jonah 1:17–2:10) Review Solo- us.” (Romans 5:6-8) The ransom is the
mon’s sincere prayer to Jehovah when greatest example of God’s love, and it
the temple was dedicated. (1 Kings 8: gives humans the opportunity to have
22-53) And meditate on Jesus’ model a close relationship with him.
prayer. (Matthew 6:9-13) Most impor- 14 A small group of Christians feel Je-
tant, regularly “let your petitions be hovah’s enduring love in a special way.
made known to God.” As a result, “the (John 1:12, 13; 3:5-7) God has anoint-
peace of God that surpasses all under- ed these ones with holy spirit, and be-
standing will guard your hearts and cause of this they are now his children.
your mental powers.” Our gratitude for (Romans 8:15, 16) Since some of them
Jehovah’s enduring love will continue are still on the earth, why did Paul say
to grow.—Philippians 4:6, 7. that they are seated “together in the
SHOW THAT YOU ARE GRATEFUL heavenly places in union with Christ
FOR THE RANSOM Jesus”? (Ephesians 2:6) It is because
13 Jehovah gave us the gift of the Jehovah has given them the hope of
ransom so that “we might gain life.” everlasting life in heaven.—Ephesians
(1 John 4:9) Referring to this wonder- 1:13, 14; Colossians 1:5.
15 All those who are not anointed
ful expression of God’s love, the apos-
tle Paul wrote: “Christ died for ungodly can become God’s friends if they show
faith in the ransom. They too have the
12. Why should we study prayers found in the
Bible? Give an example. 14, 15. What does the ransom mean for
13. What opportunity do we have because of (a) anointed Christians? (b) those who hope to
the ransom? live on earth?
AUGUST 15, 2015 7

motivate us to love him in return and
The ransom reveals give him our very best.
17 There are many ways to show Jeho-
Jehovah’s love for vah that we love him. For example, we
all humans can show our love for Jehovah by zeal-
ously telling others about the good
news of the Kingdom. (Matthew 24:14;
possibility of being adopted as God’s 28:19, 20) We can also show love for
children and of living forever on a par- God by loyally enduring trials that test
adise earth. The ransom reveals Jeho- our faith. (Read Psalm 84:11; James
vah’s love for all humans. (John 3:16) 1:2-5.) Even if our trials are severe, we
How exciting it is to know that if we can be sure that Jehovah sees our suf-
serve God faithfully, he will give us the fering and will help us because we are
best possible life in the new world! So precious to him.—Psalm 56:8.
18 Our love for Jehovah motivates us
let us show that we value the ransom,
the greatest proof of God’s enduring to meditate on all the wonderful things
love for us. he has created. We show Jehovah that
we love him and his Word by being
SHOW YOUR LOVE FOR JEHOVAH
good students of the Bible. We pray to
16 It is impossible to count the many Jehovah regularly because we love him
ways Jehovah shows his love for us. and want to strengthen our relation-
King David sang: “To me, how precious ship with him. And when we meditate
your thoughts are! O God, how vast is on his precious gift of the ransom,
the sum of them! If I try to count them, our love for him grows even deeper.
they outnumber the grains of sand.” (1 John 2:1, 2) These are just some of
(Psalm 139:17, 18) Meditating on the the many ways we show Jehovah that
many ways that Jehovah loves us will we value his enduring love for us.
16. What will we do after meditating on God’s 17, 18. What are some ways that we can show
love? our love for God?
SOME Jehovah’s love for us To meditate on Jehovah’s

is enduring: enduring love:
EXPRESSIONS Jehovah’s love for us will To think carefully and
EXPLAINED last forever and will stay seriously about the many
strong as long as we ways Jehovah shows his
remain faithful to him love for us
Keep in Expectation!
“Even if it should delay, keep in expectation of it!”
—HABAKKUK 2:3.
JEHOVAH’S servants have waited patiently for prophe- SONGS: 128, 45

cies to be fulfilled. For example, Jeremiah expected
that the Babylonians would destroy Judah, and that is HOW WOULD YOU
what happened in 607 B.C.E. (Jeremiah 25:8-11) Isaiah ANSWER?
prophesied that Jehovah would bring the exiled Jews ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Why are we confident that we

back to Judah and said: “Happy are all those keeping in
are living in the last days?
expectation of him.” (Isaiah 30:18) Micah too expected
that Jehovah’s promises would come true and said: “I
will keep on the lookout for Jehovah.” (Micah 7:7) And ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
for hundreds of years, God’s servants were confident Even if we have been waiting
for a long time, why should
that the promised Messiah, or Christ, would come.
we keep on the watch?
—Luke 3:15; 1 Peter 1:10-12.1 (See footnote.)
2 Today, we too are waiting for prophecies about Je-
hovah’s Kingdom to be fulfilled. Jesus, as King of ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
How can we show we are

that Kingdom, will soon rescue God’s servants from
convinced that the end is
1 For a list of some Bible prophecies about the Messiah and how they came true, coming soon?
see page 200 of the book What Does the Bible Really Teach?
1, 2. What attitude do Jehovah’s servants have?
9
this dangerous world. He will destroy 1914 and that we are living in the last
wicked people and end all suffering. days, or “the conclusion of the system
(1 John 5:19) So we must keep expect- of things.” For example, just as Jesus
ing Jehovah’s day to come at any mo- prophesied, conditions in the world
ment and do all we can to be ready are getting worse and the good news of
for it. the Kingdom is being preached in all
3 We very much look forward to the the earth. (Matthew 24:3, 7-14) Jesus
day when God’s will is done on earth. did not say how long the last days
(Matthew 6:10) But if we have been would last, so we must be prepared for
waiting for many years for the end to the end to come at any time.
come, we may begin to wonder, ‘Why 6 Could “the conclusion of the sys-
should we keep expecting the end to tem of things” refer to a time in

come soon?’ the future when the world becomes
WHY SHOULD WE KEEP
even worse than it is now? The Bible
EXPECTING THE END says that people will become more and
TO COME SOON? more wicked “in the last days.” (2 Tim-
4 Jesus commanded his followers to othy 3:1, 13; Matthew 24:21; Revela-
“keep on the watch” and to “keep tion 12:12) So, although things are
awake.” That is why it is important for very bad now, we know that they will
us to keep expecting the end to come continue to get worse.
7 Some could think that before “the
soon. (Matthew 24:42; Luke 21:34-36)
Also, Jehovah’s organization keeps re- great tribulation,” there will be war in
minding us to “await and keep close in every country and that most people
mind the presence of the day of Jeho- will be sick or starving. (Revelation 7:
vah” and to stay focused on Jeho- 14) But if that happened, it would be
vah’s promise of the new world.—Read obvious to everyone that Bible proph-
2 Peter 3:11-13. ecy was being fulfilled. It would be
5 If Jesus’ followers in the first cen- clear even to people who are not inter-
tury needed to keep expecting Jeho- ested in what the Bible says. Remem-
vah’s day, then this is even more im- ber, Jesus said that in the last days,
portant for us today. Why? Because most people would take “no note.”
the sign Jesus gave proves that he has They would be living their normal dai-
been King of God’s Kingdom since ly lives and would be shocked when Je-
hovah’s day comes. (Read Matthew
3. If we have been waiting a long time for the 24:37-39.) Clearly, we should not ex-
end to come, what might we wonder?
4. Why is it important for us to “keep on the 6. How do we know that world conditions will
watch”? become worse the closer we get to the end?
5. What other reason do we have to keep ex- 7. What does Matthew 24:37-39 teach us about
pecting Jehovah’s day? world conditions during the last days?
pect world conditions to become so we must keep expecting that day to
bad before “the great tribulation” that come soon. We need to be ready when
people would be forced to believe that Jesus comes to destroy Satan’s world.
the end is near.—Luke 17:20; 2 Peter 3: Remember what Jesus told his follow-
3, 4. ers to do: “Keep looking, keep awake,
8 The sign Jesus gave was meant to
give his followers clear warning of the

time they would be living in. Jesus’ We are convinced
followers have been alert. (Matthew that we are living in
24:27, 42) Since 1914, the different
parts of Jesus’ sign have been coming “the conclusion of
true. We are convinced that we are liv- the system of things”
ing in the last days, “the conclusion of
the system of things.” Jehovah has al-
ready decided when he will destroy Sa- for you do not know when the appoint-
tan’s wicked world. ed time is. It is like a man traveling
9 So why must we keep expecting the abroad who left his house and gave the
end to come soon? Because we obey authority to his slaves, to each one his
Jesus Christ. Also, we clearly see that work, and commanded the doorkeeper
the sign Jesus gave about the last days to keep on the watch. Keep on the
is coming true. We believe that the end watch, therefore, for you do not know
is close, not because we trust every- when the master of the house is com-
thing we hear, but because we are con- ing, whether late in the day or at
vinced that Bible prophecy is being midnight or at dawn or early in the
fulfilled. We must stay alert and be morning, in order that when he comes
ready for the end to come. suddenly, he does not find you sleep-
ing. But what I say to you, I say to all:
HOW LONG MUST WE WAIT? Keep on the watch.”—Mark 13:33-37.
10 Many of us have been faithfully 11 When Jesus’ followers understood
serving Jehovah and eagerly waiting that he had begun to rule in 1914, they
for his day to come for many years. No realized that the end could come at
matter how long we have been waiting, any time. So they prepared for it by
8. Because we are alert to Jesus’ sign, what are
doing more in the preaching work. Je-
we convinced of? sus said that he might come later, “at
9. Why must we keep expecting the end to dawn or early in the morning.” If that
come soon? happened, what would his followers
10, 11. (a) Why did Jesus tell his disciples to need to do? Jesus said: “Keep on the
“keep on the watch”? (b) What did Jesus tell his
followers to do if the end did not come as quick- watch.” So even if we feel that we have
ly as they thought? (See opening picture.) been waiting a long time, this does not
AUGUST 15, 2015 11

in expectation.”—Read Habakkuk 1:
1-4; 2:3.
13 Imagine that Habakkuk got tired
of waiting for the end and said: ‘I have

been expecting Jerusalem’s destruc-
tion for years. It will be a long time be-
fore the end comes. I do not need to
keep preaching about it. Others can do
the work.’ What would have happened
if he had thought that way? He would
have lost Jehovah’s approval. And if
he had not been ready when the end
came, he could have lost his life.
14 Imagine that you are in the new
world. All the events that were proph-

esied about the last days happened
just as Jehovah had said. You trust
in Jehovah more than ever, and you
Do you zealously preach the good news?
(See paragraph 15) are even more confident that he will
do everything else that he has prom-
ised. (Read Joshua 23:14.) You are
so thankful that Jehovah set the right
mean that the end is far away or that it time to bring the end and that he
is not coming in our lifetime. warned his people to keep expecting
12 The prophet Habakkuk waited pa-
it.—Acts 1:7; 1 Peter 4:7.
tiently while he preached about the de-
WE KEEP PREACHING
struction of Jerusalem. Other proph-
WHILE WE WAIT
ets before him had also preached that
message for many years. Habakkuk
15 Jehovah’s organization will keep
could see that there was more wicked- reminding us to focus our lives on
ness and injustice than ever before. serving Jehovah. These reminders
He begged Jehovah for help, asking: help us not only to keep busy serving
“How long, O Jehovah, must I cry for God but to see clearly that our mes-
help?” Although Jehovah did not say sage is urgent. We are convinced that
when the end would come, he prom- 13. What could Habakkuk have thought, and
ised Habakkuk: “It will not be late!” why would that have been dangerous?
Jehovah also told Habakkuk to “keep 14. Why will we be thankful that Jehovah has
warned us to keep expecting the end?
12. What did Habakkuk ask Jehovah, and how 15, 16. Why should we do all we can in the
did God answer him? preaching work during this time of the end?
the sign Jesus gave is being
fulfilled right now and that the Make wise decisions, and keep focused on
how urgent the preaching work is
end is coming very soon. So (See paragraph 17)
we put Jehovah first in our
lives and keep preaching the
good news about the Kingdom.
—Matthew 6:33; Mark 13:10.
16 When we preach the good
news to others, we help to res-

cue them from the destruction
of Satan’s world that will hap-
pen soon. One of the worst
disasters at sea happened in
1945 when the ship Wilhelm
Gustloff sank. Thousands of
people died. A sister and her
husband were rescued from
that ship. She remembers that
even while the ship was sink-
ing, a woman kept crying: “My
suitcases! My suitcases! My
jewelry! All my jewelry is down
there in the cabin. I have lost
everything!” But other pas-
sengers understood what was
most important and worked
hard to save people’s lives. To-
day, lives are in danger. We too
want to be like those unselfish
passengers and focus on how
urgent our preaching work is.
We need to do everything we
can to help people survive the
end of this system.
17 We can clearly see that Bi-
ble prophecy is being fulfilled

17. Why should we believe that the
end could come at any time?
AUGUST 15, 2015 13

with overeating and heavy drinking
The attack on and anxieties of life, and suddenly that
day be instantly upon you as a snare.”
false religion could (Luke 21:34, 35; Revelation 16:15) Let
happen quickly us stay alert and keep busy in Jeho-
vah’s service, confident that he “acts
and at any time in behalf of those who keep in expec-
tation of him.”—Isaiah 64:4.
18 While we wait for the end of this
and that the end of this wicked system
is very close. We are waiting for “the wicked world, we should listen to the
ten horns” and “the wild beast” to counsel from the disciple Jude: “Be-
turn against false religion, Babylon the loved ones, build yourselves up on
Great. (Revelation 17:16) We should your most holy faith, and pray with
not assume that much time is needed holy spirit, in order to keep yourselves
before that happens. Do not forget in God’s love, while you await the mer-
that God will “put it into their hearts” cy of our Lord Jesus Christ with ever-
to attack false religion and that this lasting life in view.” (Jude 20, 21) But
could happen quickly and at any time! how can we show that we are expecting
(Revelation 17:17) The end of Sa- God’s new world to come soon and
tan’s wicked world is coming soon. that we are looking forward to it? We
So we should obey Jesus’ warning: will discuss this in the next article.
“Pay attention to yourselves that your 18. What question will be answered in the next
hearts never become weighed down article?
SOME Keep expecting Jehovah’s The conclusion of

day to come soon: the system of things:
EXPRESSIONS We are alert to the sign The period of time that
EXPLAINED Jesus gave and are con- began in 1914 and that will
vinced that we are living end when Satan’s world is
in “the conclusion of the destroyed
system of things.” So we
keep waiting patiently, and
we live in a way that shows
we believe that the end
is coming soon. We put
Jehovah first in our lives
and do all that we can to
preach the good news
Prepare Now for Life
in the New World
“Tell them to work at good, . . . so that they may get a
firm hold on the real life.”—1 TIMOTHY 6:18, 19.
WE REALLY look forward to “everlasting life.” The SONGS: 125, 40

apostle Paul described this as “the real life.” (Read
1 Timothy 6:12, 19.) For most, this will mean living for- HOW WOULD YOU
ever in Paradise on earth. It is hard to imagine what it ANSWER?
will be like to wake up feeling healthy, happy, and satis- ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
What will give us the most

fied every morning. (Isaiah 35:5, 6) Think of how good
joy in the new world?
it will be to spend time with your family and friends, in-
cluding those who will be resurrected. (John 5:28, 29;
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Acts 24:15) You will have time to learn new skills and be- What are some ways
come better at the things you enjoy. For example, you to prepare now for life in
could learn more about science. Or you could learn how the new world?
to play musical instruments or how to design your own
home. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
2 Although we look forward to all these good things, How can goals in Jehovah’s
service help us to prepare
worshipping Jehovah will bring us the most joy. Imagine
for life in God’s new world?
1, 2. (a) What do you look forward to in Paradise? (See opening pic-
ture.) (b) What will give us the most joy in the new world?
15
what life will be like when all people there. Let us examine some ways we
treat Jehovah’s name as holy and ac- can do this.
cept Jehovah as their Ruler. (Matthew 5 In this world, Satan wants people
6:9, 10) We will be excited to see the to think that they can do whatever
earth filled with perfect people, just as they like. Many feel that it is im-
God intended it to be. And just think portant to be independent and that
how much easier it will be to deepen there is no need to obey God. What
our friendship with Jehovah as we has been the result? Much suffering
gradually become perfect!—Psalm 73: and unhappiness. (Jeremiah 10:23)
28; James 4:8. But Jehovah is a loving Ruler. How
3 We trust that Jehovah will do all much better life will be in the new
these wonderful things, because “with world when everyone obeys him!
6 In the new world, we will enjoy fol-
God all things are possible.” (Matthew
19:25, 26) If we want to live forever in lowing direction from Jehovah’s orga-
the new world, now is the time to “get nization to help make this earth into
a firm hold” on everlasting life. We a beautiful paradise and help teach
know that the end is coming soon, so those who are resurrected. Jehovah
we must live in a way that shows we ex- will have much work for us. But what
pect the end to come at any time. We if those taking the lead asked us to do
need to do everything we can now to something that we do not really like?
prepare for life in the new world. Let Would we obey? Would we do our best
us see how. to fulfill and enjoy our assignment? To
prepare for everlasting life in the new
HOW TO PREPARE world, we need to obey the direction
4 How can we prepare now for life in from Jehovah’s organization now.
the new world? If we were planning to 7 If we want to be ready for life in the
go and live in another country, we new world, we need to learn to be
might do some things to prepare our- content and to cooperate with Jeho-
selves for life in that country. For ex- vah’s organization and with one an-
ample, we might start learning the lan- other. For example, when we are given
guage and customs of the people who a new assignment, we willingly co-
live there. We might try some of their operate and do our best to be happy
foods. Similarly, we can prepare now
5, 6. How will learning to obey the direction
for life in the new world by doing what from Jehovah’s organization help us to prepare
we can to live as if we are already for life in the new world?
7, 8. (a) Why should we cooperate with those
3. What should we prepare for now? taking the lead? (b) What changes have some
4. How can we prepare now for life in the new Christians experienced? (c) What can we be
world? Give an illustration. sure of in the new world?
and content. If we learn to cooperate
with those taking the lead now, we In the new world,
will likely do the same in the new
world. (Read Hebrews 13:17.) When we will need the
the Israelites entered the Promised same qualities that
Land, they were assigned where to
live. (Numbers 26:52-56; Joshua 14: Jehovah is teaching
1, 2) We do not know where each one us to show now
of us may be assigned to live in the
new world. But if we have learned to
cooperate, we will be happy to do Je- 9 In the new world, at times we may
hovah’s will wherever we live. need to be patient. For example, we
8 Imagine what an honor it will be may hear that some people are very
to serve in God’s new world un- excited because their relatives and
der the rule of the Kingdom! For friends have been resurrected. How-
this reason, we are happy to cooper- ever, we may have to wait for the res-
ate with Jehovah’s organization now urrection of our loved ones. If that
and to do whatever we are assigned happens, will we rejoice with others
to do. At times, though, our assign- and be patient? (Romans 12:15) If we
ments may change. For example, some learn to wait patiently for Jehovah to
Bethelites in the United States have fulfill his promises now, it will help us
been reassigned to the field. And be- to be patient then.—Ecclesiastes 7:8.
cause of age or other circumstances, 10 We can also prepare for the new
some traveling overseers have been world by being patient when we re-
assigned to be special pioneers. They ceive adjustments in our understand-
are happy in their new assignments, ing of Bible truth. Do we study this
and Jehovah is blessing them. If we new material, and are we patient if we
pray for Jehovah’s help, do all we can do not fully understand it? If so, in
to serve him, and learn to be content the new world, it will be easier to
with whatever assignment we are giv- be patient each time Jehovah gives
en, we will be happy and Jehovah us new instructions.—Proverbs 4:18;
will bless us. (Read Proverbs 10:22.) John 16:12.
What if, in the new world, we would 11 Another way we can prepare for
love to live in one area but Jehovah’s life in the new world is by learning
organization asks us to move to an-
other? At that time, it will not matter 9, 10. (a) Why may we need to be patient in
the new world? (b) How can we show that we
where we live or what we do. We will are patient now?
simply be thankful to be living in the 11. Why should we learn to forgive others now,
new world.—Nehemiah 8:10. and how will this help us in the new world?
AUGUST 15, 2015 17

Zealously preach the good news Set goals in Jehovah’s service
to be forgiving. During Christ’s Thou- will show that we really want to live in
sand Year Rule, it will take some time a world where everyone obeys Jeho-
for everyone to become perfect. (Acts vah.
24:15) Will we be loving and forgiving FOCUS ON SERVING JEHOVAH
toward one another? If we learn to 13 In the new world, we will have
forgive others and to have a good re-
everything we need to enjoy life.
lationship with them now, it will be
But our greatest joy will come from
easier for us to do so in the new world.
our close relationship with Jehovah.
—Read Colossians 3:12-14.
(Matthew 5:3) We will be busy in
12 In the new world, we may not al-
Jehovah’s service, and we will enjoy
ways get what we want, or we might serving him. (Psalm 37:4) So when we
have to wait for it. We will need to be put Jehovah first in our lives now, we
thankful and content in whatever situ- are preparing for life in the new world.
ation we are in. In fact, we will need —Read Matthew 6:19-21.
the same qualities that Jehovah is 14 How can we enjoy serving Jeho-
teaching us to show now. So by learn- vah even more? One way is by setting
ing to show these qualities now, we goals. If you are young, think serious-
prove that the new world is real to us ly about using your life to serve Jeho-
and that we are preparing for everlast-
ing life. (Hebrews 2:5; 11:1) Also, we 13. What will we put first in our lives in the new
world?
12. Why should we prepare now for life in the 14. What goals in Jehovah’s service can young
new world? ones set?
Be thankful for everything Jehovah gives you Look for guidance from the Bible
vah. Why not do some research in our comments at the meetings. The point
publications on different types of full- is this: When you set goals in your ser-
time service? You can set one of these vice to Jehovah, it will help you to
as a goal.1 (See footnote.) Talk to have more zeal and to prepare for life
some who have served Jehovah full- in the new world.
time for many years. If you use your
THE BEST WAY OF LIFE NOW
life to serve Jehovah, you will receive
valuable training. This experience will
16 When we use our time to prepare
help you to serve Jehovah in the new for God’s new world, are we missing
world. out on a better way of life today? No!
15 There are many goals that we can Serving Jehovah is the best way of
set in our service to Jehovah. For ex- life. We do not serve him because
ample, we could make it a goal to learn someone forces us to do so or just to
a new skill in the ministry. Or we could survive the great tribulation. When we
try to understand Bible principles bet- have a good relationship with Jeho-
ter and learn how we can apply them vah, our life is better and we are happi-
in our life. We could try to improve er. That is how he designed us to live.
our public reading or our talks and Having God’s love and receiving his di-
rection in our life is much better than
1 See Young People Ask—Answers That Work, Vol-
ume 2, pages 311-318.
anything else. (Read Psalm 63:1-3.)
We can all feel the joy that comes
15. What other goals in Jehovah’s service can
we set? 16. Why is serving Jehovah the best way of life?
AUGUST 15, 2015 19

16; Ecclesiastes 2:24) We need recre-
When we have ation and we need rest, but we enjoy
them even more when we put our re-
a good relationship lationship with Jehovah first. It will
with Jehovah, be the same in the new world. So it is
wise to keep “seeking first the King-
our life is better dom” and to focus on the blessings we
and we are happier receive from serving Jehovah.—Mat-
thew 6:33.
18 In the new world, life will be better
from worshipping Jehovah with our than we can ever imagine. May we
whole heart. Some who have served show how much we want to be there
him for many years can truly say that by preparing for “the real life” now.
this is the best way of life.—Psalm 1: Let us develop the qualities that Jeho-
1-3; Isaiah 58:13, 14. vah teaches us to show, and let us zeal-
17 In Paradise, we will enjoy spend- ously preach the good news. May we
ing some of our time on personal in- experience the joy of putting Jeho-
terests and recreation. After all, Je- vah’s worship first in our lives. We
hovah is the one who created us with have complete trust that in the new
the desire to enjoy ourselves, and he world, Jehovah will do everything he
promises that he will “satisfy the de- has promised. So let us live as if we are
sire of every living thing.” (Psalm 145: already there!
17. How important will personal interests and 18. How can we show that we are preparing to
recreation be in Paradise? live forever in Paradise?
SOME We cooperate with those We are content when we

taking the lead by willingly are thankful for everything
EXPRESSIONS obeying them and doing all Jehovah gives us. We are
EXPLAINED we can to support their happy to serve him any-
decisions where he wants us to and
are satisfied with any
assignment he gives us
Watch Your Associations
in These Last Days
“Bad associations spoil useful habits.”
WE ARE living in “critical times hard to deal with.” SONGS: 73, 119
Since 1914, when “the last days” began, conditions in
the world have become worse than ever before. (2 Tim- HOW WOULD YOU
othy 3:1-5) And we can be sure that the world will con- ANSWER?
tinue to get worse, because Bible prophecy says that ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
How did bad associations

“wicked men and impostors will advance from bad to
affect the Israelites?
worse.”—2 Timothy 3:13.
2 For entertainment, many people today watch or do
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
things that are violent or immoral or that involve mag-
Why should Jehovah’s
ic and demonism. For example, the Internet, television servants marry “only
programs, movies, books, and magazines often make vi- in the Lord”?
olence and immorality seem acceptable. And behavior
that used to shock people has become so acceptable ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
that it is now legal in some places. But that does not With whom should we
associate?
1. What time period are we living in?
2. What kind of entertainment do many people enjoy? (See opening
picture.)
21
mean that Jehovah approves of such He uses religions, governments, com-
behavior.—Read Romans 1:28-32. mercial organizations, and the me-
3 In the first century, people also dia to mislead people. (2 Corinthians
watched things that were violent 4:4; 1 John 5:19) We do not want to
and immoral for entertainment. But be influenced by the world, so we
not Jesus’ followers, because they must avoid bad associations. The Bi-
lived by God’s standards. This “puz- ble clearly warns us: “Do not be mis-
zled” the people around them. What led. Bad associations spoil useful hab-
was the result? People made fun of its.”—1 Corinthians 15:33.
5 To keep our good relationship with
the Christians and persecuted them.
(1 Peter 4:4) Today, too, many people Jehovah, we do not choose to asso-
ciate with anyone who practices bad
things. This includes people who say
It is much more that they worship Jehovah but choose
to disobey him. If such ones commit a
important to have serious sin and do not repent, we stop
Jehovah’s approval associating with them.—Romans 16:
17, 18.
than to be accepted 6 People usually want to please their
by people who do friends and be accepted by them. So if

we associate with those who do not
not love him obey God, we might be tempted to do
what they do. For example, if we close-
think that those who live by God’s ly associate with people who are sexu-
standards are strange. In fact, the Bi- ally immoral, we might become like
ble warns us that those who follow the them. That has happened to some of
example of Christ Jesus “will also be our brothers and sisters. And those
persecuted.”—2 Timothy 3:12. who did not repent were disfellow-
shipped. (1 Corinthians 5:11-13) Un-
“BAD ASSOCIATIONS less they repent, their situation can
SPOIL USEFUL HABITS” become like that described by Peter.
4 If we want to do God’s will, we —Read 2 Peter 2:20-22.
cannot love “either the world or the 7 Although we want to be kind to
things in the world.” (Read 1 John 2: everyone, we should not become close
15, 16.) Satan, “the god of this sys- friends with those who do not obey
tem of things,” controls the world.
5, 6. Whom should we not associate with, and
3. What do many people think of those who live why?
by God’s standards? 7. Whom should we choose to be our close
4. Why should we not love this world? friends?
God. It would be wrong for one of Je- books, can harm our relationship with
hovah’s Witnesses to date someone Jehovah. This kind of material is not
who is not a faithful baptized servant designed to help Christians have faith
of Jehovah. It is much more impor- in Jehovah and his promises. Instead,
tant to have God’s approval than to be it encourages people to trust in Sa-
accepted by people who do not love tan’s evil world. So we need to be
him. We should be close friends with very careful that we do not choose to
only those who do God’s will. Jesus watch, read, or listen to anything that
said: “Whoever does the will of God, could cause us to have “worldly de-
this one is my brother and sister and sires.”—Titus 2:12.
mother.”—Mark 3:35. 10 Soon, Satan’s world and its harm-
8 Bad associations result in disaster.
ful media will be destroyed. The Bi-
Take, for example, what happened to
ble says: “The world is passing away
the Israelites. Before they arrived in
and so is its desire, but the one who
the Promised Land, Jehovah warned
does the will of God remains for-
them about the people who already
lived there. He said: “You must not ever.” (1 John 2:17) Similarly, the
bow down to their gods or be persuad- psalmist sang: “Evil men will be done
ed to serve them, and you must not away with.” Then he added: “But the
imitate their practices. Instead, you meek will possess the earth, and they
must demolish them and smash their will find exquisite delight in the abun-
sacred pillars. You must serve Jeho- dance of peace.” For how long? “The
vah your God.” (Exodus 23:24, 25) righteous will possess the earth, and
But most of the Israelites did not they will live forever on it.”—Psalm
obey God’s instructions and became 37:9, 11, 29.
unfaithful to him. (Psalm 106:35-39) 11 Unlike Satan’s world, Jehovah’s
What was the result? Jehovah later re- organization helps us to live in a
jected the nation of Israel and instead way that leads to everlasting life. Je-
chose the Christian congregation as sus prayed to Jehovah: “This means
his people.—Matthew 23:38; Acts 2: everlasting life, their coming to know
1-4. you, the only true God, and the
BE CAREFUL ABOUT WHAT one whom you sent, Jesus Christ.”
YOU READ AND WATCH (John 17:3) Jehovah uses his organi-
9 Much of this world’s media, such zation to provide us with everything
as television programs, websites, and we need to come to know him. For
8. How did bad associations affect the people 10. What will happen to this world’s media?
of ancient Israel? 11. How does God help us to remain faithful to
9. Why can this world’s media be dangerous? him?
AUGUST 15, 2015 23

example, we have many magazines, tized and who lives by Jehovah’s stan-
brochures, books, videos, and Web dards. (1 Corinthians 7:39) When you
pages that help us to keep serving marry such a person, someone who
God. His organization also arranges loves Jehovah, you will have a part-
for regular meetings in more than ner who will help you to remain faith-
110,000 congregations all over the ful to God.
13 Jehovah knows what is best for
us, and his command to marry “only

When you marry in the Lord” is not something new.
someone who loves For example, consider what Jeho-
vah told the Israelites about peo-
Jehovah, you will ple who did not serve him. Through
have a partner who Moses, he commanded: “You must
not form any marriage alliances with
will help you to remain them. Do not give your daughters to
faithful to God their sons or take their daughters for
your sons. For they will turn your
sons away from following me to serve
world. What we learn from the Bible other gods; then Jehovah’s anger will
at those meetings and at larger assem-
blaze against you, and he will swift-
blies strengthens our faith in Jeho-
ly annihilate you.”—Deuteronomy 7:
vah and his promises.—Hebrews 10:
3, 4.
24, 25.
14 Soon after Solomon became king
MARRY “ONLY IN THE LORD” of Israel, he prayed for wisdom, and

12 Christians who want to get mar- Jehovah answered his prayer. So Sol-
ried need to be very careful about omon became famous as the wise
whom they choose to associate with. ruler of a successful nation. Actual-
God’s Word warns us: “Do not be- ly, the queen of Sheba was so im-
come unevenly yoked with unbeliev- pressed with Solomon’s wisdom that
ers. For what fellowship do righteous- she said to him: “You have far sur-
ness and lawlessness have? Or what passed in wisdom and prosperity the
sharing does light have with dark- report that I heard.” (1 Kings 10:7)
ness?” (2 Corinthians 6:14) The Bible But Solomon’s example also teaches
tells God’s servants to marry “only us what can happen when a person ig-
in the Lord,” that is, to marry only
someone who is dedicated and bap- 13. What command about marriage did God
give the Israelites?
12. Explain the Bible’s command to marry “only 14, 15. What happened to Solomon because
in the Lord.” he ignored Jehovah’s command?
nores God’s command and marries think about marrying someone who
someone who does not serve Jeho- does not love Jehovah!
vah.—Ecclesiastes 4:13. 16 What if someone becomes a wor-
15 Even though Jehovah had blessed shipper of Jehovah while married to

him, Solomon disobeyed God’s clear an unbeliever? The Bible says: “You
command. Solomon “loved many for- wives, be in subjection to your hus-
eign women” who did not serve Jeho- bands, so that if any are not obedient
vah, and he eventually had 700 wives to the word, they may be won with-
and 300 concubines. What was the re- out a word through the conduct of
sult? When Solomon was older, his their wives.” (1 Peter 3:1) Of course,
wives “inclined his heart to follow this also applies to a husband if his
other gods, . . . and Solomon did what wife does not worship Jehovah. God’s
was bad in the eyes of Jehovah.” Word is clear: Be a good husband
(1 Kings 11:1-6) Bad associations af- or wife, and apply God’s standards
fected him, and he did not remain for marriage. Then, when your mate
faithful to Jehovah. If this could hap- notices that you have changed for
pen to Solomon, it could happen to 16. What advice does the Bible give to someone
anyone. That is why we do not even who is married to an unbeliever?
Associating with those who love Jehovah can help us

to imagine what life will be like in the new world
(See paragraph 19)
the better, he or she may also want to wives had good association with one
serve Jehovah. This has been the ex- another. They kept busy doing things
perience of many couples. that pleased God, and as a result, they
survived the Flood. All of us today are
ASSOCIATE WITH THOSE
their descendants, so we should be
WHO LOVE JEHOVAH
grateful that Noah and his family were
17 Bad associations can influence obedient to Jehovah and avoided bad
you to disobey Jehovah, but good as- associations. In a similar way, Chris-
sociations can help you to be faith- tians in the first century did not asso-
ful to him. Noah is a good example ciate with people who did not love
for us. He lived during a time when Jehovah. They obeyed him and sur-
“man’s wickedness was great on the vived when Jerusalem was destroyed
earth” and “every inclination of the in 70 C.E.—Luke 21:20-22.
thoughts of his heart was only bad all 19 Like Noah and his family and
the time.” (Genesis 6:5) People were Christians in the first century, we do
so bad that Jehovah decided to de- not associate with anyone who does
stroy that wicked world. But Noah not love Jehovah. We have millions of
was different. The Bible calls him “a faithful brothers and sisters whom we
righteous man” who “walked with the could choose as our friends. They will
true God.”—Genesis 6:7-9. help us to “stand firm in the faith” dur-
18 Noah did not associate with peo- ing these very difficult times. (1 Co-
ple who did not love Jehovah. He rinthians 16:13; Proverbs 13:20) Just
and his family kept busy building the think how wonderful it will be to sur-
ark, and he was also “a preacher of vive the end of this wicked world and
righteousness.” (2 Peter 2:5) Noah, live in Jehovah’s new world! How im-
Noah’s wife, his three sons, and their portant it is to avoid bad associations
now!
17, 18. What helped Noah to survive the Flood,
and what helped Christians in the first century 19. What will help us to stay faithful to Jeho-
to survive the destruction of Jerusalem? vah?
SOME “Bad associations spoil useful habits”:

If we associate with people who do not live by Jehovah’s
EXPRESSIONS standards, they can influence us to do what is bad. So we
EXPLAINED do not choose to spend time with them, become close
friends with them, or think of marrying one of them. And
we are very careful not to watch, read, or listen to anything
that could cause us to disobey God
LIFE STORY
“Let the Many Islands Rejoice”

AS TOLD BY GEOFFREY JACKSON
I will always remember that day in Brooklyn. I was waiting in

the Governing Body conference room with other brothers from different
parts of the world. We were waiting for the Writing Committee to enter.
We were going to present some solutions to problems that translators face,
and we were nervous. It was May 22, 2000. But why was this meeting so
important? Before I explain, let me tell you something about myself.
I was baptized in Queensland, I WAS born in the state of Queensland, Austra-

pioneered in Tasmania, lia, in 1955. Soon after that, my mother, Estelle,
and served as a missionary
in Tuvalu, Samoa, and Fiji started studying the Bible with Jehovah’s Wit-
nesses. She was baptized one year later, and my
father, Ron, came into the truth 13 years later.
TUVALU I was baptized in 1968 in a remote area, the
Queensland outback.
Ever since I was a little boy, I have loved books
and languages. Whenever my parents and I went
SAMOA on road trips, I would sit in the backseat of the
car, reading a book. My parents were probably
FIJI frustrated that I was not looking at the scenery.
But my love of reading helped me to do well in
school. And I even won several awards while I was
QUEENSLAND in high school in the city of Glenorchy, on the is-
AUSTRALIA land of Tasmania.
During that time, I had to make an important
decision. Would I accept a scholarship to go to
university? Even though I loved books and learn-
ing, I am grateful that my mother had taught me
TASMANIA
to love Jehovah more than anyone or anything
else. (1 Corinthians 3:18, 19) So with my parents’
permission, I decided that as soon as I finished
my basic education, I would leave school and
27
Kingdom News No. 30
in Tuvaluan
With Jenny in Tuvalu
start pioneering. I did this in January 1971, when It was not easy to learn the Tuvaluan language.
I was 15 years old. The only book that existed in that language was
For the next eight years, I had the privilege of the “New Testament.” There were no dictionaries
pioneering in Tasmania. During that time, I mar- or language courses, so we decided to try to learn
ried a beautiful girl from Tasmania, Jenny Al- from 10 to 20 new words each day. But we soon
cock. For four years, we served together as spe- realized that we did not understand the correct
cial pioneers in the isolated towns of Smithton meaning of most of the words we were learning.
and Queenstown. Instead of telling people that demonism was
wrong, we were telling them that they should not
MISSIONARIES IN THE ISLANDS use measuring scales and walking sticks! But we
OF THE PACIFIC
had to keep trying to learn the language because
In 1978, my wife and I traveled to Port Mores- we had started several Bible studies. Many years
by, Papua New Guinea, to attend an internation- later, one of those first Bible students told us:
al convention. I especially remember a mission- “We are so happy that you can speak our lan-
ary giving a talk in the Hiri Motu language. guage now. At first, we didn’t have a clue what
Although I could not understand what he was say- you were trying to say!”
ing, I began thinking that I too wanted to become But there was something that really helped us
a missionary, learn another language, and be able to learn the language faster. Since there were no
to encourage the brothers by giving a talk in their places to rent, we had to live with a Witness fam-
language. At last, I realized how I could use my ily in the main village. We had to speak Tuvaluan
love of language to serve Jehovah. everywhere, including at home. After not speak-
When we got back home, you can imagine how ing English for some years, we found that Tuva-
surprised we were to be invited to serve as mis- luan had become our main language.
sionaries. We arrived on the island of Funafuti, in Soon after we arrived, many started to show an
Tuvalu, in January 1979. There were only three interest in the truth. But what could we use to
other baptized publishers in all of Tuvalu. study with them? We had no publications in their
language. How could they do personal study?
When they started coming to the meetings, what
songs could they sing, how would they give talks,
and how could they prepare for the meetings?
How could they ever get baptized? These humble
people needed publications in their own language
to teach them about Jehovah! (1 Corinthians
14:9) We wondered, ‘Would we ever have publi-
cations in Tuvaluan, a language spoken by fewer
than 15,000 people?’ Jehovah answered those
questions, proving to us two things: (1) He wants
people in “the islands far away” to learn about We used Tuvaluan publications to help others
him, and (2) he wants those whom the world
views as “humble and lowly” to take refuge in his
name.—Jeremiah 31:10; Zephaniah 3:12.
TRANSLATION WORK TO TEACH THE TRUTH
In 1980, the branch office assigned us to trans-
late publications into Tuvaluan. We started the
work, even though we felt that we did not know
the language well enough. (1 Corinthians 1:28,
29) At first, we bought an old machine from the
government to print literature by hand for our
meetings. Later, we even translated the book The
Truth That Leads to Eternal Life into Tuvaluan and
printed it on this small machine. I still remember
the strong smell of ink, as well as the intense trop-
ical heat that made it very hard to print all these Baptizing someone in a lagoon
publications by hand. At the time, we did not
have electricity!
It was not easy to translate into Tuvaluan be-
cause we could not look up words in a dictionary
or do research in Tuvaluan books. But sometimes
we got the help we needed in other ways. One
morning I called by mistake at the home of some-
one who opposed the truth. The older man, who
had been a teacher, reminded me that we should
not come to his home. Then, he said: “I just want
to mention one thing. In your translation, you
use the passive form too much. It is not used that
often in Tuvaluan.” I checked with others, and he
was correct. So we made changes to improve our
translation. I was amazed that Jehovah had given
When the New World Translation of the Christian
Greek Scriptures in Tuvaluan was released
us this help by means of a man who opposed the lia. Two sisters at the branch typed the Tuvaluan
truth but who obviously read our publications! text into a computer separately, even though they
The first Tuvaluan publication that we offered did not understand the language. But by entering
to people was a Memorial invitation. Then we had the text twice and comparing the differences
the tract Kingdom News No. 30, which was released on the computer, they avoided mistakes. The
at the same time as the English. How happy we branch then composed the publications, which
were that we could give something to the people means that they combined the text with pictures.
in their own language! After a while, we also had Then they sent us these composed pages by air-
some brochures and even some books in Tuva- mail. We checked them and sent them back to the
luan. In 1983, the Australia branch began to print branch for printing.
The Watchtower in Tuvaluan. The magazine had 24 Translation work has improved so much! Now
pages and came out every three months. Did the translation teams type text and correct it direct-
people in Tuvalu like these books and magazines? ly on the computer. Usually, the publications are
Yes, they did, because they love to read. Every composed by someone who is in the same place
time we released a new publication, the govern- as the team. Then, the team sends the files to
ment radio station announced it on the news, and the printing branches using the Internet. No one
sometimes it was the main story of the day!1—See needs to rush to the post office at the last minute
footnote. to send the translated text by mail.
How was the translation work done? First, we
OTHER ASSIGNMENTS
wrote everything using pen and paper. Then, we
typed and retyped the translation many times un- As the years went by, Jenny and I received var-
til it was ready to be sent to the branch in Austra- ious assignments in different parts of the Pacific.
From Tuvalu we were assigned to the Samoa
1 To read more about how people reacted to our publications, branch in 1985. There we helped with translation
see The Watchtower, December 15, 2000, page 32; August 1,
1988, page 22; and Awake! December 22, 2000, page 9. into the Samoan, Tongan, and Tokelauan lan-
guages, as well as helping with the translation in
Tuvaluan.1 (See footnote.) Then, in 1996, we
were assigned to the Fiji branch, where we helped
with the translation work being done in the Fiji-
an, Kiribati, Nauruan, Rotuman, and Tuvaluan
languages.
I am always amazed at how much translators
Something I love their work even though it is not easy and can
Enjoyed Doing be very tiring. Like Jehovah, these faithful broth-
ers and sisters really want people to hear the good
In 1979, I began to write down a list of Tuvaluan news in their language. (Revelation 14:6) For ex-
words and their meanings in my free time. ample, when the translation of the first Watchtower
I worked on this list one hour each morning for magazine into Tongan was being organized, I met
about 20 years until I had made a dictionary. with all the elders in Tonga and asked who could
In 2001, the Australian government printed the be trained as a translator. One of the elders, who
dictionary as a gift for the people of Tuvalu. had a good job as a mechanic, offered to quit his
In 1999, Jenny and I also wrote a grammar book
on the Tuvaluan language. 1 To read more about the translation work in Samoa, see the
2009 Yearbook, pages 120-121, 123-124.
Interviewing my parents,
Ron and Estelle,
at a convention in
Townsville, Australia,
in 2014
job the next day and start immediately as a trans- worldwide needed help to do their work. Most
lator. I was encouraged by his strong faith, since translators had not attended any courses for
he had a family and had no idea how he would translation. After that meeting with the Writing
earn enough money to take care of them. But Je- Committee, the Governing Body decided that all
hovah cared for him and his family, and he re- translators around the world must be trained.
mained in the translation work for many years. Translators would be taught how to understand
Like these translators, the brothers on the Gov- the English text, how to solve translation prob-
erning Body care deeply about providing publica- lems, and how to work together as a team.
tions in all languages, even those spoken by only What has been the result of all this training for
a small number of people. For example, a question translators? The quality of the translation has im-
was raised as to whether it was worth all the effort proved. Also, our publications are translated into
to translate publications into Tuvaluan. I was so more languages than ever. In 1979, when we were
encouraged to read this answer from the Govern- assigned to serve as missionaries, the Watchtower
ing Body: “We see absolutely no reason why you magazine was available in only 82 languages.
should discontinue translation work in the Tuva- Even so, in most languages The Watchtower came
luan language. Even though the Tuvaluan field out a few months after the English one. But now
may be small in comparison to other language The Watchtower is translated into over 240 lan-
groups, the people still need to be reached with guages, and for most of them, the magazine is
the good news in their own language.” available at the same time as the English. Now, in
In 2003, Jenny and I were transferred from the over 700 languages, people can read something
Translation Department in Fiji to Translation Ser- that teaches them the truth from the Bible. Some
vices in Patterson, New York. It was like a dream years ago this seemed impossible.
come true! We became part of a team that helps In 2004, the Governing Body decided that it
to support the translation of our publications was very important to have the New World Trans-
into more languages. During the two years or so lation in many more languages and as soon as pos-
that we were in Translation Services, we were as- sible. Because of that decision, many more peo-
signed to help train translation teams in various ple can now read the New World Translation in
countries. their language. In fact, in 2014, this Bible or parts
of it were available in 128 languages, including a
VERY IMPORTANT DECISIONS number of languages spoken in the South Pacific.
Now let me return to the important meeting I One of my favorite memories is of a con-
mentioned in the beginning. By the year 2000, vention in Tuvalu in 2011. For many months,
the Governing Body felt that translation teams there had been an extreme drought in the whole
AUGUST 15, 2015 31

With Loraini,
witnessing
in Fiji
country. The brothers thought that the conven- languages, even if their language is spoken by
tion would have to be canceled. But happily, the only a few. (Psalm 49:1-3) I have seen how happy
evening we arrived, it started raining heavily. So people are when they get our publications in their
we were able to have our convention! For me, it language for the first time or when they sing to
was such a great privilege to release the New World Jehovah in the language of their heart. At times
Translation of the Christian Greek Scriptures in Tu- like these, I think of Jehovah’s great love for
valuan! Even though there are only a small num- us. (Acts 2:8, 11) I can still clearly remember
ber of brothers who speak that language, they too the words of an elderly Tuvaluan brother, Saulo
could receive this beautiful gift from Jehovah. Teasi. After he had sung a Kingdom song for the
Then, at the end of the convention, there was an- first time in his language, he said, “I think you
other rainstorm. So everyone had plenty of water should tell the Governing Body that these songs
of truth as well as plenty of rainwater! sound better in Tuvaluan than they do in En-
Sadly, my dear wife Jenny was not there with glish.”
me. She had died in 2009, after fighting cancer In September 2005, I was surprised to receive
for ten years. We were married for 35 years. When the privilege of serving as a member of the Gov-
she is resurrected, she will be so glad to hear erning Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Although I
about the release of the Tuvaluan Bible. can no longer serve as a translator, I thank Jeho-
Jehovah has blessed me with another beautiful vah that he allows me to continue supporting the
wife, Loraini Sikivou. Loraini and Jenny had worldwide translation work. It makes me happy
worked together at Bethel in Fiji, and Loraini too to know that Jehovah cares for the needs of all
was a translator. So once again, I have a wife who his people, even those on isolated islands in the
serves Jehovah faithfully with me and who loves middle of the Pacific Ocean! Yes, as the psalmist
language as I do! said, “Jehovah has become King! Let the earth
Over the years, I have seen how our loving Fa- be joyful. Let the many islands rejoice.”—Psalm
ther, Jehovah, cares for the needs of people of all 97:1.
s
ws15 08/15-E
o
150422
SEPTEMBER 1 5, 2 0 1 5
34567
SIMPLIFIED EDITION
STUDY ARTICLES
___________________________________________________________________
OCTOBER 26–NOVEMBER 1
Are You Reaching
the Stature That
Belongs to Christ?
PAGE 3
___________________________________________________________________
NOVEMBER 2-8
Is Your Conscience
a Reliable Guide?
PAGE 9
___________________________________________________________________
NOVEMBER 9-15
“Stand Firm
in the Faith”
PAGE 15
___________________________________________________________________
NOVEMBER 16-22
In What Ways Does
Jehovah Love Us?
PAGE 21
___________________________________________________________________
NOVEMBER 23-29
How Can We Show
That We Love
Jehovah?
PAGE 27
STUDY ARTICLES
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
ˇ Are You Reaching the Stature

That Belongs to Christ?
ˇ Is Your Conscience a Reliable Guide?
In these articles, we will learn how God’s servants can
ITALY keep growing closer to Jehovah, with the goal of becoming
COVER: Italian publishers from the mature Christians. We will also learn how to train our
Chinese congregation speaking to conscience and how we can use it to make wise decisions.
tourists in the city of Rome. Every _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
month, hundreds of people visit our

mobile displays, which are placed
ˇ “Stand Firm in the Faith”
near famous locations We can learn important lessons about faith from Peter
‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ when he tried to walk on water at the Sea of Galilee.
This article will help us to recognize possible weaknesses
POPULATION in our faith and show how we can strengthen it.
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251,650 ˇ How Can We Show That We Love Jehovah?
Jehovah’s love for us and our deep love for him give us
PIONEERS
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33,073 Jehovah shows his love for us and how we can show our
love for him.
¡Hola! Hello! 안녕하세요
halo
juga!
䓟好 Bonjour!
The good news is being

preached in 37 foreign
languages by over
24,000 publishers
34567 ˙
September 15, 2015
Are You Reaching the Stature
“Attain . . . the measure of stature that belongs
to the fullness of the Christ.”—EPHESIANS 4:13.
WHAT does a housewife look for when selecting fresh SONGS: 69, 70
fruit at the market? Likely, it is not the largest or cheap-
est pieces of fruit. Instead, she looks for fruit that smells WHAT WOULD YOU SAY?
good and is fresh and ready to eat. She wants the fruit ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
to be ripe, that is, mature. How do mature Christians

benefit from accurate
2 After a person learns about Jehovah and decides to
knowledge?
get baptized, his relationship with God continues to
grow. His goal is to become a mature Christian. This ma- ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
turity does not refer to becoming older in age. It refers How do mature Christians
to spiritual growth, that is, having a closer relationship promote unity in the
with Jehovah. The apostle Paul wanted Christians in congregation?
Ephesus to become mature. He encouraged them to be
united in the faith and to keep learning about Jesus in ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
order to become “a full-grown man, attaining the mea- How can the right friends
sure of stature that belongs to the fullness of the help us to become mature
Christians?
Christ.”—Ephesians 4:13.
1, 2. What is a goal for every Christian? Give an example.
3
true of mature Christians. They are
A mature Christian not exactly the same. They come from
different countries and backgrounds.
keeps looking for They are of different ages and have
Bible principles that different likes and dislikes. Yet, all ma-
ture Christians have certain qualities
can help him to know in common that identify them as ma-
what is right and ture. What are some of these quali-
ties?
what is wrong 5 A mature Christian imitates Jesus
and follows “his steps closely.” (1 Pe-

3 The Ephesian congregation had al- ter 2:21) Jesus said that it is very im-
ready existed for some years when portant for a person to love Jehovah
Paul wrote his letter to them. Many in with his whole heart, soul, and mind
that congregation were already ex- and to love his neighbor as himself.
perienced, mature Christians. Yet, (Matthew 22:37-39) A mature Chris-
there were still some who needed tian tries hard to obey that counsel.
their relationship with Jehovah to be- The way he lives his life proves that
come much stronger. Similarly today, his relationship with Jehovah and his
many brothers and sisters have served deep love for others is most impor-
Jehovah for a long time and have tant to him.
become mature Christians. However,
some in the congregations are not at
that point. For example, thousands ‘Are there changes
are baptized each year, so some still
need to grow to maturity. What about that I can make to
you?—Colossians 2:6, 7. imitate Jesus
HOW CAN A CHRISTIAN GROW? more closely?’
4 When you look at ripe fruit at the
market, you see that the pieces are 6 Love is just one of the many quali-
not exactly the same. However, they
do have certain things in common ties that a mature Christian shows.
that identify them as ripe. The same is (Galatians 5:22, 23) He also shows
mildness, self-control, and patience.
3. How does the Ephesian congregation com- These qualities can help him to en-
pare with Jehovah’s people today?
4, 5. How are mature Christians different from 6, 7. (a) What are some other qualities that
one another, but what do they all have in com- identify a mature Christian? (b) What should we
mon? (See opening picture.) ask ourselves?
Older Christians can imitate Jesus’ humility by supporting younger ones now taking the lead
(See paragraph 6)
dure difficult situations without be- the good news with zeal and does
coming annoyed and to endure dis- everything he can to help the congre-
appointments without losing hope. In gation stay united.
his personal study, a mature Christian 7 No matter how long we have been
keeps searching for Bible principles serving Jehovah, each of us can ask:
that help him to know what is right ‘Are there changes that I can make to
and what is wrong. Then, when he uses imitate Jesus more closely? Are there
his Bible-trained conscience, he will ways that I can improve?’
be able to make wise decisions. A ma-
“SOLID FOOD BELONGS
ture Christian is humble, so he be- TO MATURE PEOPLE”
lieves that Jehovah’s direction and 8Jesus Christ knew and understood
standards are always better than his
the Scriptures well. Even when he was
own.1 (See footnote.) He preaches
12 years old, he used the Scriptures
1 For example, older, experienced brothers may be
asked to give up an assignment and support younger 8. How well did Jesus know and understand the
brothers who receive that assignment. Bible?

when talking to teachers at the tem- he imitates Jesus and develops the
ple. “All those listening to him were new personality, which is “created ac-
in constant amazement at his un- cording to God’s will in true righ-
derstanding and his answers.” teousness and loyalty.” (Read Ephe-
(Luke 2:46, 47) Later, when he was sians 4:22-24.) It is important to
preaching, he skillfully used God’s remember that God used his holy spir-
Word to silence his enemies.—Mat- it to guide the Bible writers. So when
thew 22:41-46. a Christian studies the Bible, God’s
9 A person who wants to become a holy spirit helps him to grow in knowl-
mature Christian imitates Jesus’ ex- edge, grow in love, and grow in his re-
ample and wants to understand the lationship with Jehovah.
Bible as much as he can. He regular- PROMOTE UNITY
ly searches the Scriptures for deep 11 Jesus was a perfect man. However,
truths, because he knows that “solid when he was on the earth, Jesus was
food belongs to mature people.” (He- surrounded by imperfect people. His
brews 5:14) A mature Christian wants parents and his brothers and sisters
to have an “accurate knowledge” of were all imperfect. Even Jesus’ clos-
the Bible. (Ephesians 4:13) So ask est followers showed qualities such
yourself: ‘Do I read the Bible daily? as pride and selfishness. For example,
Do I have a schedule for personal on the night before his death, his dis-
study? Do I have family worship each ciples argued among themselves “over
week?’ When you study the Bible, which one of them was considered to
search for principles that can help be the greatest.” (Luke 22:24) Despite
you to know how Jehovah thinks and their imperfect thinking, Jesus knew
feels. Then use these principles when that his followers would soon become
you make decisions. That will help mature Christians and form a united
you draw even closer to Jehovah. congregation. That same night, Jesus
10 A mature Christian must do more prayed for them to be united. He
than simply know what the Bible says. asked his heavenly Father that they all
He must love God’s counsel and prin- be one, saying: “Just as you, Father,
ciples. Then he shows this love by his are in union with me and I am in union
desire to do Jehovah’s will instead of with you.” He added: “In order that
his own. He even changes the way he they may be one just as we are one.”
lives, thinks, and acts. For example, —John 17:21, 22.
12 A mature Christian promotes uni-
9. (a) What study schedule does a mature
Christian have? (b) Why do we study the Bible? 11. What did Jesus experience while on earth?
10. How does a mature Christian feel about 12, 13. (a) What is our goal as Christians?
God’s counsel and principles? (b) How did one brother learn to promote unity?
ty in the congregation. (Read Ephe- ed to stop remembering their mis-
sians 4:1-6, 15, 16.) As Christians, takes and promote unity in the con-
our goal is to be “harmoniously joined gregation. Is it your goal to do the
together,” that is, to work together in same?
unity. To have this kind of unity, a
CHOOSE FRIENDS FROM AMONG
Christian must be humble. So even THOSE DOING GOD’S WILL
when he is affected by the imper- 14 Jesus Christ was friendly toward
fections of others, a mature Chris-
people. Men and women, young and
tian works hard to keep the unity of
old, and even children, felt comfort-
the congregation strong. Therefore,
able with Jesus. But he chose his close
ask yourself: ‘How do I react when a
friends carefully. He told his apos-
brother or a sister makes a mistake?
tles: “You are my friends if you do
How do I feel when someone hurts
what I am commanding you.” (John
me? Do I usually stop talking to that
15:14) Jesus chose his close friends
person? Or do I try to repair the rela-
tionship?’ A mature Christian wants
to overcome a problem rather than be Do you choose friends
a problem to others.
13 Consider the example of Uwe. In who love Jehovah with
the past, he used to let the imperfec- their whole heart?
tions of brothers and sisters upset
him. Then he decided to use the Bible
and Insight on the Scriptures to study from among those who loyally fol-
the life of David. Why David? Because lowed him and who loved and served
David had also experienced problems Jehovah. Do you choose friends who
with some of God’s servants. For ex- love Jehovah with their whole heart?
ample, King Saul tried to kill David, Why is this important?
15 Most kinds of fruit ripen best in
some of the people wanted to stone
him, and even his own wife laughed warm sunlight. In a similar way, the
at him. (1 Samuel 19:9-11; 30:1-6; warm love of our brothers and sisters
2 Samuel 6:14-22) But despite what can help you to become a mature
others did to him, David loved Jeho- Christian. Are you a young person
vah and trusted in him. David also who is trying to decide what you will
showed mercy. Uwe admits that he do with your life? If so, it is wise to
needed to do the same. Through his choose friends who have been serving
study of the Bible, he learned that he 14. How did Jesus choose his friends?
needed to change how he felt about 15. How can young ones benefit from friend-
his brothers’ imperfections. He need- ship with mature Christians?

Jehovah for a while and who promote happy that I focused much of my
unity in the congregation. They may youth on Jehovah’s service. I have no
have had problems in their life and reason to regret having done so.”
may have endured challenges while 17 When we imitate Jesus, we will
serving Jehovah. They can help you grow to become mature Christians.
choose the best way of life. When you We will draw closer to Jehovah, and
spend time with them, they can help our desire to serve him will also grow.
you to make wise decisions and to A person serves Jehovah best when
grow as a Christian.—Read Hebrews he is mature. Jesus encouraged his
5:14. followers: “Let your light shine be-
16 Helga remembers that during her
fore men, so that they may see your
last year of school, most of her class- fine works and give glory to your Fa-
mates were talking about their goals ther who is in the heavens.”—Matthew
for the future. Many of them wanted 5:16.
to go to a university in order to have 18 We have learned how a mature
a successful career. However, Helga
Christian can be a powerful support
spoke with mature friends in her con-
to the congregation. A Christian also
gregation. She says: “Many of them
were older than I was, and they helped shows his maturity in the way he uses
me a lot. They encouraged me to take his conscience. How can our con-
up the full-time ministry. Thereafter, I science help us to make wise deci-
was able to spend five years in the pio- sions? And how can we respect the
neer service. Now, years later, I am conscience of others? We will answer
these questions in the next article.
16. How did older ones in the congregation help
one sister when she was young? 17, 18. How can we best serve Jehovah?
SOME A mature Christian loves Jehovah’s counsel. He wants

to do Jehovah’s will rather than his own, and he imitates
EXPRESSIONS Jesus closely in the way he acts and speaks. He searches
EXPLAINED the Bible for principles that will help him to know the
difference between right and wrong, and he does his best
to strengthen the unity of the congregation
Is Your Conscience
a Reliable Guide?
“The objective of this instruction is love out of a clean
heart and out of a good conscience.”—1 TIMOTHY 1:5.
JEHOVAH GOD created humans with free will, that is, SONGS: 57, 48
the freedom to make choices. To help us make the right
choices, Jehovah gave us a guide. This guide is called the HOW WOULD YOU
conscience, and it is the sense of right and wrong that we ANSWER?
have inside us. When we use our conscience in the right ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
way, it can help us to do what is good and to avoid what How can our conscience
help us to make decisions
is bad. Our conscience is proof that Jehovah loves us and
about . . .
wants us to succeed.
2 Some people today do what is good and hate what is
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
bad even though they do not know Bible standards. health care?
(Read Romans 2:14, 15.) Why is that? It is because of
their conscience. It prevents many people from doing evil ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
things. Imagine how bad the world would be if no one had recreation?
a conscience! We would likely hear about even more evil
things than we already do. We can be thankful that Jeho- ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
vah gave humans a conscience! good works?

1, 2. Who gave us our conscience, and why can we be thankful that we
have it?
9
3 Most people do not think about regularly, meditate on what we read,
training their conscience. How- and ask Jehovah to help us apply what
ever, Jehovah’s people want their con- we have learned. That means we must
science to work properly because it do more than simply learn facts and
can be a powerful help to promote uni- rules. When we study the Bible, our
ty in the congregation. We want our goal is to know Jehovah better. We
conscience to remind us of the Bible’s come to know what kind of Person he
standards of right and wrong, good is and what he likes and dislikes. As
and bad. However, to train and use our we learn more about Jehovah, our
conscience, we must do more than conscience will eventually be quick to
simply learn what the Bible says. We recognize what he views as right and
must love God’s standards and have wrong. The more we train our con-
faith that they are good for us. Paul science, the more we can begin to
wrote: “The objective of this instruc- think like Jehovah.
tion is love out of a clean heart and out 5 However, we might ask: How can a
of a good conscience and out of faith well-trained conscience help us when
without hypocrisy.” (1 Timothy 1:5) we need to make decisions? How can
we respect the conscience of a fel-
low Christian? And how can our con-
How can a well-trained science move us to do what is good?
conscience help Let us consider three areas in which
we need a well-trained conscience:
us when we need to (1) health care, (2) recreation, and
make decisions? (3) our preaching work.
BE REASONABLE
When we train our conscience and fol- 6 The Bible tells us to avoid things
low it, our love for Jehovah and our that will hurt us and to be reasonable
faith in him will grow. How we use our in habits, such as in eating and drink-
conscience proves how close our rela- ing. (Proverbs 23:20; 2 Corinthians
tionship with Jehovah is and shows 7:1) When we obey the Bible’s counsel,
how much we want to please him. Our it can help us to protect our health.
conscience also reveals what kind of But we still get sick and grow old.
person we really are. What decisions may we have to make?
4 But how can we train our con- In some countries, both conventional
science? We need to study the Bible and alternative medicine are available.
3. How can our conscience help us in the con- 5. What will we discuss in this article?
gregation? 6. What decisions do we make regarding our
4. How can we train our conscience? health care?
Branch offices regularly receive letters blood.1 (See footnote.) What other Bi-
from brothers and sisters asking about ble advice can help us make wise deci-
different treatments. Many ask, “Can a sions about medical treatment?
servant of Jehovah accept this or that 8 Proverbs 14:15 says: “The naive
treatment?” person believes every word, but the

7 A branch office or the local congre- shrewd one ponders each step.” Today,
gation elders do not have the authori- there may be no known cure for some
ty to make medical decisions for a illnesses. So we need to be careful
Christian, even if he asks what to do. about treatments that claim to cure an
(Galatians 6:5) However, the elders illness but that have no proof of suc-
can share what Jehovah says in order cess. Paul wrote: “Let your reasonable-
to help a Christian make a wise de- ness become known to all men.” (Phi-
cision. For example, God has com- lippians 4:5) Reasonableness will help
manded us to keep abstaining from us to stay focused on worshipping Je-
blood. (Acts 15:29) This command hovah rather than focusing our lives
clearly helps a Christian to understand on health matters. If health care be-
that he cannot accept medical treat- came the most important thing in our
ments that involve taking in whole life, we could become self-centered.
blood or any of its four major com- (Philippians 2:4) We know that we can-
ponents. This information could even not have perfect health in this sys-
affect a Christian’s conscience when he tem. Therefore, make sure that serving
decides whether he will accept minor
1 See “Questions From Readers” in The Watchtower of
fractions, the smaller parts that come June 15, 2004, pages 29-31.
from the four major components of
8. How can Philippians 4:5 help us make wise
7. How can we make decisions about blood? choices regarding health care?
Do you try to force others

to have your opinion?
(See paragraph 9)
Jehovah is the most important thing in 10 At times, we may not understand
your life.—Read Philippians 1:10. why someone in the congregation
9 A reasonable Christian will not try makes a certain decision on a personal
to force others to do what he thinks is matter. What should we do? We should
best. In one country, a married cou- not be quick to judge him or force him
ple were encouraging others to take to change his mind. Perhaps he needs
certain food supplements and follow to train his conscience more, or maybe
a specific diet. They persuaded some it is too sensitive. (1 Corinthians 8:11,
brothers to do so, but others chose not 12) Or perhaps our own conscience is
to. When the supplements and diet did not fully trained. When it comes to
not have good results, many brothers health care and other matters, each of
and sisters were upset. The couple had us needs to make a personal decision
the right to choose for themselves and accept responsibility for it.
ENJOY RECREATION
Make sure that 11 Jehovah created us in a way that
we can enjoy recreation and benefit
serving Jehovah is from it. Solomon wrote that there is “a
the most important time to laugh” and “a time to dance.”
(Ecclesiastes 3:4) However, not all rec-
thing in your life reation is beneficial, relaxing, or re-
freshing. We also need to avoid spend-
whether to try the supplements and ing too much time in recreation. How
the diet. However, was it reasonable to can our conscience help us to enjoy
risk the unity of the congregation be- and benefit from recreation that Jeho-
cause of health care? In ancient Rome, vah approves?
12 The Bible warns against “the
some Christians had different opin-
ions about certain foods and celebra- works of the flesh.” These works in-
tions. What advice did Paul give them? clude “sexual immorality, unclean-
He said: “One man judges one day as ness, brazen conduct, idolatry, spirit-
above another; another judges one day ism, hostility, strife, jealousy, fits of
the same as all others; let each one anger, dissensions, divisions, sects,
be fully convinced in his own mind.” envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and
Let us be careful to avoid stumbling things like these.” Paul wrote that
others.—Read Romans 14:5, 13, 15, “those who practice such things will
19, 20.
10. Why should we respect the personal deci-
9. How does Romans 14:13, 19 affect our decisions of others? (See opening picture.)
sions about health, and how might our unity be 11, 12. How does the Bible help us choose our
put at risk? recreation?
not inherit God’s Kingdom.” (Gala-
tians 5:19-21) So we can ask ourselves: ‘Does my conscience
‘Does my conscience help me to avoid
sports that are aggressive, competi- warn me when
tive, nationalistic, or violent? Does I am being tempted?’
my conscience warn me when I am
tempted to view a film that features
pornographic scenes or one that en- 14 Christian and Daniela have two
courages immorality, drunkenness, or teenage daughters. Christian says:
spiritism?’ “During our Family Worship evening,
13 Bible principles can help us to train we discussed recreation. We agreed
our conscience regarding recreation. that some ways of having fun are ac-
For example, the Bible says that “phys- ceptable whereas others are not. Who
ical training is beneficial for a little.” can be considered good association?
(1 Timothy 4:8) Many feel that regu- One of our daughters complained that
lar exercise is refreshing and good for during recess at her school, some Wit-
their health. Yet, what if we want to ex- ness youths behave in a way that she
ercise with a group? Does it matter thought was not proper. And she felt
whom we exercise with? Proverbs 13: under pressure to behave in the same
20 tells us: “The one walking with the way. We reasoned that each of us has a
wise will become wise, but the one who conscience, and we ought to be guided
has dealings with the stupid will fare by it in choosing what we do and with
badly.” Clearly, it is important that we whom.”—Read Romans 14:2-4.
15 How much time do you spend in
use our Bible-trained conscience when
choosing recreation. recreation? Do you put activities such
13. How can the advice at 1 Timothy 4:8 and 14. How did one family apply Romans 14:2-4?
Proverbs 13:20 help us with regard to recre- 15. How can Matthew 6:33 help us when plan-
ation? ning recreation?
Your Bible-trained
conscience can help
you to avoid dangers
(See paragraph 14)
as meetings, service, and Bible study in the sight of God.”—2 Corinthians
first in your life, or does recreation 4:2.
come first? What is most important to 17 When Jacqueline was 16 years old,
you? Jesus said: “Keep on, then, seek- she studied biology in school. How-
ing first the Kingdom and his righ- ever, the students were learning about
teousness, and all these other things the theory of evolution. “My con-
will be added to you.” (Matthew 6: science would not let me share as fully
33) When deciding how to spend your in class discussions as I normally did. I
time, does your conscience remind you could not support the theory of evolu-
of Jesus’ advice? tion. I approached the teacher and ex-
plained my position. To my surprise, he
WE ARE MOTIVATED
TO PREACH
was very friendly and offered me the
chance to speak to the whole class on
16 A trained conscience not only the subject of creation.” Jacqueline
warns us against doing wrong things, felt satisfied knowing that she listened
but it also motivates us to do good to and followed her Bible-trained con-
things. One of these is to preach from science. Does your conscience move
house to house and to those we meet you to do what is right?
informally. That is what Paul did. He 18 Our goal is to live according to Je-
wrote: “Necessity is laid upon me. hovah’s principles and standards. And
Really, woe to me if I do not declare the our conscience can help us to reach
good news!” (1 Corinthians 9:16) As that goal. When we regularly study
we imitate Paul, we will have a good God’s Word, meditate on it, and ap-
conscience, knowing that we are doing ply what we learn, we will train our
the right thing. And when we preach conscience. Then this wonderful gift
the good news to others, we appeal to will be a reliable guide in our Christian
their conscience. Paul said: “By mak- life!
ing the truth manifest, we recommend
ourselves to every human conscience 17. How did one young sister follow her Bible-
trained conscience?
16. How does our conscience encourage us to 18. Why should we want to have a good, reliable
preach? conscience?
SOME Conscience:
A sense of right and wrong that we have inside us.
EXPRESSIONS It can help guide us to do what is good and stop us
EXPLAINED from doing what is bad. When we train our conscience
and follow it, our love for Jehovah and our faith in him
will grow
“Stand Firm in the Faith”
“Stand firm in the faith, . . . grow mighty.”
ONE night, the apostle Peter and some of the disciples SONGS: 60, 64
struggled to row across the Sea of Galilee during a storm.
Suddenly, they saw Jesus walking on the sea. Peter called HOW WOULD YOU
out to Jesus and asked if he could walk across the water ANSWER?
to him. When Jesus told him to come, Peter got out of the ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Why is faith a precious

boat and started walking toward him. But soon after, Pe-
possession?
ter started to sink. Why? Because he looked at the storm
and the waves and became afraid. Peter shouted for help
and Jesus quickly grabbed him and said: “You with lit- ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
tle faith, why did you give way to doubt?”—Matthew How do we know if our faith
14:24-32. is weakening?
2 Let us consider three things about faith that we can
learn from Peter’s experience: (1) how Peter at first trust- ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
ed that Jehovah could help him, (2) why Peter began to Why should we focus on
Jesus’ example?
1. (a) What happened to Peter during a storm on the sea of Galilee?
(See opening picture.) (b) Why did Peter start to sink?
2. What will we now consider?
15
lose faith, and (3) what helped Peter us before no longer recognize us. We
to regain his faith. Examining these made these changes because we love
points can help us to see how we can Jehovah and because he helped us to
“stand firm in the faith.”—1 Corinthi- make them. (Read Colossians 3:5-
ans 16:13. 10.) Faith motivated us to dedicate
ourselves to Jehovah, and we became
FAITH THAT GOD WILL HELP US
his friends, something we could nev-
3 Peter had strong faith. Why can we er have done without his help.—Ephe-
say that? When Jesus called him, Peter sians 2:8.
climbed out of the boat and walked on 5 Our faith makes us strong. For ex-
water. He trusted that God’s power ample, it helps us to fight against the
would give him that ability in the same attacks of the Devil, our powerful ene-
way it did for Jesus. Similarly, when my. (Ephesians 6:16) Also, because we
Jesus invited us to follow him, we ded- trust in Jehovah, we do not need to
icated ourselves to Jehovah and got worry as much when we have prob-
baptized. Why? Because of our faith in lems. Jehovah has promised that he
both Jehovah and Jesus and because will give us what we need if we have
we trusted that they would help us. faith in him and put his Kingdom first.
—John 14:1; read 1 Peter 2:21. (Matthew 6:30-34) And more than
that, because of our faith, Jehovah
will give us the wonderful gift of ever-
Peter’s faith gave lasting life.—John 3:16.
him the ability LOSING OUR FOCUS CAN
LEAD TO LOSING OUR FAITH
to do what seemed 6 As Peter walked on the Sea of Gali-
impossible for a human lee, he became afraid. Why? Because
of the wind and the waves. These might
be compared to the many trials and
4 Faith is something precious. Pe- temptations Christians experience to-
ter’s faith gave him the ability to walk day. Even if these problems are very
on water, something that seemed im- difficult, we can be strong with Jeho-
possible for a human. Faith can also vah’s help. But remember what hap-
help us to do what may seem impossi- pened to Peter. He did not sink be-
ble. (Matthew 21:21, 22) Some of us cause of the wind and the waves hitting
have changed our attitude and behav- him. Instead, the Bible says: “Looking
ior so much that people who knew at the windstorm, he became afraid.”
3. Why did Peter climb out of the boat, and how 6, 7. (a) To what might we compare the wind
have we done something similar? and waves that scared Peter? (b) Why must we
4, 5. Why is faith a precious possession? understand that it is possible to lose our faith?
doubt that Jehovah has really forgiven
If we focus on us. (Acts 3:19) As a result, we could
lose our joy in God’s service and stop
the wrong things, preaching to others.
our faith could 9 Do I still give Jehovah my very
best? When we work hard for Jehovah,

quickly become weak it helps us to focus on our hope for the
future. However, what if we have start-
ed to focus more on our own interests?
(Matthew 14:30) Peter stopped look-
For example, we might accept a job
ing at Jesus and focused on the power
that pays well but limits our service to
of the storm. Then his faith started to
Jehovah. This could weaken our faith,
weaken. In a similar way, if we focus on
and we could “become sluggish,” doing
our problems, we can begin to doubt
less for Jehovah than we really can.
that Jehovah will help us.
—Hebrews 6:10-12.
7 We must understand that it is possi-
10 Is it hard for me to forgive? When
ble to lose our faith. Why? Because
others offend or hurt us, are we tempt-
the Bible says that loss of faith is
ed to get angry with them or stop
“the sin that easily entangles us.” (He-
speaking to them? If so, we could be
brews 12:1) Similar to Peter, if we focus
on the wrong things, our faith could
quickly become weak. So how can we
know if our faith is in danger? The fol-
Jesus’ disciples
lowing questions will help us to exam- learned that faith
ine ourselves. is needed to
8 Are God’s promises as real to me
now as they were before? For ex- forgive others

ample, God has promised to destroy
Satan’s world. However, are we dis-
focusing too much on our own feelings.
tracted by the many different types of
We show our faith in Jehovah when we
entertainment his world offers? If so, forgive others. How so? If someone
we might start to doubt that the end is sins against us, they owe us a debt.
near. (Habakkuk 2:3) Think about an- When we sin against Jehovah, we owe
other example. Jehovah provided the him a debt. (Luke 11:4) So when we for-
ransom, and he promised to forgive give others, we are trusting in Jehovah.
our mistakes. But if we keep focusing
on our past mistakes, we may begin to 9. What could happen if we focus our life on
personal interests?
8. How might God’s promises seem less real to 10. How do we show faith in Jehovah when we
us than they once did? forgive others?

When we focus on Jesus’ example and imitate him closely, we can have strong faith
(See paragraph 15)
We trust him to bless our attitude, and the lead in the congregation? When
his blessing is much more valuable than the Israelites focused on the bad re-
making someone pay for what he did to port of the ten spies, they complained
us. Jesus’ disciples learned that faith is about Moses and Aaron. Then Jeho-
needed to forgive others. When Jesus vah asked Moses: “How much longer
told them to forgive even those who will they not put faith in me?” (Num-
sinned against them many times, his bers 14:2-4, 11) Yes, Jehovah knew
disciples begged him: “Give us more that the Israelites did not trust in him
faith.”—Luke 17:1-5. because they complained against Mo-
11 Am I offended when given coun- ses and Aaron, men whom he had ap-
sel? Look for ways to learn from coun- pointed. In a similar way, if we always
sel instead of looking for mistakes in complain about those whom Jehovah
the counsel or weaknesses in the one uses to lead his people today, this may
who gave it. (Proverbs 19:20) Do not show that our faith in God has weak-
miss an opportunity to learn to think ened.
more like Jehovah! 13 After considering these questions,
12 Do I complain about those taking do not be disappointed if you see that

your faith has weakened. Remember
11. Why might we fail to learn from counsel?
12. What may be wrong if a person always com- 13. Why should we not be disappointed if we
plains about those taking the lead? see some weaknesses in our faith?
that even the apostle Peter became is God’s Word and that it gives us the
afraid and began to doubt. And at best advice. (John 17:17) To imitate
times, Jesus counseled all the apos- Jesus, we must read the Bible every
tles for having “little faith.” (Matthew day, study it, and meditate on the les-
16:8) Yet, we can learn an important sons we learn. We must also search
lesson from Peter’s experience. Notice for answers to questions we might
what he did after he started to doubt have. For example, do you strongly be-
and sink into the sea. lieve that we live in the last days?
Strengthen your faith that the end is
FOCUS ON JESUS
TO STRENGTHEN YOUR FAITH near by studying Bible prophecies that
prove we are living in the last days. Do
14 What did Peter do when he started
you want to strengthen your faith in
to sink? Peter was a good swimmer, so
God’s promises for the future? Then
he could have decided to swim back to
study Bible prophecies that have been
the boat. (John 21:7) But why did he
fulfilled. Do you really believe that
not do that? Because he did not rely on
the Bible is practical today? You can
himself for help. He focused on Jesus
read about brothers and sisters who
again and accepted his help. If we no-
changed their lives for the better with
tice that our faith has weakened, we
help from the Bible.1 (See footnote.)
should imitate Peter. How can we do
—1 Thessalonians 2:13.
that?
17 Focus on the blessings Jehovah
15 Just as Peter focused on Jesus
has promised. Jesus focused on his fu-
again for help, we too must “look in-
ture blessings, and this helped him to
tently” at Jesus. (Read Hebrews 12:
endure extreme tests. (Hebrews 12:2)
2, 3.) But we cannot see him with our
He was never distracted by what the
eyes the way Peter could. So how can
world could offer. (Matthew 4:8-10)
we “look intently” at Jesus? We can
How can we imitate Jesus’ example?
study the things he taught and did and
Meditate on the wonderful promises
then imitate him very closely. When we
Jehovah has made. Imagine yourself in
do that, we will get the help we need to
the new world. Write about or draw
strengthen our faith. Let us consider
what you will do in Paradise. Or make
some ways that we can imitate Jesus.
a list of resurrected people you would
16 Strengthen your trust in the Bi-
like to talk with and what you would
ble. Jesus was convinced that the Bible like to say to them. See these as God’s
14, 15. (a) What did Peter do when he started 1 For example, see the series “The Bible Changes
to sink? (b) How can we “look intently” at Je- Lives” in the public edition of The Watchtower.
sus?
16. How can the Bible help us to strengthen our 17. Why was Jesus able to endure extreme
faith? tests, and how can you imitate him?

promises, not just to people in general, their faith by what he said and did.
but to you personally. (Mark 11:20-24) We should imitate Je-
18 Pray for more faith. Jesus taught sus’ example. When we do that, we
his disciples to ask Jehovah for holy will strengthen our own faith and the
spirit. (Luke 11:9, 13) As you ask faith of others. (Proverbs 11:25) How
for holy spirit, pray for more faith. can you help people in your territory?
It is one aspect of the fruitage of When you teach the Bible to others,
the holy spirit. You can be specific in emphasize the proof that God exists,
your prayers. For example, if you no- that he cares about us, and that the Bi-
tice that it is difficult for you to for- ble is God’s Word. How can you help
give others, ask Jehovah to keep your your brothers and sisters to keep their
faith strong and to help you to be for- faith strong? If you notice someone
giving. complaining about the brothers who
19 Choose friends with strong faith. take the lead, do not be quick to avoid
Jesus chose his close friends carefully. him. Use tact to try to help him restore
His closest friends, the apostles, were his faith. (Jude 22, 23) If you are
still in school and your teacher talks
faithful, loyal, and obedient to him.
about evolution, be bold and defend
(Read John 15:14, 15.) Imitate Je-
your faith in creation. The reaction
sus and choose your friends carefully.
of your teacher and your classmates
They should be people with strong
might pleasantly surprise you.
faith who are obedient to Jesus. True
21 Jehovah and Jesus helped Peter to
friends can be honest with each other,
even when they need to give or accept overcome doubt and fear. Later in his
counsel.—Proverbs 27:9. life, Peter became a strong example of
20 Help others build their faith. Je-
faith for others. In the same way, Jeho-
vah helps each of us to stand firm in
sus helped his disciples to strengthen
the faith. (Read 1 Peter 5:9, 10.) It
18. How can prayer help to strengthen your takes effort to build strong faith, but
faith? Jehovah will reward us when we make
19. How can we choose good friends? that effort.
20. What will happen when we help others
strengthen their faith? 21. What has Jehovah promised each of us?
SOME We focus on Jesus when we study the things

he taught and the things he did, and we then
EXPRESSIONS imitate him closely
EXPLAINED
In What Ways
Does Jehovah Love Us?
“See what sort of love the Father has given us!”—1 JOHN 3:1.
THE apostle John encouraged us to think deeply about SONGS: 91, 13

Jehovah’s great love for us. At 1 John 3:1, we read: “See
what sort of love the Father has given us!” When we med- CAN YOU EXPLAIN?
itate on how much Jehovah loves us and how he shows ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
his love for us, we draw closer to him and we love him Why is it difficult for some
to understand that Jehovah
even more. loves them?
2 Sadly, some do not understand how God can love
them. They think that God does not care about people. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
How does Jehovah show his

They might believe that God only makes rules and pun-
love for us in the way he
ishes those who do not obey him. Because of false teach- cares for our needs and
ings, some even think that God is cruel and that it is im- teaches us the truth?
possible to love him. Others feel that God loves all
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
people no matter what they do. But your study of the Bi-
Why do we feel loved by
ble has helped you to come to know the truth about Jehovah when he guides and
disciplines us?
1. What did the apostle John encourage us to think about, and why?
2. Why is it difficult for some to understand that God loves them?
21
Jehovah. You know that love is his JEHOVAH IS LOVING AND GENEROUS
greatest quality and that he gave his 5 When the apostle Paul was in Ath-
Son as a ransom for you. (John 3:16; ens, Greece, he noticed that there
1 John 4:8) Yet, because of your expe- were many idols and that people be-
riences in life, it may be difficult for lieved that their gods gave them life.
you to understand how much Jehovah So he told them about “the God who
loves you. made the world and all the things in
3 To help us understand Jehovah’s it.” He said that God “gives to all peo-
love for us, we first need to under- ple life and breath and all things” and
stand that Jehovah is the one who that “by him we have life and move
made us. He gave us life. (Read Psalm and exist.” (Acts 17:24, 25, 28) Jeho-
100:3-5.) That is why the Bible de- vah gives us everything we need to live
scribes the first human as a “son of and to enjoy life. Think about some of
God.” (Luke 3:38) And Jesus taught the things he has given us because of
us to call Jehovah “our Father in the his love for us.
heavens.” (Matthew 6:9) So Jehovah 6 For example, Jehovah prepared a
is our Father, and he loves us the way beautiful home for us. (Psalm 115:
a good father loves his children. 15, 16) Out of all the planets that
4 It is hard for some to think of he created, the earth seems to be
a father as a loving person. They unique. Scientists have explored space
might have painful memories of their and have discovered many planets, but
childhood because their father treat- they still cannot find another planet
ed them cruelly. Jehovah would never that has everything humans need to
do that to his children. He is the best survive. Jehovah not only gave us
Father we could have. (Psalm 27:10) everything we need to stay alive, but
He loves us very much and takes care he also made the earth a beautiful,
of us in so many ways. The more we comfortable, and safe place where we
feel loved by Jehovah, the more we can enjoy life. (Isaiah 45:18) When we
will love him. (James 4:8) In this arti- think about the home that our Father,
cle, we will discuss four ways that Je- Jehovah, has given us, we truly feel
hovah shows his love for us. And in the how much he loves us.—Read Job 38:
next article, we will see four ways that 4, 7; Psalm 8:3-5.
7 Another way Jehovah has shown
we can express our love for him.
3. What will help us understand Jehovah’s love 5. What does God give to all people?
for us? 6. What kind of home did Jehovah give us?
4. (a) What kind of Father is Jehovah? (See opening picture.)
(b) What will we discuss in this article and in the 7. How does the way Jehovah created us show
next? that he truly loves us?
his love for us is by creating us with the the things we enjoy.” Clearly, he is
ability to imitate him. (Genesis 1:27) very generous and loves us very much.
This means that we can feel his love —1 Timothy 6:17; Psalm 145:16.
for us and then express our love for
JEHOVAH TEACHES US THE TRUTH
him. He knows that this is what makes
8Fathers love their children and do
us truly happy. After all, children are
not want them to be misled or de-
happiest when they feel that their par-
ceived. But many parents today do not
ents love them. And remember, Je-
accept the Bible’s standards of right
sus taught us that we will be happy
and wrong. So they cannot properly
if we are close to our Father, Jeho-
vah. (Matthew 5:3) He gives us “all 8. Why do we want Jehovah to teach us?
Christian fathers imitate Jehovah by teaching their children the truth and
helping them to have a relationship with their Father in heaven

guide their children, which often re- expects from us so that we can work
sults in unhappiness and confusion. unitedly and peacefully with everyone
(Proverbs 14:12) However, Jehovah in his family. The Bible clearly shows
gives his children the best guidance that God did not create us with the
because he is “the God of truth.” right to decide for ourselves what is
(Psalm 31:5) He is pleased to teach us good and what is bad. (Jeremiah 10:
23) Jehovah knows what is best for us.
And only by accepting his authority
As we get to know and obeying him can we have a peace-
Jehovah’s beautiful ful and satisfying life. Jehovah has
taught us this important truth because
personality, we feel he loves us.
closer to him 11 A loving father thinks seriously
about the future of his children. He

wants them to have a satisfying life.
the truth about himself. He also teach- Sadly, most people today are wor-
es us how to worship him and shows us ried about the future, and many waste
the best way to live. (Read Psalm their lives working for things that will
43:3.) So, what has Jehovah taught us not last. (Psalm 90:10) How grateful
that shows how much he loves us? we are that our Father, Jehovah, has
9 First of all, Jehovah tells us about
not only taught us how to live a satis-
himself. He wants us to get to know fying life now but has promised us a
him. (James 4:8) So he tells us what wonderful future!
his name is. In fact, the Bible men-
tions his name more than any other JEHOVAH GUIDES AND
name. Jehovah also tells us what kind DISCIPLINES HIS CHILDREN
of Person he is. When we look at the 12 When Jehovah saw that Cain was
things he created, we learn that he is in danger of doing something very
powerful and wise. (Romans 1:20) And bad, he tried to help Cain by asking
when we read the Bible, we learn how him: “Why are you so angry and de-
fair he is and how much he loves us. As jected? If you turn to doing good, will
we get to know Jehovah’s beautiful you not be restored to favor?” (Gene-
personality, we feel closer to him. sis 4:6, 7) Cain refused Jehovah’s help,
10 Jehovah also teaches us what his and he suffered as a result. (Genesis 4:
purpose is. He tells us that we are part 11-13) Another time, Jehovah noticed
of his family. He also explains what he
11. What has our loving Father told us about
9, 10. (a) Why does Jehovah tell us about him- the future?
self? (b) What does he teach us about his pur- 12. How did Jehovah try to help Cain and Bar-
pose for us? uch?
that Baruch’s wrong attitude was mak- from the sunset, so far off from us he
ing him feel tired and discouraged. So has put our transgressions.” (Psalm
Jehovah told Baruch that his think- 103:3, 4, 12) Jehovah disciplines and
ing was wrong and that he needed to guides us in different ways. Are you
change. Baruch listened to Jehovah’s quick to make changes? Always re-
counsel, and it saved his life.—Jeremi- member that Jehovah disciplines us
ah 45:2-5. because he loves us.—Psalm 30:5.
13 Jehovah guides and disciplines us
JEHOVAH PROTECTS US
because he loves us. He not only cor-
rects us when necessary, but he also
15 A loving father protects his family
trains us. (Hebrews 12:6) In the Bible, from danger. That is what our Father,
we read of faithful servants whom Je- Jehovah, does for us. The psalmist
hovah trained to become better peo- says about Jehovah: “He is guarding
ple. For example, Joseph, Moses, and the lives of his loyal ones; he rescues
David went through extremely dif- them from the hand of the wicked.”
ficult times. During their trials, Jeho- (Psalm 97:10) Think about this: Just
vah was with them. And the things as you are quick to protect your eyes
they learned during those trials helped because they are precious to you, Je-
them when Jehovah gave them greater hovah is quick to protect his peo-
responsibilities. As we read in the Bi- ple because they are precious to him.
ble how Jehovah supports and trains —Read Zechariah 2:8.
his people, we feel that Jehovah truly
loves us.—Read Proverbs 3:11, 12.
14 Even when we do something Jehovah is quick
wrong, Jehovah continues to show us to protect his people
love. If we respond to his discipline
and repent, he will forgive us “in a because they are
large way.” (Isaiah 55:7) What does precious to him
that mean? David’s words about Jeho-
vah’s forgiveness show us what a mer-
ciful Father we have: “He forgives all 16 One way Jehovah has protected
your errors and heals all your ail- his people, both in the past and today,
ments; he reclaims your life from the is by means of his angels. (Psalm 91:
pit and crowns you with his loyal love 11) One angel killed 185,000 Assyri-
and mercy. As far off as the sunrise is an soldiers in one night and saved
13. What did faithful servants of Jehovah learn 15. What is another way Jehovah shows he
from trials? loves us?
14. If we do something wrong, how does Jeho- 16, 17. How has Jehovah protected his people
vah show us love? in the past and in our time?

God’s people. (2 Kings 19:35) In the (Ephesians 6:10-12) We find these
first century, angels rescued Peter, warnings in the Bible and in the publi-
Paul, and others from prison. (Acts 5: cations from Jehovah’s organization.
18-20; 12:6-11) Recently, there was a For example, we learn about the dan-
terrible war in one country in Af- gers of the Internet, of loving mon-
rica. The country was in chaos be- ey, and of immoral and violent mov-
cause of all the fighting, stealing, rap- ies, books, or games. Clearly, Jehovah
ing, and killing. Although none of the loves us and wants to protect us.
brothers died, many lost everything
A GREAT HONOR
they owned. But they all felt Jehovah’s
love and knew that he was taking care
18 When Moses thought about all the
of them. Despite everything they had years that he had been serving Jeho-
suffered, they were still happy. When vah, he was convinced that Jehovah
a headquarters representative visited loved him. Moses said: “Satisfy us with
them and asked the brothers and sis- your loyal love in the morning, so that
ters how they were doing, they said, we may shout joyfully and rejoice dur-
“All is well, thanks to Jehovah!” ing all our days.” (Psalm 90:14) We are
17 Of course, some of Jehovah’s ser- blessed to be able to understand and
vants, such as the disciple Stephen to feel Jehovah’s love for us. What a
and others like him, have died because great honor it is to be loved by Jeho-
they were faithful. Jehovah does not vah! We feel like the apostle John,
always prevent this from happening. who said: “See what sort of love the
But he does protect his people as a Father has given us!”—1 John 3:1.
group by warning them about the dif- 18. How do you feel about Jehovah’s love for
ferent ways Satan tries to trick them. you?
SOME Jehovah loves us: Jehovah disciplines us:

Jehovah feels affection Jehovah teaches us, guides
EXPRESSIONS for us because we are his us, and corrects us. He
EXPLAINED children. And he has done helps us to do what is right.
many things for his family If Jehovah sees something
to show them just how in us that we need to adjust,
much he loves them he warns us and helps us to
see what we must do to stay
close to him
How Can We Show
That We Love Jehovah?
“We love, because he first loved us.”—1 JOHN 4:19.
THE best way a father can teach his children is by his SONGS: 56, 138
own example. When he shows love for his children, he
teaches them how to love. No one else has ever loved us HOW DO YOU FEEL
as much as our Father, Jehovah, does. So we learn how ABOUT JEHOVAH WHEN
YOU THINK OF . . .
to love “because he first loved us.”—1 John 4:19.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
2 In what way has Jehovah shown that he “first loved
how he cares for your needs?
us”? The Bible says: “While we were yet sinners, Christ
died for us.” (Romans 5:8) Our loving Father, Jehovah,
gave his Son as a ransom to rescue us from sin and death.
This precious gift made it possible for us to be close to ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Jehovah and to show our love for him. By making that the truths he has taught you?
great sacrifice, Jehovah set the example. He taught us
that we should love by being unselfish and generous.
—1 John 4:10.
3 Love is Jehovah’s main quality. So we can understand ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
why Jesus said that the most important commandment the way he disciplines you?
is: “You must love Jehovah your God with your whole
1, 2. How has Jehovah taught us to love him?
3, 4. How do we show that we love God?
27
heart and with your whole soul and happy. We realize how much he loves
with your whole mind and with your us, and we want to show him that we
whole strength.” (Mark 12:30) Jeho- love him too. Is that how you feel?
vah wants us to love him with our 6 The Israelites received many good
“whole heart.” It would hurt Jehovah things from Jehovah. For hundreds of
if we loved someone or something else years, he guided them with his laws
more than we love him. But our love and gave them everything they needed
for him should not be only an emo- to live. (Deuteronomy 4:7, 8) And the
tional feeling. Jehovah also expects Israelites could show their gratitude to
us to love him with our “whole mind” Jehovah by obeying these laws. For ex-
and with our “whole strength.” This ample, when they offered sacrifices to
means that our love for Jehovah in- Jehovah, they had to give him “the
volves the way we think and what we best of the first ripe fruits” of the land.
do.—Read Micah 6:8. (Exodus 23:19) The Israelites knew
4 So we should love Jehovah with all that Jehovah would continue to bless
we are and with all we have. By putting them if they obeyed him and gave him
him first in our lives, we show him that their best.—Read Deuteronomy 8:
we truly love him. In the previous ar- 7-11.
7 We too can show Jehovah that we
ticle, we discussed four ways Jehovah
shows his great love for his children. love him by giving him our “valuable
Let us now see how we can deepen our things.” (Proverbs 3:9) We do this by
love for Jehovah and show that we using what we have to honor him. For
example, we can make contributions to
love him.
support the Kingdom work in our own
SHOW JEHOVAH congregation and all around the world.
YOU ARE GRATEFUL Whether we have a lot or a little, all of
5 When someone gives you a gift, us can use what we own to express our
most likely you show that you are love for Jehovah. (2 Corinthians 8:12)
grateful. And because you value the But there are other ways we can show
gift, you also use it. James wrote: Jehovah that we love him.
“Every good gift and every perfect 8 Jesus taught us to keep seeking
present is from above, coming down first the Kingdom and not be anxious
from the Father of the celestial lights, about food and clothing. Our Father
who does not vary or change like the
6. What did the Israelites need to do if they
shifting shadows.” (James 1:17) We wanted Jehovah to continue to bless them?
are so grateful that Jehovah gives us 7. How can we use our “valuable things” to
everything we need to live and to be show Jehovah that we love him?
8, 9. What is another way we show Jehovah
5. When we think of all that Jehovah has done that we love him? What did Mike and his fami-
for us, what do we want to do? ly do?
promises to give us what we need.
(Matthew 6:31-33) We trust in Jeho- The more we trust
vah and know that he will keep that
promise. After all, when you truly love in Jehovah, the more
someone, you trust that person. In we show him that
fact, the more we trust in Jehovah, the
more we show him that we love him. we love him
(Psalm 143:8) So we might ask our-
selves: ‘Do my plans and the way I use
God; the skies above proclaim the
my time and energy show that I truly
work of his hands.” He added: “The
love Jehovah? Every day, do I rely on
law of Jehovah is perfect, restoring
Jehovah to care for my needs?’
strength. The reminder of Jehovah
9 Mike and his family trusted in Jeho-
is trustworthy, making the inexperi-
vah. When Mike was young, he always
enced one wise.” As David meditated
wanted to preach in another country.
on Jehovah’s wise laws and beautiful
Even after he got married and had two
creation, he drew closer to Jehovah
children, he still had that desire. When
and wanted to show his love for him.
Mike and his family read about other
David said: “May the words of my
brothers and sisters who served where
mouth and the meditation of my heart
the need is greater, they decided to
be pleasing to you, O Jehovah, my
simplify their lives. They sold their
Rock and my Redeemer.”—Psalm 19:1,
house and moved into a smaller place.
7, 14.
Mike also reduced the number of cus-
11 Today, Jehovah teaches us a lot
tomers he had in his cleaning business
and found out how to manage it from about himself, his purpose, his cre-
another country by using the Internet. ation, and his Word. The world en-
As a result, Mike and his family were courages people to learn, but higher
able to move to another country, and education often makes them lose their
they enjoyed their ministry there very love for God. In contrast, Jehovah
much. Mike said, “We experienced the not only wants us to have knowledge,
truthfulness of Jesus’ words recorded but he also helps us to be wise. He
at Matthew 6:33.” wants us to use what we learn for our
own good and to help others. (Prov-
MEDITATE ON WHAT erbs 4:5-7) For example, he wants us
JEHOVAH TEACHES YOU
to share the “accurate knowledge of
10King David once wrote: “The truth” with others and to help them to
heavens are declaring the glory of
11. How can we use the knowledge Jehovah
10. Like King David, why is it good for us to gives us to show our love for him? (See opening
meditate on what we learn about Jehovah? picture.)

Think of what Jehovah
wants instead of what is
popular in the world
(See paragraph 15)
be saved. (1 Timothy 2:4) We show nervous. But then she was surprised
our love for Jehovah and for people when each young person was given the
by teaching as many as possible about book Questions Young People Ask—An-
God’s Kingdom and what it will do for swers That Work. How did this beauti-
mankind.—Read Psalm 66:16, 17. ful gift make her feel about Jehovah?
12 Young ones too can meditate on She says: “It was then that I finally re-
all that Jehovah has given them and alized that Jehovah is real and that he
taught them. Shannon still remembers loves me personally very, very much.
how she felt at a convention she at- How happy we are that our great God,
tended when she was 11 years old and Jehovah, freely gives us such beauti-
her sister was 10. During a session of ful, perfect presents!”
the “Godly Devotion” District Con- ACCEPT DISCIPLINE FROM JEHOVAH
vention, all the young ones, including 13 The Bible reminds us: “Those
Shannon and her sister, were asked to whom Jehovah loves he reproves, just
sit in a special section. At first, she was as a father does a son in whom he
12. What did one young sister say about a gift 13, 14. How should we react when Jehovah
from Jehovah? disciplines us, and why?
delights.” (Proverbs 3:12) When we
accept Jehovah’s discipline and al- When we willingly
low him to train us, we learn to do
what is right and we have peace. Of make changes
course, “no discipline seems for the to please Jehovah,
present to be joyous, but it is pain-
ful.” (Hebrews 12:11) Even so, how we show that we
should we react when Jehovah disci- truly love him
plines us? We should never ignore Je-
hovah’s counsel or continue to feel
upset if we do not like what we hear. 15 Satan’s world encourages people
We love Jehovah, so we listen to him to be proud and selfish. Many do not
and make the changes needed. like to be corrected or be told what to
14 In Malachi’s time, many Jews did do. Some listen to advice only because
not listen to Jehovah. They did not they have to. We should not be like
care that the sacrifices they offered that. The Bible tells us to “stop being
did not please him. So Jehovah gave molded by this system of things.” In-
them very strong counsel about this. stead, we need to understand what Je-
(Read Malachi 1:12, 13.) In fact, Je- hovah expects from us and do what
hovah gave them counsel many times, pleases him. (Romans 12:2) He uses
his organization to give us counsel at
but they refused to listen. So he told
the right time. For example, we are re-
them: “I will send on you the curse,
minded about how to behave with
and I will turn your blessings into
the opposite sex, how to choose our
curses.” (Malachi 2:1, 2) It is clear
friends, and how to decide what we do
that if we keep refusing to listen to
for rest and relaxation. When we will-
Jehovah’s counsel or feel that it is
ingly accept Jehovah’s discipline and
not important, we will lose his friend-
ship. 15. What way of thinking should we avoid?
SOME Jehovah taught us how to love:

Jehovah has not only told us that he loves us, but he has
EXPRESSIONS done many things that prove his love for us. The more we
EXPLAINED think about his love, the more our love for him grows and
the more we want to imitate him
make changes to please him, we show fell. Moreover, the Ark of God was
that we are grateful for his guidance captured.” (1 Samuel 4:2-4, 10, 11)
and that we truly love him.—John 14: The Israelites thought that just by tak-
31; Romans 6:17. ing the Ark with them, Jehovah would
RELY ON JEHOVAH TO HELP
help and protect them. But they did
AND PROTECT YOU not ask Jehovah for help or try to
find out what he thought. Instead,
16 Little children rely on their par-
they did what they thought was right,
ents to help them and protect them.
and they suffered very much.—Read
Even adults might ask their parents
Proverbs 14:12.
for help. They realize that although
18 A psalmist who deeply loved Jeho-
they can make their own decisions,
their parents can give them good ad- vah and relied on him wrote: “Wait for
vice. Our Father, Jehovah, allows us God, for I will yet praise him as my
to make our own decisions. But be- Grand Savior. My God, I am in de-
cause we really trust in him and love spair. That is why I remember you.”
him, we always ask for his help and do (Psalm 42:5, 6) Is that how you feel
all we can to find out what he thinks about Jehovah? Do you feel close to
before we make a decision. If we rely him and trust in him? You may be able
on Jehovah, he will give us his holy to learn to trust in him even more. The
spirit to help us do what is right.—Phi- Bible tells us: “Trust in Jehovah with
lippians 2:13. all your heart, and do not rely on your
17 In Samuel’s time, the Israelites own understanding. In all your ways
lost a battle against the Philistines. In- take notice of him, and he will make
stead of asking Jehovah what they your paths straight.”—Proverbs 3:5, 6.
19 By loving us first, Jehovah has
should do next, they said: “Let us take
the ark of Jehovah’s covenant with us taught us how to love him. Let us al-
from Shiloh, so that it may be with us ways think about how much he has
and save us from the hand of our ene- done for us and how much he loves us.
mies.” What was the result of that de- And may we show him that we love
cision? “The slaughter was very great; him with our whole heart, soul, mind,
on Israel’s side, 30,000 foot soldiers and strength.—Mark 12:30.
16, 17. (a) Why should we find out what Jeho- 18. What does the Bible teach you about trust-
vah thinks before we make decisions? (b) What ing in Jehovah?
did the Israelites do instead of trusting in Jeho- 19. How will you show Jehovah that you love
vah? him?
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SIMPLIFIED EDITION
STUDY ARTICLES
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NOVEMBER 30–DECEMBER 6 DECEMBER 7-13 DECEMBER 14-20 DECEMBER 21-27

Do You See God’s “Give Us Serve Jehovah Keep Meditating
Hand in Your Life? More Faith” Without Distraction on Spiritual Things
PAGE 3 PAGE 9 PAGE 15 PAGE 21
STUDY ARTICLES
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ˇ Do You See God’s Hand in Your Life?

ˇ “Give Us More Faith”
In the first article, we learn how to recognize God’s interest
in us and his hand in our life. We also learn how to avoid the
TASMANIA, AUSTRALIA mistakes of those who refuse to see God’s hand. The second
COVER: A brother conducts article discusses the importance of faith. It also shows us
a meeting for field service how we can demonstrate and strengthen our faith.
in the small coastal town of —Hebrews 11:6.
St. Helens, Tasmania _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐
ˇ Serve Jehovah Without Distraction
POPULATION ˇ Keep Meditating on Spiritual Things
514,800 Today there are many things that can distract us from
giving our best in Jehovah’s service. How can we stay
CONGREGATIONS
focused on what is most important? One way is to read
24 God’s Word. How can we benefit more fully from our study
of the Bible? These articles will explain.
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27 “Keep Holding Men of That Sort Dear”

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28 Drawing Near to God Has Been Good for Me

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30 “The Naive Person Believes Every Word”
34567 ˙
October 15, 2015
Do You See God’s Hand
in Your Life?
“The hand of Jehovah will become known to his servants.”
—ISAIAH 66:14.
MANY people believe that their actions do not matter to SONGS: 65, 26
God. They think that God does not really care about
what happens to them. For example, after a very violent CAN YOU EXPLAIN?
storm destroyed a large part of the Philippines in Novem- ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
ber 2013, the mayor of one large city said: “God must Why do some people see
God’s hand in their life, while
have been somewhere else.” others do not see it?
2 Other people think that God cannot see what they are
doing. (Isaiah 26:10, 11; 3 John 11) Some people in the

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
apostle Paul’s time thought the same way. He said about
What proof do we have that
them: “They did not see fit to acknowledge God.” They Jehovah is interested in us
were unrighteous, wicked, greedy, and bad.—Romans 1: today?
28, 29.
3 What about us? We know that Jehovah sees every-
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
thing we do. But do we believe that Jehovah is interested How can we see God’s hand
in our life more clearly?
1, 2. What do some people think about God?
3. (a) What questions should we ask ourselves? (b) In the Bible, to
what does God’s “hand” often refer?
3
in us? Do we see his helping hand in 13) But Jehovah allowed the hearts
our life? In the Bible, God’s “hand” of- of Israel’s enemies “to become stub-
ten refers to his applied power. He born,” so that they fought against Is-
uses his power to help his servants and rael. (Joshua 11:20) Israel’s enemies
to defeat his enemies. (Read Deu- were defeated because they refused to
teronomy 26:8.) Jesus said that some admit that Jehovah was fighting for
people would “see God.” (Matthew his people.
5:8) Are we among those people? How 5 Later, wicked King Ahab had the
can we “see God”? Let us learn from opportunity to see God’s hand several
Bible examples of those who saw God’s times. Elijah told him: “There will be
hand in their life and of those who did no dew or rain except by my word!”
not see it. We will also learn how faith (1 Kings 17:1) This was only possi-
helps us to see God’s hand. ble because of God’s hand, but Ahab
THEY REFUSED TO SEE GOD’S HAND refused to believe that. Later, Elijah
prayed to Jehovah, and God answered
4 In the past, many people had the
him by sending fire from heaven. Ahab
opportunity to see and hear how God
saw that. Then, Elijah told Ahab that
helped Israel. Jehovah used miracles
Jehovah would end the drought and
to free his people from Egypt and to
send a downpour of rain. (1 Kings
18:22-45) Ahab saw all these miracles
and still refused to believe that he had
We must look for seen Jehovah’s power. What do we
God’s hand in our life learn from these examples? We must
look for God’s hand in our life.
defeat many kings in the Promised THEY SAW JEHOVAH’S HAND

Land. (Joshua 9:3, 9, 10) Even though 6 The Gibeonites were very different
other kings heard and saw how Jeho- from the nations around them. They
vah saved his people, “they formed an saw God’s hand. Instead of fighting the
alliance to fight against Joshua and Israelites, the Gibeonites wanted to
Israel.” (Joshua 9:1, 2) When they make peace with them. Why? They
fought against Israel, those kings had said that it was because they had heard
the opportunity to see God’s hand. As about Jehovah and all he had done.
a result of Jehovah’s great power, “the (Joshua 9:3, 9, 10) It was wise of them
sun stood still and the moon did not to recognize that Jehovah was fighting
move until the nation could take ven- for Israel.
geance on its enemies.” (Joshua 10:
5. What did wicked King Ahab refuse to believe?
4. Why did Israel’s enemies refuse to see God’s 6, 7. What did the Gibeonites and Rahab rec-
hand? ognize?
Stopping bad Living a Winning
habits simple life legal cases
Are you looking for ways you can see Jehovah’s hand in your life?
7 Rahab also saw Jehovah’s hand. that. They cried out: “Jehovah is the
She was not an Israelite, but she had true God!” (1 Kings 18:39) To them, it
heard about how Jehovah freed his was clear that they had seen God’s
people from Egypt. When two Israel- power.
ite spies came to her, she told them: 9 We have considered good and bad
“I do know that Jehovah will give examples that help us to understand

you the land.” Rahab believed that Je- what it means to “see God” or to see
hovah could save her and her fam- God’s hand. As we come to know Je-
ily. She showed her faith in Jeho- hovah and his qualities, we see his
vah even though she knew that doing hand with ‘the eyes of our heart.’
so was dangerous.—Joshua 2:9-13; 4: (Ephesians 1:18) This motivates us to
23, 24. want to imitate faithful humans both
8 Unlike wicked King Ahab, some of past and present who have seen how
the Israelites who saw the fire coming Jehovah has helped his people. How-
from heaven in response to Elijah’s ever, do we have proof that God is
prayer recognized that God had done helping people today?
8. How did some Israelites recognize God’s 9. How can we see Jehovah and his hand to-
hand? day?
OCTOBER 15, 2015 5

PROOF OF GOD’S HAND TODAY gave them “the power beyond what is
10 We have abundant proof that Je- normal,” and they were finally able to
hovah continues to help people to- stop their bad habits.—2 Corinthians
day. We often hear experiences of 4:7; Psalm 37:23, 24.
those who prayed for God’s help in 12 Jehovah also helps his servants to
their life and had their prayers an- endure personal difficulties. This hap-
swered. (Psalm 53:2) For example, pened to Amy. She was assigned to
help build a Kingdom Hall and a mis-
sionary home on a small island in the
Jehovah helps his Pacific Ocean. The culture was differ-
servants to endure ent, there was often no electricity or
water, the streets were flooded, she
personal difficulties missed her family, and she was living
in a small hotel room. One day, she
while preaching on a small island in yelled at a sister she was working with.
the Philippines, Allan met a woman She felt very bad about what she had
who started to cry. He says, “Just that done. When she went back to her
morning, she prayed to Jehovah that dark room, she prayed to Jehovah and
his Witnesses would find her.” As a asked for help. Then, when the elec-
teenager, she studied the Bible with tricity came back on, she read an arti-
the Witnesses, but when she got mar- cle in the Watchtower about a Gilead
ried and moved to the island, she did graduation. The article discussed the
not continue her study. God answered same difficulties she had to endure.
her prayer so quickly that it touched She says: “I felt that Jehovah was
her heart. In less than a year, she ded- speaking to me that night. It gave me
icated her life to Jehovah. the motivation to continue in my as-
11 Many servants of Jehovah have
signment.”—Psalm 44:25, 26; Isaiah
41:10, 13.
seen his helping hand when they
13 Jehovah has also helped his peo-
stopped bad habits such as smoking,
abusing drugs, or watching pornogra- ple to defend and legally establish the
phy. Some say that they tried to stop good news. (Philippians 1:7) For ex-
on their own but could not. However, ample, when some governments tried
when they asked Jehovah for help, he to stop the preaching work, we de-
fended ourselves in court. We have
10. What proof do we have that Jehovah is won at least 268 high-court cases
helping people today? (See opening picture.)
11, 12. (a) How is Jehovah helping his ser- 13. What proof do we have that Jehovah has
vants? (b) Explain how Jehovah helped one sis- helped his people to defend their right to
ter. preach?
around the world, 24 of which were DO YOU SEE JEHOVAH’S
won in the European Court of Human HAND IN YOUR LIFE?
Rights since the year 2000. It is clear 15 Sometimes, we may not see God’s
that nobody can stop God’s hand! hand in our life. Why? When we have a
—Isaiah 54:17; read Isaiah 59:1. lot of problems, we may forget that Je-
14 The preaching of the good news hovah has helped us many times be-
worldwide is additional proof of fore. This happened to Elijah. He was
God’s helping hand. (Matthew 24:14; courageous, but when Queen Jezebel
Acts 1:8) And the unity among Jeho- wanted to kill him, he was scared. For
vah’s servants from all nations can a moment, he forgot how Jehovah had
only be possible with Jehovah’s help. helped him earlier. The Bible says that
This unity is unique! Even people who Elijah wanted to die. (1 Kings 19:1-4)
do not worship Jehovah admit: “God Where could he find help and cour-
is really among you.” (1 Corinthians age? He needed to look to Jehovah!
14:25) We have abundant proof that —1 Kings 19:14-18.
God is with his people. (Read Isaiah 16 Job was so focused on his wor-
66:14.) What about you personally? ries that he did not see his situation
Do you see Jehovah’s hand in your
life? 15. At times, why may we not see Jehovah’s
hand in our life?
14. What other proof do we have that God is 16. How can we see God when we have prob-
with his people? lems?
Is Jehovah using you

to help others see him?
the way Jehovah saw it. (Job 42:3-6) strong relationship with Jehovah, we
Sometimes, we too may find it hard to can easily see his hand in our life.
see God because of our problems. 18 Sarah, a sister from Kenya, says: “I
What can help us to see what God does prayed about a student who I felt did
for us? We must meditate on what the not appreciate her Bible study. I asked
Bible says about our problems. Then, Jehovah if I should stop the study.
Jehovah will be more real to us, and Immediately after I said ‘Amen,’ my
we too will be able to say: “My ears phone rang. The Bible student called
have heard about you, but now I do to ask if she could attend the meeting
see you with my eyes.” with me! I was awestruck!” If we look
17 How can you see Jehovah’s hand in
for what God is doing for us, we will
your life? Let us consider five exam- see his helping hand. Rhonna, a sister
ples. First, you may feel that Jehovah who lives in Asia, says that it takes
helped you to find the truth. Sec- time to see how Jehovah helps us in
ond, you may remember going to a our life. “But once you do,” she adds,
Christian meeting, hearing a talk, and “it’s amazing to discover how much in-
saying, “That was just what I need- terest he has in us!”
ed!” Third, perhaps you have seen 19 Jesus said that those who “will see
how Jehovah answered one of your God” must be “pure in heart.” (Mat-
prayers. Fourth, maybe you wanted to thew 5:8) What does that mean? We
do more for Jehovah and you saw how must keep our thoughts pure and stop
he helped you to reach that goal. Fifth, doing anything that is wrong. (Read
maybe you left your job because it 2 Corinthians 4:2.) In this article,
took time away from your service to we learned that to see God, we must
Jehovah and then you saw God fulfill
keep strengthening our relationship
his promise: “I will never abandon
with him. In the next article, we will
you.” (Hebrews 13:5) When we have a
discuss how faith can help us to see Je-
17, 18. (a) How can you see Jehovah’s hand in hovah’s hand more clearly in our life.
your life? (b) Share an experience that shows
how God is helping us today. 19. What else must we do to see God?
SOME We see God’s hand in our We see Jehovah with the

life when we recognize his eyes of the heart when we
EXPRESSIONS answers to our prayers and really come to know him and
EXPLAINED recognize how he helps us his qualities
“Give Us More Faith”
“Help me out where I need faith!”—MARK 9:24.
HAVE you ever asked yourself, ‘Will Jehovah want to SONGS: 81, 135
save me during the great tribulation?’ The apostle Paul
said that one very important quality we need in order to HOW WOULD YOU
survive is faith. He said: “Without faith it is impossible ANSWER?
to please God well.” (Hebrews 11:6) That might sound ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
simple, but the truth is that “faith is not a possession of Why is it very important
to strengthen our faith?
all people.” (2 Thessalonians 3:2) Those two scriptures
help us understand how important it is to strengthen our
faith.
2 The apostle Peter talked about a “tested” faith.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
(Read 1 Peter 1:7.) The great tribulation is very near,
How can we build our faith?
and we want to be “the sort who have faith for the pre-
serving of our lives.” (Hebrews 10:39) So we need to
work hard to strengthen our faith. We want to be among
those who are rewarded when Jesus Christ, our King, is
revealed. So, like the man who begged Jesus for more ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
How can we show that we

faith, we too may say: “Help me out where I need faith!”
have strong faith?
(Mark 9:24) Or, like the apostles, we may also say: “Give
us more faith.”—Luke 17:5.
1. How important is faith? (See opening picture.)
2, 3. (a) How important is our faith? (b) What will we now consider?
9
3 In this article, we will consider the prophet Elijah. As you meditate on
following points: how we can build his example, notice five situations
our faith, how we can show that our in which he showed this strong trust
faith is strong, and why we can be sure in Jehovah. (1) When Elijah told
that God will answer us when we ask King Ahab that Jehovah would bring a
for more faith. drought, he confidently declared: “As
surely as Jehovah the God of Israel
GOD IS PLEASED WHEN
WE BUILD OUR FAITH whom I serve is living, during these
years there will be no dew or rain.”
4 Because faith is so important, Je-
(1 Kings 17:1) (2) Elijah believed that
hovah has given us many examples of
Jehovah would give him and others
faith in the Bible. These “were written
what they needed during the drought.
for our instruction.” (Romans 15:4)
(1 Kings 17:4, 5, 13, 14) (3) Elijah was
The examples of Abraham, Sarah,
also sure that Jehovah could resur-
Isaac, Jacob, Moses, Rahab, Gideon,
rect a widow’s son. (1 Kings 17:21)
Barak, and many others can move
(4) He had no doubt that Jehovah’s
fire would consume his sacrifice on
Mount Carmel. (1 Kings 18:24, 37)
We have amazing (5) Even before any rain had fallen,
examples of faith Elijah said with confidence to Ahab:
“Go up, eat and drink, for there is the
among our brothers sound of a heavy downpour.” (1 Kings
and sisters today 18:41) So after considering these ex-
periences, we can ask ourselves, ‘Is my
faith as strong as Elijah’s?’
us to strengthen our own faith. (He-
brews 11:32-35) In addition to ex- WHAT CAN WE DO
amples from the past, we also have TO BUILD OUR FAITH?
amazing examples of faith among our 6 Since we cannot build our faith on
brothers and sisters today.1 (See foot- our own, we need to ask God for holy
note.) spirit. Why? Because faith is a part of
5 An example from the Bible is the the fruitage of the holy spirit. (Gala-
tians 5:22) We are wise when we fol-
1 For some examples, see the life stories of Lillian
Gobitas Klose (July 22, 1993, Awake!), Feliks Borys (Feb- low Jesus’ counsel to pray for more
ruary 22, 1994, Awake!), and Josephine Elias (Septem- holy spirit. Jesus promised that Jeho-
ber 2009 Awake!).
vah will “give holy spirit to those ask-
4. Whose examples can move us to strengthen ing him.”—Luke 11:13.
our faith?
5. How did Elijah show that he had strong faith 6. What is needed from Jehovah to build our
in Jehovah, and what should we ask ourselves? faith?
7 Once we have strong faith in God, friends build it. (1 Corinthians 15:33)
we must maintain it. We can compare That is why we are counseled to attend
faith to a fire. When we start a fire, the the meetings regularly. There, we can
flames can be very strong. However, if keep on “encouraging one another.”
we do not add wood to the fire, it will (Read Hebrews 10:24, 25.) In addi-
eventually burn out and turn into cold tion, the instruction we receive at the
ashes. But if we regularly add wood to meetings strengthens our faith. The
the fire, we can keep it burning. It is Bible says that “faith follows the thing
the same with our faith. If we contin-
ue to read and study God’s Word dai-
ly, our love for the Bible and Jehovah We are wise when
will grow. As a result, we will maintain we follow Jesus’
and strengthen our faith.
8 You must not be satisfied with only
counsel to pray
the things you learned before your for more holy spirit
baptism. (Hebrews 6:1, 2) For exam-
ple, studying Bible prophecies that
have already been fulfilled will help heard.” (Romans 10:17) So ask your-
self, ‘Are Christian meetings a regular
you to build and maintain your faith.
part of my life?’
You can also use God’s Word to see
10 We also strengthen our faith when
whether your faith is really strong.
—Read James 1:25; 2:24, 26. we preach and teach the good news of
9 The apostle Paul said that Chris-
the Bible to others. Like the early
Christians, we learn to trust in Jeho-
tians can “have an interchange of en-
vah and speak boldly in any situation.
couragement by one another’s faith.”
—Acts 4:17-20; 13:46.
(Romans 1:12) What does that mean? 11 Our faith in Jehovah grows when
When we spend time with our brothers
we see how he helps us and how
and sisters, we can strengthen one an-
he answers our prayers. That is what
other’s faith. This is especially true
happened to Caleb and Joshua. They
when we spend time with those who
showed faith in Jehovah when they
have a “tested” faith. (James 1:3) Bad
spied out the Promised Land. As
friends destroy our faith, but good
time passed, their faith became stron-
7. Describe how we can keep our faith strong. ger each time they saw how Jehovah
8. What will help you to build and maintain your helped them. Joshua could confident-
faith? ly tell the Israelites: “Not one word
9, 10. How is our faith strengthened by
(a) good friends? (b) congregation meetings? 11. Why did Caleb and Joshua have strong
(c) preaching? faith, and how can we be like them?
OCTOBER 15, 2015 11

Those who do all they can in the ministry show their strong faith
(See paragraph 13)
out of all the good promises that Je- 13 Preaching is an excellent way to
hovah your God has spoken to you has demonstrate our faith. Why? Because
failed.” He later said: “Therefore, fear when we preach, we show that we be-
Jehovah and serve him with integri- lieve that the end is near and that “it
ty and faithfulness.” Then he added: will not be late!” (Habakkuk 2:3) To
“As for me and my household, we know whether our faith is strong, we
will serve Jehovah.” (Joshua 23:14; can ask ourselves: ‘How important is
24:14, 15) When we trust in Jeho- preaching to me? Am I doing all that I
vah and see how he helps us person- can to tell others about God? Do I
ally, our faith will become stronger. look for ways to do more in my service
—Psalm 34:8. to Jehovah?’ (2 Corinthians 13:5) Let
HOW WE CAN DEMONSTRATE us show the strength of our faith by
OUR FAITH making “public declaration for salva-
12 How do we show that we have tion,” that is, by preaching the good
strong faith? The disciple James news.—Read Romans 10:10.
14 We also show our faith in Jehovah
said: “I will show you my faith by
my works.” (James 2:18) Our actions 13. How do we demonstrate our faith when we
show that we have strong faith. Let us preach?
see how. 14, 15. (a) How can we show faith in our dai-
ly lives? (b) Share an experience that shows
12. How do we show that we have strong faith? strong faith in action.
as we endure the challenges of life in
this world. When we are sick, discour- We are confident
aged, depressed, poor, or have other
problems, we must have faith that Je- that when we apply
hovah and Jesus will “help us at the Bible principles,
right time.” (Hebrews 4:16) We show
faith in Jehovah when we ask him for
we will be able to
help. Jesus said that we can ask Jeho- care for the needs
vah to give us “bread according to our
daily needs.” (Luke 11:3) Accounts in
of our family
the Bible prove that Jehovah can give
us anything we need. For example, 15We are confident that when we ap-
during a severe drought in Israel, Je- ply Bible principles, we will be able to
hovah gave food and water to Eli- care for the needs of our family. Re-
jah. The Bible says that “the ravens becca, a married sister in Asia, ex-
were bringing him bread and meat in plains how she and her family applied
the morning and bread and meat in the principles at Matthew 6:33 and
the evening, and he drank from the Proverbs 10:4. She says that her hus-
stream.” (1 Kings 17:3-6) We have band felt that his job was a danger to
faith that Jehovah can also give us their relationship with Jehovah. So
what we need. he left his job. But they had four
We show faith when we endure the challenges of life in this world

(See paragraph 14)
children to care for, so they started REQUESTS FOR FAITH ANSWERED
making food they could sell. As a re- 17 From what we have considered, we
sult of their hard work, they always may feel as the apostles did when they
made enough money to care for the asked Jesus: “Give us more faith.”
needs of the family. She says: “We (Luke 17:5) Jesus answered his apos-
felt that Jehovah never abandoned tles in a special way at Pentecost in the
us. We never missed a single meal.” year 33, when they received holy spir-
Have you had a similar experience it and were able to get a deeper un-
that strengthened your faith? derstanding of God’s purpose. This
16 We should never doubt that if strengthened their faith. What was
we follow Jehovah’s direction, he the result? They started the great-
will help us. Paul quoted Habakkuk’s est preaching campaign up to that
words when he said: “The righteous time. (Colossians 1:23) Can we expect
one will live by reason of faith.” (Ga- our requests for more faith to be an-
latians 3:11; Habakkuk 2:4) That is swered? Jehovah promises us that we
why we should have strong faith in the can when “we ask according to his
One who really can help us. Paul re- will.”—1 John 5:14.
minds us that God is “the one who 18 When we have complete trust in
can, according to his power that is op- Jehovah, he will be pleased with us.
erating in us, do more than super- He will answer our request for more
abundantly beyond all the things we faith, our faith will become stronger,
ask or conceive.” (Ephesians 3:20) and we will become “worthy of the
Jehovah’s servants do all they can to Kingdom of God.”—2 Thessalonians
do God’s will, but they also know that 1:3, 5.
they have limitations. We are so grate- 17. (a) How did Jesus answer the apostles?
ful that God is with us and that he is (b) Why can we expect that Jehovah will answer
blessing all our efforts. our requests for more faith?
18. How does Jehovah bless those who build
16. What will happen if we trust in God? their faith?
SOME We build, or strengthen, our faith by asking for

holy spirit, studying the Bible daily, attending meetings,
EXPRESSIONS spending time with our brothers and sisters, and preaching
EXPLAINED the good news
Serve Jehovah
Without Distraction
“Mary . . . kept listening to what [Jesus] was saying.
Martha . . . was distracted with attending to many duties.”
—LUKE 10:39, 40.
WHEN you think of Lazarus’ sister Martha, what kind of SONGS: 94, 134
person do you imagine? The Bible shows that Martha was
a very good friend of Jesus, and it says that he loved her. HOW WOULD YOU
Of course, she was not the only woman whom Jesus loved ANSWER?
and respected. For example, Martha’s sister, Mary, was ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
also Jesus’ close friend. And Jesus loved his own moth- How did both Martha and
Mary set a good example
er, Mary. (John 11:5; 19:25-27) So why did Jesus love
for us?
Martha?
2 Jesus loved Martha because she was kind and gener- ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
ous, and she was also a hard worker. But most of all, Je- What do we use in the
sus loved her because she had strong faith. She believed world, but what should we
be careful of?
all that Jesus taught, and she had no doubts that he was
the promised Messiah. (John 11:21-27) Even so, Martha ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
was not perfect. Like all of us, she made mistakes. For Like Jesus and Paul, how
example, once when Jesus was visiting them, Martha are many today serving God
without being distracted?
1, 2. Why did Jesus love Martha, but what mistake did she make that
shows she was not perfect?
15
was upset with her sister, Mary, and away from her.” Mary may have forgot-
told Jesus that he should correct her. ten what she ate during that meal, but
“Lord,” said Martha, “does it not mat- no doubt she never forgot the things
ter to you that my sister has left me she learned from Jesus and the way he
alone to attend to things? Tell her commended her. Over 60 years later,
to come and help me.” (Read Luke the apostle John wrote: “Jesus loved
10:38-42.) Why did Martha say that, Martha and her sister.” (John 11:5)
and what can we learn from Jesus’ re- These words show that Martha accept-
ply to her? ed Jesus’ loving correction and served
MARTHA WAS DISTRACTED Jehovah faithfully for the rest of her
life.
3 Jesus was grateful that Martha and 5 We realize that today there are
Mary had invited him to their home,
more things that can distract us from
and he wanted to use that time to teach
them precious truths. Mary immedi- serving Jehovah than there were in Bi-
ately sat by him, “listening to what ble times. The September 15, 1958,
he was saying.” She wanted to learn issue of The Watchtower warned the
everything she could from the Great brothers and sisters not to allow tech-
Teacher. Martha too could have cho- nology to distract them from serv-
sen to listen to Jesus. And he would ing Jehovah. Even at that time, it
have praised her for stopping what she seemed that every day there was some-
was doing to pay attention to him. thing new. Things such as glossy mag-
4 But Martha was distracted. She was azines, radio, movies, and television
had become very popular. The Watch-
busy preparing a special meal for Jesus
and doing many other things to make tower said that as we get closer to the
his stay as nice as possible. When she end of this system, “distractions will
saw that Mary was not helping her, she likely increase.” Today, more than ever
got irritated and complained to Jesus. before, there are so many things that
He knew that Martha was trying to do can distract us. What can we do to be-
too much, so he kindly said: “Martha, come more like Mary and stay focused
Martha, you are anxious and disturbed on worshipping Jehovah?
about many things.” He also suggested DO NOT USE THE
that a simple meal, perhaps one dish, WORLD TO THE FULL
would be enough. Then Jesus praised 6Jehovah’s people have used the
Mary for listening carefully to him. He world’s technology to preach the good
said: “For her part, Mary chose the
good portion, and it will not be taken 5. Why is it especially difficult today to stay fo-
cused on what is more important, and what
3, 4. What did Mary do that Jesus approved of, question will we answer?
and what did Martha learn? (See opening pic- 6. How have Jehovah’s people used technol-
ture.) ogy?
Do not allow things that
are not essential to
distract you from your
worship of Jehovah
(See paragraph 7)
news. For example, before and during wrong, but they could waste a lot of
the first world war, they showed the our time. For example, we might en-
“Photo-Drama of Creation.” By us- joy hobbies, reading books, watching
ing slides and short movies in color television, visiting interesting places,
and with sound, they preached to mil- shopping, and finding out about the
lions of people in many countries. latest electronic devices or luxuries.
The end of the “Photo-Drama” de- Many like to chat online, send text
scribed the peaceful time when Jesus messages and e-mails, or keep check-
Christ would rule the earth. Later, ing the news or the sports results. But
Jehovah’s people used the radio to some can become addicted to doing
broadcast the Kingdom message to these things.1 (See footnote.) (Eccle-
millions around the world. Today, we siastes 3:1, 6) If we use a lot of our
use computers and the Internet to time on things that are not essential,
reach people wherever they are, even we might not give enough attention
in isolated places. to what is most important, our wor-
7 The Bible warns us not to use the ship of Jehovah.—Read Ephesians 5:
world to the full. This includes spend- 15-17.
8 Satan does all he can to attract us
ing too much time on things that the
world offers. (Read 1 Corinthians 7: to the things in his world and distract
29-31.) Some of these things are not 1 See the article “The Naive Person Believes Every
Word.”
7. (a) Why is it dangerous to use the world to
the full? (b) What should we be very careful of? 8. Why is it so important that we do not love the
(See footnote.) things in the world?
OCTOBER 15, 2015 17

him from the preaching work. For ex-
Jesus taught us ample, not long after he began preach-
ing, the crowds in Capernaum wanted
that if we focus on Jesus to spend more time in their city.
having more things, What did he do? He stayed focused on
his assignment. He said: “I must also
we could be distracted declare the good news of the Kingdom
from serving God of God to other cities, because for
this I was sent.” (Luke 4:42-44) Jesus
walked great distances to preach the
us from serving Jehovah. Satan did good news and teach as many people
this in the first century, and he does as possible. He was a perfect man, but
this even more so today. (2 Timothy 4: he still got tired and needed to rest be-
10) So we should constantly examine cause he worked very hard.—Luke 8:
how we feel about the things in the 23; John 4:6.
world and make adjustments where 11 Later, when Jesus was teaching his
needed. The Bible tells us that we must disciples an important lesson, a man
not love the things in the world. In- interrupted him and said: “Teacher,
stead, we must keep our love for Jeho- tell my brother to divide the inheri-
vah strong. If we do, it will be easier to tance with me.” Jesus did not try to
obey Jehovah and to stay close to him. solve this man’s personal problem. He
—1 John 2:15-17. did not get distracted from teaching
his disciples. In fact, he used this op-
KEEP FOCUSED ON
portunity to teach them that if they fo-
WHAT IS MOST IMPORTANT
cused on having more things, they
9 Just as he kindly taught Martha not could be distracted from serving God.
to be distracted by many things, Jesus —Luke 12:13-15.
taught his disciples the same lesson. 12 Jesus’ last few days as a human
He encouraged them to keep focused were very stressful. (Matthew 26:38;
on serving Jehovah and his Kingdom. John 12:27) He knew that he was
(Read Matthew 6:22, 33.) Jesus him- going to suffer terribly and die. He
self set an excellent example. He did also knew that he had more work to do
not have many things, and he did not before he died. For example, on Sun-
own a house or any land.—Luke 9:58;
19:33-35. 11. What did Jesus do when a man asked him
about a personal problem? What lesson did Je-
10 Jesus did not let anything distract
sus teach his disciples?
12, 13. (a) What did Jesus do that impressed
9. What did Jesus teach his disciples to focus some Greek people in Jerusalem? (b) How did
on, and how did he set the example? Jesus react when Philip asked him to meet with
10. What good example did Jesus set for us? those people?
day, Nisan 9, Jesus entered Jerusalem into very good wine. (John 2:2, 6-10)
riding on a donkey. The crowds wel- He also had meals at the homes of his
comed him as their King. (Luke 19: friends and others who were inter-
38) The next day, Jesus courageously ested in the good news. (Luke 5:29;
threw out from the temple greedy men John 12:2) More important, Jesus of-
who were selling things for high prices ten took time to pray, meditate, and
and thus robbing people.—Luke 19: rest.—Matthew 14:23; Mark 1:35; 6:
45, 46. 31, 32.
13 Some Greek people, who had come
“THROW OFF EVERY WEIGHT”
to Jerusalem to celebrate the Pass-
over, saw what Jesus had done and
15 The apostle Paul said that Chris-
were impressed. So they asked the tians are like runners in a long race
apostle Philip if they could meet with and that to finish the race, they have to
Jesus. But Jesus was not trying to find get rid of anything that could slow
people who could support him and de- them down or stop them. (Read He-
fend him from his enemies. He knew brews 12:1.) Paul himself set a good
what was more important. He kept fo- example. He could have been rich and
cused on Jehovah’s will for him, that
is, to give his life as a sacrifice. So he
reminded his disciples that he would Paul gave up his
soon die and that all those who follow career to focus
him must be willing to sacrifice their
lives too. He said: “Whoever is fond of on “the more
his life destroys it, but whoever hates important things”
his life in this world will safeguard it
for everlasting life.” But Jesus also
promised that “the Father will honor” famous as a Jewish religious leader,
Jesus’ followers and give them ever- but he gave up that career to focus
lasting life. Philip could give those on “the more important things.” He
Greek people this encouraging mes- worked very hard in the preaching
sage.—John 12:20-26. work and traveled to many places, in-
14 When Jesus was on earth, his main
cluding Syria, Asia Minor, Macedonia,
work was to preach the good news. Al- and Judea. Paul looked forward to his
though he focused his life on preach- reward of everlasting life in heaven.
ing, he was not always thinking about He said: “Forgetting the things behind
work. For example, he went to at least and stretching forward to the things
one wedding, where he turned water
15. What did the apostle Paul say that Chris-
14. Although Jesus put the preaching work first tians need to do, and how did he set a good ex-
in his life, what did he make sure to do? ample?
OCTOBER 15, 2015 19

ahead, I am pressing on toward the our part-time work so that we could
goal for the prize.” (Philippians 1:10; enter the international construction
3:8, 13, 14) Paul was not married, and work.” For the past 20 years, they
that helped him to give “constant de- have traveled to many parts of Africa
votion to the Lord without distrac- to help build Kingdom Halls. Some-
tion.”—1 Corinthians 7:32-35. times they had very little money, but
16 Like Paul, some of Jehovah’s ser- Jehovah always took care of them.
vants today choose not to get married Claire says: “It gives us deep satisfac-
so that they can do more in Jehovah’s tion to spend every day serving Jeho-
service. (Matthew 19:11, 12) Unmar- vah. We have made so many friends
ried people often have fewer family along the way, and we lack nothing.
responsibilities than married people. The little that we have given up can-
But whether married or not, all of not be compared to the happiness
us can “throw off every weight” that that comes from serving Jehovah full-
could distract us from serving Jeho- time.” Many full-time servants feel the
vah. We may need to change our hab- same way.1—See footnote.
18 Do you feel that you could be
its so that we avoid wasting time and
are able to do more in Jehovah’s ser- more enthusiastic in your service to
vice. Jehovah? Are there things distracting
17 For example, Mark and Claire, who you from what is more important? If
grew up in Wales, began pioneer- so, what can you do? Maybe you could
ing when they finished school. Af- improve the way you read and study
ter they got married, they continued the Bible. The next article will explain
pioneering. But they wanted to do how you can do that.
more. Mark explains: “We were able 1 See also the life story of Hadyn and Melody Sander-
to simplify our lives further by giv- son in the article “Knowing What Is Right and Doing It.”
(The Watchtower, March 1, 2006) Their business in Aus-
ing up our three-bedroom house and tralia was doing well, but they gave it up to enter full-
time service. Read what happened after they ran out of
16, 17. Whether married or not, how can we fol- money while serving as missionaries in India.
low Paul’s example? How did Mark and Claire do
this? 18. What questions can we ask ourselves?
SOME Serve Jehovah without being distracted:

We should keep our worship to Jehovah first in our lives
EXPRESSIONS and not allow our time and energy to be wasted on un-
EXPLAINED necessary things. It is true that we have to use our time
and energy to take care of certain responsibilities, but we
might need to make adjustments in our lives so that we can
spend as much time as possible serving Jehovah
Keep Meditating
on Spiritual Things
“Ponder over these things; be absorbed in them, so that
your advancement may be plainly seen by all people.”
—1 TIMOTHY 4:15.
THE human brain is unique. For example, humans have SONGS: 57, 52
the ability to learn a language. And language allows us
to read, write, speak, and understand what we hear. It WHAT DO YOU THINK?
also gives us the ability to pray and sing praises to Jeho- ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
vah. All of this makes us different from animals. Scien- What does it mean to
meditate?
tists cannot fully understand just how our brain is able
to do these amazing things.
2 Our ability to use language is a gift from Jehovah.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
(Psalm 139:14; Revelation 4:11) He has also given us an- What are some of the good
other gift that makes us different from animals. Humans things we can meditate on?
were created “in God’s image.” We have free will, that is,
the freedom to make our own choices. And we can
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
choose to use language to serve and praise Jehovah.
How do we benefit from
—Genesis 1:27. meditating on God’s Word
3 Jehovah has shown us how to serve and praise him by every day?
1, 2. What makes humans different from animals?

3. What has Jehovah given us to make us wise?
21
giving us the Bible. The entire Bible out even thinking about them, such
or parts of it are available in more as breathing, walking, or riding a bi-
than 2,800 languages. When we medi- cycle? Unfortunately, you might at
tate on what the Bible says, we can times even read without thinking. Per-
begin to think the way God thinks. haps you may even start thinking
(Psalm 40:5; 92:5; 139:17) And Jeho- about other things while you are read-
vah’s thoughts make us wise and lead ing. What can you do to prevent this?
us to everlasting life.—Read 2 Timo- It is important to concentrate on what
thy 3:14-17. you are reading and think about what
4 To meditate means to concentrate it means. Then, when you get to the
on something and think deeply and end of a paragraph or subheading in a
carefully about it. (Psalm 77:12; Prov- publication, pause and meditate on
erbs 24:1, 2) We benefit the most when what you just read. Think about what
you learned, and make sure that you
really understood it.
Reading the Bible 6 Scientists have discovered that it is
aloud will help you to easier to remember something when

we read it aloud. Our Creator knows
concentrate better this, and that is why he told Joshua to
and to remember more read the book of the Law “in an under-
tone,” that is, to read it softly to
himself. (Read Joshua 1:8.) Reading
we meditate on what we learn about the Bible aloud will also help you to
Jehovah and Jesus. (John 17:3) In concentrate better and to remember
this article we will answer the follow- more.
ing questions: How can we read in a 7 It requires a lot of effort to med-
way that makes it easier to meditate? itate and concentrate on what we

What can we meditate on? And what study. That is why it is best to meditate
can help us to meditate regularly and at a time when you are not tired and in
to enjoy it? a place that is quiet, where not many
MAKE SURE THAT YOU BENEFIT things will distract you. The psalmist
FROM YOUR STUDY David meditated while he was awake in
5 Have you ever noticed that there bed during the night. (Psalm 63:6)
are some things you can do with- Jesus, who was perfect, chose quiet
places to meditate and pray.—Luke
4. What does it mean to meditate, and what 6:12.
questions will we discuss?
5, 6. What can help you to remember and bet- 7. When is the best time to meditate on the Bi-
ter understand what you read? ble? (See opening picture.)
Do you meditate on how to help your Bible students?
(See paragraph 9)
GOOD THINGS TO MEDITATE ON of remembrance was written before

8 In addition to what you read in the him for those fearing Jehovah and
Bible, there are other things you can for those meditating on his name.”
meditate on. For example, when you —Malachi 3:16.
see one of Jehovah’s marvelous cre- 9 The apostle Paul told Timothy to
ations, pause and ask yourself, ‘What meditate on how his speech, his con-
does this teach me about Jehovah?’ duct, and his teaching affected oth-
Such thoughts will surely move you to ers. (Read 1 Timothy 4:12-16.) You
thank Jehovah in prayer. And if you too can meditate on these things. For
are with others, you will want to share example, you need time to meditate
your feelings with them. (Psalm 104: when you prepare for a Bible study.
24; Acts 14:17) Jehovah pays atten- Think of your student, and try to
tion and is pleased when we meditate, find a question or an illustration that
pray, and talk about him to one an- will help him to make progress. When
other. The Bible assures us: “A book
9. (a) What did Paul tell Timothy to meditate
8. (a) What can we meditate on? (b) How does on? (b) What can we meditate on when we pre-
Jehovah feel when we talk about him to others? pare for our ministry?
OCTOBER 15, 2015 23

you prepare for your Bible studies in formation in each month’s issues of
this way, your own faith is strength- the Watchtower and Awake! magazines
ened and you become a better and and in the latest convention releases.
more enthusiastic teacher of the Bi- When you read the Yearbook, pause af-
ble. You will also benefit when you ter reading an experience, think about
meditate before going out in field ser- it, and let it touch your heart. When
vice. (Read Ezra 7:10.) Perhaps you you read our publications, you may
can read a chapter from the book of want to underline the main thoughts
Acts to help you become more zeal- or make notes in the margin. This will
ous for the ministry. You can also help you when you are preparing for a
meditate on Bible verses you plan to return visit, a shepherding call, or a
use that day and the publications you talk. Most important, when you stop
plan to offer. (2 Timothy 1:6) Think and meditate on what you read, you
about the people in the territory and allow time for the material to reach
what you can say that will interest your heart and time for prayer to
them. When you prepare in this way, thank Jehovah for the good things
you will be able to use the Bible effec- you are learning.
tively to witness to others.—1 Corin-
MEDITATE ON GOD’S WORD EVERY DAY
thians 2:4.
11 Of course, the Bible is the most
important publication we should med-
Allow what you read itate on. But what if one day you
are not allowed to have a Bible?1
to reach your heart, (See footnote.) No one can prevent
and thank Jehovah you from meditating on the things
you have memorized, such as your fa-
for the good things vorite scriptures or Kingdom songs.
you are learning (Acts 16:25) And God’s spirit will help
you remember the things you have
learned, which will help you remain
10 What else can you meditate on? If faithful.—John 14:26.
you take notes during public talks, as- 12 What is one way you can plan your
semblies, and conventions, take the
time to review them. As you do, ask 1 See the article “Our Fight to Stay Spiritually Strong”
in The Watchtower, December 1, 2006.
yourself, ‘What have I learned from
God’s Word and from his organiza- 11. What is the most important publication we
tion?’ You can also meditate on the in- should meditate on, and how will doing this help
us? (See also footnote.)
10. What other good things can we medi- 12. What is one way you can plan your daily Bi-
tate on? ble reading?
daily Bible reading? Some days of the
week, perhaps you can read and med- Meditating on
itate on the weekly Bible reading for
the Theocratic Ministry School. Other Jehovah and Jesus
days you can read from the Gospels of helps you remain
Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John and
meditate on what Jesus said and did.
zealous for the truth
(Romans 10:17; Hebrews 12:2; 1 Peter
2:21) We also have a publication that more fully. (2 Corinthians 3:18) We
describes the events of Jesus’ life in can continue to learn more about our
the order that they happened. This heavenly Father and imitate him for-
publication can help you to benefit ever. There is no greater honor!—Ec-
more fully from your reading of the clesiastes 3:11.
Gospels.—John 14:6. 15 Meditating on Jehovah and Je-
WHY IS MEDITATION sus helps you remain zealous for the

SO IMPORTANT? truth. Your zeal will encourage your
13 Meditating on Jehovah and Je- brothers and the people you meet in
sus can help a person become a ma- field service. And when you medi-
ture Christian and maintain strong tate on what Jehovah did for you by
faith. (Hebrews 5:14; 6:1) A person providing the ransom sacrifice of Je-
sus, you will continue to value your
who spends little time thinking about
close relationship with God. (Romans
God will gradually lose his relation-
3:24; James 4:8) Mark, a brother from
ship with Jehovah or even end up re-
South Africa who spent three years
jecting him. (Hebrews 2:1; 3:12) Jesus
in prison because of his faith, said:
warned that if we do not hear, or ac-
“Meditation can be compared to an
cept, God’s Word “with a fine and
exciting adventure. The more we med-
good heart,” we will not “retain” it.
itate on spiritual things, the more we
Instead, we could easily be “carried
discover new things about our God,
away by anxieties, riches, and plea-
Jehovah. At times when I’m feeling a
sures of this life.”—Luke 8:14, 15.
little discouraged or anxious about the
14 So let us continue to meditate on
future, I pick up the Bible and medi-
the Bible and come to know Jeho- tate on a passage of Scripture. I feel
vah better. This will motivate us to that it really calms me down.”
imitate his qualities and personality
15, 16. (a) How have you benefited from med-
13, 14. Why is it so important for us to keep itating on Jehovah and Jesus? (b) Why may
meditating on Jehovah and Jesus, and what will it sometimes be difficult to meditate, but why
this motivate us to do? should we keep trying?
OCTOBER 15, 2015 25

16 Life in this world is so full of dis- for you, the best time to read the Bi-
tractions that it is difficult to find the ble is in the evening or before you go
time to meditate on the Bible. Patrick, to bed. Some like to read the Bi-
a brother from Africa, said: “My mind ble in the morning and again before
is like a mailbox filled with a vari- going to sleep. (Joshua 1:8) The im-
ety of information, both wanted and portant thing is to make “the best use
unwanted, that needs to be sorted of your time,” that is, to take time
every day. As I search the contents from less important things so that you
of my mind, I often find ‘disquieting can meditate on God’s Word daily.
thoughts,’ and I have to pray to Jeho- —Ephesians 5:15, 16.
vah about them before I can meditate 18 The Bible promises that Jehovah
with a clear mind. Although doing this will bless all those who meditate on his
might take a little time before I can Word and who try hard to apply what
start to meditate on spiritual subjects, they learn. (Read Psalm 1:1-3.) Jesus
I feel closer to Jehovah. This opens said: “Happy are those hearing the
my mind to understanding the truth word of God and keeping it!” (Luke 11:
better.” (Psalm 94:19, footnote) Yes, 28) But most important, meditating
we benefit in so many ways when we on Jehovah’s Word every day will help
read and meditate on the Bible every us to act in a way that brings him hon-
day.—Acts 17:11. or. When we do this, Jehovah will re-
HOW DO YOU FIND THE TIME? ward us with happiness now and ever-
lasting life in his new world.—James 1:
17 Some get up early in the morning
25; Revelation 1:3.
to read, meditate, and pray. Others do
so during their lunch break. Perhaps 18. What does the Bible promise to those who
meditate on God’s Word daily and who apply
17. How do you find the time to meditate? what they learn?
SOME To meditate on spiritual things:

To think deeply about something you see in creation or
EXPRESSIONS about something you read in the Bible or in our publica-
EXPLAINED tions. You try to understand what it teaches you about
Jehovah and Jesus, how you can imitate them, and how
you can help others. Then you draw closer to Jehovah
“Keep Holding Men of That Sort Dear”
SINCE 1992, the Governing Body has assigned are assigned. They travel with members of the
experienced, mature elders to help its commit- Governing Body to special and international
tees accomplish their work.1 (See footnote.) conventions. They may also be assigned to visit
These helpers, who are members of the “other branch offices as headquarters representatives.
sheep,” provide valuable support to the Govern- One brother who has served as a helper since
ing Body. (John 10:16) They attend the weekly 1992 says, “When I take care of my assigned
meeting of the committee to which they are as- tasks, the Governing Body can concentrate more
signed. Their role is to provide any information fully on spiritual matters.” Another brother who
that is needed and to offer suggestions. The has served as a helper for 20 years says, “It has
Governing Body members make the final deci- been a privilege beyond anything I could ever
sions, and then the helpers assist in seeing that have anticipated.”
what has been decided is actually done. These The Governing Body has given a lot of re-
brothers are willing to do whatever tasks they sponsibility to its helpers and appreciates the
hard work of these loyal brothers. Let us all
1 See page 131 of the book God’s Kingdom Rules! for more in-
formation on the responsibilities of the six committees of the “keep holding men of that sort dear.”—Philippi-
Governing Body. ans 2:29.
Helpers to Governing Body Committees
Coordinators’ Personnel Publishing Service Teaching Writing

Committee Committee Committee Committee Committee Committee
John Ekrann Gerald Grizzle Don Adams Gary Breaux Ronald Curzan Robert Ciranko
Robert Wallen Patrick LaFranca Robert Butler Joel Dellinger Kenneth Flodin James Mantz
Daniel Molchan Harold Corkern Seth Hyatt William Malenfant Izak Marais
Ralph Walls Donald Gordon Christopher Mavor Mark Noumair Gene Smalley
Robert Luccioni Baltasar Perla, Jr. David Schafer John Wischuk
Alex Reinmueller William Turner, Jr.
David Sinclair Robert Wallen
Leon Weaver, Jr.
27
Bible study. Soon I realized that coming to know
Drawing Near Jehovah and his purpose was more important
to God Has Been than my height. That helped me a lot. Psalm 73:
28 became my favorite scripture. The first part
Good for Me of that verse says: “Drawing near to God is good

for me.”
Our family suddenly moved from C ôte
d’Ivoire to Burkina Faso, and my life changed a
lot. In our old neighborhood, people were used
WHEN I was nine years old, I stopped growing. to seeing me next to the fruit stand. But in our
Today at age 43, I am only one meter (three feet) new neighborhood, I was a stranger, and to
tall. When my parents realized that I would not many, I looked strange. People stared at me, so
get any taller, they encouraged me to work hard I stayed indoors for many weeks. Then I remem-
so that I would not constantly think about my bered how good it had been for me to draw near
height. To keep busy, I set up a fruit stand in to Jehovah. I wrote to the branch office of Jeho-
front of our house and kept the display neat. vah’s Witnesses, and they sent the right person.
That attracted many customers. Nani, a missionary, came to visit me on a motor
Of course, working hard did not change every- scooter.
thing. I was still very short, and I had to struggle The sandy roads in our neighborhood were al-
with even simple things in life, such as the height ways slippery, and in the rainy season, muddy.
of store counters. Everything seemed to be de- Nani fell from her scooter many times when
signed for people almost twice my height. I felt coming to study with me, but she did not give up.
sorry for myself, but that changed when I was 14 One day, she offered to take me to the meetings.
years old. I realized that this meant leaving my house and
One day, two women who were Jehovah’s Wit- enduring people’s stares. In addition, having me
nesses bought some fruit and then offered me a on the back of the motor scooter would add ex-
tra weight to a scooter that was already difficult I conducted many Bible studies, and four of
to steer. Even so, I agreed, remembering the sec- those students were baptized. In addition, one
ond part of my favorite scripture: “I have made of my own sisters also accepted the truth! Hear-
the Sovereign Lord Jehovah my refuge.” ing how others progressed often encouraged me
Nani and I sometimes fell into the mud, but just when I needed it. One day while suffering
because we loved the meetings, we did not care. from malaria, I got a letter from Côte d’Ivoire. I
What a difference there was between the loving had started a doorstep Bible study with a univer-
smiles I saw inside the Kingdom Hall and the sity student in Burkina Faso and had turned it
stares I got outside! Nine months later, I was over to a brother. The student later moved to
baptized. Côte d’Ivoire. I was happy to hear that he had
become an unbaptized publisher!
“To declare all your works” is the third part of
How do I support myself? An organization
my favorite scripture. I knew that the ministry
that helps the disabled offered to teach me sew-
would be my biggest challenge. I still remember
ing. One instructor noticed my work habits and
the first time I went preaching from house to
said, “We should teach you to make soap.” And
house. Both children and adults stared at me, so they did. I now make laundry and household
followed me, and made fun of the way I walked. soap at home. People like my soap and recom-
That really hurt me, but when I reminded myself mend it to others. I deliver it myself, using a
that they needed the Paradise just as much as I three-wheeled motor scooter.
did, I was able to endure. Sadly, in 2004, I had to stop pioneering be-
To make things easier, I got a hand-pedaled cause of severe pain in my back. But I still go out
tricycle. My service partner pushed me uphill in the ministry regularly.
and then jumped on the tricycle as we sped People say that I am known for my smile. I
downhill. Although the ministry was a challenge have every reason to be happy because drawing
at first, it soon made me very happy, so much so near to God has been good for me.—As told by
that in 1998, I became a regular pioneer. Sarah Maiga.
OCTOBER 15, 2015 29

“The Naive Person
Believes Every Word”
“Foolish is the man who never opinion, or even from an unknown source? Has a
trusted website already shown that the story is
reads a newspaper; even more false?’1 (See footnote.) Then, use “good sense.”
foolish is the man who believes (Proverbs 7:7) If a news item seems unbelievable,
what he reads just because it probably is. Also, when you read negative news
about others, think about who would benefit if
it is in the newspaper.”
the story spreads and why someone might want
—August von Schlözer, German historian to spread it.
and writer (1735-1809).
DO YOU ALWAYS FORWARD E-MAILS?
Some people may forward news to all their
PEOPLE over 200 years ago could not trust contacts without checking whether the story is
everything written in the newspapers. Today we true or without thinking about what might hap-
cannot believe everything we read or see on the
1 Every now and again, a story might reappear even though it
Internet. There is a huge amount of information was exposed as false in the past. It might be changed slightly to
online, and modern technology makes it easy for make it appear true.
us to find it. Much information is true, useful,
and harmless, but much is false, worthless, and
dangerous. That is why we must choose careful-
ly what we read. When some begin using the In-
ternet, they may think that a news report must
be true just because it is online or because a
friend sent it to them in an e-mail. They may be-
lieve a story even if it is very unusual. But the Bi-
ble warns us: “The naive person believes every
word, but the shrewd one ponders each step.”
—Proverbs 14:15.
The opposite of being naive, or foolishly be-
lieving everything we hear, is being shrewd.
When we are shrewd, we are careful and only be-
lieve what we know to be true. We will not be
tricked and believe a false story we read on the
Internet, no matter how popular it may be. What
can help you to be shrewd? First, ask yourself: ‘Is
the story from an official, reliable website? Or is
Should I . . .
it from a website that allows anybody to write his
pen after they send it. Perhaps it is because they ber of e-mails that include funny stories, videos,
constantly want people’s attention and want to or pictures. It is also unwise to forward record-
be the first to spread news. (2 Samuel 13:28-33) ings or detailed notes of Bible talks.1 (See foot-
But a shrewd person thinks about the damage note.) And remember that if a person does his
that this could cause. For example, it could dam- own research, looks up Bible verses, or prepares
age the reputation of a person or an organiza- his own answers for the meetings, he will benefit
tion. more than if you had sent him any of this infor-
The person sending the news may not check mation.
whether it is true because doing so takes time What should you do if you see something on
and effort. He simply thinks that those who re- the Internet that tells vicious lies about Jeho-
ceive his message can do that. But their time is vah’s organization? Reject those lies immediate-
precious too. (Ephesians 5:15, 16) So instead of ly! Do not believe them. It would not be wise to
sending things that we are not sure of, it would share what you read with others and ask for their
be better to think, “If I am in doubt, I should opinion because that would only spread the
throw it out!” harmful information even more. If something
Ask yourself: ‘Do I always forward e-mails? you have seen on the Internet worries you, ask
Have I ever had to apologize to my contacts for Jehovah for wisdom and speak to mature broth-
sending them wrong information or even lies? ers. (James 1:5, 6; Jude 22, 23) We should not be
Has anyone ever asked me to stop forwarding surprised that people tell lies about us. People
e-mails?’ Remember that if your friends have told lies about Jesus, and he warned his disciples
e-mail, they can also use the Internet and do not
that their enemies would persecute them and
need your help to look for things that interest
them. They do not want to receive a huge num- 1 See Our Kingdom Ministry, April 2010, “Question Box.”
forward this e-mail to someone else?
OCTOBER 15, 2015 31

“lyingly say every sort of wicked thing against” Today, news can spread very quickly, whether
them. (Matthew 5:11; 11:19; John 10:19-21) So if it is true or false, useful or worthless, harmless
you are wise and think carefully, you will be able or dangerous. Even if you send a message to one
to recognize when someone is telling lies and person, that person can forward it to people all
trying to deceive others.—Proverbs 2:10-16. over the world in just a few seconds. So resist the
temptation to forward information quickly and
SHOW RESPECT FOR OTHERS
to everyone you know. Even though love “be-
We also have to be careful about sharing news lieves all things” and is not suspicious, we should
about our brothers or sharing experiences we not be naive and believe every new and exciting
have heard. There are times that it would not be story. (1 Corinthians 13:7) And we would never
right or loving to spread information even if it is believe lies or hateful things about Jehovah’s or-
true. (Matthew 7:12) For example, it is not loving ganization and our brothers, whom we love. Re-
or encouraging to forward negative information member that those who start and spread these
about others. (2 Thessalonians 3:11; 1 Timothy 5: lies are pleasing Satan the Devil, “the father of
13) And some news might be confidential. People the lie.” (John 8:44) So may we be shrewd and
may want to reveal this information later or in a always think carefully about how we use the huge
specific way. So we should respect their right to amount of information available to us every day.
decide when and how to reveal it. In fact, if we As the Bible says, “the naive will inherit foolish-
tell this information to others ahead of time, we ness, but the shrewd are crowned with knowl-
can do a lot of harm. edge.”—Proverbs 14:18.
QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF

BEFORE YOU SEND AN E-MAIL:
Q Am I sure this information is true?
Q Is this information confidential?
Q Will this information damage someone’s reputation?
Q Has anyone ever asked me to stop forwarding e-mails?
s
ws15 10/15-E
o
150602
available
N OVEMBER 1 5, 2 0 1 5
34567
SIMPLIFIED EDITION
STUDY ARTICLES
___________________________________________________________________
DECEMBER 28–JANUARY 3
Train Your Child
to Serve Jehovah
PAGE 3
___________________________________________________________________
JANUARY 4-10
Train Your Teenager
to Serve Jehovah
PAGE 9
___________________________________________________________________
JANUARY 11-17
Jehovah Is
the God of Love
PAGE 16
___________________________________________________________________
JANUARY 18-24
Do You “Love
Your Neighbor
as Yourself”?
PAGE 21
___________________________________________________________________
JANUARY 25-31
One Hundred Years
Under Kingdom
Rulership!
PAGE 27
STUDY ARTICLES
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
ˇ Train Your Child to Serve Jehovah

ˇ Train Your Teenager to Serve Jehovah
Parents have an important and serious assignment from
Jehovah. He wants them to train their children to serve him.
BRAZIL These two articles will show parents what they can learn
COVER: A circuit overseer and from the way Jesus taught his disciples and from his
some special pioneers travel by example of love, humility, and insight.
boat in the Amazon rain forest. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
They enjoy telling the good news

to people in isolated villages along ˇ Jehovah Is the God of Love
the river and streams that flow ˇ Do You “Love Your Neighbor as Yourself”?
into it
The first article makes it clear that Jehovah is the God
‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐
of love. It also explains how God has shown his love for
POPULATION mankind. The second article discusses how Jehovah’s
servants show love for neighbor.
203,067,835 _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
PUBLISHERS ˇ One Hundred Years Under

794,766 Kingdom Rulership!
This article shows what has been done to preach the good
PIONEERS
news during the past 100 years of Kingdom rulership. Learn
84,550 about some tools and new methods used in our preaching
work. Also consider the effective training given to Kingdom
publishers throughout the years.
1,728,208
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
34567 ˙
November 15, 2015
Train Your Child
to Serve Jehovah
“Let the man of the true God . . . instruct us about what we
should do with the child who will be born.”—JUDGES 13:8.
MANOAH and his wife were sure that they could never SONGS: 88, 120
have children. Then one day, Jehovah’s angel told Mano-
ah’s wife that she would have a son. What a wonderful HOW CAN YOU HELP
surprise! When she told Manoah the news, he was very YOUR CHILD BY
IMITATING JESUS’
excited. But he also thought seriously about what Jeho- EXAMPLE OF . . .
vah expected of him as a father. How could he and his ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
wife train their son to love Jehovah and serve him when love?
so many people in Israel were doing bad things? Manoah
begged Jehovah to send his angel again and said: “Please
let the man of the true God whom you just sent come ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
again to instruct us about what we should do with the humility?

child who will be born.”—Judges 13:1-8.
2 If you are a parent, you probably understand how Ma-
noah felt. You too have the responsibility to help your ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
children to know and love Jehovah. (Proverbs 1:8) insight?

1. What did Manoah do when he heard he was going to be a father?
2. What do you need to teach your children, and how can you do that?
(See also the box “Your Most Important Bible Students.”)
3
Your Most Important Bible Students
WHEN we study with people, we usu- wife does not serve Jehovah. (Prov-
ally use the book What Does the Bi- erbs 6:20) You can use the study
ble Really Teach? to help them come guides on jw.org to help your chil-
to know Jehovah and learn Bible dren reason on the information in
truths. We study the book “Keep the Bible Teach book and to help
Yourselves in God’s Love” to help them understand how they can ap-
them to deepen their love for Jeho- ply what they learn.—Look under
vah and his standards. BIBLE TEACHINGS ˛ TEENAGERS.1
Your children are your most im- (See footnote.)
portant Bible students. They need
1 Parents can decide
to learn about Jehovah, love him, that one of them will study
and understand what he expects these books with a child
at a time other than family
of them. So study the Bible Teach
worship.
and “God’s Love” books with your Scan this
code for
children even if your husband or study guides
During family worship, you can help he loved them. (Read John 15:9.) He
them to keep learning about Jehovah also spent a lot of time with them.
and the Bible. Of course, you need to (Mark 6:31, 32; John 2:2; 21:12, 13)
do more than study the Bible with Jesus was not just their teacher; he
your children every week. (Read Deu- was their friend. So there was no
teronomy 6:6-9.) What else will help doubt in their minds that he loved
you to train them to love and serve Je- them. What can you learn from Jesus?
4 Tell your children that you love
hovah? In this article, we will discuss
Jesus’ example. Although he was not a them, and show them how important
father, you can learn from the way he they are to you. (Proverbs 4:3; Titus
taught and trained his disciples. Jesus 2:4) Samuel, who lives in Australia,
loved them and was humble. And he says: “When I was very young, Dad
had insight, that is, he understood used to read My Book of Bible Stories
how they really felt and knew how to to me every evening. He would an-
help them. Let us now see how we can swer my questions, hug me, and kiss
imitate Jesus. me good-night. What a surprise when
I later discovered that Dad was not
LOVE YOUR CHILDREN raised in a family where hugs and kiss-
3 Jesus often told his disciples that es were common! Yet, he made a real
3. How did Jesus’ disciples know that he loved 4. How can you show your children that you
them? love them? (See opening picture.)
effort to express his love for me. As a explained what they expected of her. If
result, I developed a strong bond with they told her that she would be pun-
him, and I felt contented and secure.” ished for disobeying, then that is what
Help your children to feel that way by they would do. But she says: “They
often saying to them “I love you.” Hug never disciplined me in anger or with-
and kiss them. Spend time talking with out explaining why I was being disci-
them, eating with them, and playing plined.” Because of this, she always
with them. knew that her parents loved her.
5 Jesus said: “All those for whom I
BE HUMBLE
have affection, I reprove and disci-
pline.”1 (See footnote.) (Revelation 3:
7When Jesus was about to be arrest-
19) For example, his disciples argued ed and killed, he begged his Father:
many times about who was the great- “Abba, Father, all things are possible
est among them. Jesus did not ig- for you; remove this cup from me.
nore this problem. Instead, he patient- Yet, not what I want, but what you
ly counseled them again and again. want.”1 (See footnote.) (Mark 14:36)
But he was always kind, and he waited
for the right time and place to correct
them.—Mark 9:33-37.
Choose the right time
6 Because you love your children, and place to discipline
you know that you must discipline
them. Sometimes it is enough to ex-
your children, and do
plain to them why something is right so in a kind way
or wrong. But what if they still do not
obey? (Proverbs 22:15) Learn from
Imagine how Jesus’ disciples felt when
Jesus. Patiently continue to discipline
they heard, or later learned about, his
them by guiding, training, and cor-
prayer. They realized that even though
recting them. Choose the right time
he was perfect, he still asked his Father
and place to discipline them, and do so
for help. So they learned that they too
in a kind way. A sister in South Africa
should be humble and rely on Jeho-
named Elaine remembers the way her
vah.
parents disciplined her. They always
8 Your children can learn much from
1 The Bible teaches that discipline means guidance,
training, correction, and sometimes even punishment. 1 In Jesus’ time, children called their father Abba. This
Parents should give discipline in a kind way and never word was both loving and respectful.—The International
when they are angry. Standard Bible Encyclopedia.
5, 6. (a) Because Jesus loved his disciples, 7, 8. (a) What did Jesus’ disciples learn from
what did he do? (b) How should you discipline his prayers? (b) How can your prayers teach
your children? your children to rely on God?
NOVEMBER 15, 2015 5

Jehovah’s hands. As a result, I learned
When your children to rely on Jehovah.” When your chil-
dren hear you ask Jehovah to give you
hear you ask the courage to witness to a neighbor
Jehovah to help you, or to ask your employer for time off
for a convention, they realize that you
they learn to rely rely on Jehovah for help, and they
on Jehovah too learn to do the same.
9 Jesus told his disciples to be hum-
ble and unselfish, and he also set

your prayers. Of course, you do not the example. (Read Luke 22:27.) His
pray only to teach your children. But apostles saw that he made sacrifices to
when they hear you pray, they can serve Jehovah and help others, and
learn to rely on Jehovah. In your they learned to do the same. You too
prayers, do not just ask Jehovah to can teach your children by your exam-
help your children, but ask him to help ple. Debbie, who has two children,
you too. Ana, who lives in Brazil, says: says: “I never felt jealous because of
“When there were problems, such as the time my husband spent with others
when my grandparents were ill, my as an elder. I knew that whenever our
parents would ask Jehovah to give family needed my husband’s attention,
them the strength to cope with the sit- he would give it to us.” (1 Timothy 3:
uation and the wisdom to make good
9. (a) How did Jesus teach his disciples to be
decisions. Even when under terrible humble and unselfish? (b) If you are humble
pressure, they left their problems in and unselfish, what will your children learn?
Help your children

to enjoy the ministry
(See paragraph 11)
4, 5) How did the example of Debbie you realize that your children do not
and her husband, Pranas, affect their enjoy the ministry very much, try to
family? He says that his children were make it more interesting for them.
always willing to help at assemblies. Give them small tasks they can do so
They were happy, made good friends, that they feel useful.
and wanted to be with their brothers 12 How else did Jesus use insight? He
and sisters. All in the family now serve knew that one mistake can lead to an-
Jehovah in the full-time ministry. If other and even to serious sin, and he
you are humble and unselfish, you warned his disciples about this. For ex-
teach your children to be willing to ample, the disciples knew that sexu-
help others. al immorality was wrong. But Jesus
warned them about what could lead to
HAVE INSIGHT
immorality. He said: “Everyone who
10 Jesus had perfect insight. He did keeps on looking at a woman so as to
not focus just on what people did but have a passion for her has already com-
on why they did it. He could read mitted adultery with her in his heart.
their hearts. For example, one time If, now, your right eye is making you
some people in Galilee came looking stumble, tear it out and throw it away
for him. (John 6:22-24) He realized from you.” (Matthew 5:27-29) Jesus’
that the main reason they were there disciples lived among immoral Roman
was, not because they wanted to listen people who liked to watch plays full of
to him teach, but because they wanted sex scenes and dirty language. So Je-
food. (John 2:25) Jesus knew how sus lovingly warned his disciples to
they really felt. Then he patiently cor- avoid anything that would make it dif-
rected them and explained to them ficult for them to do what was right.
what changes they needed to make. 13 As a parent, you can use insight
—Read John 6:25-27. to protect your children from doing

11 Although you cannot read hearts, something that does not please Je-
you too can have insight. For example, hovah. Sadly, today even little chil-
you can try to understand how your dren are in danger of seeing pornogra-
children feel about the ministry. You phy and other immoral material. Of
might ask yourself, ‘Could it be that course, you should tell your children
they only look forward to the time in that it is wrong to look at immor-
the ministry when we might stop to al things. But there is more you can
rest and eat or drink something?’ If do to protect them. Ask yourself: ‘Do
10. How did Jesus use insight when some peo- 12. (a) What did Jesus warn his disciples
ple in Galilee came looking for him? about? (b) Why did Jesus’ disciples really need
11. (a) How can you try to understand how his warning?
your children feel about preaching? (b) How can 13, 14. How can you help your children avoid
you help your children enjoy the ministry? immoral entertainment?
NOVEMBER 15, 2015 7

my children know why pornography is entertainment, you can help your chil-
so dangerous? What could make them dren to do the same.—Romans 2:21-24.
want to look at these pictures? Do I
make it easy for them to talk to me JEHOVAH WILL HELP YOU
about anything, so that they will ask 15 What happened when Manoah
me for help even if they are tempted to asked Jehovah to help him be a good
look at pornography?’ Even when chil- parent? “The true God listened to Ma-
dren are very young, you could say to noah.” (Judges 13:9) Parents, Jehovah
them: “If you ever see something on will listen to your prayers too. He will
the Internet that makes you curious help you to train your children. And he
about sex and you want to look at it, will help you to express your love, to be
please come and talk to me. Don’t be humble, and to have insight.
scared or too shy to ask me for help. I 16 Just as Jehovah will help you to
want to help you.” train your children when they are still
14 When you are choosing entertain- young, he can help you to train them
ment for yourself, also think carefully when they become teenagers. In the
about how you can be a good example next article, we will discuss how Jesus’
for your children. Pranas, mentioned example of love, humility, and insight
earlier, says: “You can say a lot about a can help you train your teenager to
lot of things, but your children will serve Jehovah.
watch what you do and imitate you.” If
15, 16. (a) Why can you be sure that Jehovah
you are always careful to choose mu- will help you to train your children? (b) What will
sic, books, and movies that are clean we discuss in the next article?

Love your children: Be humble: Have insight:
Tell your children that you When you pray with your Do not focus just on what
love them. Show them how children, let them hear you your children do but on
important they are to you. ask Jehovah to help you. why they do it. Try to
Spend a lot of time talking Then they will see that you understand how they really
with them, eating with rely on Jehovah, and they feel. Think of situations
them, and playing with will learn to do the same. If that would make it difficult
them. When you discipline you are unselfish and work for them to do what is
them, do so patiently and hard to serve Jehovah and right, and help them to
kindly to help others, you teach avoid these situations.
your children to be humble Understand that your
too example affects your
children
Train Your Teenager
to Serve Jehovah
“Jesus went on progressing in wisdom and in physical
growth and in favor with God and men.”—LUKE 2:52.
ONE of the happiest moments for parents is when their SONGS: 41, 89
children get baptized. Berenice’s four children all got
baptized before they were 14 years old. She says: “It was HOW CAN YOU HELP
a highly emotional experience for us. We were, of course, YOUR TEENAGER
BY IMITATING JESUS’
grateful that our children wanted to serve Jehovah. But
EXAMPLE OF . . .
we also knew that as teenagers our children would face
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
many challenges.” You too may worry about this if your

love?
son or daughter is a teenager or will soon be a teenager.
2 An expert on child psychology says that the teenage
years can be difficult for both parents and children, but ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
parents should not think that their teenagers are crazy or humility?
childish. Instead, he says that teenagers are creative,
have deep emotions, and have a need to spend time with
friends. So while they are teenagers, your children can de- ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
velop a closer friendship with Jehovah, as Jesus did when insight?

he was young. (Read Luke 2:52.) They can also improve
1, 2. (a) What do some parents of teenagers worry about? (b) How
can children benefit from their teenage years?
9
their abilities in preaching and develop your teenager likes, such as his favor-
a strong desire to do more in God’s ser- ite music, movies, or sports. Then try
vice. And they can make their own de- to enjoy what he enjoys. Ilaria, who
cisions, such as to dedicate their life to lives in Italy, says: “My parents took an
Jehovah and obey him. But what can interest in the music I listened to. In
you do as a parent to train your teen- fact, my dad became my best friend,
ager to serve Jehovah? You can learn and I felt free to talk to him about
from the way Jesus trained his disci- even delicate matters.” By being your
ples with love, humility, and insight. children’s friend and helping them to
be Jehovah’s friends, you do not lose
LOVE YOUR TEENAGER
your authority as a parent. (Psalm 25:
3 Jesus was more than just the Mas- 14) Your children will see that you love
ter of his apostles. He was also their them and respect them, and it will be
friend. (Read John 15:15.) In Bible easier for them to talk to you about
times, a master would not usually talk anything.
with his slaves about his thoughts and 5 Jesus knew that if his disciples
feelings. But Jesus did not treat his were enthusiastic about serving Jeho-
apostles like slaves. He loved them and vah and kept busy preaching the good
spent time with them. He was happy to news, they would be truly happy. So
tell them what he was thinking and he encouraged them to work hard in
feeling, and he listened carefully when the preaching work, and he promised
they expressed what they were think- that he would help them.—Matthew
ing and feeling. (Mark 6:30-32) This 28:19, 20.
communication between Jesus and his 6 You want your children to stay
apostles made them very close friends
close to Jehovah. And Jehovah wants
and prepared the apostles for the work
you to train and discipline them. He
they would do in the future.
has given you the authority to do that.
4 Although you have authority over
(Ephesians 6:4) So you need to make
your children, you can also be their sure that your children get that train-
friend. Friends spend time together. ing regularly. Think about this: You
Perhaps you can spend less time work- make sure that your children attend
ing or doing other things so that you school because you know that their ed-
have more time with your children. ucation is important and you want
This is something you should pray and them to enjoy learning new things. In
think about seriously. Friends also en- a similar way, you make sure that they
joy similar things. So find out what
5. How could Jesus’ disciples have a happy life
3. How did the apostles know that Jesus was doing Jehovah’s work?
their friend? 6, 7. How do you show love for your children
4. Parents, how can you be friends with your when you teach them to have a regular routine
children? (See opening picture.) of serving Jehovah?
attend meetings, assemblies, and fami- 9 Unlike Jesus, we are imperfect and
ly worship. After all, the education make mistakes. So be humble. Realize
they get from Jehovah can save their that there are many things you cannot
lives. So help them to enjoy learning do, and admit your mistakes. (1 John
about Jehovah and to realize that he 1:8) Then your teenager will learn to
can teach them to be truly wise. (Prov- admit his own mistakes, and he will re-
erbs 24:14) Also, train your children to spect you even more. After all, whom
go out in field service regularly. Imitate do you respect more? A boss who ad-
Jesus’ example by helping them to en- mits when he is wrong or one who nev-
joy teaching God’s Word to others. er says he is sorry? Rosemary, who has
7 How does a regular routine of serv-
three children, says that she and her
ing Jehovah, such as study, meetings, husband were willing to admit their
and field service, help teenagers? Erin,
who lives in South Africa, says: “We
children often whined and complained When you admit
about Bible study, meetings, and field
service. Sometimes we deliberately dis- your mistakes,
rupted our family study to try to get your children will
out of it. But our parents didn’t give
in.” She is grateful to her parents be- respect you
cause they helped her realize how im-
portant these things are. Now, when- mistakes. She explains: “That moved
ever she has to miss a meeting or our children to open up to us when
cannot go out in field service, she is ea-
they had a problem.” She adds: “We
ger to get back to her routine as quick-
taught our children where to find the
ly as possible.
best solutions to their problems. When
BE HUMBLE they needed help, we always referred
8 Although Jesus was perfect, he was them to our Bible-based literature, and
humble and told his disciples that he we prayed together.”
needed Jehovah’s help. (Read John 5: 10 Jesus had the authority to tell his
19.) Did this make the disciples respect disciples what to do. But because he
Jesus less? No. The more they saw was humble, he often explained why
that he relied on Jehovah, the more they should do it. For example, he did
they trusted him. Later, they imitated not just tell them to seek first the King-
his example of humility.—Acts 3:12, dom and God’s righteousness. He also
13, 16.
9. When you admit your mistakes and say that
8. (a) How did Jesus show that he was hum- you are sorry, how can this help your teenager?
ble? (b) How did Jesus’ humility help his disci- 10. How was Jesus humble even when he was
ples? telling his disciples what to do?
NOVEMBER 15, 2015 11

said: “And all these other things will be Jesus to be kind to himself. Jesus
added to you.” When Jesus told them knew that Peter loved him, but he also
to stop judging, he explained: “That knew that the way Peter reasoned was
you may not be judged; for with the wrong. How did Jesus help him and the
judgment you are judging, you will be other disciples? First, he corrected Pe-
judged.”—Matthew 6:31–7:2. ter. Then, Jesus explained what would
11 Find the right time to explain to
happen to those who avoid doing Je-
your teenager why you have made a hovah’s will when it is difficult to do.
rule or a decision. When he under- Jesus also said that Jehovah would re-
stands why, he will likely want to obey ward those who are not selfish. (Mat-
you. Barry, who raised four children, thew 16:21-27) Peter learned the les-
says: “Giving reasons helps teenagers son.—1 Peter 2:20, 21.
to trust you.” Teenagers will see that 13 Pray to Jehovah for insight so that
you have not made a rule or a decision you can understand what help your
just because you have the authority to teenager needs. (Psalm 32:8) Perhaps
do so but because you have a good
you see that he is not as happy as he
reason. Also remember that teenagers
used to be or that he talks negatively
are no longer small children. They are
about the brothers. Maybe you feel
learning how to think for themselves,
that there is something he is not telling
and they want to make their own deci-
you. Do not immediately think that
sions. (Romans 12:1) Barry explains:
your teenager is secretly doing some-
“Teenagers need to learn to make sen-
sible decisions based on reason rather thing very wrong.1 (See footnote.) But
than emotion.” (Psalm 119:34) So be do not ignore the problem or just hope
humble and explain to your teenager that it will go away. It could be that you
why you have made a decision. In that need to help him strengthen his faith.
14 To find out how you can help your
way, he learns to make his own deci-
sions, and he will know that you re- teenager, ask questions kindly and re-
spect him and that you realize that he spectfully. It is like drawing water out
is becoming an adult. of a well. If you draw it out too quickly,
you will not get as much water as you
HAVE INSIGHT
want. In a similar way, if you are im-
12 Jesus had insight and understood patient when you ask questions or try
what help his disciples needed. For ex-
ample, when Jesus told his disciples 1 Parents may find it helpful to read Questions Young
People Ask—Answers That Work, Volume 1, page 317,
that he would be killed, Peter told and Volume 2, pages 136-141.
11. How can you help your teenager by explain- 13, 14. (a) What might show that your teen-
ing why you have made a rule or a decision? ager needs to strengthen his faith? (b) How can
12. Because Jesus had insight, how did he help you find out what help your son or daughter
Peter? really needs?
to force your teenager to talk, you will heard that Jesus was from Nazareth,
not find out what he really thinks and he said: “Can anything good come out
feels. (Read Proverbs 20:5.) Ilaria re- of Nazareth?” (John 1:46) If you were
members that when she was a teenager, there, would you have thought that Na-
she wanted to spend more time with thanael was negative or prejudiced or
her classmates but knew that it was that he did not have faith? That is not
wrong. Her parents noticed that she what Jesus thought. Instead, he had
was worried about something. Ilaria insight and knew that Nathanael was
says: “One evening, they simply men- honest, so he said: “Truly an Israelite
tioned that they had noticed that I was in whom there is no deceit.” (John 1:
a bit down, and they asked me what the 47) Jesus could read hearts, and he
problem was. I burst into tears, ex- used that ability to look for people’s
plained the situation, and asked for good qualities.
help. They hugged me, told me that 16 Although you cannot read hearts
they understood, and promised to help like Jesus, you can have insight. Jeho-
me.” Ilaria’s parents immediately be- vah can help you to look for your
gan to help her make good friends in teenager’s good qualities. Even if your
the congregation. teenager disappoints you, never say
15 Jesus also had insight when he no- that he is a bad person or a trouble-
ticed the good qualities of his dis- maker. Do not even think that about
ciples. For example, when Nathanael him. Instead, tell him that you can see
15. What is another way that Jesus showed he 16. How can you encourage your teenager to
had insight? improve?
Help your teenager

to make good friends
in the congregation
(See paragraph 14)
13
TRAINING YOUR CHILDREN
WILL BRING YOU GREAT JOY
Look for your teenager’s 17 You may feel as the apostle Paul
good qualities and did. He worried a lot about those
commend him who were like children to him. These
were the ones he had helped to learn
about Jehovah, and he loved them
his good qualities and that you are sure very much. So it was painful for him to
he wants to do what is right. Notice think that some of them might not
what he does to improve and commend continue serving Jehovah. (1 Corinthi-
him. Help him to work on his good ans 4:15; 2 Corinthians 2:4) Victor,
qualities by giving him more responsi- who raised three children, says: “The
bilities when possible. Jesus did that teenage years were not easy. Yet, the
with his disciples. A year and a half af- good times outweighed the challenges
ter meeting Nathanael (also called Bar- we faced. With Jehovah’s help, we en-
tholomew), Jesus gave him an impor- joyed a close friendship with our chil-
tant responsibility. He made Nathanael dren.”
18 Parents, you work so hard to train
an apostle, and Nathanael faithfully
did the work Jesus gave him. (Luke 6: your children because you love them
13, 14; Acts 1:13, 14) So instead of mak- very much. Do not give up. Just think
ing your teenager feel that what he of how much joy you will have when
does is never good enough, commend your children make the decision to
and encourage him. Make him feel that serve God and continue serving him
he can make you and Jehovah happy faithfully.—3 John 4.
and that he can use his abilities to 17, 18. If you keep training your teenager to
serve Jehovah. serve Jehovah, what can be the result?
SOME Imitate Jesus’ example:

Learn from the way Jesus trained his disciples. He taught
EXPRESSIONS them to love and serve Jehovah. He was their friend,
EXPLAINED and he looked for their good qualities. When he asked them
to do something, he explained why they should do it
What have archaeologists found that shows that Jericho

was captured in a short time?
ˇ Joshua 6:10-15, 20 says that the Israelite

soldiers marched around the city of Jeri-
cho once a day for six days. On the seventh
day, they went around the city seven times.
Then God made the strong walls of Jericho
fall, and the Israelites captured the city.
Have archaeologists found anything that
shows that the siege of Jericho was short,
just as the Bible says?
In ancient times, a city was under siege
when an army surrounded its walls, ready
to attack it. If a siege lasted a long time,
the people in the city would eat most of
the food they had stored. When the sol-
diers finally captured the city, they would
take everything they wanted, including any
food that was left. That is why archaeolo-
gists have discovered very little food or
none at all in the ruins of cities in Palestine
that were attacked in this way. But the ru-
ins of Jericho are different. Biblical Ar-
chaeology Review says: “The most abun-
dant item found in the destruction, apart
from pottery, was grain.” It adds: “To find
such an extensive amount of grain is excep-
tional.”
The Bible says that the Israelites did not
take any of the food in Jericho because Je-
hovah had commanded them not to. (Josh-
ua 6:17, 18) It also says that the Israelites
attacked Jericho in the spring, right after
the harvest, when there was a lot of grain
stored in the city. (Joshua 3:15-17; 5:10) So
the fact that there was still a lot of grain in
Jericho after the siege confirms that the
siege was short, just as the Bible says.
15
Jehovah Is the God of Love
“God is love.”—1 JOHN 4:8, 16.
SONGS: 18, 91 THE Bible tells us that “God is love.” (1 John 4:8) But
what does this really mean? Love is not just one of Jeho-
CAN YOU ANSWER? vah’s many beautiful qualities. It is his main quality. He
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ does not just have love. He is love. Love guides every-
How will God’s love affect thing he does. How thankful we are that love motivated
the future of those who are Jehovah to create the entire universe and all living
obedient to him?
things!
2 Jehovah has kind and tender feelings for his creation.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
His love for us gives us confidence that his purpose for
How has Jehovah shown love mankind will come true in the best possible way. The re-
for those who have sinned? sult will be real happiness for those who obey him. For ex-
ample, because of love, Jehovah “has set a day on which
he purposes to judge the inhabited earth in righteousness
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
by a man whom he has appointed,” Jesus Christ. (Acts 17:
How does the Kingdom prove 31) We are confident that this judgment will happen. For
God’s love for us?
1. What is God’s main quality, and how does knowing this make you
feel about him?
2. What confidence does God’s love give us? (See opening picture.)
16
obedient humans, it will mean a won- has clearly proved those words to be
derful future that will last forever. true. Jehovah did not create humans
with the ability or the right to rule
WHAT HISTORY HAS SHOWN
themselves without his direction.
3 What would mankind’s future be 6 By allowing wickedness to continue
like if love were not God’s main quali-
for a period of time, Jehovah has also
ty? Humans would continue to rule
proved that only his rule can be suc-
one another and be influenced by
cessful. In the future, God will destroy
an unloving and hateful god, Sa-
all the wicked. After that, if anyone
tan. (2 Corinthians 4:4; 1 John 5:19;
ever questions his loving way of rul-
read Revelation 12:9, 12.) The future ing, God will act right away. He can
would be horrible if Jehovah did not
love us!
4 When Satan rebelled against God’s
Jehovah did not create
rulership, he also influenced our first
parents to rebel. He questioned God’s humans with the ability
right to be the Universal Sovereign. Sa- or the right to live
tan claimed that his rule would be bet-
ter than God’s. (Genesis 3:1-5) Wisely, without his direction
Jehovah allowed Satan a short time to
try to prove his claim. But the results use mankind’s history as proof that
clearly show that neither humans nor such rebels should be removed quick-
Satan can be good rulers. ly. Wickedness will never be allowed
5 Today the world keeps getting
again.
worse. Over 100 million people have
HOW HAS GOD SHOWN HIS LOVE?
been killed in wars in the past 100
years. The Bible says about “the last
7 Jehovah has shown his great love in
days”: “Wicked men and impostors will many ways. Think of the size and the
advance from bad to worse.” (2 Timo- beauty of our universe. It is made
thy 3:1, 13) The Bible also says: “I well up of billions of galaxies, and each
know, O Jehovah, that man’s way does galaxy has billions of stars and plan-
not belong to him. It does not belong ets. In our galaxy, the Milky Way, one
to man who is walking even to direct of the stars is the sun. Without the
sun, life could not exist on the earth.
his step.” (Jeremiah 10:23) History
All these creations point to Jehovah
3. What would life be like if God did not love as our Creator and show his quali-
mankind? ties, such as his power, wisdom, and
4. Why did Jehovah allow rebellion against his
rule? 6. Why has God allowed wickedness?
5. What has mankind’s history clearly proved? 7, 8. How has Jehovah shown his love?

love. Yes, God’s “invisible qualities are universe because he is a God of love
clearly seen from the world’s creation and he hates what is bad. God’s Word
onward, because they are perceived by promises: “Evil men will be done away
the things made, even his eternal pow- with, but those hoping in Jehovah
er and Godship.”—Romans 1:20. will possess the earth. Just a little
8 Jehovah designed the earth espe- while longer, and the wicked will be
cially for life. Everything on earth ben- no more.” The enemies of Jehovah
efits animals and humans. God made a “will vanish like smoke.”—Psalm 37:9,
beautiful garden home for humans to 10, 20.
11 God’s Word also promises: “The
live in and gave them perfect minds
and bodies designed to live forever. righteous will possess the earth, and
(Read Revelation 4:11.) In addition, they will live forever on it.” (Psalm 37:
“he gives food to every living thing, for 29) Faithful humans “will find exquisite
delight in the abundance of peace.”
(Psalm 37:11) Why? Because our loving
Everything Jehovah God always does what is best for his
faithful servants. The Bible tells us:
created on the earth “He will wipe out every tear from their
benefits humans eyes, and death will be no more, nei-
ther will mourning nor outcry nor pain
and animals be anymore. The former things have
passed away.” (Revelation 21:4) What a
wonderful future for obedient humans
his loyal love endures forever.”—Psalm
who appreciate God’s love!
136:25. 12 The Bible tells us: “Take note of the
9 Jehovah is the God of love, yet he
blameless one, and keep the upright
hates what is bad. For example, Psalm one in sight, for the future of that man
5:4-6 says of Jehovah: “You are not a will be peaceful. But all the transgres-
God who takes pleasure in wickedness sors will be destroyed; the future of
. . . You hate all those who behave wick- wicked people will be cut off.” (Psalm
edly.” He also hates “violent and de- 37:37, 38) “The blameless one” comes
ceptive people.” to know Jehovah and his Son and obe-
THE END OF WICKEDNESS IS NEAR diently does God’s will. (Read John
17:3.) He earnestly believes that “the
10At the proper time, Jehovah will
world is passing away and so is its de-
remove wickedness from the entire
sire, but the one who does the will of
9. Although Jehovah is a God of love, what God remains forever.” (1 John 2:17)
does he hate? Because the end of the world is near, it
10, 11. (a) What will happen to wicked people?
(b) How will Jehovah reward obedient humans? 12. Who is “the blameless one”?
In his love, God
sent his Son
(See paragraph 13)
is urgent that we “hope in Jehovah and 14 Despite the most severe tests, Je-
follow his way.”—Psalm 37:34. sus remained loyal and supported
THE GREATEST ACT OF GOD’S LOVE
Jehovah’s right to rule. We should be
grateful that by means of his death, Je-
13 Even though we are imperfect, we
sus paid the ransom price because it
can obey God. We can also have a
gives humans the opportunity to live
close relationship with Jehovah be-
forever in God’s new world! The apos-
cause of the ransom sacrifice of Jesus,
tle Paul described the love that Jeho-
the greatest act of God’s love. Jehovah
provided the ransom so that obedient vah and Jesus showed through the
humans could have the opportunity to ransom. He said: “Indeed, while we
be freed from sin and death. (Read were still weak, Christ died for ungod-
Romans 5:12; 6:23.) Jesus was faith- ly men at the appointed time. For hard-
ful to God for a very long time in heav- ly would anyone die for a righteous
en, so Jehovah was confident that his man; though perhaps for a good man
Son would remain faithful on earth. As someone may dare to die. But God rec-
a loving Father, Jehovah was deeply ommends his own love to us in that,
hurt when he saw how badly people while we were yet sinners, Christ died
treated his Son. Yet, Jesus faithful- for us.” (Romans 5:6-8) The apostle
ly supported God’s right to rule and John wrote: “By this the love of God
showed that a perfect human can re- was revealed in our case, that God sent
main loyal to God even in the most dif- his only-begotten Son into the world
ficult situations. so that we might gain life through him.
13. What was the greatest act of God’s love? 14, 15. What did Jesus’ death do for mankind?

The love is in this respect, not that we “Our Father in the heavens, let your
have loved God, but that he loved us name be sanctified. Let your Kingdom
and sent his Son as a propitiatory sac- come. Let your will take place, as in
rifice for our sins.”—1 John 4:9, 10. heaven, also on earth.” (Matthew 6:9,
15 Jesus said that “God loved the 10) We look forward to the fulfillment
world so much that he gave his only- of such prayers when God’s Kingdom
begotten Son, so that everyone ex- brings many blessings to mankind!
ercising faith in him might not be 17 There is a huge difference between
destroyed but have everlasting life.” Jesus’ loving rule and the rule of hu-
(John 3:16) Even though it was very mans. Human rule has led to wars that
painful for Jehovah, he gave his Son as have killed millions. But our Ruler, Je-
a ransom. This shows how much he sus, truly loves us and imitates God’s
loves humans. And that love will last beautiful qualities, especially his love.
forever. Paul wrote: “I am convinced (Revelation 7:10, 16, 17) Jesus said:
that neither death nor life nor angels “Come to me, all you who are toiling
nor governments nor things now here and loaded down, and I will refresh
nor things to come nor powers nor you. Take my yoke upon you and learn
height nor depth nor any other cre- from me, for I am mild-tempered and
ation will be able to separate us from lowly in heart, and you will find re-
God’s love that is in Christ Jesus our freshment for yourselves. For my yoke
Lord.”—Romans 8:38, 39. is kindly, and my load is light.” (Mat-
thew 11:28-30) What a loving promise
GOD’S KINGDOM IS RULING NOW
that is!
16 God’s government, the Messianic 18 The Bible shows that God’s King-
Kingdom, is also proof of Jehovah’s dom began to rule in heaven in 1914.
love for mankind. How so? Jehovah Since then, there has been a gathering
has already appointed a Ruler who of the last members of those who will
loves mankind and is qualified to rule, rule with Jesus in heaven, as well as a
Jesus Christ. (Proverbs 8:31) In addi- gathering of “a great crowd” of people
tion, 144,000 chosen from mankind who will survive the end of this system
will rule with Christ in heaven. When and enter into the new world. (Revela-
they are resurrected, they take with tion 7:9, 13, 14) How large is the great
them their experience of what it was crowd today? What does God require
like to be a human. (Revelation 14:1) of them? The next article will examine
While Jesus was on earth, the King- these questions.
dom was the main theme of his teach-
ing, and he taught his disciples to pray: 17. Compare the rule of Jesus to the rule of hu-
mans.
16. What is the Messianic Kingdom, and whom 18. (a) What has been happening since 1914?
has Jehovah appointed to be its Ruler? (b) What will we consider in the next article?
Do You “Love Your Neighbor
as Yourself”?
“You must love your neighbor as yourself.”—MATTHEW 22:39.
LOVE is Jehovah God’s main quality. (1 John 4:16) His SONGS: 73, 36
first creation, Jesus Christ, spent billions of years in
heaven with his Father and learned what a loving God Je- CAN YOU ANSWER?
hovah is. (Colossians 1:15) Jesus has shown the same ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
type of love during his entire life, both in heaven and on Why should we imitate
earth. So we can be sure that Jehovah and Jesus will al- Jehovah’s love?
ways rule in a loving way.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
2 When someone asked Jesus which was the greatest
How important is love
commandment, Jesus said: “ ‘You must love Jehovah in a marriage?
your God with your whole heart and with your whole
soul and with your whole mind.’ This is the greatest ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
and first commandment. The second, like it, is this: How have God’s people
‘You must love your neighbor as yourself.’ ”—Matthew shown love for their
22:37-39. neighbor?
1, 2. How do the Scriptures show the importance of love?
21
3 It is important to show love in all tender love is essential for happy rela-
our relationships. Jesus said that we tionships. This is certainly true in mar-
must love Jehovah and also love our riage. The apostle Paul described genu-
neighbor. But who is our “neighbor”? ine love when he said: “Love is patient
If we are married, our closest neighbor and kind. Love is not jealous. It does
is our husband or wife. Our neighbor not brag, does not get puffed up, does
also includes our brothers and sisters not behave indecently, does not look
in the congregation, as well as the peo- for its own interests, does not become
ple we meet in the ministry. In this ar- provoked. It does not keep account of
ticle, we will learn how we can show the injury. It does not rejoice over un-
love for our neighbor. righteousness, but rejoices with the
truth. It bears all things, believes all
LOVE YOUR MARRIAGE MATE
things, hopes all things, endures all
4 Jehovah created Adam and Eve and
things. Love never fails.” (1 Corinthi-
brought them together. That was the
ans 13:4-8) When we think about Paul’s
first marriage. God wanted them to
words and apply them, we can have a
have a happy marriage and fill the
happy marriage.
earth with their children. (Genesis 1: 6 Jehovah decided who should be the
27, 28) However, after they disobeyed
Jehovah, their marriage was damaged,
head of the family. Paul explained: “I
want you to know that the head of
every man is the Christ; in turn, the
head of a woman is the man; in turn,
Jehovah expects the head of the Christ is God.” (1 Co-
the husband to be rinthians 11:3) But Jehovah expects
a loving head the husband to be a loving head, never
mean or cruel. Jehovah himself is a
kind and unselfish Head. As a result,
and sin and death were passed on to all Jesus respects God’s loving authority.
of us. (Romans 5:12) Despite that, a He said: “I love the Father.” (John 14:
marriage can be successful today. In 31) Jesus would not feel that way if Je-
the Bible, Jehovah, the Creator of mar- hovah were harsh with him.
riage, has given the very best advice for 7 Even though a husband is the head
husbands and wives.—Read 2 Timothy of his wife, the Bible tells him to honor
3:16, 17. her. (1 Peter 3:7) How can a husband
5 The Bible shows that warm and
do that? He can consider what she
needs and respect her preferences. The
3. Who is our “neighbor”?
4. How can a marriage be successful despite 6, 7. (a) What does the Bible say about be-
human imperfection? ing a head? (b) How must a Christian husband
5. How important is love in a marriage? treat his wife?
The Bible shows us how to have a successful marriage
Bible says: “Husbands, continue lov- our brothers and sisters. How should
ing your wives, just as the Christ also we feel about them? The Bible says:
loved the congregation and gave him- “Let us work what is good toward
self up for it.” (Ephesians 5:25) Yes, all, but especially toward those related
Jesus even gave his life for his follow- to us in the faith.” (Galatians 6:10;
ers. When a husband is a loving head read Romans 12:10.) The apostle Pe-
like Jesus, it will be easier for a wife to ter wrote that our “obedience to the
love and respect him and honor his de- truth” should result in genuine “broth-
cisions.—Read Titus 2:3-5. erly affection.” Peter also told fellow
LOVE YOUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS Christians: “Above all things, have in-
8 Today, millions of people all over tense love for one another.”—1 Peter 1:
the earth worship Jehovah. They are 22; 4:8.
9 Our worldwide organization is
8. How should we feel about our brothers and
sisters? 9, 10. Why are God’s people united?

unique. Why? Because we have deep 11 The genuine love and unity of Je-
and genuine love for our brothers and hovah’s servants identify them as the
sisters. More important, because we ones who practice the true religion.
love Jehovah and obey his laws, he Jesus said: “By this all will know that
supports us with the most powerful you are my disciples—if you have love
force in the universe, his holy spirit. among yourselves.” (John 13:34, 35)
God’s spirit helps us to be a truly And the apostle John wrote: “The chil-
united worldwide brotherhood.—Read dren of God and the children of the
1 John 4:20, 21. Devil are evident by this fact: Whoever
does not practice righteousness does
not originate with God, nor does the
Love and unity identify one who does not love his brother. For
Jehovah’s Witnesses as this is the message that you have heard
from the beginning, that we should
Christ’s true followers, love one another.” (1 John 3:10, 11)
the people God is using Love and unity identify Jehovah’s Wit-
nesses as Christ’s true followers, the
to preach the good people God is using to preach the good
news of the Kingdom news of the Kingdom worldwide.—Mat-
thew 24:14.
worldwide
GATHERING “A GREAT CROWD”
12 Most of Jehovah’s servants today
10 Paul emphasized the need for love are part of “a great crowd” that comes
among Christians when he wrote: from many different parts of the world,
“Clothe yourselves with the tender af- and they show their support for the
fections of compassion, kindness, hu- Kingdom. They “are the ones who
mility, mildness, and patience. Contin- come out of the great tribulation, and
ue putting up with one another and they have washed their robes and made
forgiving one another freely even if them white in the blood of the Lamb”
anyone has a cause for complaint by showing faith in Jesus’ ransom sac-
against another. Just as Jehovah free-
rifice. Those of the “great crowd” love
ly forgave you, you must also do the
Jehovah and his Son, and they worship
same. But besides all these things,
Jehovah “day and night.”—Revelation
clothe yourselves with love, for it is a
7:9, 14, 15.
perfect bond of union.” (Colossians
13 Soon God will destroy this wick-
3:12-14) How thankful we are that
love, “a perfect bond of union,” exists 11. What identifies God’s organization?
among us no matter where we come 12, 13. What are those of the “great crowd” do-
from! ing today, and what will they soon experience?
ed world in the “great tribulation.” 52,000,000 copies are printed each
(Matthew 24:21; read Jeremiah 25: month, and the magazine is published
32, 33.) But Jehovah will protect and in 247 languages. And our Bible study
lead his servants into his new world be- book What Does the Bible Really Teach?
cause he loves them. As he promised has been translated into over 250 lan-
nearly 2,000 years ago, “he will wipe guages. So far, over 200,000,000 cop-
out every tear from their eyes, and ies have been printed.
death will be no more, neither will 16 Our organization keeps growing
mourning nor outcry nor pain be any- because we have faith in God and ac-
more.” Do you look forward to living cept the Bible as his inspired Word.
in Paradise after wickedness, suffering, (1 Thessalonians 2:13) We continue to
and death are gone?—Revelation 21:4. enjoy Jehovah’s blessing despite Sa-
14 At the start of the last days in
tan’s hatred and opposition.—2 Corin-
1914, there were only a few thou- thians 4:4.
sand servants of God. Motivated by
love for neighbor and with the help of ALWAYS LOVE OTHERS
God’s holy spirit, that small group of 17 People respond in many different
anointed brothers and sisters preached ways to our preaching. Some people
the good news of the Kingdom de- listen to us, while others hate our mes-
spite difficulties. What has been the re- sage. How does Jehovah expect us to
sult? Today a great crowd of people feel toward those who do not worship
who have the hope of living forever him? No matter how people react to
on earth is being gathered. There are our message, we follow the counsel
about 8,000,000 Witnesses in more found in the Bible. It says: “Let your
than 115,400 congregations around words always be gracious, seasoned
the world, and the number keeps grow- with salt, so that you will know how
ing. For example, over 275,500 new you should answer each person.” (Co-
Witnesses were baptized in the 2014 lossians 4:6) Whenever we defend our
service year. That is about 5,300 bap- beliefs, we want to do so “with a mild
tized each week. temper and deep respect” because we
15 It is amazing to see how many love our neighbor.—1 Peter 3:15.
have heard about the good news of the 18 Even when people get angry and
Kingdom. Today our publications are reject our message, we show love for
available in over 700 languages. The our neighbor and imitate Jesus’ exam-
Watchtower is the most widely distrib- ple. When Jesus “was being insulted,
uted magazine in the world. More than
16. Why does Jehovah’s organization continue
14. How large has the great crowd become? to grow?
15. How do many hear about the good news to- 17, 18. How does Jehovah expect us to feel to-
day? ward those who do not worship him?

he did not insult in return. When he servants, we must love our enemies no
was suffering, he did not threaten.” In- matter how they treat us.
stead, Jesus trusted in Jehovah. (1 Pe- 20 At all times, we must show that we
ter 2:23) So at all times, we show hu- love Jehovah and our neighbor. Even
mility and apply the counsel: “Do not if people oppose us and our message,
pay back injury for injury or insult for we help them when they are in need.
insult. Instead, repay with a blessing.” The apostle Paul wrote: “Do not owe
—1 Peter 3:8, 9. anything to anyone except to love one
another; for whoever loves his fellow
man has fulfilled the law. For the law
We must love our code, ‘You must not commit adultery,
enemies no matter you must not murder, you must not
steal, you must not covet,’ and what-
how they treat us ever other commandment there is, is
summed up in this saying: ‘You must
love your neighbor as yourself.’ Love
19 Humility helps us to obey an im-
does not work evil to one’s neighbor;
portant principle given by Jesus. He
therefore, love is the law’s fulfillment.”
explained: “You heard that it was said:
(Romans 13:8-10) In this divided, vi-
‘You must love your neighbor and hate
olent, wicked world ruled by Satan,
your enemy.’ However, I say to you:
God’s servants show genuine love for
Continue to love your enemies and to
their neighbor. (1 John 5:19) After Je-
pray for those who persecute you, so
hovah destroys Satan, his demons, and
that you may prove yourselves sons of
this wicked world, love will fill the en-
your Father who is in the heavens,
tire earth. What a blessing it will be
since he makes his sun rise on both the
when all on earth love both Jehovah
wicked and the good and makes it rain
and their neighbor!
on both the righteous and the unrigh-
teous.” (Matthew 5:43-45) As God’s 20. How do we know that love for God and
neighbor will fill the entire earth? (See opening
19. How should we treat our enemies? picture.)
SOME Our neighbor:

We usually think of a neighbor as someone who lives
EXPRESSIONS close to us or someone who has a lot in common with us.
EXPLAINED However, our neighbor also includes our marriage mate,
brothers and sisters in the congregation, and the individu-
als we meet in the ministry. Jesus taught us that we must
love our neighbor
One Hundred Years
Under Kingdom Rulership!
“May the God of peace . . . equip you with every good
thing to do his will.”—HEBREWS 13:20, 21.
JESUS loved to talk about God’s Kingdom. While Jesus SONGS: 136, 14
was on earth, he spoke about the Kingdom more than any
other subject. He mentioned the Kingdom more than 100 DURING THE PAST
times during his ministry. The Kingdom was truly impor- 100 YEARS, . . .
tant to Jesus.—Read Matthew 12:34. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
2 Soon after his resurrection, Jesus met with a group of what tools have been used
to spread the good news
more than 500 potential disciples. (1 Corinthians 15:6)
of the Kingdom?
Perhaps this was when Jesus gave the command to preach
to “people of all the nations.” This work would not be
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
easy.1 (See footnote.) He told them that the preaching
what new methods have
1 It is likely that most of that group became Christians. Why do we say that? Be- been used?
cause the apostle Paul calls them “500 brothers.” He also says: “Most of [them] are
still with us, though some have fallen asleep in death.” So it seems that Paul and
other Christians knew many of those who had personally heard Jesus give the com- ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
mand to preach.
what training has been given
to Kingdom publishers?
1. How important was the preaching work to Jesus? Explain.
2. How many were there to hear the command recorded at Matthew
28:19, 20, and why do we say that?
27
work would continue for a long time, different tools. In a similar way, our
right up until “the conclusion of the King has given us tools we can use to
system of things.” When you preach help people accept our message. Some
the good news today, you are helping tools were useful for a short time,
to fulfill that prophecy.—Matthew 28: while others are still being used today.
19, 20. But all the tools have helped us to in-
3 After Jesus gave the command to crease our preaching skills.
preach, he said: “I am with you.” 5 In 1933, publishers began using the
(Matthew 28:20) So Jesus promised testimony card, a tool that helped

many to start preaching. It was a small
card with a short and simple Bible
The testimony card message. Sometimes a new card was
published with a new message. Broth-
helped many er Erlenmeyer was about ten years old
to start preaching when he used a testimony card for the
first time. He explained: “The standard
introduction was, ‘Would you please
his followers that he would direct the read this card?’ After the householder
preaching work and that he would help read the card, we would present the lit-
them preach to the entire world. Jeho- erature and be on our way.”
vah is also with us. He has given us 6 The testimony card helped publish-
“every good thing” to help us preach.
ers in different ways. For example,
(Hebrews 13:20, 21) In this article,
some publishers were shy, and even
we will consider three of these good
though they really wanted to preach,
things: (1) the tools we have been giv-
they did not know what to say. Other
en, (2) the methods we have used, and
publishers were very bold. They would
(3) the training we have been given.
tell the householder everything they
First, let us consider some of the tools
knew in just a few minutes, but what
we have used during the past 100 years.
they said was not always tactful. The
TOOLS THAT HELP GOD’S testimony card helped all publishers to
SERVANTS TO PREACH give a clear and simple message.
4 Jesus compared the Kingdom mes- 7 There were also challenges. Sis-
sage to seed that is planted in different ter Grace Estep said: “At times, we
types of soil. (Matthew 13:18, 19) To would be asked, ‘Well, what does it
prepare the soil, a gardener uses many
5. What was a testimony card, and how was it
3. What three things have helped us to preach used?
the good news? 6. How was the testimony card helpful?
4. How have many different tools helped us in 7. What were some challenges of using the
our preaching work? card?
say? Can’t you just tell me about it?’ ” School, the King would train his people
Also, some householders could not to become effective teachers.
read what was on the card. Others sim-
USING EVERY POSSIBLE
ply kept the card and closed the door. METHOD TO REACH PEOPLE
Some people did not like our message, 10 Under the direction of our King,
so they tore the card into pieces. De-
God’s people have used different
spite the challenges, though, the testi-
methods to reach as many people as
mony card helped publishers to preach
possible in the preaching work. Those
to their neighbors and to be identified
methods were especially important
as preachers of the Kingdom.
8 Another tool that was used after
when we had only a few workers.
(Read Matthew 9:37.) For example,
1930 was the portable phonograph.
many years ago newspapers were
Some Witnesses called it Aaron be-
used to preach the good news. Each
cause the machine spoke instead of
week Brother Russell sent a Bible
them. (Read Exodus 4:14-16.) If the
talk to a news agency. Then, they
householder agreed to listen, the pub-
sent his talk to newspapers in Cana-
lisher would play a short Bible talk and
da, Europe, and the United States. By
then offer some literature. At times,
entire families would gather to listen
to a talk! In 1934, the Watch Tower
Society began to build portable pho-
Newspapers and
nographs designed for the ministry. the radio were helpful
Eventually, the brothers recorded 92
different talks.
in reaching many people
9 When Hillary Goslin heard one of in areas where there
those talks, he borrowed the phono- were only a few publishers
graph for a week to share the Bible’s
message with his neighbors. As a re-
sult, several people became interested 1913, Brother Russell’s talks were pub-
in the truth and got baptized. Broth- lished in 2,000 newspapers and were
er Goslin’s two daughters eventually read by about 15,000,000 people!
attended Gilead School and became 11 The radio was also used effectively
missionaries. Like the testimony card, to preach the good news. On April 16,
the portable phonograph helped many 1922, Brother Rutherford gave one
publishers to start preaching. Later, of his first talks on the radio, and
by means of the Theocratic Ministry about 50,000 people listened. Soon,
8. How was the portable phonograph used? 10, 11. How were newspapers and the radio
(See opening picture.) used to preach the good news, and why were
9. How effective was the portable phonograph? those methods effective?

Many Kingdom publishers
enjoy public witnessing
and telling people about
our website
we started using our own radio sta- method being used to reach people to-
tion called WBBR, and the first pro- day. More efforts are being made to
gram was heard on February 24, 1924. preach to people at bus stops, train sta-
The December 1, 1924, Watch Tower tions, and parking lots, as well as in
said: “We believe that the radio is the public squares and markets. Does pub-
most economical and effective way of lic witnessing make you nervous? If so,
spreading the message of the truth that pray for help and consider what Broth-
has yet been used.” Like newspapers, er Manera, a traveling overseer, said:
the radio helped us to reach many peo- “We looked at each new feature of ser-
ple in areas where there were only a vice as another way to serve Jehovah,
few publishers. as another way to prove our loyalty to
12 Public witnessing is an effective him, as another test of our integrity,
and we were eager to prove ourselves
12. (a) What types of public witnessing do you willing to serve him in any way he
enjoy most? (b) What can help us to overcome
any fears we might have about public witness- asked.” When we overcome our fears
ing? and use new methods to preach, we
strengthen our trust in Jehovah and teachers. No doubt helped by God’s
become better preachers.—Read 2 Co- holy spirit, Brother Knorr saw that it
rinthians 12:9, 10. was important for the publishers to
13 Many publishers enjoy telling peo- learn how to speak in the ministry. So
ple about our website, jw.org, where beginning in 1943, congregations start-
they can read and download Bible lit- ed organizing the Theocratic Minis-
erature in over 700 languages. Each try School. This school helped all to
day, over 1.6 million people visit our become effective teachers.
website. In the past, the radio reached 15 Many brothers were not used to
people with the good news in isolat- speaking before an audience. Broth-
ed areas. Today, our website does the er Ramu remembers his first talk back
same. in 1944. The talk was about the Bible
TRAINING MINISTERS character Doeg. He said: “My knees
OF THE GOOD NEWS were knocking together, my hands
were shaking, and my teeth were chat-
14 The tools and methods we have dis-
tering.” He added: “That was my first
cussed have been very effective. How-
experience in platform speaking, but
ever, publishers in those early years
needed to be trained how to be minis-
I did not quit.” Even though it was
ters. For example, sometimes a house- not easy, children too gave talks on
holder did not agree with what he the school. Brother Manera remem-
heard on the phonograph. Other times bers what happened when one young
a householder was interested and want- boy gave his first talk: “He was so ner-
ed to learn more. Publishers needed vous that when he started his talk, he
to know how to overcome objections began to sob. But determined to give
tactfully and how to become better it, he sobbed his way through the en-
tire talk.” Perhaps you do not com-
13. Why is using our website in the ministry an ment at the meetings or participate in
effective preaching method, and what experi-
ences have you had using it? 15. (a) What did some experience when they
14. What training did the publishers need, and gave a talk in the Theocratic Ministry School?
what school has helped them to become effec- (b) How has Jehovah’s promise recorded at
tive teachers? Psalm 32:8 proved true in your case?
SOME Jehovah has given us “every good thing” to help us in

the preaching work. These good things include tools,
EXPRESSIONS methods, and training
EXPLAINED
But by the end of that year, 13 mission-
More than 8,500 aries were preaching with local pub-
lishers. Today, there are about 216,000
Gilead-trained publishers in Japan, and almost half of
missionaries have them are pioneers!
18 We have many other schools, such
been sent to 170 as the Kingdom Ministry School, the
countries since 1943 Pioneer Service School, the School
for Kingdom Evangelizers, the School
for Circuit Overseers and Their Wives,
them because you are shy or you feel and the School for Branch Commit-
you cannot do it. If so, ask Jehovah tee Members and Their Wives. These
to help you overcome your fears. He schools have successfully trained
will help you as he helped those early brothers and sisters and have strength-
Theocratic Ministry School students. ened their faith. It is clear that Jesus
—Read Psalm 32:8. continues to train many people.
16 God’s organization has also pro- 19 God’s Kingdom has been ruling for
vided training through Gilead School. more than 100 years. During that time,
One goal of the school is to help stu- our King, Jesus Christ, has been di-
dents to strengthen their desire to recting the preaching work. Back in
preach the good news. Gilead School 1916, Brother Russell believed that the
began in 1943, and since then, 8,500 preaching of the good news would ex-
students have been trained and sent to pand all over the world. He said: “The
170 countries. Since 2011, those invit- work is increasing rapidly, and it will
ed to this school have been special pio- continue to increase, for there is a
neers, traveling overseers, Bethelites, world-wide work to be done in preach-
or field missionaries who have not yet ing the ‘gospel of the kingdom.’ ” (Faith
attended Gilead. on the March, by A. H. Macmillan,
17 Has Gilead School been effective? page 69) That work is being done to-
Yes. Consider what happened in Ja- day! We thank Jehovah, the God of
pan. In August 1949, there were fewer peace, that he gives us everything we
than ten publishers in that country. need to do his will!
16. What has been the goal of Gilead School 18. What other schools do we have?
(a) in the past and (b) since 2011? 19. What did Brother Russell say about the
17. How effective is Gilead training? preaching work, and how has this come true?
s
ws15 11/15-E
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available
D ECEMBER 1 5, 2 0 1 5
34567
SIMPLIFIED EDITION
STUDY ARTICLES
_______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________
FEBRUARY 1-7 FEBRUARY 8-14 FEBRUARY 15-21 FEBRUARY 22-28

Jehovah, the God A Living Use the Power Jehovah Will
of Communication Translation of Your Tongue Sustain You
PAGE 3 of God’s Word for Good PAGE 23
PAGE 9 PAGE 17
STUDY ARTICLES
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
ˇ Jehovah, the God of Communication

ˇ A Living Translation of God’s Word
For thousands of years, Jehovah has freely communicated
with his servants in various languages. That will be
PARAGUAY discussed in these articles, and we will also see how the
COVER: A special pioneer happily New World Translation has helped to honor God’s name
speaks about the good news to a and to make his purpose known.
mother and her children. The truth _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
is being preached in Spanish

and Guarani, which are the main ˇ Use the Power of Your Tongue for Good
languages of the country The ability to speak is a wonderful gift from God. This
‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ article explains the importance of knowing when to speak,
what to say, and how to say it. It also encourages us to
POPULATION
imitate Jesus’ example by using this gift in a way that
6,800,236 honors God and benefits others.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
PUBLISHERS
ˇ Jehovah Will Sustain You
9,760
We all get sick. So can we expect Jehovah to heal us as
he healed some in Bible times? What should we remember
when others give us advice about health? This article
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE will answer these questions and help us to make sensible
decisions.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
15 Show Appreciation
for Jehovah’s Generosity
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
29 I Found Peace With God

and With My Mother
34567 ˙
December 15, 2015
Jehovah, the God
of Communication
“Please listen, and I will speak.”—JOB 42:4.
JEHOVAH wanted to share life and happiness with oth- SONGS: 113, 114
ers, so he created angels and later created humans.
(Psalm 36:9; 1 Timothy 1:11) Jehovah first created the HOW WOULD YOU
ANSWER?
one the apostle John calls “the Word.” (John 1:1; Rev-
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
elation 3:14) Jehovah communicated with that one, Je-
Why does God use
sus, and expressed his thoughts and feelings to him. simple language when
(John 1:14, 17; Colossians 1:15) The apostle Paul says he communicates with
that the angels also communicate and have a language, humans?
one that is very different from human language.—1 Co-
rinthians 13:1. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
2 Jehovah knows everything about the billions of an- Why is the fact that humans
gels and humans he created. He is able to listen to the use many different languages
not a problem for Jehovah?
prayers of millions of people at the same time, and he
understands their prayers no matter what language they
are spoken in. While he is listening to all those prayers, ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
What was the goal of

Jehovah is also communicating with the angels and di- Jehovah’s organization with
recting them. In order to do all of that, Jehovah’s the New World Translation?
1-3. (a) Why are God’s thoughts and language superior to those of
humans? (b) What will we learn in this article?
3
thoughts and language must be supe- tory of God’s relationship with his
rior to the thoughts and language of people. For example, the Bible re-
humans. (Read Isaiah 55:8, 9.) So cords their faith and love for God
when he communicates with humans, and also records their mistakes and
he simplifies his message so that we unfaithfulness. All this information
can understand it. was written for our benefit.—Romans
3 In this article, we will learn how 15:4.
Jehovah communicates with humans 5 Jehovah did not always communi-
in a clear way. We will also see how he cate with humans in Hebrew. By the
changes the way he communicates de- time the Israelites were freed from
pending on the circumstances. Babylon, some of them spoke Arama-
ic in their daily lives. Perhaps that is
GOD COMMUNICATES WITH HUMANS
why Daniel, Jeremiah, and Ezra wrote
4 When he communicated with the parts of the Bible in Aramaic.—See
first man, Adam, in the garden of the footnotes to Ezra 4:8; 7:12; Jere-
Eden, Jehovah probably used an an- miah 10:11; and Daniel 2:4.
cient form of the Hebrew language. 6 Alexander the Great later con-
quered much of the world, and com-

mon, or Koine, Greek became the
Bible writers wrote main language in many countries.
down direct statements Many Jews began to speak Greek,
and eventually the Hebrew Scrip-
from Jehovah and the tures were translated into Greek. This
history of God’s relation- translation is called the Septuagint. It
ship with his people was the first translation of the Bible
and one of the most important. Ex-
perts believe that the Septuagint was
Later, Jehovah communicated with completed by 72 translators.1 (See
men such as Moses, Samuel, and Da- footnote.) Some translated from the
vid. Although they wrote down their Hebrew Scriptures word for word,
own words in Hebrew and in their own
1 Septuagint means “Seventy.” It seems that the
style of writing, they were actually translation began about 300 years before Christ and
writing down God’s thoughts. They was finished 150 years later. This translation is still im-
portant today because it helps experts to understand
wrote down direct statements from difficult Hebrew words or entire verses.
Jehovah and also wrote about the his-
5. Was Hebrew the only language God used to
4. (a) What language did Jehovah use to com- communicate with humans? Explain.
municate with Moses, Samuel, and David? 6. Why were the Hebrew Scriptures translated
(b) What does the Bible contain? into Greek?
while others did not. Still, Greek- tures, they often used the Septuagint.
speaking Jews and Christians be- At times, those quotes were slightly
lieved that the Septuagint was God’s different from the original Hebrew
Word. wording. So the work of imperfect
7 When Jesus was on earth, he prob- translators became part of the Bi-
ably spoke Hebrew. (John 19:20; 20: ble we have today. This teaches us
16; Acts 26:14) He may also have used that Jehovah does not view one lan-
some Aramaic expressions that were guage or culture as better than anoth-
common at that time. But he also er.—Read Acts 10:34.
knew the ancient Hebrew language
spoken by Moses and the prophets,
whose writings were read at the syn- God does not expect
agogues each week. (Luke 4:17-19;
24:44, 45; Acts 15:21) And although
us to speak a specific
Greek and Latin were spoken in Jesus’ language to get to know
time, the Bible does not say whether him or his purposes
Jesus also spoke those languages.
8 The first followers of Jesus spoke
Hebrew, but after his death, his disci- 10 We have learned that Jehovah
ples spoke other languages. (Read communicates with humans accord-
Acts 6:1.) As the good news spread, ing to the circumstances. He does not
many Christians spoke Greek rather expect us to speak a specific language
than Hebrew. Because Greek was the in order to get to know him or his pur-
common language, the books of Mat- poses. (Read Zechariah 8:23; Reve-
thew, Mark, Luke, and John were dis- lation 7:9, 10.) We have also learned
tributed in Greek.1 (See footnote.) that Jehovah inspired the Bible writ-
Also, the letters of the apostle Paul ers, but he allowed them to write his
and other Bible books were written in thoughts in their own words.
Greek.
GOD PRESERVES HIS MESSAGE
9 It is interesting that when writ-
ers of the Christian Greek Scrip-

11 Humans use many different lan-
tures quoted from the Hebrew Scrip- guages, but this is not a problem
for Jehovah. How do we know? The
1 Some feel that Matthew wrote his book in Hebrew Bible contains only a few of Je-
and that it was then translated into Greek, perhaps by
Matthew himself. sus’ words in the original language
7. What language did Jesus use to teach his 10. What have we learned from the way Jeho-
disciples? vah communicates with humans?
8, 9. Why did many Christians speak Greek, 11. Why is the fact that humans use many dif-
and what does this teach us about Jehovah? ferent languages not a problem for Jehovah?
DECEMBER 15, 2015 5

COMMUNICATION AND TRANSLATION OF GOD’S WORD
TRANSLATED INTO QUOTED IN

ORIGINAL GREEK ORIGINAL
WRITINGS SEPTUAGINT WRITINGS
GENESIS TO MALACHI GENESIS TO MALACHI MATTHEW TO REVELATION

(Hebrew and Aramaic) (Greek) (Greek)
he used. (Matthew 27:46; Mark 5: ter than a priest. Because of persecu-

41; 7:34; 14:36) But Jehovah made tion, Tyndale had to flee from En-
sure that Jesus’ message was writ- gland to Europe in order to translate
ten and translated into Greek and, in and print his Bible. Even though the
time, into other languages. Also, be- clergy tried to burn all the copies they
cause God’s Word was copied many could find, Tyndale’s translation was
times by Jews and Christians, God’s distributed to many people. Eventual-
message was preserved. These cop- ly, Tyndale was strangled and burned
ies were then translated into many at the stake. But his translation sur-
more languages. About 400 years af- vived attacks from the clergy, and it
ter Christ, John Chrysostom said that was used to prepare a Bible transla-
Jesus’ teachings had been translat- tion called the King James Version.
ed into the languages of the Syrians, —Read 2 Timothy 2:9.
Egyptians, Indians, Persians, Ethiopi- 13 It is true that among some of the
ans, and many other peoples. oldest copies of the Bible, there are
12 Throughout history, there have
small mistakes and differences. How-
been many attacks against the Bible ever, Bible experts carefully studied
and those who translated and distrib- thousands of manuscripts, parts of
uted it. About 300 years after Jesus manuscripts, and old translations of
was born, the Roman Emperor Diocle- the Bible. After comparing them, they
tian ordered that all copies of the Bi- found that there are only a few vers-
ble be destroyed. About 1,200 years es that have small differences, and
later, William Tyndale started trans- these are only minor. But the Bi-
lating the Bible into English. He said ble’s message has not changed. Stud-
that if God allowed him to live long ies like these convince sincere Bible
enough, he would make sure that even students that what they have today
a farm boy would know the Bible bet-
13. What has the study of old Bible manuscripts
12. How has the Bible been attacked? shown?
NOW AVAILABLE
TRANSLATED IN OVER
INTO MANY
LANGUAGES New World 2,800
ENGLISH VERSIONS
Translation Languages
Revised Edition
Old Latin Tyndale
2013
Latin Vulgate King James
is Jehovah’s inspired Word.—Isaiah glish. (Matthew 24:45) But today, Bi-

40:8.1 (See footnote.) ble literature is provided in over 700
14 Despite the many attacks against languages. Like Greek in the past, En-
the Bible, it has been translated into glish is now common in business and
over 2,800 languages. That is more education and is widely known. So
than any other book available today. our literature is written first in English
Even though many people do not have and then translated into other lan-
faith in God, his Word continues to be guages.
the most widely distributed book in 16 All our literature is based on the
history. While some translations of Bible. At first, God’s people used

the Bible are not so easy to read or are the King James Version, completed
not very accurate, almost all of them in 1611. However, its language was
give the simple message of hope and old and difficult to understand. God’s
everlasting life. name was used only a few times, even
though very old manuscripts used it
A NEW BIBLE TRANSLATION
WAS NEEDED thousands of times. That version also
had translation errors and extra vers-
15In 1919, a small group of Bi-
es that were not found in the old-
ble students was appointed as “the
est manuscripts. Other English Bible
faithful and discreet slave.” At that
translations had similar problems.
time, the faithful slave communicat-
17 Clearly, God’s people needed a
ed with God’s people mostly in En-
Bible translation that was accurate
1 See Appendix A3 in the revised New World Transla- and easy to understand. So the New
tion; also A Book for All People, pages 7-9, “How Did the
Book Survive?” World Bible Translation Committee
was formed, and the brothers on this
14. How available is the Bible today?
15. (a) How has our Bible literature changed 16, 17. (a) What did God’s people need?
since 1919? (b) Why is our literature first written (b) How was that need cared for? (c) What was
in English? Brother Knorr’s desire?
DECEMBER 15, 2015 7

committee released portions of the Watchtower was already being trans-
Bible from 1950 to 1960. The first of lated. As a result, the New World Trans-
six volumes was released at a con- lation is now available, in whole or in
vention on August 2, 1950. At that part, in more than 130 languages.
convention, Brother Knorr said that 19 The English language has changed
God’s people needed a modern Bible since the first edition of the New
translation that was accurate and easy World Translation was released, so it
to understand and one that would became necessary to update its word-
help them learn the truth more clear- ing. On the weekend of October 5 and
ly. They needed a translation that was 6, 2013, an audience of 1,413,676 in
just as simple to read and understand 31 countries attended or was tied in
as the original writings of Christ’s dis- to the 129th annual meeting of the
ciples. Brother Knorr’s desire was that Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society
the New World Translation would help of Pennsylvania. A member of the
millions of people come to know Je- Governing Body announced the re-
hovah. lease of a revised New World Trans-
18 By 1963, Brother Knorr’s desire
lation in English. The audience was
became a reality. The New World Trans- thrilled, and many cried when they
lation of the Christian Greek Scriptures got their own copy of this new trans-
was available in Dutch, French, Ger- lation. As the speakers read verses
man, Italian, Portuguese, and Span- from the revision, it was clear to all
ish. In 1989, the Governing Body of that the revised edition was easier to
Jehovah’s Witnesses formed a new read and understand. In the next arti-
department at world headquarters to cle, we will learn more about this revi-
help Bible translators. Then in 2005, sion, as well as how it is being translat-
permission was given to translate the ed into other languages.
Bible into languages in which The
19. What important event happened in 2013,
18. What has helped Bible translation? and what will we learn in the next article?
SOME Jehovah communicates with humans in a way that is

easy for them to understand. In the beginning, he used
EXPRESSIONS ancient Hebrew to communicate with Adam, but Jehovah
EXPLAINED can communicate with humans in any language. What is
important to him is that we understand his thoughts, his
feelings, and the direction he gives his servants
A Living Translation
of God’s Word
“The word of God is alive.”—HEBREWS 4:12.
JEHOVAH GOD gave humans the gift of language. In SONGS: 37, 116
the garden of Eden, God gave Adam the assignment to
name all the animals. Adam gave each animal a mean- HOW WOULD YOU
ingful name. (Genesis 2:19, 20) Since then, God’s peo- ANSWER?
ple have used the gift of language to praise Jehovah and ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
tell others about him. In recent times, God’s people Why should God’s name be
in a translation of the Bible?
have used this gift to translate the Bible so that more
people can learn about Jehovah.
2 There are thousands of Bible translations, but some
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
are more accurate than others. To translate the Bible ac- Why was the New World
curately, the New World Bible Translation Committee Translation revised?
decided to follow three basic principles: (1) Honor
God’s name and use it in his Word as many times as
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
the original. (Read Matthew 6:9.) (2) Translate the
How have many benefited
1. (a) What assignment did God give to Adam? (b) Since then, how from the New World
have God’s people used the gift of language? Translation?
2. (a) What principles did the members of the New World Bible Trans-
lation Committee follow in their work? (b) What will we learn in this ar-
ticle?
9
original message word for word where made as early as 200 years before
possible. Where not possible, trans- Christ and as late as 100 years after
late the correct meaning. (3) Use Christ. Many people are impressed
language that is easy to read and when they see how often God’s name
understand.1 (See footnote.) (Read appears in old manuscripts.
Nehemiah 8:8, 12.) These three prin- 4 Clearly, God’s name should be in
ciples have been followed by transla- the Bible. Still, many translations do
tors of the New World Translation in not use God’s name. For example, just
more than 130 different languages. In two years after the New World Transla-
this article, we will learn how these tion of the Christian Greek Scriptures
principles apply to the 2013 revision was released, a revision of the Ameri-
of the New World Translation and to its can Standard Version was released. The
translation into other languages as 1901 edition used God’s name, but
well. the 1952 revision did not. Why? Its
A BIBLE THAT HONORS GOD’S NAME translators felt that it was “entirely
inappropriate” to use God’s name.
3 God’s name is represented by four
Many translations, both in English
Hebrew letters called the Tetragram-
and in other languages, have done the
maton. We can find the Tetragramma-
same.
ton in many old Hebrew manuscripts,
5 Does it really matter whether
translators include God’s name or

Many are impressed not? Yes! Jehovah, the Author of
the Bible, wants people to know
when they see his name. A good translator should
how often God’s know what an author wants, and
that should affect his translation de-
name appears in old cisions. Many scriptures show that
manuscripts God’s name is important and that
it must be honored. (Exodus 3:15;
Psalm 83:18; 148:13; Isaiah 42:8; 43:
such as the Dead Sea Scrolls. We can 10; John 17:6, 26; Acts 15:14) And Je-
also find it in some copies of the hovah inspired Bible writers to use his
Greek Septuagint. These copies were name thousands of times in ancient
1 See Appendix A1 of the revised New World Transla- manuscripts. (Read Ezekiel 38:23.)
tion and the article “How Can You Choose a Good Bible So when translators omit God’s name,
Translation?” in The Watchtower of May 1, 2008.
they do not respect Jehovah.
3, 4. (a) Where do we find the Tetragramma-
ton? (b) What have many Bible translations 5. Why is it important to use God’s name in the
done with God’s name? Bible?
6 Today, there is even more proof come. It also includes what he causes
that we should use Jehovah’s name. to happen with regard to his creation
The 2013 revision of the New World and the accomplishment of his pur-
Translation uses God’s name 7,216 pose.”
times. That is six more than the previ- 8 Jehovah causes his creation to be-
ous edition. Five of these were added come whatever he chooses. For exam-
because God’s name was found in the ple, God caused Noah to become the
recently published Dead Sea Scrolls.1 builder of the ark, Bezalel to become
(See footnote.) These five are found an expert craftsman, Gideon to be a
at 1 Samuel 2:25; 6:3; 10:26; 23:14, 16. great warrior, and Paul to be a mis-
The sixth, at Judges 19:18, was added sionary. God’s name has real meaning
as a result of further study of reliable for his people, and this is why the New
old Bible manuscripts. World Bible Translation Committee in-
7 True Christians feel that it is im- cluded God’s name in this translation.
portant to understand the full mean- 9 More and more Bible translations
ing of God’s name. His name means leave out God’s personal name. In-
“He Causes to Become.”2 (See foot- stead, they use the title “Lord” or the
note.) In the past, our publications name of a local god. This is one of the
explained the meaning of God’s name main reasons why the Governing Body
using Exodus 3:14, which says: “I feels that it is very important that peo-
Will Become What I Choose to Be- ple of all languages have a Bible that
come.” The 1984 revision explained honors God’s name. (Read Malachi
that Jehovah causes himself to be- 3:16.) So far, Jehovah’s name is be-
come whatever he chooses to be in ing honored in editions of the New
order to fulfill his promises.3 (See World Translation in more than 130 lan-
footnote.) However, the 2013 revision guages.
explains: “While the name Jehovah
A CLEAR AND ACCURATE
may include this idea, it is not limited
TRANSLATION
to what he himself chooses to be-
10 There have been difficulties while
1 The Dead Sea Scrolls are more than 1,000 years old- translating the English New World
er than the Hebrew Masoretic text.
2 Some reference books give this explanation, but not Translation into other languages. For
all experts agree. example, the English edition used the
3 See the New World Translation of the Holy Scrip-
tures—With References, Appendix 1A, “The Divine Name Hebrew word “Sheol” at Ecclesiastes
in the Hebrew Scriptures,” page 1561.
9. Why has translation of the Bible into other
6. Why was God’s name added in six places in languages been given priority?
the revised New World Translation? 10, 11. What have been some difficulties while
7, 8. What is the meaning of the name Jeho- translating the New World Translation into oth-
vah? er languages?
DECEMBER 15, 2015 11

9:10 and in other verses. This expres- 11 The Hebrew and Greek words for
sion was common in other English “soul” were also difficult to trans-
Bibles as well. However, this word late into some languages. In these
could not be used in many languages languages, the word for “soul” usu-
because most readers of these lan- ally refers to a ghost or to some-
guages did not know the Hebrew word thing that leaves the body at death. To
avoid this misunderstanding, transla-
tors were given approval to trans-
The committee late the word “soul” according to the
context of the word. An explanation
studied thousands of the various meanings of the word
of questions from “soul” can be found in the appendix
Bible translators of the New World Translation of the
Holy Scriptures—With References. Help-
during the revision ful information about Hebrew and
Greek words is placed in footnotes of
“Sheol.” It was not in their dictio- the revised edition so that the Bi-
naries, and some even thought that it ble text is easy to read and under-
was the name of a location. For these
stand.
12 Questions from translators re-
reasons, translators were given ap-
proval to translate the Hebrew word 12. What are some other changes that were
“Sheol” and the Greek word “Hades” made in the 2013 revision? (See also the article
“The 2013 Revision of the New World Transla-
as “the Grave.” This is an accurate tion” found in the standard edition of this is-
translation and makes the text clearer. sue.)
vealed other possible misunderstand- New York. Many feel like one sister
ings of the Bible text. So in Septem- who wrote: “The Bible is a treasure
ber 2007, the Governing Body gave chest brimming over with valuable
approval to revise the English edi- jewels. To read Jehovah’s words clear-
tion. The committee studied thou- ly by using the 2013 revision can be
sands of questions from Bible trans- compared to examining each jewel,
lators during the revision. English admiring its many facets, clarity, col-
expressions that were old were re- or, and beauty. The Scriptures con-
placed with modern ones, which made veyed in simple language have helped
the text easier to read and understand me to become better acquainted with
while maintaining its accuracy. Trans- Jehovah, who is like a father with his
lation that had already recently been arms around me while he reads his
done in other languages also helped soothing words to me.”
to improve the English text.—Prov- 14 People who speak languages other
erbs 27:17. than English are also thankful for the

New World Translation. An elderly man
GREAT APPRECIATION
from Sofia, Bulgaria, said about the
13 How do many feel about the re- Bulgarian edition: “I have read the Bi-
vised English New World Translation? ble for many years, but I have never
Thousands of letters of appreciation read a translation that is easier to un-
from our brothers and sisters have derstand and that goes right to the
been received at the headquarters heart.” Likewise, an Albanian sister
of Jehovah’s Witnesses at Brooklyn,
14, 15. How do people feel about the New
13. How do many feel about the 2013 revision? World Translation in other languages?
“What a privilege
to have Jehovah
speak to us in our
own language!”

wrote: “How beautiful God’s Word to Jehovah, we read the Bible as a
sounds in Albanian! What a privilege family every day.”
to have Jehovah speak to us in our 16 The revised New World Translation
own language!” will be made available in more lan-

15 In many countries, Bibles are ex- guages in the future. Satan tries to
pensive or very difficult to find. To re- stop this work, but we know that Jeho-
ceive a Bible is a great blessing! A re- vah wants all his people to listen as he
port from Rwanda said: “For a long speaks to them in clear, understand-
time, many people with whom the able language. (Read Isaiah 30:21.)
brothers were studying had not pro- Soon, “the earth will certainly be filled
gressed because they had no Bibles. with the knowledge of Jehovah as the
They could not afford to purchase the waters cover the sea.”—Isaiah 11:9.
local church edition. And they of- 17 May we be determined to use
ten could not clearly understand the every gift from Jehovah, including
meaning of certain verses, which hin- this translation that honors his name.
dered their progress.” When the New Let him speak with you every day
World Translation became available in through his Word. He is able to listen
their local language, a Rwandan fami- attentively to all our prayers. This
ly with four teenagers said: “We real- communication will help us to come
ly thank Jehovah and the faithful and to know Jehovah ever more, and our
discreet slave for giving us this Bible. love for him will keep growing.—John
We are very poor and had no money 17:3.
to purchase Bibles for every member
16, 17. (a) What does Jehovah want for his
of the family. But now each of us has people? (b) What should we be determined
his own Bible. To show our gratitude to do?

Tetragrammaton: “He Causes to Become”:
The original Hebrew spelling of God’s Jehovah created all things and can
name. It is made up of four Hebrew letters become whatever is needed to accom-
565
that are like the letters YHWH plish his purpose. Jehovah can also use
his creation to do whatever is needed.
For example, God caused Noah to become
the builder of the ark, Bezalel to become
an expert craftsman, Gideon to be a great
warrior, and Paul to be a missionary
Show Appreciation for
JEHOVAH’S GENEROSITY
JEHOVAH is a generous God. (James 1:17) We they may get a firm hold on the real life.”—1 Tim-
can see his generosity in everything he created. othy 6:17-19.
He filled the universe with stars, and he covered In his second letter to the Corinthians, Paul ex-
the earth with beautiful plants.—Psalm 65:12, 13; plained what our motive should be when we give to
147:7, 8; 148:3, 4. others. He said: “Let each one do just as he has re-
The writer of Psalm 104 was very thankful for solved in his heart, not grudgingly or under com-
all that Jehovah had created, so he wrote a song pulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Co-
to praise him. When you read that psalm, do you rinthians 9:7) Whom do we help when we are
feel as thankful as the psalmist was? He said: “I generous? Paul said that we help others by giving
will sing to Jehovah throughout my life; I will sing them what they need, but we also help ourselves
praises to my God as long as I live.” (Psalm 104: because Jehovah will bless us.—2 Corinthians 9:
33) Do you want to do the same? 11-14.
Paul then referred to the greatest proof of God’s
THE GREATEST EXAMPLE generosity when he said: “Thanks be to God for his
OF GENEROSITY indescribable free gift.” (2 Corinthians 9:15) Je-
Jehovah wants us to imitate his generosity. And hovah’s “free gift” includes all the good things that
he gives us good reasons to be generous. He in- he gives us through Jesus Christ. Words cannot
spired the apostle Paul to write: “Instruct those describe how valuable this gift is.
who are rich in the present system of things not to How can we show that we are thankful for all
be arrogant, and to place their hope, not on un- that Jehovah and Jesus have done and will do for
certain riches, but on God, who richly provides us us? One way is by being generous when we give of
with all the things we enjoy. Tell them to work at our time, energy, and material things to worship
good, to be rich in fine works, to be generous, Jehovah and help others learn about him. We can
ready to share, safely treasuring up for them- do this whether we have a lot or very little.
selves a fine foundation for the future, so that —1 Chronicles 22:14; 29:3-5; Luke 21:1-4.

HOW SOME CHOOSE TO CONTRIBUTE
TO THE WORLDWIDE WORK
Like the Christians who lived in that oversees your country to find Wills and Trusts: A person can ar-
the first century, many today set out which donations are accepted range to have his property or mon-
aside money for the worldwide work where you live. Legal requirements ey donated after his death. He can
and put it in the contribution box and tax laws are not the same every- do this through a legally executed
of their congregation. (1 Corinthi- where, so ask someone who knows will or a trust agreement in which he
ans 16:2) Each month, congrega- about the laws before making a do- names a legal organization used by
tions send these contributions to nation. Jehovah’s Witnesses as the benefi-
the office of Jehovah’s Witnesses ciary. This arrangement may provide
Insurance: If a person has a life
that serves their country. You can certain tax advantages.
insurance policy or a retirement/
also send donations directly to the You can find more information on
pension plan, he can make a do-
legal organization used by Jehovah’s how to donate to the worldwide work
nation by naming one of the le-
Witnesses in your country. To find of Jehovah’s Witnesses in the bro-
gal organizations used by Jehovah’s
out the name of that organization, chure Charitable Planning to Benefit
Witnesses as the beneficiary.
please go to www.jw.org and contact Kingdom Service Worldwide, which
the local office of Jehovah’s Witness- Bank Accounts: Depending on local has been prepared in English and
es. You can send the following dona- bank requirements, a person can set Spanish. The brochure has informa-
tions: up a bank account, certificate of de- tion on the different ways a per-
posit, or an individual retirement ac- son can make a gift. The information
DONATIONS count as a trust. He can also specify in this brochure may not apply ful-
˙ Donations using electronic bank that one of the legal organizations ly to your situation because of tax
transfer, debit card, or credit card. used by Jehovah’s Witnesses will re- laws or other laws in your country.
In some countries you can also ceive the money after his death. So after reading the brochure, you
donate using jw.org or another Stocks and Bonds: A person can do- should discuss it with your own le-
website. nate his stocks and bonds to a legal gal or tax adviser. Many people have
˙ Donations of cash, jewelry, or oth- organization used by Jehovah’s Wit- helped to support our worldwide
er valuable personal belongings. nesses. He may also write an agree- work and have received tax benefits
Include a letter explaining that the ment directing that these be trans- by donating in one of these ways.
cash or the item is a donation ferred after his death. If this brochure is available in your
without conditions. country, you can request a copy
Real Estate: If a person has real es- from the secretary of the local con-
tate that can be sold, he can donate gregation.
DONATIONS WITH CONDITIONS
it to a legal organization used by Je-
˙ Donations of cash with the condi- hovah’s Witnesses. If he lives on the __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
tion that it can be returned if you property, he may arrange to contin-

For more information, you may
need it. ue to live there until his death.
contact the local office of Jehovah’s
˙ Include a letter explaining that Gift Annuity: A person can donate Witnesses.
there are conditions to the dona- money or securities to a legal or-
tion. ganization used by Jehovah’s Wit-
nesses and make an agreement to
OTHER WAYS YOU CAN DONATE receive a certain amount of money
Listed below are other ways you every year while he is alive. He may
can donate to support the preach- receive an income-tax deduction for
ing work worldwide. Before donat- the year in which he makes this do-
ing, please contact the branch office nation.
Use the Power
of Your Tongue for Good
“May the words of my mouth . . . be pleasing to you,
O Jehovah.”—PSALM 19:14.
IN 1871, a fire started in the forests of Wisconsin, in the SONGS: 82, 77

United States. It quickly spread and completely burned
about two billion trees. Over 1,200 people were killed. In HOW DOES JESUS’
fact, more were killed in that fire than in any other fire in EXAMPLE HELP
US TO . . .
the United States. It seems that tiny sparks from trains
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
passing by the forest started the huge fire. This reminds
know when to speak?
us of a Bible verse: “See how small a fire it takes to set a
great forest ablaze!” (James 3:5) Why did the Bible writ-
er James say this?
2 He explains: “The tongue is also a fire.” (James 3:6) ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
“The tongue” means our ability to speak. And just like a choose the right words?
fire, what we say can cause a lot of damage. Our words
can have a powerful effect on others. The Bible even tells
us that what we say can bring life or death to them. (Prov- ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
erbs 18:21) But does that mean we must never say any- speak in a kind way?
thing just because we might say something wrong? Of
course not. We would not stop using fire just because we
1, 2. Why does the Bible compare our ability to speak to fire?
17
might get burned. Instead, we are care- ability to speak in this way, we show Je-
ful about the way we use it. For exam- hovah that we are grateful to him for
ple, we can use fire to cook our food, giving us this gift. After all, when a
to warm ourselves, and to have light. friend gives us a beautiful gift, we want
In the same way, if we are careful about to use it in the best way possible.
the way we speak, we can use this abil- 6 Why is it important to choose the
ity to honor Jehovah and to benefit right time to speak? Proverbs 25:11
others.—Psalm 19:14. says: “Like apples of gold in silver
3 Jehovah gave us the ability to tell
carvings is a word spoken at the right
others what we think and feel, ei- time.” Golden apples are beautiful, but
ther by talking or by signing with our they would be even more beautiful
hands. So how can we use this wonder- when they are in front of a silver back-
ful gift to encourage others? (Read ground. In a similar way, we might
James 3:9, 10.) We need to know have something good to say to some-
when to speak, what to say, and how to one. But if we choose the right time to
say it. speak, we can help that person even
WHEN SHOULD WE SPEAK? more. How can we do this?
7 If we speak at the wrong time, peo-
4 Sometimes it is good not to speak.
The Bible says that there is “a time to ple may not understand or accept what
be silent.” (Ecclesiastes 3:7) For exam- we say. (Read Proverbs 15:23.) For
ple, we keep quiet while others are example, in March 2011 an earthquake
talking to show we respect them. (Job and tsunami destroyed many cities in
6:24) Also, we do not talk about things eastern Japan. More than 15,000 peo-
that are private and that other people died. Although many of Jehovah’s
ple should not know. (Proverbs 20:19) Witnesses had lost family and friends,
And when someone makes us angry, we they wanted to use the Bible to help
will be wise if we try to stay calm and others who were in the same situation.
say nothing.—Psalm 4:4. But they knew that many of those
5 But there are also times when it is people were Buddhists and knew little
good to say something. (Ecclesiastes about the Bible. So instead of telling
3:7) There is a time to praise Jehovah, them at that time about the resurrec-
to encourage others, to express how tion, the brothers comforted them and
we feel, and to tell others what we explained why such terrible things hap-
need. (Psalm 51:15) And if we use our pen to good people.
8 Those brothers imitated Jesus. He
3. What three things will help us to encourage
others when we speak? 6. Why is it important to choose the right time
4. When should we be silent? to speak?
5. How can we show Jehovah that we are grate- 7, 8. How did our brothers in Japan imitate Je-
ful to him for giving us the ability to speak? sus’ example?
knew when to keep quiet, but he also better or can make them feel worse.
knew when to speak. (John 18:33- (Read Proverbs 12:18.) Many peo-
37; 19:8-11) And he waited for the ple in Satan’s world use “cruel words”
right time to teach his disciples certain that are like “arrows” or “a sword” be-
things. (John 16:12) The brothers in cause they want to hurt and upset oth-
Japan waited for the right time to ers. (Psalm 64:3) Many learn to speak
tell people about the resurrection. Two this way from the movies and televi-
and a half years after the tsunami, they sion shows they watch. But Christians
offered people the tract Can the Dead would not say anything that is harsh
Really Live Again? Many took the tract and unkind, not even in a humorous
and were comforted by what they read. way. Humor is good and can make what
We too should think about the culture we say more interesting. But we should
and beliefs of people in our territory so never use cruel sarcasm, that is, say
that we can find the right time to speak
something that would embarrass or
to them.
even insult someone just to make oth-
9 In what other situations should we
ers laugh. The Bible commands Chris-
wait for the right time to speak? Per-
tians not to use “abusive speech.” It
haps someone says something that of-
fends us. Instead of replying immedi-
ately and saying something foolish, we
would be wise to stop and think: ‘Did
We must be patient
he mean to be unkind? Do I really need and find a time
to speak to him about what he said?’ It
might be best not to say anything. But
when people are
if there is a good reason to talk to him, willing to listen
we should wait until we calm down.
(Read Proverbs 15:28.) Or it could be
that we want to encourage our family also says: “Let a rotten word not come
members who are not Witnesses to get out of your mouth, but only what is
to know Jehovah. We must be pa- good for building up as the need may
tient, think carefully about what we be, to impart what is beneficial to the
are going to say, and find a time when hearers.”—Ephesians 4:29, 31.
they may be willing to listen. 11 Jesus taught that “out of the abun-
dance of the heart the mouth speaks.”

WHAT SHOULD WE SAY?
(Matthew 12:34) This means that the
10 What we say can make others feel things we say can show how we really
9. In what other situations should we wait for feel. So if we love people and truly care
the right time to speak? about them, we will likely choose the
10. (a) Why should we carefully choose what
we say? (b) What way of talking must we avoid? 11. What can help us choose the right words?

right words to say to them. The things plain things clearly, people may be con-
we say will be positive and encourag- fused or may believe something that is
ing. not true. Although we want to express
12 It takes effort to find the right ourselves clearly, we should be careful
words to say. Even though King Solo- that what we say is not rude or dis-
mon was wise, he “pondered and made respectful.—Read 1 Corinthians 14:
a thorough search” so that what he 8, 9.
wrote would be correct and pleasant to 14 Matthew chapters 5 to 7 are an ex-
read. (Ecclesiastes 12:9, 10) What can cellent example of how Jesus chose
help us to know what to say? We can words that were easy to understand. In
look in the Bible and our publications the talk he gave, he did not try to im-
to find new ways to express ourselves. press people by using complicated or
We can learn the meaning of expres- unnecessary words. And he did not say
sions we do not understand. We can things that would hurt others. Jesus
also study the example of Jesus to taught very important things that had
learn how to speak in a way that will deep meaning, but what he said was
help others. He knew exactly what to easy to understand. For example, Je-
say because Jehovah taught him “how sus wanted to assure his disciples that
to answer the tired one with the right they did not need to worry about what
word.” (Isaiah 50:4) It is also impor- they would eat each day. So he ex-
tant to think about how our words will plained that Jehovah always feeds the
affect others. (James 1:19) We could birds. Then, he asked them: “Are you
ask ourselves: ‘If I say this, will the per- not worth more than they are?” (Mat-
son understand what I am trying to tell thew 6:26) With those simple words,
him? How will he feel?’ Jesus helped them to understand an
13 Trumpet sounds were used in Isra- important lesson and to feel encour-
el to give signals. One of the sounds aged.
meant that the people should meet to-
HOW SHOULD WE TALK TO OTHERS?
gether. A different sound meant that
the soldiers should attack. Just imag-
15 How we talk to others can be as im-
ine what would have happened to the portant as what we say. People enjoyed
army if the trumpet sound was not listening to Jesus because he spoke in
clear! The Bible compares the clear a “gracious,” or kind, way. (Luke 4:22)
sound of the trumpet to words that are When we speak in a kind way, people
easy to understand. If we do not ex- are more likely to enjoy listening to us
and to accept what we say. (Prov-
12. What else can help us to choose the right
words? 14. What example shows that Jesus spoke in a
13. Why should we speak in a way that is easy way that was easy to understand?
to understand? 15. Why must we speak in a kind way?
erbs 25:15) We will be able to speak to of a single mother was doing bad things
others in a kind way if we respect them while pretending to serve Jehovah. A
and care about their feelings. That is sister in the congregation felt sorry for
what Jesus did. For example, when he the mother and told her: “It’s too bad
saw a crowd making a lot of effort to you have failed at child training.” The
listen to him, he was very happy to mother stopped to think and then said:
spend time with them and teach them. “It’s true that things are not going well
(Mark 6:34) Even when people insult- right now, but his training is a work
ed him, Jesus did not insult them back. in progress. Talk to me after Arma-
—1 Peter 2:23. geddon; then we will know for sure.”
16 Although we love our family and Because the mother stayed calm and
friends, we might say unkind things to was kind to the sister, they contin-
them because we know them very well. ued to be friends. Also, the son heard
We might think that we do not need to what his mother had said and real-
be careful about how we talk to them. ized that she still believed he could
But Jesus was never unkind when he change. So he stopped going out with
spoke to his friends. When some of bad friends, got baptized, and later
them argued about who was greater, he served at Bethel. Whether we are talk-
corrected them in a kind way and used ing to our brothers, our family, or
an example of a young child to help people we do not know, our words
them change their thinking. (Mark 9: should always “be gracious, seasoned
33-37) Elders can imitate Jesus’ exam- with salt.”—Colossians 4:6.
18 The ability to tell others what we
ple by counseling others in a gentle
way.—Galatians 6:1. think and feel is truly a wonderful gift
17 Even when someone says some- from Jehovah. If we follow Jesus’ ex-
ample, we will choose the right time to
thing that upsets us, we can do a lot of
speak, we will be careful about what we
good by speaking in a kind way. (Prov-
say, and we will always try to be kind.
erbs 15:1) For example, the teenage son
So let us use our words to encourage
16, 17. (a) When we are talking to our family others and to make Jehovah happy.
and friends, how can we imitate Jesus? (See
opening picture.) (b) How did one mother do a 18. How can we follow Jesus’ example in the
lot of good by speaking in a kind way? way we speak?
SOME To speak in a gracious way:

We speak in a kind and gentle way to others because we
EXPRESSIONS respect them. We care about how they feel, and we do not
EXPLAINED want to hurt them by what we say
SPEAK IN A WAY
THAT HONORS JEHOVAH
WHEN: Choose the right time to speak
WHAT: Choose the right words
HOW: Speak in a kind way
Jehovah Will Sustain You
“Jehovah will sustain him on his sickbed.”—PSALM 41:3.
IF YOU have ever been seriously ill, you may have asked, SONGS: 23, 138
‘Will I get better?’ Or perhaps a family member or a
friend is sick and you wonder if he or she will get well HOW WOULD YOU
again. It is normal to want good health for yourself and ANSWER?
for the people you love. In the Bible, we read about some ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
How can Psalm 41:3

who were not well and who wanted to know if they would
encourage us when we
get better. For example, King Ahaziah, the son of Ahab are sick?
and Jezebel, wondered if he would recover from an inju-
ry. And later, King Ben-hadad of Syria was sick and asked ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
if he would get better.—2 Kings 1:2; 8:7, 8. Why do we not expect a

2 The Bible also tells us that in the past, Jehovah some- miracle from God to heal
times healed people by means of a miracle and even used us now?
his prophets to resurrect some who had died. (1 Kings 17:

17-24; 2 Kings 4:17-20, 32-35) Today, some people who ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
are sick might wonder if God will also do something to Why should we be careful
when others give us advice
help them get better. about health?
1, 2. What did God do in Bible times, and what might some wonder to-
day when they are sick?
23
3 Jehovah has the power to affect things Jesus will do in the new world.
people’s health. He punished some At that time, “no resident will say: ‘I
with sickness, such as the Pharaoh in am sick.’ ”—Isaiah 33:24.
Abraham’s time and later Moses’ sis- 5 But if we get seriously sick, can we
ter, Miriam. (Genesis 12:17; Numbers expect Jehovah or Jesus to heal us by

12:9, 10; 2 Samuel 24:15) And he pun- means of a miracle now? And what
ished the Israelites with “sickness or should we think about when choosing
plague” when they were unfaithful to a treatment?
him. (Deuteronomy 28:58-61) At oth- RELY ON JEHOVAH
er times, Jehovah protected his peo- WHEN YOU ARE SICK
ple from getting sick. (Exodus 23:25; 6 In the first century, Jehovah
Deuteronomy 7:15) He even healed
anointed Christians with his holy spir-
some of them. For example, he cured it and gave some of them the ability
to perform miracles. (Acts 3:2-7; 9:
36-42) For example, they could heal
Jehovah knows people and speak in different lan-
exactly what his guages. (1 Corinthians 12:4-11) But
later those miracles ended, just as the
servants are Bible said they would. (1 Corinthians
suffering, and he 13:8) So today we cannot expect a
miracle from God to heal us or our
does not forget their loved ones.
faithfulness 7 But if you are sick, Jehovah will
comfort and support you, as he did

his servants in the past. King David
Job when he was very sick and wanted
wrote: “Happy is anyone who shows
to die.—Job 2:7; 3:11-13; 42:10, 16.
consideration to the lowly one; Jeho-
4 We are sure that Jehovah has the
vah will rescue him in the day of ca-
power to heal those who are sick. Je- lamity. Jehovah will guard him and
sus too can heal the sick. When he was keep him alive.” (Psalm 41:1, 2) Of
on earth, he cured those who had discourse, David did not mean that a
eases such as leprosy or epilepsy. He good person living at that time who
healed blind people and those who showed consideration for a lowly one
were paralyzed. (Read Matthew 4: would never die. So how would Je-
23, 24; John 9:1-7) Those miracles hovah help that good person? David
help us look forward to the wonderful
6. What does the Bible say about the miracles
3-5. What can Jehovah and Jesus do, and what that Christians in the first century performed?
questions will we discuss? 7. How can Psalm 41:3 encourage us?
explained: “Jehovah will sustain him “anyone who shows consideration to
on his sickbed; during his sickness the lowly one.” David had a good rela-
you will completely change his bed.” tionship with Jehovah, so he could
(Psalm 41:3) Jehovah knows exactly ask Jehovah to comfort him and take
what his servants are suffering, and he care of him during his sickness. He
does not forget them. He can give also asked that his body would heal
them courage and wisdom. Jehovah and he would get better. We can ask
has also made the human body in such Jehovah to help us in the same way.
a way that it can heal itself. —Psalm 103:3.
8 In Psalm 41, David also tells us 10 In the first century, not all Chris-
about the time when he was seriously tians were healed by miracles even
sick and felt weak and anxious. It though the apostle Paul and others
seems that at that time, his son Absa- could heal the sick. (Read Acts 14:8-
lom was trying to become king instead 10.) The apostle Paul healed the fa-
of him. David was so ill that he could ther of Publius who was sick with a
not stop Absalom. He knew that his fever and a serious infection. Paul
family problems resulted from his sin “prayed, laid his hands on him, and
with Bath-sheba. (2 Samuel 12:7-14) healed him.” (Acts 28:8) But Paul did
So, what did he do? He prayed: “O Je- not heal everyone he knew. One of
hovah, show me favor. Heal me, for his friends, Trophimus, traveled with
I have sinned against you.” (Psalm Paul on a missionary journey. (Acts
41:4) David knew that Jehovah had 20:3-5, 22; 21:29) When Trophimus
forgiven his sin, and he relied on God got sick, Paul did not heal him. So
for help during his sickness. But was Trophimus had to stop traveling with
David expecting a miracle from Jeho- Paul and stay in Miletus to get bet-
vah? ter. (2 Timothy 4:20) Another one of
9 It is true that sometimes God
Paul’s friends, Epaphroditus, got sick
chose to heal people. For example, and nearly died. But the Bible does
when King Hezekiah was dying, Jeho- not say that Paul healed him.—Philip-
vah healed him. Hezekiah lived for 15 pians 2:25-27, 30.
more years. (2 Kings 20:1-6) But Da-
WHAT ADVICE SHOULD
vid did not expect a miracle. Instead,
YOU ACCEPT?
he was expecting God to help him in
the same way that God would help
11 Luke was a doctor, and he trav-
eled with Paul. (Acts 16:10-12; 20:5, 6;
8. According to Psalm 41:4, what did David ask
Jehovah to do for him when he was seriously 10. What happened to Trophimus and Epaphro-
sick? ditus, and what does that teach us?
9. (a) What did Jehovah do for King Hezekiah? 11, 12. What do we know about Luke, and how
(b) What did David expect from Jehovah? might he have helped Paul?

Colossians 4:14) He likely helped Paul possibly because he drank polluted
and others when they got sick on their water.1 (See footnote.) (Read 1 Tim-
missionary journeys. (Galatians 4:13) othy 5:23.) But we need to be careful.
Just as Jesus said, “those who are ill” A brother might try to convince us to
need a doctor.—Luke 5:31. take a certain kind of medicine or herb
12 Luke was not just someone who or to eat or avoid certain foods. He
liked to give advice about health. He might tell us that it helped someone in
was trained to be a doctor. The Bible his family who had a similar problem.
does not say where or when he got his But this does not mean that it will help
training. But it does say that Paul us too. We must remember that even
sent greetings from Luke to the Co- if many people use a medicine or a
lossians. So it is possible that Luke treatment, it may still cause a lot of
was trained in a medical school in harm.—Read Proverbs 27:12.
USE GOOD SENSE
We need to be 14 We all want to be healthy so that

we can enjoy life and work hard for Je-
careful when some- hovah. But we are imperfect, so we
one gives us advice cannot avoid all sickness. When we get
sick, there may be a variety of treat-
about our health ments, and we have the right to decide
which to accept. Unfortunately, some
Laodicea, a city near Colossae. Also, people and companies say that they
when Luke wrote his Gospel and the have found a treatment that will cure
book of Acts, he used specific medical our illness. They do that because they
words. Because he was a doctor, he want to make a lot of money. They
included many stories of occasions might say that many people used that
when Jesus healed people. treatment and got better. And if we
13 Today, none of our brothers can
are sick, we might be willing to try
anything that could help us feel better
perform miracles and heal us. But
and live longer. But we must not for-
because they want to help us, some
get the advice in God’s Word: “The
might give us advice even when we do
naive person believes every word, but
not ask for it. Of course, some sugges-
tions are harmless. For example, Paul 1 The book The Origins and Ancient History of Wine
says that scientists have found that typhoid and other
suggested that Timothy drink some dangerous germs die quickly when mixed with wine.
wine. Timothy had stomach problems,
14, 15. (a) What kind of people should we be
13. What must we remember before giving or careful of? (b) What can we learn from Proverbs
accepting advice about health? 14:15?
Although we want to be healthy, we focus on serving Jehovah
(See paragraph 17)
the shrewd one ponders each step.” 16When we are deciding which test
—Proverbs 14:15. to have or which treatment to accept,
15 If we are shrewd, or wise, we will we need to have “soundness of mind,”
be careful about what we believe espe- or use good sense. (Titus 2:12) This
cially if the person giving us advice is especially important if the test or
has not had proper training. We will treatment seems very unusual. Can
ask ourselves: ‘He says that this vi- the person we consult explain how the
tamin, herb, or diet helped people, test or treatment works? Is the ex-
but do I know for sure that it really planation strange? Do many doctors
helped them? Even if it has helped agree that this test or treatment can
others, how do I know that it will help cure people? (Proverbs 22:29) Per-
me? Should I do more research and haps someone tells us that a new cure
talk to some who are well-trained to has been discovered somewhere far
treat my health problem?’—Deuteron- 16. What should we consider when making de-
omy 17:6. cisions about our health?

15:29) Although the last few words
We must use good were just another way to say good-
bye, they remind us that it is normal to
sense and be want to have good health.
careful about what 18 Because we are imperfect, we can-
not avoid all sickness. And when we

we believe get sick, we do not expect a miracle
from Jehovah to heal us. But we can
look forward to the future when God
away and that doctors do not yet know will heal us completely. At Revelation
about it. But are there any facts that 22:1, 2, the apostle John spoke about
prove there is such a cure? Some may “water of life” and “trees of life” that
even offer treatments that use a secret will heal everyone. This does not refer
ingredient or an unknown force. This to some herbal remedy that we can
can be very dangerous. Remember, take now or in the new world to heal
God warns us not to use supernatural us. Instead, it refers to all that Jeho-
or magical powers.—Deuteronomy 18: vah and Jesus will do so that we can
10-12; Isaiah 1:13. live forever.—Isaiah 35:5, 6.
19 We look forward to that wonderful
“GOOD HEALTH TO YOU!”
time. But for now, we are sure that Je-
17 The governing body in the first
hovah loves each one of us and that he
century sent a letter to the broth-
understands how we feel when we suf-
ers in the congregations to tell them
fer. Like David, we are confident that
some things that they had to avoid. At if we get sick, Jehovah will not aban-
the end of the letter, the governing don us. He will always take care of
body wrote: “If you carefully keep those who are faithful to him.—Psalm
yourselves from these things, you will 41:12.
prosper. Good health to you!” (Acts
18, 19. What can we look forward to in the new
17. What normal desire do we have? world?
SOME Jehovah will sustain you when you are sick:

You can rely on Jehovah to take care of you when
EXPRESSIONS you are sick. Pray for wisdom to decide how to care
EXPLAINED for your health. Jehovah will comfort you and give
you courage. And he promises that very soon he will
completely cure all sickness
LIFE STORY
I Found Peace
With God and
With My Mother
AS TOLD BY MICHIYO KUMAGAI
that I had a heavenly Father, I really want-

ed to know him well. At first, Mom and I en-
joyed talking about what I was learning. I
began attending Sunday meetings at the
MY MOTHER asked me: “And just why Kingdom Hall. As I learned more, I told
won’t you worship your ancestors? Don’t Mom that I would stop participating in Bud-
you realize that it’s because of them that you dhist ceremonies. Suddenly, her attitude
have life? Will you show them no gratitude? changed. She said, “Having someone in the
How can you cast off customs handed down family who has no love for our ancestors is a
for generations? Refusing to honor our an- disgrace.” She demanded that I stop study-
cestors is saying that our worship is foolish.” ing the Bible and attending meetings. I nev-
After saying this, Mom started to cry. er imagined that my mother would say this!
A few months before that, Jehovah’s Wit- She was like a different person.
nesses had offered my mom a Bible study.
Dad agreed with Mom. I had learned from
She did not want to study, but to be polite
Ephesians chapter 6 that Jehovah wanted
she arranged for them to study with me.
me to obey my parents. I wanted our fami-
And now she was upset with me, which was
ly to be peaceful again, and I thought that if
unusual because I had always obeyed her.
I listened to them, they would eventually lis-
However, because I wanted to make Jeho-
ten to me. At that time, I had to prepare for
vah happy, this time I could not obey her. It
my school exams, so I agreed to do as my
was not easy, but Jehovah gave me the
parents said for three months. But I prom-
strength.
ised Jehovah that I would attend the meet-
LEARNING ABOUT JEHOVAH ings again when that time was up.
My family were Buddhists, like most peo- My decision was bad for two reasons.
ple in Japan. But after two months of study- First, I thought that after three months I
ing with Jehovah’s Witnesses, I was con- would still have a strong desire to serve Je-
vinced that the Bible is true. When I learned hovah. Instead, my relationship with him

became weak very quickly. Second, Mom prove that we were right. Now I realize that
and Dad tried even harder to convince me if I had been more respectful of Mom’s feel-
to stop serving Jehovah. ings and beliefs, things might have been
calmer. My parents gave me more chores
HELP AND OPPOSITION
to keep me in the house. Sometimes they
At the Kingdom Hall, I had met many locked me out of the house or did not leave
Witnesses who were opposed by their fami- me any food.
ly. They assured me that Jehovah would Mom asked others to help her convince
strengthen me. (Matthew 10:34-37) They me. She talked to my teacher, but this did
explained to me that if I remained faithful not work. Mom took me to her manager at
to Jehovah, my family could learn about work so that he could persuade me that all
him. I wanted to rely on Jehovah, so I start- religions were useless. She also telephoned
ed praying intensely. our relatives and cried as she begged them
My family opposed me in different ways. for help. That upset me very much. But
Mom begged me to stop studying and tried at the meetings, the elders reminded me
to reason with me. Most times, I just kept that when Mom talked to others about our
quiet. When I did say something, we would situation, she was actually witnessing to
often argue because we were both trying to them.
Serving in several countries taught

me a lot about Jehovah
Nepal
JAPAN
NEPAL
BANGLADESH
30
py. I also understood that even if I waited
Jehovah helped some time before starting to pioneer, my
me to correct my parents might still oppose me.
I started to pioneer during my last year of
thinking and to high school. After pioneering for a while, I
know what to do wanted to go to an area where the need was
greater. But Mom and Dad did not want me
to leave home. So I waited until I was 20
years old. Then I asked the branch office for
My parents wanted me to go to universi-
an assignment near my relatives in southern
ty so that I could find a good job. We were
Japan so that Mom would not worry so
all too upset to talk about this matter in a
much.
calm way, so I wrote them several letters to
While I was in that assignment, I was hap-
explain my goals. Dad got very angry and
said, “If you think that you can find a job, py to see several of my Bible students get
find it by tomorrow or else you leave this baptized. I started to study English because
house.” I prayed to Jehovah and asked him I wanted to do more in my service. Then, af-
to help me. The very next day, while I was in ter seeing the zeal of two special pioneers in
service, two different sisters offered me a my congregation and how they helped oth-
job teaching their children. Dad was not ers, I decided that I too wanted to become
happy about this, so he stopped talking to a special pioneer. During this time, Mom
me and began to ignore me. Mom said that got seriously sick twice, and both times I re-
it would have been better for me to be a turned home to help her. This surprised her,
criminal than one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. and she became a little kinder toward me.
Sometimes I was not sure whether Jeho- MANY BLESSINGS FROM JEHOVAH
vah wanted me to resist my parents this
Seven years later, Atsushi, one of the spe-
much. So I prayed to Jehovah and meditat-
cial pioneers I spoke about earlier, sent me
ed on what the Bible says about his love.
a letter. He was interested in getting mar-
This helped me to be more positive and to
ried and wondered how I felt about him. I
understand that my parents opposed me be-
never had romantic feelings for Atsushi,
cause they were worried about me. Jehovah
and I did not think that he had any for me.
helped me to correct my thinking and to
A month later, I answered that I was willing
know what to do. Also, the more I went out
to get to know him better. We realized that
in the ministry, the more I enjoyed it. Yes, I
we had the same goals. We wanted to con-
wanted to be a pioneer.
tinue in the full-time service and were will-
SERVING AS A PIONEER ing to accept any assignment. Eventually,
When some sisters heard that I wanted to we got married. I was very happy that Mom,
pioneer, they told me that I should wait for Dad, and other relatives came to our wed-
my parents to calm down. I prayed for wis- ding.
dom, did research, thought about the rea- Soon afterward, while we were serving as
sons why I wanted to pioneer, and talked to regular pioneers, Atsushi was appointed a
experienced brothers and sisters. I then de- substitute circuit overseer. Later, we were
cided that I wanted to make Jehovah hap- assigned as special pioneers and then to the

regular circuit work. When we had finished we were assigned back to Japan, where we
visiting all the congregations in our circuit now enjoy the circuit work.
for the first time, the branch office tele- I learned so much about Jehovah while
phoned us. They asked if we were willing to serving in Japan, Nepal, and Bangladesh.
move to Nepal and continue in the circuit People in these countries have different cul-
work there. tures, habits, and customs. And each per-
I was worried about how my parents son is unique. I have seen how Jehovah
would feel about me moving so far away. cares for people individually, accepts them,
When I telephoned them, Dad’s answer was, and helps and blesses them.
“You’ll be going to a nice place.” Just a week I have so many things to thank Jehovah
before, one of his friends had given him a for. He has allowed me to know him and do
book about Nepal, and Dad had even been his work, and he has given me a fine Chris-
thinking that it would be a nice place to visit. tian husband. God has helped me to make
We were happy to be among the friendly good decisions, and now I have a good re-
people of Nepal. Later, Bangladesh was add- lationship with him and with my family.
ed to our circuit. Although it was close to Thanks to Jehovah, Mom and I are good
Nepal, it was very different. We had a lot of friends again. I am deeply grateful that I
variety in our field service. After five years, found peace with God and with my mother.
We find much joy in the circuit work
s
ws15 12/15-E
o
150805
available
JANUARY 1 5, 201 5
34567
STUDY ARTICLES
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
MARCH 2-8
Give Thanks
to Jehovah and
Be Blessed
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
MARCH 9-15
Why We Observe the

Lord’s Evening Meal
PAGE 13 ˙ SONGS: 8, 109
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
MARCH 16-22
Build a Strong
and Happy Marriage
PAGE 18 ˙ SONGS: 36, 51
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
MARCH 23-29
Let Jehovah Fortify

and Safeguard
Your Marriage
PAGE 23 ˙ SONGS: 87, 50
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
MARCH 30–APRIL 5
Is Unfailing Love
Possible?
PAGE 28 ˙ SONGS: 72, 63
STUDY ARTICLES
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
ˇ Give Thanks to Jehovah and Be Blessed

We can cultivate and maintain gratitude by meditating on
our blessings and thanking Jehovah for them. Having a
grateful heart will help us to fight unthankfulness and to
SWITZERLAND cope with trials. Our yeartext for 2015 will remind us of this
throughout the coming year.
COVER: Witnessing, Bible in hand,
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
in beautiful Grindelwald, with the
Bernese Alps in the background ˇ Why We Observe the Lord’s Evening Meal
‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐
This article makes clear why we should commemorate
POPULATION Jesus’ death. It explains what the bread and wine at the
Memorial represent and shows how a person knows wheth-
7,876,000 er he or she should partake of these emblems. This study
PUBLISHERS will also help us to see how we personally can prepare for
the Lord’s Evening Meal.
18,646 __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

ˇ Build a Strong and Happy Marriage
31,980 ˇ Let Jehovah Fortify and Safeguard
Your Marriage
Married couples are contending with increasing pressures
and temptations. Yet, with Jehovah’s help, it is possible to
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE
have a strong and happy marriage. The first article will dis-
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
cuss five spiritual building blocks for a strong and lasting
3 They Offered marriage and the mortar that can be used to bind them
Themselves Willingly together. The second article will examine how to fortify the
—In New York spiritual defenses of a marriage.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
ˇ Is Unfailing Love Possible?

What is true love between a man and a woman like?
Is enduring love possible? How is such love expressed?
Learn what the Song of Solomon teaches us about
unfailing love.
34567 ˙
January 15, 2015
THEY OFFE R E D
THEMS ELVES
WI LLI NGLY
in New York
A FEW years ago, Cesar and his wife, More than a year went by, but Cesar and Rocio
Rocio, were living a comfortable life in had not been invited to Bethel. Nonetheless, they
California, where Cesar was working full- took further steps toward reaching their goal by
time in the field of heating, ventilation, and air- simplifying their life. “We converted our garage
conditioning and Rocio worked part-time at a doc- into a studio apartment so that we could rent our
tor’s office. They owned their home, and they had house to someone else. Then we moved out of
no children. However, something happened that our 2,200-square-foot (200 sq m) dream home
changed their lives. What was it? that we had built just a couple of years earlier
and moved into our 270-square-foot (25 sq m)
In October 2009, the United States branch office
apartment. Making these changes,” says Cesar,
sent a letter to all congregations in the country,
“put us in a better position to accept an invitation
inviting skilled volunteers to apply for temporary
to Bethel, should one come our way.” What hap-
Bethel service to assist with the expansion of the pened next? “One month after we moved into our
branch facilities in Wallkill, New York. Even those small apartment,” relates Rocio, “we received an
over the usual age limit for Bethel service were in- invitation to serve as temporary volunteers at
vited to apply. “Because of our age, we knew that Wallkill. It was clear to us that by simplifying our
this could be a once-in-a-lifetime chance to serve life, we had given Jehovah something to bless.”
at Bethel,” relate Cesar and Rocio. “We were not
about to pass that opportunity up for anything!” THEIR SELF-SACRIFICING
The couple immediately submitted their applica- SPIRIT IS BEING BLESSED
tions. Like Cesar and Rocio, hundreds of brothers and
sisters have made sacrifices in order to share in
Warwick construction site,
June 2014
3
Some of the couples who are working at Wallkill
the construction work that is taking place in New involved in such a historic project. They say: “The
York State. A number of these are supporting the joy that comes from knowing that you are accom-
expansion at Wallkill, while many others have plishing something that will benefit the worldwide
been privileged to help with the construction of organization is a wonderful feeling.”
the world headquarters in Warwick.1 Many cou-
Kenneth, a retired builder, and Maureen, who
ples have given up their nice homes, good jobs,
are in their mid-50’s, moved from California to
and even family pets in order to serve Jehovah serve on the Warwick project. In order to move,
more fully. Has Jehovah blessed such a self- they made arrangements with a sister in the con-
sacrificing spirit? Indeed, he has! gregation to care for their home and asked their
For example, Way, an electrician, and Debra, family to help look after Ken’s aged father. Do
both in their late 50’s, sold their home and most they regret making sacrifices to serve at Bethel?
of their belongings in Kansas and moved to Wall- No! “We are benefiting immensely,” says Ken. “Is
kill to serve as commuter Bethelites.2 Although it without challenges? Of course not, but we live
doing so required making adjustments in their a very rewarding life, and we wholeheartedly rec-
life, they feel that the sacrifices have been well ommend this service to others.”
worth it. Regarding her assignment at Bethel, OVERCOMING CHALLENGES
Debra says: “Sometimes I feel as if I’ve stepped
Most of those who have made themselves avail-
into one of those Paradise construction scenes
able had to overcome certain obstacles. For ex-
that are featured in our publications!”
ample, William and Sandra, who are in their
Melvin and Sharon sold their home and belong- early 60’s, were settled, enjoying their life in
ings in South Carolina so that they could assist Pennsylvania. They had a successful precision
at Warwick. Even though these sacrifices were machining company that employed 17 people.
not easy to make, the couple feel privileged to be They were serving with the same congregation
they had been in since they were little children,
1 See the 2014 Yearbook of Jehovah’s Witnesses, pages and most of their relatives lived in the area. So
12-13.
2 Part-time commuter Bethelites care for their own housing and
when the opportunity arose to serve as commu-
living expenses while working one or more days a week at Bethel. ters at Wallkill, they knew that it would mean say-
4 THE WATCHTOWER
ing good-bye to almost everyone and everything the new congregation, especially since there
familiar to them. “Without a doubt, the single weren’t any young ones his age,” says Ricky. “He
greatest challenge for us has been leaving our told me, ‘Don’t worry, Dad. My friends will be the
comfort zone,” says William. However, after much young Bethel brothers.’ ”
prayer, the couple decided to go ahead with their
Sure enough, the young Bethelites have befriend-
move—a step they do not regret. “The joy of being
ed Jacob. With what effect? “One night, I was
directly involved and serving alongside the Beth-
passing my son’s room and saw that the lights
el family cannot be compared to anything else,”
were still on,” Ricky relates. “I expected to catch
says William. “Sandra and I are happier than we
him playing an electronic game, but he was read-
have ever been!” ing the Bible! When I asked him what he was do-
Ricky, a construction project manager in Hawaii, ing, Jacob said, ‘I’m being a young Bethelite, and
was invited to serve as a commuter Bethelite to I’m going to read the Bible in one year.’ ” Need-
assist with the Warwick project. His wife, Kendra, less to say, Ricky and Kendra are thrilled, not only
wanted him to accept the invitation. However, because Ricky can share in the construction
they had a legitimate concern: the welfare of their work at Warwick but also because their move
11-year-old son, Jacob. They wondered if it would is contributing to their son’s spiritual growth.
be wise to relocate the family to New York State —Prov. 22:6.
and if their son would be able to adjust to a total- NOT WORRIED ABOUT THE FUTURE
ly different environment.
The construction projects at Wallkill and Warwick
“One of our priorities was that of finding a congre- will eventually be completed, so those who have
gation with young ones who were doing well spir- been invited to assist realize that their Bethel ser-
itually,” says Ricky. “We wanted Jacob to have vice is temporary. Are these brothers and sisters
plenty of good association.” As it turned out, the overly anxious about where they will go or what
congregation where they ended up has very few they will do? Not at all! Many share the feelings
children but several Bethelites. “After our first of two middle-aged couples from Florida. John, a
meeting there, I asked Jacob how he felt about construction manager, and his wife, Carmen,
Some of the volunteers who are working at Warwick

who serve as temporary volunteers at Warwick,
say: “We have seen how Jehovah has cared for
our specific needs up to this point. We reason
that Jehovah certainly has not brought us here at
this time only to abandon us later.” (Ps. 119:116)
Luis, who designs fire suppression systems, and
his wife, Quenia, serve at Wallkill. They say: “We
have already seen Jehovah’s generous hand pro-
vide what we need materially. Although we don’t
know how, when, or where, we are confident
that he will continue to care for us.”—Ps. 34:10;
37:25.
Jacob and his parents enjoy association
with Bethelites in their congregation
1) Gary
3 2) Way
3) Kenneth
4) Jason, Cesar, and William
1
5) Luis and Dale
6) John and Melvin
5 6
6
“A BLESSING UNTIL THERE
IS NOTHING LACKING”
Most of those who have assisted with the con-
struction work in New York could have found rea-
sons not to volunteer. However, they put Jehovah
to the test—just as he invites all of us to do: “Test
me out, please, . . . to see whether I will not open
to you the floodgates of the heavens and pour out CAN YOU MAKE
on you a blessing until there is nothing lacking.” YOURSELF AVAILABLE?
—Mal. 3:10.
For King David, his “heart’s desire” was to build
Will you too test Jehovah out and experience his a house for Jehovah’s name. (1 Chron. 22:7) David
rich blessing? Prayerfully examine what you can wanted nothing more than to have a share in con-
structing a temple that would bring praise and glo-
do to have a share in the exciting work at hand,
ry to God. If David were alive today, how would he
whether in New York or on other theocratic build- feel about the great building work that is taking
ing projects, and see firsthand how Jehovah will place in our time?
reward you.—Mark 10:29, 30.
As the number of Kingdom proclaimers increases
Dale, a civil engineer, and Cathy, from Alabama, and as we near the end of this system of things,
highly recommend this type of service. Volunteer- there is an urgent need for more facilities. (Isa. 60:
22; Hab. 2:3) These include branch offices, Assem-
ing at Wallkill, they say: “If you have the courage
bly Halls, Kingdom Halls, Remote Translation Offic-
to step out of your comfort zone, you will have an es, and theocratic school facilities in many
opportunity to see Jehovah’s spirit at work.” And countries. Constructing all these buildings calls for
what is needed for you to make yourself avail- many willing volunteers who have the experience
able? Dale says: “Simplify, simplify, and then sim- necessary for the successful completion of such
plify some more. You will never regret it!” Gary, projects. These fields and trades include real es-
tate, architecture, drafting, engineering, cost esti-
from North Carolina, has 30 years’ experience in
mating, procurement, project oversight, surveying,
construction management. He and his wife, Mau- masonry, concrete, mechanical installations,
reen, say that one of the blessings they are en- plumbing, welding, electrical, carpentry, heavy-
joying at Warwick is “meeting and working with equipment operation and maintenance, land-
the many wonderful brothers and sisters who scaping, and the finishing trades.
have spent their life serving Jehovah at Bethel.” Assistance is likely needed with projects in your
Gary adds: “To serve at Bethel, you need to lead area. Moreover, there is a great need for those who
a simple life, which is the best way to live through qualify to take up foreign assignments. Would you
this system of things.” Jason, who worked for an like to make yourself available? If so, now is the
electrical contractor, and Jennifer, from Illinois, time to approach your congregation elders. Ask
them how you can qualify for such privileges and
say that working at Wallkill on a Bethel project is how to apply for them.
“one of the closest things you can experience to
new world living.” Jennifer adds: “It is overwhelm- Younger and older ones are experiencing the joys
of sharing in this outstanding building work. Make
ing to feel that everything you do is appreciated
it a matter of prayer. You too may develop a
by Jehovah and is an investment in the future “heart’s desire” to help build facilities to the glory
that he is preparing for us. Jehovah sees to it that of Jehovah’s name. You can be sure that you will
you are enriched beyond measure.” never regret it!
Our yeartext for 2015:
“Give thanks to Jehovah,
for he is good.”—Psalm 106:1
Give Thanks to Jehovah

and Be Blessed
“Give thanks to Jehovah, for he is good.”—PS. 106:1.
HOW WOULD YOU JEHOVAH, the Giver of “every good gift and every perfect
ANSWER? present,” is indeed worthy of our thanks. (Jas. 1:17) As our
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ loving Shepherd, he tenderly cares for all our physical and
What do we learn from spiritual needs. (Ps. 23:1-3) He has proved to be “our refuge
the apostle Paul about and strength”—especially in times of distress! (Ps. 46:1) Sure-
gratitude? ly we have many reasons to agree wholeheartedly with the
psalmist who wrote: “Give thanks to Jehovah, for he is good;
his loyal love endures forever.”—Ps. 106:1.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
2 Why is it important for us to consider this matter of giv-
How are meditation and ing thanks? As foretold, people in these last days have be-
prayer keys to maintaining
come increasingly unthankful. (2 Tim. 3:2) Many take their
thankfulness?
blessings for granted. Influenced by the commercial world
and its advertising, millions of people strive to obtain more
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ instead of being content with what they have. We too can be
How can reflecting on affected by this unappreciative spirit. Like the ancient Israel-
our blessings help us ites, we could become ungrateful and lose appreciation for
to cope with trials?
1. Why is Jehovah worthy of our thanks?
2, 3. (a) What are the dangers of taking our blessings for granted?
(b) What questions will we consider in this article?
8
our precious relationship with Jehovah that he received from his spiritual broth-
and for the blessings that we have re- ers. (Acts 28:15; 2 Cor. 7:5-7) It is not sur-
ceived from him.—Ps. 106:7, 11-13. prising, therefore, that Paul’s writings
3 Then, too, consider what can hap- encourage Christians: “Show yourselves
pen when we undergo difficult trials. thankful . . . , encouraging one another
At such times, we could easily be- with psalms, praises to God, spiritu-
come overwhelmed and lose sight of our al songs sung with gratitude.”—Col. 3:
blessings. (Ps. 116:3) Therefore, how can 15-17.
we cultivate a grateful heart and main-
MEDITATION AND PRAYER
tain it? And what will help us to remain
—KEYS TO MAINTAINING
positive even when we are undergoing
THANKFULNESS
severe trials? Let us see.
6 How can we imitate Paul’s fine ex-
“HOW MANY THINGS ample in cultivating and expressing
YOU HAVE DONE, O JEHOVAH” gratitude? Like Paul, we need to med-
4 If we are to cultivate a grateful itate on what Jehovah has done for
heart and maintain it, we must acknowl- us personally. (Ps. 116:12) If you were
edge and meditate appreciatively on our asked, ‘What blessings from Jehovah
blessings from Jehovah and carefully are you grateful for?’ how would you an-
consider his acts of loyal love. When the swer? Would you include your precious
psalmist did so, he was awed by the relationship with Jehovah? Or the for-
many wonderful things that Jehovah giveness that you receive because of
had done.—Read Psalm 40:5; 107:43. your faith in Christ’s ransom sacrifice?
5 We can learn much from the apostle
Would you relate the names of brothers
Paul about cultivating gratitude. Evi- and sisters who have stood by you dur-
dently, he meditated on his blessings, ing various difficult trials? Of course,
for he frequently expressed heartfelt your beloved marriage mate or your pre-
thanks. Paul well knew that he had been cious children would not escape your
“a blasphemer and a persecutor and an mention. Taking time to meditate on
insolent man.” Hence, he gave thanks such beautiful blessings from your lov-
that despite his past sinful conduct, ing Father, Jehovah, will fill your heart
God and Christ had shown him mercy with gratitude and will move you to give
and had entrusted him with a minis- thanks every day.—Read Psalm 92:1, 2.
try. (Read 1 Timothy 1:12-14.) Paul also 7 When we have our blessings firmly
deeply appreciated his fellow Christians fixed in mind and heart, we are ready to
and often thanked Jehovah for their fine pray to Jehovah and offer thanksgiving.
qualities and faithful service. (Phil. 1: (Ps. 95:2; 100:4, 5) Many view prayer as
3-5, 7; 1 Thess. 1:2, 3) And when Paul merely a way to ask God for things. We,
faced trialsome situations, he was quick
to thank Jehovah for the timely support 6. For what are you particularly grateful to Je-
hovah?
4. How can we maintain a grateful heart? 7. (a) Why should we offer prayers of thanks-
5. What can we learn from the apostle Paul giving? (b) How will you benefit from express-
about cultivating gratitude? ing gratitude in your prayers?
JANUARY 15, 2015 9

What blessings from
Jehovah are you grateful for?
however, know that Jehovah is pleased rounded by an unthankful world, we too

when we express thanks for what we could begin to lose sight of all that Jeho-
have. The Bible contains numerous vah has done for us. We could begin to
heartwarming prayers of thanksgiving, take our friendship with him for grant-
including those offered by Hannah and ed. We might lose appreciation for the
Hezekiah. (1 Sam. 2:1-10; Isa. 38:9-20) privilege that we have to be part of our
So imitate those faithful servants who worldwide brotherhood. We could be-
showed a grateful spirit. Yes, thank Je- come absorbed in things of this world
hovah in prayer for the blessings that that will soon pass away. (1 John 2:15-17)
you have. (1 Thess. 5:17, 18) The benefits To avoid that downward spiral, we want
from doing so are many. Your spirits will to meditate on our blessings and regu-
be lifted, you will grow in love for Jeho- larly thank Jehovah for the privilege we
vah, and you will draw ever closer to have of being his people.—Read Psalm
him.—Jas. 4:8. 27:4.
8 Why should we remain alert to the
danger of losing our appreciation for WHEN COPING WITH TRIALS

Jehovah’s goodness? Because we have 9 Having a grateful heart can help us
inherited a tendency to be unthank- to cope with grievous trials. We may feel
ful. Consider: Our original parents, overwhelmed if we are suddenly con-
Adam and Eve, were placed in a para- fronted with life-altering circumstances,
dise garden. All their needs were filled, such as the unfaithfulness of a mar-
and they had the prospect of living riage mate, a life-threatening illness, the
forever in peace. (Gen. 1:28) But they death of a loved one, or the devas-
did not appreciate their blessings. They tating effects of a natural disaster. At
greedily desired more. As a result, they such times, we will be comforted and
lost everything. (Gen. 3:6, 7, 17-19) Sur- strengthened by reflecting on our bless-
8. What could cause us to lose appreciation for 9. When confronted with grievous trials, why
all that Jehovah has done for us? should we reflect on our blessings?
10 THE WATCHTOWER
ings. Consider the following real-life ex- have come to realize that Jehovah sus-
periences. tains us through trialsome circumstanc-
10 Irina1, a regular pioneer in North es and that there are far more blessings
America, was married to an elder who in our lives than there are trials.”
proved unfaithful and abandoned her 12 Jason, who serves at a branch office
and their children. What helped Irina to in Africa, has been in full-time service
go on serving Jehovah faithfully? She for more than 30 years. He relates: “Sev-
says: “I am grateful for Jehovah’s person- en years ago, I lost my wife in death, and
al care for me as an individual. By choos- the pain can be overwhelming. Letting
ing to count my blessings each day, I can myself dwell on what she experienced
see what a privilege it is to be known while fighting cancer can be very dis-
and loved by our protective heavenly Fa- heartening.” What has helped Jason to
ther. I know that he will never abandon cope? “At one point,” he says, “I was re-
me.” Although Irina has experienced membering a pleasant time that my wife
many tragic circumstances in her life, and I had spent together, and I thanked
her joyful spirit continues to sustain her Jehovah in prayer for that memory. I felt
and she is a source of encouragement to a sense of relief and thereafter started to
others. thank Jehovah regularly for such happy
11 Kyung-sook, who lives in Asia, pio-
memories. Gratefulness has made a big
neered with her husband for more than difference in my outlook. I still feel the
20 years. Suddenly, she was diagnosed pain of the loss, but thanking Jehovah
with advanced lung cancer and was told for having had a good marriage and for
that she had from three to six months to the privilege of serving him with some-
live. Although she and her husband had one who deeply loved him has improved
faced many trials, large and small, they my outlook.”
had always felt confident about their 13 When Super Typhoon Haiyan hit
health. She said: “This health issue hit the central Philippines in late 2013,
me hard. I felt that I had lost everything, Sheryl, who was only 13 years old
and I was very scared.” What has helped at the time, lost virtually everything.
Kyung-sook to cope? She says: “Every She said: “I lost my home, and I lost
night before going to bed, I go to the most of my family.” Her father, mother,
rooftop of our home and pray out loud
and three siblings died in the powerful
about five things that I am grateful for
storm surge. What has helped Sheryl to
from that day. Then I feel reassured, and
get through this tragedy without be-
I am moved to express my love for Jeho-
coming bitter? She has a grateful heart
vah.” How has Kyung-sook benefited
and remains conscious of the blessings
from these nightly prayers? She says: “I
she still has. “I saw all that the broth-
1 Some names in this article have been changed. ers and sisters did to bring relief and
10. How did Irina benefit from counting her 12. How did Jason find comfort after the loss
blessings? of his wife?
11. What helped Kyung-sook to cope with a 13. What helped Sheryl to deal with the loss of
life-threatening illness? most of her family?
JANUARY 15, 2015 11

encouragement to those who needed thanksgiving that will be!—Rev. 20:1-3;
help. I knew that brothers all around the 21:3, 4.
world were praying for me.” She added: 15 We look forward to receiving
“I am very thankful that Jehovah is my countless spiritual blessings from Jeho-
God. He always gives us the things we vah during 2015. Of course, we may also
need.” Yes, being conscious of our bless- experience some trials. Whatever may
ings is a powerful antidote to being come, we know that Jehovah will never
swallowed up by grief. An appreciative abandon us. (Deut. 31:8; Ps. 9:9, 10) He
heart helps us to go on despite any dis- will continue to provide everything we
tressing events that we may face.—Eph. need to serve him faithfully. Therefore,
5:20; read Philippians 4:6, 7. may we be determined to maintain a
“AS FOR ME, I WILL EXULT IN JEHOVAH” spirit like that of the prophet Habakkuk,
14 Throughout history, Jehovah’s peo- who said: “Although the fig tree may not
ple have rejoiced in their blessings. blossom, and there may be no fruit on
For example, after being delivered from the vines; although the olive crop may
Pharaoh and his armies at the Red fail, and the fields may produce no food;
Sea, the Israelites expressed their joy in although the flock may disappear from
songs of praise and thanksgiving. (Ex. the pen, and there may be no cattle in
15:1-21) Today, among our most trea- the stalls; yet, as for me, I will exult in
sured blessings is our sure hope of de- Jehovah; I will be joyful in the God of my
liverance from everything that causes salvation.” (Hab. 3:17, 18) Yes, through-
us pain and distress. (Ps. 37:9-11; Isa. out the coming year, may we reflect joy-
25:8; 33:24) Imagine how we will feel fully on our blessings and be moved to
when Jehovah crushes all his enemies follow the admonition of our 2015 year-
and welcomes us into a new world of text: “Give thanks to Jehovah, for he is
peace and righteousness. What a day for good.”—Ps. 106:1.
14. What exciting prospect awaits us? (See 15. What are you determined to do throughout
opening image.) 2015?
“I am very thankful
that Jehovah is
my God.”
—Sheryl
With her surviving brother, John
(See paragraph 13)
Why We Observe
the Lord’s Evening Meal
“Keep doing this in remembrance of me.”
—1 COR. 11:24.
NIGHT has fallen, but a full moon bathes Jerusalem in soft HOW WOULD YOU
light. It is the evening of Nisan 14, 33 C.E. Jesus and his apos- ANSWER?
tles have celebrated the Passover, commemorating Israel’s de- ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
liverance from Egyptian bondage 15 centuries earlier. With 11 Why should we observe
loyal apostles, Jesus now institutes a special meal—one that the Lord’s Evening Meal?
will memorialize the death he will experience before this day
ends.1—Matt. 26:1, 2.
2 Jesus says a blessing and passes unleavened bread to the
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
apostles, saying: “Take, eat.” He takes a cup of wine, again of- What are the Memorial
fers thanks, and says: “Drink out of it, all of you.” (Matt. 26: emblems, and what do they
26, 27) Jesus will not pass other food items to them, but he mean?
will have much more to tell his faithful followers on this mo-
mentous night.
3 So it was that Jesus instituted the Memorial of his ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
How do Christians respond

1 To the Hebrews, the day began at sunset and ended at the next sunset.
to their God-given hope?
1, 2. What did Jesus do on the evening of Nisan 14, 33 C.E.? (See open-
ing image.)
3. This article will deal with what questions?
13
death, also called “the Lord’s Evening sus did not miraculously change the
Meal.” (1 Cor. 11:20) Regarding it, some bread and the wine into his literal flesh
might ask: Why commemorate Jesus’ and blood. Instead, he said of the bread:
death? What is the meaning of the bread “This means my body.” Regarding the
and the wine? How can we prepare wine, he stated: “This means my ‘blood
for the Memorial? Who should partake? of the covenant,’ which is to be poured
And how do Christians respond to what out in behalf of many.” (Mark 14:22-24)
the Scriptures say about their hope? Clearly, then, the bread and the wine
WHY WE COMMEMORATE were to be viewed as symbols, or em-
JESUS’ DEATH blems.
7 On that highly important occasion
4 As Adam’s descendants, we inherit-
in 33 C.E., Jesus used unleavened bread
ed sin and death. (Rom. 5:12) No imper-
fect human can give God a ransom for
left over from the Passover meal. (Ex.
his life or that of others. (Ps. 49:6-9) 12:8) In the Scriptures, leaven at times
By his death, however, Jesus paid the denotes corruption or sin. (Matt. 16:6,
only acceptable ransom price—his per- 11, 12; Luke 12:1) Thus, Jesus’ use of un-
fect body and shed blood. By presenting leavened bread was significant because it
to God the value of the ransom, Jesus fittingly represented his sinless body.
made it possible for us to be delivered (Heb. 7:26) So bread of that kind is used
from sin and death and to receive the gift at the Memorial.
8 The wine that Jesus used on Ni-
of eternal life.—Rom. 6:23; 1 Cor. 15:
21, 22. san 14, 33 C.E., represented Jesus’
5 The ransom provision proves that blood, as does the Memorial cup of wine
God loves the world of mankind. (John today. At Golgotha, a place outside Jeru-
3:16) Jesus’ sacrifice is evidence that he salem, his blood was poured out “for for-
too loves us. Why, during his prehuman giveness of sins.” (Matt. 26:28; 27:33) Be-
existence as God’s “master worker,” Je- cause the Memorial bread and wine
sus “was especially fond of the sons symbolize Jesus’ priceless sacrifice of-
of men”! (Prov. 8:30, 31) Gratitude to fered in behalf of obedient mankind and
God and his Son should move us to be we appreciate that loving provision, it is
present at the commemoration of Je- appropriate that we personally prepare
sus’ death, thus obeying the command: for the annual observance of the Lord’s
“Keep doing this in remembrance of Evening Meal.
me.”—1 Cor. 11:23-25.
SOME WAYS TO PREPARE
WHAT THE EMBLEMS MEAN 9 By keeping up with the Memorial Bi-
6 When instituting the Memorial, Je-
7. What is represented by the bread used at the
4. Jesus’ death made what possible for us? Memorial?
5. (a) How do we know that God and Christ 8. What is represented by the Memorial cup of
love mankind? (b) Why should we be present at wine?
the commemoration of Jesus’ death? 9. (a) Why is it important to keep up with the
6. How should we view the Memorial bread Memorial Bible reading? (b) How do you feel
and wine? about the ransom?
14 THE WATCHTOWER
Use the tools provided
to prepare your heart
for the Memorial
(See paragraph 9)
ble reading schedule found in Examining vite Bible students and others to the
the Scriptures Daily, we can meditate on Lord’s Evening Meal, we will find joy in
what Jesus did just before his death. In speaking about God, his Son, and the
turn, this can help us to prepare our blessings that are in store for those who
heart for the Lord’s Evening Meal.1 “We please Jehovah and praise him.—Ps. 148:
look forward to the Memorial,” wrote 12, 13.
one sister. “It becomes more special each 11 As you prepare for the Lord’s Eve-
year. I remember standing in the funeral ning Meal, consider what the apostle
home . . . looking at my dear dad and Paul wrote to the Christian congrega-
coming to a true heartfelt appreciation tion in Corinth. (Read 1 Corinthians
for the ransom. . . . Oh, I knew all the 11:27-34.) Paul pointed out that anyone
scriptures and how to explain them! But who partakes of the loaf and drinks
only when I felt the cold reality of death from the cup unworthily is “guilty re-
did my heart fairly leap with joy over specting the body and the blood of
what will be accomplished for us by the Lord,” Jesus Christ. So an anoint-
means of that precious ransom.” Indeed, ed one should “approve himself af-
when preparing for the Memorial, we do ter scrutiny” and only then partake of
well to reflect on how Jesus’ sacrifice lib- the emblems. Otherwise, he “eats and
erates us from the scourge of sin and drinks judgment against himself.” Be-
death. cause of improper conduct, many of the
10 Preparing for the Memorial might Corinthians were “weak and sick, and
include plans to increase our ministry in quite a few [were] sleeping in [spiritual]
some way, perhaps as auxiliary pioneers death.” Possibly, some ate and drank so
during the Memorial season. As we in- much before or during the Memorial
that they were neither mentally nor spir-
1 See Appendix B12 in the New World Translation. itually alert. Partaking of the emblems
10. How might preparation for the Memorial 11. How did some Corinthians partake of the
affect our ministry? Memorial emblems unworthily?
JANUARY 15, 2015 15

in such an unworthy manner brought tue of my blood.” (1 Cor. 11:25) Through
God’s disapproval on them. the prophet Jeremiah, God foretold that
12 Paul compared the Memorial to a He would make a new covenant that dif-
meal shared with others, and he warned fered from the Law covenant made with
partakers: “You cannot be drinking the the Israelites. (Read Jeremiah 31:31-34.)
cup of Jehovah and the cup of de- God has made the new covenant with
mons; you cannot be partaking of ‘the the spiritual Israelites. (Gal. 6:15, 16)
table of Jehovah’ and the table of de- This covenant has been validated by
mons.” (1 Cor. 10:16-21) If a person who Christ’s sacrifice and has been made op-
partakes of the emblems at the Lord’s erative by his shed blood. (Luke 22:20)
Evening Meal has committed a serious Jesus is the Mediator of the new cove-
sin, he should seek spiritual assistance. nant, and loyal anointed ones taken into
(Read James 5:14-16.) If such an anoint- it receive a heavenly inheritance.—Heb.
ed one has produced “fruits that befit re- 8:6; 9:15.
pentance,” then he is not showing con- 15 Individuals entitled to partake of
tempt for Jesus’ sacrifice by partaking of the Memorial emblems know that they
the Memorial emblems.—Luke 3:8. have been taken into the Kingdom cove-
13 As we personally prepare for the nant. (Read Luke 12:32.) Those who
Memorial, we would find it beneficial to became Jesus’ anointed followers and
give prayerful thought to our God-given loyally stuck with Jesus, sharing in his
hope. No dedicated servant of Jehovah sufferings, were to share his heavenly
and faithful follower of his Son would rule. (Phil. 3:10) Because they are in
want to show disrespect for Jesus’ sacri- the Kingdom covenant, faithful anointed
fice by partaking of the Memorial em- ones will reign with Christ as heavenly
blems if he or she actually lacks clear kings forever. (Rev. 22:5) Such individu-
evidence of being an anointed Chris- als rightly partake of the emblems dur-
tian. Therefore, how can one determine ing the Lord’s Evening Meal.
whether to partake of the emblems or 16 Only those who have the witness
not? of the spirit that they are God’s chil-
WHO SHOULD PARTAKE? dren should partake of the Memorial
emblems. (Read Romans 8:15-17.) Note
14Those who rightly partake of the
that Paul used the Aramaic word “Abba,”
Memorial emblems are absolutely sure
which means “O Father!” A child might
that they are parties to the new cove-
use this word when addressing his fa-
nant. Regarding the wine, Jesus said:
ther, for it is a term of endearment that
“This cup means the new covenant by vir-
combines the intimacy of “papa” with
12. (a) To what did Paul compare the Memori- the respectful word “father.” Those who
al, and what warning did he give partakers? have received “a spirit of adoption as
(b) What should a partaker who has committed
a serious sin do? 15. Who have been taken into the Kingdom
13. Why would it be beneficial to pray about covenant, and what privilege awaits them if
our God-given hope? they are faithful?
14. What bearing does the new covenant have 16. Briefly explain the meaning of Romans 8:
on the partaking of the Memorial emblems? 15-17.
16 THE WATCHTOWER
sons” are God’s spirit-begotten children. on what the Bible says about future life
His spirit bears witness with their spirit, on earth. You look forward to enjoying
giving them the realization that they are abundant peace while surrounded by
Jehovah’s anointed sons. It is not simply your family and other righteous ones.
a matter of their losing interest in living You eagerly await the time when food
on earth. They are certain that they will shortages, poverty, suffering, sickness,
be Jesus’ joint heirs in the heavenly King- and death no longer plague mankind.
dom if they are faithful to death. Today, (Ps. 37:10, 11, 29; 67:6; 72:7, 16; Isa. 33:
there is only a remnant of the 144,- 24) You yearn to welcome those who are
000 footstep followers of Christ, who resurrected from the dead with the pros-
“have an anointing from the holy one,” pect of living forever on earth. (John 5:
Jehovah. (1 John 2:20; Rev. 14:1) It is by 28, 29) How thankful you are that Jeho-
means of his spirit that they cry out, vah has blessed you with the earthly
“Abba, Father!” What a blessed relation- hope! Though you do not partake of the
ship they have with God! emblems, you attend the Memorial as an
RESPONDING TO YOUR expression of your appreciation for the
SCRIPTURAL HOPE ransom sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
17 If you are an anointed Christian, the
WILL YOU BE PRESENT?
heavenly hope is an important subject 19 Whether your hope is earthly or
of your personal prayers. When the Bi-
heavenly, it can become a reality only if
ble speaks of being ‘promised in mar-
you exercise faith in Jehovah God, Jesus
riage’ to the heavenly Bridegroom, Je-
Christ, and the ransom. By attending the
sus Christ, you apply that to yourself,
Memorial, you will have an opportunity
and you look forward to being part of
to reflect on your hope and on the great
Christ’s “bride.” (2 Cor. 11:2; John 3:27-
29; Rev. 21:2, 9-14) When God in his importance of Jesus’ death. So make it
Word expresses his love for his spiritual your aim to be one of the millions who
children, you respond, “That means me.” will attend the Lord’s Evening Meal after
And when Jehovah’s Word gives instruc- sunset on Friday, April 3, 2015, at King-
tions to his anointed sons, holy spirit dom Halls and other locations around
moves you to obey and to say in your the world.
20 Attending the Memorial may deep-
heart, “That applies to me.” God’s spirit
and your spirit thus join in bearing wit- en your gratitude for Jesus’ ransom sac-
ness that you have the heavenly hope. rifice. Listening attentively to the dis-
18 On the other hand, if you are part of course may move you to show love for
the “great crowd” of “other sheep,” God your neighbors by sharing with them
has given you the earthly hope. (Rev. 7:9; what you have learned about Jehovah’s
John 10:16) You want to live forever in love and his grand purpose for mankind.
Paradise, and you find joy in meditating (Matt. 22:34-40) By all means, be present
at the Lord’s Evening Meal.
17. What is the hope of anointed ones, and
how do they view it? 19, 20. (a) How can your God-given hope be-
18. The “other sheep” have what hope, and come a reality? (b) Why will you attend the
how do you feel about it? Lord’s Evening Meal?
JANUARY 15, 2015 17

Build a Strong
and Happy Marriage
“Unless Jehovah builds the house, it is in vain that
its builders work hard on it.”—PS. 127:1a.
CAN YOU EXPLAIN? “IF YOU put forth sincere effort and show that you want your
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ marriage to succeed, you can enjoy Jehovah’s blessing,” says
What challenges do married a husband who has been happily married for 38 years. Yes,
couples face? husbands and wives have the potential for enjoying happy
times as well as for supporting each other through difficult
times.—Prov. 18:22.
2 It is not unusual, however, for married couples to expe-
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
rience some “tribulation in their flesh.” (1 Cor. 7:28) Why?
How can a couple include Simply dealing with everyday troubles can strain marital
Jehovah in their marriage? ties. Hurt feelings, misunderstandings, and miscommunica-
tions caused by the imperfect tongue can be a challenge in
the best of marriages. (Jas. 3:2, 5, 8) Many couples also have
difficulty in coping with demanding employment while car-
ing for children. Stress and exhaustion make it difficult for
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
some couples to take the time they need in order to strength-
How can husbands and wives
en their marriage. Their love and respect for each other may
apply the Golden Rule?
be eroded by financial difficulties, health problems, or other
hardships. Furthermore, the foundation of what seemed to
be a strong marriage can be undermined by “the works of
1-3. What challenges do married couples face? (See opening image.)
18
the flesh,” such as sexual immorality, Bible says about God’s ancient peo-
brazen conduct, hostility, strife, jealou- ple: “Your own ears will hear a word
sy, fits of anger, and dissensions.—Gal. behind you saying, ‘This is the way.
5:19-21. Walk in it,’ in case you should go to
3 To compound matters, “the last the right or in case you should go to
days” are characterized by selfish, un- the left.” (Isa. 30:20, 21) Today, couples
godly attitudes that are toxic to a mar- can “hear” Jehovah’s word by reading
riage. (2 Tim. 3:1-4) Finally, marriages God’s Word together. (Ps. 1:1-3) They
have to withstand the determined on- can further strengthen their marriage
slaughts of a malicious enemy. The by means of a Family Worship program
apostle Peter warns us: “Your adver- that is both enjoyable and spiritually re-
sary, the Devil, walks about like a roar- freshing. Daily prayer together is also
ing lion, seeking to devour someone.” invaluable in building a marriage that
—1 Pet. 5:8; Rev. 12:12. can withstand the onslaughts of Satan’s
4 A husband in Japan admits: “I was world.
6 “Whenever our joy has been cloud-
under a lot of stress financially. And be-
cause I didn’t really communicate with ed by personal difficulties or mis-
my wife, she also came under a lot of understandings,” says Gerhard in Ger-
pressure. In addition, she recently ex- many, “the counsel from God’s Word
perienced serious health problems. At has helped us to develop patience and
times, this stress caused us to clash.” practice forgiveness. These qualities are
Some challenges in a marriage are in- indispensable in a successful marriage.”
evitable, but they are not insurmount- When couples work hard to keep God
able. With Jehovah’s help, couples can in their marriage by engaging in spiritu-
enjoy a solid and happy union. (Read al activities together, they are bonded to
Psalm 127:1.) Let us discuss five of the God and to each other in a close and
spiritual building blocks for a strong happy union.
and lasting marriage. Then we will con- HUSBANDS
sider how these building blocks can be —EXERCISE LOVING HEADSHIP
cemented by love. 7 How a husband exercises his head-
INCLUDE JEHOVAH IN ship can do much to build a strong and
YOUR MARRIAGE happy marriage. The Bible states: “The
5 The cornerstone of a secure mar- head of every man is the Christ; in
riage is loyalty and submission to the turn, the head of a woman is the man.”
One who instituted marriage. (Read Ec- (1 Cor. 11:3) The context of that state-
clesiastes 4:12.) Husbands and wives ment tells husbands how they should
can include Jehovah in their marriage exercise their headship—in the same
by following his loving guidance. The way that Christ exercises his authority
over man. Jesus was never tyrannical
4. How is it possible to have a strong and hap- or harsh but was always loving, kind,
py marriage?
5, 6. What can husbands and wives do to in- 7. How should husbands exercise their head-
clude Jehovah in their marriage? ship?
JANUARY 15, 2015 19

reasonable, mild-tempered, and lowly under his mighty hand. (1 Pet. 5:6) One
in heart.—Matt. 11:28-30. important way that a submissive wife
8 Christian husbands do not need shows respect for Jehovah’s authority
to demand repeatedly that their wives is by being cooperative and support-
show them respect. Rather, they “con- ive within the family circle. The Bible
tinue dwelling with them according says: “You wives, be in subjection to
to knowledge [showing them consider- your husbands, as it is becoming in the
ation; understanding them, ftn.].” They Lord.” (Col. 3:18) Realistically, not all of
“assign them honor as to a weaker ves- a husband’s decisions will be to his
sel, the feminine one.” (1 Pet. 3:7) In wife’s liking. Yet, if his decisions do not
public and in private, husbands show by conflict with God’s laws, a submissive
their respectful words and compassion- wife is willing to yield.—1 Pet. 3:1.
10 A wife has an honorable place as
ate actions that their wives are precious
to them. (Prov. 31:28) Such loving head- her husband’s “partner.” (Mal. 2:14)
ship wins a wife’s love and respect and She provides valuable input concern-
brings God’s blessing on the marriage. ing family decisions by respectfully ex-
pressing her thoughts and feelings yet
WIVES remaining submissive. A wise husband
—SHOW HUMBLE SUBMISSION will listen carefully to his wife’s expres-
9 Unselfish, principled love for Jeho- sions. (Prov. 31:10-31) Loving submis-
vah helps all of us to humble ourselves sion, in turn, promotes joy, peace, and
harmony within the family, and gives
8. How can a husband win his wife’s love and husbands and wives the satisfaction
respect?
9. How can a wife show humble submission? 10. Why is loving submission important?
By doing spiritual things together,

couples are bonded to God and to each
other in a close and happy union
that comes from knowing that they are 13 “If a couple do not want to be for-
pleasing God.—Eph. 5:22. giving,” says Annette, “resentment and
mistrust grow, and that is poison to a
KEEP FORGIVING
marriage. Being forgiving strengthens
ONE ANOTHER FREELY
the bonds of marriage and draws you
11 One of the crucial building blocks closer together.” To counteract a ten-
of an enduring marriage is forgiveness. dency to be unforgiving, work on hav-
The marital union is strengthened when ing a thankful and appreciative disposi-
husbands and wives “continue putting tion. Make a practice of giving your
up with one another and forgiving one spouse sincere commendation. (Col. 3:
another freely.” (Col. 3:13) On the other 15) Experience the peace of mind, uni-
hand, the marriage relationship is un- ty, and divine blessings that come to
dermined when a couple keep a mental those who have a forgiving disposition.
record of old grudges and often use —Rom. 14:19.
them as ammunition for fresh attacks.
Just as cracks can weaken a building, APPLY THE GOLDEN RULE
14 No doubt you like to be treated
grievances and resentment can develop
in our heart, making it increasingly dif- with dignity and respect. You appreciate
ficult to be forgiving. By contrast, strong it when your thoughts are acknowl-
marriage bonds are forged when hus- edged and your feelings are taken into
band and wife treat each other in a account. But have you ever heard some-
forgiving way, as Jehovah treats them. one say, “I will give him a taste of his
—Mic. 7:18, 19. own medicine”? While such a reaction
12 True love “does not keep account might at times be understandable, the
of wrongs.” In fact, “love covers a multi- Bible tells us: “Do not say: ‘I will do
tude of sins.” (1 Cor. 13:4, 5, ftn.; read to him just as he has done to me.’ ”
1 Peter 4:8.) In other words, love does (Prov. 24:29) In fact, Jesus recommend-
not put a limit on the number of sins ed a more positive way of handling dif-
that we can forgive. When the apostle ficult situations. This rule of conduct is
Peter asked how many times he should so well-known that it is often called the
forgive someone, Jesus replied: “Up to Golden Rule: “Just as you want men to
77 times.” (Matt. 18:21, 22) He was do to you, do the same way to them.”
showing that there is virtually no limit (Luke 6:31) Jesus meant that we should
to the number of times a Christian treat people the way we would like to be
should forgive others.—Prov. 10:12.1 treated and not repay unkindness with
unkindness. In marriage, it means that
1 While couples try to forgive and to work out we need to put into the relationship
their difficulties, the Bible allows an innocent mate what we hope to get out of it.
the right to decide whether to forgive or to divorce an
15 Married people strengthen their
adulterous spouse. (Matt. 19:9) See the article “The
Bible’s Viewpoint: Adultery—To Forgive or Not to
Forgive?” in the August 8, 1995, issue of Awake! 13. How can we counteract a tendency to be
unforgiving?
11. Why is forgiveness essential? 14, 15. What is the Golden Rule, and how is it
12. How does love cover “a multitude of sins”? of practical value in a marriage?
JANUARY 15, 2015 21

relationship when they are sensitive to “CLOTHE YOURSELVES WITH LOVE”
their mate’s feelings. “We have tried to 18 Read 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. Love is
put the Golden Rule into practice,” says the most important quality in a mar-
a husband in South Africa. “True, there riage. “Clothe yourselves with the ten-
are times when we’re upset, but we have der affections of compassion, kindness,
worked hard to treat each other the way humility, mildness, and patience. But
we would like to be treated—with re- besides all these things, clothe your-
spect and dignity.” selves with love, for it is a perfect bond
16 Do not expose your mate’s weak-
of union.” (Col. 3:12, 14) Self-sacrificing,
nesses or harp on his idiosyncrasies Christlike love is the mortar that binds
—not even jokingly. Remember that the building blocks of a sturdy marital
marriage is not a competition to find out union. It makes the marriage unbreak-
who is stronger, who can shout louder, able in the face of irritating personality
or who can think of the most cutting re- flaws, daunting health challenges, dis-
mark. True, we all have flaws, and some- tressing financial crises, and challeng-
times we upset others. But there is ing in-law issues.
never a justifiable reason for either a 19 True, it takes loving devotion, loy-
husband or a wife to use sarcastic and al commitment, and earnest effort to
demeaning speech, or worse, to shove make a marriage succeed. Rather than
or hit each other.—Read Proverbs 17:27; abandoning the marriage when difficul-
31:26. ties arise, marriage partners should be
17 Even though in some cultures men
determined to make their relationship
who bully or hit their wives are viewed thrive—not just survive. Christian cou-
as manly, the Bible states: “The one slow ples who are devoted to Jehovah and to
to anger is better than a mighty man, and each other are motivated by their love
the one controlling his temper than for God and for each other to resolve
one conquering a city.” (Prov. 16:32) It their difficulties, for “love never fails.”
takes great moral strength to imitate —1 Cor. 13:8; Matt. 19:5, 6; Heb. 13:4.
the greatest man who ever lived, Jesus 20 Building a strong and happy mar-
Christ, and to control one’s spirit. A riage is particularly challenging in the
man who verbally or physically abuses “critical times” in which we live. (2 Tim.
his wife is anything but manly, and he 3:1) But with Jehovah’s help, it is possi-
will lose his relationship with Jehovah. ble. Still, couples also have to contend
The psalmist David, who himself was a with the world’s rampant moral decay.
strong and courageous man, said: “Be The following article will consider what
agitated, but do not sin. Have your say husbands and wives can do to fortify
in your heart, upon your bed, and keep the spiritual defenses of their marriage.
silent.”—Ps. 4:4.
18. Why is it important to keep cultivating the
16. What should marriage partners not do to quality of love?
each other? 19, 20. (a) How can couples successfully
17. How can husbands live by the Golden build a strong and happy marriage? (b) What
Rule? will we consider in the next article?
22 THE WATCHTOWER
Let Jehovah Fortify and
Safeguard Your Marriage
“Unless Jehovah guards the city, it is in vain that
the guard stays awake.”—PS. 127:1b.
SHORTLY before the nation of Israel entered the Promised CAN YOU ANSWER?
Land, tens of thousands of men committed “sexual immoral- ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
ity with the daughters of Moab.” As a result, 24,000 perished Why do we need to safeguard
at Jehovah’s hand. Imagine—the Israelites were so close to the our heart?
realization of their long-awaited inheritance, yet they lost out
on wonderful blessings because of succumbing to temptation.
—Num. 25:1-5, 9.
2 That disastrous example was recorded “for a warning to
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
us upon whom the ends of the systems of things have come.”
Why should we keep drawing
(1 Cor. 10:6-11) Now in the final part of “the last days,” God’s
close to God?
servants are on the threshold of a righteous new world.
(2 Tim. 3:1; 2 Pet. 3:13) Sadly, though, some of Jehovah’s wor-
shippers have let down their guard. They have been ensnared
by immorality and have reaped the bitter consequences of im-
moral conduct. Such ones run the risk of losing out on eter- ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
nal blessings. What kind of communication

3 Because of today’s scourge of immorality, husbands and strengthens a marriage?
1, 2. (a) Why did 24,000 Israelites lose out on wonderful blessings?

(b) Why is that ancient event significant for us?
3. Why do married couples need Jehovah’s direction and protection?
(See opening image.)
23
wives need Jehovah’s direction and pro- 6 Once illicit desires take root in
tection so that their efforts to safeguard their treacherous hearts, two people
their marriage will not be in vain. (Read who are attracted to each other may
Psalm 127:1.) We will discuss how a cou- find themselves discussing matters that
ple can fortify their marriage by guard- they should be sharing only with their
ing their heart, drawing close to God, spouse. Soon, they create more and
putting on the new personality, main- more opportunities to be together, and
taining meaningful communication, and seemingly innocent and ostensibly ac-
rendering the marriage due. cidental encounters become more fre-
GUARD YOUR HEART
quent. As their feelings become more in-
tense, their moral defenses weaken. The
4 How is it possible for a Christian to
further they go down a sinful path, the
be drawn into immoral conduct? The di- more difficult it is to stop, even though
sastrous path of immorality often starts they know that what they are doing is
with the eyes. Jesus explained: “Every- wrong.—Prov. 7:21, 22.
one who keeps on looking at a woman so 7 Spiritual fortifications progressively
as to have a passion for her has al-
crumble as wrong desires and speech
ready committed adultery with her in his
lead to holding hands, kissing, caress-
heart.” (Matt. 5:27, 28; 2 Pet. 2:14) Many
ing, passion-arousing heavy petting,
Christians who have fallen into wrong-
and other expressions of affection, all of
doing have weakened their moral de-
which should be given only to their mar-
fenses by viewing pornography, reading
riage mates. Ultimately, they are “drawn
erotic literature, or watching lurid ma-
out and enticed [“caught as by bait,”
terial on the Internet. Others have al-
ftn.] by [their] own desire.” When the
lowed themselves to be entertained by
desire has become fertile, it “gives birth
sexually explicit movies, stage shows, or
to sin”—in this case, sexual immorality.
television programs. Some have visited
(Jas. 1:14, 15) How tragic! The entire
nightclubs and strip shows or have gone
to massage parlors for sensual massages. moral collapse could have been avoided
5 Some succumb to temptation be-
had both individuals allowed Jehovah to
fortify their respect for the sanctity of
cause they turn to the wrong person for
marriage. But how?
attention. In a world that lacks restraint
and that thrives on every sort of immo- KEEP DRAWING CLOSE TO GOD
rality, it is all too easy for a deceitful and 8 Read Psalm 97:10. Friendship with
desperate heart to spawn romantic feel- Jehovah is a vital source of moral protec-
ings for someone other than a marriage tion. As we learn about God’s endearing
mate. (Read Jeremiah 17:9, 10.) Jesus qualities and we endeavor to “become
said: “Out of the heart come wicked rea- imitators of God, as beloved children,
sonings, murders, adulteries, sexual im-
morality.”—Matt. 15:19. 6, 7. (a) A deceitful heart can lead a person
down what sinful path? (b) How can a moral
4. What has led some Christians into wrong- collapse be avoided?
doing? 8. How does friendship with Jehovah provide
5. Why do we need to safeguard our heart? moral protection?
24 THE WATCHTOWER
and go on walking in love,” we will be righteousness and loyalty,” it is a vi-
fortified to reject “sexual immorality and tal part of a married couple’s spiritu-
every sort of uncleanness.” (Eph. 5:1-4) al fortification. (Eph. 4:24) Those who
Knowing that “God will judge sexually put on this new personality “deaden”
immoral people and adulterers,” mar- their body members “as respects sexual
ried couples work hard to let their mar- immorality, uncleanness, uncontrolled
riage be honorable and free of defile- sexual passion, hurtful desire, and
ment.—Heb. 13:4. greediness.” (Read Colossians 3:5, 6.)
9 Some of God’s faithful servants The word “deaden” indicates that we
have weakened their moral defenses must take strong measures to fight
by associating with non-Witness work- against immoral fleshly desires. We will
mates after work hours. Even dur- avoid anything that might arouse in us
ing work hours, temptations can arise. sexual desire for someone other than
It was at his workplace that a hand- our mate. (Job 31:1) As we conform our
some young man named Joseph real- lives to God’s will, we learn to “abhor
ized that his employer’s wife was very what is wicked” and “cling to what is
attracted to him. Day after day, she good.”—Rom. 12:2, 9.
tried to seduce him. Eventually, “she 11 The new personality reflects “the
grabbed hold of him by his garment and image of the One who created it,” Je-
said: ‘Lie down with me!’ ” But Joseph hovah himself. (Col. 3:10) What bless-
managed to run away from her. What ings result when husbands and wives
helped Joseph to keep his spiritual de- fortify their moral defenses by cloth-
fenses intact under such tempting cir- ing themselves “with the tender affec-
cumstances? It was his firm resolve not tions of compassion, kindness, humili-
to damage his relationship with God ty, mildness, and patience”! (Col. 3:12)
that safeguarded his chastity and integ- They also enjoy greater marital harmo-
rity. As a result of his resolute stand, he ny when they “let the peace of the
lost his job and was unjustly impris- Christ control [their] hearts.” (Col. 3:15;
oned, but Jehovah blessed him. (Gen. ftn.) How rewarding it is for couples to
39:1-12; 41:38-43) Whether at work or “have tender affection for one another”!
in a private setting, Christians need It gives them pleasure to “take the initia-
to avoid putting themselves in tempt- tive” in “showing honor to one another.”
ing situations with someone other than —Rom. 12:10; ftn.
their marriage mate. 12 When asked what qualities con-
PUT ON THE NEW PERSONALITY tribute to their happy marriage, Sid said:
10 Because the new personality is “Love is the main quality that we’ve al-
“created according to God’s will in true ways worked on. And we’ve also found
mildness to be very important.” His wife,
9. (a) How did Joseph resist immoral tempta-
tion? (b) What lessons can we learn from Jo- 11. How can the new personality strengthen a
seph’s example? marriage?
10. What moral protection does the new per- 12. What qualities do you consider important
sonality provide? for a happy marriage?
JANUARY 15, 2015 25

Sonja, agrees, and she adds: “Kindness is to be silent.” (Eccl. 3:7) This does not
certainly a vital quality. And we have mean that we should retreat behind a
also tried to show humility, even though wall of silence, which blocks necessary
it isn’t always easy.” communication. “Under such circum-
stances,” says a wife in Germany, “si-
MAINTAIN MEANINGFUL
lence can hurt your partner.” However,
COMMUNICATION
she adds: “Even though it is not always
13Gracious speech is without a doubt easy to keep calm under stress, it is not
one of the keys to marital stability. How good just to let off steam. Then you im-
sad it would be if marriage mates spoke pulsively say or do something that can
to each other with less respect than they hurt your marriage mate, and that only
do to total strangers or even to their makes matters worse.” In the long run,
pets! When couples lash out with “ma- a husband and wife do not solve their
licious bitterness, anger, wrath, scream- problems by screaming or by refusing to
ing, and abusive speech,” they erode talk to each other. Instead, they fortify
the spiritual defenses of their mar- their marriage by choosing not to let dis-
riage. (Eph. 4:31) Instead of undermin- agreements become habitual or deterio-
ing their marriage with constant criti- rate into protracted arguments.
cism or biting sarcasm, couples need to 15 Marriage bonds are strengthened
buttress their relationship with words when couples make time to share feel-
that are kind, tender, and compassion- ings and opinions. How we say some-
ate.—Eph. 4:32. thing is as important as what we say.
14 The Bible says that there is “a time
Therefore, even in difficult situations,
13. What is a key to marital stability, and why? 15. How can good communication strengthen
14. What actions do we wisely avoid? a marriage?
A husband and a wife can reinforce

their marriage with good communication
(See paragraph 15)
endeavor to make what you say gra- marital unfaithfulness, a lack of ten-
cious, both in your tone of voice and in derness could contribute to a spouse’s
your choice of words. Thus you will seeking affection and intimacy from
make it easier for your mate to listen someone else. (Prov. 5:18; Eccl. 9:9)
to you. (Read Colossians 4:6.) A hus- Therefore, the Bible urges married cou-
band and a wife can reinforce their ples: “Do not deprive each other [of the
marriage with good communication by marriage due] except by mutual consent
saying “only what is good for build- for an appointed time.” Why? “In order
ing up as the need may be, to im- that Satan may not keep tempting you
part what is beneficial” to their spouse. for your lack of self-control.” (1 Cor. 7:5)
—Eph. 4:29. What a tragedy if a couple were to
RENDER THE MARRIAGE DUE
allow Satan to exploit their “lack of
self-control” and cause either of them
16 Couples can also forge a strong
to succumb to temptation and commit
marriage bond when they seek their adultery! Conversely, when each mate
mate’s advantage, putting their spouse’s
seeks, “not his own advantage, but that
personal interest ahead of their own.
of the other person” and renders the
(Phil. 2:3, 4) Husbands as well as wives
marriage due as an expression of love
need to be sensitive to the emotional
rather than as a duty, affectionate inti-
and sexual needs of their mate.—Read
mate relations can strengthen the mar-
1 Corinthians 7:3, 4.
17 Regrettably, some marriage mates
riage bond.—1 Cor. 10:24.
hold back from being affectionate or KEEP SAFEGUARDING
sharing sexual intimacies, and some YOUR MARRIAGE
men tend to view tenderness as un- 19 We are at the threshold of the righ-
manly. The Bible says: “You husbands teous new earth. That is why giving in to
should try to understand the wives you fleshly desires can be as disastrous for
live with.” (1 Pet. 3:7, Phillips) A hus- us as it was for the 24,000 Israelites on
band needs to understand that the mar- the Plains of Moab. After describing
riage due involves more than just phys- that shameful and tragic event, God’s
ical union. A wife is more likely to Word cautions: “Let the one who thinks
enjoy marital intimacies if her husband
he is standing beware that he does not
is loving and affectionate at times other
fall.” (1 Cor. 10:12) How vital it is, there-
than when they have intercourse. When
fore, that we fortify our marriage by re-
both show loving consideration, they
maining faithful to our heavenly Father
are more likely to satisfy each other’s
and to our spouse. (Matt. 19:5, 6) Now
emotional and physical needs.
18 Although there is no excuse for
more than ever, we need to “do [our] ut-
most to be found finally by him spotless
16, 17. Why is it important for marriage mates and unblemished and in peace.”—2 Pet.
to be sensitive to each other’s emotional and 3:13, 14.
sexual needs?
18. How can husbands and wives strengthen 19. What should we be resolved to do, and
their marriage bond? why?
JANUARY 15, 2015 27

Is Unfailing Love Possible?
“[Love’s] flames are a blazing fire, the flame of Jah.”
—SONG OF SOL. 8:6.
HOW WOULD YOU ‘HOW warmly they exchange glances and tenderly hold
ANSWER? each other! Who can deny that they are deeply in love!’
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ These thoughts go through the mind of an elder who has just
Why is true love between a officiated at the couple’s wedding. As the newlyweds grace-
man and a woman possible? fully move across the dance floor at the reception, he cannot
help but wonder: ‘Will their marriage stand the test of time?
As the years go by, will their love deepen or will it take wings
and fly away?’ When it proves to be unswerving and endur-
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ing, the love between a man and a woman can truly be beau-
What can married Christians tiful. In view of so many marriage breakups, however, it is
learn from the Song of not unreasonable to ask if lasting love is really possible.
Solomon? 2 True love was rare even in the days of King Solomon of
ancient Israel. Commenting on the moral climate of his day,

Solomon wrote: “One upright man out of a thousand I found,
but a woman among them I have not found. This alone I have
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
found: The true God made mankind upright, but they have
What can single Christians sought out many schemes.” (Eccl. 7:26-29, ftn.) Largely as a
learn about courtship and
result of the influence of foreign women who practiced Baal
choosing a mate?
worship, moral standards had dropped so low in his day that
Solomon found it difficult to find a man or a woman with
1, 2. Who can benefit from a careful consideration of the Song of Sol-
omon, and why? (See opening image.)
28
good morals.1 Still, the poem he wrote loved shepherd. The girl is brought into
some 20 years earlier, the Song of Solo- Solomon’s camp because her beauty
mon, shows that enduring love can ex- attracted Solomon, who was camping
ist between a man and a woman. It also near the vineyards she was guarding.
vividly portrays what that love is like However, right from the outset, it is
and how it is displayed. Both married clear that she is in love with the shep-
and single worshippers of Jehovah can herd. As Solomon attempts to win her
learn much about such love by carefully over, the girl freely expresses her long-
considering this Bible book. ing to be with her beloved. (Song of Sol.
1:4-14) The shepherd finds his way into
TRUE LOVE IS POSSIBLE!
the camp, and beautiful expressions
3 Read Song of Solomon 8:6. The ex- of endearment are exchanged.—Song of
pression “the flame of Jah” that is used Sol. 1:15–17.
to describe love speaks volumes. True 5 Solomon returns to Jerusalem, tak-
love is “the flame of Jah” in that Jehovah ing the young woman with him; the
is the Originator of such love. He creat- shepherd follows her. (Song of Sol. 4:
ed man in his image with the ability to 1-5, 8, 9) All of Solomon’s efforts to win
love. (Gen. 1:26, 27) When God present- the girl’s love prove fruitless. (Song of
ed the first woman, Eve, to the first Sol. 6:4-7; 7:1-10) Finally, the king per-
man, Adam, the words that came out of mits her to return home. The song clos-
Adam’s mouth were nothing short of es with the girl desiring her dear one to
poetic. No doubt Eve felt a closeness to “be swift like a gazelle” and come run-
Adam, from whom “she was taken.” ning to her.—Song of Sol. 8:14.
(Gen. 2:21-23) Since Jehovah has given 6 As meaningful and beautifully com-
humans the capacity for showing love, it posed as Solomon’s “song of songs”
is possible for a man and a woman to is, identifying the speakers of the dia-
have unswerving and unfailing love for logues, soliloquies, and dreams in the
each other. song is not without its challenges. (Song
4 The love between the opposite sex-
of Sol. 1:1) According to The New Inter-
es has other characteristics besides its preter’s Dictionary of the Bible, “things
potential for being constant and endur- like plot, story, narrative development,
ing. Some of these are wonderfully por- and character are not really of prime in-
trayed in the Song of Solomon. Written terest.” So as not to distract from the lyr-
as a song similar to the libretto, or text ical and poetic natures of the composi-
of an opera, the story is about the love tion, the names of the speakers may
between a young woman from the vil- have been left out. Still, the matter of
lage of Shunem, or Shulem, and her be- who says what can be determined by
what is being said by them or to them.1
1 See The Watchtower, January 15, 2007, page 31.
1 See the “Outline of Contents” of the Song of Sol-
3. Why is true love between a man and a wom- omon in the New World Translation, pages 926-927.
an possible?
4, 5. Briefly relate the story of the Song of Sol- 6. Why is it a challenge to identify the speak-
omon. ers in the drama?
JANUARY 15, 2015 29

“YOUR EXPRESSIONS OF AFFECTION empty of love and affection. In fact, love
ARE BETTER THAN WINE” is a hallmark of a Christian marriage.
7 The Song of Solomon abounds in But what type of love is this? Is it love
“expressions of affection” between the governed by Bible principles? (1 John
young woman and the shepherd. Even 4:8) Does it involve natural affection
though the expressions reflect the Ori- —the kind that family members have to-
ental setting of some 3,000 years ago ward one another? Does this love con-
and may appear strange to today’s read- sist of warm and tender attachment as
ers, they are full of meaning, and the found between true friends? (John 11:3)
feelings they convey are not foreign to Is it romantic love? (Prov. 5:15-20) Ac-
us. For example, the shepherd praises tually, the true and abiding love be-
the maiden’s soft and gentle eyes by tween marriage mates includes all of
comparing them to “those of doves.” them. Love is best sensed when it is ex-
(Song of Sol. 1:15) She likens his eyes, pressed. How vital that marriage mates
not to doves’ eyes, but to doves them- not allow the activities of daily life to
selves. (Read Song of Solomon 5:12.) rob them of exchanging expressions of
The dark iris surrounded by white ap- affection! Such expressions can contrib-
peared as beautiful to her as a dove ute much to the security and happiness
bathing in milk. experienced within a marriage. In those
8 Not all expressions of affection cultures where marriages are often ar-
made in the song draw attention to ranged and the man and woman hardly
physical beauty. Consider what the know each other before the wedding
shepherd says about the young wom- day, their being conscious of the need to
an’s speech. (Read Song of Solomon 4: express love verbally to each other will
7, 11.) Her lips are said to “drip with help love to grow and the marriage to
comb honey.” Why? Because comb flourish.
honey is sweeter and more flavorful 10 Expressions of affection between
than honey that has been exposed to marriage mates have another positive
air. “Honey and milk are under [her] effect. King Solomon offered to make for
tongue,” meaning that like honey and the Shulammite girl “gold ornaments
milk, her speech is pleasant and good. studded with silver.” He showered her
Clearly, when the shepherd says to the with praise, saying that she was “as
girl, “you are altogether beautiful, . . . beautiful as the full moon, as pure as the
there is no blemish in you,” he has more sunlight.” (Song of Sol. 1:9-11; 6:10) But
than her physical beauty in mind. the young woman remained loyal to her
9 The marriage arrangement is not a
beloved shepherd. What strengthened
mere contract or a formal agreement and comforted her during their separa-
7, 8. What can be said about the “expressions
tion? She tells us. (Read Song of Solo-
of affection” found in the Song of Solomon? mon 1:2, 3.) It was the memory of the
Give examples. shepherd’s “expressions of affection.”
9. (a) What does the love between marriage
mates entail? (b) Why is it important that mar- 10. What effect can the memory of expressions
riage mates exchange expressions of affection? of affection have?
30 THE WATCHTOWER
Christians refrain from
developing a romantic
interest in unbelievers
(See paragraph 14)
For her, they proved to be “better than 12 Why did the Shulammite girl love
wine” that makes the heart rejoice, and the shepherd? True, he was handsome,
his name was as soothing as “fragrant oil resembling “a gazelle”; his hands were
poured out” on the head. (Ps. 23:5; 104: strong like “cylinders of gold”; and his
15) Yes, the pleasant memory of love legs were beautiful and strong like “pil-
that has been expressed can enhance lars of marble.” But he was more than
the enduring quality of love. How im- just strong and handsome. “Like an ap-
portant it is that marriage mates express ple tree among the trees of the forest”
their affection for each other often! was her “dear one among the sons.” For
a girl who was faithful to Jehovah to feel
DO NOT AWAKEN LOVE this way about the man, he had to have
“UNTIL IT FEELS INCLINED” been spiritually inclined.—Song of Sol.
11 The Song of Solomon also provides 2:3, 9; 5:14, 15.
lessons for unmarried Christians, espe- 13 What about the Shulammite girl?
cially for those looking for a mate. The Though she was beautiful enough to at-
young woman felt no love for Solomon. tract the attention of a king who at the
Putting the daughters of Jerusalem un- time had “60 queens and 80 concubines
der oath, she said: “Do not try to awak- and young women without number,”
en or arouse love in me until it feels in- she viewed herself as “but a saffron of
clined.” (Song of Sol. 2:7; 3:5) Why? the coastal plain”—a common flower.
Because it is simply not proper to devel- The girl was remarkably modest and
op a romantic attachment for just any- humble. No wonder she was “like a lily
one who comes along. A Christian de- among thorns,” anything but common
siring to marry, then, is wise to wait to the shepherd! She was faithful to Je-
patiently for the one he or she can truly hovah.—Song of Sol. 2:1, 2; 6:8.
love.
12. Why did the Shulammite girl love the shep-
11. What can unmarried Christians learn from herd?
the Shulammite girl’s putting others under 13. Why did the shepherd love the young
oath not to try to awaken love in her? woman?
JANUARY 15, 2015 31

14 In the Scriptures, powerful admo- 16 When the shepherd asked the Shu-
nition is given to Christians to marry lammite girl to go for a walk with him on
“only in the Lord.” (1 Cor. 7:39) A single a spring day, her brothers did not permit
person who wants to marry refrains her to go. Instead, they assigned her the
from forming romantic ties with un- work of guarding the vineyards. Why?
believers and looks for a mate only Did they not trust her? Did they per-
among loyal worshippers of Jehovah. haps think that she had immoral inten-
Moreover, to face life’s realities while tions? Actually, they were taking pre-
maintaining marital peace and spiritual cautions so that their sister would not
unity calls for faith in and devotion to come into a tempting situation. (Song of
God—desirable qualities to look for in a Sol. 1:6; 2:10-15) Here, then, is a les-
prospective marriage mate. Those are son for single Christians: During court-
the very qualities that the shepherd ship, take necessary precautions to keep
and the young woman found in each the relationship chaste. Avoid secluded
other. places. While clean expressions of affec-
tion may be appropriate, be careful to
MY BRIDE avoid tempting situations.
“IS LIKE A LOCKED GARDEN” 17 Christian couples generally enter
15 Read Song of Solomon 4:12. Why the marital relationship with much love
does the shepherd describe his be- and affection for each other. Since the
loved as “a locked garden”? A walled or marriage arrangement instituted by Je-
fenced-in garden is not open to the pub- hovah is a lasting one, it is vital that
lic. It can be accessed only through a couples endeavor to keep the flame of
locked gate. The Shulammite girl is like their love ablaze and maintain an atmo-
that garden because her affection was sphere in which love can grow.—Mark
available only to her husband-to-be—the 10:6-9.
shepherd. By not giving in to the entice- 18 When looking for a marriage mate,
ments of the king, she proved herself to you want to find someone you can truly
be like “a wall” and not “a door” that love and then make that love strong and
swings wide open. (Song of Sol. 8:8-10) inextinguishable, as shown in the Song
Similarly, godly unmarried men and of Solomon. Whether you are seeking a
women reserve their love and affection marriage mate or have already entered
for their future mate. wedlock, may you experience true love
—“the flame of Jah.”—Song of Sol. 8:6.
14. What does the love portrayed in the Song
of Solomon teach single Christians who want 16. What does the Song of Solomon teach re-
to marry? garding courtship?
15. How may the Shulammite girl serve as an 17, 18. How have you benefited from consider-
example to unmarried godly men and women? ing the Song of Solomon?
s
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STUDY ARTICLES
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APRIL 6-12 APRIL 13-19 APRIL 20-26 APRIL 27–MAY 3
Imitate Jesus’ Imitate Jesus’ Preparing Jehovah Guides

Humility and Courage and the Nations for Our Global
Tenderness Discernment “the Teaching Teaching Work
PAGE 5 ˙ SONGS: 5, 84 PAGE 10 ˙ SONGS: 99, 108 of Jehovah” PAGE 24 ˙ SONGS: 103, 66
PAGE 19 ˙ SONGS: 98, 104
STUDY ARTICLES
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
ˇ Imitate Jesus’ Humility and Tenderness

ˇ Imitate Jesus’ Courage and Discernment
The Bible encourages us to follow Jesus’ steps closely.
(1 Pet. 2:21) As imperfect humans, can we follow the perfect
INDONESIA example of Jesus? The first of these two articles considers
how we can copy his humility and tenderness. The second
COVER: Offering Awake! magazine
in the house-to-house ministry on article shows how we can imitate his courage and
the island of Bali while enjoying discernment.
warm Indonesian hospitality __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ ˇ Preparing the Nations for “the Teaching

POPULATION
of Jehovah”
ˇ Jehovah Guides Our Global Teaching Work
237,600,000
The first of these two articles shows how Jehovah enabled
PUBLISHERS Jesus’ first-century disciples to proclaim the good news.
24,521 In the second article, we consider some recent develop-
ments that make it possible for us to take the Kingdom
REGULAR PIONEERS
message to honesthearted people throughout the earth.
2,472
There are ALSO IN THIS ISSUE
369
special pioneers
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
3 A Surprise Gift for Japan

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
serving on
15 Maintain Your Zeal for the Ministry
28
different islands
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__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
31 From Our Archives
34567 ˙
February 15, 2015
A SURPRISE
GIFT FOR JAPAN
AT A special meeting held in Nagoya, Japan, on
April 28, 2013, Anthony Morris of the Governing
Body surprised the audience with a thrilling an-
nouncement—the release of a new publication in
Japanese entitled The Bible—The Gospel Accord-
ing to Matthew. The over 210,000 present in per-
son or via Webcast responded with prolonged ap-
plause.
Reprinted from the New World Translation in
Japanese, this 128-page edition of Matthew’s
Gospel is unique. Brother Morris explained that it
was designed “to meet the needs of the Japa-
nese field.” What features does this Bible book
have? Why was it prepared? And how has it been
received?
WHAT FEATURES DOES IT HAVE?
The format of Matthew was a surprise to the au-
dience. Japanese characters can be set vertically
or horizontally, and quite a few printed items—in- DESIGNED FOR THE JAPANESE FIELD
cluding our recent publications—have been set
horizontally. However, the text in this new publica- Why would this single Bible book especially
tion is set vertically, using a layout style popular in meet the needs of the Japanese field? Though
Japanese newspapers and literary works. Many many Japanese people are unfamiliar with the Bi-
Japanese readers consider this to be an easy-to- ble, they are willing to read it. This version of Mat-
read style. Additionally, the page headings were thew’s Gospel will give those who have never
moved into the text as subheadings so that the seen a Bible an opportunity to hold a portion of
readers can easily see the main points. this sacred volume in their hands and read it.
The brothers and sisters in Japan promptly took Why was the book of Matthew chosen? To
advantage of the features of Matthew. “I have most Japanese, the word “Bible” calls to mind Je-
read the book of Matthew many times before,” sus Christ. So the book of Matthew was selected
said a sister in her 80’s, “but the vertical style and because it contains a record of Jesus’ genealogy
the subheadings helped me to understand the and birth, his famous Sermon on the Mount, and
Sermon on the Mount more fully.” One young sis- his dramatic prophecy about the last days—sub-
ter wrote: “I read through Matthew in one sitting. jects that will interest many Japanese people.
I am used to the horizontal style, but many Japa- Kingdom publishers in Japan zealously began
nese people prefer the vertical composition.” distributing this new publication from house to
FEBRUARY 15, 2015 3

house and on return visits. “I now have more op- A man in his 60’s told one publisher: “I read it
portunities to place God’s Word with the people many times over and was comforted. Please
in our territory,” wrote one sister. “In fact, I was teach me more about the Bible.”
able to place a copy of Matthew on the very after- Matthew is being featured in public witnessing.
noon of the special meeting!” While sharing in that activity, a Witness gave her
e-mail address to a young woman who accepted
HOW HAS IT BEEN RECEIVED?
Matthew. One hour later, the woman e-mailed the
How do publishers introduce Matthew? Many sister, saying that she had read part of the Bible
Japanese householders are familiar with such ex- book and wanted to know more. One week later,
pressions as “the narrow gate,” “pearls before she had her first Bible study, and she soon start-
swine,” and “never be anxious about the next ed attending meetings.
day.” (Matt. 6:34; 7:6, 13) They are surprised to Over 1,600,000 copies of The Bible—The Gos-
learn that these are the words of Jesus Christ. On pel According to Matthew have been shipped to
seeing these words in Matthew’s Gospel, many congregations in Japan, and each month, the Wit-
respond: “I have always wanted to read the Bible nesses are placing tens of thousands of them.
at least once.” The foreword to this edition expresses the senti-
When publishers make return visits on those ments of its publishers by stating: “We sincerely
who accepted Matthew, householders often say hope that reading this volume will deepen your in-
that they immediately read some, if not all, of it. terest in the Bible.”
Imitate Jesus’ Humility
and Tenderness
“Christ suffered for you, leaving a model for you
to follow his steps closely.”—1 PET. 2:21.
WE TEND to imitate those whose personality and ways we HOW WOULD YOU
admire. Of all the humans who have walked the earth, no one ANSWER?
is more worthy of imitation than Jesus Christ. Why is that? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Jesus himself once said: “Whoever has seen me has seen the Why is Jesus worthy of
Father also.” (John 14:9) Jesus reflects his Father’s personali- imitation?
ty so perfectly that observing the Son is like seeing the Fa-
ther. Therefore, as we imitate Jesus, we draw closer to Jeho-
vah, the greatest Personage in the universe. What a reward
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
for imitating the qualities and ways of his Son!
2 How, though, can we know what Jesus is like? Thankful-
How can you imitate Jesus
in showing humility?
ly, we have an inspired written portrait of Jesus. Jehovah pro-
vided that record, as found in the Christian Greek Scriptures,
because he wants us to become acquainted with his Son so
that we can imitate him. (Read 1 Peter 2:21.) In the Bible, the ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
example Jesus left is compared to “steps,” or footprints. In How can you imitate Jesus
in showing tenderness?
1. Why will imitating Jesus draw us closer to Jehovah?
2, 3. (a) Why did Jehovah provide us with a written portrait of his Son,
and what does Jehovah expect us to do? (b) What will we discuss in this
article and in the next?
5
effect, Jehovah is telling us to walk be- 5 How did Jesus demonstrate humili-
hind Jesus and match our steps to his. ty? God’s Son has a long record of hu-
Of course, Jesus left a perfect example mility, showing it both as a powerful
for us, and we are far from perfect. But spirit creature in heaven and as a per-
Jehovah does not expect us to follow Je- fect man on earth. Consider a few exam-
sus’ steps perfectly. Rather, the Father ples.
expects us to imitate his Son to the best 6 His attitude. The Bible writer Jude
of our ability as imperfect humans. recorded an example from Jesus’ pre-
3 Let us, then, consider some of Je- human existence. (Read Jude 9.) As
sus’ appealing qualities. In this article, Michael the archangel, Jesus “had a
we will discuss his humility and ten- difference with the Devil” and “was dis-
derness; in the next, we will examine puting” with that wicked one. The is-
his courage and discernment. Regarding sue involved “Moses’ body.” Recall that
each quality, we will answer three ques- after Moses died, Jehovah buried the
tions: What does it mean? How did Je- body in an unknown location. (Deut.
sus exemplify it? How can we imitate 34:5, 6) Perhaps the Devil wanted to use
him? Moses’ remains to promote false wor-
ship. Whatever evil purpose the Devil
JESUS IS HUMBLE
had in mind, Michael took a courageous
4What is humility? In this proud stand. One reference work notes that
world, some may think that humili- the Greek terms rendered “had a differ-
ty suggests weakness or lack of confi- ence” and “disputing” are “also used in
dence. Often, though, just the oppo- relation to a legal dispute” and may sug-
site is true. Showing humility calls gest “that Michael ‘challenged the Dev-
for strength and courage. Humility has il’s right’ to take Moses’ body.” Yet, the
been defined as “the attitude opposite Chief Angel recognized that it was not
of pride and arrogance.” In the Chris- his place to bring judgment. Rather,
tian Greek Scriptures, the word trans- he referred the case to the Supreme
lated “humility” may be rendered “low- Judge, Jehovah. Michael thus refrained
liness of mind.” (Phil. 2:3, ftn.) Humility from overstepping his authority, even
begins with the way we think about our- under provocation. What a humble atti-
selves. “Humility is to know how lowly tude!
we really are before God,” says one Bi- 7 During his earthly ministry, Jesus
ble dictionary. If we are truly humble
spoke and acted in ways that revealed
before God, we will also refrain from es- genuine humility. His speech. He never
timating ourselves to be above our fel- called undue attention to himself. In-
low humans. (Rom. 12:3) It is not easy stead, he directed all glory to his Father.
for imperfect humans to cultivate hu- (Mark 10:17, 18; John 7:16) He never
mility. But we can learn to be humble if
we reflect on our standing before God 5, 6. (a) Who is Michael the archangel?
and follow in the footsteps of his Son. (b) How did Michael show a humble attitude?
7. How did Jesus show humility in his speech
4. How would you define humility? and in his actions?
6 THE WATCHTOWER
talked down to his disciples or made upstate New York and worked in the
them feel inferior. Rather, he dignified henhouse. He said: “Whenever I get to
them, praising them for the good he thinking a great deal of myself, I take
saw in them and expressing his confi- myself into the corner, so to speak, and
dence in them. (Luke 22:31, 32; John 1: say: ‘You little speck of dust. What
47) His actions. Jesus chose to live in have you got to be proud of?’ ” (Read Isa-
humble circumstances unencumbered iah 40:12-15.) A humble attitude in-
by many material things. (Matt. 8:20) deed!
He willingly performed the most menial 10 Our speech. If we are truly low-
of tasks. (John 13:3-15) He outstand- ly in heart, our words will reflect hu-
ingly showed humility by his obedi- mility. (Luke 6:45) In conversations
ence. (Read Philippians 2:5-8.) Unlike with others, we will avoid focusing
arrogant individuals who disdain obedi- on our own achievements and priv-
ence, Jesus humbly submitted to God’s ileges. (Prov. 27:2) Instead, we will
will for him, becoming “obedient to the look for the good in our brothers and
point of death.” Is it not clear that Jesus, sisters and commend them for their
the Son of man, was “lowly in heart”? positive qualities, abilities, and accom-
—Matt. 11:29. plishments. (Prov. 15:23) Our actions.
IMITATE JESUS’ HUMILITY Humble Christians are not interested
in seeking prominence in this system.
8 How can we imitate Jesus in demon-
They would rather lead a simple life,
strating humility? Our attitude. Humili-
even doing what the world might con-
ty restrains us from overstepping our
sider menial work so that they can serve
authority. If we recognize that we are
Jehovah to the fullest extent possible.
not authorized to sit in judgment, we
(1 Tim. 6:6, 8) Above all, we can show
will not be quick to criticize others for
humility by our obedience. It takes low-
their faults or question their motives.
liness of mind to “be obedient to those
(Luke 6:37; Jas. 4:12) Humility helps us
who are taking the lead” in the congre-
to avoid being “overly righteous,” look-
gation and to accept and follow the di-
ing down on those who may not have
rection we receive from Jehovah’s orga-
the abilities or privileges that we have.
nization.—Heb. 13:17.
(Eccl. 7:16) Humble elders do not view
themselves as superior to fellow believ- JESUS IS TENDER
ers. Rather, such shepherds “consid- 11 What is tenderness? The word
er others superior” and conduct them- “tender” is defined as “marked by, re-
selves as lesser ones.—Phil. 2:3; Luke sponding to, or expressing the softer
9:48. emotions.” Tenderness is a facet of love
9 Consider W. J. Thorn, who served
and is akin to such “softer emotions” as
as a pilgrim, or traveling overseer, start- compassion and mercy. The Scriptures
ing in 1894. After many years in that
work, he was called to Kingdom Farm in 10. How can we show humility in our speech
and in our actions?
8, 9. How can we demonstrate humility? 11. Explain the meaning of tenderness.
FEBRUARY 15, 2015 7

refer to “tender compassion,” “tender heart moved him to speak tenderly to
mercies,” and “tender affection.” (Luke others, especially to the downtrodden.
1:78; 2 Cor. 1:3; Phil. 1:8) Regarding the The apostle Matthew applied to Jesus
Scriptural call for compassion, one Bi- these words of Isaiah: “No crushed reed
ble reference work says: “That call is will he break, and no smoldering wick
more than an appeal for us to feel with will he extinguish.” (Isa. 42:3; Matt. 12:
and for the needy. It is a call to care 20) Jesus spoke in a way that lifted the
enough to become involved and to help spirits of those who were figuratively
by taking some action that will set oth- like a bruised reed or the wick of an oil
ers’ lives on a fresh, new course.” Ten- lamp about to go out. He preached
derness is a motivating force. A tender a message of hope “to bind up the
person is moved to make a difference in brokenhearted.” (Isa. 61:1) He invited
the lives of others. those who were “toiling and loaded
12 How did Jesus show tenderness? down” to come to him, reassuring them
His tender feelings and actions. Jesus felt that they would “find refreshment” for
tender compassion for others. When he themselves. (Matt. 11:28-30) He assured
saw his friend Mary and those with her his followers that God had tender con-
weeping over the death of her broth- cern for each of His worshippers, in-
er, Lazarus, Jesus openly “gave way to cluding the “little ones”—those who may
tears.” (Read John 11:32-35.) Then, like- seem unimportant from the standpoint
ly stirred by heartfelt pity—just as when of the world.—Matt. 18:12-14; Luke 12:
he raised a widow’s son—he resurrected 6, 7.
Lazarus. (Luke 7:11-15; John 11:38-44)
IMITATE JESUS’ TENDERNESS
By means of that tender act, Jesus may
14 How can we imitate Jesus in show-
have put Lazarus in line to receive life in
heaven. On an earlier occasion, Jesus ing tenderness? Our tender feelings.
“felt tender affection” for a crowd that Such emotions may not come naturally
came to him. Impelled by compassion, to us, but the Bible urges us to work at
“he started to teach them many things.” cultivating them. “The tender affections
(Mark 6:34; Kingdom Interlinear) What a of compassion” are part of the new per-
life-changing experience that was for sonality that all Christians are expected
any who responded to his teachings! to put on. (Read Colossians 3:9, 10,
Note that Jesus’ tenderness was more 12.) How can you cultivate tender feel-
than a feeling; it moved him to take the ings for others? Open your heart wide.
initiative to help others.—Matt. 15:32- (2 Cor. 6:11-13) Listen carefully when
38; 20:29-34; Mark 1:40-42. someone shares his feelings and con-
13 His tender words. Jesus’ tender
cerns. (Jas. 1:19) Use your imagination
and ask yourself: ‘If I were in his situa-
12. What shows that Jesus felt tender compas- tion, how would I feel? What would I
sion for others, and what did his tenderness need?’—1 Pet. 3:8.
move him to do?
13. In what way did Jesus speak tenderly to 14. How can we cultivate tender feelings for
others? (See opening image.) others?
8 THE WATCHTOWER
16 Our tender words. Our tender af-
fection for others moves us to “speak
consolingly to those who are de-
pressed.” (1 Thess. 5:14) What can we
say to encourage such ones? We can lift
their spirits by expressing our genuine
care and concern for them. We can offer
sincere commendation to help them
see their positive qualities and abili-
ties. We can remind them that Jehovah
Do you have genuine concern drew them to his Son, so they must be
for fellow believers?
(See paragraph 15) precious in his eyes. (John 6:44) We
can reassure them that Jehovah deeply
cares for his servants who are “broken-
15 Our tender actions. Tenderness hearted” or “crushed in spirit.” (Ps. 34:
moves us to want to make a difference 18) Our tender words can have a heal-
in the lives of others, especially those ing effect on those who need comfort.
who may be like a bruised reed or —Prov. 16:24.
17 Elders, Jehovah expects you to
a smoldering wick. How can we help
them? “Weep with those who weep,” treat his sheep with tenderness. (Acts
says Romans 12:15. Downhearted ones 20:28, 29) Remember, it is your respon-
may need empathy more than answers. sibility to nourish, encourage, and re-
One sister who felt comforted by fellow fresh his sheep. (Isa. 32:1, 2; 1 Pet. 5:2-4)
believers after the loss of her daugh- Hence, an elder who is tenderly com-
ter says: “I appreciated it when friends passionate does not try to control the
came over and just cried with me.” We sheep, making rules or using guilt to
can also show tender affection by doing pressure them to do more when their
kind deeds. Do you know of a widow circumstances do not permit them to.
who needs help with repairs on her Rather, he endeavors to bring joy to
home? Is there an elderly Christian who their hearts, trusting that their love for
needs transportation to get to the meet- Jehovah will move them to serve him as
ings, to go out in the ministry, or to go fully as possible.—Matt. 22:37.
18 As we reflect on Jesus’ humility
to the doctor? Even a small act of kind-
ness can make a big difference in the life and tenderness, we are surely moved to
of a fellow worshipper in need. (1 John keep on walking in his footsteps. In the
3:17, 18) Above all, we can show tender next article, we will discuss two more
aspects of Jesus’ appealing personality
concern for others by having a full share
—courage and discernment.
in the ministry. There is no greater way
to make a difference in the lives of hon- 16. What can we say to encourage those who
esthearted ones! are depressed?
17, 18. (a) Jehovah expects the elders to treat
15. What can we do to help those who may be his sheep in what way? (b) What will we dis-
like a bruised reed or a smoldering wick? cuss in the next article?
FEBRUARY 15, 2015 9

Imitate Jesus’ Courage
and Discernment
“Though you never saw him, you love him. Though you
do not see him now, yet you exercise faith in him.”
—1 PET. 1:8.
HOW WOULD YOU WHEN we become disciples of Christ, we embark on a jour-

RESPOND? ney. That journey can lead us to life, whether in heaven or
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ on earth. Jesus said: “The one who has endured to the end
What can help you to stay [the end of his present life or the end of this wicked system
on course on your journey to of things] will be saved.” (Matt. 24:13) Yes, if we stick to a life
salvation? course of faithfulness, we can come in line for salvation.
Along the way, however, we must be careful not to get dis-
tracted or lost. (1 John 2:15-17) How can we stay on course
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
on our journey?
How can you imitate Jesus
2 Our Exemplar, Jesus, led the way. His journey was re-
in showing courage?
corded in the Bible. By studying that record, we learn what
Jesus is like. We can come to love him and exercise faith in
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ him. (Read 1 Peter 1:8, 9.) Recall that the apostle Peter said
How can you imitate Jesus that Jesus left us a model for us to follow his steps closely.
in showing discernment? (1 Pet. 2:21) If we carefully follow his steps, we will reach
1, 2. (a) How can we come in line for salvation? (b) What can help us
to stay on course on our journey to salvation?
10
“the goal” of our faith—salvation.1 In questions.” Surely he was not asking
the preceding article, we discussed how the typical questions of a curious boy.
we can imitate Jesus’ example in being We can imagine Jesus asking thought-
humble and tender. Let us now examine provoking questions that made those
how we can follow his steps in showing learned teachers sit up and take notice.
courage and discernment. And if the teachers tried to trip Jesus up
by asking him controversial questions,
JESUS IS COURAGEOUS
they failed. Why, everyone listening—in-
3 Courage is a kind of confidence
cluding the teachers—were in “amaze-
that can strengthen and sustain us. Be- ment at his understanding and his an-
ing courageous has been described as swers”—answers that no doubt upheld
“persevering in the face of adversity,” the truth of God’s Word!
“standing up for what is right,” and 5 During his ministry, Jesus showed
“facing suffering with dignity or faith.”
courage in various ways. He boldly ex-
Courage goes hand in hand with fear,
posed the religious leaders for mis-
hope, and love. How so? Godly fear
leading the people with false teach-
gives us the courage to rise above fear of
ings. (Matt. 23:13-36) He stood firm
man. (1 Sam. 11:7; Prov. 29:25) Genuine
against the world’s contaminating in-
hope helps us to see beyond present
fluence. (John 16:33) He continued to
trials and to face the future with confi-
preach despite pressure from opposers.
dence. (Ps. 27:14) Self-sacrificing love
(John 5:15-18; 7:14) Twice, he fearlessly
impels us to show courage even at great
cleansed the temple, driving out those
personal risk. (John 15:13) We get cour-
who were defiling the worship there.
age by trusting in God and following the
—Matt. 21:12, 13; John 2:14-17.
steps of his Son.—Ps. 28:7.
6 It is faith-strengthening to trace Je-
4 Even as a 12-year-old boy, Jesus cou-
rageously stood up for what was right. sus’ courageous steps in the face of suf-
Note what happened when young Je- fering. Consider the courage he showed
sus was “in the temple, sitting in the on the final day of his earthly life. He
midst of the teachers.” (Read Luke 2:41- knew the chain of events that would be
47.) Those teachers were well-versed set in motion by his betrayer. Yet, at the
not only in the Mosaic Law but also in Passover meal, Jesus told Judas: “What
the man-made traditions that under- you are doing, do it more quickly.” (John
mined it. But Jesus was not intimidated 13:21-27) In the garden of Gethsema-
into keeping quiet; he was “asking them ne, Jesus fearlessly identified himself to
the soldiers who came to arrest him.
1 First Peter 1:8, 9 was written to Christians with Although his own life was in danger,
the heavenly hope. In principle, however, those
words also apply to individuals who have the earthly
he spoke up to protect his disciples.
hope. (John 18:1-8) When questioned before
3. What is courage, and how do we get it? 5. In what ways did Jesus show courage during
4. How did Jesus show courage “in the midst of his ministry?
the teachers” in the temple? (See opening im- 6. How did Jesus show courage on the final day
age.) of his earthly life?

the Sanhedrin, he boldly affirmed that 17:17) We recognize that “we are God’s
he was both the Christ and the Son of fellow workers” and that we have the
God, even though he knew that the high backing of holy spirit. (1 Cor. 3:9; Acts
priest was looking for an excuse to have 4:31) We understand that by witnessing
him killed. (Mark 14:60-65) Jesus stead- zealously, we demonstrate our devotion
fastly kept his integrity down to death to Jehovah and our love for our neigh-
on an execution stake. About to take his bor. (Matt. 22:37-39) Imbued with cour-
last agonizing breath, he called out in age, we will not be silenced. On the con-
triumph: “It has been accomplished!” trary, we are determined to expose the
—John 19:28-30. religious lies that blind people to the
truth. (2 Cor. 4:4) And we will persevere
IMITATE JESUS’ COURAGE
in preaching the good news despite apa-
7 How can we imitate Jesus in show- thy, ridicule, or opposition.—1 Thess. 2:
ing courage? At school. Young ones, you 1, 2.
prove yourselves courageous when you 9 In the face of suffering. Trusting in
readily identify yourselves as Witnesses God gives us the faith and courage to
of Jehovah, even if doing so means be- face adversities. If a loved one dies, we
ing teased by classmates or others. You grieve, but we do not lose hope. We con-
thereby show that you are proud to bear fidently look to “the God of all comfort”
Jehovah’s name. (Read Psalm 86:12.) for strength. (2 Cor. 1:3, 4; 1 Thess. 4:13)
You may face pressure to accept evolu- If we face serious illness or injury, we
tion as a fact. But you have sound rea- may suffer pain, but we do not compro-
sons to be confident of your Bible-based mise. We refuse any treatment that con-
belief in creation. You can use the bro- flicts with Bible principles. (Acts 15:28,
chure The Origin of Life—Five Questions 29) If we become depressed, “our hearts
Worth Asking to give a convincing an- may condemn us,” but because we trust
swer to those who want to know “a rea- in the God who “is close to the broken-
son for the hope you have.” (1 Pet. 3:15) hearted,” we do not give up.1—1 John 3:
Then you will find satisfaction in know- 19, 20; Ps. 34:18.
ing that you have upheld the truth of
God’s Word. JESUS IS DISCERNING
8 In our ministry. As true Christians, 10Discernment is good judgment
we need to keep “speaking with bold- —the ability to tell right from wrong and
ness by the authority of Jehovah.” (Acts then choose the wise course. (Heb. 5:
14:3) What reasons do we have to 14) It has been defined as “the ability
preach with boldness, or courage? We
1 For examples of courage in the face of suffering,
know that what we preach is the truth see The Watchtower, December 1, 2000, pages 24-28;
because it is based on the Bible. (John Awake! April 22, 2003, pages 18-21; and January 22,
1995, pages 11-15.
7. Young ones, how do you feel about bearing
Jehovah’s name, and how can you prove your- 9. How can we show courage in the face of suf-
selves courageous? fering?
8. We have what reasons to preach with bold- 10. What is discernment, and how does a dis-
ness? cerning worshipper of Jehovah speak and act?
12 THE WATCHTOWER
to make sound judgements in spiritu- 29) He was always patient with his
al matters.” A discerning worshipper disciples despite their failings. (Mark
speaks and acts in ways that please 14:34-38; Luke 22:24-27) He remained
God. Such a person chooses words calm even when he was treated unjust-
that help others rather than hurt them. ly.—1 Pet. 2:23.
(Prov. 11:12, 13) He is “slow to an- 13 Discernment also enabled Jesus to
ger.” (Prov. 14:29) He “walks straight be reasonable. He saw beyond the letter
ahead,” sticking to the right course on of the Mosaic Law; he perceived the
his journey through life. (Prov. 15:21) spirit behind that Law and acted accord-
How can we acquire discernment? We ingly. For example, consider the ac-
must study God’s Word and apply what count at Mark 5:25-34. (Read.) A wom-
we learn. (Prov. 2:1-5, 10, 11) It is espe- an with a flow of blood made her way
cially helpful to consider the example of through a crowd, touched Jesus’ gar-
Jesus, the most discerning man who ment, and was healed. She was unclean
ever lived. under the Law, so she should not have
11 Jesus showed discernment in all he touched anyone. (Lev. 15:25-27) But Je-
said and did. In his speech. He used good sus—who discerned that “the weightier
judgment when he preached the good matters of the Law” included “mercy
news, choosing “gracious words” that and faithfulness”—did not chastise her
amazed his listeners. (Luke 4:22; Matt. for touching his garment. (Matt. 23:23)
7:28) He often let God’s Word speak for Instead, he kindly said: “Daughter, your
him—reading, quoting, or referring to faith has made you well. Go in peace,
just the right scriptures to make his and be healed from your grievous sick-
point. (Matt. 4:4, 7, 10; 12:1-5; Luke 4: ness.” How touching that Jesus’ discern-
16-21) Jesus also explained the Scrip- ment moved him to show such kind-
tures, doing so in ways that moved the ness!
hearts of his listeners. After his resur- 14 In pursuing his life course. Jesus
rection, when speaking to two disciples showed discernment in choosing the

on their way to Emmaus, he “interpret- right course and then sticking to it. He
ed to them things pertaining to himself devoted himself to the preaching of
in all the Scriptures.” The disciples lat- the good news, making it his lifework.
er said: “Were not our hearts burning (Luke 4:43) Jesus also stayed on course,
within us . . . as he was fully opening up making decisions that enabled him to
the Scriptures to us?”—Luke 24:27, 32. remain focused on the work and to see
12 In his spirit and attitude. Discern- it through to a successful completion.
ment helped Jesus to control his spirit, He wisely chose to keep his life simple
making him “slow to anger.” (Prov. 16: so that he could devote his time and en-
32) He was “mild-tempered.” (Matt. 11: ergy to the ministry. (Luke 9:58) He dis-
cerned the need to train others to car-
11. How did Jesus show discernment in his ry on the work after his death. (Luke
speech?
12, 13. What examples show that Jesus was 14. Jesus chose to do what, and how did he
slow to anger and reasonable? stay on course?

could possibly say on our own authori-
ty.—Heb. 4:12.
16 In our spirit and attitude. Discern-
ment enables us to control our spirit,

making us “slow to anger.” (Jas. 1:19)
When others offend us, we try to dis-
cern what is behind their words or
actions. Such insight can melt anger
and help us to “overlook an offense.”
(Prov. 19:11) Discernment also helps us
to be reasonable. We thus try to be real-
istic in what we expect of our fellow be-
lievers, remembering that they may be
facing challenges that we do not fully
Discern the interests of people, and choose understand. We are willing to listen to
your words according to their needs
(See paragraph 15) their opinions and when appropriate
yield to their viewpoint.—Phil. 4:5.
17 In our course of life. As followers of
10:1-12; John 14:12) He promised his Jesus, we discern that we could have no
followers that he would remain involved higher privilege than that of sharing in
in this work “until the conclusion of the the work of preaching the good news.
system of things.”—Matt. 28:19, 20. We keep on track by making decisions
IMITATE JESUS’ DISCERNMENT
that enable us to stay focused on our
ministry. We choose to keep spiritual
15Consider another way that we can things in first place and maintain a sim-
imitate Jesus. In our speech. In conver- ple life so that we can devote ourselves
sations with fellow believers, we use to the all-important preaching work be-
words that build up rather than tear fore the end comes.—Matt. 6:33; 24:14.
down. (Eph. 4:29) When we talk to oth- 18 Has it not been delightful to reflect
ers about God’s Kingdom, we season
on some of Jesus’ appealing qualities?
our words “with salt.” (Col. 4:6) We
Imagine how rewarding it would be to
try to discern the needs and interests
make a study of his other qualities and
of householders and then choose our
learn how we can be more like him. Let
words accordingly. We remember that
us, then, be determined to follow his
gracious words may open doors—and
steps closely. By so doing, we will stay
hearts. In addition, when explaining
on course on our journey to salvation
our beliefs, we try to let the Bible speak
and we will draw closer to Jehovah, the
for us. Hence, we cite it as an authority
One whom Jesus perfectly imitated.
and read from it whenever possible. We
recognize that the Bible’s message is 16, 17. (a) How can we show that we are slow
far more powerful than anything we to anger and reasonable? (b) How can we stay
focused on our ministry?
15. How can we show discernment in our 18. How can we stay on course on our journey
speech? to salvation, and what is your determination?
14 THE WATCHTOWER
Maintain Your Zeal
for the Ministry
PREACHING the good news is the most impor- Should it surprise us that all of Jehovah’s peo-
tant work being done on earth today. As one of ple face challenges that could dampen their zeal
Jehovah’s servants, you surely view it as an hon- for the preaching work? No. After all, would any
or to participate in the disciple-making activity. of us expect it to be easy for us to proclaim God’s
You will no doubt agree, however, that pioneers lifesaving message of truth in a world dominat-
and publishers occasionally face challenges in ed by “the wicked one,” Satan the Devil?—1 John
maintaining their zeal for the ministry. 5:19.
Some publishers have a hard time finding any- Whatever challenges you personally face in
one to hold a conversation with in the house-to- declaring the good news, be assured that Jeho-
house ministry. In fact, the majority of the local vah can help you to overcome them. What,
residents may not be at home. When household- though, can you do to enhance your zeal for the
ers are contacted, their reaction to the Kingdom Christian ministry? Let us examine some sug-
message may be apathetic or even hostile. Oth- gestions.
er publishers feel overwhelmed because they
have a vast and productive field in which to HELP LESS EXPERIENCED ONES
preach but fear that they will never complete Every year, thousands are baptized as new
the task. And some members of the congrega- Witnesses of Jehovah. If you have recently sym-
tion have been preaching for years—longer than bolized your dedication to God by water bap-
they ever expected—and have become discour- tism, you would no doubt appreciate benefiting
aged. from the experience of those who have been

preaching longer than you have. And if you CONVERSE WITH YOUR
have been a Kingdom publisher for many years, PREACHING PARTNER
would it not be appropriate and rewarding to Despite all your efforts to have discussions
help train newer ones? with householders, on some days the best con-
Jesus knew that his disciples needed direction versation you have in the field service is with
in order to become effective evangelizers, and he your preaching partner. Remember that Jesus
demonstrated how the work should be done. sent his disciples out “by twos” to preach. (Luke
(Luke 8:1) Today, too, there is a need to train oth- 10:1) As they worked together, they could stim-
ers to be effective ministers. ulate and motivate each other. So time spent in
We should not assume that a new publisher the field with a fellow believer offers a fine
will acquire teaching skills simply by participat- opportunity for “an interchange of encourage-
ing in the ministry. He or she needs personal in- ment.”—Rom. 1:12.
struction from a kind and loving trainer. Such What are some things you might talk about?
training would include showing the less experi- Has either of you recently had an encouraging
enced publisher how to (1) prepare and practice experience? Have you discovered an interesting
a presentation, (2) engage a householder or a point in your personal or family study? Were you
passerby in conversation, (3) offer literature, built up by something you heard at a meeting? At
(4) follow up interest, and (5) start a Bible study. times, the publisher you are working with may
Very likely, good results will be obtained if the not be your regular preaching partner. Do you
trainee observes and imitates the methods used know how he came into the truth? What con-
in the ministry by the one who is helping him. vinced him that this is Jehovah’s organization?
(Luke 6:40) The new publisher will undoubtedly What privileges or experiences has he had? Per-
appreciate having someone with him who can haps you can share some of your experiences.
listen and help out if the need arises. The less ex- Whatever the response from the field turns out
perienced publisher will also benefit from re- to be, working with someone in the ministry pro-
ceiving commendation and helpful suggestions. vides a fine opportunity to “keep . . . building
—Eccl. 4:9, 10. one another up.”—1 Thess. 5:11.
WHY MAINTAIN YOUR ZEAL FOR THE MINISTRY?

ˇ The preaching work contrib- ˇ We owe it to people to ˇ Speaking about Jehovah
utes to the fulfillment of Bi- share the good news with and praising him publicly
ble prophecy.—Mark 13:10. them.—Acts 20:26, 27; are important features of
ˇ We prove ourselves obedi- Rom. 1:14, 15. our worship.—Heb. 13:15.
ent by participating in the ˇ Participating in the preach- ˇ We demonstrate our love
disciple-making activity. ing work protects us from for Jehovah and Jesus by
—Matt. 28:19, 20. bloodguilt.—Ezek. 3:18. obediently doing this work.
ˇ Jehovah wants the wicked ˇ Teaching Scriptural truth is —John 14:15; 1 John 5:3.
to be warned about the con- a requirement for our own ˇ Our ministry helps to coun-
sequences of their course. salvation, and it saves oth- teract the lies that Satan
—Ezek. 3:19. ers too.—1 Tim. 4:16. promotes regarding Jeho-
vah.—Isa. 43:10-12; 2 Cor.
4:4.
Converse with your
preaching partner
Be open-minded Stick to your

about suggestions good study habits
Help one who is less

experienced
What can help you to maintain your zeal for the ministry?
STICK TO YOUR GOOD STUDY HABITS BE OPEN-MINDED ABOUT SUGGESTIONS

Essential to maintaining zeal for the ministry Jehovah’s organization regularly offers sugges-
is cultivating and sticking to good study habits. tions designed to help us improve our ministry.
“The faithful and discreet slave” publishes infor- In addition to our house-to-house work, for ex-
mation on a wide range of topics. (Matt. 24:45) ample, we might engage in letter writing, tele-
So the subjects that you can study in order to phone witnessing, preaching on the street or in
take in spiritual food are extremely varied. Let us other public places, and sharing the good news
consider an example of a good subject for per- with people informally and in business territory.
sonal study: Why is the Kingdom-preaching We may also be able to arrange our affairs so that
work of great importance? The accompanying we can witness in seldom-worked territory.
box sets out some of the reasons. Are you open-minded about these sugges-
Considering the points listed in the box can tions? Have you tried to put some of them into
motivate you to keep on preaching zealously. practice? Many who have done so have been
Why not make it a study project to see how many overjoyed with the results. Consider three exam-
other reasons you can list? Then meditate on the ples.
reasons and the scriptures that support them. The first example involves the effect of some-
Doing so will no doubt strengthen your zeal for thing said in one of the Kingdom Ministry articles
the ministry. on how to start Bible studies. It moved a sister

named April to offer a study to three of her reported that her 86-year-old mother, who had
coworkers. She was surprised and thrilled when many health problems, regularly shared in this
all three accepted her offer and also began to at- form of sacred service and was gaining great joy
tend congregation meetings. from conducting a Bible study by telephone with
The second example has to do with placing a 92-year-old!
our magazines. We have been encouraged to The witnessing suggestions made in our pub-
search out people who are likely to respond to lications really work. Use them! They can help
specific articles in our journals. A circuit over- you to maintain your joy and your zeal for the
seer in the United States reported that he had of- ministry.
fered an Awake! article on tires to the managers
SET REASONABLE GOALS
of all the tire stores in a certain area. He and his
wife also took a series on “Understanding Your Success in our preaching work is not mea-
Doctor” to over 100 doctor’s offices in the circuit. sured primarily in terms of how many publica-
He says: “Such visits have been very useful in in- tions we distribute, how many Bible studies we
troducing ourselves and the literature. After get- conduct, or how many people we help to become
ting on friendly terms with individuals in these Jehovah’s servants. After all, how many people
places, we have been able to increase our contact outside his immediate family did Noah help to
with them.” become Jehovah’s worshippers? Yet, he was cer-
The third example involves witnessing by tele- tainly a successful preacher. What counts is that
phone. A sister named Judy wrote to world head- we serve Jehovah faithfully.—1 Cor. 4:2.
quarters to express appreciation for the en- Many Kingdom publishers find that in or-
couragement to do telephone witnessing. She der to stimulate their own enthusiasm for the
preaching work, they need to set reasonable
goals. What might some of these be? A few ideas
are presented in the accompanying box.
With Jehovah’s help, seek ways to make your
SET REASONABLE GOALS service rewarding and productive. When you
reach your goals, you will have the joy of accom-
ˇ Establish a weekly schedule for field plishment and the satisfaction of knowing that
service, and strive to stick to it.
you are doing all you can to preach the good
ˇ Offer a Bible study at every opportunity. news.
ˇ If possible, read at least one scripture True, preaching the good news can be a chal-
during each conversation with a house- lenge. Yet, there are things you can do to be a
holder. zealous Kingdom proclaimer. Enjoy an inter-
ˇ Increase magazine distribution. change of encouragement with your preaching
partner, cultivate and stick to good study habits,
ˇ Make return visits on all who listen
to the Kingdom message. put into practice the faithful slave’s suggestions,
and set reasonable goals. Above all, remember
ˇ Engage in various forms of the ministry. that God has granted you the inestimable privi-
ˇ Create more opportunities to witness lege of declaring the good news as one of his
informally. Witnesses. (Isa. 43:10) What joy you will experi-
ence as you continue to maintain your zeal for
the ministry!
18 THE WATCHTOWER
Preparing the Nations
for “the Teaching of Jehovah”
“The proconsul . . . became a believer, for he was
astounded at the teaching of Jehovah.”—ACTS 13:12.
JESUS CHRIST gave his followers no small commission. He CAN YOU ANSWER?
commanded them: “Go . . . and make disciples of people of ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
all the nations.” As they did that work, eventually the “good How did Jesus’ disciples
news of the Kingdom [would] be preached in all the inhab- benefit from the Pax Romana,
ited earth for a witness to all the nations.”—Matt. 24:14; or Roman Peace?
28:19.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
2 The disciples loved both Jesus and the good news. Yet,
they might well have wondered just how they could possibly In what ways did the early
Christians make good use of
carry out their commission. After all, they were few in num-
the relative ease of travel and
ber. Jesus, whom they proclaimed to be the Son of God, had the widespread knowledge of
been put to death. His disciples were viewed as “uneducat- Greek?
ed and ordinary.” (Acts 4:13) But they were to deliver a mes-
sage that ran counter to the teachings of the prestigious reli- ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
gious leaders, who were schooled in traditions that dated How was the work of Christ’s
back to ancient times. In their own homeland, the disciples disciples affected by Roman
were not held in esteem. And compared to the rest of the law and the Jewish disper-
sion?
1-3. Jesus’ disciples faced what obstacles to preaching the good news in
“all the nations”?
19
glorious Roman Empire, what was the been favorable for Kingdom preaching.
nation of Israel? The book Evangelism in the Early Church
3 Moreover, Jesus had warned his dis- states: “Probably no period in the histo-
ciples that they would be hated and per- ry of the world was better suited to re-
secuted and that some of them would ceive the infant Church than the first
be killed. (Luke 21:16, 17) They would century AD . . . By the second century
have to contend with betrayal, false Christians . . . began to argue that it was
prophets, and the increasing of law- a divine providence which had pre-
lessness. (Matt. 24:10-12) Even if their pared the world for the advent of Chris-
message would be well-received every- tianity.”
where, how could they possibly take it 6 To what extent God maneuvered
“to the most distant part of the earth”? first-century developments to make ex-
(Acts 1:8) Such challenges must have tensive preaching work possible, the Bi-
seemed daunting! ble does not say. But this much is cer-
4 Whatever concerns they may have tain: Jehovah wanted the good news to
had, the disciples got busy preaching be preached, and Satan did not. In this
the good news not only in Jerusalem article, we will consider some factors
and Samaria but throughout the then- that may have made the preaching work
known world. Although the disciples easier in the first century than it might
experienced difficulties, within 30 years have been during other times in history.
the good news was being “preached In the next article, we will examine
in all creation under heaven” and was modern-day developments that help us
“bearing fruit and increasing in all the to proclaim the good news to the ends
world.” (Col. 1:6, 23) To illustrate: Be- of the earth.
cause of what the apostle Paul said and
HOW THE PAX ROMANA
did on the island of Cyprus, the Roman
MAY HAVE HELPED
proconsul Sergius Paulus “became a
believer, for he was astounded at the 7 In some ways, the first-century Ro-
teaching of Jehovah.”—Read Acts 13: man world brought benefits to Chris-
6-12. tians. For instance, there was the Pax
5 Jesus’ disciples knew that they Romana, or Roman Peace. The vast Ro-
could not accomplish the preaching man Empire imposed stability on peo-
work on their own. Jesus had said that ple in its realm. At times, there were
he would be with them and that the holy “wars and reports of wars,” as Jesus
spirit would assist them. (Matt. 28:20) had foretold. (Matt. 24:6) Roman armies
In some respects, circumstances exist- destroyed Jerusalem in 70 C.E., and
ing in the world of that day may have there were skirmishes on the frontiers
of the empire. For about 200 years from
4. How successful were the first-century disci-
ples in their preaching activity? 6. What will we examine (a) in this article?
5. (a) What assurance did Jesus give his disci- (b) in the next one?
ples? (b) In considering first-century circum- 7. What was the Pax Romana, and why was it re-
stances, what have some concluded? markable?
20 THE WATCHTOWER
the time of Jesus, however, the Mediter- (80,000 km) of roads that linked nearly
ranean world was comparatively free of every province. The roads cut through
strife. One reference book states: “Nev- forests, crossed deserts, and scaled
er in human history had there been so mountains.
long a span of general tranquility, and 10 In addition to their system of
never again was peace to be maintained roads, the Romans could take advan-
so steadily among so many people.” tage of some 17,000 miles (27,000 km)
8 Expressing his viewpoint, third- of navigable rivers and canals. Roman
century theologian Origen wrote: “It ships traveled some 900 sea routes that
would have hindered Jesus’ teaching linked hundreds of ports. Christians
from being spread through the whole could therefore travel throughout the
world if there had been many kingdoms Roman world. There were difficulties,
. . . because men everywhere would but the apostle Paul and others could
have been compelled to do military ser- journey throughout the realm with-
vice and to fight in defence of their out passports and visas. There were
own land. . . . Accordingly, how could no immigration and customs checks.
this teaching, which preaches peace and Outlaws feared Roman punishment, so
does not even allow men to take ven- roads were relatively safe. Travel by
geance on their enemies, have had any sea was similarly safe because Rome’s
success unless the international situa- navies kept sea lanes free of piracy.
tion had everywhere been changed and Although Paul experienced shipwreck
a milder spirit prevailed at the advent of several times and there were dangers at
Jesus?” Kingdom proclaimers were per- sea, the Scriptures do not specifically
secuted in the Roman world, but they say that his voyages were troubled by pi-
were peaceable and apparently benefit- rates.—2 Cor. 11:25, 26.
ed from the somewhat peaceful climate HOW LANGUAGE HELPED
of those times.—Read Romans 12:18-21.
11 The common, or Koine, Greek lan-
HOW RELATIVELY CONVENIENT guage helped to promote good commu-
TRAVEL PROVED HELPFUL nication and unity among the Christian
9 Christians made good use of the congregations. Because of the con-
Roman system of roads. To secure quests of Alexander the Great, Greek
and maintain control over its subjects, was widely spoken and understood.
Rome had a strong and efficient army. Thus, God’s servants could communi-
To move troops quickly, good roads cate with all kinds of people, and this
were needed, and the Romans were contributed to the spread of the good
skilled at building them. Roman en- news. Moreover, Jews living in Egypt
gineers constructed over 50,000 miles had translated the Hebrew Scriptures
into Greek. People were familiar with
8. How did the climate of peace benefit the this Septuagint version, and the early
early Christians?
9, 10. Why was it relatively convenient for the 11. Why did the disciples make use of the
disciples to travel in the Roman Empire? Greek language?

followers of Christ quoted freely from it. alone would fill an entire scroll. But
Christians also found Greek to be ideal then came the codex—the earliest form
for their writings. It had an extensive of a book. It was a collection of pages
vocabulary and was rich in terms that bound together. A reader could open a
were useful when spiritual matters had codex and easily locate a passage of
to be explained. Scripture. Though it is not known exact-
12 How could Christians use the ly when Christians began to use the co-
Scriptures in their ministry? Scrolls dex, one reference work states: “So uni-
were cumbersome, for they had to be versal is the Christian use of the codex
rolled and unrolled, and usually there in the second century that its introduc-
was writing on only one side of the tion must date well before A.D. 100.”
parchment. The Gospel of Matthew
HOW ROMAN LAW WAS HELPFUL
12. (a) What is a codex, and what advantages 13 Roman law was in force through-
did it have over a scroll? (b) When did the co- out the empire, and Roman citizen-
dex become widely used by Christians?
ship offered valuable rights and immu-
nities. Paul made use of his Roman
citizenship on several occasions. Faced
with scourging in Jerusalem, the apostle
asked a Roman officer: “Is it lawful for
you to scourge a Roman who has not
Using a codex made it much been condemned?” It was not. When
easier to find a scripture
(See paragraph 12)
Paul pointed out that he was a Roman
citizen by birth, “the men who were
about to interrogate him under torture
backed away from him; and the military
commander became afraid when he re-
alized that [Paul] was a Roman and that
he had bound him in chains.”—Acts
22:25-29.
14 Paul’s citizenship under Roman
law affected how he was treated in Phi-

lippi. (Acts 16:35-40) In Ephesus, the
city recorder referred to the Roman le-
gal system after he had calmed an angry
mob. (Acts 19:35-41) Paul’s legal appeal
while in Caesarea opened the way for
him to make a defense of his faith be-
fore Caesar. (Acts 25:8-12) Thus, Roman
13, 14. (a) How did Paul make use of his Ro-
man citizenship? (b) How did Roman law ben-
efit Christians?
22 THE WATCHTOWER
law made possible “the defending and hearts were inclined toward righteous-
legally establishing of the good news.” ness. Accordingly, the apostle custom-
—Phil. 1:7. arily entered synagogues of the Jews and
reasoned with them from the Scrip-
THE EFFECT OF THE JEWISH
tures.—Read Acts 17:1, 2.
DISPERSION 17 The Jews had established a pattern
15 In some respects, Christians may of worship. They regularly met together
have found their evangelizing work eas- in synagogues or at open-air meeting
ier because Jewish communities were places. They sang songs, prayed, and
scattered throughout the Roman world. discussed the Scriptures. Similar prac-
Centuries earlier the Assyrians and lat- tices are followed in Christian congrega-
er the Babylonians had exiled the Jews tions today.
from their homeland. As early as the
fifth century B.C.E., there were Jewish POSSIBLE WITH JEHOVAH’S HELP
communities in the 127 provinces of the 18 So it was that a remarkable set of
Persian Empire. (Esther 9:30) When Je- circumstances contributed to the suc-
sus was on earth, there were communi- cessful preaching of the good news. Pax
ties of Jews in Egypt and other parts of Romana, relatively convenient travel, a
North Africa, as well as Greece, Asia universal language, Roman law, and the
Minor, and Mesopotamia. It has been dispersion of the Jews helped Jesus’
estimated that of the 60,000,000 people disciples to carry on their God-given
in the Roman Empire, about 1 in 14 was preaching work.
Jewish. Wherever the Jews went, they 19 Four centuries earlier, the Greek
took their religion with them.—Matt. philosopher Plato had one of his literary
23:15. characters say: “It would be a hard task
16 Because the Jews were so widely to discover the maker and father of this
dispersed, many non-Jews became fa- universe of ours, and even if we did find
miliar with the Hebrew Scriptures. They him, it would be impossible to speak of
learned that there is only one true God him to everyone.” However, Jesus said:
and that those who serve him are held to “The things impossible with men are
high ethical and moral standards. More- possible with God.” (Luke 18:27) The
over, the Hebrew Scriptures were filled Creator of the universe wants people to
with prophecies concerning the Messi- find him and get to know him. Further-
ah. (Luke 24:44) Both Jews and Chris- more, Jesus told his followers: “Make
tians understood that the Hebrew Scrip- disciples of people of all the nations.”
tures were the inspired Word of God, (Matt. 28:19) With Jehovah God’s help,
which made it possible for Paul to estab- fulfilling that commission is possible.
lish common ground with those whose The following article will show how that
work is being done in our day.
15. How widespread were first-century Jewish
communities? 18, 19. (a) What did first-century circum-
16, 17. (a) In what ways did the dispersion of stances make possible? (b) How does the fore-
the Jews benefit many non-Jews? (b) What going information make you feel about Jeho-
practices of the Jews did the disciples adopt? vah?

Jehovah Guides Our
Global Teaching Work
“I, Jehovah, am your God, the One teaching you
to benefit yourself, the One guiding you in the way
you should walk.”—ISA. 48:17.
CAN YOU EXPLAIN? THE Bible Students1 of the late 19th and early 20th centuries
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ faced many obstacles. Like the first-century Christians, they
How have Jehovah’s servants proclaimed a largely unpopular message. They were few in
participated in Bible transla- number, and the world in general did not consider them high-
tion? ly educated. Moreover, they would in time face the “great an-
ger” of Satan the Devil. (Rev. 12:12) And their preaching work
would take place during “the last days,” an era characterized
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ by “critical times hard to deal with.”—2 Tim. 3:1.
How have we made use 2 Yet, Jehovah purposed that his people proclaim the good
of peaceful conditions and news on an unprecedented scale in our day, and nothing can
convenient transportation? prevent him from accomplishing that purpose. Just as he de-
livered the ancient nation of Israel from Babylon, Jehovah has
rescued his present-day servants from “Babylon the Great,”
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
What inventions have we 1 The Bible Students adopted the name Jehovah’s Witnesses in 1931.—Isa.
43:10.
used in preaching the good
news? 1. What obstacles to the preaching work have Christians in modern
times faced?
2. What has Jehovah been doing to advance the preaching work in our
day?
24
the world empire of false religion. (Rev. Bible, even being responsible for the
18:1-4) He has taught us for our own death of some who translated it. During
good, has blessed us with peace, and has the 19th century, however, Bible soci-
helped us to impart his teaching to oth- eties made the Bible available, in whole
ers. (Read Isaiah 48:16-18.) This does not or in part, in some 400 languages. By the
mean that Jehovah exercises his fore- end of that century, many people owned
sight so that he knows and then influ- a Bible but lacked accurate knowledge of
ences every development on earth in or- Scriptural teachings.
der to advance the Kingdom-preaching 5 The Bible Students knew that they
work. Some conditions have favored our had to preach, and they tirelessly ex-
witnessing activity, but only with Jeho- plained what the Bible taught. In addi-
vah’s help have we been able to endure tion, Jehovah’s people have used and dis-
such situations as persecution and other tributed various versions of the Bible.
hardships that make it difficult to carry Since 1950, they have published the New
out our commission in this world that is World Translation of the Holy Scriptures, in
lying in Satan’s power.—Isa. 41:13; 1 John whole or in part, in over 120 languages.
5:19. The 2013 English edition of the New
3 Jehovah inspired the prophet Daniel World Translation will make the render-
to foretell that “true knowledge” would ing of it into other languages less chal-
become abundant in the time of the end. lenging. In turn, using a clear, easy-to-
(Read Daniel 12:4.) Jehovah helped the read Bible helps us to carry out our
Bible Students to understand fundamen- preaching work.
tal Scriptural truths that had long been
obscured by Christendom’s doctrines. HOW PEACE HAS HELPED US
6 You may wonder, ‘How much peace
He is now using his people to make
the true knowledge known throughout has there been in the world?’ In the
the earth. Today, we see the fulfillment 20th century, for example, millions of
of Daniel’s prophecy. Nearly 8,000,000 people died as a result of warfare, espe-
people have embraced Bible truth and cially during the two world wars. But as
are now declaring it worldwide. What World War II was raging in 1942, Nathan
are some of the factors that have made Knorr, who was then taking the lead
this global proclamation possible? among Jehovah’s Witnesses, delivered
the convention discourse “Peace—Can
HOW BIBLE TRANSLATION It Last?” That talk presented evidence
HAS HELPED US from Revelation chapter 17 that the war
4 One factor that has favored our then raging would lead, not to Armaged-
proclamation of the good news is the don, but to a time of peace.—Rev. 17:
widespread availability of the Bible. For 3, 11.
centuries, the clergy of Christendom dis- 7 The conclusion of World War II did
couraged and opposed the reading of the
5. What have Jehovah’s Witnesses done in the
3. How has “true knowledge” become abun- field of Bible translation?
dant? 6, 7. (a) How widespread has modern-day
4. How extensive was Bible translation in the warfare been? (b) How has relative peace in
19th century? some lands benefited our preaching work?

We are making Bible literature
available to people around
the earth
The Harp “Let God

of God Be True”
5,800,000 COPIES 18,400,000 COPIES
not bring total peace. According to one and millions of miles of good roads. Cars
count, there were 331 episodes of armed and roads enable many of us to take the
conflict between 1946 and 2013. Millions good news to people who live in remote
died. During those years, however, many areas. However, even if we lack conve-
countries enjoyed relative peace, and Je- nient means of travel and must walk
hovah’s people took advantage of that great distances, we put forth the ef-
situation to proclaim the good news. fort needed to make disciples.—Matt. 28:
What has been the result? In 1944, there 19, 20.
were fewer than 110,000 Kingdom pub- 9 Various other forms of transporta-
lishers worldwide. Today, there are some tion have also been helpful in our work.
8,000,000! (Read Isaiah 60:22.) Are we Trucks, ships, and trains make it possi-
not thankful when we can preach the ble to transport Bible-based literature to
good news under peaceful conditions? very remote regions within weeks. Air-
planes allow circuit overseers, Branch
HOW CONVENIENT TRAVEL Committee members, missionaries, and
HAS HELPED US others to travel swiftly to conventions or
8Advancement in the field of trans- to care for theocratic assignments. Ad-
portation has facilitated the preach- ditionally, members of the Governing
ing work. In 1900—about 21 years after Body and other brothers from world
the first Watch Tower was printed—only headquarters fly to many countries to en-
8,000 automobiles were registered in the courage and instruct fellow believers.
entire United States, and there were Advancements in transportation thus
just a few hundred miles of roads good help to promote unity among Jehovah’s
enough to drive them on. Worldwide, people.—Ps. 133:1-3.
there are now more than one and a
HOW LANGUAGE HAS HELPED US
half billion registered motorized vehicles
10 During the first century, common,
8, 9. What developments have there been in
the field of transportation, and how have they 10. Why can it be said that English is an inter-
helped us in our work? national language?
26 THE WATCHTOWER
The Truth That Leads What Does the Bible
to Eternal Life Really Teach?
107,300,000 COPIES 237,600,000 COPIES
or Koine, Greek was widely spoken in dom to people of all nations, we have
the Roman Empire. Is there a language translated our literature into some 700
as widely spoken today? Many would say languages. Advances in computer tech-
that English is such a language. The nology, including the development of
book English as a Global Language says: MEPS (Multilanguage Electronic Pub-
“About a quarter of the world’s popula- lishing System), have assisted us in
tion is already fluent or competent in En- this vast endeavor. These efforts have
glish.” The most widely taught foreign helped us to spread the Kingdom mes-
language is English, which is used to sage and have promoted unity among us
communicate internationally for com- worldwide. But we are especially uni-
mercial, political, scientific, and techno- fied because we speak the more impor-
logical purposes. tant “pure language” of Scriptural truth.
11 The widespread use of English has —Read Zephaniah 3:9.
helped to advance pure worship. For
HOW LAWS HAVE BEEN HELPFUL
years, The Watchtower and other Bible-
based publications were printed first in
13 As noted in the preceding article,
English. It is the official language at the the early Christians benefited from Ro-
world headquarters of Jehovah’s Wit- man law, which was in force throughout
nesses. And it is generally used when the empire. Similarly, present-day Chris-
teaching students at the Watchtower Ed- tians benefit from legal provisions. For
ucational Center in Patterson, New York, example, in the United States—the loca-
U.S.A. tion of our world headquarters—the Con-
12 Because we have the privilege of stitution guarantees freedom of religion,
preaching the good news of the King- speech, and assembly. This has given
brothers in the United States freedom to
11. How has English had an impact on the ad- meet and discuss the Bible openly and to
vancement of pure worship? share with others what they are learning.
12. To what extent have Jehovah’s servants
translated Bible-based literature, and how has 13, 14. How have present-day Christians ben-
technology made this possible? efited from laws and legal decisions?

However, freedom to exercise certain and in only one language—English. To-
rights had to be legally established in the day, 136 years later, over 50,000,000 cop-
courts. (Phil. 1:7) When legal action was ies of each issue of The Watchtower are
brought against Jehovah’s people in the being printed and distributed. It is beau-
United States, appeals to higher courts tifully illustrated in full color and is avail-
repeatedly upheld their right to be King- able in more than 200 languages.
dom proclaimers. 16 Consider some inventions of the
14 Courts of other countries have also past 200 years that God’s people have
upheld our freedom of worship and the used in preaching the good news. We
right to preach publicly. In some lands, have mentioned trains, cars, and air-
we have lost court battles, but we have planes, but there have also been bi-
applied to international courts. For ex- cycles, typewriters, Braille devices, the
ample, as of June 2014, the European telegraph, telephones, cameras, audio
Court of Human Rights has ruled in our and video recorders, radio, television,
favor in 57 cases that are binding on all motion pictures, computers, and the In-
nations of the Council of Europe. Even ternet. In various ways, such things have
though we are “hated by all the nations,” helped us to accomplish our commission
the courts of many countries have ruled to make disciples. In fulfillment of the
that we have the right to practice true prophecy that Jehovah’s people would
worship.—Matt. 24:9. “drink the milk of nations,” we have
made wise use of resources of the na-
HOW OTHER FACTORS HAVE
tions, such as modern technology, in or-
AFFECTED OUR TEACHING WORK
der to produce the Bible and Bible litera-
15 Advances in the printing indus-
ture in many languages.—Read Isaiah
try have contributed to the worldwide 60:16.
preaching of the good news. For centu- 17 Clearly, we have strong evidence of
ries the flatbed platen printing press in- God’s blessing. Of course, Jehovah does
vented by Johannes Gutenberg about not rely on our help to accomplish his
1450 changed little. During the past two purposes. Yet, our loving heavenly Fa-
centuries, however, noteworthy changes ther allows us to be his “fellow workers,”
have taken place in the printing indus- thus enabling us to show our love for him
try. Presses have become larger, faster, and for our neighbor. (1 Cor. 3:9; Mark
and more sophisticated. Paper produc- 12:28-31) May we take advantage of our
tion and bookbinding have become less opportunities to proclaim the Kingdom
expensive. Offset printing has replaced message, the most important work on
the letterpress method, speeding up the earth. By all means, let us show how
production process and improving the thankful we are that Jehovah has guided
quality of artwork. What has all of this and blessed our global teaching work!
meant for our work? Consider this: The
first Watch Tower (July 1879) had a print- 16. What inventions have aided us in preach-
ing of 6,000 copies, without illustrations, ing earth wide? (See opening image.)
17. (a) The evidence points to what conclu-
15. What advances have been made in print- sion? (b) Why does Jehovah allow us to be his
ing, and how have these helped us? “fellow workers”?
28 THE WATCHTOWER
What can be done to assist

brothers and sisters who suffer from
adverse reactions to fragrances?
ˇ Any who are sensitive to fragrances face a dif- Where the problem exists and local circum-
ficult challenge. Very likely, they have little con- stances allow, it might be possible for the body
trol over their exposure to fragrances in day-to- of elders to arrange for those who are sensitive
day interactions with strangers. Yet, some have to fragrances to sit in a somewhat isolated area
inquired whether it would be possible to request in the Kingdom Hall. For example, there may be
that the brothers and sisters refrain from using a conference room equipped with sound where
perfumes and colognes at Christian meetings, they could sit in order to benefit from the meet-
assemblies, and conventions. ings. If the matter cannot be resolved reasonably
Certainly, no Christian would knowingly want and some are still suffering severely, the congre-
to make it difficult for another person to attend gation may be in a position to record the meet-
Christian gatherings. All of us need the encour- ings for these ones or to arrange for a telephone
agement that our meetings provide. (Heb. 10:24, hookup to their home, as has been done for oth-
25) Consequently, any who suffer from fragrance ers who are confined to their homes.
sensitivity that is so severe that it hinders their In recent years, Our Kingdom Ministry has en-
meeting attendance may wish to discuss the couraged brothers and sisters to show special
matter with the elders. While it would not be consideration in this matter while attending re-
gional conventions. In view of the fact that most
Scriptural or appropriate to make rules about the
conventions are held in enclosed areas with me-
use of fragrances by those attending meetings,
chanical ventilation, attendees have been asked
the elders may be able to provide information to
to limit their use of strong fragrances at these
help congregation members understand the is-
events. Special consideration has been urged
sues that others face. Depending on the circum-
particularly in regard to regional conventions,
stances, the elders may decide to consider previ-
since it is generally not possible to provide
ously published information in a local needs part
fragrance-free areas at the venues used. How-
during the Service Meeting, or they may choose ever, it was never intended that this direction be-
to make a tactful announcement on the subject.1 come a general rule for congregation meetings,
However, the elders cannot constantly be mak- and it should not be interpreted as such.
ing announcements of this kind. At our meet- While we live in this system of things, all of us
ings, there will always be newly interested peo- suffer the consequences of inherited imperfec-
ple and visitors who are unaware of the problem, tion. How we appreciate the efforts of others to
and we want such ones to feel welcome. No one alleviate our suffering! It may represent a sacri-
should be made to feel uncomfortable because of fice for some to refrain from using perfume or
his or her moderate use of fragrances. cologne in order to make it easier for a brother
1 For a review of this topic, see “Helping Those With MCS,” in
or a sister to attend Christian meetings. Yet, love
Awake! of August 8, 2000, pages 8-10. may prompt us to choose to do so.

Do secular sources support the existence of Pontius Pilate?

ˇ Pontius Pilate is known to Bible readers be- reused stone slab clearly bore Pilate’s name in
cause of his role in Jesus’ trial and execution. Latin. The inscription (shown here) is fragmen-
(Matt. 27:1, 2, 24-26) However, his name also ap- tary but is thought originally to have read: “To the
pears a number of times in other contemporary honorable gods (this) Tiberieum Pontius Pilate,
historical records. According to The Anchor Bible Prefect of Judaea, had dedicated.” The building
Dictionary, the dossier of secular historical refer- referred to was likely a temple honoring the Ro-
ences to him is “larger and more detailed than man Emperor Tiberius.
that of any other Roman governor of Judea.”
Pilate’s name appears most frequently in the
writings of the Jewish historian Josephus, who
chronicled three specific incidents relating to the
difficulties Pilate experienced while governing Ju-
This stone slab was
dea. A fourth incident was added by the Jewish inscribed with Pilate’s
historian Philo. The Roman writer Tacitus, who name in Latin
recorded the history of Rome’s emperors, con-
firmed that Pontius Pilate ordered Jesus’ execu-
tion during the reign of Tiberius.
Photograph 5 Israel Museum,
In 1961, archaeologists working in the ancient Jerusalem; courtesy of Israel
Antiquities Authority
Roman theater in Caesarea, Israel, found that a
Does a female Kingdom publisher need to wear

a head covering if she conducts a Bible study
in the presence of a male publisher?
ˇ In a “Questions From Readers” item published Christian congregation because she is fulfilling a
in The Watchtower of July 15, 2002, it was stated role that would normally be the responsibility of
that a sister should cover her head if she conducts the brother. (1 Cor. 11:5, 6, 10) Alternatively, she
a Bible study in the presence of a male publisher, could ask the brother to conduct the study if he is
whether he is baptized or not. Further consider- qualified and able to do so.
ation of the matter suggests that a modification to On the other hand, if a sister is accompanied
this direction is appropriate. on an established Bible study by an unbaptized
If the male publisher who accompanies the sis- male publisher who is not her husband, she
ter while she conducts an established Bible study would not Scripturally be required to wear a head
is baptized, the sister would certainly want to covering. Nevertheless, the conscience of some
wear a head covering. She thus shows respect for sisters may move them to wear a head covering
Jehovah’s arrangement of headship within the even in such circumstances.
30 THE WATCHTOWER
FROM OUR ARCHIVES
“A Very Precious Season”

IN 1870 a small group in Pittsburgh (Allegheny), al Meeting” took place for several days during
Pennsylvania, U.S.A., began searching the Scrip- the Memorial season. “Come,” urged the Watch
tures. Led by Charles Taze Russell, they studied Tower, “with your own heart overflowing with
the subject of Christ’s ransom and soon real- love for the Master and for his brethren and for
ized its central place in Jehovah’s purpose. How his truth.”
thrilled they were to learn that the ransom opens For several years, the Bible Students in Pitts-
up the way to salvation, even for those who had burgh hosted conventions for believers in the
not yet heard of Jesus! They appreciatively felt ransom who came there for the Memorial. As the
moved to commemorate Jesus’ death each year in ranks of the Bible Students grew, so did the num-
remembrance of him.—1 Cor. 11:23-26. ber and size of Memorial gatherings worldwide.
Brother Russell went on to publish Zion’s Ray Bopp of the Chicago ecclesia (congregation)
Watch Tower, which championed the doctrine of recalled that in the 1910’s, it took several hours
the ransom as a foremost expression of God’s to pass the emblems among the hundreds of at-
love. The Watch Tower called the time of the Me- tendees because almost all were partakers.
morial of Christ’s death “a very precious season” What emblems were used? Although noting
and urged readers to commemorate it either in that Jesus had used wine during the Lord’s Sup-
Pittsburgh or elsewhere in private groups. “Even per, for a time the Watch Tower recommended in-
if there be but two or three of like precious faith” stead the juice of fresh grapes or cooked raisins,
—or just one—they would be “in heart commu- so as not to tempt those “weak in the flesh.” How-
nion with the Lord.” ever, wine was provided for those who felt that
Each year, more and more came to Pittsburgh “fermented wine was meant to be used.” The Bi-
for the Memorial. “Warm hearts here will make ble Students later understood that unadulterated
you welcome,” stated the invitation. Indeed, lo- red wine is the proper symbol of Jesus’ blood.
cal Bible Students willingly housed and fed their Memorializing Jesus’ death afforded an op-
spiritual brothers and sisters. In 1886, “A Gener- portunity for serious reflection. In some
Vessel for the wine

used at the Memorial
in Pittsburgh
While in solitary
confinement, Harold
Chart for passing King wrote poems
Memorial emblems at and songs about
the London Tabernacle the Memorial
Brothers gathered in the Mordvinia,
Russia, labor camp to observe the
Memorial in 1957
This paper and pencil were passed from

cell to cell to record Memorial attendance
in a prison in Nicaragua
congregations, however, a mournful atmosphere saints,” ones who were partakers but not “actual
prevailed, and when the program concluded, all workers,” preaching the message of truth. In
left barely saying a word. The 1934 book Jehovah, 1934, the Bulletin called for “auxiliaries,” asking:
though, said that the Memorial should be held, “Will there be 1,000 enrolled by Memorial time?”
not “in sorrow” over Jesus’ painful death, but “in Regarding the anointed, the Informant comment-
joy” over his rulership as King since 1914. ed: “Their joy can be complete only by sharing in
The year 1935 marked a dramatic change that the Kingdom witness.” In time, the same would
affected future Memorial observances, for the be true of those with the earthly hope.1
meaning of the “great multitude” (KJ), or “great To all of Jehovah’s people, the Memorial is the
crowd,” of Revelation 7:9 was clarified. Until most sacred night of the year. They observe
then, Jehovah’s servants had viewed this group it even under difficult circumstances. In 1930,
as consecrated Christians who were less zealous. Pearl English and her sister, Ora, walked some
Now this vast throng was identified as faithful 50 miles (80 km) to attend the Memorial. While
worshippers who hope to live on a paradise in solitary confinement in a prison in China, mis-
earth. Following this clarification and after some sionary Harold King wrote poems and songs
careful self-examination, Russell Poggensee ac- about the Memorial and made the emblems from
knowledged: “The heavenly hope had not been black currants and rice. From Eastern Europe to
awakened within me by Jehovah through his holy Central America to Africa, courageous Chris-
spirit.” Brother Poggensee—and many loyal ones tians have braved wartime conditions or bans to
like him—stopped partaking of the emblems but commemorate Jesus’ death. No matter where we
continued to attend the Memorial. are or what our situation is, we gather together
During this “very precious season,” special to honor Jehovah God and Jesus Christ during
preaching campaigns provided a fine way for all the precious Memorial season.
to show appreciation for the ransom. A 1932 1 The Bulletin was later called Informant, now Our Kingdom
Bulletin urged Christians not to be “Memorial Ministry.
s
w15 02/15-E

141015

M ARC H 1 5, 201 5
34567
STUDY ARTICLES
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
MAY 4-10 MAY 11-17 MAY 18-24 MAY 25-31
“This Is the Way Will You Learn From Loyally Supporting

You Approved” “Keep on the Illustration Christ’s Brothers
PAGE 7 ˙ SONGS: 65, 64 the Watch”? of the Talents PAGE 25 ˙ SONGS: 107, 63
PAGE 12 ˙ SONGS: 108, 24 PAGE 19 ˙ SONGS: 101, 116
STUDY ARTICLES
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
ˇ “This Is the Way You Approved”

ˇ Will You “Keep on the Watch”?
In the first article, we will discuss how Jehovah has guided
his people with teaching that is progressively clearer and
HONDURAS simpler. In the second, we will examine Jesus’ parable of the
COVER: Many tourists come ten virgins and see how it can help us to keep spiritually
to Copán to see the pre-Columbian alert today.
ruins, but Jehovah’s Witnesses __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
there are helping people to look

to the future ˇ Learn From the Illustration of the Talents
‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ ˇ Loyally Supporting Christ’s Brothers
In giving the sign of his presence, Jesus related two illus-
POPULATION
trations that we will consider. One involves slaves who are
8,111,000 given talents, and the other speaks of people being separat-
PUBLISHERS
ed as sheep are from goats. Learn why Jesus gave these
illustrations and how we are involved.
22,098
REGULAR PIONEERS

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Spanish is the official language 3 We Found a More Rewarding Career

of Honduras. But 365 publishers __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
in 12 congregations use the 17 Questions From Readers

Garifuna language. Also there __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
are 11 congregations and 3 groups 30 Marry “Only in the Lord”—Still Realistic?

that use Honduras Sign Language
34567 ˙
March 15, 2015
LIFE STORY
We Found a
More Rewarding
Career
AS TOLD BY
DAVID AND GWEN CARTWRIGHT
WHEN Gwen and I were five years old, we began

to learn to dance. We had not yet met. But grow-
ing up, we each determined to make ballet danc-
ing our career. When we were almost at the top of
our profession, we gave it all up. What led to our
decision?
David: I was born in 1945 in the county of Our professional ballet careers took us
Shropshire, England. My father had a farm in the around the world to dance
peaceful countryside. After school, I would enjoy
feeding the chickens and collecting their eggs as
petition, open to the whole of Britain, that award-
well as caring for the beef cattle and the sheep.
ed the winner a place at the junior section of The
During school vacations, I helped with the har-
Royal Ballet School. This was located at White
vest, sometimes driving our tractors.
Lodge, a beautiful Georgian mansion in Rich-
However, another interest was beginning to mond Park on the outskirts of London. There I re-
take over my life. My father had noticed that at a ceived schooling as well as ballet training from
very young age, I wanted to dance whenever I highly regarded teachers. At age 16, I became a se-
heard music. So when I was five years old, he sug- nior student at The Royal Ballet School in central
gested that my mother take me to a local dance London, and that is where I met David. Within a
school for me to learn tap dancing. My teacher few months, we were performing together in bal-
thought that I had the potential for becoming a let scenes within operas at the Royal Opera
ballet dancer and gave me training for this as well. House in Covent Garden, London.
At the age of 15, I won a scholarship to the pres- David: Yes, as Gwen noted, our careers led us
tigious Royal Ballet School in London. There I to dance at the famous Royal Opera House and
met Gwen, and we were paired as dancing part- with the London Festival Ballet (now the English
ners. National Ballet). One of the choreographers of
Gwen: I was born in the busy city of London in the Royal Ballet set up an international company
1944. As a little girl, I had deep faith in God. I in Wuppertal, Germany, and selected us to be the
tried to read my Bible but found it difficult to un- two soloist dancers he took with him. During our
derstand. Earlier, when I was five years old, I went careers, we danced in theaters around the world,
to dancing classes. Six years later I won a com- performing with such celebrities as Dame Margot
MARCH 15, 2015 3

Our wedding day and early
married life on the farm
Fonteyn and Rudolf Nureyev. This kind of com- Gwen: Yes, it was difficult to adapt to farm life.
petitive life makes one think a lot of oneself, and Milking cows and feeding pigs and chickens in
we became dedicated to our profession. all kinds of weather was far from the world I
Gwen: My whole mind and body were devoted knew. David began a nine-month course at a
to dancing. David and I shared the ambition of farming college to bring him up-to-date with the
getting to the top. I enjoyed signing autographs, latest methods, and I felt lonely till he came
receiving flowers, and hearing the applause of the home at night. By now our first daughter, Gilly,
audience. In the theater world, I was surrounded had been born. At David’s suggestion, I learned
by much immorality, smoking, and drinking; like to drive a car, and one day while visiting a near-
others in the profession, I relied on my good-luck by town, I saw Gael, whom I had met when she
charms. worked in one of the local shops.
Gael kindly invited me to her home for a cup
OUR LIVES CHANGE COMPLETELY of tea. We shared wedding photos, and her pho-
David: After many years in the dancing profes- to showed a group outside a place called a King-
sion, I got tired of living out of a suitcase. Since I dom Hall. I asked her what sort of church that
had grown up on a farm, I began longing for a was. When she told me that she and her husband
simpler life in the countryside. So in 1967, I left were Jehovah’s Witnesses, I was delighted. I re-
my career and began to work on a large farm near membered that one of my aunts was a Witness.
my parents’ home. The farmer let me rent a small I also remembered, though, how annoyed and
cottage. Then I phoned Gwen at the theater and disgusted my father had been with her, throwing
asked her to marry me. She had been promoted her literature into the rubbish bin. I had won-
to solo dancer and her career was advancing, so dered why my father, normally very friendly, be-
she had a difficult decision to make. Still, she ac- came so angry with such a kind person.
cepted my proposal and joined me in a rural life At last I had the opportunity to find out how
that she knew little about. my aunt’s beliefs differed from church teachings.
4 THE WATCHTOWER
Gael showed me what the Bible actually teaches. he gave his precious Son as a ransom. By now we
I was amazed to find that many doctrines, like had another daughter, and it was thrilling to
the Trinity and the immortality of the soul, are learn that our family could live forever on a par-
contrary to the Scriptures. (Eccl. 9:5, 10; John 14: adise earth.
28; 17:3) I also saw God’s name, Jehovah, in the David: When I understood the amazing fulfill-
Bible for the first time.—Ex. 6:3. ment of Bible prophecies, such as those found in
David: Gwen told me what she was learning. Matthew chapter 24 and in the book of Daniel, I
I remembered my father saying to me when I was became convinced that this was the truth. I re-
a child that I should read the Good Book. Hence, alized that nothing in this system of things
Gwen and I agreed to have a Bible study with matched having a good relationship with Jeho-
Gael and her husband, Derrick. After six months vah. Thus, as time went on, I became less ambi-
we moved to Oswestry, in the same county of tious. I understood that my wife and daughters
Shropshire, because we were given the opportu- were as important as I was. Philippians 2:4 con-
nity to rent our own little farm. There Deirdre, a vinced me that I should not center my thoughts
local Witness, patiently continued conducting on myself and my desire to get a bigger farm.
our Bible study. Our progress was slow at first. Rather, I should put serving Jehovah first in my
Looking after the livestock kept us very busy. life. I stopped smoking. But organizing our lives
Still, gradually the truth took root in our hearts. to get to the Saturday evening meeting six miles
Gwen: A big obstacle that I had to overcome (10 km) away was not easy because the cows
was superstition. Isaiah 65:11 helped me to see needed to be milked about that time. However,
how Jehovah views “those setting a table for the with Gwen’s help we never missed a meeting;
god of Good Luck.” It took time and prayer for nor did we miss taking our girls out with us in the
me to get rid of all my good-luck charms and tal- ministry every Sunday morning—after milking
ismans. Learning that “whoever exalts himself the cows.
will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself Our relatives were not pleased with our
will be exalted” made me aware of the sort of per- change. Gwen’s father did not speak to her for six
son that Jehovah looks for. (Matt. 23:12) I want- years. My parents too tried to stop us from asso-
ed to serve a God who cared for us so much that ciating with the Witnesses.
We found great joy

serving on international
construction projects
Gwen: Jehovah carried us through these chal- After our two eldest daughters, Gilly and Den-
lenges. And as time went by, the brothers and sis- ise, got married, we closed the dance studio. We
ters in the Oswestry Congregation became like a wrote to the branch office to find out where we
new family, lovingly supporting us through our could be of help. They directed us to towns in the
trials. (Luke 18:29, 30) We dedicated our lives to southeast of England. With only one daughter,
Jehovah and got baptized in 1972. I wanted to Debbie, at home, I too began pioneering. Five
work hard to help as many people as possible to years later, we were asked to help other congre-
know the truth, so I began pioneering. gations farther north. After Debbie got married,
we had the privilege of spending ten years in
A REWARDING NEW CAREER the international construction program in Zim-
David: The years we worked on our farm were babwe, Moldova, Hungary, and Côte d’Ivoire.
physically hard; spiritually, we tried to set a good Then we returned to England to assist with con-
example for our girls. In time, as a result of gov- struction at London Bethel. Because of my farm-
ernment cutbacks, we had to give up the farm. ing experience, I was asked to help at the Bethel
With no home or employment and with our third farm that was operating at the time. Present-
daughter just a year old, we prayed to Jehovah for ly, we are pioneering in the northwest of En-
help and guidance. We decided to use our talent gland.
and open a dance studio to support the family. Gwen: Our first dedication—to ballet—was
Our determination to put spiritual interests in enjoyable but fleeting. Our second and most
first place bore good fruit. To our great delight, all important dedication—to Jehovah—has brought
three of our daughters began pioneering when us great joy and is everlasting. We are still
they finished school. Gwen too was a pioneer, so partners, but this time we are using our feet
she was able to give our girls daily support. to pioneer together. Helping many people to
learn precious, lifesaving truths
has brought us inestimable hap-
piness. These “letters of recom-
mendation” are better than any
worldly fame. (2 Cor. 3:1, 2) If
we had not found the truth, we
would now have only memories,
old photos, and theater programs
from our former career.
David: Having a career in Jeho-
vah’s service has made a huge dif-
ference in our lives. I know it has
helped me to improve as a hus-
band and father. The Bible tells
us that Miriam, King David, and
others expressed their happiness
by dancing. And we, along with
many others, are longing to dance
for joy in Jehovah’s new world.
—Ex. 15:20; 2 Sam. 6:14.
“This Is the Way You Approved”
“You have carefully hidden these things from wise
and intellectual ones and have revealed them to
young children.”—LUKE 10:21.
CAN you imagine what it was like to see Jesus Christ become HOW WOULD YOU
“overjoyed in the holy spirit”? Perhaps you picture his fea- ANSWER?
tures lit up by a broad smile, his eyes twinkling with plea- ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
sure. What was it that moved him so? He had recently sent What recent examples show
out 70 of his disciples to preach the good news of God’s that Jehovah approves of
Kingdom. He was keenly interested in how they would han- teaching that is clear and
dle their assignment. There were many powerful enemies of simple?
the good news, such as the clever and highly educated
scribes and Pharisees. They influenced many to look down
on Jesus as a mere carpenter and on his disciples as “un- ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
educated and ordinary men.” (Acts 4:13; Mark 6:3) Nonethe- How has our way of explaining
Bible accounts gradually
less, the disciples returned from their mission aglow with
changed?
excitement. They had preached despite opposition, even
from demons! What accounted for their joy and courage?
—Read Luke 10:1, 17-21.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
2 Note what Jesus said to Jehovah: “I publicly praise you,
How has our understanding
Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden of Jesus’ illustrations been
1. What moved Jesus to become “overjoyed in the holy spirit”? (See
refined?
opening image.)
2. (a) How were Jesus’ disciples like children? (b) What enabled
Christ’s followers to grasp vital spiritual truths?
7
these things from the wise and intellec- edition of The Watchtower.1 This edition
tual ones and have revealed them to has proved to be, in effect, a loving gift
young children. Yes, O Father, because to those who struggle with language or
this is the way you approved.” (Matt. 11: find reading a challenge. Family heads
25, 26) Of course, Jesus did not mean are finding that their children are now
that his disciples were children in a lit- more involved in the study of this jour-
eral sense. Rather, he knew that they nal, the main channel of our spiritual
seemed to be children compared to the feeding program. Many have written
intellectual and highly educated ones in touching expressions of heartfelt appre-
the land, who were wise in their own ciation. A sister wrote that she had held
eyes. More important, Jesus taught his back from commenting at the Watch-
followers to be like children, remain- tower Study. “I was a wallflower,” she
ing humble and teachable. (Matt. 18: said. Not anymore! After making use of
1-4) How did they benefit from being the simplified edition, she wrote: “I now
humble? By means of holy spirit, Jeho- comment more than once, and the fear
vah helped them to grasp vital spiritual is gone! I thank Jehovah and you.”
truths while the wise and intellectu- 5 Second, there is the revised edition
al ones, who scorned them, remained of the New World Translation of the Holy
blinded by Satan and by their own Scriptures, released in English at the
pride. annual meeting on October 5, 2013.2
3 No wonder Jesus was so pleased! It Many Scriptures now use fewer words,
made him happy to see the way Jehovah yet their meaning is intact or even clear-
revealed deep spiritual truths to hum- er. For example, Job 10:1 went from 27
ble people of all sorts, regardless of words to 19; Proverbs 8:6 went from 20
their education or intellectual gifts. He words to 13. Both verses are clearer in
was delighted that his Father approved the new edition. In fact, one faithful
of this way of teaching. Has Jehovah anointed brother with a record of de-
changed, and how does he show that he cades of loyal service commented: “I
still approves of this kind of teaching? just read the book of Job in the new edi-
As we examine the answer, we may find tion, and I feel as if I understand it for
that it brings us keen delight, just as it the first time!” Many have made similar
did Jesus. comments.
6 Third, consider some of our recent
MAKING DEEP TRUTHS
ACCESSIBLE TO ALL 1 The simplified edition was first made available in
4 In recent years, the spiritual instruc- the English language in July 2011. Since then, a sim-
plified edition has been made available in a few addi-
tion provided by Jehovah’s organization tional languages.
has reflected an increased emphasis on 2 Preparations are under way to make the revised
edition available in other languages as well.
simplicity and clarity. Consider three
examples. First, there is the simplified 5. What are some benefits of the revised edi-
tion of the New World Translation of the Holy
3. What will we discuss in this article? Scriptures?
4. In what ways has the simplified edition of 6. How do you feel about the refined under-
The Watchtower proved to be a loving gift? standing of Matthew 24:45-47?
8 THE WATCHTOWER
refinements in understanding. For exam- Sarah provided a prophetic picture of
ple, our clarified understanding of “the Jehovah’s relationship with the nation
faithful and discreet slave,” published of Israel and the heavenly part of God’s
in the July 15, 2013, Watchtower, thrilled organization. (Gal. 4:22-26) Similarly,
us. (Matt. 24:45-47) It was explained the tabernacle and the temple, Atone-
that the faithful slave is the Govern- ment Day, the high priest, and other fac-
ing Body, while the “domestics” are all ets of the Mosaic Law contained “a
those who are fed spiritually, whether of shadow of the good things to come.”
the anointed or of the “other sheep.” (Heb. 9:23-25; 10:1) It is fascinating
(John 10:16) What a delight it is to learn and faith-strengthening to study such
such truths and to teach them to new prophetic pictures. Can we conclude,
ones! In what other ways has Jehovah though, that every character, event, and
shown that he approves of teaching in a object described in the Bible foreshad-
simple, clear way? ows someone or something?
9 In the past, such an approach was
A SIMPLER, CLEARER APPROACH
TO BIBLE NARRATIVES often taken. Consider, for example, the
account about Naboth, whose unjust
7 If you have been serving Jehovah for
trial and execution were arranged by
decades, you may have noticed a gradu- wicked Queen Jezebel so that her hus-
al shift in the way our literature ex- band, Ahab, could seize Naboth’s vine-
plains many of the narratives recorded yard. (1 Ki. 21:1-16) Back in 1932, that
in the Bible. How so? In times past, account was explained as a prophetic
it was more common for our litera- drama. Ahab and Jezebel were said to
ture to take what might be called a picture Satan and his organization; Na-
type-antitype approach to Scriptural ac- both pictured Jesus; Naboth’s death,
counts. The Bible narrative was con- then, was prophetic of Jesus’ execu-
sidered the type, and any prophetic tion. Decades later, though, in the book
fulfillment of the story was the anti- “Let Your Name Be Sanctified,” published
type. Is there a Scriptural basis for pro- in 1961, Naboth was said to picture
phetic pictures? Yes. For instance, Jesus the anointed, and Jezebel was Christen-
spoke of “the sign of Jonah the proph- dom. Hence, Naboth’s persecution at
et.” (Read Matthew 12:39, 40.) Jesus ex- Jezebel’s hands pictured the persecu-
plained that Jonah’s sojourn in the belly tion of the anointed during the last
of the fish—which would have been Jo- days. For many years, God’s people
nah’s grave had Jehovah not preserved found this approach to Bible accounts
him alive—was prophetic of Jesus’ own
faith strengthening. Why, then, have
time in the grave.
things changed?
8 The Bible contains other inspired
10 As we might expect, over the years
prophetic pictures. The apostle Paul dis-
cussed a number of them. For example, 9. How was the Bible account about Naboth
Abraham’s relationship with Hagar and explained in the past?
10. (a) How has discretion led to greater cau-
7, 8. What are some examples of inspired pro- tion when explaining certain Bible accounts?
phetic pictures in the Bible? (b) Our literature focuses more on what today?
MARCH 15, 2015 9

Naboth’s example teaches us
a powerful lesson
(See paragraph 11)
scured or lost in all the scrutiny of pos-

sible antitypical fulfillments. Thus, we
find that our literature today focuses
more on the simple, practical lessons
about faith, endurance, godly devotion,
and other vital qualities that we learn
about from Bible accounts.1
11 How, then, do we now under-
stand the account about Naboth? In

much clearer, simpler terms. That righ-
teous man died, not because he was
a prophetic type of Jesus or of the
anointed, but because he was an integ-
rity keeper. He held to Jehovah’s Law
in the face of horrific abuse of pow-
er. (Num. 36:7; 1 Ki. 21:3) His exam-
ple thus speaks to us because any one
of us may face persecution for similar
reasons. (Read 2 Timothy 3:12.) Peo-
ple of all backgrounds can readily un-
derstand, remember, and apply such a
faith-strengthening lesson.
Jehovah has helped “the faithful and 12 Should we conclude that Bible nar-
discreet slave” to become steadily more ratives have only a practical application
discreet. Discretion has led to greater and no other meaning? No. Today our
caution when it comes to calling a Bi-
ble account a prophetic drama unless 1 For example, the book Imitate Their Faith discuss-
there is a clear Scriptural basis for does at length the lives of 14 different Bible characters.
The material focuses on practical application, not on
ing so. Additionally, it has been found symbolic or prophetic meanings.
that some of the older explanations
about types and antitypes are unduly 11. (a) How do we now understand the ac-
count about Naboth, and why does that man’s
difficult for many to grasp. The de- example speak to us all? (b) Why have our pub-
tails of such teachings—who pictures lications in recent years seldom mentioned
whom and why—can be hard to keep types and antitypes? (See “Questions From
straight, to remember, and to apply. Of Readers” in this issue.)
even greater concern, though, is that the 12. (a) What conclusion should we not draw
regarding narratives recorded in the Bible?
moral and practical lessons of the Bible (b) Why are we able to have clear explanations
accounts under examination may be ob- of even deep things? (See footnote.)
10 THE WATCHTOWER
publications are more likely to teach phenomenal success in gathering true
that one thing reminds us of or serves to followers of Christ out of this wicked
illustrate another. They are less likely to world.
present many Bible accounts in a rigid 14 What, though, about the more de-
framework of prophetic types and anti- tailed stories, or parables, that Jesus
types. For example, we can rightly say related? Some, of course, are sym-
that Naboth’s integrity in the face of bolic and prophetic; others empha-
persecution and death reminds us of size practical lessons. But which is
the integrity of Christ and his anointed. which? Through the years, the answer
However, we can also be reminded of has gradually become clearer. For in-
the faithful stand of many of the Lord’s stance, consider the way we have ex-
“other sheep.” Such a clear and simple plained Jesus’ parable of the neighborly
comparison has the hallmark of divine Samaritan. (Luke 10:30-37) In 1924, The
teaching.1 Watch Tower said that the Samaritan
pictured Jesus; the road from Jerusalem
A SIMPLER APPROACH to Jericho, which ran downhill, pictured
TO JESUS’ ILLUSTRATIONS mankind’s downward course since the
13 Jesus Christ was the greatest rebellion in Eden; the thieves on the
Teacher ever to walk this earth. One of road pictured giant corporations and
his favorite teaching methods involved profiteers; and the priest and the Levite
the use of illustrations. (Matt. 13:34) Il- typified ecclesiastical systems. Today,
lustrations paint vivid word pictures our literature uses that illustration to re-
that stimulate the mind and reach the mind all Christians that we must be im-
heart. Has our literature also come to partial in rendering aid to those in need,
explain Jesus’ illustrations in a simpler, especially in a spiritual sense. Does it
clearer way over the years? The an- not make us happy to see that Jehovah
swer is unmistakably yes! Were we not makes his teachings clear to us?
thrilled to gain a clarified understand- 15 In our next article, we will examine
ing of Jesus’ illustrations regarding the another of Jesus’ parables—that of the

leaven, the mustard seed, and the drag- ten virgins. (Matt. 25:1-13) How did Je-
net in The Watchtower of July 15, 2008? sus intend his followers in the last days
We now see clearly that these illustra- to understand that powerful word pic-
tions apply to God’s Kingdom and its ture? As a detailed prophetic allegory,
with a symbolic meaning applied to
1 Granted, God’s Word also contains things that
may seem “hard to understand,” including some
every person, object, and event? Or,
parts of Paul’s writings. However, all Bible writers rather, did he mean for his followers to
were inspired by holy spirit. That same force helps use it as a practical lesson to guide them
true Christians today to grasp divine truths, making
“even the deep things of God” more accessible and during the last days? Let us see.
clearer to our limited minds.—2 Pet. 3:16, 17; 1 Cor.
2:10. 14. (a) How have we explained the parable of
the neighborly Samaritan? (b) How do we un-
13. What examples show that we now explain derstand Jesus’ parable now?
some of Jesus’ illustrations in a simpler, clearer 15. What will we consider in the following ar-
way? ticle?
MARCH 15, 2015 11

Will You
“Keep on the Watch”?
“Keep on the watch, therefore, because you know
neither the day nor the hour.”—MATT. 25:13.
HOW WOULD YOU IT MUST have been a remarkable thing to sit there on
ANSWER? the Mount of Olives—overlooking the temple in Jerusa-
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ lem—when Jesus uttered one of his most fascinating proph-
What is the message of the ecies. Peter, Andrew, James, and John paid rapt attention as
parable of the ten virgins? Jesus cast his prophetic gaze far, far into the future. He told
them a great deal about the last days of this wicked world
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
system, the time when he would be ruling in God’s King-
How have the anointed dom. He told them that during that climactic time, his “faith-
applied the message of
ful and discreet slave” would represent him on earth, giving
Jesus’ parable concerning
the ten virgins?
his servants the timely spiritual nourishment they needed.
—Matt. 24:45-47.
2 Next, in that same prophecy, Jesus related the parable of
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
In what ways can those the ten virgins. (Read Matthew 25:1-13.) Let us focus on
of the “other sheep” these questions: (1) What is that parable’s basic message?
benefit from the parable (2) How have faithful anointed ones applied the parable’s
of the ten virgins?
1, 2. (a) What did Jesus reveal about the last days? (b) What questions
will we consider?
12
counsel, and with what results? (3) How the apostle John were inspired to liken
can each of us benefit from Jesus’ par- Christ’s anointed followers to chaste vir-
able today? gins. (2 Cor. 11:2; Rev. 14:4) Clearly, Je-
sus intended the parable recorded at
WHAT IS THE PARABLE’S MESSAGE?
Matthew 25:1-13 as counsel and a warn-
3 We noted in the preceding article ing to his anointed followers.
that over recent decades, the faithful 5 Next, consider the time frame. To
slave has gradually come to explain the what time period did Jesus’ counsel ap-
Scriptures with less emphasis on sym- ply? Jesus supplies us with a clear time
bolic prophetic pictures and more on indicator toward the end of the parable:
practical application. In the past, our lit- “The bridegroom came.” (Matt. 25:10) As
erature at times assigned specific sym-
was discussed in the July 15, 2013, issue
bolic meanings even to small details of
of this journal, Jesus’ prophecy record-
Jesus’ parable of the ten virgins, includ-
ed in Matthew chapters 24 and 25 con-
ing the lamps, the oil, the flasks, and so
tains eight references to his “coming”;
forth. Is it possible, though, that we
in each case, a form of the same Greek
were allowing the spotlight to shift from
word is used. In every instance, Jesus
the parable’s simple, urgent message?
was referring to the time during the
As we will see, the answer is of vital im-
great tribulation when he will come to
portance.
4 Let us take a look at Jesus’ basic
carry out the judging work and then
the destruction of this world system of
message in this parable. First, consider
things. Evidently, then, this parable ap-
the main characters. Who is the bride-
plies during the last days, but its climax
groom of the parable? Clearly, Jesus was
comes during the great tribulation.
talking about himself. Why, on a differ- 6 What is the parable’s basic mes-
ent occasion, he even referred to him-
self as the bridegroom! (Luke 5:34, 35) sage? Remember the context. Jesus had
What about the virgins? In the parable, just discussed his “faithful and discreet
Jesus says that the virgins have the re- slave.” That slave would prove to be
sponsibility to be ready with their lamps a small group of anointed men who
lit when the bridegroom arrives. Note would take the lead among Christ’s
the similar directions that Jesus gave to followers during the last days. Jesus
his “little flock” of anointed followers: warned those men that they must re-
“Be dressed and ready and have your main faithful. Next, he broadened his
lamps burning, and you should be like focus and gave this parable to admonish
men waiting for their master to return all his anointed followers in the last days
from the marriage.” (Luke 12:32, 35, 36) to “keep on the watch” lest they miss
Furthermore, both the apostle Paul and out on their precious reward. (Matt. 25:
13) Let us now go through the parable
3. In the past, our literature has taken what ap-
proach to the parable of the ten virgins, with 5. How did Jesus indicate the time period
what possible result? when his parable would apply?
4. In the parable, how can we discern the iden- 6. In light of the context, what is the basic mes-
tity of (a) the bridegroom? (b) the virgins? sage of the parable?
MARCH 15, 2015 13

and see how the anointed have applied 9 The second quality that helps those
its counsel. virgins to be ready is vigilance. Would
it be possible for individual anointed
HOW HAVE THE ANOINTED APPLIED Christians to get sleepy during a long
THE COUNSEL OF THE PARABLE? nighttime vigil? Indeed. Note that Jesus
7 Jesus’ parable stresses that the dis- says of the ten virgins that “they all be-
creet virgins, unlike the foolish, were came drowsy and fell asleep” during
ready for the bridegroom’s coming. the apparent delay of the bridegroom.
Why? Because of two qualities: pre- Jesus knew well that even a willing,
paredness and vigilance. The virgins, eager spirit may be hampered by the
assigned to this nighttime vigil to wait weakness of the flesh. Faithful anointed
for the arrival of the bridegroom, need- ones have heeded that implied warning
ed to keep their lamps burning and and have worked ever harder to remain
to remain alert throughout the long vigilant, watchful. In the parable, all
hours until the exciting event. Unlike the virgins responded to the nighttime
the foolish ones, though, five virgins shout: “Here is the bridegroom!” But
truly prepared themselves, bringing ex- only the vigilant ones endured to the
tra oil in their flasks along with their end. (Matt. 25:5, 6; 26:41) What about
lamps. Have faithful anointed ones like- faithful anointed ones today? Through-
wise proved to be prepared? out the last days, they have responded to
8 They have indeed! Throughout the strong evidence that, in effect, cries out,
last days, anointed Christians have act- “Here is the bridegroom”—just about to
ed like those discreet virgins, prepared come. They have also endured, keeping
to carry out their assignment faithfully ever ready for the Bridegroom to arrive.1
However, the climax of the parable fo-
until the end. They count the cost of
cuses on a more specific period of time.
faithful service, realizing from the out-
How so?
set that their assignment will mean giv-
ing up many of the material advantages REWARD FOR THE DISCREET AND
available in Satan’s world. They devote PUNISHMENT FOR THE FOOLISH
themselves exclusively to Jehovah and 10 Perhaps the most puzzling part of
serve him, not with some date or dead-
line in mind, but out of love and loyalty 1 In the parable, there is a distinct interval be-
tween the shout, “Here is the bridegroom!” (verse 6)
to him and to his Son. They main- and the actual coming, or arrival, of the bridegroom
tain their integrity, refusing to adopt (verse 10). Throughout the last days, vigilant anoint-
ed ones have discerned the sign of Jesus’ presence.
the spirit of this wicked world and its They thus know that he is “here”—ruling in Kingdom
materialistic, immoral, and selfish atti- power. They face the challenge of enduring until his
tudes. They thus remain ready, steadily coming, or arrival.
shining as illuminators, undaunted by
9. (a) How did Jesus warn about the natural
any apparent delay in the arrival of the tendency toward drowsiness? (b) How have the
Bridegroom.—Phil. 2:15. anointed responded to the shout: “Here is the
bridegroom”? (See also footnote.)
7, 8. (a) The discreet virgins proved ready be- 10. The verbal exchange between the discreet
cause of what two qualities? (b) How have the and the foolish virgins raises what puzzling
anointed proved to be prepared? question?
14 THE WATCHTOWER
the parable comes near the end, in the discreet virgins refused to give up their
verbal exchange between the foolish oil for the sake of the foolish, telling
and the discreet virgins. (Read Matthew them to go instead to the sellers of oil.
25:8, 9.) That exchange raises this ques- Remember, though, it was “in the mid-
tion: “When in the history of God’s peo- dle of the night.” Would they be able to
ple would faithful ones refuse help to find sellers of oil at that hour? No. It
some who asked for it?” The solution would simply be too late.
to the puzzle presents itself when we 12 Likewise, during the great tribula-
again consider the time frame. Recall tion, faithful anointed ones cannot help
our clarified understanding that Jesus, any who had turned unfaithful. There
the Bridegroom, comes to render judg- will be no help available. It will simply
ment near the end of the great tribula- be too late. What end, then, will such
tion. Is it not likely, then, that this part ones face? Jesus explains what hap-
of the parable focuses on what happens pened when the foolish virgins went off
just prior to that climactic judgment? It on their futile errand: “The bridegroom
would seem so, for by that time the came. The virgins who were ready went
anointed will have received their final in with him to the marriage feast, and
sealing. the door was shut.” When Christ comes
11 So, then, before the great tribula- in his glory near the end of the tribula-
tion starts, all the faithful anointed on tion, he will gather his faithful anointed
earth will have received their final seal- ones to heaven. (Matt. 24:31; 25:10; John
ing. (Rev. 7:1-4) From then on, their call- 14:1-3; 1 Thess. 4:17) The door will, in-
ing is sure. But think about the years be- deed, be shut to the unfaithful ones,
fore the tribulation begins. What would who prove to be like the foolish virgins.
happen to anointed ones who failed to They may, in effect, cry out: “Sir, Sir,
remain watchful, who lost their integri- open to us!” But they receive an answer
ty? They would lose their heavenly re- like the one that so many goatlike ones
ward. Obviously, they would receive no receive in that hour of judgment: “I tell
final sealing prior to the start of the trib- you the truth, I do not know you.” How
ulation. By that time, other faithful ones sad!—Matt. 7:21-23; 25:11, 12.
would be anointed. When the tribula- 13 In view of the foregoing, what
tion starts, the foolish ones might be may we conclude? Was Jesus saying
shocked to see the destruction of Bab- that many of his anointed servants
ylon the Great. It may be only at that would prove unfaithful and need to be
point that they realize that they are not
ready for the arrival of the Bridegroom. 12. (a) During the great tribulation, what grim
experience will befall any who were once
At that late hour, if they in desperation anointed but lost their integrity before the final
ask for help, what would happen? Jesus’ sealing? (b) What is the end for those who
parable gives us the grim answer. The prove to be like the foolish virgins?
13. (a) Why is there no need to conclude that
11. (a) What will happen just before the start many of Christ’s anointed followers will prove
of the great tribulation? (b) What did the dis- unfaithful? (b) Why may Jesus’ words of warn-
creet virgins mean when they directed the fool- ing also be taken as an expression of his confi-
ish ones to the sellers of oil? dence? (See opening image.)
MARCH 15, 2015 15

“other sheep”? (John 10:16) Far from it!
Remember, the message of the parable
The request to get some is simple: “Keep on the watch.” Does
oil reminds us that no that apply only to the anointed? Jesus
once said: “What I say to you, I say to all:
one can be faithful for us Keep on the watch.” (Mark 13:37) Je-
or stay watchful for us sus requires all his followers to prepare
their hearts for faithful service and to
meet the same standard of watchful-
replaced? No. Remember, he had just ness. So all Christians follow the lead
warned his “faithful and discreet slave” set by the anointed in this regard, imi-
never to turn into an evil slave. That did tating their good example and putting
not mean that he expected such an out- the ministry first in life. Each of us may
come. Similarly, this parable conveys a also keep in mind that the foolish vir-
powerful warning. Just as five virgins gins asked the discreet ones to give up
were foolish and five were discreet, each some of their oil. Their vain request re-
anointed one has the full capacity to minds us that no one can be faithful for
choose either a course of preparedness us, can stay in the truth for us, or can
and vigilance or a course of folly and un- keep on the watch for us. Each of us will
faithfulness. The apostle Paul was in- answer to the righteous Judge whom
spired to make a similar point when ad- Jehovah has appointed. We must be
dressing his anointed fellow Christians. ready. And he is coming soon!
(Read Hebrews 6:4-9; compare Deu- 15 All Christians may also benefit
teronomy 30:19.) Note that Paul’s warn- from the main event in Jesus’ parable.
ing was very firm, but he followed it up After all, who of us is not excited about
with a loving expression of his confi- that prospective marriage? The anointed
dence that “better things” lay ahead of will be there in heaven; after the war of
his Christian brothers and sisters. Like- Armageddon, they will become Christ’s
wise, the warning in Jesus’ parable is bride. (Rev. 19:7-9) Everyone then on
given with loving confidence. Christ earth will benefit from that heavenly
knows that each of his anointed ser- marriage, for it guarantees a perfect gov-
vants can remain faithful and receive ernment for all. Whatever our hope for
the thrilling reward! the future, whether heavenly or earthly,
let us be resolved to learn the vital les-
HOW CAN CHRIST’S
son of the parable of the ten virgins. Let
“OTHER SHEEP” BENEFIT?
us prove ready by preparing our hearts
14Because Jesus directed the parable and keeping steadfast, ever vigilant, so
of the ten virgins to his anointed follow- that we may enjoy the glorious future
ers, should we conclude that this pas- that Jehovah has in store for us!
sage contains no benefit for Christ’s
15. Why is the prospect of the marriage of
14. Why can those of the “other sheep” also Christ to his bride thrilling for all true Chris-
benefit from the parable of the ten virgins? tians?
16 THE WATCHTOWER
In the past, our publications often mentioned types

and antitypes, but in recent years they have seldom
done so. Why is that?
ˇ The Watchtower of September 15, 1950, defined something greater. As recorded at Galatians 4:
a “type” and an “antitype” this way: “A type is an 21-31, the apostle Paul mentions “a symbolic dra-
image or representation of something that will ma” involving two women. Hagar, Abraham’s
come to pass at some future time. The antitype is slave girl, represented or corresponded to literal
the reality of the thing which the type represents. Israel, which was bound to Jehovah by the Mosa-
The type may properly be called a shadow; the ic Law. But Sarah, “the free woman,” symbolized
antitype, the reality.” God’s wife, the heavenly part of his organization.
Many years ago, our publications stated that In his letter to the Hebrews, Paul links king-
such faithful men and women as Deborah, Elihu, priest Melchizedek to Jesus, highlighting specif-
Jephthah, Job, Rahab, and Rebekah, as well as ic similarities between the two. (Heb. 6:20; 7:1-3)
many others, were really types, or shadows, of ei- Further, Paul compares Isaiah and his sons to Je-
ther the anointed or the “great crowd.” (Rev. 7:9) sus and his anointed followers. (Heb. 2:13, 14)
For example, Jephthah, Job, and Rebekah were Paul was writing under inspiration; thus, we
thought to represent the anointed, while Debo- gladly accept what he says about these types.
rah and Rahab were said to foreshadow the great However, even where the Bible indicates that
crowd. However, in recent years we have not someone is a type of someone else, we should
drawn such comparisons. Why not? not conclude that every detail or incident in the
The Scriptures do indicate that some individu- life of the type is a picture of something great-
als mentioned in the Bible served as types of er. For example, although Paul tells us that
TYPE ANTITYPE
The passover lamb sacrificed in ancient Israel Paul identified Christ as “our Passover lamb.”
was a type.—Num. 9:2 —1 Cor. 5:7
17
Melchizedek is a type of Jesus, Paul says nothing How, then, can we benefit from the events and
about the fact that on one occasion Melchizedek examples found in the Scriptures? At Romans
brought out bread and wine for Abraham to en- 15:4, we read the apostle Paul’s words: “All the
joy after he had defeated four kings. Hence, there things that were written beforehand were written
is no Scriptural basis for finding a hidden mean- for our instruction, so that through our endurance
ing in that incident.—Gen. 14:1, 18. and through the comfort from the Scriptures we
Some writers in the centuries after Christ’s might have hope.” Paul was saying that his
death fell into a trap—they saw types everywhere. anointed brothers in the first century could learn
Describing the teachings of Origen, Ambrose, powerful lessons from the events that were re-
and Jerome, The International Standard Bible Ency- corded in the Scriptures. However, God’s people
clopaedia explains: “They sought for types, and of in every generation, whether of the anointed or
course found them, in every incident and event, of the “other sheep,” whether living in “the last
however trivial, recorded in Scripture. Even the days” or not, could benefit—and have benefit-
most simple and commonplace circumstance ed—from the lessons taught in “all the things that
was thought to conceal within itself the most re- were written beforehand.”—John 10:16; 2 Tim.
condite [hidden] truth . . . , even in the number 3:1.
of fish caught by the disciples on the night the Instead of viewing most of these accounts as
risen Saviour appeared to them—how much some finding their application to only one class, wheth-
have tried to make of that number, 153!” er the anointed or the great crowd, and to only
Augustine of Hippo commented extensively one time period, God’s people of either class and
on the account where we read that Jesus fed from any time period can apply to themselves
about 5,000 men with five barley loaves and two many of the lessons the accounts teach us. Thus,
fish. Since barley was considered to be inferior to for example, we need not limit the application of
wheat, Augustine concluded that the five loaves the book of Job to the experiences the anointed
must represent the five books of Moses (the infe- endured during World War I. Many of God’s ser-
rior “barley” representing the supposed inferior- vants, both men and women, both of the anoint-
ity of the “Old Testament”). And the two fish? For ed and of the great crowd, have undergone expe-
some reason he likened them to a king and a riences such as Job faced and “have seen the
priest. Another scholar fond of looking for types outcome Jehovah gave, that Jehovah is very ten-
and antitypes asserted that Jacob’s purchase of der in affection and merciful.”—Jas. 5:11.
Esau’s birthright with a bowl of red stew repre- Consider: In our congregations today, do we
sented Jesus’ purchase of the heavenly inheri- not find older women as loyal as Deborah, fine
tance for mankind with his red blood! young elders as wise as Elihu, courageous pio-
If such interpretations seem far-fetched, you neers as zealous as Jephthah, and faithful men
can understand the dilemma. Humans cannot and women as patient as Job? How grateful we
know which Bible accounts are shadows of are that Jehovah preserved the record of “all the
things to come and which are not. The clearest things that were written beforehand,” so that
course is this: Where the Scriptures teach that an “through the comfort from the Scriptures we
individual, an event, or an object is typical of might have hope”!
something else, we accept it as such. Otherwise, So for these reasons our publications in recent
we ought to be reluctant to assign an antitypical years have emphasized the lessons we can learn
application to a certain person or account if there from Bible accounts instead of trying to find typ-
is no specific Scriptural basis for doing so. ical and antitypical patterns and fulfillments.
18 THE WATCHTOWER
Learn From the Illustration
of the Talents
“He gave five talents to one, two to another,
and one to still another.”—MATT. 25:15.
IN THE parable of the talents, Jesus clearly reveals an obli- HOW WOULD YOU
gation resting on his anointed followers. We need to under- RESPOND?
stand the meaning of this parable, for it affects all true Chris- ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
tians, whether they have the hope of a heavenly reward or of Why did Jesus give the
an earthly one. illustration of the talents?
2 Jesus gave the parable of the talents as part of the answer
to his disciples’ question about “the sign of [his] presence

and of the conclusion of the system of things.” (Matt. 24:3)
Thus, the parable finds its fulfillment in our time and is part ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
of the sign that Jesus is present and ruling as King. When will the Master come
3 The parable of the talents is one of four related illustra- to settle accounts?
tions recorded at Matthew 24:45 to 25:46. The other three
—about the faithful and discreet slave, the ten virgins, and
the sheep and the goats—are also part of Jesus’ answer to the
question about the sign of his presence. In all four illustra- ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
tions, Jesus highlights traits that would distinguish his true What lessons do we learn
from this illustration?
followers in these last days. The illustrations about the slave,
1, 2. Why did Jesus give the illustration of the talents?
3. What lessons are taught by the illustrations recorded in Matthew
chapters 24 and 25?
19
the virgins, and the talents are directed to heaven.1 Instead, he “sat down at the
to his anointed followers. In the illustra- right hand of God, from then on waiting
tion involving the faithful slave, Jesus until his enemies should be placed as a
highlights the need for the small group stool for his feet.”—Heb. 10:12, 13.
of anointed ones entrusted with feeding 5 The man in the illustration pos-
his domestics during the last days to be sessed eight talents, a huge fortune in
faithful and discreet. In the parable of the those days.2 Before traveling abroad, he
virgins, Jesus stresses that all his anoint- distributed the talents among his slaves,
ed followers would need to be prepared expecting them to do business while he
and to be vigilant, knowing that Jesus is was gone. Like that man, Jesus pos-
coming but not knowing the day or the sessed something of great value before
hour. In the parable of the talents, Jesus he ascended to heaven. What was that?
shows that the anointed would need to The answer has to do with his life’s
be diligent in carrying out their Christian work.
responsibilities. Jesus directs the final il- 6 Jesus attached great importance to
lustration, the parable of the sheep and
his preaching and teaching work. (Read
the goats, to those with an earthly hope.
Luke 4:43.) By means of it, he cultivat-
He emphasizes that they would have to
ed a field that had rich potential. Earli-
be loyal and give full support to Jesus’
er, he told his disciples: “Lift up your
anointed brothers on earth.1 Let us now
eyes and view the fields, that they are
focus on the illustration of the talents.
white for harvesting.” (John 4:35-38) He
THE MASTER GIVES had in mind the ingathering of many
HIS SLAVES A FORTUNE other honesthearted ones who would
4 Read Matthew 25:14-30. Our publi- become his disciples. Like a good farm-
cations have long explained that the er, Jesus would not leave unattended
man, or the master, in the illustration is a field that was ripe for harvesting.
Jesus and that he traveled abroad when Hence, shortly after his resurrection
he ascended to heaven in 33 C.E. In an and before his ascension to heaven, he
earlier parable, Jesus reveals his pur- gave his disciples the weighty commis-
pose of traveling abroad, namely, “to se- sion: “Go, therefore, and make disci-
cure kingly power for himself.” (Luke ples.” (Matt. 28:18-20) Jesus thus en-
19:12) Jesus did not immediately secure trusted them with a precious treasure,
full Kingdom power when he got back the Christian ministry.—2 Cor. 4:7.
7 What, then, may we conclude?
1 The identity of the faithful and discreet slave is
discussed in The Watchtower, July 15, 2013, pages 21- When giving his followers the com-
22, paragraphs 8-10. The identity of the virgins is ex-
plained in the preceding article in this magazine. 1 See the box “Similarities in the Illustrations of
The illustration of the sheep and the goats is ex- the Talents and the Minas.”
plained in The Watchtower, October 15, 1995, pag- 2 In Jesus’ day, a talent was equivalent to about
es 23-28, and in the article following this one in this 6,000 denarii. Earning a denarius a day, the average
magazine. worker had to labor some 20 years to earn just one
talent.
4, 5. Whom does the man, or the master, pic-
ture, and what is a literal talent worth? 6, 7. What do the talents symbolize?
20 THE WATCHTOWER
Similarities in the Illustrations of the Talents and the Minas
The parables of the talents and the minas
have a number of features in common. Both
describe a man in authority who before em-
barking on a journey summons his slaves
and commits to them his money, instructing
them to increase his belongings. Then,
when the man returns, he holds his slaves
accountable for the way they used the mon- — –
ey. (Matt. 25:14-30; Luke 19:12-27) In both
illustrations, the master – pictures Jesus,
and the slaves — picture his anointed disci-
ples. In each account, the master entrusts ˜
his slaves with money ˜ , which pictures
the precious privilege of making disciples.
Both accounts also contain a warning about
what would happen if Christ’s disciples
developed the characteristics of a wicked
slave.
mission to make disciples, Jesus was, with the talents. Their diligence in the
in effect, committing to them “his be- preaching and disciple-making work is
longings”—his talents. (Matt. 25:14) Put well-documented in the Bible book of
simply, the talents refer to the responsi- Acts.1—Acts 6:7; 12:24; 19:20.
bility to preach and make disciples.
DOING BUSINESS WITH THE TALENTS
8 The parable of the talents reveals
IN THE TIME OF THE END
that the master gave to one slave five tal- 9 In the time of the end, particularly
ents, to another two, and to still anoth-
from 1919 on, Christ’s faithful anoint-
er just one. (Matt. 25:15) Although each
ed slaves on earth have been doing
slave received a different number, the
master expected all of them to be dili- 1 After the death of the apostles, Satan fomented
gent in using the talents, that is, in serv- apostasy, which flourished for many centuries. Dur-
ing that time, there were no sustained efforts to ful-
ing to the best of their ability in the min- fill the commission to make genuine disciples of
istry. (Matt. 22:37; Col. 3:23) In the first Christ. But that would all change during “the har-
vest,” that is, the last days. (Matt. 13:24-30, 36-43) See
century, starting at Pentecost 33 C.E., The Watchtower, July 15, 2013, pages 9-12.
Christ’s followers began doing business
9. (a) What did the two faithful slaves do
8. Even though each slave received a different with the talents, and what does that indicate?
number of talents, what did the master expect? (b) What role do the “other sheep” play?
MARCH 15, 2015 21

business with the Master’s talents. Like fillment? Jesus’ faithful, hardworking
the first two slaves, anointed brothers servants have carried out the greatest
and sisters have done their best with preaching and disciple-making work in
what they have. There is no need to history. Their collective effort has result-
speculate about who received the five ed in hundreds of thousands of new
talents and who received the two tal- disciples being added to the ranks of
ents. In the illustration, both slaves dou- Kingdom proclaimers each year, mak-
bled what the master gave them, so ing the preaching and teaching work an
both were equally diligent. What role outstanding feature of the sign of Je-
do those with the earthly hope play? sus’ presence in Kingdom power. Sure-
An important one! Jesus’ illustration of ly their Master must be pleased!
the sheep and the goats teaches us WHEN WILL THE MASTER COME
that those with the earthly hope have TO SETTLE ACCOUNTS?
the honor of loyally supporting Jesus’ 11 Jesus will come to settle accounts
anointed brothers in the preaching and with his slaves toward the end of the
teaching work. During these critical last great tribulation just ahead. What leads
days, the two groups work together as us to this conclusion? In his prophe-
“one flock” in zealously carrying out the cy recorded in Matthew chapters 24
work of making disciples.—John 10:16. and 25, Jesus repeatedly mentioned his
10 The Master rightly expects results.
coming. Referring to the judgment dur-
As previously mentioned, his faith- ing the great tribulation, he said that
ful disciples in the first century cer- people “will see the Son of man coming
tainly increased his belongings. What on the clouds of heaven.” He urged his
about in this time of the end when followers living in the last days to be vig-
the parable of the talents finds its ful- ilant, saying: “You do not know on what
10. What is a powerful feature of the sign of Je- 11. What leads us to conclude that Jesus will
sus’ presence? settle accounts during the great tribulation?
Christ has entrusted

his servants with the
precious responsibility
of preaching
(See paragraph 10)
Rendering an Account at Death
From the first century onward, anointed dis- will have received their final sealing by the
ciples have received the talents, and they time of their death. However, Jesus’ illustra-
must render an account for how they fulfill tion of the talents focuses on the final ac-
the commission to preach. Those who die counting for the anointed who are alive on
faithful before the great tribulation begins earth at the time of the great tribulation.
day your Lord is coming” and “the Son breaks out. (Rev. 7:1-3) Before Armaged-
of man is coming at an hour that you do don, Jesus will give them their prom-
not think to be it.” (Matt. 24:30, 42, 44) ised heavenly reward. Those with the
Hence, when Jesus said that “the master earthly hope who supported Christ’s
of those slaves came and settled ac- brothers in the preaching work will
counts,” he was evidently referring to have been judged as sheep and will be
the time when he will come to execute granted the privilege of living in the
judgment at the end of this system.1 earthly realm of the Kingdom.—Matt.
—Matt. 25:19. 25:34.
12 According to the parable, when the
A WICKED AND SLUGGISH SLAVE
master comes, he finds that the first two
slaves—the one given five talents and
14 In the parable, the last slave buried
the one given two—have proved faithful, his talent instead of doing business with
each doubling his talents. The master it or even depositing it with the bankers.
says the same thing to both slaves: “Well This slave showed a bad spirit, for he
done, good and faithful slave! You were deliberately worked against the mas-
faithful over a few things. I will appoint ter’s interests. The master rightly pro-
you over many things.” (Matt. 25:21, 23) nounced him “wicked and sluggish.”
What, then, may we expect when the The master took the talent away from
Master, the glorified Jesus, comes for him and gave it to the one who had ten.
judgment in the future? The wicked slave was then thrown “out
13 Those represented by the first two
into the darkness outside.” “There is
where his weeping and the gnashing of
slaves—his hardworking anointed disci-
his teeth” would be.—Matt. 25:24-30;
ples—will already have received their
Luke 19:22, 23.
final sealing before the great tribulation
15 One of the master’s three slaves
1 See The Watchtower, July 15, 2013, pages 7-8, hid his talent, so was Jesus here indicat-
paragraphs 14-18. ing that one third of his anointed follow-
12, 13. (a) How does the master respond to ers would prove to be wicked and slug-
the first two slaves, and why? (b) When do gish? No. Consider the context. In the
anointed ones receive their final sealing? (See
the box “Rendering an Account at Death.”) 14, 15. Was Jesus indicating that a large num-
(c) What reward will those judged as sheep re- ber of his anointed brothers would prove to be
ceive? wicked and sluggish? Explain.
MARCH 15, 2015 23

Understanding the Illustration
of the Talents illustration of the faithful and discreet
slave, Jesus spoke of an evil slave who
beat his fellow slaves. Jesus was not
there foretelling that an evil slave class
would arise. Rather, he was warning the
faithful slave not to display the traits of
an evil slave. Similarly, in the illustra-
tion of the ten virgins, Jesus was not in-
dicating that half of his anointed follow-
ers would be like the five foolish virgins.
Instead, he was warning his spiritual
When the Master brothers about what would happen if
Rewards the Slaves. they lost their sense of vigilance and did
Former explanation: not prove to be prepared.1 In this con-
In 1919, Jesus rewarded his anointed slaves text, it seems reasonable to conclude
on earth by entrusting them with increased that in the illustration of the talents, Je-
responsibility. sus was not saying that a large number
Adjusted explanation: of his anointed brothers during the last
When Christ comes in the future, days would be wicked and sluggish.
he will reward his faithful anointed slaves Rather, Jesus was warning his anointed
by raising them to heaven. followers of the need to remain diligent
—to ‘do business’ with their talent—and
avoid the attitudes and actions of a
wicked slave.—Matt. 25:16.
16 What two lessons do we learn from
the parable of the talents? First, the

Master, Christ, has entrusted his anoint-
ed slaves with something that he views
as precious—the commission to preach
The Wicked and make disciples. Second, Christ ex-
and Sluggish Slave. pects all of us to be diligent in the
Former explanation: preaching work. If we are, we can be
The wicked and sluggish slave refers to sure that the Master will reward our
anointed ones in the 1914 era who refused faith, vigilance, and loyalty.—Matt. 25:
to share in the preaching work. 21, 23, 34.
Adjusted explanation: 1 See paragraph 13 of the article “Will You ‘Keep
Jesus was not foretelling that a group of his on the Watch’?” in this issue.
anointed followers would make up a wicked
slave class. Rather, he was warning his 16. (a) What lessons do we learn from the par-
followers about what would happen if able of the talents? (b) How has this article re-
fined our understanding of the parable of the
they thought and acted in a way that would talents? (See the box “Understanding the Illus-
cause him to view them as wicked and tration of the Talents.”)
sluggish.
24
Loyally Supporting Christ’s Brothers
“To the extent that you did it to one of the least of
these my brothers, you did it to me.”—MATT. 25:40.
JESUS has been speaking to Peter, Andrew, James, and John, HOW WOULD YOU
his close companions. They have just heard him relate illus- ANSWER?
trations about the faithful and discreet slave, the ten virgins, ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
and the talents. Jesus concludes his discussion with one more How has Jehovah clarified our
parable. He describes a time when “the Son of man” will understanding of the illustra-
judge “all the nations.” How this illustration must have fasci- tion of the sheep and the
nated his disciples! In it, Jesus focuses on two groups, one goats?
classed as sheep and the other as goats. And he highlights an
important third group that he identifies as “brothers” of “the
King.”—Read Matthew 25:31-46.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
2 Jehovah’s people have long been intrigued by this illustra-
Who receive the commission
tion and rightly so, for in it Jesus speaks about the fate of peo- to preach?
ple. He reveals why some will receive everlasting life while
others will be cut off in death forever. Our lives depend on our
understanding the truths Jesus conveyed and acting on them.
With so much at stake, we should ask: How has Jehovah ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
progressively clarified our understanding of this illustra- Why is now the time to
tion? Why can we say that the illustration emphasizes the support Christ’s brothers?
1, 2. (a) What illustrations has Jesus discussed with his close compan-
ions? (See opening image.) (b) What do we need to know about the il-
lustration of the sheep and the goats?
25
importance of the preaching work? Who to live on earth under the rule of Christ’s
is it that receives the commission to Kingdom. What of the timing of the sep-
preach? And why is now the time to be arating of the sheep from the goats?
loyal to “the King” and to those he calls The article stated that Christ’s brothers
“my brothers”? would be ruling with him from heav-
en during the Millennial Reign, so they
HOW HAS OUR UNDERSTANDING
could not be helped or neglected by an
BEEN CLARIFIED?
earthly class. Therefore, the separating
3 To understand the illustration of the of the sheep from the goats would have
sheep and the goats correctly, we need to to take place before the Millennial Rule
grasp three key elements of the account: begins. As for the reason why a person is
the identity of those mentioned, the tim- identified as a sheep, the article con-
ing of the judgment, and the reason for cluded that people would be judged as
being classified as either a sheep or a
such because they acknowledged Jesus
goat.
as their Lord and looked to the Kingdom
4 In 1881, Zion’s Watch Tower identi-
to bring better conditions.
fied “the Son of man,” also called “the 6 As a result of that adjusted under-
King,” as Jesus. The early Bible Students
standing, Jehovah’s people felt that in-
understood the expression rendered in
dividuals were being judged as sheep
the King James Version “my brethren”
or goats throughout the conclusion of
to refer to those who would rule with
the system of things, depending on
Christ as well as to all of mankind after
they are restored to earthly perfection. how they responded to the Kingdom
They felt that the separating of the sheep message. However, in the mid-1990’s,
from the goats would take place dur- our viewpoint was clarified. Two arti-
ing the Thousand Year Reign of Christ. cles in the October 15, 1995, issue of
And they believed that people would be The Watchtower noted the similarities
classed as sheep because they lived by between Jesus’ words as recorded at
God’s law of love. Matthew 24:29-31 (read) and those at
5 In the early 1920’s, Jehovah helped Matthew 25:31, 32. (Read.)1 The conclu-
his people refine their understanding of sion? The lead article stated: “The ren-
this illustration. The Watch Tower of Oc- dering of judgment on the sheep and the
tober 15, 1923, affirmed that “the Son of goats is future.” When, exactly? “It will
man” is Jesus. However, it presented take place after ‘the tribulation’ men-
sound Scriptural arguments that limited tioned at Matthew 24:29, 30 breaks out
the identity of Christ’s brothers to those and the Son of man ‘arrives in his glory.’
who would rule with him in heaven, and . . . Then, with the entire wicked system
it described the sheep as those who hope 1 For a detailed discussion of this illustration, see
the articles “How Will You Stand Before the Judg-
3, 4. (a) What key elements must we know to ment Seat?” and “What Future for the Sheep and the
understand the illustration of the sheep and Goats?” in the October 15, 1995, issue of The Watch-
the goats? (b) In 1881, how did Zion’s Watch tower.
Tower explain this illustration?
5. In the 1920’s, how was our understanding 6. In the 1990’s, how was our viewpoint fur-
refined? ther clarified?
26 THE WATCHTOWER
at its end, Jesus will hold court and ren- or visit one of his brothers in prison.
der and execute judgment.” Rather, he is illustrating the attitude
7 Today, we have a clear understand- that the figurative sheep display toward
ing of the illustration of the sheep and his brothers. He describes the sheep as
the goats. Regarding the identity of those “righteous” because they recognize that
mentioned, Jesus is “the Son of man,” Christ has a group of anointed broth-
the King. Those referred to as “my brothers still on earth, and the sheep loyally
ers” are spirit-anointed men and women, support the anointed during these criti-
who will rule with Christ from heaven. cal last days.—Matt. 10:40-42; 25:40, 46;
(Rom. 8:16, 17) “The sheep” and “the 2 Tim. 3:1-5.
goats” represent individuals from all na- 10 Second, consider the context of Je-
tions. These ones are not anointed by sus’ words. He is discussing the sign of
holy spirit. What about the timing of the his presence and the conclusion of the
judgment? This judgment will occur to- system of things. (Matt. 24:3) Early in
ward the end of the great tribulation his discourse, Jesus indicated that the
just ahead. And what of the reason why sign would include a remarkable feature
people will be judged as either sheep —the good news of the Kingdom would
or goats? The outcome hinges on how “be preached in all the inhabited earth.”
they have treated the remaining ones (Matt. 24:14) And just prior to talking
of Christ’s spirit-anointed brothers on about the sheep and the goats, he relat-
earth. With the end of this system so
ed the illustration of the talents. As
close at hand, how grateful we are that
discussed in the preceding article, Je-
Jehovah has progressively shed light on
sus gave that illustration to stress to
this illustration and on the related il-
his spirit-anointed disciples, his “broth-
lustrations recorded in Matthew chap-
ers,” that they must zealously engage in
ters 24 and 25!
the preaching work. However, the small
HOW DOES THE ILLUSTRATION number of anointed ones left on earth
EMPHASIZE THE PREACHING WORK? during Jesus’ presence face an enormous
8 In the illustration of the sheep and challenge—that of preaching to “all the
the goats, Jesus does not directly men- nations” before the end comes. The il-
tion the preaching work. Why, then, can lustration of the sheep and the goats
it be said that it emphasizes the impor- shows that the anointed would have
tance of preaching? help. Therefore, one of the primary ways
9 First, note that Jesus is teaching by that those judged to be sheep show kind-
means of an illustration. Obviously, he is ness to Christ’s brothers is by support-
not talking about separating literal sheep ing them in the preaching work. What,
from literal goats. Likewise, he is not say- though, is involved in providing that
ing that each individual judged to be a support? Does it consist only of material
sheep must literally feed, clothe, nurse, backing and emotional comfort, or is
more required?
7. What clear understanding do we now have?
8, 9. Why are the sheep described as “righ- 10. How can the sheep show kindness to
teous”? Christ’s brothers?
MARCH 15, 2015 27

Sheeplike individuals support Christ’s brothers in a variety of ways
(See paragraph 17)
WHO ARE TO PREACH? preach, whether their hope is to rule in

11 Today, the vast majority of the heaven or to live on earth.—Acts 10:42.
13 The book of Revelation indicates that
eight million disciples of Jesus are not
spirit-anointed. They have not received the preaching work would be done both by
the talents that Jesus gave to his anoint- the anointed and by others. Jesus gave the
ed slaves. (Matt. 25:14-18) So the ques- apostle John a vision of “the bride,” the
tion could arise, ‘Does the commission 144,000 anointed humans who will rule
to preach really apply to those who are with Christ in heaven, inviting people to
not anointed with holy spirit?’ Consider “take life’s water free.” (Rev. 14:1, 3; 22:
just some of the reasons why the answer 17) That symbolic water represents Je-
is yes. hovah’s provisions for recovering man-
12 Jesus instructed all his disciples to kind from sin and death on the basis of
preach. After he was resurrected, Je- Christ’s ransom sacrifice. (Matt. 20:28;
sus told his followers to make disciples, John 3:16; 1 John 4:9, 10) The ransom is
teaching them to observe “all the things” central to the message we preach, and
he had commanded. Included among the anointed are taking the lead in help-
those commands was the commission ing people learn about and benefit from
to preach. (Read Matthew 28:19, 20.) it. (1 Cor. 1:23) But in the vision, John
Therefore, all disciples of Christ are to sees others, who are not of the bride
class. They too are told to say, “Come!”
11. What question could arise, and why?
12. What do we learn from Jesus’ words re- 13. What does the vision seen by John indi-
corded at Matthew 28:19, 20? cate, and why?
28 THE WATCHTOWER
They obey and invite still others to take Likewise today, Jesus has not personally
life’s water. This second group are those spoken to any of the eight million active
who have the hope of living on earth. Kingdom preachers. But all recognize
Therefore, this vision clearly indicates their obligation to exercise faith in Christ
that all who accept the invitation to and to express that faith by means of the
“come” have the responsibility to preach witnessing work.—Jas. 2:18.
to others.
14 All those bound by “the law of the
NOW IS THE TIME TO BE LOYAL
Christ” must preach. (Gal. 6:2) Jehovah 16 Satan is waging war with the re-
does not have double standards. For ex- maining ones of Christ’s spirit-anointed
ample, he told the Israelites: “One law brothers on earth, and he will intensify
will apply for the native and for the for- his attacks as the “short period of time”
eigner who is residing among you.” (Ex. he has left runs out. (Rev. 12:9, 12, 17)
12:49; Lev. 24:22) Christians are not Despite having to endure intense test-
bound by the Mosaic Law. But all of us, ing, the anointed are spearheading the
whether anointed or not, are subject to greatest preaching campaign in history.
“the law of the Christ.” That law in- Without a doubt, Jesus is with them,
cludes all that Jesus taught. Foremost guiding their efforts.—Matt. 28:20.
17 The growing number of prospective
among Jesus’ teachings is that his fol-
lowers should display love. (John 13:35; sheep count it a privilege to support
Jas. 2:8) And one of the primary ways we Christ’s brothers not only in the preach-
show love for God, for Christ, and for ing work but also in other practical ways.
our neighbor is by preaching the good For example, they give financial con-
news of the Kingdom.—John 15:10; Acts tributions and help to build Kingdom
1:8. Halls, Assembly Halls, and branch facil-
15 Jesus’ words to a small group can ap- ities, and they loyally obey those ap-
ply to a larger group. For example, Jesus pointed by “the faithful and discreet
made a covenant for a Kingdom with just slave” to take the lead.—Matt. 24:45-47;
11 disciples, but that covenant really ap- Heb. 13:17.
plies to all of the 144,000. (Luke 22: 18 Soon the angels will unleash the de-
29, 30; Rev. 5:10; 7:4-8) Similarly, Je- structive winds of the great tribulation.
sus commanded only a relatively small This will occur after all the remaining
number of his followers—those to whom ones of Christ’s brothers left on earth
he appeared after his resurrection—to have received their final sealing. (Rev.
preach. (Acts 10:40-42; 1 Cor. 15:6) But 7:1-3) Before Armageddon breaks out,
all his faithful first-century disciples rec- anointed ones will be taken to heaven.
ognized that the command applied to (Matt. 13:41-43) Therefore, now is the
them, even if they had not personally time for those who hope to be judged
heard Jesus speak. (Acts 8:4; 1 Pet. 1:8) as sheep to support Christ’s brothers
loyally.
14. What is involved in obeying “the law of the
Christ”? 16-18. How can prospective sheep support
15. Why can it be said that Jesus’ command ap- Christ’s brothers, and why should they do so
plies to all his followers? now?
MARCH 15, 2015 29

Marry “Only in the Lord”
Still Realistic?
gible brothers and sisters. In many countries,
that is indeed the case. Consider two examples:
“I cannot find a mate within the In Korea, on average, out of 100 single Witness-
congregation, and I am afraid of es, 57 are sisters and 43 are brothers. Colombia
growing old alone.” reports that 66 percent of the Witnesses are sis-
ters and 34 percent are brothers.
“Some men in the world are kind, In some lands, a complicating factor is that
lovable, and thoughtful. They are unbelieving parents may demand an elaborate
not opposed to my religion, and dowry, making it difficult for brothers of modest
means to get married. Considering such obsta-
they seem to be more interesting cles, a sister may feel that the possibility of find-
than some brothers.” ing a mate “in the Lord” is slim. So she might
ask, “Is it realistic to think that I can find a suit-
able mate among fellow Christians?”1
Some servants of God have made such com- CONFIDENCE IN JEHOVAH ESSENTIAL
ments about finding a marriage mate. Still, they If you have ever entertained such thoughts,
are well-aware of the apostle Paul’s advice to rest assured that Jehovah is aware of your situa-
marry “only in the Lord”—counsel that should tion. Indeed, he knows how you feel about the
govern the conduct of all Christians. (1 Cor. 7:39) matter.—2 Chron. 6:29, 30.
Why, then, do they make these comments?
Still, Jehovah has set out in his Word the direc-
WHY SOME HAVE DOUBTS tion to marry only in the Lord. Why? Because he
Those who make such comments may feel 1 In this article, we are considering the matter from a sister’s
that there is an imbalance in the number of eli- viewpoint, although the same principles apply to a brother.
30 THE WATCHTOWER
knows what is good for his people. Not only does self lonely and weeping. I realized that I had lost
he want to safeguard his servants from the pain control of my life. I felt constant remorse.”
resulting from pursuing an unwise course but he Of course, not all unbelieving mates turn out
also wants them to be happy. In Nehemiah’s day to be cruel and unreasonable. Yet, even if you did
when many Jews were marrying foreigners who not suffer those consequences for marrying an
did not worship Jehovah, Nehemiah referred to unbeliever, how would your relationship with
the bad example of Solomon. Although Solomon your loving heavenly Father be affected? How
“was loved by his God, . . . the foreign wives would you feel knowing that you had not lis-
caused even him to sin.” (Neh. 13:23-26) So for tened to the counsel that he provided for your
the good of his servants, God has directed us good? And most important of all, how would he
to marry only true worshippers. (Ps. 19:7-10; feel about your decision?—Prov. 1:33.
Isa. 48:17, 18) True Christians are grateful for Brothers and sisters around the world can tes-
God’s loving care and rely on his direction. By tify to the fact that marrying “only in the Lord”
thus submitting themselves to him as Ruler, is the best policy. Those who are single are deter-
they recognize him as the Universal Sovereign. mined to make God’s heart rejoice, being willing
—Prov. 1:5. to marry only a suitable mate from among his
You surely want to avoid becoming “unevenly worshippers. Michiko in Japan is a single sister
yoked” with someone who could take you away whose relatives tried to convince her to marry an
from God. (2 Cor. 6:14) Many Christians today unbeliever. In addition to resisting the pressure,
have obeyed God’s time-proven protective direc- she saw some of her friends and acquaintances
tive and have come to realize that they have tak- find mates within the congregation. She says: “I
en the wise course. But some have chosen to do kept telling myself that since Jehovah is a ‘hap-
otherwise. py God,’ our happiness does not depend on
STILL REALISTIC whether we are married or not. I also believe that
he grants us the desires of our heart. So if we
Maggy,1 a sister in Australia, explains what
cannot find a mate even though we want to mar-
happened when she began dating an unbeliever:
ry, it is best for us to stay single for the time be-
“I missed a lot of meetings just to be with him.
ing.” (1 Tim. 1:11) Eventually, Michiko married a
My spirituality dropped drastically.” Ratana in
fine brother, and she is happy that she waited.
India became romantically involved with a class-
Some brothers have likewise waited to find an
mate who started to study the Bible. However, in
appropriate mate. Bill from Australia is one such
time he showed that his motive was to start a ro-
brother. He admits that he at times felt attracted
mance with her. She ended up leaving the truth
to women outside the congregation. However,
and converting to another religion in order to get
he strictly avoided getting too friendly with
married.
them. Why? He did not want to take the first step
Another example is that of Ndenguè in Cam-
toward becoming “unevenly yoked” with an un-
eroon. She was 19 years old when she got mar-
believer. Over the years, he was interested in a
ried. Her fiancé promised her that she would be
few sisters, but the interest was not mutual. Bill
free to practice her religion. But two weeks after
waited for 30 years before he met a sister with
their wedding, her husband forbade her to at-
whom he was compatible. Bill says: “I have no re-
tend Christian meetings. She says: “I found my-
grets.” He explains: “I feel blessed because we go
1 Some names have been changed. out in the ministry together, study together, and
MARCH 15, 2015 31

your needs and your yearnings. He does not
promise anyone a mate. Yet, if you really need a
marriage mate, God knows the best way to sat-
isfy your legitimate desires.—Ps. 145:16; Matt.
6:32.
Sometimes you may feel like the psalmist Da-
vid, who said: “Do answer me quickly, O Jeho-
vah; my strength has come to an end. Do not
hide your face from me.” (Ps. 143:5-7, 10) At such
times, give your heavenly Father time to show
you what his will is for you. You can do that by
Single ones are valuable in the congregation, taking time to read his Word and to ponder over
often assisting families and young ones what you are reading. You will know what his
commandments are and will see how he acted in
behalf of his people in the past. By listening to
him, you will have renewed confidence in the
worship together. I am happy to meet and asso- wisdom of obeying him.
ciate with my wife’s friends because they are all What else can make your single years happy
fellow worshippers of Jehovah. We work on our and productive? You can use your singleness
marriage using Bible principles.” to cultivate spiritual discernment, generosity,
industriousness, pleasantness, godly devotion,
WHILE WAITING ON JEHOVAH
and a good reputation—invaluable for a happy
What can you do while you leave things in Je- family life. (Gen. 24:16-21; Ruth 1:16, 17; 2:6, 7,
hovah’s caring hands? One thing is to think 11; Prov. 31:10-27) Seek first the Kingdom by
about why you are not married. If you feel that having a full share in the preaching work and
the main reason is based on the Bible directive other Christian activities; your doing so will be a
to marry “only in the Lord,” you are to be com- protection. Bill, mentioned earlier, says about
mended for respecting that divine command. Be the years when he wanted to marry: “They
assured that Jehovah is pleased with your firm passed so quickly! I used the time in Jehovah’s
resolve to obey his Word. (1 Sam. 15:22; Prov. 27: service as a pioneer.”
11) You can continue to ‘pour out your heart’ to Yes, marrying “only in the Lord” is still realis-
God in prayer. (Ps. 62:8) Your prayers can be- tic. Obeying that direction can help you to hon-
come even more meaningful as you petition him or Jehovah and reap lasting satisfaction. The Bi-
earnestly and incessantly. Your relationship with ble says: “Happy is the man who fears Jehovah,
God will be strengthened day by day as you who takes great pleasure in his commandments.
stand firm despite the internal and external pres- Wealth and riches are in his house, and his righ-
sures you face. Rest assured that the Most High teousness continues forever.” (Ps. 112:1, 3) So be
takes an interest in all his faithful servants and determined to stick to the divine commandment
that you are precious in his eyes. He cares about to marry “only in the Lord.”
s
w15 03/15-E

141209

APRIL 1 5, 201 5
34567
STUDY ARTICLES
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
JUNE 1-7
Elders,
How Do You
Feel About
Training Others?
PAGE 3 ˙ SONGS: 123, 121
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
JUNE 8-14
How Elders
Train Others to
Become Qualified
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
JUNE 15-21
How Real Is
Your Relationship
With Jehovah?
PAGE 19 ˙ SONGS: 91, 11
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
JUNE 22-28
Always Trust
in Jehovah!
PAGE 24 ˙ SONGS: 106, 49
STUDY ARTICLES
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
ˇ Elders, How Do You Feel About Training Others?

ˇ How Elders Train Others to Become Qualified
How important is it for elders to train less experienced
brothers? What methods of training are successful?
HONG KONG What can elders as well as those who receive training
COVER: An elder trains learn from Samuel, Elijah, and Elisha of old? The answers
a ministerial servant to do will be considered in these two articles.
metropolitan witnessing on __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Haiphong Road, Kowloon

ˇ How Real Is Your Relationship With Jehovah?
‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐
ˇ Always Trust in Jehovah!
POPULATION
A strong relationship with Jehovah will enable us to meet
7,234,800 trials successfully. These two articles show us how we can
strengthen our personal relationship with Jehovah by
PUBLISHERS
maintaining two-way communication with him and by trust-
5,747 ing in him at all times.
BIBLE STUDIES
6,382
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
14 Blessings “in Favorable Times and Difficult Times”

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
29 Why Disfellowshipping Is a Loving Provision

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
32 Can a Cut-Down Tree Sprout Again?

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April 15, 2015
Elders, How Do You Feel
About Training Others?
“There is an appointed time for everything.”
—ECCL. 3:1.
THE circuit overseer was about to conclude his meeting with HOW WOULD YOU
the body of elders. As he looked at their faces, he felt warm ANSWER?
affection for these hardworking shepherds, some of whom ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
were old enough to be his father. Yet, he also felt concern, so What priority should be given
he asked them, “Brothers, what have you done to train oth- to training brothers, and why?
ers to take on more responsibility in the congregation?” They
well remembered that the circuit overseer during his last vis- ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
it had urged them to pay more attention to training others. How does a congregation
Finally, one of the elders said, “Frankly, we have done very benefit from elders who give
little.” The other elders nodded in agreement. training?
2 If you are a Christian elder, can you relate to what took
place at that meeting? Likely so. Circuit overseers around the ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
world have noted that in many congregations, more needs to

In training others,
be done to train brothers—younger and older—to help care how can elders imitate
for the flock. This presents a challenge. Why is that the case? Samuel’s example?
1, 2. Circuit overseers have noted what situation in many congrega-
tions?
3
3 As a shepherd, you no doubt realize 5 Think of this example: A driver may
that personal training is important.1 know that to maintain his car and keep
You know that more brothers are need- the engine in running order, he must
ed to keep existing congregations spiri- regularly change the oil. Still, he may
tually strong and to allow new congrega- feel that it is not as urgent as filling the
tions to be formed. (Read Isaiah 60:22.) tank with fuel. After all, if he does not
You also know that God’s Word urges put gas in the tank, his car will soon
you to “teach others.” (Read 2 Timothy come to a complete stop. ‘If I don’t have
2:2.) Even so, like the elders mentioned time to change the oil,’ he may reason,
in the introduction, you may find it hard ‘the engine will still keep running, at
to do so. After you have taken care of least for a while.’ But what is the dan-
family needs, job requirements, congre- ger? If the driver keeps postponing the
gation responsibilities, and other ur- maintenance of the engine, the day will
gent matters, there just seems to be no come when the car will grind to a com-
time left to train others in the congrega- plete halt. If that happens, he will have
tion. That being the case, let us consid- to spend a lot of time and money on get-
er what importance should be given to ting the car repaired and running again.
the training of others. What is the lesson?
6 Elders care for many important
TRAINING IS A PRIORITY
tasks that have to be handled promptly;
4 What could be one reason why
otherwise, the congregation would be
some elders may find it hard to set aside
time for training? Perhaps some think: adversely affected. So just as the driver
‘Training is important, but it is not as ur- in the example makes sure to keep refill-
gent as other congregation matters that ing the fuel tank, elders must “make
simply cannot wait. If I have to post- sure of the more important things.”
pone training for a while, the congrega- (Phil. 1:10) However, some elders are so
tion will continue to function.’ Though busy looking after pressing matters that
it is true that numerous matters re- they may neglect the training of others
quire your immediate attention, delay- —the maintenance of the engine, so to
ing training may harm the spiritual well- speak. But if elders keep postponing
being of the congregation. necessary training, sooner or later the
congregation will lack sufficient quali-
1 This article and the next are written especial- fied brothers to care for all that needs to
ly for the elders, although all in the congregation
should be interested in what is presented. Why? It
be done.
will encourage all baptized men to realize that train- 7 Clearly, then, we should guard
ing is needed in order for them to share the work- against thinking that training is of low
load. And as that is accomplished, everyone will ben-
efit. priority. Elders who take a long-range
3. (a) How do the Scriptures show the impor- 5, 6. What can we learn from the example of a
tance of training, and why should all of us be driver and his view of engine maintenance, and
interested in this? (See footnote.) (b) Why may how can this be applied to training given in the
some elders find it hard to train others? congregation?
4. What might be one reason why training at 7. How should we view elders who set aside
times is postponed? time for training?
4 THE WATCHTOWER
view and invest their time in training 10Of course, we understand that the
less experienced brothers are wise stew- time you spend on caring for impor-
ards and a true blessing to the entire tant congregation activities may already
congregation. (Read 1 Peter 4:10.) How make you feel stretched to the limit.
does the congregation benefit? Hence, you may need to take some of
that time and use it for training. (Eccl.
A WISE INVESTMENT
3:1) Doing so would be a wise invest-
8 Even the most experienced elders
ment.
must modestly recognize that advanc-
ing age will gradually limit the amount CREATING THE RIGHT CONDITIONS
of work they personally can do for 11 Recently, a group of elders who
the congregation. (Mic. 6:8) Also, they are successful in helping brothers to
should realistically take into account grow spiritually were asked what ap-
that “time and unexpected events” may proach they use when training oth-
bring about a sudden change in their ers.1 Though the circumstances of these
ability to care for congregation respon- brothers vary greatly, the advice they
sibilities. (Eccl. 9:11, 12; Jas. 4:13, 14) gave was strikingly similar. What does
So out of heartfelt concern for the this indicate? That Bible-based training
well-being of Jehovah’s sheep, forward- is applicable to learners “everywhere in
looking elders share in a timely fash- every congregation”—just as it was in
ion with younger brothers the experi- the apostle Paul’s day. (1 Cor. 4:17)
ence they have acquired during their Hence, in this article and the next,
years of faithful service.—Read Psalm we will consider some suggestions that
71:17, 18. these elders made. (Prov. 15:22) For the
9 For what other reason are elders sake of simplicity, the articles will refer
who train others a blessing to the flock? to those giving training as “teachers”
They strengthen the congregation’s de- and those receiving it as “learners.”
12 A teacher needs to create the right
fenses. How? The efforts of elders to
train others result in more brothers conditions for training. Just as a garden-
who will be ready to help the congre- er needs to cultivate, or loosen, the soil
gation to stand firm and united, not before sowing seeds, so a teacher needs
only now but especially when turbulent 1 These elders live in Australia, Bangladesh, Bel-
times come during the great tribulation. gium, Brazil, France, French Guiana, Japan, Korea,
(Ezek. 38:10-12; Mic. 5:5, 6) Therefore, Mexico, Namibia, Nigeria, Réunion, Russia, South
Africa, and the United States.
dear elders, we appeal to you to make
training a regular feature of your minis- 10. To have time to train others, what may an
try today. elder need to do?
11. (a) What is interesting about the sugges-
8. (a) What qualities and considerations move tions on training given by elders from different
elders to train others? (b) What urgent respon- lands? (b) According to Proverbs 15:22, why
sibility do elders who serve as “need greaters” will it be beneficial to consider the suggestions
have? (See the box “A Compelling Mission.”) of other elders?
9. What future event makes training of vital 12. What does a teacher need to create, and
importance? why?
APRIL 15, 2015 5

to prepare, or encourage, the heart of a sent Saul away—prepared for the events
learner before teaching him new skills. to come.—1 Sam. 9:17-27; 10:1.
So how do teachers create the right con- 15 Anointing a man to be a leader of a
ditions for training others? By following nation is, of course, not the same as
an approach similar to that taken by one training a brother to be an elder or a
prophet of old. What approach is that? ministerial servant in the congregation.
13 One day over 3,000 years ago, Jeho- Even so, elders today can draw sever-
vah told the elderly prophet Samuel: al valuable lessons from Samuel’s ap-
“Tomorrow about this time, I will send proach. Let us consider two of them.
to you a man from the land of Benjamin.
You must anoint him as leader over my WILLING TEACHERS AND
people Israel.” (1 Sam. 9:15, 16) Samuel TRUE FRIENDS
realized that his role as leader had come 16 Be willing, not reluctant. When
to an end and that Jehovah had assigned Samuel first heard that the Israelites
him to anoint a successor. ‘How can I wanted a human king, he felt dis-
prepare that man for his task?,’ Samuel appointed and rejected by his people.
must have thought. He got an idea and (1 Sam. 8:4-8) In fact, he was so reluc-
worked out a plan. tant to do what the people demanded
14 The next day when Samuel saw that Jehovah three times saw the need
Saul, Jehovah told the prophet: “Here is to tell him to listen to them. (1 Sam. 8:7,
the man.” Then Samuel put his plan 9, 22) Even so, Samuel did not allow bit-
into action. He invited Saul for a meal in terness or resentment against the man
a dining hall. There he gave Saul and his who would replace him to take root in
attendant the best seats and a choice cut his heart. When Jehovah told him to
of meat, and Samuel said: “Eat, because anoint Saul, the prophet obeyed, not re-
they have reserved it for you for this oc- luctantly out of mere duty, but willingly
casion.” Afterward, Samuel and Saul out of love.
walked down to the prophet’s house, 17 Like Samuel, experienced elders
talking as they went. Samuel wanted to today show a kind disposition toward
make good use of the pleasant atmo- those whom they train. (1 Pet. 5:2) Such
sphere that the fine meal and the lei- elders do not hold back from training
surely walk had created. So he invited others for fear of having to relinquish
Saul to come up to his roof. In the cool certain congregation privileges to the
evening breeze, Samuel “continued to learners. Bighearted teachers view will-
speak with Saul on the housetop” until ing learners, not as competitors, but as
they went to sleep. The next day, Samu- “fellow workers”—as precious gifts to
el anointed Saul, kissed him, and gave
him more instructions. After that, he 16. (a) What feelings did Samuel experience
when Israel asked for a king? (b) With what dis-
13-15. (a) What assignment did the prophet position did Samuel fulfill his assignment to
Samuel receive? (b) How did Samuel carry out anoint Saul?
his task? (See opening image.) (c) Why should 17. How do elders today imitate Samuel’s dis-
this Bible account about Samuel be of special position, and what satisfaction does that give
interest to elders today? them?
6 THE WATCHTOWER
Training others starts
with developing
a bond of friendship
the congregation. (2 Cor. 1:24; Heb. 13: local circumstances and customs. Yet,
16) And what satisfaction such unself- no matter where you live, if you as a
ish teachers experience as they observe busy elder set aside time to spend with
how the learners use their abilities to a learner, you are telling him, in effect,
benefit the congregation!—Acts 20:35. “You are important to me.” (Read Ro-
18 Be a friend, not just a teacher. The mans 12:10.) That unspoken message
day Samuel met Saul, the prophet could will be clearly understood and deeply
have pulled out a flask of oil, hurriedly valued by willing learners everywhere.
poured it on Saul’s head, and sent the 20 Elders, remember: A successful
new king on his way—fully anointed teacher is someone who not only loves
but totally unprepared. Instead, Samuel to train another person but also loves
kindly took the time to prepare Saul’s the person he is training. (Compare John
heart step-by-step. Only after they had a 5:20.) That crucial aspect of a teacher’s
fine meal, a pleasant stroll, a long talk, disposition is quickly discerned by a
and a good rest did the prophet feel that learner and greatly affects the way he
the right moment had arrived to anoint responds to the training he receives.
Saul. Therefore, dear elders, as you give train-
19 Likewise, a teacher today should ing, be more than a teacher—be a friend.
start his training by taking time to de- —Prov. 17:17; John 15:15.
velop a relaxed atmosphere and a bond 21 After preparing a learner’s heart,
of friendship with the learner. The spe- an elder wants to convey to him the
cific steps an elder takes to create such needed skills. What methods could the
a warm relationship will differ some- elder use? That will be considered in the
what from land to land, depending on following article.
18, 19. How can an elder prepare the heart of 20, 21. (a) How would you describe a success-
a learner, and why is taking that approach so ful teacher? (b) What will be considered in the
important? next article?
APRIL 15, 2015 7

A Compelling Mission
IN SOME parts of the world, numerous congrega-
tions receive much help in the form of “need great-
ers”—brothers and sisters who have moved in from
abroad. These self-sacrificing Witnesses have a large
share in bringing in the spiritual harvest. But what
would happen if these hardworking Kingdom preach-
ers were to leave the country? In many congrega-
tions, there would not be enough qualified local
brothers to care for all the congregation responsibili-
ties. Hence, “need greaters” serving as elders have
a compelling mission—that of helping local brothers
to become shepherds of the flock.
How to Train Others

ELDERS who are successful in training
others offer these suggestions:
1. Be an example in word and deed.
2. Encourage the learner to deepen his
spirituality by reading the Bible through
in one year.
3. Work together in the field service.
(See image on cover.)
4. Teach him to conduct meaningful meet-
ings for field service.
5. When you give a public talk, have him
follow along in the outline so that he can
see how you developed it. )
6. Occasionally, invite him and his family to
join you for your family worship.
7. Ask him and his family to go with you
and your family to preach in unassigned
or seldom-worked territory.1
1 These suggestions were tried with good results by
elders in Africa, the Americas, Asia, Australia, and Europe.
How Elders Train Others
to Become Qualified
“The things you heard from me . . . , entrust to
faithful men.”—2 TIM. 2:2.
GOD’S servants have long understood that training contrib- HOW WOULD YOU
utes to success. The patriarch Abram “mobilized his trained ANSWER?
men” to rescue Lot—and the men succeeded. (Gen. 14:14-16) ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
In King David’s day, the singers for God’s house “were trained In what ways can an elder
in song to Jehovah” and brought praise to God. (1 Chron. fortify a brother spiritually?
25:7) Today, we are fighting a spiritual war against Satan and
his followers. (Eph. 6:11-13) Also, we are exerting ourselves
in our effort to bring praise to Jehovah. (Heb. 13:15, 16)
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Hence, like God’s servants in the past, to be successful we
What scriptures may move
need to be trained. In the congregation, Jehovah entrusts the
a brother who seems to be
elders with the responsibility of training others. (2 Tim. 2:2) disengaged to adjust his
What methods are experienced elders using to train brothers thinking?
to become qualified to care for the flock?
FORTIFY THE LEARNER SPIRITUALLY
2 As an elder, you could be compared to a garden- ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
er. Before planting seeds, a gardener may see the need How can those who are being
trained imitate Elisha?
1. (a) What have God’s servants long understood about training, and
how does this apply today? (b) What will we consider in this article?
2. Before teaching a learner a set of skills, what may an elder want to
do, and why?
9
to add nutrients to the soil to make ture together to ‘open the eyes’ of the
it more productive. Similarly, before learner to ‘the wonderful things’ found
teaching a less experienced brother in God’s Word.” (Ps. 119:18) What are
a set of skills, you may discern the some more ways to fortify a learner?
need to share some nourishing Scriptur-
SUGGEST GOALS—GIVE REASONS
al thoughts with him so as to make his
heart more responsive to the training he
5 Ask a learner, ‘What are your spiri-
will receive.—1 Tim. 4:6. tual goals?’ If he has no clear goals in
3 To determine to what extent a learn- mind, help him to set one that is rea-
er’s thoughts and actions are influenced sonable and reachable. Tell him about
by Kingdom truth, you might ask him, a specific spiritual goal you once set
‘How has your dedication to Jehovah for yourself, and relate with enthusi-
changed the way you use your life?’ That asm how much joy you felt when you
question can lead to a meaningful con- reached it. Though this may seem like a
versation about what makes our sacred simple method, it is effective. Victor,
an elder and pioneer in Africa, recalls:
service whole-souled. (Read Mark 12:
“When I was young, an elder asked me
29, 30.) Perhaps at the end of such a con-
a few well-chosen questions about my
versation, you might say a prayer, asking
goals. Those questions helped me to
Jehovah to give the learner the holy spir-
start thinking seriously about my minis-
it he needs to complete his training.
try.” Experienced elders also stress the
How upbuilding it will be for the broth-
importance of beginning to train broth-
er to hear your heartfelt prayer in his be-
ers when they are young—in their early
half!
4 In the initial phase of training, con-
teens—by giving them assignments in
the congregation that fit their age. Such
sider some Bible accounts that might early training will help young ones to
help the learner to see the need to keep their eyes on spiritual goals when
be willing, reliable, and humble. (1 Ki. they reach the late teens and are bom-
19:19-21; Neh. 7:2; 13:13; Acts 18:24-26) barded with many distractions.—Read
Such qualities are as essential to the Psalm 71:5, 17.1
learner as nutrients are to the soil. They 6 You will also stimulate a learner’s
quicken his spiritual growth. Says Jean-
desire to serve by explaining to him not
Claude, an elder from France: “My main
goal in training is to help a learner to be- 1 If a young man demonstrates Christian maturity,
come spiritually-minded. I look for occa- is humble, and meets the other Scriptural qualifica-
tions, the elders might recommend him for appoint-
sions when we can read a specific scrip- ment as a ministerial servant even if he is not yet 20
years old.—1 Tim. 3:8-10, 12; see the July 1, 1989, is-
3. (a) How might Jesus’ words found at Mark sue of The Watchtower, page 29.
12:29, 30 be used in a conversation with a learn-
er? (b) What effect may a prayer said by an elder 5. (a) How important is it to speak with a
have on the learner? learner about spiritual goals? (b) Why should
4. (a) Give examples of Bible accounts that elders train those who are still young? (See foot-
stimulate a learner’s spiritual development. note.)
(b) What goal do elders have in mind when 6. What was an important aspect of Jesus’ way
training others? of training others?
10 THE WATCHTOWER
Explain why a task
needs to be done, and
give commendation for
the effort that is put
forth to accomplish it
only what to do but also why to do it. By training will help him to focus more on
giving reasons, you imitate the Great people than on rules. He will experience
Teacher, Jesus. For example, before giv- the joy that comes from seeing how
ing his apostles the commission to make brothers and sisters in the congregation
disciples, Jesus gave them a reason why benefit from the service he renders.
they should obey. He stated: “All author- 8 Further, make sure to commend the
ity has been given me in heaven and on learner for the effort he makes to apply
the earth.” Then he added: “Go, there- your suggestions. How important is it to
fore, and make disciples of people of all do that? Sincere commendation does for
the nations.” (Matt. 28:18, 19) How can a learner what water does for a plant—it
you imitate Jesus’ way of training? makes him thrive.—Compare Matthew
7 Explain to a learner what the Scrip- 3:17.
tural reason is for what he is asked to do.
AN ADDED CHALLENGE
In that way you teach him to think in
9 Elders in affluent lands may face
terms of Bible principles. For example,
suppose you ask a brother to keep the an added challenge: how to motivate
entranceway to the Kingdom Hall clean baptized brothers in their 20’s or 30’s
in appearance and safe for walking. You to get involved in congregation activi-
could consider Titus 2:10 and explain ties. We asked experienced elders in
how his work to enhance the Kingdom some 20 Western lands to tell us why
Hall will “adorn the teaching of our Sav- they think some young brothers shy
ior, God.” Also, ask the learner to think away from accepting congregation priv-
of the elderly ones in the congregation ileges. Among the answers received,
and how carrying out his assignment one stands out: While they were grow-
will benefit them. Having such conver- ing up, some young ones were not en-
sations with the learner as part of his couraged to pursue spiritual goals. In
fact, in some cases, young ones who
7, 8. (a) How can elders today imitate Jesus’
way of training? (b) How important is it to com- 9. (a) With regard to training, what challenge
mend a learner? (c) What suggestions can help faces some elders in affluent lands? (b) Why
elders to train others? (See the box “How to has the truth not come first in the life of some
Train Others.”) younger brothers?
APRIL 15, 2015 11

were inclined to set such goals were en- LEARNERS, PROVE FAITHFUL
couraged by their parents to pursue sec- 12 What, though, about you young
ular goals instead! The truth never came ones whose help is needed? What dis-
first in the life of such young ones. position will help you to succeed? To an-
—Matt. 10:24. swer, let us consider some events in the
10 If a brother appears to be dis-
life of a learner in the past.
engaged, changing the direction of his 13 Nearly 3,000 years ago, the proph-
thinking will take much effort and pa- et Elijah invited young Elisha to become
tience, but it can be done. Just as his attendant. Elisha promptly accepted
a gardener can direct the growth of the invitation and faithfully served the
some plants by gradually straighten- older man by caring for humble tasks.
ing their stems, you can gradually help (2 Ki. 3:11) Then, after some six years
some brothers to see the need to change of training, Elisha learned that Elijah’s
their attitude toward accepting privi- work in Israel was about to come to an
leges. But how? end. At that point, Elijah urged his well-
11 Take time to develop a friendly re-
trained companion to stop following
lationship with the brother. Let him him, but Elisha three times told Elijah:
know that he is needed in the congrega- “I will not leave you.” He was deter-
tion. Then, over the course of time, sit mined to stay with his mentor as long
down with him to reason on specific as possible. Jehovah, in turn, reward-
scriptures and help him think about his ed Elisha for his loyalty and faithful-
dedication to Jehovah. (Eccl. 5:4; Isa. ness by letting him witness Elijah’s awe-
6:8; Matt. 6:24, 33; Luke 9:57-62; 1 Cor. inspiring departure.—2 Ki. 2:1-12.
15:58; 2 Cor. 5:15; 13:5) You might ask 14 How can you imitate Elisha today?
him, ‘What did you promise Jehovah
Promptly accept assignments, including
when you dedicated yourself to him?’
humble tasks. View your teacher as a
Try to stir his heart by asking, ‘How do
friend, and let him know how much you
you think Jehovah must have felt when
appreciate the effort he makes in your
you got baptized?’ (Prov. 27:11) ‘What
behalf. The way you respond may, in ef-
were Satan’s feelings?’ (1 Pet. 5:8) Nev-
fect, tell him: “I will not leave you.”
er underestimate how deeply a brother
can be affected by the reading of care- Above all, be faithful in carrying out any
fully selected Bible passages.—Read He- assignment you are given. Why is this
brews 4:12.1 so important? Because only after you
demonstrate that you are faithful and
1 You might use in your discussion the points reliable will the elders feel assured that
found in The Watchtower, April 15, 2012, pages 14-16,
paragraphs 8-13; and “Keep Yourselves in God’s Love,”
Jehovah wants you to be entrusted with
chapter 16, paragraphs 1-3.
12, 13. (a) What disposition did Elisha show
10, 11. (a) How may an elder gradually help as a learner? (b) How did Jehovah reward Elisha
a brother who appears to be disengaged for his faithfulness?
to change his mind-set? (b) What Scriptural 14. (a) How can learners today imitate Elisha?
thoughts could an elder consider with such a (b) Why is it so important for a learner to be
brother, and why? (See footnote.) faithful?
12 THE WATCHTOWER
added responsibilities in the congrega- ever did. What is the lesson for you as a
tion.—Ps. 101:6; read 2 Timothy 2:2. learner today?
17 Do not feel that as soon as you re-
SHOW DUE RESPECT
ceive some responsibility in the congre-
15 The account of Elijah’s successor, gation, you need to use it to change
Elisha, also indicates how brothers to- course—to do things in a way that is
day can show due respect for experi- completely different from the way they
enced elders. After Elijah and Elisha were done before. The need for change
had visited a group of prophets in Jeri- is determined, not by your desire for
cho, the two men walked to the Jor- change, but by the needs of the con-
dan River. There, “Elijah took his official gregation and the direction we receive
garment and rolled it up and struck the from Jehovah’s organization. Just as Eli-
waters, and they were divided.” After sha by his actions reassured his fellow
crossing the dry riverbed, the men kept prophets and showed respect for his
on “speaking as they walked.” Clearly, predecessor by continuing to use Eli-
Elisha did not think that by now he jah’s methods, you may reassure your
knew it all. Until the moment Elijah left, fellow believers and show respect for
Elisha took to heart each word spoken experienced elders by continuing to use
by his teacher. Then Elijah ascended in their Bible-based methods. (Read 1 Co-
a windstorm. Later, back at the Jordan, rinthians 4:17.) However, as you gain
Elisha struck the waters with Elijah’s experience, you will no doubt share in
garment, calling out: “Where is Jeho- applying changes that will help the con-
vah, the God of Elijah?” Again, the wa- gregation to stay in tune with Jehovah’s
ters were divided.—2 Ki. 2:8-14. progressive organization. In fact, as in
16 Did you note that the first miracle
Elisha’s case, Jehovah may in time move
you faithful learners to do even great-
performed by Elisha was an exact copy
er works than those of your teachers.
of the last miracle performed by Elijah? —John 14:12.
Why is that of interest? Apparently, Eli- 18 It is hoped that the suggestions in
sha did not feel that since he was now at this article and the preceding one will
the helm, he needed to change course move more elders to set aside time for
right away. Instead, by continuing in the training others. May qualified brothers
way that Elijah had carried out his min- eagerly accept such training and then
istry, Elisha showed due respect for his use it wisely as they help take care of Je-
teacher, which reassured Elisha’s fellow hovah’s sheep. Doing so will fortify the
prophets. (2 Ki. 2:15) Later, though, dur- congregations worldwide and help each
ing Elisha’s 60-year-long ministry as a one of us to stay faithful during the mo-
prophet, Jehovah moved him to per- mentous events to come.
form many more miracles than Elijah
17. (a) How can learners today imitate Elisha’s
15, 16. (a) In what ways did Elisha show re- disposition? (b) In time, how may Jehovah use
spect for his teacher? (See opening image.) faithful learners?
(b) What was it about Elisha that reassured his 18. Why is the training of brothers in the con-
fellow prophets? gregations of high priority today?
APRIL 15, 2015 13

LIFE STORY
Blessings “in
Favorable Times
and Difficult Times”
AS TOLD BY TROPHIM R. NSOMBA
WHEN I came into the world in March 1930, I ed responsibility of rearing them, we decided
was surrounded by relatives and friends who that I would be able to begin regular pioneering.
were faithfully serving Jehovah. That was in the Two years later, I was invited to serve as a special
village of Namkumba, near the city of Lilongwe, pioneer.
in the country that is now Malawi. In 1942, I ded- Soon thereafter, I was given the privilege of
icated my life to God and was baptized in one of visiting congregations as a circuit overseer. Be-
our scenic rivers. Over the next 70 years, I en- cause of Lidasi’s fine support, I was able to care
deavored to do just as the apostle Paul urged for our family materially and spiritually while
Timothy, to “preach the word; be at it urgently in doing this work.1 But it was our earnest de-
favorable times and difficult times.”—2 Tim. 4:2. sire that both of us could be in the full-time min-
The first visit of Nathan H. Knorr and Milton istry. By careful planning and with cooperation
G. Henschel to Malawi in early 1948 kindled my from our children, Lidasi was able to begin her
desire to serve Jehovah full-time. I remember full-time service in 1960.
with fondness the encouraging comments of We enjoyed those favorable times, serving our
those representatives from the world headquar- brothers and sisters in various congregations.
ters of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Brooklyn, New Our assignments took us from the beautiful
York. Standing in a muddy field, some 6,000 of slopes of the Mulanje Mountains in the south to
us listened attentively to Brother Knorr’s encour- the peaceful shores of Lake Malawi, which runs
aging talk, “Permanent Governor of All Na- nearly the full length of the eastern part of the
tions.” country. We saw steady increases in publishers
When I met Lidasi, a lovely sister who, like and congregations in the circuits we served.
me, had been raised in a family of Jehovah’s Wit- In 1962 we enjoyed the “Courageous Minis-
nesses, I learned that she too had the goal of the ters” District Assembly. In retrospect, such spir-
full-time ministry. In 1950 we got married, and 1 Brothers who have minor children at home are no longer in-
by 1953 we had two children. Even with the add- vited to serve in the circuit work.
14 THE WATCHTOWER
itual occasions were just what all of us in Mala- and climbed a large mango tree. From there, I
wi needed to prepare us for the difficult times watched as our house and all our personal be-
that lay ahead. The following year, Brother Hen- longings were destroyed.
schel visited Malawi again and a special conven- As the persecution intensified in Malawi,
tion outside the city of Blantyre was attended thousands of us fled the country. Our family
by some 10,000. That encouraging convention stayed in a refugee camp in western Mozam-
served as a strengthening aid for us to face the bique until June 1974. At that time, Lidasi and
coming trials. I were asked to serve as special pioneers in
Dómue, Mozambique, near the Malawi border.
DIFFICULT TIMES ARRIVE
We continued in that service until 1975, when
In 1964 the Witnesses experienced severe Mozambique gained its independence from Por-
testing because of their refusal to take part in po- tugal. Then, along with other Witnesses, we
litical activities. Over 100 Kingdom Halls and were forced to return to Malawi and to the per-
more than 1,000 homes of Witnesses were de- secutors we had left behind.
stroyed in a wave of persecution. We, though, After returning to Malawi, I was assigned to
were able to continue in the traveling work until visit congregations in the capital city, Lilongwe.
the Malawi government banned the Witness- In spite of the persecution and all the difficulties,
es in 1967. The branch property in Blantyre the number of congregations increased in the
was confiscated, the missionaries were deport- circuits we were privileged to serve.
ed, and many local Witnesses, including Lidasi
and me, were put in jail. After our release, we EXPERIENCING JEHOVAH’S SUPPORT
discreetly continued in the traveling work. On one occasion, we came to a village where
One day in October 1972, some one hun- a political meeting was in progress. Some of the
dred members of a militant political movement party supporters found out that we were Jeho-
known as the Malawi Youth League headed for vah’s Witnesses, and they made us sit among
our house. But one of their members ran ahead members of a political youth movement known
and told me to hide because they were planning as Malawi Young Pioneers. We fervently prayed
to kill me. I told my wife and children to hide to Jehovah for his help and guidance in this vol-
among the nearby banana trees. Then I ran atile situation. When the meeting ended, they
Assemblies strengthened us
for the persecution ahead
Because our brothers would not
get involved in politics, their
homes were burned
Political
party card
started to beat us. An older woman came run- ARRESTED AND IMPRISONED
ning and cried out: “Leave them alone, please! In February 1984, I was on my way to Lilongwe
This man is my brother’s son. Let him go on his to deliver reports for the branch office in Zambia.
journey!” The one in charge of the meeting said: A policeman stopped me and searched my bag.
“Let them go!” We are not sure what that wom- He found some Bible literature, so he took me to
an had in mind, since she was not a relative of the police station and started to beat me. Then he
ours. We feel that Jehovah must have heard our bound me with ropes and put me in a room
prayer. with prisoners who had been caught with stolen
In 1981 we again met some of the Malawi goods in their possession.
Young Pioneers. They took away our bicycles, The next day, the chief of police took me to an-
luggage, cartons of books, and circuit files. We other room, where he wrote out a statement that
escaped and ran to the home of an elder. Again said: “I, Trophim R. Nsomba, have stopped being
we prayed about the situation. We were con- a Jehovah’s Witness so that I can be set free.” I
cerned about all the information in the files they responded: “I am ready not only to be bound but
had taken from us. When the Young Pioneers also to die. I am still a Witness of Jehovah.” I re-
looked in the files, they saw letters addressed to fused to sign it. That angered the police chief,
me from locations all over Malawi. This terrified and he slammed his fist on the desk so hard that
them, as they thought I was a government of- it caused a policeman in the next room to come
ficial. So they immediately returned everything running to see what had happened. The chief
to the local elders just as they had found it. told him: “This man is refusing to sign that he has
Another time, we were crossing a river in a stopped witnessing. So let him sign that he is one
boat. The owner of the boat was the political of Jehovah’s Witnesses, and we shall send him to
chairman of the area, so he decided to check all Lilongwe to be bound.” All this time, my dear
the passengers for political party cards. As he wife was wondering what was happening to me.
was approaching us, he discovered a thief whom Four days later, some brothers were able to tell
the authorities were looking for. This caused her where I was.
quite a commotion, and that ended the search At the Lilongwe police station, I was treated
for party cards. Again we felt Jehovah’s loving kindly. The chief of police said: “Here is a plate
support. of rice because you have been bound on ac-
16 THE WATCHTOWER
The work was banned,
and the government
confiscated the branch
property
Brothers being led

away after their trial
count of God’s Word. The other people here are hovah’s Witnesses in America also see this scrip-
thieves.” Then he sent me to Kachere Prison, ture as describing their headquarters.” Since I
where I was kept for five months. would not tell them what they wanted to hear,
The warden of that prison was happy that I I was transferred to Dzaleka Prison, just north of
came; he wanted me to be the “pastor” for the Lilongwe.
prison. He removed the current pastor, telling
BLESSINGS EVEN IN DIFFICULT TIMES
him: “I don’t want you to teach God’s Word here
again, for you were put in prison because you In July 1984, I joined the 81 Witnesses at Dza-
stole from your church!” So I was given the re- leka Prison. There, 300 prisoners were crowded
sponsibility of teaching the Bible each week at together, sleeping on the floor shoulder to shoul-
the meetings that were arranged for the prison- der. Gradually, we Witnesses were able to divide
ers. ourselves into small groups to consider a scrip-
Later, things changed for the worse. Prison of- ture each day, which different ones would sug-
ficials interrogated me to find out how many Wit- gest. That gave us much encouragement.
nesses there were in Malawi. When I didn’t an- Then the prison warden separated us from the
swer them to their satisfaction, they beat me other prisoners. A guard secretly told us: “The
until I passed out. Another time, they wanted to government doesn’t hate you. We keep you in
know where our headquarters was located. I prison for two reasons: The government fears
said, “You have asked a simple question, and I that you will be killed by the Young Pioneers, and
will tell you.” The policemen were happy and because you preach about a coming war, the gov-
turned on their tape recorder. I explained that ernment fears that their soldiers will disappear
the headquarters of Jehovah’s Witnesses is de- during that war.”
scribed in the Bible. They were surprised, and In October 1984, all of us had to appear in
asked, “Where in the Bible?” court. We each received a two-year prison sen-
“At Isaiah 43:12,” I replied. They looked it up tence. As before, we were put in with non-
and read it carefully: “ ‘You are my witnesses,’ de- Witnesses. But the prison warden announced to
clares Jehovah, ‘and I am God.’ ” They read that all: “Jehovah’s Witnesses don’t smoke cigarettes.
passage three times. Then they asked: “How can So guards, don’t trouble them by asking them for
the headquarters of Jehovah’s Witnesses be here a cigarette and don’t send them to collect a burn-
in the Bible and not in America?” I told them: “Je- ing piece of charcoal to light your cigarette. They
APRIL 15, 2015 17

are God’s people! All of Jehovah’s Witnesses unaware, brothers, of the tribulation we experi-
should be given food twice a day, since they are enced . . . We were very uncertain even of our
not here for crimes but because of their beliefs in lives. In fact, we felt that we had received the
the Bible.” sentence of death. This was so that we would
We benefited from our fine reputation in oth- trust, not in ourselves, but in the God who rais-
er ways as well. When it was dark or rainy, pris- es up the dead. From such a great risk of death
oners were not allowed to move about. But we he did rescue us.”—2 Cor. 1:8-10.
were permitted to leave the building whenever Indeed, at times it seemed that we would not
we wanted to. They knew we would not try to es- survive. But we always asked Jehovah to give us
cape. In fact, once when a guard fell ill while the courage and wisdom to help us keep a hum-
watching us as we worked in the fields, we car- ble spirit so that we could continue to bring glo-
ried him back to the prison compound for treat- ry to his great name.
ment. The prison officials knew that we could be Jehovah has blessed us in his service, during
trusted. So by maintaining our fine conduct, we favorable times as well as difficult ones. Now,
were blessed to see Jehovah’s name glorified what a thrill it is for us to see the branch office
through the mouth of our captors.—1 Pet. 2:12.1 that was completed in Lilongwe in the year 2000,
A FAVORABLE TIME IS HERE AGAIN as well as the construction of over 1,000 new
Kingdom Halls all throughout Malawi! These
On May 11, 1985, I was released from Dzaleka blessings from Jehovah are so enriching spiritu-
Prison. What a joy it was to be reunited with my ally that to Lidasi and me, it almost seems like a
family! We thank Jehovah for helping us to main- dream!1
tain our integrity in those very difficult times.
Regarding that period, we feel like the apostle 1 While this article was being prepared for publication, Broth-
Paul when he wrote: “We do not want you to be er Nsomba fell asleep in death at the age of 83.
1 For the details of the persecution in Malawi, see the 1999

Yearbook of Jehovah’s Witnesses, pages 171-223.
Brother Nsomba and his wife, Lidasi,

in front of a Kingdom Hall, 2004
How Real Is Your
Relationship With Jehovah?
“Draw close to God, and he will draw close to you.”
—JAS. 4:8.
ARE you a dedicated, baptized Witness of Jehovah? If so, you HOW WOULD YOU
have a precious possession—a personal relationship with ANSWER?
God. However, that relationship is under attack by pressures ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
not only from Satan’s world but also from our own imperfect What should be your objective
flesh. This trying situation faces all Christians. Therefore, our when you study God’s Word?
relationship with Jehovah must be as strong as possible.
2 How real to you is your personal relationship with Jeho-
vah? Would you like to strengthen it? James 4:8 tells you how ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
you can do that: “Draw close to God, and he will draw close
What assures you that
to you.” Note that this is a two-way process.1 As we take steps Jehovah always does what
to draw close to God, he takes reciprocating action to- is right?
ward us. This interaction, frequently repeated, progressively
strengthens our relationship with Jehovah. As a result, that
relationship becomes very real to us. We develop the kind of
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
1 A relationship has been defined as the way two individuals feel and behave Why should you be specific
toward each other. Thus, both are actively involved. in your prayers?
1. Why do we need to keep our relationship with Jehovah strong?
2. (a) What is a relationship? (See footnote.) (b) How can we strength-
en our relationship with Jehovah?
19
confidence Jesus had when he said: talk to you, as it were, when you regular-
“The One who sent me is real, and . . . I ly read his written Word and meditate on it.
know him.” (John 7:28, 29) Specifically, (Read Isaiah 30:20, 21.) Let us consid-
though, what steps can you take to draw er, then, how this two-way communica-
closer to Jehovah? tion strengthens our bond with Jehovah,
3 Having regular communication making our personal relationship with
with Jehovah is a vital part of drawing him ever more real.
close to him. How can you communi- BIBLE STUDY
cate with God? Well, how do you com- —JEHOVAH SPEAKS TO YOU
municate with a friend who lives far
away? Likely, you write to each other
4 You no doubt agree that the Bible
contains God’s message for mankind in
and talk on the phone, perhaps quite
general. But does the Bible also convey
often. You talk to Jehovah by means
how you in particular can draw closer to
of your frequent prayers to him. (Read
Jehovah? Indeed it does. How? As you
Psalm 142:2.) And you allow Jehovah to
regularly read and study the Bible, con-
3. What makes communication with Jehovah sider your response to what it says and
possible? give thought to how you can apply it to
your circumstances; then you are allow-
ing Jehovah to talk to you through his
Word. This draws you into a closer rela-
How can you communicate with God? tionship with him.—Heb. 4:12; Jas. 1:
(See paragraph 3)
23-25.
5 For example, read and meditate on
Jesus’ words to “stop storing up for your-

selves treasures on the earth.” If you feel
that you are already focusing your life on
Kingdom interests, you sense Jehovah’s
commendation. On the other hand, if
you see a need to simplify your life and
to focus more on Kingdom interests, Je-
hovah has alerted you to an area where
you can work at drawing closer to him.
—Matt. 6:19, 20.
6 Studying the Scriptures does more
than reveal areas in which we can im-

prove spiritually. It also deepens our ap-
4, 5. How does Jehovah communicate with

you personally through his written Word? Give
an example.
6, 7. (a) How does Bible study affect our love
for Jehovah and his love for us? (b) What
should be our objective when engaging in per-
sonal study?
preciation for Jehovah’s endearing ways, ward Azariah, we can trust that His
causing us to love him even more. And judgment was righteous.
when our love for God grows, his love for 9 In this case, however, additional de-
us intensifies, thus strengthening our tails are available to us elsewhere in the

bond with him.—Read 1 Corinthians 8:3. Bible. King Azariah was also known as
7 For us to draw close to Jehovah, King Uzziah. (2 Ki. 15:7, 32) In the paral-
however, it is essential that we study lel account at 2 Chronicles 26:3-5, 16-21,
with the right objective. John 17:3 says: we learn that although Uzziah did what
“This means everlasting life, their com- was right in Jehovah’s eyes for a time,
ing to know you, the only true God, and later in life “his heart became haughty to
the one whom you sent, Jesus Christ.” his own ruin.” Presumptuously, he at-
Thus, our objective should be not mere- tempted to perform priestly duties that
ly to take in knowledge but to come were outside the scope of his authority.
to “know” Jehovah better as a Person. Eighty-one priests confronted him and
—Read Exodus 33:13; Ps. 25:4. endeavored to correct him. How did Uz-
8 As we come to know Jehovah more ziah respond? He demonstrated how
intimately, we will not be unduly dis- proud he had become. He “became en-
turbed if certain Bible accounts leave us raged” against the priests. No wonder
wondering why he acted as he did. For Jehovah struck him with leprosy!
example, how do you respond to the way 10 Let us not miss the point. Suppose
Jehovah acted toward King Azariah of clarifying details had not been included
Judah? (2 Ki. 15:1-5) Note that although in God’s Word, as is the case with other
“the people were still sacrificing and abbreviated Bible accounts? Would you
making sacrificial smoke on the high be inclined to question the righteous-
places,” Azariah himself “continued to ness of God? Or would you reason that
do what was right in Jehovah’s eyes.” the Bible contains enough information
Yet, “Jehovah afflicted the king, and he to assure us that Jehovah always does
remained a leper until the day of his what is right and is, in fact, the very
death.” Why? The account does not say. standard of what is right and what is
Should this disturb us or cause us to wrong? (Deut. 32:4) As we get to know
wonder whether Jehovah punished Az- Jehovah better as a Person, our love and
ariah without due cause? Not if we appreciation for his ways will grow to
have an intimate knowledge of Jeho- the point that we do not need an expla-
vah’s ways. That would include knowing nation for everything he does. Be as-
that Jehovah always disciplines “to the sured that such appreciation will grow
proper degree.” (Jer. 30:11) Such knowl- in proportion to your efforts to study
edge assures us that even if we do not and meditate on God’s communication
know why Jehovah acted as he did to-
9. What facts shed light on Jehovah’s reasons
8. (a) What concern could arise regarding Je- for afflicting Azariah with leprosy?
hovah’s treatment of King Azariah, as de- 10. Why should we not always need an expla-
scribed at 2 Kings 15:1-5? (b) How does our nation for Jehovah’s actions, and how can we
knowing Jehovah remove any doubt about his strengthen our confidence in Jehovah’s righ-
actions? teous ways?
APRIL 15, 2015 21

Developing a closer relationship with
Jehovah is a lifetime pursuit
SCHOOL YEARS FULL-TIME MINISTRY
through his written Word. (Ps. 77:12, 13) human servants. Then, during his earth-
This, in turn, will strengthen your rela- ly ministry, Jesus used prayer as his
tionship with Jehovah, making it ever means of communicating his feelings to
more real. his Father in heaven. Would he have
done so—even spending an entire night
PRAYER
in prayer—had he thought that Jehovah
—YOU SPEAK TO JEHOVAH
was not really listening? (Luke 6:12;
11 In prayer we draw close to Jehovah. 22:40-46) Would he have taught his dis-
We praise him, thank him, and seek his ciples to pray had he thought that prayer
guidance. (Ps. 32:8) But for your relation- was nothing more than a psychological
ship with Jehovah to be real, you must be crutch? Clearly, Jesus knew that prayer
convinced that he is hearing prayers. is real communication with Jehovah.
12 Some people believe that prayer
On one occasion, Jesus said: “Father, I
is only of psychological benefit. They thank you that you have heard me. True,
claim that if you think that your prayer I knew that you always hear me.” We too
is answered, it is merely because you can have confidence that Jehovah is the
put your thoughts into words, identified “Hearer of prayer.”—John 11:41, 42; Ps.
your problem, and set your mind on 65:2.
finding a solution. Aside from any such 14 When you are specific in your
benefits, how do you know that your sin-
prayers, you become more keenly aware
cere prayers are actually heard by Jeho-
of Jehovah’s answers, even though they
vah?
may be subtle. Answered prayers will
13 Consider this: From his prehuman
make Jehovah more real to you. In addi-
existence, Jesus observed firsthand Je-
hovah’s response to the prayers of His 14, 15. (a) How do we benefit from being spe-
cific in our prayers? (b) How did one sisters
11-13. How do you know that Jehovah is listen- prayers help her strengthen her bond with Je-
ing to prayers? (See opening image.) hovah?
22 THE WATCHTOWER
MARRIED LIFE PRESENT-DAY TRIALS
tion, the more you express your inner- DOING OUR PART
most concerns to Jehovah, the closer he 16 Developing a closer relationship
will draw to you. with Jehovah is a lifetime pursuit. We
15 Consider the experience of Kathy.1
must take steps to draw close to God if
She did not enjoy the field ministry, al- we want him to take corresponding ac-
though she regularly participated in it. tion toward us. By all means, then, let us
She explains: “I did not like field service. remain in regular communication with
I mean, I really did not like it. When I re- our God by means of Bible study and
tired from my secular work, an elder ex- prayer. As a result, our ever-growing re-
pressed the hope that I would become a lationship with Jehovah will enable us
regular pioneer; he even handed me an to meet our trials successfully.
application form. I decided to pioneer, 17 A special challenge may arise, how-
but I also began to pray daily that Jeho- ever, when personal problems persist
vah would make me like field service.” despite our earnest prayers. At such
Did Jehovah answer her prayers? She times, our trust in Jehovah may falter.
says: “I am now in my third year of pio-
We may begin to wonder if Jehovah real-
neering. As a result of spending more
ly hears our prayers or if he even consid-
time in the ministry and learning from
ers himself to be in a relationship with
other sisters, I have gradually improved
us. How can we handle such experienc-
in my ability to witness. Today, I do not
es with confidence that our relationship
like field service—I love it. What is more,
with God is real? The next article will
my relationship with Jehovah is so much
address this concern.
closer than it used to be.” Truly, Kathy’s
prayers helped her to make her relation- 16, 17. (a) What must we do to keep our re-
ship with Jehovah real. lationship with Jehovah alive and growing?
(b) What special challenge will be considered
1 Name has been changed. in the next article?
APRIL 15, 2015 23

Always Trust in Jehovah!
“Trust in him at all times, O people.”—PS. 62:8.
HOW WOULD YOU IT WAS a dangerous time to be a Christian in Rome. Blamed

ANSWER? for setting fire to the city in 64 C.E. and accused of hating
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ mankind, Christ’s followers were objects of intense hostility.
Why does Jehovah not always If you were a Christian back then, you would daily face the
answer prayers immediately? possibility of being arrested and tortured. Some of your spir-
itual brothers and sisters might have been torn to pieces by
animals or nailed to a stake and burned alive to serve as
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
nighttime illumination.
What comfort do you draw 2 It was likely in this volatile situation that the apostle Paul
from Jehovah’s promise
was imprisoned in Rome for the second time. Would other
found at 1 Corinthians
10:13? Christians come to his aid? Paul may have had some initial
concerns in that regard, for he wrote to Timothy: “In my first
defense no one came to my side, but they all forsook me—may
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ they not be held accountable.” Even so, Paul acknowledged
What activities will help you that he had not been entirely without help. He wrote: “But
to build trust in Jehovah and the Lord stood near me and infused power into me.” Yes, the
strengthen your relationship Lord Jesus provided the power Paul needed. And just how
with him? practical was that divine help? Note the results: “I was res-
1-3. How was Paul’s trust in Jehovah strengthened? (See opening im-
age.)
24
cued from the lion’s mouth.”—2 Tim. 4: TRUST IS ESSENTIAL TO OUR
16, 17.1 RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD
3 Recalling that experience must have 6 Can you bring a distressing problem
strengthened Paul, helping him to trust to Jehovah in prayer and thereafter be
that Jehovah would fortify him to en- at peace, knowing that you have done
dure his present trials and any future what you can about the situation and he
difficulties that might arise. In fact, he will handle the rest? Yes, you can! (Read
immediately went on to say: “The Lord Psalm 62:8; 1 Peter 5:7.) Learning to do
will rescue me from every wicked work.” so is an important aspect of developing
(2 Tim. 4:18) Yes, Paul had learned that a relationship with Jehovah. Yet, trust-
even when human assistance is limited, ing that Jehovah will provide what you
the help that Jehovah and his Son pro- need can be quite a challenge. Why?
vide is real! One reason may be that Jehovah does
not always respond right away.—Ps. 13:
OPPORTUNITIES TO “TRUST IN JEHOVAH”
1, 2; 74:10; 89:46; 90:13; Hab. 1:2.
4 Have you at times felt all alone 7 Why does Jehovah not give us an im-
in dealing with a difficult situation? It mediate response to our every request?
could have been lack of employment, Recall that he likens our relationship
pressures at school, a health problem, with him to that of children with a fa-
or some other distressing circumstance. ther. (Ps. 103:13) A child cannot rightly
Perhaps you asked for assistance, but expect a parent to grant every request or
others disappointed you by falling far to do so right away. Some of a child’s re-
short of providing what you needed. quests may be mere passing whims.
Indeed, some problems simply cannot Others must wait till the time is right.
be solved by mere human help. Under Still others may not be in the child’s best
such circumstances, is the Bible’s coun- interests or in the best interests of oth-
sel to “trust in Jehovah” empty advice? ers involved. Furthermore, to concede
(Prov. 3:5, 6) Is it meaningless? Certain- immediately to a child’s every request
ly not! Divine help is very real, as illus- would change the relationship to one of
trated by numerous Bible accounts. master and slave, the child being the
5 Therefore, rather than nurture re-
master. Similarly, Jehovah may in our
sentment when human help appears to best interests allow time to pass before
be limited, view such situations as the his response to our prayers becomes ev-
apostle did—as opportunities to rely ful- ident. That is his prerogative as our wise
ly on Jehovah and experience firsthand Creator, loving Master, and heavenly
his loving care. This will strengthen your Father. Fulfilling all our requests right
trust in him and make your relationship away would distort the proper relation-
with him ever more real. ship between us and him.—Compare Isa-
1 “The lion’s mouth” from which Paul was rescued
iah 29:16; 45:9.
may have been literal or figurative.
6. Why might it be especially challenging to
4, 5. (a) From whom can you always receive trust in Jehovah when we are under stress?
needed assistance? (b) How can you strengthen 7. Why does Jehovah not always answer our
your relationship with Jehovah? prayers immediately?
APRIL 15, 2015 25

8 Another factor is that Jehovah is ful- dom and strength.1 Having done all you
ly aware of our limitations. (Ps. 103:14) can in this regard, do you not find a mea-
Therefore, he does not expect us to ensure of peace in knowing that Jehovah
dure in our own strength but offers us has his eye upon you and will provide
his fatherly help. Of course, at times, we what you need to endure faithfully?—Ps.
might feel that we cannot go on any- 32:8.
more. But Jehovah assures us that he 11 Circumstances might make it seem
will never allow his servants to suffer be- otherwise. You might receive conflicting
yond their limit of endurance. Yes, he opinions from doctors. Or relatives who
will “make the way out.” (Read 1 Corin- you had hoped would provide comfort
thians 10:13.) Therefore, we have good might instead seem to make the situa-
reason to trust that Jehovah’s assess- tion more difficult for you. Keep looking
ment of what we can bear is right. to Jehovah for strength. Keep drawing
9 When relief does not immediately close to him. (Read 1 Samuel 30:3, 6.)
follow our prayers for help, let us wait on When relief comes, your relationship
the One who knows just when to act in with him will be stronger.
our behalf. Remember that he too is ex- 12 Linda2 came to know the truthful-
ercising patience, for he is ever eager to ness of this after some years of helping
come to our rescue. “Jehovah is waiting to care for her ailing parents during their
patiently to show you favor, and he will final years. “While in the situation, my
rise up to show you mercy. For Jehovah husband, brother, and I often found it
is a God of justice. Happy are all those hard to know what to do. We felt help-
keeping in expectation of him.”—Isa. less at times. Looking back, however,
30:18. we see more clearly how Jehovah proved
to be with us. He strengthened us and
“THE LION’S MOUTH”
provided just what we needed, even
10 When under severe hardship, you
when it seemed that we had run out of
may feel as did Paul—that you are in or options.”
at least very near “the lion’s mouth.” 13 Implicit trust in Jehovah can also
These are times when trust in Jehovah is help when we are faced with trage-
most challenging—and most essential. dy. At the time that Rhonda’s non-
For example, suppose you are nursing a Witness husband was filing for divorce,
dear family member through a chronic her brother was diagnosed with lupus,
illness. Perhaps you have prayed for wis- a potentially life-threatening illness. A
8. What does Jehovah promise with regard to few months later, her brother’s wife
our personal limitations?
1 Articles have been published to help Christians
9. What should we do when relief does not im- cope with illness as well as to help caregivers. See
mediately follow our prayers for help? the February 8, 1994; February 8, 1997; May 22, 2000;
10-12. (a) How might circumstances become and January 22, 2001, issues of Awake!
particularly difficult for a Christian who is 2 Names have been changed.
caring for a chronically ill family member?
(b) How will trusting in Jehovah during difficult 13. How did trusting in Jehovah help one sister
times affect one’s relationship with him? Illus- to cope with a series of distressing experi-
trate. ences?
26 THE WATCHTOWER
Even within the family,
trials may come that test
our relationship with Jehovah
died. When Rhonda felt that she had be- ones are to be treated. (1 Cor. 5:11;
gun to recover from these traumatic ex- 2 John 10) Yet, upholding the disfellow-
periences, she started regular pioneer- shipping decision may at times seem
ing. Soon thereafter her mother died. very difficult, even impossible.1 Can you
What helped Rhonda cope? She ex- trust that your heavenly Father will give
plains: “I communicated with Jehovah you the fortitude you need to be resolute
every day, even with regard to small de- in abiding by the Bible’s direction about
cisions. Doing so made Jehovah real to disfellowshipping? Do you see here an
me. It taught me to rely on him rather opportunity for you to make your rela-
than on myself or even on other people. tionship with Jehovah stronger by form-
And the help he gave me was real—all ing a closer bond with him?
my needs were cared for. As a result, I 15 In this regard, think for a moment
have experienced working hand in hand about the first man, Adam. Did he real-
with Jehovah.” ly believe that he could disobey Jeho-
14 Consider another situation. Sup- vah and continue living? No, for the
pose a beloved relative is disfellow- Scriptures tell us that Adam “was not
shipped. From your study of the Bi- 1 See the article “Why Disfellowshipping Is a Lov-
ble, you know how disfellowshipped ing Provision,” in this issue.
14. What trust can a faithful Christian whose 15. Why did Adam disobey Jehovah’s com-
relative is disfellowshipped have? mand in Eden?
APRIL 15, 2015 27

deceived.” (1 Tim. 2:14) Why, then, did fellowshipped relative, pour out your
he disobey? Adam’s eating of the fruit heart to Jehovah in prayer.1 (Rom. 12:12;
that Eve offered him must have been be- Phil. 4:6, 7) Use this heartbreaking situ-
cause of his desire for his wife. He lis- ation to make your relationship with Je-
tened to her voice rather than to that of hovah more real. This, in turn, will help
his God, Jehovah.—Gen. 3:6, 17. you to look to Jehovah for the best pos-
16 Does this suggest that we should sible outcome.
not have strong love for our relatives? Of
WHILE WE WAIT
course not! But our strongest love should
be for Jehovah. (Read Matthew 22:37,
17 For what purpose was Paul “res-
38.) This is actually in the best interests cued from the lion’s mouth”? He states:
of our relatives, whether they are pres- “So that through me the preaching
ently serving Jehovah or not. So keep might be fully accomplished and all the
strengthening your love for Jehovah and nations might hear it.” (2 Tim. 4:17) As
your trust in him. And if you are partic- we, like Paul, busy ourselves in the
ularly troubled over the course of a dis- preaching work, we trust that Jehovah
will see to it that all other necessary
16. For whom should our love be the strongest, things “will be added” to us. (Matt. 6:33)
and why? As Kingdom preachers, we have been
“entrusted with the good news,” and we
are considered by Jehovah to be his “fel-
low workers.” (1 Thess. 2:4; 1 Cor. 3:9)
Show your trust in Jehovah by By being as active as possible in God’s
staying busy in his work
(See paragraph 17) work, we will find it easier to wait for re-
lief.
18 Let us, then, use the present time
to strengthen our relationship with God.

If any situation makes us anxious, use it
to draw closer to Jehovah. Yes, by being
immersed in God’s Word, by praying
continually, and by staying absorbed in
spiritual activities, let us trust that Jeho-
vah can and will see us through our
present circumstances as well as every-
thing else that lies ahead.
1 Articles have been published to help faithful
family members cope when a beloved relative leaves
Jehovah. See the September 1, 2006 (pages 17-21),
and the January 15, 2007 (pages 17-20), issues of The
Watchtower.
17. When we stay busy in Kingdom preaching,

how do we show that we trust in Jehovah?
18. In what ways can we build trust in Jehovah
and strengthen our relationship with him?
Why Disfellowshipping
Is a Loving Provision
“WHEN I listened to the announcement that my Would you not agree that Jehovah’s clean stan-
son had been disfellowshipped, my whole world dards are reasonable and that they serve to pro-
seemed to come to an end,” recalls Julian. “He tect us? Who does not prefer to live among peace-
was my oldest child, and we were very close; we ful, decent people who can be trusted? We find
did lots of things together. He had always been such an environment among our spiritual broth-
an exemplary son, and then suddenly he began ers and sisters, thanks to the promise we make
behaving in a way that was unacceptable. My at the time of our dedication to God to live in har-
wife wept repeatedly, and I did not know how to mony with the guidelines found in his Word.
console her. We kept asking ourselves if we had But what if a baptized Christian commits a se-
somehow failed as parents.” rious sin because of human weakness? Faithful
How can it be said that disfellowshipping a servants of Jehovah in the past made such mis-
Christian is a loving provision if it causes so takes, yet God did not reject them outright.
much pain? What reasons do the Scriptures give King David is a prime example. David committed
for taking such drastic measures? And what ex- adultery and murder; yet, the prophet Nathan in-
actly leads to a person’s being disfellowshipped? formed him: “Jehovah . . . forgives your sin.”
—2 Sam. 12:13.
TWO FACTORS THAT LEAD God pardoned David’s sin because of David’s
TO DISFELLOWSHIPPING sincere repentance. (Ps. 32:1-5) Likewise, a ser-
Two factors—which must coincide—result in vant of Jehovah today will be disfellowshipped
the disfellowshipping of one of Jehovah’s Wit- only if he is unrepentant or continues to practice
nesses. First, a baptized Witness commits a seri- what is bad. (Acts 3:19; 26:20) If genuine repen-
ous sin. Second, he does not repent of his sin. tance is not manifest to the elders who serve on
Although Jehovah does not demand perfection a judicial committee, they must disfellowship the
from us, he does have a standard of holiness that person.
he expects his servants to meet. For example, Je- At first, we may feel that the decision to dis-
hovah insists that we avoid such serious sins as fellowship the wrongdoer is drastic or even un-
sexual immorality, idolatry, thievery, extortion, kind, especially if we have close ties to that
murder, and spiritism.—1 Cor. 6:9, 10; Rev. 21:8. person. Nevertheless, Jehovah’s Word gives us
APRIL 15, 2015 29

sound reasons for believing that such a decision Disfellowshipping protects the clean, Christian
is a loving one. congregation. The apostle Paul warned the Corin-
thians of the danger of allowing willful sinners to
DISFELLOWSHIPPING CAN BENEFIT
remain in their midst. He compared the bad in-
EVERYONE CONCERNED
fluence of such ones to that of leaven that causes
Jesus pointed out that “wisdom is proved righ- a whole lump of dough to rise. “A little leaven fer-
teous by its results.” (Matt. 11:19, ftn.) A wise de- ments the whole batch of dough,” he noted. He
cision to disfellowship an unrepentant wrong- then counseled them: “Remove the wicked per-
doer produces righteous results. Consider these son from among yourselves.”—1 Cor. 5:6, 11-13.
three:
Apparently, “the wicked person” mentioned
Disfellowshipping wrongdoers honors Jeho- by Paul blatantly practiced immorality. And oth-
vah’s name. Since we bear the name of Jehovah, er congregation members had even begun to jus-
our behavior inevitably reflects on his name. (Isa.
tify his conduct. (1 Cor. 5:1, 2) If such a gross sin
43:10) Just as a son’s conduct can bring either
had been condoned, other Christians might have
honor or reproach on his parents, so people’s feel-
felt inclined to follow the immoral customs of the
ings toward Jehovah will depend to some extent
licentious city in which they lived. Overlooking
on the good or bad example they observe in his
willful sins encourages a lax attitude toward di-
name people. God’s good name is upheld if the
vine standards. (Eccl. 8:11) Furthermore, un-
people who bear that name make Jehovah’s mor-
repentant sinners could become “rocks hidden
al standard their own. The situation was some-
below water” and shipwreck the faith of others in
what similar in Ezekiel’s time when people of the
the congregation.—Jude 4, 12.
nations closely associated the name of Jehovah
with the Jews.—Ezek. 36:19-23. Disfellowshipping may bring the wrongdoer
We would bring reproach on God’s holy name to his senses. Jesus once spoke of a young man
if we practiced immorality. The apostle Peter who left his father’s home and squandered his
counseled Christians: “As obedient children, stop inheritance on a life of debauchery. The prodigal
being molded by the desires you formerly had in son learned the hard way that life outside his fa-
your ignorance, but like the Holy One who called ther’s home was empty and heartless. The son
you, become holy yourselves in all your conduct, finally came to his senses, repented, and took the
for it is written: ‘You must be holy, because I am initiative to return to his family. (Luke 15:11-24)
holy.’ ” (1 Pet. 1:14-16) Clean, holy conduct brings Jesus’ description of the loving father who re-
honor to God’s name. joiced at his son’s change of heart helps us un-
If one of Jehovah’s Witnesses practices what is derstand Jehovah’s feelings. “I take no pleasure
bad, however, it is likely that friends and acquain- in the death of the wicked, but rather that some-
tances will become aware of this. The disfellow- one wicked changes his way and keeps living,”
shipping act shows that Jehovah has a clean peo- he assures us.—Ezek. 33:11.
ple who adhere to Scriptural guidelines in order Likewise, disfellowshipped ones who are no
to maintain that holiness. A stranger once came longer members of the Christian congregation
to a meeting at a Kingdom Hall in Switzerland —their spiritual family—may come to realize what
and said that he wanted to become a member of they have lost. The bitter fruits of their sinful
the congregation. His sister had been disfellow- course, together with the memories of happier
shipped for immorality. He said that he wanted to days when they enjoyed a good relationship with
join an organization that “does not tolerate bad Jehovah and his people, could bring them to their
conduct.” senses.
30 THE WATCHTOWER
Love and firmness are need-
ed to produce the desired result.
“Should the righteous one strike
me, it would be an act of loyal
love,” said the psalmist David,
and “should he reprove me, it
would be like oil on my head.”
(Ps. 141:5) To illustrate: Imagine a
hiker who succumbs to exhaus-
tion on a cold winter day. He
begins to suffer from hypother-
mia, and he feels drowsy. If he
falls asleep in the snow, he will
die. While waiting for a rescue Efforts are made to help repentant ones return to Jehovah
party, his companion occasionally
slaps him in the face to keep him
awake. The slap may sting, but it
could well save his life. Similarly, David recog- have given some evidence of changing their
nized that a righteous person might need to give ways.1
him painful correction for his own good. Family members can show love for the congre-
In many cases, disfellowshipping provides the gation and the erring one by respecting the dis-
discipline the erring one needs. After some ten fellowshipping decision. “He was still my son,”
years, Julian’s son, mentioned at the outset, explains Julian, “but his lifestyle had put up a
cleaned up his life, returned to the congregation, barrier between us.”
and now serves as an elder. “Being disfellow- All in the congregation can show princi-
shipped brought me face-to-face with the conse- pled love by avoiding contact and conversation
quences of my lifestyle,” he admits. “I needed with the disfellowshipped person. (1 Cor. 5:11;
that sort of discipline.”—Heb. 12:7-11. 2 John 10, 11) They thus reinforce the discipline
THE LOVING WAY TO DEAL WITH that Jehovah has given him through the elders.
DISFELLOWSHIPPED ONES Furthermore, they can give extra love and sup-
port to the family of the disfellowshipped one,
True, disfellowshipping is a spiritual tragedy,
who suffer considerably and who should not
but the tragedy need not become an unmitigat-
be made to feel that they too are excluded
ed disaster. All of us play a role in making sure
from association with fellow believers.—Rom. 12:
that the disfellowshipping serves its purpose.
13, 15.
Elders who have the sad task of communicat-
“Disfellowshipping is an arrangement that we
ing a disfellowshipping decision strive to reflect
need, one that helps us live according to Jeho-
Jehovah’s love. When informing the person of
vah’s standards,” Julian concludes. “In the long
their decision, they kindly and clearly explain
run, despite the pain, it brings good results. Had
the steps he needs to take to be reinstated in the
I been tolerant of my son’s bad conduct, he
congregation. For the sake of reminding dis-
would never have recovered.”
fellowshipped ones of how they can return to Je-
hovah, elders may periodically visit those who 1 See The Watchtower, April 15, 1991, pages 21-23.
APRIL 15, 2015 31

Can a
Cut-Down
Tree
Sprout
Again?
COMPARED to a majestic cedar of Lebanon, a gnarled and knotty olive

tree may not seem especially impressive. But olive trees have the remark-
able ability to survive the elements. Some are estimated to be 1,000
years old. An olive tree’s expansive root system enables it to rejuvenate
itself even when the trunk has been destroyed. As long as the roots
remain alive, it will sprout again.
The patriarch Job was convinced that even if he should die, he would
live again. (Job 14:13-15) He used a tree—perhaps an olive tree—to illus-
trate his confidence in God’s ability to resurrect him. “There is hope even
for a tree,” Job said. “If it is cut down, it will sprout again.” When rainfall
breaks a severe drought, a dry olive stump can spring back to life with
shoots rising from its roots, producing “branches like a new plant.”
—Job 14:7-9.
Just as a cultivator longs to see the roots of a cut-down olive tree
spring up again, Jehovah God longs to restore his deceased servants
and many others to life. (Matt. 22:31, 32; John 5:28, 29; Acts 24:15)
What a joy it will be to welcome back the dead and see them enjoy
productive lives once again!
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34567
STUDY ARTICLES
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JUNE 29–JULY 5 JULY 6-12 JULY 13-19 JULY 20-26
Be Watchful You Can They “Saw” Imitate the One

—Satan Wants Fight Satan the Things Who Promises
to Devour You! —And Win! Promised Everlasting Life
PAGE 9 ˙ SONGS: 54, 43 PAGE 14 ˙ SONGS: 60, 100 PAGE 19 ˙ SONGS: 81, 134 PAGE 24 ˙ SONGS: 12, 69
STUDY ARTICLES
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
ˇ Be Watchful—Satan Wants to Devour You!

ˇ You Can Fight Satan—And Win!
The Bible likens Satan to a roaring lion on the prowl. He
is powerful, vicious, and deceptive. These articles will help
ARMENIA us to see why we must stand firm against this dangerous
COVER: Two brothers conduct enemy. They will also show us how we can protect ourselves
a Bible study with a local resident from his deceptive tactics.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐
POPULATION
ˇ They “Saw” the Things Promised
3,026,900 ˇ Imitate the One Who Promises Everlasting Life
Our ability to think about things we have never experienced
PUBLISHERS or seen can be used wisely or unwisely. In these articles,
11,143 we will discuss several Bible characters. We will learn how
our ability to visualize things unseen can help us to exercise
REGULAR PIONEERS
faith and imitate Jehovah’s love, kindness, wisdom, and
2,205 happiness.

More than double the number __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
of active publishers attended the

3 Remembering My First Love Has Helped Me to Endure
Memorial observance on April 14, __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
2014
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34567 ˙
May 15, 2015
LIFE STORY
Remembering
My First Love
Has Helped
Me to Endure
AS TOLD BY
ANTHONY MORRIS III
IT WAS early summer in 1970. I lay in my hospi- Soon after I reported for duty at a surgical hos-
tal bed at the Valley Forge General Hospital, pital in the Mekong Delta, in Dong Tam, numer-
Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, in the United States. ous helicopters filled with casualties arrived. I
A male nurse was taking my blood pressure was very patriotic and loved to work, so I want-
every half hour. I was a 20-year-old soldier suffered to get involved right away. The wounded
ing from a serious infectious illness. The nurse, were prepared and then rushed to the small air-
who was a few years older than I was, looked conditioned metal containers that served as op-
troubled. As my blood pressure continued to erating rooms. There a surgeon, an anesthetist,
drop, I said, “You’ve never seen anybody die be- a scrub nurse, and a circulating nurse were
fore, have you?” The color left his face, and he an- crammed into the tiny space, doing their best to
swered, “No, I haven’t.” save lives. I noticed that some cargo in large,
At that time, my future looked bleak. But how black bags was not unloaded from the helicop-
did I end up in the hospital? Well, let me tell you ters. I was told that those bags contained the
some of my life story. body parts of soldiers who had been blown apart
in battle. That was my introduction to war.
MY INTRODUCTION TO WAR
I became ill while serving as an operating MY SEARCH FOR GOD
room technician during the war in Vietnam. I en- As a young person, I had some exposure to the
joyed helping the sick and injured and had the truth taught by Jehovah’s Witnesses. My dear
goal of becoming a surgeon. I landed in Vietnam mother studied the Bible with the Witnesses, but
in July 1969. Like all new arrivals, I was allowed she did not progress toward baptism. I thorough-
one week of orientation so that I could adapt to ly enjoyed sitting in on my mother’s studies.
the different time zone and the intense heat. About that same time, I went by a Kingdom Hall
MAY 15, 2015 3

with my stepfather. I asked him, “What is that?”
He answered, “Don’t ever go near those people!” My love for Jehovah has
Because I loved and trusted my stepfather, I took
his advice. Thus, I lost contact with Jehovah’s helped me to deal with
Witnesses. painful wartime memories
After returning from Vietnam, I felt a need for and many other trials
God in my life. Painful memories had numbed
me emotionally. It seemed that no one really un-
derstood what was going on in Vietnam. I re-
member demonstrations where protesters called
the U.S. soldiers baby killers because of reports to locate scriptures. That really impressed me! I
that innocent children were being slaughtered in quietly listened and observed. As I was leaving
the war. the Kingdom Hall, a dear brother who was about
To satisfy my spiritual hunger, I began attend- 80 years old approached me. His name was Jim
ing services at different churches. I had always Gardner. He held out a book entitled The Truth
had a love for God but was not impressed with That Leads to Eternal Life and asked, “Would you
what I experienced in the churches. Finally, I please accept this?” We set up an appointment
ended up going to a Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s for Thursday morning to have our first Bible
Witnesses in Delray Beach, Florida. It was on a study.
Sunday in February 1971. That Sunday night I had to work. I was em-
When I entered, the public talk was about to ployed at a private hospital in Boca Raton, Flori-
end, so I stayed for the study of The Watchtower da, where I worked in the emergency room. My
that followed. I do not remember the subject be- shift was from 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. Since it
ing discussed, but I still remember the small chil- was a quiet night, I was able to read the Truth
dren who were turning the pages of their Bibles book. A senior nurse approached me, grabbed
the book out of my hands, looked at the cover
and yelled, “You’re not going to be one of them,
are you?” I grabbed my Truth book back and said,
“I’m only halfway through the book, but it sure
looks like it!” She left me alone, and I finished
reading the book that night.
I began my first Bible study with Brother Gard-
As a young ner by asking, “So, what are we going to study?”
person, I had He answered, “The book that I gave you.” I said,
some exposure “I’ve already read it.” Brother Gardner kindly re-
to the truth plied, “Well, let’s just consider this first chapter.”
I was amazed at how much I had missed. He had
me look up many scriptures in my red-letter edi-
tion of the King James Version of the Bible. I was
finally learning about the true God, Jehovah.
Brother Gardner, whom I affectionately called
Jim, studied three chapters of the Truth book
with me that morning. Every Thursday morning
4 THE WATCHTOWER
thereafter, we studied three chapters. I thorough-
ly enjoyed those studies. What a privilege it was
for me to be taught by that anointed brother who
had personally known Charles T. Russell!
After a few weeks, I was approved to be a pub-
lisher of the good news. Jim helped me with my
many concerns, including the challenge of the
house-to-house ministry. (Acts 20:20) As Jim
worked along with me, I came to enjoy the
preaching work. I still regard the ministry as my
greatest privilege. How delightful it is to be
God’s fellow worker!—1 Cor. 3:9.
MY FIRST LOVE FOR JEHOVAH
Now let me tell you about a very personal mat-
ter—my first love for Jehovah. (Rev. 2:4) That love
My Bible teacher was Jim Gardner, an anointed
for Jehovah has helped me to deal with painful brother who had known Charles Taze Russell
wartime memories and many other trials.—Isa.
65:17.
I recall a special day in the spring of 1971. I had
recently been evicted from the condominium
where my parents had allowed me to live. My
stepfather was not going to have one of Jehovah’s
Witnesses on his property! I did not have much
money at that time. The hospital where I worked
paid me every two weeks, and I had just spent
most of my check on dress clothes so that I could
engage in the ministry and properly represent Je-
hovah. I had some money saved, but it was in a
bank in Michigan, the state I grew up in. So I
needed to live out of my car for a few days. I
would shave and clean up at gas-station rest-
rooms.
One day during the time I was living in my car,
I arrived at the Kingdom Hall a couple of hours
I was baptized in July 1971

during the “Divine Name” District
Assembly at Yankee Stadium
MAY 15, 2015 5

but also by the blood of the Lamb. The second is
I have done my best, Galatians 2:20. From that verse, I know that
Christ Jesus died “for me.” Jehovah looks at me
especially when going through the blood of Jesus, and He has forgiven
through trials and me for what I have done. Knowing that fact has
enabled me to have a cleansed conscience and
difficulties, never to lose has motivated me to do all I can to help others
my first love for Jehovah come to know the truth about our merciful God,
Jehovah!—Heb. 9:14.
As I look back on my life, I deeply appreciate
before the group met for field service. I had just that Jehovah has always taken care of me. For ex-
finished my shift at the hospital. As I sat behind ample, the very day Jim found out that I was liv-
the Kingdom Hall where no one could see me, ing out of my car, he put me in contact with a sis-
the memories of Vietnam—the smell of burned ter who owned a boarding house. I truly believe
human flesh and the sight of blood and gore—be- that Jehovah used Jim and that dear sister to pro-
gan to overwhelm me. In my mind, I could hear vide a nice place for me to stay. Jehovah is so
and vividly see young men begging me, “Am I kind! He takes care of his faithful worshippers.
going to make it? Am I going to make it?” I knew
LEARNING TO BALANCE ZEAL WITH TACT
they would die, but I tried to comfort them the
best I could while keeping my eyes from reveal- In May 1971, it became necessary for me to go
ing the truth. As I sat there, I was flooded with to Michigan to care for some business. Before
emotion. leaving the Delray Beach Congregation in Flori-
I prayed as a torrent of tears poured down my da, I filled the trunk of my car with literature, and
cheeks. (Ps. 56:8) I began to think deeply about then I headed north on Interstate 75. The trunk
the resurrection hope. Then it hit me: By means was empty before I left the adjoining state of
of the resurrection, Jehovah God will undo all the Georgia. I zealously preached the good news of
carnage I had seen and the emotional pain I and the Kingdom in all sorts of places. I stopped at
others had experienced. God will bring those prisons and even placed tracts with men in the
young men back to life, and they will have the op- restrooms of the rest areas. To this day, I wonder
portunity to learn the truth about him. (Acts 24: if any of those seeds that were planted ever
15) At that point, my heart overflowed with love sprouted.—1 Cor. 3:6, 7.
for Jehovah that touched the deepest part of my I must confess, however, that when I first
soul. That day remains special to me. Since then, learned the truth, I was not very tactful, especial-
I have done my best, especially when going ly when I talked to my immediate family. Because
through trials and difficulties, never to lose my my first love for Jehovah burned so strongly with-
first love for Jehovah. in me, I boldly but bluntly preached to them. I
dearly love my brothers, John and Ron, and force-
JEHOVAH HAS BEEN GOOD TO ME fully shared the truth with them. I later had to
In war, people do terrible things. I was no ex- apologize for my insensitive manner. However, I
ception. But I have been helped by meditating on never cease praying that they will accept the
two of my favorite scriptures. The first is Revela- truth. Since then, Jehovah has educated me, and
tion 12:10, 11, which says that the Devil is con- I have become more tactful when I preach and
quered not only by the word of our witnessing teach.—Col. 4:6.
6 THE WATCHTOWER
With my wife, Susan,
and our sons, Paul and Jesse
We enjoyed preaching in OTHER LOVES IN MY LIFE

seldom-worked territory as a family
While I certainly remember my love for Jeho-
vah, I do not forget the other loves in my life. My
next love is my precious wife, Susan. I knew that
I wanted a partner who would assist me in car-
rying out the Kingdom work. Susan is a strong,
spiritual woman. I vividly remember visiting her
one day when we were dating. Susan was sitting
on the front porch of her parents’ home in Cran-
ston, Rhode Island. She was reading The Watch-
tower along with her Bible. What impressed me
was that she was reading one of the secondary
articles and looking up the scriptures. I thought,
‘This is a spiritual woman!’ We got married in
Conducting a meeting for field service December 1971, and I am grateful that ever
while in the traveling work since, she has stayed by my side and supported
me. What I really appreciate about her is that
while she loves me, she loves Jehovah more.
Susan and I were blessed with two sons, Jesse
and Paul. As they grew up, Jehovah was with
them. (1 Sam. 3:19) Because they made the truth
their own, they make Susan and me look good.
They have continued to serve Jehovah because
they have remembered their own first love for
him. Each of them has been in full-time service
for over 20 years. Also, I am proud of my
two beautiful daughters-in-law, Stephanie and
MAY 15, 2015 7

Racquel, whom I view as my own daughters. family in the United States. I worked in the Ser-
Both of my sons married spiritual women who vice Department, and Susan in the laundry. She
love Jehovah God with all their heart and soul. loved working there! Then, in August 2005, I was
—Eph. 6:6. given the privilege of serving as a member of the
After my baptism, I served for 16 years in Governing Body. I felt humbled by the assign-
Rhode Island, where I developed precious ment. My dear wife was overwhelmed by the
friendships. I have many wonderful memories of thought of the responsibility, the work, and the
outstanding elders with whom I served. In addi- travel involved. Susan has never been comfort-
tion, I am grateful for traveling overseers, too nu- able with flying, but we do a lot of flying! Susan
merous to mention, who had a good influence on says that comments from other wives of Govern-
me. What a great privilege to work along with ing Body members, given in a loving way, have
men who have maintained their first love for Je- helped her to be determined to support me as
hovah! In 1987 we moved to North Carolina to much as possible. She certainly has done that,
serve where the need was greater, and there we and I love her for it.
developed additional precious relationships.1 In my office I am surrounded by many pictures
In August 2002, Susan and I accepted the in- that mean so much to me! They remind me of
vitation to become a part of the Patterson Bethel what a great life I have enjoyed. I have already re-
1 Details concerning Brother Morris’ full-time service can be
ceived many wonderful rewards for doing my
found on page 26 of The Watchtower of March 15, 2006. best to remember my first love for Jehovah!
Spending time with my family brings me great joy

Be Watchful
Satan Wants to Devour You!
“Be watchful! Your adversary, the Devil, walks about like
a roaring lion, seeking to devour someone.”—1 PET. 5:8.
AT ONE TIME, he enjoyed a fine standing with Jehovah. At HOW HAS SATAN
some point, however, this spirit creature began to desire the SHOWN THAT HE IS . . .
worship of humans. Rather than dismiss that improper de- ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
sire, he nurtured it and let it grow until it gave birth to sin. powerful?
(Jas. 1:14, 15) We know that creature as Satan, who “did not
stand fast in the truth.” He rebelled against Jehovah and be-
came “the father of the lie.”—John 8:44.
2 Since his rebellion, Satan has proved to be Jehovah’s
greatest enemy, and he certainly has not been a friend of ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
mankind. The titles given to Satan reveal the depth of his cor- vicious?
ruption. Satan means “Resister,” indicating that this wicked
spirit creature does not support God’s sovereignty; rather, he
hates it and aggressively fights it. More than anything else,
Satan wants to see the end of Jehovah’s sovereignty.
3 As noted at Revelation 12:9, Satan is called Devil, mean- ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
ing “Slanderer.” This reminds us that Satan has defamed Je- deceptive?
hovah by calling him a liar. The words “the original serpent”
1. Explain how a spirit creature became Satan.
2, 3. What do the terms “Satan,” “Devil,” “serpent,” and “dragon” re-
veal about Jehovah’s greatest enemy?
9
bring to mind that tragic day in Eden 6 Whereas faithful spirit creatures use
when Satan used a snake to deceive their power for good, Satan uses his
Eve. The expression “the great dragon” power for evil. And what power and in-
brings to mind thoughts of a terrifying fluence he has! The Scriptures refer to
monster and aptly fits Satan’s savage him as “the ruler of this world” and “the
craving to obstruct Jehovah’s purpose god of this system of things.” (John 12:
and destroy His people. 31; 2 Cor. 4:4) Satan the Devil even has
4 Clearly, Satan poses the greatest “the means to cause death.” (Heb. 2:14)
threat to our integrity. For good reason, This does not mean that he kills all peo-
the Bible admonishes us: “Keep your ple directly. However, his murderous
senses, be watchful! Your adversary, the spirit has permeated this world. More-
Devil, walks about like a roaring lion, over, because Eve believed Satan’s lie
seeking to devour someone.” (1 Pet. and Adam disobeyed God, sin and death
5:8) In view of that warning, this arti- spread to all mankind. (Rom. 5:12) In
cle will consider three characteristics that sense, the Devil has had “the means
of Satan that underscore the need to to cause death.” He is what Jesus called
guard against this unscrupulous enemy him—“a murderer.” (John 8:44) What a
of Jehovah and His people. powerful enemy we have in Satan!
7 When we oppose Satan, we align
SATAN IS POWERFUL
ourselves against not only him but all
5 Spirit creatures called angels are those who side with him in the is-
“mighty in power.” (Ps. 103:20) They are sue of universal sovereignty. That num-
superior to humans and thus have great- ber includes a sizable group of other
er intellect and strength. Of course, spirit rebels, or demons. (Rev. 12:3, 4)
faithful angels use their power for good. Time and again, the demons have dem-
For example, on one occasion an angel onstrated their superhuman strength,
of Jehovah struck down 185,000 ene- causing great misery to those whom
my Assyrian soldiers—a feat that would they have tormented. (Matt. 8:28-32;
have been impossible for one human Mark 5:1-5) Never underestimate the
and difficult even for an entire army. power of such wicked angels or that of
(2 Ki. 19:35) On another occasion an an- “the ruler of the demons.” (Matt. 9:34)
gel used his superhuman power and in- Without help from Jehovah, we could
genuity to release Jesus’ apostles from never win our fight against Satan.
jail. That spirit creature eluded security
measures, unlocked the doors, let out SATAN IS VICIOUS
the apostles, and then locked the doors 8 The apostle Peter likened Satan to “a
behind them—all of that while guards roaring lion.” According to one refer-
were stationed nearby!—Acts 5:18-23. ence work, the Greek word translated
4. What will be discussed in this article? 7. How have the demons shown themselves to
5, 6. (a) Give examples showing that spirit be powerful?
creatures are “mighty in power.” (b) In what 8. (a) What is Satan’s goal? (See opening im-
sense does Satan have “the means to cause age.) (b) From your own observation, how does
death”? this world reflect Satan’s vicious spirit?
10 THE WATCHTOWER
Satan rejoices when one of
Jehovah’s servants commits a sin
(See paragraph 10)
“roaring” denotes “the howl of a beast sion before the kill and experiences no
in fierce hunger.” How well that de- remorse afterward. In a similar way, Sa-
scribes Satan’s vicious disposition! Al- tan has shown no pity for those whom
though the whole world already lies in he tries to devour. For example, think
his power, Satan is hungry for more vic- about how often Satan the Devil must
tims. (1 John 5:19) To him, the world have been lurking somewhere when the
might be a mere “appetizer.” In effect, Israelites succumbed to such sins as sex-
Satan has turned his attention to the ual immorality and greed. When you
“main course”—the anointed remnant, read about the tragic consequences that
who are accompanied by their compan- befell immoral Zimri and greedy Gehazi,
ions, the “other sheep.” (John 10:16; Rev. for instance, can you “see” the roaring
12:17) Satan is intent on devouring Jeho- lion reveling in his conquest?—Num. 25:
vah’s people. The waves of persecution 6-8, 14, 15; 2 Ki. 5:20-27.
he has unleashed against Jesus’ follow- 10 Satan had special reason to focus
ers from the first century until now give his attention on ancient Israel. After all,
evidence of his vicious spirit. that nation was to produce the Messiah
9 In his attempts to hinder God’s pur-
—the very one who would crush Sa-
pose, Satan shows himself to be vicious tan and vindicate Jehovah’s sovereignty.
in yet another way. A famished lion feels (Gen. 3:15) Satan did not want the Isra-
no pity for its prey. It feels no compas- elites to thrive, and he was vicious in his
9, 10. (a) How did Satan try to hinder God’s
efforts to contaminate them with sin. Do
purpose with regard to the nation of Israel? not imagine that Satan felt sorry for
(Give examples.) (b) Why did Satan have spe- David when he committed adultery or
cial reason to focus his attention on ancient Is- had any sympathy for Moses when that
rael? (c) How do you think the Devil feels when
one of Jehovah’s servants commits a serious sin prophet was no longer qualified to enter
today? the Promised Land. On the contrary,
MAY 15, 2015 11

Satan no doubt rejoices when one of thought that this infant was beauti-
God’s servants becomes stained with se- ful, cuddly, or precious. No, for Satan
rious sin. In fact, such victories may be knew that this newborn child would
among the things the Devil uses to taunt grow up to become the promised Messi-
Jehovah.—Prov. 27:11. ah. Indeed, Jesus was the primary part
11 Satan had particular animosity for of Abraham’s offspring, the one who
the family line that would produce the would later “break up the works of the
Messiah. For example, consider what Devil.” (1 John 3:8) Would Satan reason
happened shortly after Abraham was that taking the life of a baby was going
told that he would become “a great na- too far? Satan has no noble code of eth-
tion.” (Gen. 12:1-3) While Abraham and ics. And with regard to the child Jesus,
Sarah were in Egypt, Pharaoh had Sa- Satan did not hesitate to act. How?
rah brought to his home—evidently so 13 King Herod was greatly upset
that she could become his wife. How- when astrologers inquired about “the
ever, Jehovah intervened and saved Sa- one born king of the Jews,” and he was
rah from this moral predicament. (Read determined to kill him. (Matt. 2:1-3, 13)
Genesis 12:14-20.) Shortly before the To make sure that the job was done, he
birth of Isaac, a similar incident oc- ordered the execution of all boys two
curred in Gerar. (Gen. 20:1-7) Was Sa- years of age and younger who were
tan behind the scenes on those occa- living in Bethlehem and its districts.
sions? Did he hope that Sarah, who left (Read Matthew 2:13-18.) Jesus escaped
prosperous Ur to dwell in tents, would death in that unimaginable slaughter,
be seduced by the luxurious palaces but what does this tell us about our ene-
of Pharaoh and Abimelech? Was Sa- my Satan? It is evident that the Devil
tan thinking that Sarah would betray places no value on human life. He cer-
her husband—and Jehovah—and enter tainly does not have a soft spot for chil-
an adulterous marriage? The Bible does
dren. Satan truly is “a roaring lion.”
not say, but we have good reason to be-
Never underestimate his vicious dispo-
lieve that the Devil would have been de-
sition!
lighted to render Sarah unfit to bear
the promised offspring. Satan would SATAN IS DECEPTIVE
have suffered no pangs of guilt that 14 Only by being deceptive can Sa-
a good woman’s marriage, reputation, tan turn people against the loving God,
and standing with Jehovah would have Jehovah. (1 John 4:8) Through decep-
been marred. How vicious Satan is! tion, Satan keeps people from becom-
12 Jesus was born centuries after
ing “conscious of their spiritual need.”
Abraham. Do not imagine that Satan (Matt. 5:3) He has thus “blinded the
11. What interest might Satan have had in tar-
minds of the unbelievers, so that the
geting Sarah? illumination of the glorious good news
12, 13. (a) How did Satan show his vicious about the Christ, who is the image of
disposition after the birth of Jesus? (b) How do
you think Satan feels about young ones who 14, 15. How has Satan “blinded the minds of
love Jehovah and strive to serve Him today? the unbelievers”?
12 THE WATCHTOWER
God, might not shine through.”—2 Cor. times. Satan wants us to relax our guard,
4:4. to “be kind” to ourselves by carving out
15 One of Satan’s greatest means of a niche in this world, thus losing our
deception is false religion. How pleased sense of urgency. Do not let that happen
he must be to see people worship their to you! Instead, “keep on the watch.”
ancestors, or nature, or animals—anyone (Matt. 24:42) Never believe Satan’s de-
or anything other than Jehovah, “who receptive propaganda that the end is far
quires exclusive devotion”! (Ex. 20:5) off—or that it is not coming at all.
Even many who think that they are wor- 18 Satan tries to deceive us in yet an-
shipping God properly are shackled to other way. He would have us believe
false beliefs and useless rituals. They are that from God’s standpoint we are un-
in a pitiable state, much like that of lovable and our sins are unforgivable.
those whom Jehovah implored: “Why do That is all part of Satan’s deceptive pro-
you keep paying out money for what is paganda. After all, who is particularly
not bread, and why spend your earnings and really unlovable in Jehovah’s eyes? It
for what brings no satisfaction? Listen is Satan. Who is really unforgivable?
intently to me, and eat what is good, and Again, it is Satan. But the Bible assures
you will find great delight in what is tru- us: “God is not unrighteous so as to for-
ly rich.”—Isa. 55:2. get your work and the love you showed
16 Satan can fool even zealous ser- for his name.” (Heb. 6:10) Jehovah ap-
vants of Jehovah. For example, consider preciates our efforts to please him, and
what happened when Jesus told his dis- our service is not in vain. (Read 1 Corin-
ciples that he was about to be killed. No thians 15:58.) So let us not be fooled by
doubt with good motive, the apostle Pe- Satan’s deceptive propaganda.
ter took him aside and said: “Be kind to 19 As we have seen, Satan is powerful,
yourself, Lord; you will not have this vicious, and deceptive. How can we win
happen to you at all.” Jesus’ reply to Pe- our battle against such a daunting ene-
ter was firm: “Get behind me, Satan!” my? Jehovah does not leave us defense-
(Matt. 16:22, 23) Why did Jesus call Pe- less. His Word educates us about Sa-
ter “Satan”? Because Jesus understood tan’s methods, and “we are not ignorant
what was about to happen. The hour ap- of his designs.” (2 Cor. 2:11) When we
proached when he would die as a ran- understand Satan’s tactics, we are better
som sacrifice and prove the Devil a liar. able to keep our senses and remain
At that critical juncture in human histo- watchful. But just knowing Satan’s de-
ry, it was not a time for Jesus to “be signs is not enough. The Bible says: “Op-
kind” to himself. Relaxing his guard pose the Devil, and he will flee from
would have been precisely what Satan you.” (Jas. 4:7) The following article will
wanted him to do. discuss three areas in which we can fight
17 As we near the end of this system
Satan and win.
of things, we too are living in critical
18, 19. (a) How might Satan try to deceive us
16, 17. (a) Why did Jesus tell Peter: “Get be- with regard to the way we think about our-
hind me, Satan”? (b) How might Satan deceive selves? (b) How does Jehovah help us to keep
us regarding the matter of urgency? our senses and to remain watchful?
MAY 15, 2015 13

You Can Fight Satan
and Win!
“Take your stand against [Satan], firm in the faith.”
—1 PET. 5:9.
HOW CAN WE TAKE SATAN is at war with the anointed remnant and the “other
OUR STAND AGAINST sheep.” (John 10:16) The Devil’s goal is to devour as many of
SATAN AND . . . Jehovah’s servants as he can in the short time that he has left.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ (Read Revelation 12:9, 12.) Can we win our fight against Sa-
shun pride? tan? Yes! The Bible says: “Oppose the Devil, and he will flee
from you.”—Jas. 4:7.
2 Many scoff at the idea that Satan even exists. To them,
Satan and the demons are fictional characters of novels, hor-

ror movies, and video games. Such people feel that no intel-
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
ligent person believes in wicked spirits. Now, do you think
avoid materialism? that it bothers Satan that he and his invisible cohorts have
been relegated to the world of folklore? That is not likely! Af-
ter all, it is easy for Satan to blind the minds of those who
doubt that he exists. (2 Cor. 4:4) Promoting the idea that spir-
its do not exist is one of the many ways that Satan uses to mis-
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
lead people.
resist sexual immorality?
1. (a) Why is our fight against Satan especially important now?
(b) How do we know that it is possible for us to win the battle against
Satan?
2, 3. (a) How does the idea that Satan does not exist actually further
the Devil’s objectives? (b) How do you know that Satan is real?
14
3 As servants of Jehovah, we are not because of your endurance and faith in
among those who are misled. We know all your persecutions and the hardships
that the Devil is real, for it was Satan that you are suffering.” (2 Thess. 1:4) So
who spoke to Eve through a serpent. feeling good about the works of others
(Gen. 3:1-5) Satan taunted Jehovah re- and even having a degree of pride in
garding Job. (Job 1:9-12) It was Satan ourselves can be healthy. We are not ex-
who tried to tempt Jesus. (Matt. 4:1-10) pected to be ashamed of our family, cul-
And after the birth of God’s Kingdom in ture, or the region where we grew up.
1914, it was Satan who began “to wage —Acts 21:39.
war” with the remnant of anointed ones. 6 On the other hand, there is a kind of
(Rev. 12:17) That war still rages as Satan pride that can eat away at relationships
seeks to destroy the faith of the remnant and damage our friendship with Jeho-
of the 144,000 and the other sheep. To vah. Such pride can cause us to resent
win the battle, we must take our stand and reject needed counsel rather than
against Satan and remain firm in the humbly accept it. (Ps. 141:5) This type
faith. This article discusses three ways of pride is defined as “inordinate self-
to do so. esteem” or “a haughty attitude shown by
people who believe, often unjustifiably,
SHUN PRIDE that they are better than others.” Jeho-
4 Satan is anything but humble. In vah hates arrogant pride. (Ezek. 33:28;
fact, for a spirit creature to have the au- Amos 6:8) But Satan must delight to see
dacity to challenge Jehovah’s sovereign- humans display boastful pride, for it
ty and set himself up as a rival god is echoes his own arrogance. How Satan
the epitome of pride and presumptu- must have reveled in the boasting of
ousness. Therefore, one way that we such men as Nimrod, Pharaoh, and Ab-
can take a stand against Satan is by salom—all of whom fell victim to im-
shunning pride and cultivating humili- proper pride! (Gen. 10:8, 9; Ex. 5:1, 2;
ty. (Read 1 Peter 5:5.) But what is pride? 2 Sam. 15:4-6) Pride also played a role in
Is it always bad? the downfall of Cain. He was counseled
5 One dictionary defines pride as “a by God himself but was too proud to
sense of dignity and self-respect” and accept the correction. He stubbornly ig-
“a feeling of satisfaction which you have nored Jehovah’s admonition and rushed
because you or people close to you have headlong into disaster.—Gen. 4:6-8.
7 Today, people manifest pride in
done something good or possess some-
thing good.” There is nothing wrong a number of destructive ways. Pride
with that. The apostle Paul told the sometimes goes hand in hand with rac-
Thessalonians: “We ourselves take pride ism. One dictionary defines racism as
in you among the congregations of God “prejudice or animosity against people
who belong to other races” and “the be-
4. How has Satan shown himself to be full of lief that people of different races have
pride?
5, 6. (a) Is pride always bad? Explain. 7, 8. (a) What is racism, and how can it be a
(b) What kind of pride is dangerous, and what form of pride? (b) Explain how pride could dis-
Scriptural examples illustrate this? rupt a congregation’s peace.
MAY 15, 2015 15

different qualities and abilities, and that AVOID MATERIALISM
some races are inherently superior or AND LOVE FOR THE WORLD
inferior.” Racial pride has led to riots, 10 Satan is “the ruler of this world,”
wars, and even mass murder. and it is lying in his power. (John 12:31;
8 Of course, such things should not 1 John 5:19) Therefore, much of what
take place in the Christian congrega- this world promotes runs counter to
tion. Nevertheless, disputes between the standards set forth in the Bible. Of
fellow believers, which sometimes start course, not everything the world offers
with pride, can spiral out of con- is evil. However, we should expect that
trol. Evidently, that was true of some Satan would use his world to exploit our
first-century Christians to whom James desires and try to induce us to sin or to
wrote this penetrating question: “What develop love for the world and neglect
is the source of the wars and fights our worship of Jehovah.—Read 1 John 2:
among you?” (Jas. 4:1) Yes, deep-seated 15, 16.
11 Evidently, love for the world affect-
feelings of animosity and superiority
can affect our speech and actions, caused some first-century Christians. For ex-
ing untold pain to others. (Prov. 12:18) ample, Paul wrote: “Demas has forsaken
Clearly, pride can disrupt the peace of a me because he loved the present sys-
congregation. tem of things.” (2 Tim. 4:10) The Bi-
9 If we personally have a tendency to ble does not specifically say what as-
feel superior to others, we need to re- pect of the world Demas loved, causing
him to abandon Paul. It could be that
member that “everyone proud in heart
Demas began to love material things
is detestable to Jehovah.” (Prov. 16:5)
more than spiritual pursuits. If that was
We would also do well to examine our
the case, Demas missed out on thrill-
view of those who belong to another
ing spiritual privileges—and for what?
race, nationality, or culture. If we harbor
Could the world possibly offer Demas
feelings of racial or national pride, we
anything that would surpass the bless-
ignore the fact that God “made out of ings Jehovah could give him as an asso-
one man every nation of men.” (Acts 17: ciate of Paul?—Prov. 10:22.
26) In that sense, there is just one 12 Something similar can happen to
race because all mankind has a com- us. As Christians, we have a normal de-
mon ancestor, Adam. Therefore, how sire to provide materially for ourselves
absurd it is to believe that some races and our family. (1 Tim. 5:8) Jehovah
are inherently superior or inferior. Such wants us to live comfortably—a fact that
thinking would suit Satan’s scheme to becomes clear when we consider the
disrupt our Christian love and unity. beautiful surroundings that he provid-
(John 13:35) To fight Satan and win, we ed for Adam and Eve. (Gen. 2:9) But Sa-
must resist all forms of improper pride.
—Prov. 16:18. 10, 11. (a) Why might it be easy to develop
love for the world? (b) How might Demas have
9. How does the Bible help us combat racism displayed love for the world?
and other forms of improper pride? (See open- 12. In what ways could we fall victim to “the
ing image.) deceptive power of riches”?
16 THE WATCHTOWER
tan can exploit our desires with “the de- 14 Whether married or single, we
ceptive power of riches.” (Matt. 13:22) must strenuously resist all forms of sex-
Many think that money will make them ual immorality. Is the fight easy? By no
happy or that material possessions are means! If you are a young person, for in-
the key to success. Such thinking is stance, you might hear your school-
pure deception, and it can cause us mates boast about having casual sex or
to lose the most valuable possession about sexting, a practice that in some
we have—our friendship with Jehovah. places is viewed as being tantamount
Jesus warned his followers: “No one can to distributing child pornography. The
slave for two masters; for either he will Bible says: “Whoever practices sexual
hate the one and love the other, or he immorality is sinning against his own
will stick to the one and despise the oth- body.” (1 Cor. 6:18) Both suffering and
er. You cannot slave for God and for death have resulted from the spread of
Riches.” (Matt. 6:24) If we slave exclu- sexually transmitted diseases. And the
sively for Riches, we have stopped serv- majority of unmarried youths who lose
ing Jehovah, and that is precisely what their virginity say that they regret what
Satan wants us to do! May we never let they did. The reality of immoral sex is
money or the things it can buy eclipse far different from what is portrayed by
our friendship with Jehovah. To fight the entertainment media, which would
Satan, we must maintain a balanced have us believe that breaking God’s
view of material things.—Read 1 Timo- laws has no consequences. Such think-
thy 6:6-10. ing makes people fall victim to “the de-
RESIST SEXUAL IMMORALITY ceptive power of sin.”—Heb. 3:13.
15 If you struggle with temptation to
13 Another trap of Satan’s world is
sexual immorality. Today, many peo- engage in sexual immorality, what can
ple view marital faithfulness—and even you do? Acknowledge your weakness.
marriage itself—as restrictive and old- (Rom. 7:22, 23) Pray to God for strength.
fashioned. For example, one famous ac- (Phil. 4:6, 7, 13) Avoid situations that
tress stated: “Monogamy is impossible could lead to immorality. (Prov. 22:3)
for both sexes. I don’t know anyone And when a temptation arises, reject it
who’s faithful or wants to be.” An actor without delay.—Gen. 39:12.
said: “I’m not sure if it really is in our na- 16 Jesus set a powerful example for us
ture to be with someone for the rest of in resisting temptations. He was not
our lives.” Satan must be pleased when fooled by Satan’s promises, nor did he
influential people malign God’s gift of have to take time to weigh the pros and
marriage. The Devil certainly has no in- cons. Rather, he immediately responded
terest in endorsing that arrangement or with the words: “It is written.” (Read
seeing it succeed. To fight Satan and Matthew 4:4-10.) Jesus knew God’s
win, therefore, we must uphold God’s
marital arrangement. 14, 15. How can we resist sexual immorality?
16. How did Jesus respond to Satan’s tempta-
13. How has this world promoted a distorted tions, and what can we learn from that exam-
view of marriage and sex? ple?
MAY 15, 2015 17

Word, and that made it possible for him 18 How can we fight Satan and win?
to act quickly and quote scriptures in the Jesus told his disciples: “By your endur-
face of temptation. To fight Satan and ance you will preserve your lives.” (Luke
win, we must not allow ourselves to be 21:19) Nothing that any human can do
tempted to engage in sexual immorality. will cause us permanent harm. Nobody
—1 Cor. 6:9, 10. can take away our precious friendship
WIN THE FIGHT BY ENDURING with God unless we allow that to hap-
pen. (Rom. 8:38, 39) Even the death of
17Pride, materialism, and sexual im-
Jehovah’s servants does not score a vic-
morality are just three weapons at Sa-
tory for Satan, for Jehovah will see to it
tan’s disposal. There are many more. For
that they are resurrected! (John 5:28, 29)
example, some Christians face oppo-
sition from family members, ridicule On the other hand, Satan’s prospects
from schoolmates, or even restrictions are bleak indeed. After the destruction
on their preaching work from govern- of his ungodly system, Satan will be
mental authorities. Such hardships do abyssed for 1,000 years. (Rev. 20:1-3) At
not surprise us, for Jesus warned his fol- the end of Jesus’ Thousand Year Reign,
lowers: “You will be hated by all people Satan will be “released from his prison”
on account of my name, but the one who for a short time to make a final attempt
has endured to the end will be saved.” to mislead perfect mankind. After that,
—Matt. 10:22. the Devil will be destroyed. (Rev. 20:7-
10) Satan faces certain doom, but that is
17, 18. (a) What other weapons are in Satan’s not true of you! Take your stand against
arsenal, and why should this not surprise us?
(b) What is in store for Satan, and how does Satan, firm in the faith. You can fight Sa-
that encourage you to endure? tan and win!
Satan faces total annihilation

(See paragraph 18)
They “Saw”
the Things Promised
“They did not receive the fulfillment of the promises;
but they saw them from a distance.”—HEB. 11:13.
OUR ability to form mental pictures of things we have not CAN YOU EXPLAIN?
seen is a gift from God. It allows us to make wise plans and ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
to look forward to good things. Jehovah can foresee future What God-given ability
events, and in the Scriptures he often tells us ahead of time makes faith possible?
what will happen. We may be able to form mental pictures
of what will occur. In fact, our ability to conceive of unseen
things helps us to exercise faith.—2 Cor. 4:18.
2 A mental picture of something we have never seen may ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
not always be based on reality. For example, if a little girl pic- How do we know that faithful
tures herself riding on a butterfly, that is mere fantasy. But men and women in the Bible
when Hannah spent time thinking about what it would be were able to imagine their re-
like when she took her son Samuel to serve at the taberna- ward?
cle, she had a basis for her mental picture. It was based on
what she had resolved to do, and this helped her to focus on
her objective. (1 Sam. 1:22) If we visualize what God has
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
promised to do, we are thinking about something that will
Why does discussing our
definitely happen.—2 Pet. 1:19-21.
hope benefit us?
1. How can we benefit from our ability to visualize things we have not
seen? (See opening image.)
2, 3. (a) Why is the basis for what we visualize important? (b) What
questions will we consider in this study?
19
3 No doubt, many faithful people of ly concerning all their ungodly deeds
Bible times formed mental pictures of that they did in an ungodly way, and
things God had promised. How did concerning all the shocking things that
such individuals benefit by visualizing ungodly sinners spoke against him.”
future blessings? And how may we find (Jude 14, 15) As a man who exercised
it beneficial to think about the wonder- faith, Enoch could have formed a men-
ful things God has foretold for obedient tal picture of a world free of ungodli-
mankind? ness.—Read Hebrews 11:5, 6.
6 Noah survived the Deluge because
STRENGTHENED
BY “SEEING” THEIR HOPE of his faith. (Heb. 11:7) After the Flood,
he was moved by faith to offer ani-
4 Did Abel, the first faithful human,
mal sacrifices. (Gen. 8:20) Like Abel,
“see” anything that Jehovah had prom- he undoubtedly had faith that man-
ised? It cannot be said that Abel had kind would eventually be released from
foreknowledge of the eventual outwork- bondage to sin and death. As he entered
ing of the promise contained in God’s the dark post-Flood era during which
words to the serpent: “I will put enmity Nimrod acted in opposition to Jehovah,
between you and the woman and be- Noah still had faith and hope. (Gen. 10:
tween your offspring and her offspring. 8-12) Very likely, he would have been
He will crush your head, and you will heartened to think about mankind as
strike him in the heel.” (Gen. 3:14, being set free from oppressive rule, in-
15) However, Abel likely gave much herited sin, and death. We too can “see”
thought to that promise and realized such a wonderful time—and it is near in-
that someone would be ‘struck in the deed!—Rom. 6:23.
heel’ so that mankind could be lift-
ed to perfection such as that enjoyed “SEEING” THE PROMISES FULFILLED
by Adam and Eve before they sinned. 7 Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob could
Whatever Abel may have visualized re- have visualized a grand future because
garding the future, he had faith based God had promised that by means of
on God’s promise, and Jehovah there- their offspring, all nations of the earth
fore accepted his sacrifice.—Read Gene- would obtain a blessing. (Gen. 22:18;
sis 4:3-5; Hebrews 11:4. 26:4; 28:14) The descendants of those
5 Faithful Enoch exercised faith, even patriarchs would become numerous and
though he faced ungodly people who would reside in the God-given Promised
spoke shocking things against God. Land. (Gen. 15:5-7) By faith those God-
Enoch was divinely inspired to proph- fearing men could “see” their progeny in
esy that Jehovah would come “with possession of that land. For that mat-
his holy myriads to execute judgment ter, ever since human creation lost per-
against all, and to convict all the ungod- fection, Jehovah has assured his loyal
4. What basis did Abel have for forming a men- 6. What could Noah continue to keep in mind
tal picture of the future? after the Flood?
5. Why would a mental picture of the future 7. What future could Abraham, Isaac, and Ja-
have encouraged Enoch? cob have “seen”?
20 THE WATCHTOWER
servants that the blessings forfeited by When she was 90 years old and child-
Adam were not gone forever. less, her positive view of the future en-
8 It is likely that Abraham’s ability to abled her to act with faith. In effect, she
form a mental picture of what God had saw her offspring enjoying blessings
promised enabled him to perform out- that Jehovah had promised. (Heb. 11:11,
standing acts of faith. The Scriptures 12) What gave her such expectation?
point out that although Abraham and Jehovah had told her husband: “I will
other loyal servants of God “did not bless her and also give you a son by her;
receive the fulfillment of the promis- I will bless her and she will become na-
es” in their lifetime, “they saw them tions; kings of peoples will come from
from a distance and welcomed them.” her.” (Gen. 17:16) After Sarah gave birth
(Read Hebrews 11:8-13.) Abraham had to Isaac, she had good reason to envis-
so much evidence to demonstrate the age the fulfillment of the rest of God’s
reality of what he hoped for that it was promise to Abraham. What a gift we too
as if he could see what he had not actu- have of being able to form wholesome
ally beheld! mental pictures of things that are prom-
9 Abraham’s faith in God’s promises
ised by God and are sure to happen!
strengthened his resolve to do the di-
vine will. Acting in faith, he left the city LOOKING INTENTLY AT THE REWARD
of Ur and refused to take up permanent 11 Moses is another person who exer-
residence in any of the cities of Canaan. cised faith in Jehovah, cultivating deep
Like Ur, they had shaky foundations be- love for him. While Moses was a young
cause of their ungodly governments. man living as part of the Egyptian royal
(Josh. 24:2) For the rest of his long life, household, he could easily have devel-
Abraham “was awaiting the city hav- oped a love for power and riches. From
ing real foundations, whose designer his natural parents, however, Moses ev-
and builder is God.” (Heb. 11:10) Abra- idently learned about Jehovah and His
ham “saw” himself living in a perma- purpose to free the Hebrews from slav-
nent place governed by Jehovah. Abel, ery and give them the Promised Land.
Enoch, Noah, Abraham, and others like (Gen. 13:14, 15; Ex. 2:5-10) If Moses of-
them believed in the resurrection of the ten thought about the blessings ahead
dead and looked forward to life on for God’s people, what do you think
earth under God’s Kingdom, “the city would grow in his heart—love of promi-
having real foundations.” Reflecting on nence or love for Jehovah?
such blessings bolstered their faith in 12 The Scriptures tell us: “By faith
Jehovah.—Read Hebrews 11:15, 16.
10 Consider Abraham’s wife, Sarah.
Moses, when grown up, refused to
be called the son of Pharaoh’s daugh-
8. What helped Abraham to demonstrate out- ter, choosing to be mistreated with the
standing faith? people of God rather than to have the
9. How did having faith in God’s promises temporary enjoyment of sin, because
benefit Abraham?
10. How may Sarah’s view of the future have 11, 12. How did Moses cultivate love for Jeho-
benefited her? vah?
MAY 15, 2015 21

he considered the reproach of the 15-17) Such hopes of those who ignore
Christ to be riches greater than the trea- Jehovah’s purpose for the future are
sures of Egypt, for he looked intently mere fantasies.
toward the payment of the reward.” 15 On the other hand, as Christians
—Heb. 11:24-26. we are encouraged by visualizing our

13 As Moses thought deeply about hope, whether it is heavenly or earthly.
what Jehovah had promised to do for Can you see yourself enjoying the things
the Israelites, his faith and his love for that God has promised? Contemplat-
God grew. Like other God-fearing hu- ing what you may do as God fulfills
mans, he could likely conceive of the his promises undoubtedly brings joy to
time when Jehovah would set mankind your heart. Perhaps you “see” yourself
free from death. (Job 14:14, 15; Heb. living on earth forever. Think about co-
11:17-19) It is no wonder that Moses was operating with others in making this
moved to love the God who felt compas- globe into a paradise. Your neighbors
sion for the Hebrews and for all man- love Jehovah, even as you do. You are
kind. Faith and love motivated Moses healthy, energetic, and have a bright
throughout his life. (Deut. 6:4, 5) Even outlook. Those supervising the work of
when Pharaoh threatened Moses with restoration make life a pleasure because
death, his faith, love for God, and like- they genuinely care about you. And you
ly a mental picture of a bright future are happy using your talents and skills
strengthened him to face the threat cou- because everything you do is benefiting
rageously.—Ex. 10:28, 29. others and honoring God. For example,
you are helping newly resurrected ones
VISUALIZING KINGDOM REALITIES to come to know Jehovah. (John 17:3;
14Many people today have unrealis- Acts 24:15) No, this is not a dream-
tic mental pictures of the future. Al- world. This appealing mental picture is
though they have little in a material way, based on Scriptural truths about the
for instance, they dream of becoming future.—Isa. 11:9; 25:8; 33:24; 35:5-7;
fabulously rich and of being complete- 65:22.
ly secure, although human life now is WHY TALK ABOUT OUR HOPE?
“filled with trouble and sorrow.” (Ps.
90:10) They imagine themselves living
16 When we talk to other Christians
about what we would like to do as Jeho-
without anxiety under a human govern-
vah continues to fulfill his promises, our
ment, whereas the Bible points to God’s
mental picture of the future becomes
Kingdom as mankind’s only true hope.
more vivid. Even though none of us can
(Dan. 2:44) Many people feel that God
be sure of exactly what our individual
will not destroy this wicked system of
circumstances will be in the new world,
things, but the Bible paints an entirely
different picture. (Zeph. 1:18; 1 John 2: 15. (a) How do Christians benefit from visual-
izing their hope? (b) Mention something you
13. How did Moses benefit by thinking deeply look forward to as God fulfills his promises.
about what God had promised? 16, 17. How do we benefit from talking about
14. What type of thinking is really fantasy? our hope?
22 THE WATCHTOWER
when we talk about the possibilities, we
encourage one another and express our
faith in the reality of what God has
promised. When the apostle Paul visit-
ed his brothers in Rome, they sure-
ly appreciated the “interchange of en-
couragement,” and so do we in these
troubled times.—Rom. 1:11, 12.
17 Visualizing the future can also help
us to control negative thoughts about

present difficulties. The apostle Peter
may have had such concerns when he
said to Jesus: “Look! We have left all
things and followed you; what, then,
will there be for us?” Helping Peter and
name will receive a hundred times as
the others present to imagine the fu-
much and will inherit everlasting life.”
ture, Jesus responded: “Truly I say to
(Matt. 19:27-29) Peter and the other dis-
you, in the re-creation, when the Son of
ciples could thus contemplate their role
man sits down on his glorious throne,
in the government that would rule over
you who have followed me will sit on 12
the earth and bring grand blessings to
thrones, judging the 12 tribes of Israel.
obedient mankind.
And everyone who has left houses or 18 Jehovah’s earthly servants have al-
brothers or sisters or father or mother or
ways benefited from thinking about
children or lands for the sake of my
the fulfillment of divine promises. Abel
knew enough about God’s purposes to
envision a better future, exercise faith,
and embrace a reliable hope. Abra-
ham’s outstanding acts of faith were
possible because he “saw” something
Can you imagine yourself about the fulfillment of God’s prophecy
in the new world?
(See paragraph 15) concerning the promised “offspring.”
(Gen. 3:15) Moses “looked intently to-
ward the payment of the reward,” acting
in faith and growing in love for Jehovah.
(Heb. 11:26) Our own faith in God and
love for him may well increase as we use
our ability to envision the fulfillment of
what Jehovah has promised. How we
can best use this gift from God will be
discussed in the next article.
18. How does thinking about the fulfillment of
God’s promises benefit us today?
MAY 15, 2015 23

Imitate the One Who
Promises Everlasting Life
“Become imitators of God, as beloved children.”
—EPH. 5:1.
CAN YOU EXPLAIN? JEHOVAH has given us the ability to put ourselves in the
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ place of others. To some extent, we can conceive of a situa-
In what ways did Jesus reflect tion that we have not experienced. (Read Ephesians 5:1, 2.)
Jehovah’s qualities? How can we use this God-given gift wisely? What should we
do to prevent it from harming us?
2 Undoubtedly, we rejoice that God has promised immor-
tality in heaven to faithful anointed ones and everlasting life

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
on earth to Jesus’ loyal “other sheep.” (John 10:16; 17:3;
How can we imitate God’s
1 Cor. 15:53) Of course, neither immortal life in heaven nor
qualities, such as his love?
eternal life on earth will be plagued by the suffering common
today. Jehovah is aware of the pain we experience, even as
he knew how the Israelites suffered as slaves in Egypt. In-
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
deed, “during all their distress it was distressing to him.”
Why must we strive to control (Isa. 63:9) Centuries later, the Jews were afraid because of
our thinking? enemy opposition to the rebuilding of the temple, but God
said: “Whoever touches you touches the pupil of my eye.”
1. What ability can help us to imitate God’s qualities?
2. How does our distress affect Jehovah?
24
(Zech. 2:8) Just as a mother has tender Suppose a Christian youth, whom we
feelings for her baby, Jehovah is moved will call Alan, is thinking about an
to act lovingly in behalf of his people. elderly brother whose poor eyesight
(Isa. 49:15) In a sense, Jehovah can put makes it hard for him to read. He also
himself in the place of others, and he finds it difficult to walk from house to
has given us that ability.—Ps. 103:13, 14. house in the ministry. Alan remem-
bers Jesus’ words: “Just as you want
HOW JESUS REFLECTED GOD’S LOVE
men to do to you, do the same way to
3 Jesus sensed the pain of others,
them.” (Luke 6:31) So Alan asks him-
even those whose exact circumstances self, ‘What do I want men to do to me?’
he had never experienced. For instance, His frank answer is, ‘I want them to
the common people lived in fear of the play ball with me!’ But the aging broth-
religious leaders, who deceived them er will not be able to play ball, will he?
and burdened them with many man- Jesus’ statement implies that we must
made rules. (Matt. 23:4; Mark 7:1-5; ask ourselves, ‘What would I want my
John 7:13) Jesus was never frightened or neighbor to do to me if I were in his cir-
deceived, but he could understand situ- cumstances?’
ations that he had not lived through. 6 Alan is not elderly, but he has the
Therefore, “on seeing the crowds, he ability to conceive of experiences he has
felt pity for them, because they were
not had. He observes the elderly broth-
skinned and thrown about like sheep
er and listens to him with concern.
without a shepherd.” (Matt. 9:36) Like
Gradually, Alan understands what it is
his Father, Jesus was loving and com-
like to be an older person who finds it
passionate.—Ps. 103:8.
hard to read the Bible or walk from
4 When Jesus saw people suffering,
house to house. When Alan feels the ag-
he was moved to show them love. Thus, ing brother’s distress, he sees what help
he perfectly reflected the love of his is needed, and he wants to be help-
Father. After one extensive preaching ful. We can do the same. To imitate
tour, Jesus and his apostles were about God’s love, we must put ourselves in
to go to an isolated place to get some our brother’s shoes, so to speak.—1 Cor.
rest. Because he felt pity for the crowd 12:26.
awaiting him, however, Jesus took time 7 It is not always easy to understand
“to teach them many things.”—Mark 6:
the pain that others are experiencing.
30, 31, 34.
Many people face difficulties that we
HOW WE CAN IMITATE JEHOVAH’S LOVE have never known. Some are challenged
5We can imitate God’s love by the physically because of injury, disease, or
way we treat our neighbor. To illustrate: aging. Others are coping with emotion-
al trials because of depression, panic at-
3. What shows that Jesus was compassionate? tacks, or the aftereffects of abuse. Still
4. How did seeing the suffering of others affect others are part of a religiously divided
Jesus?
5, 6. To imitate God’s love, how must we treat 7. How can we come to know others well
our neighbor? Illustrate. (See opening image.) enough to feel their pain?
MAY 15, 2015 25

family or a single-parent household. of others. Think about how we can
Everyone faces some problem, and of- be kind in the following situations: At
ten it is one we ourselves have not expe- work, our supervisor is not doing his
rienced. In such a case, how can we im- job well. How will we react? A brother
itate God’s love? By listening intently comes to a meeting for the first time in
until we understand the other person’s months. What will we say to him? In the
feelings, at least to some extent. This ministry, a householder says, “I’m too
will move us to imitate Jehovah’s love by busy to talk right now.” Will we be con-
acting according to the need. The need siderate? At home, our spouse asks,
is different with each individual, but we “Why didn’t you tell me what you had
may be able to provide spiritual encour- planned for Saturday?” Will we respond
agement and some other practical help. in a kind way? By putting ourselves in
—Read Romans 12:15; 1 Peter 3:8. the place of others and trying to antici-
pate how our words might affect them,
IMITATE JEHOVAH’S KINDNESS
we can discern how to speak and act in
8 God’s Son said: “The Most High ways that imitate Jehovah’s kindness.
. . . is kind toward the unthankful and —Read Proverbs 15:28.
wicked.” (Luke 6:35) In fact, Jesus imi-
tated God’s kindness. What helped Je- IMITATE GOD’S WISDOM
sus to do so? He treated people in a kind 10 Our being able to conceive of
manner by anticipating how his words events that we have not lived through
and actions might affect another indi- can also help us to imitate Jehovah’s
vidual’s feelings. For example, a woman wisdom and foresee the probable re-
known to be a sinner approached him, sults of our actions. Wisdom is one of
weeping and wetting his feet with her Jehovah’s principal attributes, and if he
tears. Jesus discerned that she was re- chooses to do so, he can foresee in de-
pentant, and he knew how heartbroken tail the results of certain actions. We do
she would be if he dismissed her un- not have that degree of foresight, but we
kindly. Instead, he commended and for- do well to think about what could hap-
gave her. When a Pharisee disapproved pen as a result of what we are about to
of what had happened, Jesus spoke to do. The Israelites failed to consider the
him kindly too.—Luke 7:36-48. possible consequences of their disobe-
9 How can we imitate God’s kind- dience to God. Despite all that God had
ness? The apostle Paul wrote: “A slave of done for them, Moses knew that they
the Lord does not need to fight, but would do what was bad in Jehovah’s
needs to be gentle [or, “tactful,” ftn.] to- eyes. In the hearing of the entire congre-
ward all.” (2 Tim. 2:24) Tactful people gation of Israel, he recited a song con-
discern how to deal with delicate situa- taining these words: “They are a nation
tions so as to avoid hurting the feelings devoid of sense, and there is no un-
derstanding among them. If only they
8. What helped Jesus to show kindness?
9. What can help us to imitate God’s kindness? 10, 11. What can help us to imitate God’s wis-
Give an example. dom? Give an example.
26 THE WATCHTOWER
were wise! They would ponder over
this. They would think about their out-
come.”—Deut. 31:29, 30; 32:28, 29.
11 To imitate God’s wisdom, we
would do well to think about or even vi-

sualize the likely consequences of our
actions. If we are courting, for example,
we need to recognize the power of sex-
ual attraction. Never would we make
plans or do anything that could endan-
ger our precious relationship with Jeho-
vah! Instead, let us act in harmony
with these inspired words: “The shrewd
one sees the danger and conceals him-
self, but the inexperienced keep right
on going and suffer the consequences.”
—Prov. 22:3.
AVOID HARMFUL CONTEMPLATION
Imitate Jehovah by showing love
12 A shrewd person realizes that con- (See paragraph 7)
templation can be like a fire. If fire is
handled properly, it can be useful, such
as when it cooks our food. But fire
is deadly when it is uncontrolled and not die. For God knows that in the very
burns down a house and kills its occu- day you eat from it, your eyes will be
pants. Similarly, contemplation is use- opened and you will be like God, know-
ful when it helps us to imitate Jehovah. ing good and bad.” Eve “saw that the
However, it can be harmful when it tree was good for food and that it was
feeds immoral desires. For example, if something desirable to the eyes.” What
we make it a practice to think about sin- was the result? “She began taking of its
ful actions, this could lead to our acting fruit and eating it. Afterward, she also
out such fantasies. Indeed, indulging in gave some to her husband when he
immoral reverie can be spiritually dead- was with her, and he began eating it.”
ly!—Read James 1:14, 15. (Gen. 3:1-6) To Eve, there was apparent-
13 Consider how the first woman,
ly something attractive in the idea that
Eve, developed a desire to eat the for- Satan presented to her. Instead of being
bidden fruit of “the tree of the knowl- told what was good and bad, she would
edge of good and bad.” (Gen. 2:16, 17) decide this for herself. How harmful
The serpent told her: “You certainly will such musing proved to be! Through
12. How could contemplation harm us? Eve’s sinful husband, Adam, “sin en-
13. What way of life did Eve possibly picture in tered into the world and death through
her mind? sin.”—Rom. 5:12.
MAY 15, 2015 27

14 Eve’s sin in the garden of Eden money or not, some people constantly
did not involve sexual immorality. How- imagine all the bad things that can pos-
ever, Jesus warned against entertaining sibly happen. However, uncontrolled
mental images of immoral conduct. He anxious thoughts can cause us physical
said: “Everyone who keeps on looking and spiritual harm. Let us trust in Jeho-
at a woman so as to have a passion vah and remember that “anxiety in a
for her has already committed adultery man’s heart weighs it down, but a good
with her in his heart.” (Matt. 5:28) More- word cheers it up.” (Prov. 12:25) Good
over, Paul warned: “Do not be plan- words of encouragement from someone
ning ahead for the desires of the flesh.” who understands us can make our heart
—Rom. 13:14. rejoice. Confiding in our parents, our
15 Another dangerous fantasy is to spouse, or a trusted friend who views
imagine oneself becoming very wealthy things from God’s standpoint may help
while paying little attention to God. Ac- to relieve our anxiety.
17 No one understands our anxiety
tually, the wealth of a rich person “is
like a protective wall in his imagination.” better than Jehovah does. “Do not be
(Prov. 18:11) Jesus related a story to il- anxious over anything,” wrote Paul,
lustrate the sad state of a person “who “but in everything by prayer and suppli-
stores up treasure for himself but is cation along with thanksgiving, let your
not rich toward God.” (Luke 12:16-21) petitions be made known to God; and
Jehovah rejoices when we do things that the peace of God that surpasses all
please him. (Prov. 27:11) How happy we understanding will guard your hearts
are when we have his approval because and your mental powers by means of
we have stored up “treasures in heav- Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:6, 7) Think about
en”! (Matt. 6:20) And a good relation- those who are helping to protect us
ship with Jehovah is unquestionably the from spiritual harm—fellow believers,
most valuable treasure we can have. elders, the faithful slave, angels, Jesus,
and Jehovah himself.
CONTROLLING ANXIOUS THOUGHTS 18 As we have seen, contemplation
16Imagine the extent of our anxiety if can help us to imitate God’s qualities,
we were consumed by efforts to store such as love. (1 Tim. 1:11; 1 John 4:8) We
up “treasures on the earth.” (Matt. 6:19) will be happy if we display genuine love,
Jesus used an illustration to show that consider the consequences of our ac-
“the anxiety of this system of things tions, and avoid anxiety that would rob
and the deceptive power of riches” can us of joy. Let us therefore make good
choke the word of the Kingdom. (Matt. use of our God-given ability to imagine
13:18, 19, 22) Whether worrying about the hope ahead and imitate Jehovah’s
love, kindness, wisdom, and happiness.
14. How does the Bible help us to avoid mis- —Rom. 12:12.
conduct?
15. What kind of treasures should we store up, 17. How does Jehovah help us to cope with
and why? anxiety?
16. What is one way to control anxiety? 18. How can contemplation help us?
28 THE WATCHTOWER
Who is Gog of Magog mentioned

in the book of Ezekiel?
ˇ For a number of years, our publications have We are told that at the end of the 1,000 years,
explained that Gog of Magog is the name given Satan will be released from the abyss, and “he
to Satan the Devil after his ouster from heaven. will go out to mislead those nations in the four
This explanation was based on the fact that the corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather
book of Revelation identifies Satan the Devil as them together for the war.” (Rev. 20:8) But how
the leader of the worldwide attack on God’s peo- can Satan mislead Gog if he himself is Gog?
ple. (Rev. 12:1-17) So it was thought that Gog Therefore, “Gog” does not refer to Satan in either
must be another prophetic name for Satan. Ezekiel’s prophecy or the book of Revelation.
However, that explanation raised some impor- Who, then, is Gog of Magog? To answer that
tant questions. Why so? Consider this: When re- question, we need to search the Scriptures to find
ferring to the time that Gog is defeated, Jehovah out who attacks God’s people. The Bible speaks
says regarding Gog: “I will give you as food to all not only of the attack by ‘Gog of Magog’ but also
kinds of birds of prey and the wild beasts of the of the attack by “the king of the north” and of the
field.” (Ezek. 39:4) Then Jehovah adds: “On that attack by “the kings of the earth.” (Ezek. 38:2, 10-
day I will give Gog a burial place there in Israel 13; Dan. 11:40, 44, 45; Rev. 17:14; 19:19) Do these
. . . That is where they will bury Gog and all his represent separate attacks? Not likely. The Bible
hordes.” (Ezek. 39:11) But how could a spirit is no doubt referring to the same attack under
creature be eaten by “birds of prey and the wild different names. Why can we draw that conclu-
beasts of the field”? How could Satan be given “a sion? Because the Scriptures tell us that all the
burial place” on earth? The Bible clearly shows nations of the earth will be involved in this final
that Satan will be abyssed for 1,000 years, not attack that prompts the war of Armageddon.
eaten or buried.—Rev. 20:1, 2. —Rev. 16:14, 16.
ATTACK OF GOG OF MAGOG

(EZEK. 38:2, 10-13)
+ GOG OF MAGOG: ARMAGEDDON: +

GREAT A coalition of nations that ˇ Jesus rides to protect THE BEGINNING
TRIBULATION will attempt to annihilate God’s people OF CHRIST’S
BEGINS God’s people ˇ Gog of Magog destroyed MILLENNIAL REIGN
(Rev. 16:14, 16)
ˇ Satan and the demons
abyssed (Rev. 20:1-3)
When we compare all these Scriptural refer- half of your people. And there will occur a time
ences about the final attack on God’s people, it of distress [the great tribulation] such as has not
becomes evident that the name Gog of Magog occurred since there came to be a nation until
refers, not to Satan, but to a coalition of nations. that time. And during that time your people will
Will this coalition be led by the figurative “king escape, everyone who is found written down in
of the north”? We cannot say with any certainty. the book.” (Dan. 12:1) This action on the part of
But this thought does seem to be in harmony God’s representative Jesus is also described at
with what Jehovah says about Gog: “You will Revelation 19:11-21.
come from your place, from the remotest parts of But who is referred to as “Gog and Magog”
the north, you and many peoples with you, all of at Revelation 20:8? During the final test at
them riding on horses, a great assembly, a vast the end of the 1,000 years, those who rebel
army.”—Ezek. 38:6, 15. against Jehovah will manifest the same murder-
ous attitude as ‘Gog of Magog,’ those nations
Similarly, the prophet Daniel, who was a con-
that attack God’s people at the end of the great
temporary of Ezekiel, says of the king of the
tribulation. And the outcome for both groups
north: “Reports out of the east and out of the
will be exactly the same—everlasting death! (Rev.
north will disturb him, and he will go out in a 19:20, 21; 20:9) It seems fitting, then, that all
great rage to annihilate and to devote many to those rebels at the end of the Millennium be
destruction. And he will plant his royal tents be- called “Gog and Magog.”
tween the grand sea and the holy mountain of As keen students of God’s Word, we wait with
Decoration; and he will come all the way to his eager anticipation to see who in the near future
end, and there will be no helper for him.” (Dan. will assume the role of “the king of the north.”
11:44, 45) This clearly parallels what the book of But no matter who may take the lead in this co-
Ezekiel says about Gog’s activities.—Ezek. 38:8- alition of nations, we are certain of two things:
12, 16. (1) Gog of Magog and his armies will be defeat-
What occurs next as a result of this final ated and destroyed; and (2) our reigning King,
tack? Daniel tells us: “During that time Michael Jesus Christ, will save God’s people and usher
[Jesus Christ] will stand up [at Armageddon], the them into a new world of peace and true securi-
great prince who is standing [since 1914] in be- ty.—Rev. 7:14-17.
ATTACK OF GOG AND MAGOG

(REV. 20:8, 9)
END OF THE
1,000 YEARS
.
+ GOG AND MAGOG: +
SATAN With murderous intent, rebellious humans will THE END OF WICKEDNESS:
RELEASED encircle righteous mankind ˇ Fire from heaven destroys
Incites some to rebel Gog and Magog (Rev. 20:9)
against Jehovah ˇ Satan and the demons
and his people thrown into lake of fire
(Rev. 20:10)
FROM OUR ARCHIVES
Paris,
France,
1961
He Saw That Love
Ran the Cafeteria
FEASTING together at Jehovah’s table has al- in the cafeteria at a 1937 convention. “I met peo-
ways been a theocratic highlight. When God’s ple from other places,” she related, “and heard
people assemble for a spiritual banquet, the shar- how they were overcoming their problems. It was
ing of material food often adds to their joy. then that I first began to have the hope of becom-
In September 1919, the Bible Students held ing a pioneer.”
an eight-day convention at Cedar Point, Ohio, Conventioner Beulah Covey said: “The dedica-
U.S.A. Hotels were to provide rooming and tion of the workers makes the whole thing run
meals for the delegates, but thousands more ar- like clockwork.” The work, though, had its chal-
rived than were expected. Overwhelmed by the lenges. Only upon arriving at Dodger Stadium in
throngs, waiters and waitresses quit en masse. Los Angeles, California, in 1969 did Angelo
The desperate cafeteria manager asked if any Manera learn that he had been appointed cafete-
young delegates could help, and many willingly ria servant. He admitted, “I received one of the
responded. Sadie Green was one of them. “It was greatest shocks of my life!” Preparations for
my first experience as a waitress,” she recalled, that convention included digging a quarter-mile
“but we had a good time.” (0.4 km) trench to run a gas line to the kitchen!
In the years that followed, convention cafete- In Sierra Leone in 1982, industrious volunteers
ria arrangements enabled countless happy vol- first had to clear fields and then build the cafete-
unteers to serve their brothers and sisters. Work- ria using the materials on hand. In Frankfurt,
ing with fellow believers also helped many young Germany, in 1951, resourceful brothers rented a
ones to set spiritual goals. Gladys Bolton served locomotive that provided steam for 40 cooking
MAY 15, 2015 31

Frankfurt, Germany, 1951 Seoul, Korea, 1963 Sierra Leone, 1982
kettles. Servers dished out 30,000 meals an hour. specting our cafeteria at Yankee Stadium in New
To lighten the load for the 576 workers in the York City, United States Army personnel urged
dishwashing department, conventioners brought Major Faulkner of the British War Department to
their own knives and forks. In Yangon, Myanmar, make a similar examination. Therefore, he and
thoughtful cooks used fewer fiery chilies than his wife came to the 1955 “Triumphant King-
usual in dishes served to international delegates. dom” Assembly in Twickenham, England. He
said he could see that love ran the cafeteria there.
“THEY EAT STANDING UP” For decades, willing workers lovingly served
Standing in the hot sun in a long cafeteria line nutritious, inexpensive meals for the benefit of
at a convention in the United States in 1950 convention attendees. But this enormous task of-
brought Annie Poggensee a blessing. She said: “I ten required that large numbers of volunteers
became completely engrossed in a heartwarming work long hours and even miss some or all of the
conversation between two sisters who had come program. Convention food arrangements were
over from Europe by boat.” Each described how simplified in many places in the late 1970’s.
Jehovah had helped her to attend. “There was no Then, beginning in 1995, delegates were asked to
one there any happier than those two sisters,” bring their own food to conventions. This en-
stated Annie. “Time waiting in line—and the abled those who had prepared and served food to
heat—meant nothing to them.” enjoy the spiritual program and Christian fellow-
At many of the large conventions, huge cafete- ship.1
ria tents housed rows of standing-height tables How Jehovah must cherish those who worked
that encouraged diners to finish eating quickly so hard to serve their fellow believers! Some may
and make room for others. How else could thou- feel wistful about those joyful days of working in
sands be fed during the lunch period? One per- the cafeteria. But one thing is certain: Love is still
son who was not a Witness remarked: “That is a the main ingredient at our conventions.—John 13:
strange religion. They eat standing up.” 34, 35.
Military and civil authorities marveled at the 1 Of course, many opportunities remain for volunteers to as-
efficiency and organization they saw. After insist other convention departments.
s
w15 05/15-E

150105

JU NE 1 5, 201 5
34567
STUDY ARTICLES
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
JULY 27–AUGUST 2
Christ
—The Power of God
PAGE 3 ˙ SONGS: 14, 109
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
AUGUST 3-9
He Loved People
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
AUGUST 10-16
We Can
Remain Chaste
PAGE 13 ˙ SONGS: 83, 57
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
AUGUST 17-23
Live in Harmony
With the Model
Prayer—Part I
PAGE 20 ˙ SONGS: 138
Jehovah Is Your Name
(new song), 89
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
AUGUST 24-30
Live in Harmony
With the Model
Prayer—Part II
PAGE 25 ˙ SONGS: 22, 68
STUDY ARTICLES
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
ˇ Christ—The Power of God

ˇ He Loved People
These articles about Jesus’ miracles teach us practical
lessons about showing generosity and giving support to
PANAMA others, and they reveal fascinating aspects of Jesus’ person-
COVER: Faithful Witnesses use ality. The articles point to a time in the near future when we
boats to reach some of the people will see spectacular miracles take place earth wide.
living on islands of the Bocas del __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Toro Archipelago off the northwest

coast of Panama. This includes ˇ We Can Remain Chaste
giving a witness in the Ngabere In the current moral climate, remaining chaste can be
language a challenge. This article shows how our relationship with
‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ Jehovah, the counsel in his Word, and the support of mature
fellow Christians can help us to resist unclean thoughts and
POPULATION
uphold Jehovah’s high moral standards.
3,931,000 __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
PUBLISHERS ˇ Live in Harmony With the Model Prayer—Part I

16,217 ˇ Live in Harmony With the Model Prayer—Part II
REGULAR PIONEERS Christians do not repeat Jesus’ model prayer daily,
but the requests expressed in it have meaning for all of us.
2,534 These articles show how we can live in harmony with
such requests.
In Panama’s 309 congregations,
there are over 180 special pioneers.
About 1,100 publishers serve
in 35 congregations and 15 groups ALSO IN THIS ISSUE
using Ngabere. Nearly 600 publish- __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
ers serve in 16 congregations and

6 groups using Panamanian 18 “If Kingsley Can Do It, So Can I!”
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Sign Language
30 “You Need Endurance”
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
32 Do You Remember?
34567 ˙
June 15, 2015
Christ
The Power of God
“Christ is the power of God.”—1 COR. 1:24.
JEHOVAH displayed his power through Jesus Christ in CAN YOU EXPLAIN?
extraordinary ways. The four Gospels provide faith- ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
strengthening details about some of the miracles that Christ What did Jesus show when
performed. Likely, he performed many other miracles. he turned water into wine
(Matt. 9:35; Luke 9:11) Yes, God’s power was manifested in at a wedding feast?
Jesus. For good reason, then, the apostle Paul could say
about him: “Christ is the power of God.” (1 Cor. 1:24) Yet,
what bearing can Jesus’ miracles have on our life? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
2 The apostle Peter said that Jesus performed miracles, or

What moved Jesus to perform
“wonders.” (Acts 2:22) The powerful works that Jesus did on the miracle recorded at
earth were foregleams of even grander blessings to come un- Matthew 14:14-21?
der his kingly rule. They foreshadow the miracles that Jesus
will perform in God’s new world on a global scale! His mir-
acles also give us tremendous insight into his personality
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
and that of his Father. Let us consider a few of Jesus’ mira-
What did Jesus demonstrate
cles and see what effect they can have on our life now and in by calming a violent storm?
the future.
1. Why could Paul say that “Christ is the power of God”?
2. What can we learn from Jesus’ miracles?
3
A MIRACLE THAT TEACHES GENEROSITY legitimate needs and desires—such as
3 At a marriage feast in Cana of Gali- nutritious food and proper housing—for
lee, Jesus performed his first miracle. every person will be satisfied. May
The number of guests may have been our joy overflow in anticipation of the
greater than expected. But whatever generous supply of good things that
the case, the wine ran out. Among the Jehovah will provide for us in the earth-
guests was Mary, Jesus’ mother. For ly Paradise.
years, she had no doubt pondered all 6 It is of interest that when the Devil
the prophetic promises associated with tempted Jesus to turn stones into loaves
her son, who she knew would be called of bread, Christ refused to use his mi-
“Son of the Most High.” (Luke 1:30-32; raculous power to satisfy his personal
2:52) Did she believe that in him there desires. (Matt. 4:2-4) But he did use his
were powers not yet revealed? What is power to respond to and satisfy the
evident is that at Cana, Mary and Jesus needs of others. How can we imitate Je-
felt compassion for the newly married sus’ unselfish concern for others? He
couple and wanted to save them embar- encouraged God’s servants to “prac-
rassment. Jesus knew that hospitality tice giving.” (Luke 6:38) Can we show
was a duty. So he miraculously turned the noble quality of generosity by invit-
some 100 gallons (380 L) of water into ing others to our home to share a meal
“fine wine.” (Read John 2:3, 6-11.) Was and a spiritual feast? Can we be gener-
Jesus obligated to perform this miracle? ous with our time after a meeting, aid-
No. He simply cared about people and ing someone in need, such as by listen-
was imitating his heavenly Father by being to a brother practice his talk? What
ing generous. help might we be able to offer to those
4 Jesus miraculously provided a large
6. For whom did Jesus use his miraculous pow-
amount of fine wine, enough for a siz- er, and how can we imitate him in this regard?
able group. Do you see what this mira-
cle teaches us? That Jesus would will-
ingly perform such a marvelous deed
assures us that people’s feelings are im- When we are generous with our time, we show
portant to him and to his Father. Nei- that we have learned from Jesus’ generosity
(See paragraph 6)
ther Father nor Son is stingy. Now imag-
ine how Jehovah will use his power
generously in the new world to provide
a rich banquet “for all the peoples” earth
wide.—Read Isaiah 25:6.
5 Think of it! A time is coming when
3. (a) Describe the circumstances that led to

Jesus’ first miracle. (b) How was Jesus’ generos-
ity highlighted at Cana?
4, 5. (a) What lesson does Jesus’ first miracle
teach us? (b) What does the miracle at Cana
teach us about the future?
4 THE WATCHTOWER
needing assistance in the ministry? We 9 With five loaves and two fish, Jesus
show that we have learned from Jesus fed about 5,000 men, as well as women
by generously providing material and and children! Are we not touched to
spiritual things to others as we are able. think of the way Jesus used his miracu-
lous power to care compassionately for
“ALL ATE AND WERE SATISFIED” entire families, including the little ones?
7 Poverty is not new. Jehovah told an- The crowds “ate and were satisfied.”
cient Israel that there would never cease This suggests that there was an abun-
to be poor ones in the land. (Deut. dant supply of food. Jesus kindly pro-
15:11) Centuries later, Jesus acknowl- vided, not a mere taste of bread, but a
edged: “You always have the poor with meal that would sustain the crowds for
you.” (Matt. 26:11) Did Jesus mean that their long journey back home. (Luke 9:
there would always be poor people on 10-17) And 12 baskets were filled with
the earth? No, he meant that there the leftovers!
would be poor people as long as this 10 Today the basic needs of hundreds
corrupt system of things lasts. There- of millions of people go unmet be-
fore, how heartening it is to understand cause of unjust human rule. Even some
that Jesus’ miracles serve as portents of of our brothers, though having enough
better times ahead under Kingdom rule to subsist on, are not fully “satisfied.”
when all will have plenty to eat and be However, the time is near for obedient
satisfied! mankind to enjoy a world free of corrup-
8 The psalmist said of Jehovah: “You tion and poverty. If you had the power,
open your hand and satisfy the desire of would you not satisfy man’s needs? Al-
every living thing.” (Ps. 145:16) Reflect- mighty God does have both the power
ing his Father, ‘Christ, the power of and the desire to do just that—and soon.
God,’ frequently opened his hand and Yes, relief is in sight!—Read Psalm 72:16.
satisfied the desires of his followers. His 11 When on earth, Jesus worked in a
doing so was not merely an expression relatively small territory for a limited
of power. He was guided by his heartfelt time of three and a half years. (Matt.
concern for others. Let us consider Mat- 15:24) As a glorified King, his terri-
thew 14:14-21. (Read.) Jesus’ disciples tory will extend to the four corners
came to him to discuss the food situa- of the earth. (Ps. 72:8) Jesus’ miracles
tion. Not only may they themselves give us confidence in his ability and
have been hungry but they were con- his desire soon to use his authority
cerned about the plight of the famished for our good. Though we cannot per-
and weary crowd that had followed Je- form miracles, we can enthusiastically
sus on foot from the cities. (Matt. 14:13) draw people’s attention to God’s in-
What would he do? spired Word. Bible prophecies guaran-
tee better times ahead. As dedicated
7. What situation will exist as long as this sys-
tem of things lasts? 10. What change as to poverty will soon occur?
8, 9. (a) What led to Jesus’ miracle of feeding 11. Why are you convinced that Christ will
thousands of people? (b) What touches you soon use his power earth wide, and what are
about the miraculous feeding of thousands? you thus moved to do?
JUNE 15, 2015 5

Witnesses of Jehovah who possess this and exclaim: “We are about to per-
precious knowledge about the future, do ish!” (Matt. 8:25) Rousing himself, Jesus
we not sense that we have a debt toward commands the wind and the sea with
others? (Rom. 1:14, 15) May meditating the words: “Hush! Be quiet!” and the
on this move us to tell others the good raging wind stops. (Mark 4:39) Jesus is,
news of God’s Kingdom.—Ps. 45:1; 49:3. in effect, commanding the wind and the
sea to be quiet and to stay that way. The
CONTROL OF EARTH’S NATURAL FORCES
result? “A great calm set in.” What pow-
12 With his only-begotten Son beside er Jesus displays!
him as “a master worker,” God created 15 The Source of Christ’s power is Je-
the earth and the things on it. (Prov. 8: hovah himself, so we have reason to be-
22, 30, 31; Col. 1:15-17) Thus, Jesus lieve that Almighty God is fully capable
fully understands earth’s ecology. He of controlling the forces of nature. Con-
knows how to use, manage, and distrib- sider a few examples. Before the Flood,
ute earth’s resources fairly and properly. Jehovah stated: “In just seven days, I will
13 When on earth, Jesus showed that
make it rain on the earth for 40 days and
he is “the power of God” by exercis- 40 nights.” (Gen. 7:4) Similarly, at Exo-
ing control over the forces of nature. dus 14:21, we read: “Jehovah drove the
Consider how Jesus dealt with a wind- sea back with a strong east wind.” And
storm that appeared to threaten the we read at Jonah 1:4: “Jehovah hurled a
lives of his disciples. (Read Mark 4: strong wind at the sea, and there was
37-39.) One Bible scholar notes: “The such a violent storm on the sea that the
Greek word [for “windstorm” at Mark 4: ship was about to be wrecked.” It is en-
37] is used of a furious storm or hurri- couraging to know that Jehovah can con-
cane. It never refers to a single gust trol the elements. Clearly, planet Earth’s
. . . but to a storm breaking forth from future is in good hands.
black thunder-clouds in furious gusts, 16 How reassuring it is to contem-
with floods of rain, and throwing every- plate the awesome power of our Creator
thing topsy-turvy.” Matthew’s account and his “master worker.” When their
describes this windstorm as “a great full attention is directed toward the
storm.”—Matt. 8:24. earth for the 1,000 years, all people will
14 Picture the scene: Christ is ex-
dwell in security. Terrifying natural di-
hausted from his demanding ministry. sasters will be a thing of the past. There
The waves are pounding the ship, hurl- will be no reason to fear being harmed
ing spray and foam into the boat. Yet, by typhoons, tsunamis, volcanoes, or
despite the noise of the storm and the earthquakes in the new world. How
violent pitching of the boat, Jesus con- wonderful it is to think of the time when
tinues to sleep. His body needs rest. no natural forces will kill or maim, for
The frightened disciples wake Jesus up
15. How has Almighty God shown himself to
12. Why may we be sure that Jesus fully under- be capable of controlling the forces of nature?
stands earth’s ecology? 16. Why is it reassuring to know that our Cre-
13, 14. Give an example of how Christ can ex- ator and his firstborn Son have power over nat-
ercise control over the forces of nature. ural forces?
6 THE WATCHTOWER
What impresses you
about the way Jesus used
his miraculous power ?
“the tent of God [will be] with man- physical help but also for the spiritual
kind”! (Rev. 21:3, 4) We can be as- help.” And note the comments of one
sured that the power of God exercised single sister who felt hopeless and per-
through Christ will control the forces of plexed after seeing the damage done to
nature during the Millennium. her home by a storm. Upon receiving
help, she said: “It is indescribable! I am
IMITATE GOD AND CHRIST NOW unable to express totally how I feel . . .
17Of course, unlike Jehovah and Je- Thank you, Jehovah!” We rejoice that
sus, we cannot prevent natural disas- we are part of a brotherhood that genu-
ters, but we do have some power. How inely cares about the needs of others. A
do we use it? One way is by applying greater cause for gladness is that Jeho-
Proverbs 3:27. (Read.) When our broth- vah and Jesus Christ really care for
ers suffer hardships, we can comfort God’s people.
and support them physically, emotion- 18 During his ministry, Jesus proved
ally, and spiritually. (Prov. 17:17) For that he is “the power of God.” But what
example, we may help them recover was Jesus’ motive? Never do we see him
from a natural disaster. Listen to one using his power to impress others or to
widow’s heartfelt expression of thanks benefit himself. Indeed, the miracles Je-
after a hurricane badly damaged her sus performed reveal the love he has for
home: “I am so deeply grateful to be in the human family. We will see that in
Jehovah’s organization, not only for the the next article.
17. What is one way that we can imitate God 18. What is impressive about Jesus’ motive for
and Christ now? performing miracles?
JUNE 15, 2015 7

He Loved People
“I was especially fond of the sons of men.”—PROV. 8:31.
CAN YOU EXPLAIN? GOD’S firstborn Son was the earliest and most complete ex-
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ pression of Jehovah’s unfathomable wisdom. He was wis-
What proves that Jesus has dom personified, “a master worker” alongside his Father. We
deep love for humans? can only imagine the joy and satisfaction that he experi-
enced as his Father “prepared the heavens” and “established
the foundations of the earth.” However, though appreciating
these inanimate things, God’s firstborn Son “was especially
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
fond of the sons of men.” (Prov. 8:22-31) Yes, Jesus has a
The way Jesus used his power fondness, or tender affection, for mankind that stretches
when on earth gives us what
back to his prehuman existence.
confidence about the new
2 Later, as proof of his loyalty and love for his Father, as
world?
well as of his deep love for “the sons of men,” God’s First-
born willingly “emptied himself” and came to be in the like-
ness of men. He did so in order to provide “a ransom in ex-
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ change for many.” (Phil. 2:5-8; Matt. 20:28) What love he has
What miracle of Jesus do you for the human family! While Jesus was on earth, God em-
look forward to? powered him to perform miracles that revealed how much
he loved people. Jesus thus demonstrated the kind of mar-
velous things that will soon take place earth wide.
1, 2. What is one proof of Jesus’ deep love for mankind?
8
3 Jesus’ coming to earth also enabled 5 Apparently, this leprous man had
him to “declare the good news of the neglected to call out “Unclean, un-
Kingdom of God.” (Luke 4:43) Jesus clean!” as the Mosaic Law stipulated. Je-
knew that this Kingdom would serve to sus did not bring that up. Rather, he
sanctify his Father’s name and would be concentrated on the man himself and
the permanent solution to all human his needs. (Lev. 13:43-46) We do not
ills. Not surprisingly, woven throughout know exactly what thoughts were going
the fabric of Jesus’ preaching tours were through Jesus’ mind, but we do know
evidences of his genuine concern for what was in his heart. Moved with com-
the human family. Why should this mat- passion, Jesus did the incredible. He
ter to us? Because the lessons we learn stretched out his hand, touched the lep-
will inspire confidence and hope for the er, and with a voice reflecting both
future. Let us examine four of Jesus’ strength and tenderness, Jesus said: “I
miracles. want to! Be made clean.” Then “the lep-
rosy vanished from him.” (Luke 5:13)
“POWER WAS WITH HIM
Indeed, Jehovah’s power was there—not
TO DO HEALING”
only for Christ to perform such a mira-
4 Jesus was well into his public minis-
cle but also for Jesus to demonstrate
try, and his most recent area of activity how much he loved people.—Luke 5:17.
was Galilee. In one of the cities there, Je- 6 God’s power enabled Jesus Christ to
sus encountered a pitiful sight. (Mark 1: perform a wide variety of astounding
39, 40) Right in front of him was a man miracles. He cured not only leprosy but
with a frightful disease, leprosy. Testify- also every sort of disease and every sort
ing to the advanced stage of the man’s of infirmity among the people. The in-
illness, physician Luke describes him spired record tells us: “The crowd felt
as being “full of leprosy.” (Luke 5:12) amazement as they saw the speechless
“When he caught sight of Jesus, [the speaking and the maimed being made
leper] fell facedown and begged him: sound and the lame walking and the
‘Lord, if you just want to, you can make blind seeing.” (Matt. 15:31) To perform
me clean.’ ” The man had no doubt that such acts of compassion, Jesus needed
Jesus possessed the power to heal him, no organ donors for transplants. He
but what he needed to know was, did Je-
healed the very organs or body parts
sus have the desire to do so? How would
that were afflicted! And he healed peo-
Jesus respond to this heartfelt request?
ple instantly, sometimes even from a
What was Jesus thinking as he beheld
distance. (John 4:46-54) What do these
this man who was probably disfigured?
amazing examples show? That Jesus,
Would Jesus be like the Pharisees, who
now enthroned as heavenly King, has
had developed a heartless view of peo-
not only the power but also the desire to
ple suffering from this disease? What
would you have done? 5. What moved Jesus to say “I want to!” when
healing the leper?
3. On what will we now focus? 6. What is noteworthy about the miracles Jesus
4. Describe Jesus’ encounter with a leper. performed, and what do they show?
JUNE 15, 2015 9

bring about permanent healing. Learn- miraculously cured. Imagine the feel-
ing about the way Jesus treated people ings that must have prevailed! Despera-
gives us confidence that in the new tion, anxiety, and feelings of hopeless-
world, the Bible prophecy will be fulness no doubt hung heavily in the air.
filled: “He will have pity on the lowly But what is it that drew Jesus there,
and the poor.” (Ps. 72:13) Yes, Jesus will a perfect man without physical de-
then act on his heart’s desire to help all fect? Well, moved with pity, Jesus ap-
afflicted ones. proached a man who had been sick lon-
ger than Jesus had been alive on earth.
“GET UP! PICK UP —Read John 5:5-9.
YOUR MAT AND WALK” 10 Can you picture the despair in the
7 A few months passed after Jesus’ sick man’s eyes when Jesus inquired if
encounter with the leprous man in he wanted to get well? The response
Galilee. His travels took him from was immediate. The man wanted to be
Galilee into Judea to preach and declare healed but he could not see how, for he
the good news of God’s Kingdom. The had no one to help him into the pool. Je-
lives Jesus touched with his message sus then commanded the man to do
and his manner must have numbered the impossible—to pick up his mat and
into the thousands. He clearly desired walk. Taking Jesus at his word, the
to declare good news to the poor, to pro- man picked up his mat and began to
claim liberty to the captives, and to walk. What a heartwarming foregleam
bind up the brokenhearted.—Isa. 61:1, 2; of what Jesus will do in the new world!
Luke 4:18-21. In this miracle, we also see Jesus’ com-
8 Then the month of Nisan arrived. In passion. He sought out the needy. Jesus’
obedience to his Father’s command, Je- example should motivate us to continue
sus journeyed to Jerusalem for the Pass- to seek out people in our territory who
over. The city was alive with activity as are depressed about the terrible things
the people arrived for this sacred festi- happening in this world.
val. Just north of the temple was a pool
“WHO TOUCHED MY
known as Bethzatha, and there Jesus
OUTER GARMENTS?”
encountered a sick man.
9 Large crowds of sick and infirm
11 Read Mark 5:25-34. For 12 years,
people would gather at Bethzatha. What the woman lived with shame. Her
drew them to this location? For some sickness had an impact on every as-
unexplained reason, they believed that pect of her life, including her worship.
if a sick person entered the pool when Although “she had suffered much at
the waters were agitated, he would be the hands of many physicians and had
spent all her resources,” she had be-
7, 8. Describe the events that led Jesus to a come worse. But one day, the woman
paralyzed man at the pool of Bethzatha. had a different plan to get well. She
9, 10. (a) What drew people to the pool of
Bethzatha? (b) What did Jesus do at the pool, 11. How does Mark 5:25-34 highlight Jesus’
and what does this teach us? (See opening im- compassion for those who suffer from sick-
age.) ness?
10 THE WATCHTOWER
put herself in a position to be near worthless. By his miracles, Jesus clearly
the man named Jesus. She entered a proved that he truly cares about us and
crowd and touched Jesus’ outer gar- our problems. What a sympathetic King
ment. (Lev. 15:19, 25) Jesus realized that and High Priest! (Heb. 4:15) It may not
power had gone out of him, so he asked be easy for us to understand the feelings
who had touched him. “Frightened and of those who suffer from a chronic ill-
trembling,” the woman “fell down be- ness, especially if we have never experi-
fore him and told him the whole truth.” enced such. We can bear in mind that
Realizing that it was his Father, Jeho- Jesus empathized with the sick even
vah, who had healed the woman, Jesus though he himself was never sick. May
treated her kindly, saying: “Daughter, Jesus’ example move us to do the same,
your faith has made you well. Go in to the best of our ability.—1 Pet. 3:8.
peace, and be healed from your griev-
“JESUS GAVE WAY TO TEARS”
ous sickness.”
12 How kind Jesus is! We see that he 13 Jesus’ heart was touched by the
has a warm place in his heart for those pain of others. Deeply moved by others’
who suffer from illnesses. Satan wants reaction to the death of his friend Laza-
to convince us that we are unloved and rus, Jesus “groaned” and “became trou-
bled.” He felt that way even though he
12. (a) From what we have considered thus
far, how would you describe Jesus? (b) What ex- 13. What does the resurrection of Lazarus re-
ample did Jesus set for us? veal about Jesus’ personality?
By his miracles, Jesus proved

that he truly cares about
us and our problems
JUNE 15, 2015 11

knew that he would shortly bring Laz- cle of surviving the great tribulation.
arus back to life. (Read John 11:33- Soon after the war of Armageddon,
36.) Jesus was not ashamed to mani- more miracles will occur, restoring hu-
fest strong emotions. Onlookers could mans to good health. (Isa. 33:24; 35:5, 6;
see the affection Jesus felt for Lazarus Rev. 21:4) Imagine watching people dis-
and his family. What compassion Jesus card eyeglasses, canes, crutches, wheel-
showed by using his God-given power chairs, hearing aids, and the like. For
to bring his friend back to life!—John 11: good reason, Jehovah will bring Arma-
43, 44. geddon survivors to a state of good
14 The Bible describes Jesus as “the health. Those survivors will have work
exact representation of [the Creator’s] to do. They can move forward with zest
very being.” (Heb. 1:3) Thus, by his mir- to make our planet, a gift from God,
acles, Jesus proved that he and his Fa- into a global paradise.—Ps. 115:16.
17 Jesus’ healings in the past encour-
ther have the desire to undo the pain of
sickness and death. This desire extends age the “great crowd” today, reinforcing
far beyond the few resurrections record- their joyous prospect of being healed of
ed in the Bible. Jesus stated: “The hour all ills. (Rev. 7:9) Those healings reflect-
is coming in which all those in the me- ed his deep feelings and showed just
morial tombs will . . . come out.”—John how much love God’s firstborn Son has
5:28, 29. for mankind. (John 10:11; 15:12, 13) Je-
15 Jesus’ use of the expression “me- sus’ compassion paints a touching por-
morial tombs” is appropriate, for God’s trait of Jehovah’s concern for each one
memory is involved. Almighty God, the of his servants.—John 5:19.
18 Mankind is groaning, full of pain,
One responsible for creating the vast
universe, can remember every detail of and dying. (Rom. 8:22) We need God’s
each of our dead loved ones, including new world, where there will be the com-
natural and acquired traits. (Isa. 40:26) plete physical healing that he has prom-
And it is not only that he can remember ised. Malachi 4:2 gives us reason to trust
but that he and his Son want to do so. that the healed ones will “skip about
Lazarus’ resurrection and that of oth- like fattened calves,” excited and de-
ers recorded in the Bible portend what lighted to be released from confinement
will take place on a global scale in the to imperfection. May heartfelt gratitude
new world. to God coupled with deep faith in his
promises move us to do now whatever
JESUS’ MIRACLES AND YOU is needed to qualify to be in that new
16 If we maintain our Christian integ- world. How heartening it is to know
rity, we may well witness one of the that the miracles Jesus performed while
greatest miracles of all time—the mira- on earth were foregleams of the lasting
relief that mankind will soon enjoy un-
14, 15. (a) What indicates Jehovah’s strong der his Messianic rule!
desire to rid mankind of suffering? (b) Why is
the expression “memorial tombs” of interest? 17, 18. (a) What was evidently a major pur-
16. What will be the privilege of many pose of Jesus’ miracles? (b) Why should you put
modern-day Christian integrity-keepers? forth effort to be in God’s new world?
12 THE WATCHTOWER
We Can Remain Chaste
“Cleanse your hands, . . . and purify your hearts.”
—JAS. 4:8.
CHASTITY is not a popular virtue. That is particularly true HOW DO THE FOLLOWING
in our time. In many lands, homosexuality and sex outside VERSES HELP US TO
of marriage are viewed as normal. These lifestyles are even REMAIN CHASTE?
promoted in advertising and entertainment. (Ps. 12:8) Immo- ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
rality has become so pervasive that you may wonder, ‘Is it James 1:14, 15
really possible to live a chaste life?’ Our confident reply is,
Yes, with Jehovah’s help, true Christians can remain chaste.
—Read 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5.
2 First, however, we must recognize that in order to live a
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
chaste life, we must reject immoral desires. Just as a baited James 4:8
hook may attract a fish, so immoral thoughts and lewd de-
sires—when not immediately dismissed—may begin to draw
out and entice a Christian. They can appeal to our fallen flesh
and lead us toward immoral acts. In time, the allure of sin ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
may become so great that the unclean desire becomes fertile. James 5:13-15
At that point, even a servant of Jehovah may be ready to act
1. How does the world view chastity?
2, 3. (a) Why is it essential to fight unclean desires? (b) What will we
consider in this article?
13
on his desire when an opportunity aris- matter of prayer. When we draw close to
es. Yes, “desire . . . gives birth to sin.” Jehovah in prayer, he draws close to us.
—Read James 1:14, 15. He generously gives us his holy spirit,
3 It is sobering to reflect on how a mo- thus strengthening our resolve to resist
mentary desire can develop into a seri- immoral thoughts and remain chaste.
ous sin. But how encouraging it is to So let us make known to God our ear-
know that if we prevent unclean desires nest wish to please him with the medi-
from taking root, we need not become tation of our heart. (Ps. 19:14) Do we
involved in immoral conduct and suffer humbly ask him to examine us in or-
its bitter consequences! (Gal. 5:16) Let der to identify any “harmful way”—any
us consider three aids that will help us improper desires or inclinations—that
in the fight against unclean desires: our could lead us into sin? (Ps. 139:23, 24)
relationship with Jehovah, the counsel Do we regularly petition him to help us
of his Word, and the help of mature fel- maintain our integrity when we are
low Christians. faced with temptation?—Matt. 6:13.
6 Our upbringing or our past conduct
“DRAW CLOSE TO GOD”
may have developed in us a liking for
4 The Bible’s direction to those who practices that Jehovah condemns. Even
wish to “draw close to God” is: “Cleanse then, he can help us to bring about nec-
your hands, . . . and purify your hearts.” essary changes so that we can continue
(Jas. 4:8) When we treasure our friend- to serve him acceptably. King David rec-
ship with Jehovah, we strive to please ognized this. After he had committed
him in every aspect of our life, including adultery with Bath-sheba, David im-
our thoughts. We desire to have “a pure plored Jehovah: “Create in me a pure
heart” by focusing our minds on what is heart, . . . and put within me a new spir-
chaste, virtuous, and praiseworthy. (Ps. it, a steadfast one.” (Ps. 51:10, 12) Sinful
24:3, 4; 51:6; Phil. 4:8) Granted, Jehovah conduct may strongly appeal to our fall-
makes allowances for our imperfect na- en flesh, but Jehovah can stir within us
ture. He knows that we are prone to im- a willing spirit, the desire to obey him.
proper desires. But we recognize that it Even if wrong desires are deeply root-
saddens him when we nurture wrong ed and tend to crowd out our chaste
thoughts instead of doing all we can to thoughts, Jehovah can guide our steps
reject them. (Gen. 6:5, 6) Reflecting on so that we can obey his commandments
this fact makes us ever more deter- and succeed in living by them. He can
mined to keep our thoughts chaste. prevent anything harmful from domi-
5 An important way to show our com- nating us.—Ps. 119:133.
plete reliance on Jehovah is by making
“BECOME DOERS OF THE WORD”
our fight against unclean thoughts a
7 Jehovah can answer our prayers for
4. Why is it important to draw close to Jeho- help by means of his Word, the Bible.
vah?
5, 6. How can prayer help us in our fight 7. How can God’s Word help to protect us from
against immoral desires? unclean thoughts?
14 THE WATCHTOWER
If a momentary wrong desire begins to develop and take root in us, we need to uproot it
(See paragraph 6)
The wisdom contained in God’s Word is danger of disregarding this counsel is il-
“first of all pure.” (Jas. 3:17) Reading lustrated in Proverbs chapter 7, where
the Bible daily and meditating on what we read about a young man who goes
we read can help to guard our minds for a stroll near the house of an immor-
against immoral thoughts. (Ps. 19:7, 11; al woman. Night is falling. At the street
119:9, 11) Additionally, the Bible con- corner, he is approached by the woman,
tains examples and specific counsel that who may be clothed in revealing attire.
can help us to avoid falling victim to un- She grabs him and kisses him. Her se-
clean desires. ductive speech awakens in him a desire
8 At Proverbs 5:8, we read: “Stay far that he seems unable to resist. They en-
away from [the immoral woman]; do not gage in sexual immorality. Apparent-
go near the entrance of her house.” The ly, that young man did not set out
to commit immorality. He is inexperi-
8, 9. (a) What led one young man to become enced and lacks good judgment. Even
involved with an immoral woman? (b) To what
modern-day situations can we apply the warn- so, he has to live with the disastrous
ing example found in Proverbs chapter 7? consequences of his actions. If only he
JUNE 15, 2015 15

had stayed far away from her!—Prov. 7: together for a little,’ in the hope of
6-27. making [Joseph] take the first step.”
9 Might we at times show a similar However, Joseph was determined never
lack of good judgment, perhaps stray- to encourage, or even tolerate, her se-
ing into dangerous situations that could ductive overtures. He refused her flir-
awaken wrong desires? For example, at tations, and he would not flirt with
night, television networks may relax her, thus preventing any wrong desire
their restrictions on program content. from taking root in his heart. When she
What if we occasionally channel surf? tried to force him to have sexual rela-
Or perhaps we might aimlessly follow tions with her, Joseph acted decisively.
links on the Internet or frequent chat “He left his garment in her hand and
rooms and sites that carry invitations to fled outside.”—Gen. 39:12.
view pornography or offer other sexual 12 The Bible also alerts us to the dan-
services. Could it be that in such cir- ger of allowing our eyes to lead our heart
cumstances we would be confronted astray. A roving eye can awaken or
with something that would arouse im- intensify wrong sexual desires. Jesus
proper desires and undermine our fight warned that “everyone who keeps on
to remain chaste? looking at a woman so as to have a pas-
10 Another way the Bible helps us is sion for her has already committed adul-
by giving counsel on how to treat those tery with her in his heart.” (Matt. 5:28)
of the opposite sex. (Read 1 Timothy Recall what happened in King David’s
5:2.) Such counsel clearly rules out flirt- case. “From the rooftop [David] saw a
ing. Some may view the use of body woman bathing.” (2 Sam. 11:2) He failed
language, gestures, and glances that to look away and to direct his thoughts
have romantic overtones as harmless in elsewhere. That led him to desire a
that these do not involve any physical woman who was someone else’s wife
contact. But flirting, or responding to and to take steps to commit adultery
it, may arouse unclean thoughts that with her.
can lead to serious sexual wrongdoing. 13 In order to combat immoral fanta-
It has happened before—it can happen sies, we need to ‘make a covenant with
again. our eyes,’ as did faithful Job. (Job 31:1,
11 Joseph acted wisely in this regard.
7, 9) We must solemnly decide to con-
When the wife of his master, Potiphar, trol our eyes and not allow them to gaze
tried to seduce him, Joseph rejected her with immoral lust at another person.
efforts. But she did not give up. Day af- That would include averting our gaze
ter day she invited him to remain with from sexually charged images, be they
her. (Gen. 39:7, 8, 10) According to one on a computer screen, a billboard, a
Bible scholar, Potiphar’s wife was, in ef- magazine cover, or anywhere else.
fect, saying: “ ‘Let’s just be on our own
12. How do we know that what we look at can
10. Why is flirting dangerous? (See opening affect our heart?
image.) 13. Why do we need to ‘make a covenant with
11. What good example did Joseph set? our eyes,’ and what does that involve?
16 THE WATCHTOWER
14 If any of what has been presented kind the elders were to me, much kin-
so far has identified areas in which you der and more understanding than I felt
could be more effective in your fight I deserved. They listened carefully to my
against wrong desires, take immediate problems. They used the Bible to re-
action. Willingly submit to the coun- affirm Jehovah’s love for me, and they
sel of God’s Word, which can help prayed with me. That made it easier for
you avoid wrongdoing and thus remain me to accept the Bible’s counsel that
chaste.—Read James 1:21-25. they provided.” Years later, after mak-
“CALL THE ELDERS” ing good spiritual progress, he says: “I
15 If we are struggling with wrong
realize now how important it is to seek
help instead of trying to carry our bur-
sexual desires, fellow Christians are
dens alone.”
another source of help that we can 17 Seeking assistance is essential if
turn to. Of course, discussing with oth-
ers problems of such a personal na- the source of any immoral desires is the
ture is not easy. But courageously plac- unclean habit of viewing pornography.
ing ourselves under the kindly scrutiny The longer the delay in seeking help,
of a mature Christian may prevent us the greater the risk that unclean desires
from rationalizing any wrong desires. will ‘become fertile and give birth to sin’
(Prov. 18:1; Heb. 3:12, 13) Talking about that will hurt others and bring reproach
our weakness with a mature, spiritually on Jehovah’s name. The desire to please
qualified Christian may help us to iden- Jehovah and to remain in the Christian
tify blind spots. This can help us to congregation has moved many of his
make the necessary adjustments in or- servants to accept loving help.—Jas. 1:
der to remain in Jehovah’s love. 15; Ps. 141:5; Heb. 12:5, 6.
16 Christian elders are especially
BE DETERMINED TO REMAIN CHASTE!
qualified to help us. (Read James 5:13-
15.) A young man in Brazil struggled
18 As the moral decline of Satan’s
with wrong desires for many years. He world continues, how proud Jehovah
relates: “I knew that my thoughts dis- must be to find his devoted servants
pleased Jehovah, but I was too ashamed putting forth earnest effort to keep their
to share with others what I was feeling.” thoughts clean and to uphold his high
Fortunately, a concerned elder in his moral standards! To that end, may each
congregation reached out to him and of us be determined to remain close to
encouraged him to get help. The young Jehovah and accept the guidance he
man recalls: “I was surprised at how provides by means of his Word and
the Christian congregation. Remaining
14. How can we benefit from the counsel to re- chaste results in satisfaction and peace
main chaste?
of mind now. (Ps. 119:5, 6) In the future,
15. If we are struggling with unclean desires,
why is it important to seek help?
after Satan is removed, we will have the
16, 17. (a) How can the elders help those who
privilege of living forever in a world
are struggling with unclean desires? Illustrate. cleansed of his corrupting influence.
(b) Why is it good for those who view pornog-
raphy to seek help promptly? 18. What is your determination?
JUNE 15, 2015 17

“IF KINGSLEY CAN DO IT,
SO CAN I!”
RESPONDING to a tap on his shoulder, King- studied the Bible with several Witnesses, and his
sley begins his Bible reading—his first assign- Braille copy of the book Knowledge That Leads to
ment on the Theocratic Ministry School in Everlasting Life was well-worn.1 He accepted my
the congregation. He carefully pronounces each invitation to resume his study, but we faced two
word, not missing a syllable. But wait! Why is he challenges.
not looking at his Bible? First, Kingsley lived with several others in a
Kingsley, who lives in Sri Lanka, is blind. He home for the elderly and the physically chal-
is also hearing-impaired and needs a wheelchair lenged. Because of the background noise and
to get around. How did this man learn about Je- Kingsley’s poor hearing, I had to raise my
hovah and qualify to enroll in the Theocratic voice and speak much louder. In fact, every-
Ministry School? Let me explain. one in the home was able to hear our weekly
study!
When I first met Kingsley, I was struck by how
thirsty he was for Bible truth. He had already 1 Published in 1995; now out of print.
Kingsley and Paul
Second, Kingsley could read and grasp only a efforts and asked to hear the reading. He opened
small amount of new information during each his Bible, placed his fingers on the Braille text,
study session. To make our study periods more and started to read. However, I noticed that his
productive, Kingsley prepared diligently. In ad- fingers did not move along the page as they
vance, he read and reread the study material, would normally do. He had memorized the en-
looked up the scriptures in his Braille Bible, and tire Bible reading!
then formulated in his mind the answers to the With tears rolling down my cheeks, I looked
questions. This method proved to be very effec- on in disbelief. I asked Kingsley how he could re-
tive. During our study, he would sit cross-legged member so well after practicing only 30 times.
on a rug, excitedly tapping the floor while ex- He replied: “No, I have practiced about 30 times
plaining at the top of his voice what he had per day.” For over a month, Kingsley had sat on
learned. Before long, we were studying twice a his rug, reading and rereading the text until he
week, and each session lasted two hours! had it memorized.
ATTENDING MEETINGS Then came the day of his assignment at the
AND PARTICIPATING Kingdom Hall. When Kingsley completed his as-
Kingsley was eager to attend meetings at the signment, the congregation erupted in enthusi-
Kingdom Hall, but this was not an easy task. He astic applause, and many wept at the determina-
needed help to get into and out of his wheel- tion of this new student. One publisher, who had
chair, the car, and the Kingdom Hall. But many stopped giving talks on the school because of
in the congregation took turns helping him, nervousness, asked to be enrolled again. Why?
counting it a privilege to do so. During meetings, She said, “If Kingsley can do it, so can I!”
Kingsley kept a speaker next to his ear, listening On September 6, 2008, after he had studied
attentively and even commenting! the Bible for three years, Kingsley symbolized
After he had studied for some time, Kingsley his dedication to Jehovah by water baptism. A
decided to enroll in the Theocratic Ministry loyal Witness until his death on May 13, 2014,
School. Two weeks before his first Bible reading, Kingsley was confident that in the earthly Para-
I asked him whether he had been practicing. He dise, he will continue his faithful service with
confidently said, “Yes, Brother, I have practiced complete strength and perfect health. (Isa. 35:
about 30 times.” I congratulated him on his 5, 6)—As told by Paul McManus.
JUNE 15, 2015 19

the Model Prayer
Part I
“Let your name be sanctified.”—MATT. 6:9.
DO YOU RECALL? MANY people can recite the Lord’s Prayer from memory. In
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ our door-to-door ministry, we often refer to this prayer to
What can we learn from help householders understand that God’s Kingdom is a real
the expression “our Father”? government that is going to bring wonderful changes to our
earth. Or we may refer to the first request in the prayer to
show that God has a personal name, which is to be sancti-
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
fied, or “treated as holy.”—Matt. 6:9, ftn.
2 Did Jesus intend that this prayer be repeated word for
Why should we pray for God’s
name to be sanctified? word every time we pray, as is done by many in Christen-
dom? No. Just before Jesus provided this prayer as a pattern,
he said: “When praying, do not say the same things over and
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
over again.” (Matt. 6:7) On a later occasion, he restated this
How can we live in harmony prayer but used different wording. (Luke 11:1-4) Thus Jesus
with the request for God’s will helped us know what sort of things we need to ask for and
to be done on earth?
1. How might we use the prayer recorded at Matthew 6:9-13 in our min-
istry?
2. How do we know that Jesus did not intend that the model prayer be
repeated word for word every time we pray?
20
in what order of importance. Hence, it night unless I was away from home. Our
is fitting to call it the model prayer. daughters often say that they do not
3 In this article and the next, we will remember the exact words of those
analyze the content of the model prayer. nightly prayers. However, they recall
As we do so, ask yourself, ‘How can the atmosphere, the sacredness of com-
this model help me improve my own municating with our Father, Jehovah,
prayers? And, more important, am I liv- and the feeling of calm and security. As
ing in harmony with the prayer?’ soon as they were able to, I encouraged
them to pray out loud so that I could
“OUR FATHER IN THE HEAVENS”
hear them express their thoughts and
4 The expression “our Father,” not feelings to Jehovah. This was a wonder-
“my Father,” reminds us that we belong ful opportunity to get a glimpse into
to an “association of brothers” who tru- their hearts. Then I could gently coach
ly love one another. (1 Pet. 2:17) What them to include important elements of
a precious privilege that is! Anointed the model prayer in order to give their
Christians, who have been begotten as prayers a meaningful foundation.”
God’s sons with heavenly life in view, 6 Not surprisingly, the brother’s little
rightly address Jehovah as “Father” in girls went on to make fine spiritual
the fullest sense. (Rom. 8:15-17) Chris- progress. They are now happily mar-
tians whose hope is to live forever on ried, and along with their husbands,
earth can also address Jehovah as “Fa- they are doing God’s will in the full-time
ther.” He is their Life-Giver, and he lov- service. Parents can give their children
ingly provides for the needs of all true no greater gift than that of helping them
worshippers. Those with this earthly to develop a warm, close relationship
hope will in the fullest sense become with Jehovah. Of course, it is up to
God’s children after they have reached each one to maintain this precious rela-
perfection and have proved their loyalty tionship. That involves learning to love
in the final test.—Rom. 8:21; Rev. 20:7, 8. God’s name, treating it with the deepest
5 Parents give their children a fine gift
respect.—Ps. 5:11, 12; 91:14.
when they teach them to pray and help
them to view Jehovah as a caring heav- “LET YOUR NAME BE SANCTIFIED”
enly Father. A brother who now serves 7 What a privilege it is for us not only
as a circuit overseer in South Africa re- to know God’s personal name but also
calls: “From the day our daughters were to bear it as “a people for his name.”
born, I would pray with them every (Acts 15:14; Isa. 43:10) We implore our
heavenly Father: “Let your name be
3. What questions could we meditate on as we
analyze the model prayer? sanctified.” Your making such a request
4. Of what does the expression “our Father” re-
may move you to ask Jehovah to help
mind us, and in what sense is Jehovah “Father” you to avoid doing or saying anything
to Christians with an earthly hope? that would dishonor his holy name. We
5, 6. What fine gift can parents give to their
children, and what should each child do with 7. What privilege do God’s people have, but
this gift? (See opening image.) what does it require of us?
JUNE 15, 2015 21

do not want to be like some in the first will “be all things to everyone.”—1 Cor.
century who did not practice what they 15:28.
preached. The apostle Paul wrote of
“LET YOUR KINGDOM COME”
them: “The name of God is being blas-
phemed among the nations because of 11 Before Jesus ascended to heaven,
you.”—Rom. 2:21-24. his apostles asked: “Lord, are you re-
8 We want to sanctify God’s name. storing the kingdom to Israel at this
After the untimely death of her hus- time?” Jesus’ answer showed that it was
band, a sister in Norway was left alone not the time for them to know when
with a two-year-old son. “It was a very God’s Kingdom would start ruling. He
difficult time in my life,” she explains. “I told his disciples to focus on the impor-
prayed every day, nearly every hour, for tant witnessing work that they needed
strength to keep my emotional balance to do. (Read Acts 1:6-8.) Nevertheless,
so that I would not give Satan reason to Jesus taught his followers to look for-
taunt Jehovah because of any unwise ward to the coming of God’s Kingdom.
decision or unfaithfulness on my part. I So Christians since the days of the
wanted to sanctify Jehovah’s name, and apostles have been praying for it to
I wanted my son to see his father again come.
in Paradise.”—Prov. 27:11. 12 When the time approached for
9 Did Jehovah answer such unselfish God’s Kingdom in the hands of Jesus
prayers? Yes. This sister received sup- to start ruling from heaven, Jehovah
port from her regular association with helped his people to understand the
caring fellow believers. Five years later, timing of events. In 1876, an article writ-
she married an elder. Her son, now 20 ten by Charles Taze Russell was pub-
years old, is a baptized brother. “I am so lished in the magazine Bible Examiner.
happy,” she says, “that my husband That article, “Gentile Times: When Do
helped me to raise him.” They End?,” pointed to 1914 as a signif-
10 What is needed for God’s name to icant year. The article linked the “seven
be completely sanctified and cleared of times” of Daniel’s prophecy with “the
all reproach? For that to happen, Jeho- appointed times of the nations” spoken
vah must act to remove all who willful- of by Jesus.1—Dan. 4:16; Luke 21:24.
ly reject his sovereignty. (Read Ezekiel 13 In 1914, war broke out between na-
38:22, 23.) Mankind will gradually be tions of Europe—a war that spread and
brought to perfection. How we long engulfed the whole world. By the time it
for the time when all intelligent cre-
1 For an explanation of how this prophecy was ful-
ation will treat Jehovah’s name as holy! filled in 1914 with the birth of God’s Messianic King-
Then, at last, our loving heavenly Father dom, see the book What Does the Bible Really Teach?
pages 215-218.
8, 9. Give an example of how Jehovah blesses
those who are concerned about sanctifying his 11, 12. Toward the end of the 19th century,
name. true Christians were given what insight?
10. What is needed for the complete sanctifica- 13. What happened in the year 1914, and what
tion of God’s name? do world events since that time confirm?
22 THE WATCHTOWER
Are you helping your children to live in harmony with
the request that God’s will be done on earth?
(See paragraph 16)
ended in 1918, terrible food shortages cause the Devil has come down to you,
had been experienced and there was a having great anger, knowing that he has
flu epidemic in which more people died a short period of time.”—Rev. 12:7-12.
than were killed in the war. Thus “the 14 The prophecy recorded at Reve-
sign” that Jesus had given to identify his lation 12:7-12 explains why the birth
invisible presence as earth’s new King of God’s Kingdom basically coincided
started to be fulfilled. (Matt. 24:3-8; with the beginning of the disastrous
Luke 21:10, 11) Ample evidence points events that continue to plague man-
to the year 1914 as the time when “a kind. Jesus, the King of God’s Kingdom,
crown was given” to the Lord Jesus began to rule amid his enemies. Un-
Christ. He “went out conquering and to til his conquest is complete and he
complete his conquest.” (Rev. 6:2) He has brought an end to wickedness on
cleansed the heavens in a war against earth, we will continue to pray for God’s
Satan and his demons, who were hurled Kingdom to come. At the same time,
down to the vicinity of the earth. Ever we must live in harmony with such
since, mankind has experienced the
14. (a) Why is it still important to pray for
truthfulness of these inspired words: God’s Kingdom to come? (b) What are we priv-
“Woe for the earth and for the sea, be- ileged to do?
JUNE 15, 2015 23

prayers by sharing in the fulfillment of a helped many to become Jehovah’s Wit-
most amazing feature of “the sign.” Je- nesses. No doubt you can think of oth-
sus foretold: “This good news of the er good examples of individuals who
Kingdom will be preached in all the in- pour themselves out in doing God’s will
habited earth for a witness to all the na- despite the limitations of old age.—Read
tions, and then the end will come.” Philippians 2:17.
—Matt. 24:14. 17 Until the enemies of God’s King-
dom are removed from the earth, we

“LET YOUR WILL
will continue to pray for God’s will to be
TAKE PLACE . . . ON EARTH”
done. Then we will see God’s will taking
15 About 6,000 years ago, God’s will place in an even more complete way as
was being done perfectly on earth. That billions are resurrected on a paradise
is why Jehovah could look upon the fine earth. “Do not be amazed at this,” Jesus
start he had given to mankind and say: said, “for the hour is coming in which all
“It was very good.” (Gen. 1:31) Then Sa- those in the memorial tombs will hear
tan rebelled, and ever since, compara- [my] voice and come out.” (John 5:28,
tively few humans have done God’s will 29) What a wonderful time to be alive to
on earth. But today we are privileged to welcome back our dead loved ones! God
be alive at a time when about eight mil- “will wipe out every tear from [our]
lion Witnesses not only are praying for eyes.” (Rev. 21:4) Most resurrected ones
God’s will to take place on earth but will be “the unrighteous,” who lived
also are striving to live in harmony with and died without learning the truth
that prayer. They do so by their way of about Jehovah God and his Son. It will
life and by having a zealous share in the be a privilege to impart knowledge of
disciple-making work. God’s will and purpose to resurrected
16 For example, a sister who was bap-
ones, thereby helping them to qualify
tized in 1948 and who served as a mis- for “everlasting life.”—Acts 24:15; John
sionary in Africa says: “In line with this 17:3.
part of the model prayer, I often pray 18 Universal peace and harmony de-
that all sheeplike people will be contact- pend on the sanctification of Jehovah’s
ed and helped to come to know Jehovah name by means of God’s Kingdom.
before it is too late. Also, when I am Thus, the complete answer to the first
about to witness to someone, I ask for three requests of the model prayer will
wisdom to reach the person’s heart. fulfill mankind’s greatest needs. Mean-
And regarding sheeplike ones who have while, we have other vital needs that are
already been found, I pray that Jeho- mentioned in the remaining four re-
vah will bless our efforts to care for quests in Jesus’ model prayer. They will
them.” Little wonder that this 80-year- be discussed in the following article.
old sister has success in her ministry
and, along with aid from others, has 17. How do you feel about what Jehovah will
yet do in answer to our request for his will to be
15, 16. How can we live in harmony with the done on earth?
request for God’s will to take place on earth? 18. What are mankind’s greatest needs?
24 THE WATCHTOWER
the Model Prayer
Part II
“Your Father knows what you need.”—MATT. 6:8.
LANA will never forget what happened one day in Germany DO YOU RECALL?
in the summer of 2012. She feels that two of her specific ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
prayers were answered. She offered the first prayer while on What is involved in our
a long train ride to the airport. She asked Jehovah to open the request for our daily bread?
way for her to give a witness. She offered the second prayer
after she arrived at the airport and learned that her flight had
been delayed until the next day. Lana prayed about the fact
that she had used up most of her European currency and had ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
no place to stay. We need to do what in order

2 Hardly had Lana finished the second prayer when she to have our debts forgiven?
heard someone say, “Hello, Lana, what are you doing here?”
The young man who was speaking was a former schoolmate.
He was with his mother and grandmother, who were seeing ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
him off on a flight to South Africa. On learning of Lana’s sit- How does Jehovah answer
uation, the mother, Elke, warmly invited Lana to stay with our request not to be brought
them. Elke and her mother were hospitable to Lana and kept into temptation?
asking questions about her beliefs and her work as a full-time
evangelizer.
1-3. Why did one sister feel sure that Jehovah knows what we need?
25
3 The next morning, after a hearty 6 If we have sufficient food for many
breakfast, Lana answered more Bible days, we can think of brothers who live
questions, and she got her hosts’ con- in poverty or who are affected by di-
tact information in order to follow up sasters. We should not only pray for
their interest. Lana returned home safe- them but also act in harmony with
ly and continues her service as a regu- our prayers. For example, we can share
lar pioneer. She feels that the “Hearer what we have with fellow worshippers
of prayer” was involved in how things in need. We can also regularly contrib-
worked out.—Ps. 65:2. ute to the worldwide work, knowing
4 When we are suddenly faced with
that such funds are used wisely.—1 John
a problem, we may have no difficulty 3:17.
praying for help, and Jehovah is delight- 7 In referring to our daily bread, Je-
ed to hear such pleas from his loyal sus likely meant our immediate needs.
ones. (Ps. 34:15; Prov. 15:8) If we medi- Thus, he went on to show how God
tate on the model prayer, however, we clothes the wildflowers, and then he
may find that there are other greater said: “Will he not much rather clothe
needs that we might overlook. For ex- you, you with little faith? So never be
ample, consider how our spiritual needs anxious and say, . . . ‘What are we to
are revealed in the last three requests of wear?’ ” He concluded by repeating this
the model prayer. And is there more important advice: “Never be anxious
we can do to live in harmony with
about the next day.” (Matt. 6:30-34) This
the fourth request, concerning our daily
shows that rather than be materialistic,
bread?—Read Matthew 6:11-13.
we should be content with our basic dai-
“GIVE US TODAY OUR BREAD ly needs. Such needs may include suit-
FOR THIS DAY” able accommodations, employment to
5 Notice that this is a personal re- provide for our family, and wisdom to
quest not purely for “my” bread for the cope with health concerns. If we were to
day but for “our” bread for the day. Vic- pray only for such physical needs, how-
tor, a circuit overseer in Africa, ex- ever, it would indicate an imbalance.
plains: “I often sincerely thank Jehovah We have spiritual needs that are of
that my wife and I don’t have to be seri- much greater importance.
ously concerned about where our next 8 Jesus’ reference to our daily bread
meal will come from, nor do we have to should remind us of our need for spiri-
worry about who will pay the rent. Our tual food. “Man must live,” said our
brothers kindly look after us every day. Master, “not on bread alone, but on
But I do pray that those helping us will every word that comes from Jehovah’s
manage to handle the economic pres- mouth.” (Matt. 4:4) So we should con-
sures they face.”
7. How did Jesus illustrate his advice that we
4. What needs will we consider? should “never be anxious about the next day”?
5, 6. Why is our request for our bread for the 8. Jesus’ reference to our daily bread should re-
day important even if we have sufficient materi- mind us of what important need? (See opening
al things? image.)
26 THE WATCHTOWER
tinue to pray that Jehovah will keep on ransom price” for our lives “is so pre-
feeding us with timely spiritual food. cious” that nothing any imperfect hu-
man could do for us would come near to
“FORGIVE US OUR DEBTS”
paying it. (Read Psalm 49:7-9; 1 Peter 1:
9 Why did Jesus use the word “debts,” 18, 19.) Indeed, we should never cease
whereas on a later occasion, he spoke of to thank Jehovah for this great gift.
“sins”? (Matt. 6:12; Luke 11:4) Over 60 Also, the expression “our sins,” not “my
years ago, this journal nicely explained: sins,” should remind us that all in our
“A sin of transgression against God’s family of worshippers need this merci-
law puts us in debt to him. . . . For our ful provision. Clearly, Jehovah wants us
sin God could demand and exact our to be concerned not only about our own
lives. . . . He could withdraw his peace spiritual welfare but also about that of
from us, breaking off all peaceful rela- others, including those who might have
tions with us. . . . We owe him love, ex- sinned against us. Usually, such sins are
pressed in obedience; and when we sin minor and give us an opportunity to
we fail in paying our debt of love to him, show that we truly love our brothers
for sin is unloving toward God.”—1 John and are willing to forgive, as God has
5:3. mercifully forgiven us.—Col. 3:13.
10 Our daily need for forgiveness 11 Sadly, as imperfect humans, we
highlights the only legal basis on which may sometimes harbor a grudge against
God can cancel our sins—Jesus’ ransom another. (Lev. 19:18) If we talk about the
sacrifice. Though this ransom was paid matter, others may side with us, causing
nearly 2,000 years ago, we should cher- a division in the congregation. If we
ish it as if it were a gift given today. “The allow such a situation to continue, it
would show a lack of appreciation for
9. In what sense are our sins “debts”?
10. On what basis can Jehovah forgive our sins, 11. Why is it important to have a forgiving
and how should we feel about that? spirit?
If you desire God’s forgiveness, be forgiving toward others

(See paragraph 11)
God’s mercy and the ransom. Our Fa- er tempts anyone to do evil. Rather, it is
ther will cease to apply to us the value the Devil who is “the Tempter.” (Matt.
of his Son’s sacrifice if we display an un- 4:3) The Devil can create tempting situ-
forgiving spirit. (Matt. 18:35) Jesus elab- ations. Yet, it is up to each individual
orated on this immediately after giving whether he will allow himself to be
the model prayer. (Read Matthew 6:14, brought into temptation or not. (Read
15.) Finally, to benefit from God’s for- James 1:13-15.) For his part, Jesus im-
giveness, we must strive to avoid mak- mediately rejected each temptation by
ing a practice of serious sin. Our desire the use of a relevant quotation from
to avoid practicing sin leads to the next God’s Word. Thus, Jesus upheld God’s
request.—1 John 3:4, 6. rightful sovereignty. But Satan did not
“DO NOT BRING US INTO TEMPTATION”
give up. He waited “until another conve-
nient time.” (Luke 4:13) Jesus continued
12 Considering what happened to Je-
to resist all of Satan’s efforts to break
sus shortly after his baptism can help us
his integrity. Christ upheld the righ-
to understand the need for the request:
teousness of Jehovah’s sovereignty and
“Do not bring us into temptation.” Jesus
proved that a perfect human can be
was led into the wilderness by God’s
faithful despite the most extreme test.
spirit. Why? “To be tempted by the Dev-
However, Satan attempts to ensnare Je-
il.” (Matt. 4:1; 6:13) Should that surprise
sus’ followers, including you.
us? Not if we grasp the main reason why 14 Because of the ongoing issue re-
God sent his Son to the earth. That
was to settle the issue raised when garding God’s sovereignty, Jehovah al-
Adam and Eve rejected God’s sover- lows the Tempter to use this world to
eignty. Questions needed time to be tempt us. God is not bringing us into
settled. For example, was something temptation. On the contrary, he has
wrong with the way God created man? confidence in us and he wants to help
Was it possible for a perfect human to us. Out of respect for our free will,
uphold God’s sovereignty regardless of though, Jehovah does not automatically
pressures from “the wicked one”? And prevent us from falling into tempta-
would mankind be better off indepen- tion. We have to do two things—re-
dent of God’s rulership, as Satan im- main spiritually awake and persist in
plied? (Gen. 3:4, 5) Answering such prayer. How does Jehovah answer our
questions would require time but would prayers?
15 Jehovah gives us his powerful holy
show all intelligent creation that Jeho-
vah exercises his sovereignty in a bene- spirit, which can strengthen us and help
ficial way. us to resist temptation. God also fore-
13 Jehovah is holy and therefore nev- warns us through his Word and the con-
12, 13. (a) What happened to Jesus shortly af- 14. We need to do what in order not to fall into
ter his baptism? (b) Why must we take respon- temptation?
sibility if we fall into temptation? (c) What 15, 16. (a) What are some temptations that
did Jesus accomplish by remaining faithful till we need to resist? (b) Who is responsible if a
death? person falls into temptation?
28 THE WATCHTOWER
16 Another temptation that has come
to the fore in modern times is the view-
ing of pornography. If we fall into such
a temptation, we cannot blame Satan.
Why? Because Satan and his world can-
not force us to do anything against our
will. Some have given in to this tempta-
tion by allowing their minds to dwell on
what is bad. But we can resist, even as
thousands of our brothers have done.
—1 Cor. 10:12, 13.
“DELIVER US FROM
THE WICKED ONE”
17 To live in harmony with the request
“deliver us from the wicked one,” we

must strive to be “no part of [Satan’s]
world.” We must “not love either [Sa-
tan’s] world or the things in the world.”
(John 15:19; 1 John 2:15-17) Doing so is
an ongoing struggle. What a relief it
Maintain your spirituality and zeal for the ministry will be when Jehovah answers this re-
(See paragraph 15)
quest by removing Satan and causing
his wicked world to pass away! We must
remember, though, that when Satan
gregation about situations that we must was hurled out of heaven, he knew that
avoid, such as spending excessive time, his time was short. Enraged, he does all
money, and energy on nonessential ma- he can to make us break our integrity.
terial things. Espen and Janne live in an So we must keep praying for deliver-
affluent European country. For many ance from him.—Rev. 12:12, 17.
18 Do you desire such a happy out-
years, they were regular pioneers in a
part of their country where the need come? Then continue to pray for God’s
was great. With the birth of their first Kingdom to sanctify God’s name and
child, they had to stop pioneering, and cause his will to be done on earth. Look
now they have a second child. “We of- to Jehovah to supply your spiritual and
ten pray to Jehovah,” says Espen, “that physical needs. Yes, be determined to
we may not fall into temptation now live in harmony with the model prayer.
that we are unable to spend as much
time as we previously did in theocratic 17. (a) How can we live in harmony with our
request to be delivered from the wicked one?
activities. We ask Jehovah to help us (b) What relief must be near?
maintain our spirituality and zeal for 18. To survive the end of Satan’s world, what
the ministry.” must we continue to do?
JUNE 15, 2015 29

“You Need Endurance”
AFTER Anita1 was baptized as one of Jehovah’s soothed my soul and saved my sanity. I have no
Witnesses, her husband became fiercely op- doubt that Jehovah will bring my husband back
posed. “He prevented me from going to meet- in the resurrection.”—Phil. 4:6, 7.
ings and forbade me even to mention God’s The “Hearer of prayer” has promised to pro-
name,” says Anita. “Just saying the name Jeho- vide his servants with whatever they need to re-
vah caused my husband to fly into a rage.” main faithful to him. (Ps. 65:2) Would you not
Teaching her children about Jehovah posed agree that this assurance is faith-strengthening?
another serious challenge for Anita. “The wor- Does it not help you to see why you too can en-
ship of Jehovah was banned in my own home. I dure?
was not able to study openly with my children,
nor could I take them to the meetings.” CHRISTIAN MEETINGS
As Anita’s experience illustrates, opposition —A SOURCE OF SUPPORT
from family members can be a real test of a Jehovah has supported his people through the
Christian’s integrity. The same can be said of Christian congregation. For example, during a
chronic health problems, the death of a child or time when the congregation in Thessalonica un-
a spouse, or a close family member’s turning his derwent severe persecution, Paul urged those
back on Jehovah. Hence, what can help a Chris- Christians to “keep encouraging one another
tian to remain faithful to Jehovah? and building one another up, just as [they were]
In the face of such trials, what would you do? in fact doing.” (1 Thess. 2:14; 5:11) By drawing to-
The apostle Paul said: “You need endurance.” gether in love and helping one another, the Thes-
(Heb. 10:36) But what can help you to endure? salonian Christians were able to survive that test
of their faith. Their record of endurance serves
PRAYERFUL RELIANCE ON JEHOVAH
as an excellent example for us today and reveals
One of the primary ways we gain the strength something that can help us to endure.
needed to endure trials is through prayerful reli- Developing a close bond of friendship with
ance on God. Consider one example. Tragedy members of the congregation can help us to
struck Ana’s family on a Monday afternoon. Her share “things that build one another up.” (Rom.
husband of 30 years passed away suddenly. “He 14:19) This is especially important during times
never returned home from work,” says Ana,
of distress. Paul himself experienced many trib-
“and he was only 52 years old.”
ulations, and Jehovah gave him the strength to
How did Ana cope? She had to go back to endure. At times, God provided much encour-
work, which helped because her job required al- agement to Paul through fellow believers. For ex-
most complete concentration but did not elimi-
ample, when Paul sent personal greetings to
nate the pain she felt. She comments: “I poured
members of the congregation in Colossae, he
out my heart to Jehovah and begged him to help
said about them: “They have become a source of
me cope with my dreadful loss.” Did Jehovah an-
great comfort to me.” (Col. 4:10, 11) Yes, their af-
swer her prayers? She is convinced that he did.
fection for Paul moved them to comfort and
She says: “The peace that only God can give
strengthen him when he was in need. It could
1 Some names have been changed. well be that you have already received similar
30 THE WATCHTOWER
We can be helped to endure
by considering how others
have endured
encouragement and support from members of John’s son was just three years old. “This meant
your congregation. that my wife not only had to look after our young
child but also had to care for me, as well as help
SUPPORT FROM THE ELDERS
me with all my medical appointments,” says
God has provided another source of support John. Chemotherapy treatments left John feeling
within the Christian congregation—the elders. extremely fatigued and nauseated. And that was
These spiritually mature men can be “like a hid- not all. John’s father became terminally ill and
ing place from the wind, a place of concealment needed family care.
from the rainstorm, like streams of water in a wa-
How did John and his family cope with this
terless land, like the shadow of a massive crag in
difficult situation? “Despite my fatigue, I made
a parched land.” (Isa. 32:2) What a refreshing as-
sure that our family maintained a regular spiri-
surance! Have you taken advantage of this loving
tual routine,” he reports. “We attended all the
provision? The encouragement and support of
meetings, had a weekly share in the ministry,
the elders can help you to endure.
and had regular family worship even when it was
Of course, the elders are not miracle work-
difficult.” Indeed, John saw that a key to endur-
ers. They are imperfect humans, “having the
ing any challenge is that of maintaining spiritu-
same infirmities as [we] have.” (Acts 14:15) Still,
ality. Does he have any advice for those who are
their supplications in our behalf can accomplish
facing their own trying circumstances? He says:
much. (Jas. 5:14, 15) A brother in Italy who for
“After the initial shock wears off, the nagging
many years has endured the degenerative effects
thoughts will be replaced by Jehovah’s strength
of muscular dystrophy said: “The brothers’ love
and love. Jehovah can make you strong, just as
and affection along with their frequent visits
he has me.”
have helped me to endure.” Could you benefit to
a fuller degree from Jehovah’s loving provision Without a doubt, with God’s backing we can
—the elders? endure difficult trials or circumstances that we
may face—now or in the future. Let us demon-
KEEP A REGULAR SPIRITUAL ROUTINE strate prayerful reliance on Jehovah, develop a
There are yet other things we can do to endure. close bond of friendship with those in our con-
One is to maintain a regular spiritual routine. gregation, draw support from Christian elders,
Consider the example of 39-year-old John, who and maintain a regular spiritual routine. By do-
was diagnosed with a rare cancer. He admits: “I ing so, we will be acting in harmony with Paul’s
felt cheated because I was so young.”At the time, words: “You need endurance.”
JUNE 15, 2015 31

DO YOU REMEMBER?
Have you carefully read the recent issues of The Watchtower?

Well, see if you can answer the following questions:
Should Christians pray to What surprising gift did the dividuals served as types of
Jesus Christ? brothers in Japan receive? something greater. One exam-
No. Jesus himself taught us They received a booklet con- ple of this is found at Galatians
to pray to Jehovah, and he set taining the book of Matthew 4:21-31. But otherwise, it is
the example by praying to his from the New World Transla- best not to imagine or assign
Father. (Matt. 6:6-9; John 11: tion. It is being offered in the antitypical applications. How-
41; 16:23) Accordingly, his ear- ministry, and it has been ac- ever, we can look for lessons to
ly followers prayed to God, not cepted by many people who be learned from individuals
to Jesus. (Acts 4:24, 30; Col. are unfamiliar with the Bible. and events mentioned in the
1:3)—1/1, page 14. —2/15, page 3. Bible. (Rom. 15:4)—3/15,
What circumstances in the first pages 17-18.
What can we do yearly to
prepare to commemorate century helped the spread of the Why is a papyrus fragment
Jesus’ death? good news? recovered from an ancient
One thing we can do is keep up The stability of Pax Romana trash heap in Egypt of special
with the schedule of Bible read- meant that there was less interest?
ing related to this event. We strife. The early disciples could In the last century, a fragment
can also make an effort to in- travel on a network of good was found that contains por-
crease our ministry during this roads. The Greek language was tions of John’s Gospel. It may
period. And we can give prayer- widely used, facilitating the date from a few decades after
ful thought to our God-given preaching, even to Jews spread John wrote his book, and the
hope.—1/15, pages 14-16. throughout the empire. And the content confirms the text that
disciples could use Roman law has come down to us, under-
How did things turn out for in defending the good news. scoring the Bible’s reliability.
the two Egyptian prisoners who —2/15, pages 20-23. —4/1, pages 10-11.
related a puzzling dream to
Joseph? Why do true Christians not Why is it loving to disfellowship
celebrate Easter? an unrepentant wrongdoer?
Joseph told Pharaoh’s cupbear-
er that he would be restored to Jesus directed his followers The Bible outlines the
his former position. As for the to commemorate his death, not serious step of disfellowship-
baker, his dream meant that his resurrection. (Luke 22:19, ping, which can bring benefits.
20)—3/1, page 8. (1 Cor. 5:11-13) It honors God’s
Pharaoh would have him killed
and hung on a stake. Both In recent years, why are Biblical name, protects the clean con-
interpretations came true. types and antitypes seldom gregation, and may bring the
(Gen. 40:1-22)—2/1, discussed in our publications? wrongdoer to his senses.
pages 12-14. The Bible says that some in- —4/15, pages 29-30.
s
w15 06/15-E

150130

JULY 1 5, 2 0 1 5
34567
STUDY ARTICLES
___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________
AUGUST 31–SEPTEMBER 6 SEPTEMBER 7-13 SEPTEMBER 14-20 SEPTEMBER 21-27

Work to Enhance “Your Deliverance Maintain This Is Our
the Spiritual Is Getting Near”! Your Loyalty to Place of Worship
Paradise PAGE 14 God’s Kingdom PAGE 27
PAGE 7 PAGE 22
STUDY ARTICLES
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
ˇ Work to Enhance the Spiritual Paradise

Jehovah’s people enjoy a unique spiritual environment
within the earthly part of God’s organization. How can we
show our full appreciation for this provision from Jehovah,
RUSSIA and what can we individually do to enhance it? This article
will answer these questions.
COVER: A group takes a lunch
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
break during field service activity
while working the interior sections ˇ “Your Deliverance Is Getting Near”!
of the vast Siberian territory
This article will explain some of the exciting developments
‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐
that lie ahead of us. It will also show us why God’s people
POPULATION can face the great tribulation with full confidence.
143,930,000 _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
ˇ Maintain Your Loyalty to God’s Kingdom

PUBLISHERS
In this world dominated by Satan, people’s loyalties are
171,268 divided. Christians, however, have promised to be loyal to
Jehovah. This article will examine why we do not take sides
in worldly rivalries and how we can train our mind and
conscience to maintain Christian neutrality.
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
ˇ This Is Our Place of Worship

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
3 They Offered Themselves

Jehovah’s people meet for worship in tens of thousands of
Willingly—In Russia
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Kingdom Halls and other facilities worldwide. In this article,
we will consider Scriptural principles that can help us see
12 Serving Jehovah
how such meeting places should be viewed, financed, and
in “the Calamitous Days”
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ maintained—all to Jehovah’s glory.
20 Does It Matter
Who Notices Your Work?
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
32 Did You Know?
34567 ˙
July 15, 2015
TH EY OF F E R E D
TH E M S E LVE S
WI LLI NG LY
in Russia
IN 1991, Jehovah’s Witnesses in Russia
were overjoyed when a long-standing
ban on their activities was lifted and they
gained official recognition. At that time, few could
have imagined that the number of Witnesses there
would increase tenfold to some 170,000 today!
Among these hardworking Kingdom preachers are
Witnesses from abroad who moved to Russia to
help in the spiritual harvest. (Matt. 9:37, 38) Let us
meet some of them.
WILLING BROTHERS HELP
TO STRENGTHEN THE CONGREGATIONS lishers were conducting several hundred Bible stud-
The year that the ban was lifted in Russia, Mat- ies! “After that talk,” says Matthew, “I couldn’t stop
thew from Great Britain was 28 years old. During a thinking about Russia, so I prayed to Jehovah spe-
convention that year, a talk highlighted that help cifically about my desire to move there.” He saved
was needed in the congregations in Eastern Eu- some money, sold most of his possessions, and
rope. As an example, the speaker mentioned a con- moved to Russia in 1992. How did things turn out
gregation in St. Petersburg, Russia, that had only for him?
one ministerial servant and no elders. Still, the pub- “The language was a challenge,” relates Matthew. “I
was unable to have good spiritual discussions.” An-
other challenge was that of finding lodging. “I lost
Matthew count of the number of times I had to move from
one apartment to another on short notice.” Despite
those initial obstacles, Matthew says: “Moving to
Russia was the best decision I ever made.” He ex-
plains: “By serving here I learned to rely much more
on Jehovah and experienced his direction in many
ways.” Matthew was later appointed an elder and a
special pioneer and now serves at the branch office
near St. Petersburg.
In 1999, Hiroo graduated at age 25 from the Min-
isterial Training School in Japan, and one of the
instructors encouraged him to serve in a foreign
3
conduct them. Says Matthew: “The congregation
that I visited had 200 in attendance, but the meet-
ings were all conducted by one elder of advanced
age and one young ministerial servant. Seeing that
situation made me want to move there to assist
those brothers.” He moved to Russia in 2002.
Four years later, Michael moved to Russia and
quickly found out that the need for brothers was
Hiroo and Svetlana
still great. As a ministerial servant, he was assigned
to care for the accounts, literature, and territory.
He was also asked to do the work normally per-
field. Hiroo had heard of the great need in Russia formed by the congregation secretary, to give pub-
and began learning Russian. He also took another lic talks, and to help organize assemblies and con-
practical step. “I went to Russia for six months,” he struct Kingdom Halls. In fact, even today, much
relates. “Since winters there are severe, I went in help is still needed in the congregations. Though
November to find out if I could handle the cold.” Af- taking care of numerous assignments is hard work,
ter getting through that winter, he returned to Ja- Michael, now serving as an elder, says: “Assisting
pan where he lived a very simple life in order to save the brothers gives me much satisfaction. It’s the
enough money to return to Russia—this time for best way to spend my life!”
good. Meanwhile, Matthew married Marina, and Michael
Hiroo has now lived in Russia for 12 years and has married Olga. The two couples, along with many
served in several congregations. At times, he was other willing workers, continue to assist the grow-
the only elder caring for over 100 publishers. In one ing congregations.
congregation, each week he handled most of the ZEALOUS SISTERS HELP IN THE HARVEST
Service Meeting parts, he conducted the Theocrat- In 1994, when Tatyana was 16 years of age, six
ic Ministry School, the Watchtower Study, and five special pioneers from the Czech Republic, Poland,
different Congregation Book Studies. He also made and Slovakia began serving in her congregation
many shepherding visits. Looking back on those in Ukraine. She remembers them fondly, saying:
years, Hiroo says: “It was a great joy to be able to “These were zealous pioneers who were accessi-
help the brothers and sisters become stronger spir- ble and kind, and they knew the Bible well.” She
itually.” How did serving where the need is greater saw how Jehovah blessed their self-sacrificing spir-
affect him? He says: “Before I went to Russia, I it, and she thought, ‘I want to be like them.’
served as an elder and a pioneer, but I feel as if I
have developed a completely new relationship with Encouraged by the pioneers’ example, Tatyana
Jehovah after I came here. I have learned to trust in used her school vacations to travel with others to
Jehovah more in all aspects of my life.” In 2005, Hi- remote territories in Ukraine and Belarus where no
roo married Svetlana, and together they continue Witnesses had preached before. She enjoyed those
preaching trips so much that she made plans to ex-
to serve as pioneers.
pand her ministry by moving to Russia. First, she
Matthew, aged 34, and his brother Michael, aged went there for a short stay to visit a sister who had
28, are from Canada. Both visited Russia and were moved there from abroad and to search for work
amazed to see how many interested ones attended that would support her pioneering. Later, in 2000,
the meetings but how few brothers were available to she moved to Russia. Was the change difficult?
4 THE WATCHTOWER
Tatyana relates: “Since I could not afford my own Looking back over 14 years of service in Russia,
apartment, I had to rent a room in the home Masako says: “The joy I find in the ministry com-
of others. That was not an easy living arrange- pensates for any hardships I encounter. Preach-
ment. There were moments when I wanted to return ing in areas where there is a great need for King-
home. But Jehovah always helped me to see that dom publishers makes for a dynamic and exciting
I would benefit from continuing my service.” To- life.” She adds: “To me, it has been a modern-
day, Tatyana serves as a missionary in Russia. She day miracle to experience firsthand how Jehovah
concludes: “All the years I spent away from my through the years provided me with food, cloth-
home country have given me priceless experiences ing, and shelter.” Besides serving where the need is
and many friends. Most of all, these years have greater in Russia, Masako has also shared in the
strengthened my faith.” harvest work in Kyrgyzstan. In addition, she has
been able to assist English-, Chinese-, and Uighur-
Masako from Japan, now in her early 50’s, had a
language groups. Currently, she serves as a pio-
lifelong desire to serve as a missionary, but health neer in St. Petersburg.
problems made it seem impossible for her to do so.
Still, when her health improved somewhat, she de- FAMILIES GIVE SUPPORT
cided to move to Russia to help with the harvest AND RECEIVE BLESSINGS
work. Though it was hard to find suitable accom- Because of economic insecurity, families often
modations and stable work, she managed to sup- move to other countries to improve their materi-
port her pioneering by teaching Japanese and do- al circumstances. But like Abraham and Sarah of
ing cleaning work. What has helped her to continue old, some families move abroad to pursue spiritual
in her ministry? goals. (Gen. 12:1-9) Consider Mikhail and Inga, a
1 Michael and Olga with

Marina and Matthew
2 Tatyana
3 Masako
4 Inga and Mikhail
2 3
4
map,” says Oksana, “we realized more than ever
that there is a great need for Kingdom preachers. It
helped us to make up our minds to move to Rus-
sia.” What helped them further? Yury says: “Read-
ing such articles in our publications as ‘Can You
Serve in a Foreign Field?’ was helpful.1 We visited
the area in Russia that the branch had suggested
as a location for us to move to and looked for hous-
ing and employment.” In 2008, they moved to Rus-
sia.
Initially, finding work proved hard, and several
times they had to move from one apartment to an-
Oksana, Aleksey, and Yury other. Says Yury: “We often prayed that we not get
discouraged, and then we continued in the preach-
ing work, trusting in Jehovah for support. We expe-
married couple from Ukraine who moved to Russia rienced how Jehovah cares for us when we put his
in 2003. They soon found people who were looking Kingdom interests first. This service strengthened
for Bible truth. our family.” (Matt. 6:22, 33) And how has serv-
Relates Mikhail: “One time we preached in an area ing where the need is greater affected young Alek-
where no Witnesses had preached before. An el- sey? “It has done him much good,” says Oksana.
derly man opened the door and asked, ‘Are you “He dedicated himself to Jehovah and got baptized
preachers?’ When we said yes, he said: ‘I knew you at age nine. Seeing the great need for Kingdom
would come someday. It’s not possible that Jesus’ preachers moves him to serve as an auxiliary pio-
words could go unfulfilled.’ Then the man quoted neer during each school vacation. We feel great joy
as we see his love and zeal for the ministry.” Today,
Matthew 24:14.” Mikhail adds: “In that area, we also
Yury and Oksana serve as special pioneers.
found a group of about ten Baptist women, sincere
people thirsting for the truth. They had the Live “MY ONLY REGRET”
Forever book, and every weekend they used it to As the expressions of these harvest workers make
study the Bible. For many hours we answered their clear, moving to other locations to expand your
questions and sang Kingdom songs with them, and ministry requires that you place full trust in Jeho-
we had dinner together. That visit is one of the nic- vah. Indeed, those serving where the need is great-
est memories I have.” Mikhail and Inga agree that er encounter challenges in their new territory, but
serving in areas where there is a great need for they also experience the deep joy that comes from
Kingdom publishers has drawn them closer to Je- sharing the good news with people who are re-
hovah, deepened their love for people, and blessed sponsive to the Kingdom message. Would you be
them with a richly satisfying life. Today, they serve able to help gather the harvest in an area where
in the circuit work. there is still a great need for Kingdom publishers?
If you decide to do so, you may soon feel like Yury,
In 2007, Yury and Oksana, a married couple from
who said about his decision to serve where the
Ukraine, now in their mid-30’s, and their son Alek-
need is greater: “My only regret is that I did not do
sey, now aged 13, visited the branch office in Rus-
it earlier.”
sia. There they saw a map of Russia with large
areas of unassigned territory. “After seeing that 1 See The Watchtower, October 15, 1999, pages 23-27.
6 THE WATCHTOWER
Work to Enhance
the Spiritual Paradise
“I will glorify the place for my feet.”—ISA. 60:13.
JEHOVAH GOD has appropriately proclaimed: “The heavens SONGS: 102, 75

are my throne, and the earth is my footstool.” (Isa. 66:1) Re-
garding his “footstool,” he also stated: “I will glorify the place CAN YOU EXPLAIN?
for my feet.” (Isa. 60:13) How does he do that? And what ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
meaning does this have for us, since we live on God’s “foot-
What is the earnest desire
stool”? of Jehovah’s true worship-
2 Besides referring to the earth, the term “footstool” is also
pers?
employed figuratively in the Hebrew Scriptures to describe
the ancient temple used by the Israelites. (1 Chron. 28:2; Ps.
132:7) Located on the earth, the temple served as the center
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
of true worship. For that reason, it was truly beautiful in Je-
hovah’s eyes and its very existence glorified the place for Je- What is the “paradise”
that the apostle Paul saw
hovah’s feet.
3 Today the center of true worship is no longer a literal tem-
in vision?
ple on earth. There is, however, a spiritual temple, which glo-

rifies Jehovah far more than any building. This is an arrange-
ment that makes reconciliation with God possible by means ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
of the priesthood and sacrifice of Jesus Christ. It came into How can we enhance
existence in 29 C.E. at Jesus’ baptism when Jesus was the spiritual paradise?
1, 2. In the Hebrew Scriptures, to what can the term “footstool” refer?

3. What is God’s great spiritual temple, and when did it come into ex-
istence?
7
anointed as High Priest of Jehovah’s foretold apostasy began to develop.
great spiritual temple.—Heb. 9:11, 12. (Acts 20:28-30; 2 Thess. 2:3, 4) There-
4 In appreciation of the spiritual tem- after, it became increasingly difficult to
ple arrangement, we praise Jehovah by identify who was truly serving God at his
making known his name and we ex- spiritual temple. Only centuries later did
alt him for his merciful provision of the time arrive for Jehovah to clarify
the ransom. How thrilling to know that matters by means of his newly enthroned
over eight million true Christians are to- King, Jesus Christ.
day actively glorifying Jehovah! Unlike 7 By 1919, those approved by Jehovah
some religious people who mistakenly and serving at his spiritual temple were
think that they will praise God once they clearly identified. They had been spiritu-
have left the earth and gone to heaven, ally refined in order to make their ser-
all of Jehovah’s Witnesses realize the vice to God even more acceptable to
need to praise him here and now on the him. (Isa. 4:2, 3; Mal. 3:1-4) What the
earth. apostle Paul had foreseen centuries be-
5 We thereby follow the example of the
fore in a vision began to be fulfilled in a
faithful servants of Jehovah described at limited way.
Psalm 99:1-3, 5. (Read.) As that psalm 8 We find Paul’s vision described at
indicates, Moses, Aaron, and Samuel of- 2 Corinthians 12:1-4. (Read.) What
fered their full support to the arrange- Paul saw in a supernatural vision was re-
ment for true worship in their day. (Ps. ferred to as a revelation. It involved a fu-
99:6, 7) Today, before moving on to
ture event, not something that existed in
serve as priests with Jesus in heaven, the
his day. When Paul “was caught away to
remaining ones of his anointed brothers
the third heaven,” what “paradise” did
faithfully serve in the earthly courtyard
he see? The paradise that Paul spoke
of the spiritual temple. Millions of “oth-
about would have a physical, a spiritual,
er sheep” loyally support them. (John
and a heavenly fulfillment, all of which
10:16) Although having different hopes,
will coexist in the future. It can refer
both groups unitedly worship Jehovah
to the physical, earthly Paradise yet to
here at God’s footstool. As individuals,
come. (Luke 23:43) It can also refer to
however, we do well to ask ourselves, ‘Am
I giving full support to Jehovah’s ar-
the spiritual paradise that will be experi-
rangement for pure worship?’ enced to the full in the new world. Addi-
tionally, it can refer to the blessed con-
IDENTIFYING THOSE WHO SERVE ditions in heaven in “the paradise of
AT GOD’S SPIRITUAL TEMPLE God.”—Rev. 2:7.
6 Less than a century after the Chris- 9 Why, though, did Paul say that he
tian congregation was established, a had “heard words that cannot be spoken
and that are not lawful for a man to say”?
4, 5. (a) How does Psalm 99 describe the
earnest desire of Jehovah’s true worshippers? It was not the time for him to explain in
(b) What question should we ask ourselves? detail the marvelous things that he had
6, 7. What problem arose among the early
Christians, and what became necessary centu- 8, 9. Explain the three aspects of the “para-
ries later? dise” that Paul saw in a vision.
8 THE WATCHTOWER
seen in that vision. But today it is lawful it from others. But how privileged the
to speak of the blessings that now exist brothers and sisters are who have per-
among God’s people! sonally experienced it! No wonder they
10 The expression “spiritual paradise” are convinced that by means of his en-
has become a part of our theocratic vo- throned King, Jehovah is guiding and
cabulary. It describes our unique, spiri- directing His organization! They know
tually rich environment, or condition, that their confidence is well-founded, a
which allows us to enjoy peace with confidence all of us share. Hearing their
God and with our brothers. Of course, heartfelt expressions will fortify your
we should not conclude that the terms faith and strengthen your trust in Jeho-
“spiritual paradise” and “spiritual tem- vah.
13 Regardless of how long we have
ple” are the same. The spiritual temple
is God’s arrangement for true worship. been in the truth, we must tell others
The spiritual paradise serves to identify about Jehovah’s organization. The ex-
clearly those who have God’s approval istence of a spiritual paradise in the
and who are today serving him at his midst of a wicked, corrupt, and love-
spiritual temple.—Mal. 3:18. less world is a modern-day miracle! The
11 How exciting it is to know that since wonders about Jehovah’s organization,
1919, Jehovah has allowed imperfect hu- or “Zion,” and the truth about the spiri-
mans to work with him in cultivating, tual paradise must be joyfully passed on
strengthening, and expanding the spiri- “to future generations.”—Read Psalm
tual paradise on earth! Do you see your- 48:12-14.
14 Over the years, the older ones in
self playing a part in this marvelous
work? Are you moved to continue work- our midst have personally experienced
ing with Jehovah in glorifying ‘the place some of the organizational adjustments
for his feet’? that have increased the beauty of the
earthly part of Jehovah’s organiza-
JEHOVAH’S ORGANIZATION tion. They remember when congrega-
IS BEING MADE MORE BEAUTIFUL tions had a congregation servant rather
12 A marvelous work of transforma- than a body of elders, when countries
tion in connection with the earthly part had a branch servant rather than a
of Jehovah’s organization was foretold Branch Committee, and when direc-
at Isaiah 60:17. (Read.) Those who tion was given by the president of the
are young or comparatively new in the Watch Tower Society rather than by
truth have read about the evidences of a clearly established Governing Body
this transformation or have heard about of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Although all
these devoted brothers were supported
10. Why are the terms “spiritual paradise” and by faithful assistants, one person was
“spiritual temple” not the same?
11. What privilege do we have today in connec- 13. What obligation does Psalm 48:12-14
tion with the spiritual paradise? place on us?
12. What confidence do all of us have regard- 14, 15. What organizational adjustments were
ing the fulfillment of Isaiah 60:17? (See open- made in the 1970’s, and how have they proved
ing image.) beneficial?
JULY 15, 2015 9

Jehovah is providing people everywhere
the guidance they need most
basically responsible for making deci- ments, such as the changes in appear-
sions in the congregations, at the branch ance, contents, and methods of distribu-
offices, and at world headquarters. Dur- tion of our publications. What a pleasure
ing the 1970’s, adjustments were made it is to offer practical, appealing, and at-
to put the responsibility for oversight on tractive literature in the ministry! And
groups of elders rather than on individ- when we use the latest technology to
uals. spread the truth, such as by means of the
15 Have these adjustments proved ben- jw.org website, we reflect Jehovah’s in-
eficial? Yes, and logically so. Why? Be- terest in providing people everywhere
cause the adjustments were based on with the guidance most of them lack but
increased knowledge about the pattern so desperately need.
17 Not to be overlooked is the wisdom
set in the Scriptures. Instead of having
the influence of one individual domi- behind the adjustment that allowed us to
nate, the composite good qualities of all have a Family Worship evening or more
the “gifts in men” whom Jehovah has time for personal study. We also appre-
provided benefit the organization.—Eph. ciate advances made in assembly and
convention programs. We often say that
4:8; Prov. 24:6.
16 Think, too, of more recent adjust-
they get better every year! And we cer-
tainly rejoice over the increased training
16, 17. What recent adjustments have partic- being provided by our many theocratic
ularly impressed you, and why? schools. In all these adjustments, Jeho-
10 THE WATCHTOWER
You can share in extending the borders
of the spiritual paradise
vah’s hand is clearly seen. He progres- ty. In that way, we make this paradise
sively enhances the beauty of his organi- more appealing to onlookers. More than
zation and of the spiritual paradise that even Bible knowledge, it is often our
we enjoy even now! chaste, peaceful conduct that initially
YOUR SHARE IN CONTRIBUTING
draws people to the organization and in
TO THE SPIRITUAL PARADISE turn to God and to Christ.
20 How pleased Jehovah and Jesus
18 It is an honor to be allowed by Jeho-
vah to contribute to the beauty of our must be when they observe our beautiful
spiritual paradise. We do that by zealous- spiritual paradise today! The enjoyment
ly preaching the Kingdom good news and we have now in working to enhance its
making more disciples. Each time we help beauty is but a foretaste of the joy we
a person progress to Christian dedica- will have later in working to make the
tion, we have worked to extend the bor- earth a physical paradise. Let us keep in
ders of the spiritual paradise.—Isa. 26:15; mind Proverbs 14:35, which states: “The
54:2. king finds pleasure in a servant who acts
19 We can also enhance the beauty of with insight.” May we always act with in-
our spiritual paradise by steadily im- sight as we work hard to contribute to
proving our own Christian personali- the beauty of the spiritual paradise!
18, 19. How can we contribute to the beauty 20. In harmony with Proverbs 14:35, what
of the spiritual paradise? should be our desire?
JULY 15, 2015 11

Serving Jehovah
in “the Calamitous Days”
“MY HEALTH problems get in my way more and adise. That gives me hope.” What a fine, positive
more,” sighs Ernst, who is in his 70’s.1 Does this spirit!
sound familiar? If you are getting older and feel We strengthen our faith by praying, examin-
that you are losing your health and strength, you ing God’s Word, and attending Christian meet-
may well relate to the description found in Eccle- ings. The aged prophet Daniel regularly prayed
siastes chapter 12. In verse 1, the days of old age three times a day and kept studying God’s Word.
are called “the days of distress,” or “the calami- (Dan. 6:10; 9:2) The elderly widow Anna “was
tous days,” ftn. Even so, you are not doomed to never missing from the temple.” (Luke 2:36, 37)
a life of misery. You can still lead a fulfilling life, When you attend meetings whenever possible
serving Jehovah joyfully. and participate as much as you can, you refresh
MAINTAINING STRONG FAITH not only yourself but all in attendance. And Je-
hovah always delights in your prayers, even if
You dear older brothers and sisters are not
you are limited in what you can do.—Prov. 15:8.
alone in your trials. Aged servants of Jehovah in
Many of you faithful ones would love to be
Bible times faced similar challenges. For exam-
ple, Isaac, Jacob, and Ahijah lost their eyesight. able to see to read and to be strong enough to at-
(Gen. 27:1; 48:10; 1 Ki. 14:4) Sarah felt “worn tend meetings, but you find it increasingly dif-
out.” (Gen. 18:11, 12) King David “could not get ficult, perhaps impossible. What then? Make
warm.” (1 Ki. 1:1) Wealthy Barzillai could no lon- good use of whatever is available to you. Many
ger enjoy the taste of food or the sounds of mu- who cannot attend meetings enjoy listening in
sic. (2 Sam. 19:32-35) Abraham and Naomi each by telephone. Despite failing eyesight, 79-year-
had to cope with the loss of a marriage mate. old Inge prepares for meetings using computer
—Gen. 23:1, 2; Ruth 1:3, 12. printouts with extra-large type provided for her
What helped each of these to remain loyal to by a brother in the congregation.
Jehovah and maintain joy? In his old age, believ- It may be that you have something that others
ing in God’s promise, Abraham “became power- would like to have—time. Why not use it to lis-
ful by his faith.” (Rom. 4:19, 20) We too need ten to recordings of the Bible and Bible litera-
strong faith. Such faith does not depend on our ture, talks, and audio dramas? Also, you may
age, abilities, or circumstances. For example, want to take the initiative to telephone fellow be-
even when he was weak, blind, and bedridden, lievers to share a spiritual gift and enjoy “an in-
the patriarch Jacob showed strong faith in God’s terchange of encouragement.”—Rom. 1:11, 12.
promises. (Gen. 48:1-4, 10; Heb. 11:21) Today, STAYING ACTIVE IN GOD’S SERVICE
93-year-old Ines suffers from a muscle weak-
“It is terrible to become less active than you
ness, but still she says: “Every day I feel richly re-
once were,” bemoans Christa, who is in her
warded by Jehovah. Every day I think about Par-
mid-80’s. How, then, can elderly ones keep their
1 Some names have been changed. joy? “By having a positive outlook,” says 75-year-
12 THE WATCHTOWER
Preach the word
Encourage one another
old Peter, “not constantly thinking about what

you can no longer do but enjoying what you can
do.”
Can you think of avenues of witnessing still
open to you? Heidi cannot go from door to door
as she used to. Well into her 80’s, she learned to
use a computer to write letters. Some older pub-
lishers start Bible discussions while sitting on a
Be hospitable
park bench or at a bus stop. Or if you now live in
a nursing facility, could you possibly have your
own “territory” with the medical personnel car- might include the young ones and the families,
ing for you and with the other residents there? the full-time servants, the sick ones, and those
In his later years, King David eagerly promot- with heavy responsibilities.
ed pure worship. He donated funds and orga- You and your service are highly esteemed.
nized support for the construction of a temple. Our heavenly Father will never discard you dear
(1 Chron. 28:11–29:5) Similarly, you can take an elderly ones. (Ps. 71:9) Jehovah loves and cher-
active interest in what is going on in the King- ishes you. Soon, we will all keep advancing in age
dom work worldwide. Why not support the pio- without any agonizing distress or calamity. Rath-
neers or other zealous publishers in your congre- er, full of energy and in perfect health, we will
gation with encouraging words, a small gift, or continue serving our loving God, Jehovah, for
some simple refreshments? In your prayers, you all eternity!
JULY 15, 2015 13

“Your Deliverance
Is Getting Near”!
“Stand up straight and lift up your heads, because your
deliverance is getting near.”—LUKE 21:28.
SONGS: 133, 43 IMAGINE that you are a Christian living in Jerusalem in

66 C.E. A lot has been happening around you. First, the Ro-
HOW WOULD YOU man procurator Florus seized 17 talents from the sacred tem-
ANSWER? ple treasury. Immediately, Jews rose in revolt, slaughtering
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
the Roman forces in Jerusalem and asserting their indepen-
What events similar to those dence from Rome. But Rome reacted swiftly. Within three
in 66 C.E. will we soon face? months, 30,000 troops appeared on the scene, led by the Ro-
man governor of Syria, Cestius Gallus. The soldiers quickly
entered the suburbs of Jerusalem, and the Jewish rebels re-
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
treated to the safety of the temple fortress. Next, the Roman

What time of testing will
soldiers started to undermine the outer wall of the temple
follow the destruction
of “Babylon the Great”? area! Panic is spreading throughout the city. How do you feel
as you see all of this happening?
2 No doubt you remember the words of Jesus as recorded
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
by the Gospel writer Luke: “When you see Jerusalem sur-

What gathering work is
referred to at Matthew 24:31? 1. What events took place in 66 C.E.? (See opening image.)
2. What action did Christians in 66 C.E. need to take, and how was this
made possible?
14
rounded by encamped armies, then detail how these future events will affect
know that the desolating of her has us personally.
drawn near.” (Luke 21:20) However, you
THE BEGINNING
may wonder, ‘How can I obey the in-
OF THE GREAT TRIBULATION
structions given along with that warn-
ing?’ Jesus also said: “Then let those in
4 How will the great tribulation begin?
Judea begin fleeing to the mountains, The book of Revelation answers by de-
let those in the midst of her leave, and scribing the destruction of “Babylon the
let those in the countryside not enter Great.” (Rev. 17:5-7) How appropriate
into her.” (Luke 21:21) How can you that all false religion is likened to a pros-
possibly leave Jerusalem with so many titute! The clergy have prostituted them-
troops surrounding it? Then, an amaz- selves with the leaders of this wicked
ing thing happens. Right before your world. Instead of loyally supporting Je-
very eyes, the Roman troops start to re- sus and his Kingdom, they have given
treat! As foretold, their attack is be- their support to human rulers and have
ing “cut short.” (Matt. 24:22) Now you compromised godly principles just to
have the opportunity to obey Jesus’ gain political influence. They stand in
instructions. Immediately you flee to stark contrast with the clean, virginlike
the mountains across the Jordan River, anointed ones of God. (2 Cor. 11:2;
along with all the other faithful Chris- Jas. 1:27; Rev. 14:4) But who will de-
tians in the city and its surroundings.1 stroy the harlotlike organization? Jeho-
Then, in 70 C.E., a new Roman army vah God will put “his thought” into the
heads for Jerusalem and destroys the hearts of “the ten horns” of the “scarlet-
city. But your life is spared because you colored wild beast.” These horns repre-
obeyed Jesus’ instructions. sent all the present political powers that
3 Soon, very soon, each of us will give support to the United Nations, an
face a similar situation. Jesus not only organization pictured by the “scarlet-
warned Christians about the destruction colored wild beast.”—Read Revelation
of Jerusalem but also used those first- 17:3, 16-18.
5 Should we conclude, though, that the
century events to parallel what will oc-
cur when the “great tribulation” sudden- destruction of the religions of Babylon
ly breaks out. (Matt. 24:3, 21, 29) In fact, the Great results in the death of all
the good news is that “a great crowd” of the former members of those religions?
people will survive this worldwide catas- Apparently not. The prophet Zechariah
trophe. (Read Revelation 7:9, 13, 14.) was inspired to write about that time.
What does the Bible tell us about these Speaking of someone who was previous-
upcoming events? We should be keenly ly part of false religion, the account
interested in the answer, for our very sal- states: “He will say, ‘I am no prophet. I
vation is involved. Let us now examine in am a man cultivating the soil, because a
1 See The Watchtower, April 15, 2012, pag- 4. What will mark the start of the great tribula-
es 25-26. tion, and how will this happen?
5, 6. Why do we conclude that the destruction
3. What similar situation will Christians soon of Babylon the Great does not mean the death
face, and what will we consider in this article? of all religious people?
JULY 15, 2015 15

man bought me when I was young.’ And expect that the future interruption in
if someone asks him, ‘What are these the great tribulation will result in an
wounds between your shoulders?’ he will influx of new believers. Rather, it will
answer, ‘Wounds I received in the house be an opportunity for all true believers
of my friends.’ ” (Zech. 13:4-6) So, ap- to prove their love for Jehovah and
parently, even some of the clergy will give their support to Christ’s brothers.
abandon their religious course and deny —Matt. 25:34-40.
that they were ever part of those false re- 8 Although we do not fully understand
ligions. all that will happen during that time of
6 How will God’s people fare at that test, we can expect that it will involve
time? Jesus explains: “In fact, unless some measure of sacrifice. In the first
those days were cut short, no flesh would century, Christians had to leave behind
be saved; but on account of the chosen ones their possessions and endure hardships
those days will be cut short.” (Matt. 24:22) in order to survive. (Mark 13:15-18) To
As we considered, in 66 C.E. the tribula- remain faithful, will we be willing to ex-
tion was “cut short.” This allowed “the perience material loss? Will we be ready
chosen ones,” anointed Christians, to to do whatever is required of us to prove
flee the city and its environs. Likewise, our loyalty to Jehovah? Just think! At
the initial part of the future great tribu- that time, we will be the only ones fol-
lation will be “cut short” because of “the lowing the example of the ancient proph-
chosen ones.” The political “ten horns” et Daniel by continuing to worship our
will not be allowed to annihilate God’s God no matter what.—Dan. 6:10, 11.
people. Rather, there will be a brief re- 9 This will not be the time to preach the
spite. “good news of the Kingdom.” That time
A TIME OF TESTING AND JUDGMENT will have passed. The time for “the end”
will have come! (Matt. 24:14) No doubt
7 What will happen after the destruc-
God’s people will proclaim a hard-hitting
tion of false religious organizations? It
judgment message. This may well in-
will be a time to reveal what is really in
our heart. The majority of mankind will volve a declaration announcing that Sa-
seek refuge in human organizations that tan’s wicked world is about to come to its
are likened to “the rocks of the moun- complete end. The Bible likens this mes-
tains.” (Rev. 6:15-17) Figuratively speak- sage to hailstones when it says: “Great
ing, however, God’s people will flee to hailstones, each about the weight of a
the refuge that Jehovah provides. In the talent, fell from heaven on the people,
first century, the interval was not a time and the people blasphemed God because
for a mass conversion of Jews to Chris- of the plague of hail, for the plague was
tianity. It was a time for action and obe- unusually great.”—Rev. 16:21.
10 None of this will go unnoticed by
dience on the part of those who were al-
ready Christians. Similarly, we cannot our enemies. Under inspiration, the
prophet Ezekiel explains what Gog of
7, 8. What opportunity will present itself af-
ter the destruction of false religious organiza- 9, 10. (a) What message will God’s people
tions, and how will God’s faithful people stand deliver at that time? (b) How will the enemies of
out as different at that time? God’s people react?
16 THE WATCHTOWER
Magog, a coalition of nations, will do: 13:24-26.) Will the fulfillment of this
“This is what the Sovereign Lord Jeho- prophecy include frightening signs and
vah says: ‘In that day thoughts will come events in the literal heavens? We will
into your heart, and you will devise an have to wait and see. But whatever the
evil plan. You will say: “I will invade the case, the signs will cause terror and pan-
land of unprotected settlements. I will ic in the hearts of God’s enemies.
come against those living in security, 12 What will happen when Jesus comes
without disturbance, all of them living in “with power and great glory”? This will
settlements unprotected by walls, bars, be a time for rewarding those who are
or gates.” It will be to take much spoil faithful and for punishing those who are
and plunder, to attack the devastated not. (Matt. 24:46, 47, 50, 51; 25:19, 28-
places that are now inhabited and a peo- 30) According to Matthew, Jesus fin-
ple regathered from the nations, who ished giving the composite sign with the
are accumulating wealth and property, parable of the sheep and the goats, say-
those who are living in the center of ing: “When the Son of man comes in his
the earth.’ ” (Ezek. 38:10-12) Spiritually glory, and all the angels with him, then
speaking, God’s people will stand out as he will sit down on his glorious throne.
unique, “in the center of the earth,” as it All the nations will be gathered before
were. This will be too much for the na- him, and he will separate people one
tions. Yes, they will be eager to attack from another, just as a shepherd sepa-
Jehovah’s anointed ones as well as their rates the sheep from the goats. And he
associates. will put the sheep on his right hand, but
11 As we examine what happens next, the goats on his left.” (Matt. 25:31-33)
we need to keep in mind that God’s Word What judgment will the sheep and the
does not reveal the exact time order of goats hear pronounced on them? The
events. It seems likely that some events parable finishes with the words: “These
will overlap. Jesus states in his prophe- [the goats] will depart into everlasting
cy about the conclusion of this system of cutting-off, but the righteous ones into
things: “There will be signs in the sun everlasting life.”—Matt. 25:46.
13 How will the goats react when they
and moon and stars, and on the earth an-
guish of nations not knowing the way out realize that “everlasting cutting-off ”
because of the roaring of the sea and its awaits them? They “will beat themselves
agitation. People will become faint out in grief.” (Matt. 24:30) But how will
of fear and expectation of the things Christ’s brothers and their faithful com-
coming upon the inhabited earth, for panions react at that time? With full
the powers of the heavens will be shak- faith in Jehovah God and his Son, Jesus
en. And then they will see the Son of Christ, they will heed Jesus’ command:
man coming in a cloud with power and “As these things start to occur, stand up
great glory.” (Luke 21:25-27; read Mark straight and lift up your heads, because
your deliverance is getting near.” (Luke
11. (a) What do we need to remember with
regard to the sequence of events during the 12, 13. (a) What will happen when Jesus
great tribulation? (b) How will people react to comes “with power and great glory”? (b) How
the signs that will appear in heaven? will God’s servants react at that time?
JULY 15, 2015 17

We will have a positive attitude, confident of deliverance!
21:28) Yes, we will have a positive atti- what is this gathering work that Jesus
tude, confident of deliverance. mentions? It is the time when the re-
maining ones of the 144,000 will receive
SHINING BRIGHTLY IN THE KINGDOM
their heavenly reward. (1 Thess. 4:15-17;
14 What will happen after Gog of Ma-
Rev. 14:1) This event will take place at
gog starts the attack on God’s people? some point after the beginning of the at-
Both Matthew and Mark record the same tack by Gog of Magog. (Ezek. 38:11)
event: “[The Son of man] will send out Then these words of Jesus will be ful-
the angels and will gather his chosen
filled: “At that time the righteous ones
ones together from the four winds, from
will shine as brightly as the sun in the
earth’s extremity to heaven’s extremity.”
Kingdom of their Father.”—Matt. 13:43.1
(Mark 13:27; Matt. 24:31) This gathering 15 Does this mean that there will be a
work does not refer to the initial ingath-
“rapture” of the anointed ones? Many in
ering of anointed ones; nor does it refer
Christendom believe, according to this
to the final sealing of the remaining
anointed ones. (Matt. 13:37, 38) That teaching, that Christians will be bodily
sealing happens before the outbreak of caught up from the earth. Then, they ex-
the great tribulation. (Rev. 7:1-4) So, pect that Jesus will visibly return to rule
the earth. However, the Bible clearly
14, 15. What gathering work will occur after shows that “the sign of the Son of man”
the start of the attack by Gog of Magog, and
what does this gathering work involve? 1 See The Watchtower, July 15, 2013, pages 13-14.
18 THE WATCHTOWER
will appear in heaven and that Jesus will them. Also, those with him who are called
come “on the clouds of heaven.” (Matt. and chosen and faithful will do so.” Togeth-
24:30) Both of these expressions im- er with his 144,000 corulers in heaven,
ply invisibility. Additionally, “flesh and Jesus will come to the rescue of God’s
blood cannot inherit God’s Kingdom.” people here on earth.
So those who will be taken to heaven will 17 The resulting war of Armageddon
first need to be “changed, in a moment, will lead to the magnifying of Jehovah’s
in the blink of an eye, during the last holy name. (Rev. 16:16) At that time, all
trumpet.”1 (Read 1 Corinthians 15:50- goatlike ones “will depart into everlast-
53.) Therefore, while we do not use ing cutting-off.” The earth will finally be
the term “rapture” here because of its cleansed of all wickedness, and the great
wrong connotation, the remaining faith- crowd will pass through the final part of
ful anointed will be gathered together in the great tribulation. With all prepara-
an instant of time. tions completed, the climax of the book
16 Once all the 144,000 are in heav-
of Revelation, the marriage of the Lamb,
en, the final preparations for the mar- can take place. (Rev. 21:1-4)1 All those
riage of the Lamb can begin. (Rev. 19:9) surviving on the earth will bask in God’s
But something else will happen before favor and experience bounteous expres-
that joyous event. Remember, shortly sions of his love. What a marriage feast
before the remaining ones of the 144,- that will be! Do we not look forward to
000 are taken to heaven, Gog will at- that day with eager expectation?—Read
tack God’s people. (Ezek. 38:16) What 2 Peter 3:13.
reaction does this provoke? On earth, 18 With these exciting events ahead of
God’s people will appear to be defense-
us, what should each of us now be doing?
less. They will obey the instructions giv-
The apostle Peter was inspired to write:
en in the days of King Jehoshaphat:
“Since all these things are to be dis-
“You will not need to fight this battle.
solved in this way, consider what sort of
Take your position, stand still, and see
people you ought to be in holy acts of
the salvation of Jehovah in your be-
conduct and deeds of godly devotion, as
half. O Judah and Jerusalem, do not be
you await and keep close in mind the
afraid or be terrified.” (2 Chron. 20:17)
presence of the day of Jehovah . . .
In heaven, however, there is a different
Therefore, beloved ones, since you are
reaction. Referring to the time when all
the anointed are in heaven, Revelation awaiting these things, do your utmost to
17:14 tells us this about the enemies of be found finally by him spotless and un-
God’s people: “These will battle with the blemished and in peace.” (2 Pet. 3:11, 12,
Lamb, but because he is Lord of lords 14) Let us, then, be resolved to remain
and King of kings, the Lamb will conquer spiritually clean, supporting the King of
Peace.
1 The fleshly bodies of the anointed alive at that
time will not be taken to heaven. (1 Cor. 15:48, 49) 1 Psalm 45 also gives an indication of the se-
Their bodies will likely be disposed of in the same quence of events. First the King fights the war, and
manner that Jesus’ body was removed. then the marriage takes place.
16, 17. What must happen before the mar- 18. With the foretold exciting events just
riage of the Lamb can take place in heaven? ahead of us, what should be our resolve?
JULY 15, 2015 19

Does It Matter
Who Notices Your Work?
BEZALEL and Oholiab were no strangers to con- finest museums, where they could be appreciat-
struction. As slaves in Egypt, they had likely ed by the masses. But at the time they were fash-
made more bricks than they cared to remember. ioned, how many really saw their splendor? The
But those years were behind them. Now they cherubs were located in the Most Holy; thus,
would become artisans of the highest order they would be seen only by the high priest when
when they were assigned to take the lead in the he entered just once a year, on Atonement Day.
construction of the tabernacle. (Ex. 31:1-11) (Heb. 9:6, 7) Consequently, very few humans
Even so, few would ever see some of the stun- ever saw them.
ning works they produced. Would the lack of rec-
FINDING CONTENTMENT
ognition frustrate them? Did it really matter who
WITHOUT POPULAR ACCLAIM
noticed their work? Does it matter who notices
yours? If you had been Bezalel or Oholiab and had
toiled to produce such fabulous works of art,
EXQUISITE WORKS SEEN ONLY BY A FEW how would you have felt knowing that so few saw
Some of the tabernacle furnishings were veri- them? Today, people feel a sense of accomplish-
table masterpieces. Consider, for example, the ment when they receive praise and admiration
golden cherubs that were atop the ark of the cov- from their peers. It is a barometer to measure
enant. The apostle Paul described them as “glo- the worthiness of their labors. But Jehovah’s
rious.” (Heb. 9:5) Imagine the awesome beauty servants are different. Like Bezalel and Oholiab,
of those figures made of hammered gold!—Ex. we find contentment in doing Jehovah’s will and
37:7-9. having his approval.
If found today, the items that Bezalel and In Jesus’ day, it was common for religious
Oholiab made would be worthy of display in the leaders to offer prayers that would impress oth-
Even if no human sees your
humble and willing service,
Jehovah does!
ers. However, Jesus recommended another ap- the new world, Bezalel and Oholiab will no doubt
proach: Pray sincerely and without any desire to be thrilled to learn that the tabernacle was used
be praised by onlookers. The result? “Your Fa- in true worship for some 500 years!
ther who looks on in secret will repay you.” In Jehovah’s organization today, the anima-
(Matt. 6:5, 6) Clearly, the important thing is, not tors, artists, musicians, photographers, transla-
what others think about our prayers, but what Je- tors, and writers all work anonymously. In that
hovah thinks. His opinion makes our prayers tru- sense, no one “sees” what they do. The same
ly valuable. The same is true of anything that we could be said of much of the work being done in
accomplish in our sacred service. It is not vali-
the more than 110,000 congregations world-
dated by popular acclaim; rather, it pleases Jeho-
wide. Who sees the accounts servant fill out
vah, “who looks on in secret.”
needed paperwork at the end of the month? Who
When the tabernacle was completed, a cloud
looks on when the secretary prepares the con-
“began to cover the tent of meeting, and Jeho-
gregation field service report? Who observes the
vah’s glory filled the tabernacle.” (Ex. 40:34)
brother or sister who makes a necessary repair at
What a clear indication of Jehovah’s approval!
How do you think Bezalel and Oholiab felt at that the Kingdom Hall?
moment? Although their names were not en- At the end of their life, Bezalel and Oholiab
graved on their handiwork, they must have felt had no trophies, medals, or plaques to show for
satisfaction in knowing that God’s blessing was their brilliant designs and quality construction.
on all their efforts. (Prov. 10:22) In the years that But they had obtained something far more valu-
followed, it surely warmed their hearts to see able—Jehovah’s approval. We can be sure that
that their handiwork continued to be used in Je- Jehovah noticed their work. May we imitate
hovah’s service. When they come back to life in their example of humble and willing service.
JULY 15, 2015 21

Maintain Your Loyalty
to God’s Kingdom
“They are no part of the world.”—JOHN 17:16.
SONGS: 63, 129 LOYALTY and neutrality are always issues for true Chris-
tians, not just in times of war. Why? Because all who are ded-
CAN YOU ANSWER? icated to Jehovah have promised him their love, loyalty, and
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
obedience. (1 John 5:3) We want to abide by God’s righteous
Why did Jesus not take sides standards wherever we live and whatever our background,
in any controversy of this nationality, or culture. Loyalty to Jehovah and to his King-
world? dom transcends any other attachment we may have. (Matt.
6:33) Such loyalty requires that Christians remain separate
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
from all conflicts and controversies of this world.—Isa. 2:4;
About what issue must
read John 17:11, 15, 16.
2 People who do not share our faith may feel a special loy-
Christians express a clear
preference? alty to their country, tribe, or culture or even to their nation-
al sports team. Challenges to such loyalties have resulted in
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
competition and rivalry and, in extreme cases, bloodshed
How can you train yourself and genocide. The way that people resolve these issues, for
to be loyal to Jehovah and better or for worse, might touch us or our families personal-
to his Kingdom?
1, 2. (a) Why is loyalty to God important to Christians, and how does
this relate to neutrality? (See opening image.) (b) What loyalties do
many people display, but in what might that result?
22
ly because we are inescapably a part of ‘What would Jesus have done?’ The na-
human society. Since God made man tion in which Jesus lived was made up
with an innate sense of justice, the deci- of people from various regions—Judea,
sions that human governments make Galilee, Samaria, and others. Bible ac-
may offend our sense of what is right counts reveal that there were tensions
and fair. (Gen. 1:27; Deut. 32:4) How do between people of these different areas.
we react under such circumstances? It (John 4:9) Tensions also existed be-
would be all too easy to take sides in tween Pharisees and Sadducees (Acts
worldly issues and be drawn into contro- 23:6-9), between the people and the
versy. tax collectors (Matt. 9:11), and between
3 The institutions that govern human those who had received a Rabbinic edu-
society may pressure citizens to take cation and those who had not. (John 7:
sides in conflicts that arise. True Chris- 49) In the first century, Israel was ruled
tians cannot do so. We do not partici- by the Romans, whose presence was
pate in the political controversies of deeply resented by the local people.
this world; nor do we take up arms. While Jesus championed religious truth
(Matt. 26:52) We are not swayed by and acknowledged that salvation origi-
efforts to involve us in exalting any nated with the Jews, he never encour-
portion of Satan’s world over another. aged his disciples to foster rivalries.
(2 Cor. 2:11) Being no part of the world, (John 4:22) On the contrary, he urged
we rise above worldly rivalries.—Read them to love all men as their neighbor.
John 15:18, 19. —Luke 10:27.
6 Why did Jesus not endorse common
4 Because we are imperfect, though,
some of us may be struggling to elimi- Jewish prejudices? Because neither he

nate divisive attitudes characteristic of nor his Father takes sides in this world’s
our former way of thinking. (Jer. 17:9; controversies. When Jehovah through
Eph. 4:22-24) Hence, this article will his Son created man and woman, his in-
consider some principles that can help tent was that they fill the whole earth.
us overcome such tendencies. We will (Gen. 1:27, 28) God designed humans in
also examine how we can train our mind such a way that they could produce dif-
and conscience to be loyal to God’s ferent races. Neither Jehovah nor Jesus
Kingdom. exalts one race, nationality, or language
above another. (Acts 10:34, 35; Rev. 7:9,
WHY WE DO NOT TAKE SIDES 13, 14) We must follow their perfect ex-
IN THIS WORLD’S ISSUES ample.—Matt. 5:43-48.
5 If you are ever in doubt as to how 7 On one issue, however, we must take
you ought to behave in any given situa- sides—in supporting Jehovah’s univer-
tion, it would be wise to ask yourself, sal sovereignty. Controversy first arose
in this regard in Eden when Satan
3, 4. (a) Why do Christians remain neutral in
the controversies of this world? (b) What will 7, 8. (a) On what issue must Christians take
this article address? sides? (b) What must Christians recognize
5, 6. How did Jesus react to diversity in the when it comes to resolving social and political
nation in which he lived, and why? problems?
JULY 15, 2015 23

challenged Jehovah’s rule. Now, all that you may be completely united in
must decide whether they believe that the same mind and in the same line of
God’s way of doing things is superior to thought.” Neither should there be divi-
Satan’s or vice versa. In all sincerity, do sions of any kind in the Christian con-
you take Jehovah’s side by choosing to gregation today.—1 Cor. 1:10-13; read
obey his laws and standards instead of Romans 16:17, 18.
doing things your own way? Do you see 10 Paul urged anointed Christians to
his Kingdom as the only answer to man- focus on their heavenly citizenship rath-
kind’s woes? Or do you believe that man er than on earthly things. (Phil. 3:17-
is capable of governing himself?—Gen. 20)1 They were to act as ambassadors
3:4, 5. substituting for Christ. Ambassadors do
8 Your answers to these questions will
not meddle in the affairs of the na-
determine how you respond when peo- tions to which they are assigned. Their
ple ask your opinion on controversial loyalties lie elsewhere. (2 Cor. 5:20)
matters. Politicians, activists, and re- Christians with an earthly hope are also
formers have long struggled to find solu- subjects of God’s Kingdom, so it is in-
tions to divisive issues. Their efforts appropriate for them to take sides in
may be sincere and well-motivated. Yet, this world’s disputes.
Christians recognize that only God’s
Kingdom can solve mankind’s problems TRAIN YOURSELF
and guarantee true justice. We must TO BE LOYAL TO JEHOVAH
leave the matter in Jehovah’s hands. Af- 11 In most parts of the world, commu-
ter all, if each Christian advocated the nities are close-knit. They are united by
solution he thought best, would not our a common history, culture, and lan-
congregations soon become divided? guage in which the local people take
9 Note how some first-century Chris- great pride. In such settings, Chris-
tians reacted to one divisive issue that tians have to train their mind and con-
arose within the congregation. Individ- science to respond appropriately when
uals in Corinth were saying: “ ‘I belong neutrality-related issues arise. How can
to Paul,’ ‘But I to Apollos,’ ‘But I to they do this?
Cephas,’ ‘But I to Christ.’ ” Whatever 12 Take, for example, Mirjeta2 from a
the underlying issue, the apostle Paul
was indignant about its effect. “Is the 1 Philippi was a Roman colony. Some members of
the congregation there may have had a form of Ro-
Christ divided?” he asked. What was the man citizenship, which would have afforded them
solution to such disruptive thinking? certain privileges above those of their brothers.
Paul exhorted the Christians: “Now I 2 Some names have been changed.
urge you, brothers, through the name of 10. How did the apostle Paul illustrate a Chris-
our Lord Jesus Christ, that you should tian’s need to remain neutral in this world’s dis-
all speak in agreement and that there putes?
should be no divisions among you, but 11, 12. (a) What kind of environment can
make it challenging for a Christian to main-
9. What problem existed in the first-century tain loyalty to God’s Kingdom? (b) What issue
congregation in Corinth, but what solution did did one Christian face, and how did she deal
the apostle Paul recommend? with it?
24 THE WATCHTOWER
region of the former Yugoslavia. She was 14 Has your upbringing or environ-
raised to hate Serbians. On learning that ment exposed you to national or re-
Jehovah is impartial and that Satan is gional loyalties? Do any such feelings
responsible for inciting ethnic problems, still linger in your heart? Christians
she strove to rid herself of nationalistic should not allow nationalistic fervor to
sentiments. Yet, when ethnic violence taint their view of others. But what
broke out in her area, old hatreds be- if you realize that you do have nega-
gan to resurface in her, causing Mirjeta tive thoughts toward people of other
to find it difficult to preach to Serbs. nations, cultures, languages, or races?
She realized, though, that she could not Then it would certainly be profitable to
just sit back and hope that such un- meditate on how Jehovah views nation-
wholesome feelings would go away. She alism and prejudice. Researching these
begged Jehovah for help not only to and related topics may prove to be a
overcome this challenge but also to in- worthwhile project for personal study or
crease her service and qualify to become family worship. Then petition Jehovah
a pioneer. “I have found that focusing on for help to embrace his point of view on
the ministry is the best help ever,” she these matters.—Read Romans 12:2.
says. “In the ministry, I try to imitate Je- 15 Sooner or later, all of Jehovah’s ser-
hovah’s loving personality, and I have vants will find themselves in situations
seen my negative feelings melt away.” in which their conscience obliges them
13 Consider another example, that of
to stand out as different from those
Zoila. Originally from Mexico, she now around them—whether colleagues,
attends a congregation in Europe. She classmates, neighbors, relatives, or oth-
noted that in the congregation, some ers. (1 Pet. 2:19) Yet, stand out we must!
brothers who were from certain parts We should not be surprised if the world
of Latin America made tactless and hates us for our stand; Jesus warned us
disparaging remarks about her home- that it would. Most opposers do not ap-
land, its customs, and even its music. preciate the importance of the issues in-
How would you have reacted? Under- volved in Christian neutrality. For us,
standably, such comments made Zoila though, these are matters of utmost im-
uncomfortable. But commendably, she portance.
sought Jehovah’s help to quash any neg- 16 Loyalty to Jehovah requires that we
ative reaction that arose in her heart. be steadfast in the face of threats. (Dan.
We have to admit that some among us 3:16-18) Fear of man can affect people
are still struggling to deal with similar is- of all ages, but young people may find
sues. Never would we want to say or do it especially difficult to go against the
anything that could foment divisions or
flow, so to speak. If your children are
promote inappropriate loyalties among
our brothers—or among anyone else for 14. How can Christians train their mind and
that matter.—Rom. 14:19; 2 Cor. 6:3. conscience regarding questions of loyalty?
15, 16. (a) How should we expect others to
13. (a) What situation made one Witness un- react to our remaining loyal to God? (b) How
comfortable, but how did she react? (b) What can parents help their children to meet the
lesson can we learn from Zoila’s experience? challenge of Christian loyalty?
JULY 15, 2015 25

facing such issues as the flag salute or Rev. 4:11) So why insist that one way of
nationalistic celebrations, do not hesi- doing things is superior to another?
tate to assist them. Use Family Worship 18 God wants people of all sorts to
sessions to help your children under- come to an accurate knowledge of truth

stand the issues involved so that they and to enjoy everlasting life. (John 3:16;
can meet those challenges courageously. 1 Tim. 2:3, 4) Open-mindedness toward
Help them to express their personal con- a diversity of acceptable ideas enriches
victions clearly and respectfully. (Rom. us and protects our Christian unity. As
1:16) To back up your children, take the we maintain our loyalty to Jehovah, we
initiative to speak with their teachers must avoid involvement in the world’s
about these matters if necessary. controversies. Partisan allegiances have
no place among us. How thankful we are
APPRECIATE ALL
to Jehovah for freeing us from the di-
OF JEHOVAH’S CREATION!
visive, prideful, competitive practices
17 It is understandable that we might that dominate Satan’s world! May it be
feel some affection for the land, the cul- our determination to cultivate a peace-
ture, the language, and the food of the ful attitude like that expressed by the
country we were raised in. However, we psalmist: “Look! How good and how
must avoid the “mine is best” attitude. pleasant it is for brothers to dwell to-
For our pleasure, Jehovah has created gether in unity!”—Ps. 133:1.
great variety in all things. (Ps. 104:24;
18. How will adopting Jehovah’s view result in
17. What attitude should we avoid, and why? blessings?
Loyalty to Jehovah requires that we be steadfast in the face of threats

This Is Our
Place of Worship
“The zeal for your house will consume me.”—JOHN 2:17.
FROM early times, God’s servants have had their established SONGS: 127, 118
places for pure worship. Abel may have used an altar when he
made his offerings to God. (Gen. 4:3, 4) Noah, Abraham, HOW WOULD YOU
Isaac, Jacob, and Moses all erected altars. (Gen. 8:20; 12:7; ANSWER?
26:25; 35:1; Ex. 17:15) At Jehovah’s direction, the Israelites ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
built the tabernacle. (Ex. 25:8) Later, they constructed a tem- How can we manifest
ple for the worship of Jehovah. (1 Ki. 8:27, 29) After return- proper respect for
ing from exile in Babylon, the Jews regularly gathered in syn- Christian meetings?
agogues. (Mark 6:2; John 18:20; Acts 15:21) Early Christians
met in the homes of members of the congregation. (Acts 12:
12; 1 Cor. 16:19) Today, Jehovah’s people meet for education ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
and worship in tens of thousands of Kingdom Halls worldwide. How is the need for new
2 So great was Jesus’ love and appreciation for Jehovah’s Kingdom Halls being met?
temple in Jerusalem that a Gospel writer attributed to him the
prophetic sentiment: “Zeal for your house has consumed me.”
(Ps. 69:9; John 2:17) No Kingdom Hall can rightly be called ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
“the house of Jehovah” in the same sense that these words ap- Why is regular cleaning and
plied to the temple in Jerusalem. (2 Chron. 5:13; 33:4) maintenance of our Kingdom
Halls important?
1, 2. (a) What places of worship have Jehovah’s servants used in
times past? (b) How did Jesus feel about God’s temple in Jerusalem?
(c) What is the purpose of this article?
27
Even so, the Bible contains principles Hall—both the physical structure and
that show us how our modern-day places the spiritual activities taking place
of worship should be used and respected. there—should denote proper respect. Is
The purpose of this article is to review it not true that our attitude in this regard
some of these principles and to consider is closely related to the way we feel
how they apply to the way that our King- about God’s name, which usually ap-
dom Halls should be viewed, financed, pears on the Kingdom Hall sign?—Com-
and maintained.1 pare 1 Kings 8:17.
6 The respect we show for our places
SHOWING RESPECT
FOR PURE WORSHIP
of worship is often noticed by non-
Witnesses. For example, a man in Turkey
3 A Kingdom Hall is the center of pure
said: “The cleanliness and orderliness
worship for the local community. Among that I observed at the Kingdom Hall im-
the provisions that Jehovah makes for pressed me. The people there were well-
our spiritual nourishment are the weekly dressed, had smiles on their faces, and
meetings at the Kingdom Hall. It is here greeted me warmly. This impressed me
that we receive vital spiritual refresh- greatly.” The man began to attend meet-
ment and direction through his organiza- ings regularly, and soon thereafter he got
tion. All those who attend meetings do baptized. In one city in Indonesia, a con-
so, in effect, at the invitation of Jehovah gregation invited local government of-
and his Son. Even though we have a ficials and neighbors to an open house
standing invitation to eat at “the table of prior to the dedication of a new Kingdom
Jehovah,” we must never take that invi- Hall. The mayor attended. He was im-
tation for granted.—1 Cor. 10:21. pressed by the quality of the building, its
4 Jehovah considers such occasions
functionality, and its beautiful garden.
for worship and mutual encouragement “The cleanliness of this hall reflects your
so important that he inspired the apos- true faith,” he commented.
tle Paul to urge us not to forsake our 7 Our respect for the God who invites
meeting together. (Read Hebrews 10: us to Christian meetings should be mani-
24, 25.) Would we be showing respect for fested in our decorum, dress, and groom-
Jehovah if we missed Christian meeting. Respect also requires that we avoid
ings for unnecessary reasons? Indeed, we extremes. It has been observed that while
can show how much we appreciate Je- some appear to be overly strict as to what
hovah and his provisions by preparing is proper behavior while attending con-
for and wholeheartedly participating in gregation meetings, others may be too
these meetings.—Ps. 22:22. casual at the Kingdom Hall. Of course,
5 Our attitude toward the Kingdom
Jehovah wants his servants and other
1 While this article refers mainly to Kingdom Halls,
guests to feel comfortable there. At the
the same principles apply to Assembly Halls and
other facilities that are used for pure worship. 6. How have some expressed themselves
about our Kingdom Halls and those who attend
3-5. What is the function of a Kingdom Hall, meetings there? (See opening image.)
and how should this affect the way we view our 7, 8. What important matters should those
meetings there? who attend Christian meetings bear in mind?
28 THE WATCHTOWER
same time, those in attendance would
not want to detract from the meetings by
being overly casual in their dress, by text-
ing or talking during the meetings, by
eating and drinking, and so on. Parents
should train their children to understand
that the Kingdom Hall is not the place for
running or playing.—Eccl. 3:1.
8 Filled with indignation, Jesus threw
out of God’s temple those who were in-

troducing commercial activities. (John
2:13-17) Our Kingdom Halls too are
places for pure worship and spiritual ed-
ucation. So any business activities that
have nothing to do with spiritual pursuits
ought to be taken care of elsewhere.
Our conduct could show disrespect for God
—Compare Nehemiah 13:7, 8. (See paragraphs 7, 8)
PROVIDING AND FINANCING

KINGDOM HALLS
9 Jehovah’s organization goes to tre-
mendous lengths to provide and help may be an equalizing.” (Read 2 Corin-

finance modest Kingdom Halls. The thians 8:13-15.) As a result, beautiful
work of designing, building, and remod- new centers of pure worship have been
eling them is handled by unpaid volun- provided for congregations that would
teers. What has been the result? Since otherwise never have had the financial
November 1, 1999, more than 28,000 resources to build a Kingdom Hall for
beautiful new centers of pure worship themselves.
11 A congregation in Costa Rica that
have been provided for congregations
worldwide. That means that during the benefited from this provision wrote the
last 15 years, on average, five new King- following: “When we stand in front of
dom Halls have been provided every day the Kingdom Hall, we feel that we must
of the year. be dreaming! We cannot believe it. Our
10 Efforts are being made to support beautiful hall was finished down to the
the construction of Kingdom Halls wher- last detail in only eight days! It was made
ever they are needed. This loving provi- possible by Jehovah’s blessing, the ar-
rangements made by his organization,
sion is based on the Scriptural principle
and the support of our dear brothers.
that the surplus of some might offset the
This place of worship is indeed a precious
deficiency of others, in order that “there
gift, a gem that Jehovah has given us. We
9, 10. (a) How are new Kingdom Halls pro- feel extremely joyful about it.” Does it
vided and financed, and with what results?
(b) What loving provision has been a great 11. What do some brothers say about their
help for congregations that lacked the finan- new Kingdom Hall, and how does this make
cial resources to build a Kingdom Hall? you feel?
JULY 15, 2015 29

Kingdom Hall
cleaning and
maintenance must
not be neglected
not warm your heart to hear such expres- is true today—to Jehovah’s glory.—Ex.
sions of gratitude for new Kingdom Halls 25:2; 2 Cor. 9:7.
and to know that similar joy is being ex-
KINGDOM HALL CLEANING
perienced by our brothers in thousands
of locations worldwide? This is Jehovah’s 13 Once a new Kingdom Hall is built, it
work, for just as soon as new Kingdom needs to be kept clean and tidy to re-
Halls are completed, they are very often flect the qualities and personality of the
filled with honesthearted people who de- God whom we worship—a God of order.
sire to know more about our loving Cre- (Read 1 Corinthians 14:33, 40.) The
ator.—Ps. 127:1. Bible associates holiness and spiritual
12 Many brothers and sisters have ex- cleanness with physical cleanliness. (Rev.
perienced great joy in being able to 19:8) Thus, if people desire to be accept-
participate in Kingdom Hall construc- able to Jehovah, they must also practice
tion. Whether we can help out on a good hygiene.
building site or not, all of us can have 14 In harmony with these principles, we
the privilege of supporting such proj- should always feel comfortable inviting
ects through our donations. Zeal for interested people to our meetings, confi-
pure worship helped finance theocratic dent that the condition of the hall will
projects in Bible times, and the same complement the good news we share with
12. How can you play a part in Kingdom Hall 13, 14. What Scriptural principles apply to
construction? keeping our Kingdom Hall clean and tidy?
30 THE WATCHTOWER
them. They will see that we worship a ship in good repair. King Jehoash of Ju-
God who is holy and who will soon trans- dah ordered the priests to use contribu-
form the earth into an uncontaminated tions that had been made to the house of
paradise.—Isa. 6:1-3; Rev. 11:18. Jehovah “to repair the house, wherever
15 Some people may give more impor- any damage [was] found.” (2 Ki. 12:4, 5)
tance to cleaning than others do. Their Over 200 years later, King Josiah also
perception of how much they need to used temple contributions to finance
clean is influenced by their upbringing necessary repairs.—Read 2 Chronicles
and by such factors as mud, dust, the 34:9-11.
18 Branch offices report that in some
condition of the roads, and the availabil-
ity of an adequate supply of water and countries, people do not generally give
cleaning products. Whatever the local at- priority to the maintenance of buildings
titude or situation, our Kingdom Hall or equipment. Perhaps few in such lands
should be exemplary when it comes to have the know-how or the resources to
being well-kept, since it bears the name do the work. Clearly, though, if Kingdom
of Jehovah and is a place of pure wor- Hall maintenance were neglected, such
ship.—Deut. 23:14. neglect would result in the premature de-
16 Kingdom Hall cleaning cannot be left terioration of the building and would not
to chance. Each body of elders will need be a good witness to the local communi-
to make sure that a schedule is drawn up ty. On the other hand, when congrega-
and that adequate supplies and equip- tion members do all they can to keep the
ment are made available for keeping the Kingdom Hall in good condition, this
congregation’s place of worship in opti- brings praise to Jehovah and saves funds
mal condition. Because some cleaning donated by fellow believers.
19 A Kingdom Hall is a building dedi-
jobs need attention after every meeting
and others can be addressed less fre- cated to Jehovah. Therefore, it cannot
quently, good coordination and over- rightly be said to belong to any individu-
sight are required to make sure that noth- al or congregation, whatever its legal title
ing gets overlooked. All members of the may indicate. Christian principles dictate
congregation have the privilege of co- that we cooperate fully to make sure that
operating in these efforts. this building measures up to the purpose
for which it was built. All in the congrega-
MAINTAINING OUR PLACE OF WORSHIP tion can contribute to that end by show-
17 Jehovah’s servants also make dili- ing appropriate respect for our places of
gent efforts to keep their places of wor- worship, by making donations for new
construction, and by volunteering their
15, 16. (a) Why might it be a challenge to time and energy to keep existing King-
keep the Kingdom Hall clean, but why is it nec-
dom Halls properly cleaned and main-
essary? (b) What are the arrangements locally
for cleaning the hall, and what privilege does tained. By supporting these efforts, we
each of us have? show our zeal for Jehovah’s place of pure
17, 18. (a) What Scriptural precedents exist worship, as Jesus did.—John 2:17.
for the maintenance of places of pure worship?
(b) Why must Kingdom Halls be kept in good 19. What is your resolve concerning the build-
condition? ings that we use for pure worship?
JULY 15, 2015 31

DID YOU KNOW?
Was ancient Israel as forested as the Bible

seems to indicate?
THE Bible states that certain areas of the Promised an area that includes the foothills between the cen-
Land were forested and that trees were “plentiful.” tral mountain range and the Mediterranean Coast,
(1 Ki. 10:27; Josh. 17:15, 18) Yet, on seeing the de- the sycamore fig (Ficus sycomorus) was also abun-
forested condition of large portions of the land to- dant.
day, skeptics may wonder if that could ever have The book Plants of the Bible states that some lo-
been the case. calities in Israel are now entirely devoid of trees.
The book Life in Biblical Israel explains that “for- What contributed to this? Explaining that it was a
ests in ancient Israel were much more extensive gradual process, the book says: “Man has persis-
than they are today.” The natural cover of the high- tently interfered with the natural vegetation, mainly
lands consisted mainly of Aleppo pine (Pinus hale- in order to expand his farming and pasture area,
pensis), evergreen oak (Quercus calliprinos), and but also to obtain building materials and fuel for his
terebinth (Pistacia palaestina). In the Shephelah, fire.”
A large cluster
of sycamore figs
The Biriya Forest in Galilee
(below)
5 Duby Tal/Albatross/Alamy
s
o
w15 07/15-E

150303
AUGUST 1 5, 2 0 1 5
34567
STUDY ARTICLES
_______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________
SEPTEMBER 28–OCTOBER 4 OCTOBER 5-11 OCTOBER 12-18 OCTOBER 19-25

Meditate Keep in Prepare Now Watch Your
on Jehovah’s Expectation! for Life in Associations in
Enduring Love PAGE 14 the New World These Last Days
PAGE 9 PAGE 19 PAGE 24
STUDY ARTICLES
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
ˇ Meditate on Jehovah’s Enduring Love

Jehovah’s love for his people is enduring. This article
focuses on how God has demonstrated his love. Meditating
on Jehovah’s love for you will help you to strengthen your
ARGENTINA relationship with him.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
COVER: Showing a video from
jw.org, a young brother witnesses ˇ Keep in Expectation!
informally in the city of Esperanza
ˇ Prepare Now for Life in the New World
‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐
The passing of time should not cause us to lose hope that
POPULATION Kingdom blessings will be realized. There are solid reasons
42,670,000 to keep our Scriptural expectations alive. These articles
show how this can be done.
PUBLISHERS _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
150,171 ˇ Watch Your Associations in These Last Days

REGULAR PIONEERS Why is it so important to guard against bad associations
in these critical last days? How does God’s Word help us to
18,538 do this? These and related questions are answered in this
BIBLE STUDIES article.
126,661
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE
307,654 _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
3 “Let the Many Islands Rejoice”

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
29 What We Can Learn From Joanna

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
34567 ˙
August 15, 2015
LIFE STORY
“Let the Many Islands Rejoice”

AS TOLD BY GEOFFREY JACKSON
It was a day I will long remember. I was with a number of brothers from
different parts of the world, and we nervously waited in the Governing Body
conference room. The Writing Committee was about to enter, and we had been
assigned to make a presentation. During the preceding few weeks, we had
analyzed problems that translators were facing, and now we had to recommend
solutions. It was May 22, 2000. But why was this meeting so important?
Before I explain, let me tell you something about my background.
Baptized in Queensland, I WAS born in Queensland, Australia, in 1955.

I enjoyed pioneering in Tasmania Shortly thereafter, my mother, Estelle, started
and missionary work in Tuvalu,
Samoa, and Fiji studying the Bible with Jehovah’s Witnesses. She
got baptized the following year, and my father,
Ron, came into the truth 13 years later. I was bap-
TUVALU tized in the Queensland outback in 1968.
Ever since I was young, I have loved reading
and I have been fascinated by language. When we
went on family road trips, it must have been frus-
SAMOA trating for my parents to see me sitting in the
backseat reading a book rather than looking at
FIJI the scenery. But my love of reading helped me in
school. In high school in Glenorchy, in the island
state of Tasmania, I won several awards for aca-
QUEENSLAND demic achievement.
AUSTRALIA Then, however, it came time for a serious deci-
sion. Would I accept a scholarship to go to uni-
versity? As much as I loved books and learning, I
am grateful that my mother had helped me to ac-
quire a stronger love—one for Jehovah. (1 Cor. 3:
TASMANIA
18, 19) So with my parents’ consent, I left school
and started pioneering in January 1971 at the age
of 15, having received the required school certif-
icate.
3
Kingdom News No. 30
in Tuvaluan
With Jenny in Tuvalu
For the next eight years, I had the privilege of ment.” There were no dictionaries or language
pioneering in Tasmania. During that time, I mar- courses, so we decided to try to learn from 10 to
ried a beautiful Tasmanian girl, Jenny Alcock, 20 new words each day. But we soon realized that
and for four years we served together as special we did not understand the correct meaning of
pioneers in isolated assignments in Smithton and most of the words we were learning. Instead of
Queenstown. telling people that divination was wrong, we were
in fact telling them to avoid using measuring
OFF TO THE ISLANDS OF THE PACIFIC
scales and walking sticks! We did, however, need
In 1978 we went overseas for the first time to learn the language in order to conduct the nu-
to attend an international convention in Port merous Bible studies that we had started, so we
Moresby, Papua New Guinea. I still remember lis- kept on trying. Years later, one of those with
tening to a missionary give one of the talks in Hiri whom we studied in those early days told us: “We
Motu. Even though I could not understand a are so happy that you can speak our language
word of what he said, his talk motivated me to be- now. At first, we didn’t have a clue what you were
come a missionary, to learn other languages, and trying to say!”
to give talks like that one. At last, I saw a way to On the other hand, we had what some might
combine my love for Jehovah with my love of call the ideal situation for learning a new lan-
language. guage. As there were no homes available to rent,
To our surprise, on arriving back in Australia, we ended up living with a Witness family in the
we were invited to serve as missionaries on the is- main village. This meant total immersion in the
land of Funafuti, in Tuvalu, formerly called the language and in village life. After we had not spo-
Ellice Islands. We arrived in our new assignment ken English for a number of years, Tuvaluan be-
in January 1979. There were only three other bap- came our main language.
tized publishers in all of Tuvalu. Before long, many started to show an interest
Learning Tuvaluan was not easy. The only book in the truth. But what could we use to study
available in the language was the “New Testa- with them? We had no publications in their lan-
4 THE WATCHTOWER
guage. How could they do personal study? When
they started coming to the meetings, what songs
could they sing, what material could they use,
and how could they even prepare for the meet-
ings? How could they ever progress to baptism?
These humble people needed spiritual food in
their own language! (1 Cor. 14:9) We wondered,
‘Would publications ever be produced in Tu-
valuan, a language spoken by fewer than 15,-
000 people?’ Jehovah answered those questions,
proving to us two things: (1) He wants his Word
proclaimed “among the islands far away,” and Using Tuvaluan literature to help others
(2) he wants those whom the world views as
“humble and lowly” to take refuge in his name.
—Jer. 31:10; Zeph. 3:12.
TRANSLATING SPIRITUAL FOOD
In 1980 the branch office assigned us to work
as translators—a work for which we felt totally
unqualified. (1 Cor. 1:28, 29) At first, we were
able to buy an old mimeograph machine from the
government, and we used it to print material for
our meetings. We even translated the book The
Truth That Leads to Eternal Life into Tuvaluan and
printed it on this machine. I still remember the
strong smell of ink and the effort required in the
intense tropical heat to print all this literature by
hand. At the time, we did not have electricity! Baptism in a lagoon
It was a challenge to translate into Tuvaluan, as
we had very few reference works to help us. But
sometimes help came from unexpected sources.
One morning I called by mistake at the home of
someone who was opposed to the truth. The
householder, an older man who had been a teach-
er, was quick to remind me that we should not call
at his home. Then, he said: “I just want to men-
tion one thing. In your translation, you use the
passive form too much. It is not used that often
in Tuvaluan.” I checked with others, and he was
correct. So we made the necessary adjustments.
However, I was amazed that Jehovah had given
us this help by means of an opposer who obvious-
ly read our literature!
Releasing the New World Translation
of the Christian Greek Scriptures in Tuvaluan
The first piece of literature printed in Tuvaluan derstand Tuvaluan. This system of entering the
for distribution to the public was a Memorial in- text twice and then comparing the differences on
vitation. That was followed by Kingdom News the computer resulted in remarkably few mis-
No. 30, released simultaneously with the English. takes. Composed pages were returned to us via
What a joy it was to give something to the people air mail for checking and then sent back to the
in their own language! Gradually, some brochures branch for printing.
and even some books became available in Tuva- How things have changed! Now translation
luan. In 1983 the Australia branch started to print teams enter the text directly into computers. In
a quarterly 24-page Watchtower, which gave us an most cases, the corrected text is composed local-
average of seven paragraphs to study each week. ly, producing files that can be sent to the printing
What was the reaction in the community? Since branches via the Internet. No longer is there a
people in Tuvalu love to read, our literature be- frantic rush to the post office to send the manu-
came very popular. The arrival of each new pub- scripts off by mail.
lication was announced in a news bulletin on the
government radio station, sometimes even mak- FURTHER ASSIGNMENTS
ing headline news!1 As the years went by, Jenny and I received var-
The translation work started with pen and pa- ious assignments throughout the Pacific. From
per. Later, manuscripts were typed and retyped Tuvalu we were assigned to the Samoa branch in
numerous times before being sent off to the print- 1985. There we assisted with translation into the
ing branch in Australia. At one time, the branch Samoan, Tongan, and Tokelauan languages in ad-
had two different sisters enter every manuscript dition to the work we were still doing in Tuva-
into the computer, even though they did not un- luan.1 Then in 1996 we were given a similar as-
signment in the Fiji branch, where we were able
1 For examples of the reaction to our literature, see The to give support to the translation work being
Watchtower, December 15, 2000, p. 32; August 1, 1988, p. 22;
and Awake! December 22, 2000, p. 9. done in the Fijian, Kiribati, Nauruan, Rotuman,
and Tuvaluan languages.
I never cease to be amazed at the zeal shown by
those who translate our literature. The work can
be tedious and exhausting. However, these faith-
ful ones try to reflect Jehovah’s desire to get the
good news preached “to every nation and tribe
and tongue [or, “language,” ftn.] and people.”
A Rewarding (Rev. 14:6) For example, when the translation of
Project the first Watchtower magazine into Tongan was
being organized, I met with all the elders in Ton-
As a personal project, starting in 1979, I compiled ga and asked who could be trained as a translator.
a list of Tuvaluan words and their meanings. One of the elders, who had a good job as a me-
I worked on this project for one hour each morning chanic, offered to resign the next day and start
for about 20 years. In time, this list became a full immediately as a translator. This was particularly
dictionary. In 2001 the Australian government heartwarming, since he was a family man and had
printed it as a gift for the people of Tuvalu. In 1999, no idea where his income would come from. But
Jenny and I also produced a grammar book on the
Tuvaluan language. 1 For further details concerning the translation work in Sa-
moa, see the 2009 Yearbook, pp. 120-121, 123-124.
Interviewing my parents,
Ron and Estelle,
at a convention in
Townsville, Australia,
in 2014
Jehovah cared for him and his family, and he re- that presentation to the Writing Committee, the
mained in the translation work for many years. Governing Body approved a worldwide training
Such devoted translators reflect the viewpoint program for all translators. The program includ-
of the members of the Governing Body, who care ed training in English comprehension, translation
deeply about the spiritual needs of smaller lan- techniques, and the cooperative team approach.
guage groups. For example, at one point a ques- What has resulted from all this emphasis on
tion was raised as to whether it was worth all the translation? For one thing, the quality of the
effort to provide literature in Tuvaluan. I was so translation has improved. There has also been a
encouraged to read this answer from the Govern- dramatic increase in the number of languages in
ing Body: “We see absolutely no reason why you which we now publish literature. When we arrived
should discontinue translation work in the Tuva- in our first missionary assignment in 1979, the
luan language. Even though the Tuvaluan field Watchtower magazine was available in only 82 lan-
may be small in comparison to other language guages. Most language editions appeared several
groups, the people still need to be reached with months after the English edition. Now, however,
the good news in their own language.” The Watchtower is distributed in over 240 lan-
In 2003, Jenny and I were transferred from the guages, most of which appear simultaneously
Translation Department in Fiji branch to Transla- with the English. Spiritual food is now available in
tion Services in Patterson, New York. It seemed one form or another in over 700 languages. This
like a dream come true! We became part of a team is something that we could only dream about
that helps to develop the translation of our liter- years ago.
ature into additional languages. For the next two In 2004 the Governing Body made yet another
years or so, we had the privilege of visiting vari- landmark decision—namely, to speed up Bible
ous countries to help train translation teams. translation. A few months after this, Bible trans-
lation was made part of the normal translation
SOME HISTORIC DECISIONS work, thus opening up the opportunity for the
Now let me return to that presentation men- New World Translation to be made available in
tioned at the outset. By the year 2000, the Gov- many more languages. As of 2014, this Bible has
erning Body saw the need to strengthen transla- been printed in whole or in part in 128 languages
tion teams worldwide. Up to that point, most —including a number of languages spoken in the
translators had very little training. After we made South Pacific.
AUGUST 15, 2015 7

One of the highlights in my life was the privi- As I look back over the years, I am so encour-
lege of being assigned to attend the convention in aged to see how our loving heavenly Father, Je-
Tuvalu in 2011. For months, the whole country hovah, continues to care for the needs of lan-
had been in the grip of an extreme drought, and guage groups, both small and large. (Ps. 49:1-3)
it looked as if the convention would be canceled. I have seen his love reflected in the joy on the
However, the evening we arrived, the drought was faces of people when they first see some of our lit-
broken by a tropical downpour, and the conven- erature in their language or sing praises to Jeho-
tion was held after all! I had the inestimable priv- vah in the language of their hearts. (Acts 2:8, 11)
ilege of releasing the New World Translation of the I can still hear the words of Saulo Teasi, an elder-
Christian Greek Scriptures in Tuvaluan—the small- ly Tuvaluan brother. After he had sung a Kingdom
est language group ever to receive this beautiful song for the first time in his language, he said: “I
gift. At the end of the convention, there was yet think you should tell the Governing Body that
another downpour. So everyone finished the pro- these songs sound better in Tuvaluan than they
gram with an abundance of spiritual and literal do in English.”
water! Since September 2005, I have had the un-
Sadly, Jenny, my faithful companion for over expected privilege of serving as a member of the
35 years, did not live to witness that memorable Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses. While I
event. She succumbed to her ten-year battle with can no longer serve as a translator, I thank Jeho-
breast cancer in 2009. When she is resurrected, vah that he allows me to remain involved in sup-
she will no doubt be overjoyed to hear the news porting the worldwide translation work. What a
about the release of the Tuvaluan Bible. joy it is to know that Jehovah cares for the spir-
Since that time, Jehovah has blessed me with itual needs of all his people—even those on iso-
another beautiful companion, Loraini Sikivou. lated islands in the middle of the Pacific Ocean!
Loraini and Jenny worked together at Bethel in Yes, as the psalmist says, “Jehovah has become
Fiji, and Loraini too served as a translator, with King! Let the earth be joyful. Let the many islands
the Fijian language. So now I again have a faith- rejoice.”—Ps. 97:1.
ful wife, and together we share in service to Je-
hovah and also in a love of language!
With Loraini,
witnessing
in Fiji
Meditate on Jehovah’s
Enduring Love
“I will meditate on all your activity.”—PS. 77:12.
WHY are you convinced that Jehovah loves his people? Be- SONGS: 18, 61
fore you answer that question, consider these examples: For
several years, fellow believers kindly urged a sister named HOW WOULD YOU
Taylene to be balanced and not to expect too much of her- ANSWER?
self. She comments: “If Jehovah didn’t love me, his counsel ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
would not have been so persistent.” Brigitte, who raised two With respect to Jehovah’s
children alone after her husband died, states: “Raising chil- love, what confidence can
dren in Satan’s system is one of the most difficult challenges, we have?
especially for a single parent. But I am convinced of Jeho-
vah’s love because he has guided me through tears and
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
heartache, and he never let me experience more than I could
Why can we say that Jehovah
endure.” (1 Cor. 10:13) Sandra struggles with an incurable
has enduring love for his
illness. At a convention, she was shown personal interest by
people?
the wife of a well-known brother. “Although we did not know
her personally,” says Sandra’s husband, “her deep concern
brought great joy to our hearts. Even small expressions of ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
love from our brothers and sisters show me how much Jeho- How should we respond
vah loves us.” to God’s love?
1, 2. (a) Why are you convinced that Jehovah loves his people?
(b) With what need were all humans created?
9
2 Humans were created with the need prepared as wholesome food. Why, he
to love and be loved. It is easy to be- even made eating a delightful and satis-
come discouraged if this need is not sat- fying experience! (Eccl. 9:7) A sister
isfied because of unexpected events or named Catherine finds great pleasure
disappointments, loss of health, finan- in observing creation, especially during
cial setbacks, or a lack of success in the the invigorating spring season in Cana-
ministry. If we begin to feel that Jeho- da. She remarks: “It is truly amazing
vah no longer loves us, we do well to re- how everything comes to life—flowers
member that we are precious to him and that are programmed to pop out of the
that he is there, “grasping [our] right ground and birds that return from their
hand” and helping us. He will never for- migration, including the tiny humming-
get us if we are faithful to him.—Isa. 41: bird that finds its way to the bird feeder
13; 49:15. outside my kitchen window. Jehovah
3 The individuals quoted earlier were must love us to give us so much de-
certain that God was with them in light.” Our loving heavenly Father takes
trying times. We too can have the con- pleasure in his creative works, and he
viction that he is on our side. (Ps. wants us to enjoy them as well.—Acts
118:6, 7) This article focuses on how 14:16, 17.
God’s love is evident in connection with 5 Jehovah created us with the ability
(1) his creative works, (2) his inspired to perform productive and meaningful
Word, (3) prayer, and (4) the ransom. work that adds to our enjoyment of life.
Meditating on the good things Jehovah (Eccl. 2:24) He purposed that humans
has done will very likely increase our fill the earth, subdue it, and have in sub-
gratitude for his enduring love.—Read jection the fish, the birds, and other liv-
Psalm 77:11, 12. ing creatures. (Gen. 1:26-28) And how
loving of Jehovah to endow us with
MEDITATE ON JEHOVAH’S
qualities that enable us to imitate him!
CREATIVE WORKS
—Eph. 5:1.
4 Can we see Jehovah’s enduring love
for us in what he has created? Yes, we VALUE GOD’S INSPIRED WORD
can because the very act of creation was 6 God has shown great love in giving
a manifestation of God’s love. (Rom. 1: us his inspired Word. It reveals what we
20) He designed the earth with an eco- need to know about him and his deal-
system in which we can safely exist and ings with mankind. For instance, the
thrive. However, he wants us to do more Scriptures tell us how he dealt with
than merely exist. We need to eat to the Israelites, who frequently disobeyed
keep on living. Jehovah made sure that him. Psalm 78:38 states: “He was merci-
the earth could produce a seemingly ful; he would forgive their error and not
endless variety of plants that can be bring them to ruin. He often held back
3. What can help us to strengthen our convic- 5. How is Jehovah’s love evident in the way hu-
tion that Jehovah’s love for us is enduring? mans are made?
4. What does meditation on Jehovah’s cre- 6. Why should we have deep appreciation for
ative works reveal? God’s Word?
10 THE WATCHTOWER
his anger instead of stirring up all his Word, and we need to listen. (Isa. 30:
wrath.” Reflecting on that verse may 20, 21) Jehovah desires to guide us, his
help you to appreciate in a very person- dedicated people, and to protect us
al way that Jehovah loves and cares for from harm. He also wants us to know
you. Be assured that you do matter to him and to put our trust in him.—Read
Jehovah.—Read 1 Peter 5:6, 7. Psalm 19:7-11; Proverbs 1:33.
7 We should value the Bible highly 8 Jehovah wants us to know him as
because God communicates with us someone who loves us and looks be-
primarily by means of it. Meaningful yond our imperfection. He searches
and compassionate communication be- for the good in us. (2 Chron. 16:9)
tween parents and their children is es- For instance, he did so in the case of
sential to building mutual trust and de- King Jehoshaphat of Judah. On one oc-
veloping a feeling of being loved. What casion, Jehoshaphat unwisely agreed to
can we expect of Jehovah? Although we accompany King Ahab of Israel in a
have never seen him or heard his voice, military venture to recover Ramoth-
he “speaks” to us through his inspired gilead from the Syrians. Although 400
7. Why should we have high regard for the Bi- 8, 9. What does Jehovah want us to know? Il-
ble? lustrate this with a Bible example.
Although Jehu had to counsel Jehoshaphat,

Jehovah found “good things” in the king
11
false prophets assured wicked Ahab of anything and everything to him.” When
success, Jehovah’s true prophet Mi- we express our most intimate thoughts
caiah foretold certain defeat. Ahab died to God in prayer, he may answer us
in battle, and Jehoshaphat barely es- through a Bible passage, an article in a
caped with his life. Upon returning to magazine, or an encouraging word from
Jerusalem, he was reproved for allying a fellow believer. Jehovah hears our
himself with Ahab. Even so, Jehu, the pleas and understands us even when
son of Hanani the visionary, told Je- no one else does. His response to our
hoshaphat: “There are good things that prayers is a beautiful expression of his
have been found in you.”—2 Chron. 18: enduring love for us.
4, 5, 18-22, 33, 34; 19:1-3. 12 We can learn much from prayers re-
9 Early in his reign, Jehoshaphat had corded in God’s Word. At times, there-
directed that princes, Levites, and fore, we may find it very beneficial
priests travel through all the cities of to consider such prayers during family
Judah to teach his subjects Jehovah’s worship. Reflecting on how Jehovah’s
Law. The campaign was so effective that servants of the past expressed their
people of the surrounding nations be- deepest thoughts to God may help us to
gan to fear Jehovah. (2 Chron. 17:3-10) enrich our own prayers. For instance,
Yes, Jehoshaphat committed a foolish consider Jonah’s contrite prayer from
act, but Jehovah was not blind to the the belly of a huge fish. (Jonah 1:17–2:
good things he had done. This Bible ac- 10) Review Solomon’s heartfelt prayer
count provides a reminder that despite to Jehovah at the inauguration of the
our human imperfection, Jehovah will temple. (1 Ki. 8:22-53) Meditate on the
have enduring love for us if we whole- model prayer that Jesus offered for our
heartedly seek to please him. benefit. (Matt. 6:9-13) Above all, regu-
APPRECIATE THE PRIVILEGE OF PRAYER
larly “let your petitions be made known
10 A loving father takes time to listen
to God.” As a result, “the peace of God
that surpasses all understanding will
to his children when they want to talk to guard your hearts and your mental pow-
him. He wants to know their concerns
ers.” Our gratitude for Jehovah’s en-
and anxieties because he cares about
during love will increase.—Phil. 4:6, 7.
what is in their heart. Our heavenly Fa-
ther, Jehovah, listens to us when we ap- SHOW GRATITUDE FOR
proach him through the precious privi- THE RANSOM
lege of prayer. 13 The undeserved gift of Jesus’ ran-
11 We can approach Jehovah in prayer som sacrifice was given so that “we
at any time. He has placed no restric- might gain life.” (1 John 4:9) Referring
tions on us. He is our Friend who is al- to this superlative expression of God’s
ways ready to give us a hearing ear. Tay- love, the apostle Paul wrote: “Christ
lene, quoted earlier, says: “You can say
12. Why should we take note of prayers re-
10, 11. (a) Why is prayer a special provision corded in the Bible? Give an example.
from Jehovah? (b) How may God answer our 13. What opportunity is open to humans be-
prayers? (See opening image.) cause of the loving provision of the ransom?
12 THE WATCHTOWER
died for ungodly men at the appointed RESPOND TO JEHOVAH’S LOVE
time. For hardly would anyone die for a 16 We can only endeavor to count the
righteous man; though perhaps for a various manifestations of Jehovah’s un-
good man someone may dare to die. But failing love for us. The psalmist Da-
God recommends his own love to us in vid sang: “To me, how precious your
that, while we were yet sinners, Christ thoughts are! O God, how vast is the
died for us.” (Rom. 5:6-8) This great- sum of them! If I try to count them,
est expression of God’s love opened to they outnumber the grains of sand.”
mankind the prospect of having a fa- (Ps. 139:17, 18) We should allow these
vored standing with Jehovah. thoughts to nurture in us a desire to
14 A few feel Jehovah’s enduring love
love Jehovah deeply in return for his
in a very special way. (John 1:12, 13; 3: loving care for us. By all means, then,
5-7) Having been anointed by holy spir- let us give our very best to him.
it, they have become “God’s children.” 17 There are many ways to express our
(Rom. 8:15, 16) Paul described anointed
love for Jehovah. For example, we show
Christians as having been ‘raised up and
love for God and neighbor by having a
seated together in the heavenly places
zealous share in the Kingdom-preaching
in union with Christ Jesus.’ (Eph. 2:6)
work. (Matt. 24:14; 28:19, 20) We show
They occupy this spiritual position be-
that we truly love Jehovah by endur-
cause they have been ‘sealed with the
ing tests of faith as integrity keepers.
promised holy spirit, which is a token in
(Read Psalm 84:11; James 1:2-5.) If
advance of their inheritance,’ that is,
our trials become severe, we can be sure
‘the hope reserved for them in the heav-
ens.’—Eph. 1:13, 14; Col. 1:5. that God is aware of our suffering and
15 For the vast majority of mankind will help us, for we are precious to him.
—Ps. 56:8.
who exercise faith in the ransom, the
18 Our love for Jehovah moves us to
way is open to be Jehovah’s friends
with the prospect of being adopted as meditate on his creative works and oth-
children of God and living forever in er marvelous deeds. We show that we
the promised earthly Paradise. Thus, by love God and highly value his Word by
means of the ransom, Jehovah shows diligently studying the Bible. Love for
his love for the world of mankind. Jehovah draws us ever closer to him in
(John 3:16) If we hope to live forever prayer. And our love for God grows
on earth and we continue to serve Jeho- deeper as we reflect on the ransom sac-
vah faithfully, we can be assured that he rifice he provided for our sins. (1 John
will make life pleasant for us in the new 2:1, 2) These are just some of the many
world. How fitting it is that we view reasons we have for loving Jehovah in
the ransom as the greatest evidence of response to his enduring love for us.
God’s enduring love for us!
16. What does meditation on the many ways
14, 15. What does the ransom mean for that Jehovah has shown his love do for us?
(a) anointed Christians? (b) those with the 17, 18. What are some ways that we can show
earthly hope? our love for God?
AUGUST 15, 2015 13

Keep in Expectation!
“Even if it should delay, keep in expectation of it!”—HAB. 2:3.
SONGS: 128, 45 JEHOVAH’S worshippers have long lived in expectation of

the fulfillment of inspired prophecies. For example, Jeremi-
HOW WOULD YOU ah prophesied that Judah would be desolated, and that is
ANSWER? what occurred at Babylonian hands in 607 B.C.E. (Jer. 25:8-
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
11) Isaiah, who was inspired to foretell that Jehovah would
What reasons do we have bring about a restoration, declared: “Happy are all those
for being confident that we keeping in expectation of him.” (Isa. 30:18) Micah, whose
are living in the last days? prophecies also involved God’s ancient people, personally re-
solved: “I will keep on the lookout for Jehovah.” (Mic. 7:7)
For centuries, God’s servants also lived in expectation of the
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ fulfillment of prophecies concerning the Messiah, or Christ.
Why should the passing —Luke 3:15; 1 Pet. 1:10-12.1
of time not prevent us from 2 God’s present-day servants also keep in expectation, for
keeping on the watch? prophecies about the Messiah are still undergoing fulfillment.
Through the Messianic Kingdom, Jehovah will soon put an
end to human suffering by destroying the wicked and deliver-
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
ing his people from this unstable world lying in Satan’s pow-
How can we show that we are
keeping in expectation of the
er. (1 John 5:19) Let us therefore remain alert and fully aware
end of this system of things? 1 For a list of some Bible prophecies regarding the Messiah and their fulfill-
ments, see page 200 of the book What Does the Bible Really Teach?
1, 2. What attitude has long characterized worshippers of Jehovah?
14
that this system is rapidly nearing its system of things.” (Matt. 24:3, 7-14)
end. Since Jesus did not say how long that pe-
3 As Jehovah’s servants, we yearn to riod of time would go on before the end
see God’s will “take place, as in heaven, arrived, we need to be especially vigi-
also on earth.” (Matt. 6:10) After look- lant, watchful.
ing forward to the end of this system for 6 We might ask: Could not “the con-
what may seem to be a long time, how- clusion of the system of things” refer to
ever, some may wonder, ‘Do we still have a future time when world conditions will
sound reasons to keep in expectation?’ become even worse? The Bible does in-
Let us see. dicate that wickedness will greatly in-
crease “in the last days.” (2 Tim. 3:1, 13;
WHY KEEP IN EXPECTATION?
Matt. 24:21; Rev. 12:12) So we can expect
4 The Bible leaves no doubt about that world conditions, bad as they are
what our attitude should be toward the now, will continue to decline.
impending destruction of this system of 7 But how bad do you expect condi-
things. Jesus told his followers to “keep tions to become before “the great trib-
on the watch” and to “keep awake.” ulation”? (Rev. 7:14) For example, do
(Matt. 24:42; Luke 21:34-36) That in it- you expect that there will be a war
self is a good reason to remain in expec- in every country, no food on anyone’s
tation—Jesus told us to do so! In this re- table, and illness in every household?
gard, Jehovah’s organization has set an Under those conditions, even skeptics
example. Its publications have consis- would likely feel compelled to admit that
tently exhorted us to “await and keep Bible prophecy was undergoing fulfill-
close in mind the presence of the day of ment. However, Jesus said that most
Jehovah” and to fix our hope on God’s people would take “no note” of his pres-
promised new world.—Read 2 Peter 3: ence, carrying on with life’s normal ac-
11-13. tivities until it is too late. (Read Mat-
5 Although keeping in expectation was thew 24:37-39.) Thus, the Scriptures
appropriate for Christians living centu- indicate that world conditions during
ries ago, it is particularly important for the last days would not become so ex-
us. Why? Because we are living during treme that people would be forced to be-
Christ’s presence. The sign of his pres- lieve that the end is near.—Luke 17:20;
ence has been in evidence since 1914. 2 Pet. 3:3, 4.
And the multifeatured sign, which in- 8 On the other hand, for the compos-
cludes worsening world conditions and ite sign to serve its purpose, the fulfill-
global Kingdom preaching, means that ment of it would have to be obvious
we are living in “the conclusion of the enough to command the attention of
3. What question might arise if we have been 6. Why can we expect world conditions to
waiting for years for the end to come? worsen as we draw closer to the end?
4. What is a primary reason for us to keep on 7. What does Matthew 24:37-39 indicate about
the watch? world conditions during the last days?
5. Why is there a special need to be watchful in 8. What is evident to those who are heeding
our time? Jesus’ command to “keep on the watch”?
AUGUST 15, 2015 15

those who have been obeying Jesus’ the house is coming, whether late in the
counsel to “keep on the watch.” (Matt. day or at midnight or at dawn or early
24:27, 42) And that has been the case in the morning, in order that when he
since 1914. From that time onward, the comes suddenly, he does not find you
features of the sign have been under- sleeping. But what I say to you, I say to
going fulfillment. Clearly, we are now liv- all: Keep on the watch.”—Mark 13:33-37.
ing in “the conclusion of the system of 11 Upon recognizing that Christ’s pres-
things”—a limited period of time leading ence began in 1914, Jesus’ followers
up to and including the destruction of rightly prepared for a possible early ar-
this wicked system. rival of the end. They did so by inten-
9 Why, then, should Christians today sifying their Kingdom-preaching work.
keep in expectation? Out of obedi- Jesus indicated that he might come lat-
ence to Jesus Christ, we remain in exer—“at dawn or early in the morning.” If
pectation. Also, we recognize the sign that happened, how were his followers to
of his presence. Our expectations are respond? He said: “Keep on the watch.”
based, not on a naive readiness to be- So a long wait would not justify mental-
lieve anything, but on solid Scriptural ly postponing the end or totally dismiss-
evidence that compels us to remain vigi- ing their expectations.
lant, awake, watchful and, yes, in expec- 12 Consider the prophet Habakkuk,
tation of this wicked system’s end. who was commissioned to foretell

the destruction of Jerusalem. By the
HOW LONG?
time he arrived on the scene, warn-
10 Many of us have been keeping awake ings of that city’s desolation had already
spiritually for decades. However, let us been sounded for years. Conditions had
not allow the passing of time to weaken reached the point where ‘the wicked sur-
our resolve to keep in expectation. We rounded the righteous and justice was
need to be ready for Jesus’ arrival as Ex- perverted.’ So it is not surprising that
ecutioner to end this system of things. Habakkuk asked: “How long, O Jehovah,
Remember that Jesus exhorted his fol- must I cry for help?” Instead of answer-
lowers: “Keep looking, keep awake, for ing that question directly, Jehovah as-
you do not know when the appointed sured his faithful prophet that the fore-
time is. It is like a man traveling abroad told destruction would “not be late.”
who left his house and gave the authori- God told Habakkuk to “keep in expecta-
ty to his slaves, to each one his work, and tion.”—Read Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:3.
commanded the doorkeeper to keep on 13 Suppose Habakkuk had become dis-
the watch. Keep on the watch, therefore, couraged and thought: ‘I have been
for you do not know when the master of hearing about Jerusalem’s destruction
9. For what reasons should we remain in ex- for years. What if it is still a long way off?
pectation of this system’s end? It does not seem realistic to keep proph-
10, 11. (a) Jesus prepared his disciples for
what possibilities? (b) What did Jesus tell his 12. What did Habakkuk ask Jehovah, and how
followers to do if their wait for the end proved did God respond?
to be longer than they had anticipated? (See 13. What attitude could Habakkuk have had,
opening image.) and why would that have been unwise?
16 THE WATCHTOWER
to live with an awareness that ‘the end of
all things had drawn close.’—Acts 1:7;
1 Pet. 4:7.
EXPECTATION MEANS ACTION!
15 We can expect that Jehovah’s orga-
nization will continue to remind us that
we should serve God with a sense of ur-
gency. Such reminders are provided not
merely to keep us busy in God’s service
but to help us remain aware that the sign
of Christ’s presence is now undergoing
fulfillment. What is the most sensible re-
sponse to the times in which we are liv-
ing? Why, it is for us to keep on seeking
first the Kingdom and God’s righteous-
ness by having a zealous share in preach-
ing the good news!—Matt. 6:33; Mark
Do you zealously share in preaching the good news? 13:10.
(See paragraph 15) 16 One sister commented: “By preach-
ing the good news of God’s Kingdom, we

. . . can help to rescue persons from
sure death in the coming world catastro-
esying as if the city might suddenly be
phe.” She knows something about be-
destroyed. I will leave that to others.’ If
ing rescued, for she and her husband
Habakkuk had entertained such ideas,
were survivors of one of the worst mari-
he would have lost his favored position
time disasters in history—the sinking of
before Jehovah—and possibly his life
the luxury liner Wilhelm Gustloff in 1945.
during the destruction of Jerusalem by
Even in the face of such peril, a person
the Babylonians!
14 In the new world, we will have rea-
could have the wrong view of what is tru-
ly important. The sister recalled that one
son to reflect on the fact that all the fore-
woman kept wailing: “My suitcases! My
told events associated with the conclu-
suitcases! My jewelry! All my jewelry is
sion of the system of things did indeed
down there in the cabin. I have lost
take place. Meditating on how matters
actually turned out will further strength- everything!” By contrast, several pas-
en our confidence in Jehovah and his sengers who were moved by a spirit of
promises yet to be fulfilled. (Read Josh- helpfulness risked their lives working
ua 23:14.) We will surely be thankful hard to rescue people who had fallen
that God, who ‘has placed times and sea- into the icy seas. Like those unselfish
sons in his own jurisdiction,’ exhorted us passengers, we do our utmost to help
people. We keep the urgency of our
14. Why can we be certain that by keeping in
expectation, we will not come to disappoint- 15, 16. Why is intensified preaching the most
ment? sensible response to the times in which we live?
AUGUST 15, 2015 17

preaching work in mind and help others we should not assume that much time is
to become survivors of the impending needed for the state of this world to de-
world catastrophe before it is too late. velop to the point where “the ten horns”
17 Events on the world scene clearly in- and “the wild beast” of Revelation 17:16
dicate that Bible prophecy is now being turn on Babylon the Great, the world
fulfilled and that the end of this wicked empire of false religion. Let us bear in
system of things is imminent. Therefore, mind that God will “put it into their
hearts” to make that move—and this
17. What reasons do we have to believe that could happen swiftly and at any time!
the end could come at any time?
(Rev. 17:17) The end of this entire sys-
tem of things is not far off. With good
reason, we should heed Jesus’ warning:
“Pay attention to yourselves that your
hearts never become weighed down with
overeating and heavy drinking and anx-
ieties of life, and suddenly that day be
instantly upon you as a snare.” (Luke 21:
34, 35; Rev. 16:15) Let us be resolved to
serve Jehovah with a sense of urgency,
confident that he “acts in behalf of those
who keep in expectation of him.”—Isa.
64:4.
18 As we await the end of the present
wicked system of things, let us heed the

disciple Jude’s inspired words: “Beloved
ones, build yourselves up on your most
holy faith, and pray with holy spirit,
in order to keep yourselves in God’s
love, while you await the mercy of our
Lord Jesus Christ with everlasting life in
view.” (Jude 20, 21) How, though, can
we show that we are living in expectation
of God’s promised new world and are
really looking forward to it? That will be
the subject of our next article.
18. What question will be considered in the

next article?
Do you make wise decisions so that no distractions

rob you of a sense of urgency?
(See paragraph 17)
18 THE WATCHTOWER
Prepare Now for Life
in the New World
“Tell them to work at good, . . . so that they may get a
firm hold on the real life.”—1 TIM. 6:18, 19.
“THE REAL LIFE.” For most of us, that expression calls to SONGS: 125, 40
mind the hope of everlasting life in Paradise on earth. In fact,
the apostle Paul linked “everlasting life” with “the real life.” HOW WOULD YOU
(Read 1 Timothy 6:12, 19.) We are in expectation of life that ANSWER?
will go on forever and that will bring us lasting satisfaction ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
and joy. It is hard to imagine how we will feel on awakening We can expect to enjoy
each day in excellent physical, mental, and emotional health. what spiritual conditions
(Isa. 35:5, 6) Think of how pleasant it will be to associate with in the new world?
our loved ones and friends, including those who have been
resurrected! (John 5:28, 29; Acts 24:15) We will also have the ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
opportunity to sharpen our skills in science, music, architec- What are some ways to
ture, or some other field of knowledge. prepare now for life in
2 As much as we look forward to such good things, the pri-
the new world?
mary blessings in the new world will be spiritual. How deeply
satisfying it will be to know that Jehovah’s name has been ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
sanctified and his sovereignty vindicated! (Matt. 6:9, 10) We How can spiritual goals help
will be thrilled to see Jehovah’s original purpose for mankind us to prepare for life in God’s
promised new world?
1, 2. (a) What physical blessings of the earthly Paradise do you look
forward to the most? (See opening image.) (b) What spiritual blessings
will there be in the new world?
19
and the earth being fulfilled. And just contrast that will be to the self-rule pro-
think how much easier it will be to moted in this world under Satan’s domi-
draw closer to Jehovah as we approach, nation! Independence and an unreason-
and finally reach, perfection!—Ps. 73:28; able insistence on personal preference
Jas. 4:8. may be highly regarded by some, but
3 These blessings can be ours, for Je- what has been the result? Failure to ac-
sus assures us that “with God all things cept God’s direction has led to suffering,
are possible.” (Matt. 19:25, 26) But if we misery, even tragedy. (Jer. 10:23) How
expect to live in that new world—and to we look forward to the time when all
keep living beyond Christ’s Thousand mankind will submit to Jehovah’s loving
Year Reign—we must act now to “get a sovereignty!
firm hold” on everlasting life. We must 6 It will be a pleasure to be under Je-
live in expectation of the end of this hovah’s arrangements in the new world
wicked world, and we need to take posi- as we work toward beautifying the earth,
tive steps right now to prepare for life in teaching resurrected ones, and doing Je-
the new world. How can we do this while hovah’s will for mankind. But what if we
we are still in this wicked system of were directed to perform a particular as-
things? pect of the work that did not appeal to
HOW TO PREPARE us? Would we submit to that direction by
4 How might we prepare now for life in doing our best to carry out and even en-
God’s new world? Well, suppose we were joy our assignment? Most of us would
planning to move to another country. answer yes! Consistently, then, are we
How could we prepare for that change? submitting to theocratic direction now?
We might start learning the language If we are doing so, we are preparing for
of the people who live there. Learning everlasting life under Jehovah’s ruler-
about their customs would be beneficial. ship.
7 We can prepare for life in the new
We might sample some of their foods. To
a certain extent, we would begin to live world not only by submitting to Jeho-
as if we were already residents of that vah’s present-day arrangements but also
land. After all, that is the way we expect by working now to cultivate content-
to live once we arrive there. Similarly, we ment and a spirit of cooperation. If we
can prepare for life in the new world by cooperate with those taking the lead to-
living now, to the extent possible, as we day, perhaps finding contentment and
expect to live then. In this regard, con- joy in new assignments of service, we are
sider the following examples. likely to have the same attitude in the
5 In the new world, God’s sovereignty new world. (Read Hebrews 13:17.) In
will be fully upheld. What a refreshing the Promised Land, the inheritances of
the Israelites were apportioned by lot.
3. What should we be preparing for now? (Num. 26:52-56; Josh. 14:1, 2) Today, of
4. Illustrate how we might prepare now for life
in the new world. 7, 8. (a) Why should we cultivate a spirit of
5, 6. How will learning to submit to theocratic cooperation? (b) What changes have some
arrangements help to train us for life in the new Christians experienced? (c) We can be sure of
world? what regarding life on earth in the new world?
20 THE WATCHTOWER
course, we do not know where each one that is the case, will we rejoice with oth-
of us may be assigned to live in the new ers and be patient? (Rom. 12:15) Learn-
system of things. However, cooperation ing to wait patiently for the fulfillment
will bring us contentment and great hap- of Jehovah’s promises now will help us to
piness as we do Jehovah’s will wherever exercise patience then.—Eccl. 7:8.
we live on earth at that time. 10 We can also prepare for life in the
8 The privilege of living under King- new world by exercising patience regard-
dom rule is well worth any effort we ing revealed truth. Are we studious and
make to cooperate with Jehovah’s orga- patient as our understanding of Bible
nization and care for theocratic assign- truth is progressively clarified today? If
ments. Of course, our circumstances so, we will likely have no difficulty show-
may change with the passing of time. ing patience in the new world as Jehovah
For instance, some members of the makes known his requirements for man-
Bethel family in the United States have kind.—Prov. 4:18; John 16:12.
been reassigned to the field and are 11 Another quality that will stand us in
now enjoying abundant blessings in oth- good stead for life in the new world is a
er forms of the full-time ministry. Be- forgiving spirit. During Christ’s Thou-
cause of advancing age or other factors, sand Year Reign, it may take some time
others who were in the traveling work for the righteous and the unrighteous to
have now received special pioneer as- shed imperfect traits. (Acts 24:15) Will
signments. If we cultivate contentment, we be able to deal lovingly with one an-
pray for God’s help, and do all we can other during that time? If we learn to for-
in his service, we will experience joy give freely and if we avoid strained rela-
and will receive many blessings even in tions now, it will be easier for us to do so
these critical last days. (Read Proverbs then.—Read Colossians 3:12-14.
10:22.) What about our future pros- 12 Life in the new world may not mean
pects? We may have ideas about where that we will always get what we want
we would like to live in the new world, when we want it. Instead, that life will in-
but we may be asked to move to a differ- volve being appreciative and content in
ent area. Regardless of where we will any situation as we benefit from submit-
then serve and what we will do, we can be ting to Jehovah’s loving sovereignty. It
sure that we will be grateful and content-
will mean putting into practice the very
ed, brimming with joy.—Neh. 8:10.
qualities that Jehovah is teaching us to
9 In the new world, there may be times
cultivate now. By learning to live now as
when we will need to exercise patience. we expect to live then, we are developing
For example, we may hear of individuals qualities that we will need to manifest
who, to the delight of their relatives and for all eternity. We are strengthening our
friends, have been raised from the dead.
However, we ourselves may have to wait 11. What is Jehovah now teaching us about
for the resurrection of our loved ones. If human relationships, and how will this benefit
us in the new world?
9, 10. (a) In what areas might there be a need 12. Explain the connection between our ex-
to exercise patience in the new world? (b) How pectations for the future and our way of life
can we show that we are patient? now.
AUGUST 15, 2015 21

Have a meaningful share in the ministry Participate in theocratic activities
faith in the reality of “the inhabited in Jehovah’s service, why not review
earth to come.” (Heb. 2:5; 11:1) More- some of the material that has been pub-
over, we are showing how deeply we lished about various avenues of the full-
yearn for the righteous conditions that time ministry and set one of these as a
will then exist on earth. Indeed, we are goal?1 You might talk with some who
preparing for everlasting life in God’s have spent many years in the full-time
new world. service. By making the ministry your
career, you are preparing for continued
FOCUS NOW ON SPIRITUAL PURSUITS service to God in the new world, where
13 Consider one more way for us to your theocratic training and experience
prepare for the real life ahead. Although will be of great value.
we are promised an abundance of food 15 As Kingdom proclaimers, what spiri-
and other necessities on earth in the tual goals can we set for ourselves? We
new world, we will derive the greatest could make it a goal to sharpen our
pleasure from having our spiritual need skill in a certain feature of the minis-
filled. (Matt. 5:3) Spiritual activities will try. Or we might strive to improve our
be our highest priority, and we will dem- understanding of Bible principles and
onstrate that we are finding exquisite de- their application. What about developing
light in Jehovah. (Ps. 37:4) By giving greater effectiveness in public reading
spiritual things priority now, we are pre- and speaking or in making comments at
paring for the real life in the future. meetings? No doubt you can think of
—Read Matthew 6:19-21. other possibilities. The point is this: Set-
14 How can we increase our joy in theo- ting spiritual goals will increase your en-
cratic activities? One way is by setting thusiasm for theocratic activities, and
spiritual goals. If you are young and are this will help you to prepare yourself for
life in the new world.
giving serious consideration to a career
1 See Young People Ask—Answers That Work,
13. What sort of activities will take top priority Vol. 2, pp. 311-318.
in the new world?
14. What spiritual goals can help young ones 15. What spiritual goals might be attainable by
to keep eternal life in view? Kingdom proclaimers?
22 THE WATCHTOWER
Show appreciation for spiritual food Look for Scriptural direction
OUR BLESSINGS HAVE ALREADY BEGUN! a hunger for personal accomplishment

16 Does spending our time preparing and wholesome pleasures if he did not
for God’s new world mean forfeiting a intend to have us satisfy these desires to
better or more fulfilling way of life to- the full? (Eccl. 2:24) In this and other
day? By no means! Serving Jehovah is ways, Jehovah will always “satisfy the
the most satisfying way of life there is. It desire of every living thing.” (Ps. 145:
is not a matter of servitude under duress 16) Recreation and relaxation have their
just so that we can pass through the place, but the pleasure derived from
great tribulation. It is the way we are them is increased when we put our rela-
designed to live, the way that yields tionship with Jehovah first. It will also
the greatest joy. Having Jehovah’s guid- be that way in the earthly Paradise. How
ance and experiencing his loyal love are wise it is for us to learn to keep personal
far better than life apart from intima- interests in their proper place while we
cy with him. (Read Psalm 63:1-3.) Of seek first the Kingdom and focus on the
course, we need not wait for the new spiritual blessings now available to Jeho-
world in order to enjoy spiritual bless- vah’s people!—Matt. 6:33.
18 In the coming Paradise, we will attain
ings that result from wholehearted ser-
vice to Jehovah—they are available to us happiness on a level that we have never
right now! Indeed, some of us have been before experienced. May we show the in-
reaping such blessings for decades, and tensity of our desire for the real life by
we know from experience that no other preparing for it now. Let us cultivate
life course could produce greater satis- godly qualities and find great joy in shar-
faction.—Ps. 1:1-3; Isa. 58:13, 14. ing zealously in the Kingdom-preaching
17 Personal interests and pleasures will work that we have been given to do. May
have their place in God’s new world. Af- we make the pursuit of spiritual interests
ter all, why did Jehovah create us with our exquisite delight. And with full faith
in Jehovah’s promises, let us live now in
16. Why is serving Jehovah the best way of expectation of life in the new world!
life?
17. What place will personal interests and 18. How can we show that we are preparing
pleasures have in Paradise? for everlasting life in Paradise?
AUGUST 15, 2015 23

Watch Your Associations
in These Last Days
“Bad associations spoil useful habits.”—1 COR. 15:33.
SONGS: 73, 119 WE ARE living in very difficult times. The Bible calls the era
that began in 1914 “the last days.” These “critical times
HOW WOULD YOU hard to deal with” are marked by conditions that are far
ANSWER? worse than any experienced by mankind prior to that cli-
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
mactic year. (2 Tim. 3:1-5) Moreover, the world will contin-
What effect did bad associa- ue to deteriorate, for Bible prophecy foretold that “wick-
tions have on the Israelites? ed men and impostors will advance from bad to worse.”
—2 Tim. 3:13.
2 For entertainment, many people view or practice things
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
that the Bible identifies as violent, sexually immoral, spiritis-
tic, or ungodly in other ways. For instance, the Internet, tele-
servants marry “only
in the Lord”?
vision programs, movies, novels, and magazine articles often
present violence and immorality in a favorable light. Behav-
ior once considered unacceptable has even been legalized in
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ some places. But that does not make such conduct accept-
With whom should we able to God.—Read Romans 1:28-32.
associate?
1. In what time period are we now living?
2. What is characteristic of this world’s entertainment? (See opening
image.)
24
3 In the first century, Jesus’ following with those who claim to worship Je-
ers shunned unclean entertainment. Be- hovah but who deliberately violate his
cause of this and their godly conduct in laws. If such professing Christians en-
general, they were maligned and perse- gage in serious wrongdoing and do not
cuted by others. “They are puzzled that repent, we do not continue to associate
you [Christians] do not continue run- with them.—Rom. 16:17, 18.
ning with them in the same decadent 6 If we were to associate with those
course of debauchery,” wrote the apos- who do not obey God’s laws, we might
tle Peter, “so they speak abusively of have the tendency to do what they do in
you.” (1 Pet. 4:4) Today, too, those who order to be accepted by them. For exam-
live by God’s standards are considered ple, if we were to have close association
peculiar by the world. Furthermore, “all with sexually immoral people, we might
those desiring to live with godly devo- be tempted to practice immorality. That
tion in association with Christ Jesus will has happened to some dedicated Chris-
also be persecuted.”—2 Tim. 3:12. tians, and some of them were disfellow-
shipped because they were not repen-
“BAD ASSOCIATIONS tant. (1 Cor. 5:11-13) Unless they repent,
SPOIL USEFUL HABITS” their condition can become like that
4 The Scriptures counsel those who described by Peter.—Read 2 Peter 2:
want to do God’s will not to love this 20-22.
world and its practices. (Read 1 John 7 Although we want to be kind even to
2:15, 16.) The religious, political, and those who do not follow God’s laws, we
commercial elements of this world—in- should not become their intimate asso-
cluding their information channels—are ciates or close friends. It would there-
under the influence of “the god of fore be wrong for one of Jehovah’s Wit-
this system of things,” Satan the Devil. nesses who is a single person to date
(2 Cor. 4:4; 1 John 5:19) As Christians, such an individual who is not dedicated
therefore, we need to watch our associa- and faithful to God and who does not re-
tions. God’s inspired Word declares this spect His high standards. Maintaining
fundamental truth: “Do not be misled. Christian integrity is far more important
Bad associations spoil useful habits.” than becoming popular with people who
—1 Cor. 15:33. do not live by Jehovah’s laws. Our close
5 To avoid spoiling our useful habits, associates should be those who do God’s
we must not have as close associates will. Jesus said: “Whoever does the will
those who practice bad things. This ap- of God, this one is my brother and sister
plies not only to associating with unbe- and mother.”—Mark 3:35.
8 The disastrous results of bad associa-
lieving wrongdoers but also to associat-
tions were experienced by the Israelites.
3. How are those who live by Scriptural stan- When Jehovah rescued them from Egyp-
dards often viewed? tian slavery and was leading them to the
4. What do the Scriptures counsel us not to do
with regard to this world? 7. Whom should we choose as close friends?
5, 6. We should avoid companionship with 8. How did bad associations affect the people
whom, and why? of ancient Israel?
AUGUST 15, 2015 25

Promised Land, he said this about their in the abundance of peace.” For how
dealings with its inhabitants: “You must long? “The righteous will possess the
not bow down to their gods or be per- earth, and they will live forever on it.”
suaded to serve them, and you must —Ps. 37:9, 11, 29.
not imitate their practices. Instead, you 11 In contrast with what the world pro-
must demolish them and smash their duces, the material produced by Jeho-
sacred pillars. You must serve Jeho- vah’s organization in these last days en-
vah your God.” (Ex. 23:24, 25) Ulti- courages conduct that leads to eternal
mately, most of the Israelites did not life. In prayer to Jehovah, Jesus said:
obey God’s instructions. (Ps. 106:35- “This means everlasting life, their com-
39) Because they became unfaithful to ing to know you, the only true God, and
God, Jesus later told them: “Look! Your the one whom you sent, Jesus Christ.”
house is abandoned to you.” (Matt. 23: (John 17:3) Through his organization,
38) Jehovah cast off Israel, transferring our heavenly Father is providing an
his blessing to the newly formed Chris- abundance of upbuilding spiritual food.
tian congregation.—Acts 2:1-4. How blessed we are to have magazines,
CAREFULLY CONSIDER
brochures, books, videos, and Web pag-
WHAT YOU READ AND WATCH es that promote true worship! God’s or-
ganization also provides regular meet-
9 Much of what is produced by this
ings in more than 110,000 congregations
world’s media can be spiritually danger-
worldwide. At those meetings and at as-
ous to Christians. Such material is not
semblies and conventions, we consider
designed to build faith in Jehovah and
Bible-based material that builds faith in
his promises. Instead, it reflects Satan’s
God and his promises.—Heb. 10:24, 25.
evil world and its goals. Therefore, we
need to exercise great caution so that MARRY “ONLY IN THE LORD”
we do not choose material that could 12 Watching their associations is par-
arouse “worldly desires.”—Titus 2:12. ticularly important for single Christians
10 Soon, harmful reading and viewing
who want to get married. God’s Word
material will no longer exist. All of it clearly counsels: “Do not become un-
will be removed when the world that it evenly yoked with unbelievers. For what
represents—Satan’s world—is destroyed. fellowship do righteousness and lawless-
God’s Word states: “The world is passing ness have? Or what sharing does light
away and so is its desire, but the one who have with darkness?” (2 Cor. 6:14) The
does the will of God remains forever.” Bible counsels God’s servants who are
(1 John 2:17) Similarly, the psalmist seeking a marriage mate to marry “only
sang: “Evil men will be done away with, in the Lord,” that is, to marry only a ded-
but those hoping in Jehovah will possess icated, baptized worshipper of Jehovah
the earth. But the meek will possess the who lives according to Scriptural teach-
earth, and they will find exquisite delight
11. How does God provide good spiritual food
9. Why can this world’s media be dangerous? for his people?
10. What will happen to this world’s harmful 12. Explain the Bible’s counsel to marry “only
reading and viewing material? in the Lord.”
26 THE WATCHTOWER
ings. (1 Cor. 7:39) By marrying fellow be- from surrounding nations, individuals
lievers, Christians gain companions who who did not worship Jehovah. Solomon
are dedicated to Jehovah and will help “loved many foreign women” and even-
them maintain their integrity to him. tually had 700 wives and 300 concu-
13 Jehovah knows what is best for his bines. What was the result? In Solomon’s
servants, and he has been consistent old age, his pagan wives “inclined his
in stating his viewpoint regarding mar- heart to follow other gods, . . . and Solo-
riage. Note his easily understood common did what was bad in the eyes of Je-
mand to Israel through Moses. With ref- hovah.” (1 Ki. 11:1-6) Solomon’s bad as-
erence to the inhabitants of surrounding sociations undermined his wisdom and
nations—people who did not serve Je- caused him to fall away from true wor-
hovah—the Israelites were instructed: ship. What a warning that is for Chris-
“You must not form any marriage al- tians who might think about marrying
liances with them. Do not give your someone who does not love Jehovah!
16 What if someone becomes a wor-
daughters to their sons or take their
daughters for your sons. For they will shipper of God while married to an un-
turn your sons away from following me believer? The Bible says: “You wives, be
to serve other gods; then Jehovah’s an- in subjection to your husbands, so that
ger will blaze against you, and he will if any are not obedient to the word, they
swiftly annihilate you.”—Deut. 7:3, 4. may be won without a word through the
14 Early in the kingship of David’s son conduct of their wives.” (1 Pet. 3:1)
Solomon, the younger man prayed for Those words are addressed to Christian
wisdom, and God gave it to him in abun- wives, but the same words apply to a hus-
dance. King Solomon thus became fa- band who becomes a worshipper of Je-
mous as the wise ruler of a prosperous hovah while married to an unbeliever.
land. In fact, when the queen of Sheba The Bible’s counsel is clear: Be a good
visited Solomon, she exclaimed: “I did mate, and live up to God’s high stan-
not put faith in the reports until I had dards for marriage. Many unbelieving
come and had seen it with my own eyes. mates have accepted the truth because
And look! I had not been told the half. of observing a husband or a wife who
You have far surpassed in wisdom and changed after complying with God’s re-
prosperity the report that I heard.” (1 Ki. quirements.
10:7) But Solomon became a sad exam- ASSOCIATE WITH THOSE
ple of what can happen when a person ig- WHO LOVE JEHOVAH
nores God’s command not to marry an 17 Although bad associations spoil use-
unbeliever.—Eccl. 4:13. ful habits, good associations produce
15 Despite everything that God had
fine results. Consider Noah, who lived
done for him, Solomon ignored the di- in an evil world but had no desire to
vine command not to marry women
16. What Scriptural counsel applies to a ser-
13. What command regarding marriage did vant of God who is married to an unbeliever?
God give the Israelites? 17, 18. Why did Noah and first-century Chris-
14, 15. How did ignoring Jehovah’s direction tians survive the end of the system in which
affect Solomon? they lived?
AUGUST 15, 2015 27

make its inhabitants his close friends. At served Jehovah—faithful Noah, Noah’s
that time, “Jehovah saw that man’s wick- wife, his sons, and their wives. Similarly,
edness was great on the earth and that loyal and obedient first-century Chris-
every inclination of the thoughts of his tians kept themselves separate from un-
heart was only bad all the time.” (Gen. godly people and survived the destruc-
6:5) God therefore determined to wipe tion of Jerusalem and the Jewish system
out that evil system and its supporters of things in 70 C.E.—Luke 21:20-22.
by means of a global deluge. However, 19 As worshippers of Jehovah, we need
“Noah was a righteous man. He proved to imitate Noah and his family and obe-
himself faultless among his contempo- dient first-century Christians. We must
raries. Noah walked with the true God.” keep separate from the wicked system of
—Gen. 6:7-9. things around us and seek upbuilding as-
18 Noah certainly did not seek the
sociates among the millions of our faith-
companionship of ungodly people. He ful brothers and sisters. Sticking with
and the seven members of his family those who are guided by God-given wis-
occupied themselves with the doing of dom will help us to “stand firm in the
God-given work, which included build- faith” during these very difficult times.
ing an ark. Meanwhile, Noah was also “a (1 Cor. 16:13; Prov. 13:20) And just think
preacher of righteousness.” (2 Pet. 2:5) of our wonderful prospects! If we watch
Noah’s preaching, his work on the ark, our associations in these last days, we
and his association with his family kept may personally live right through the
him busy doing good things that pleased end of this evil system and into Jeho-
God. As a result, Noah and his immedi- vah’s righteous new world now so near at
ate family survived the Flood. We should hand!
be grateful to them because all of us to-
day are the descendants of those who 19. To gain God’s favor, what must we do?
Wholesome association
with fellow believers
gives us a taste of
new world living
(See paragraph 19)
What We Can Learn
From Joanna
MANY people know that Jesus had 12 apostles. their everyday life. Regarding such followers,
But they may not be aware that his disciples also though, Jesus said: “My mother and my brothers
included women who were closely associated with are these who hear the word of God and do it.”
him. Joanna was one of those women.—Matt. 27: (Luke 8:19-21; 18:28-30) Are you not encouraged
55; Luke 8:3. to know that Jesus feels so close to those who
What role did Joanna play in Jesus’ ministry, make sacrifices in order to follow him?
and what can we learn from her example?
SHE MINISTERED FROM HER BELONGINGS
WHO WAS JOANNA? “From their belongings,” Joanna and many
Joanna was “the wife of Chuza, Herod’s man in other women ministered to Jesus and the Twelve.
charge.” Chuza may have been the steward of do- (Luke 8:3) “Luke is not telling his readers that the
mestic affairs for Herod Antipas. Joanna was one women cooked the meals, washed the dishes, and
of several women whom Jesus cured of their in- mended the clothes,” notes one writer. “Perhaps
firmities. Along with the other women, Joanna they did . . . , but it is not what Luke says.” Appar-
traveled with Jesus and his apostles.—Luke 8:1-3. ently, the women used their money, goods, or
The Jewish rabbis taught that women should property to provide for their companions.
not socialize with men who were not their rela- Neither Jesus nor his apostles did secular work
tives, much less travel with them. In fact, Jewish during their preaching tours. Hence, they prob-
men were to say little to women. Disregarding ably did not have the means to pay for all the food
such traditions, Jesus allowed Joanna and the and other things needed by a group of perhaps 20
other believing women to accompany his group. people. Although they may have been received
Joanna risked social disapproval by associating hospitably, the fact that Christ and his apostles
with Jesus and the apostles. All who set out with carried a “money box” suggests that they did not
him had to be prepared to make adjustments in always rely on hospitality. (John 12:6; 13:28, 29)
AUGUST 15, 2015 29

Joanna and the other women may have made accompany him and minister to him when he
contributions to cover expenses. was in Galilee, and many other women who
Some object that a Jewish woman would not had come up together with him to Jerusalem.”
have financial assets. However, contemporary (Mark 15:41) When Jesus’ body was removed
texts indicate that among the Jews, a woman may from the stake for burial, “the women who had
have acquired resources in various ways: (1) as an come with him from Galilee followed along and
inheritance if her father died without sons, (2) as took a look at the tomb and saw how his body
property given to her, (3) as money stipulated in was laid, and they went back to prepare spices
a marriage contract as due her in case of divorce, and perfumed oils.” These women—whom Luke
(4) as maintenance from a deceased husband’s identifies as “Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and
estate, or (5) as personal earnings. Mary the mother of James”—returned after the
Undoubtedly, Jesus’ followers contributed sabbath and saw angels who told them of Jesus’
what they could. His entourage may have includ- resurrection.—Luke 23:55–24:10.
ed wealthy women. Because Joanna was or had It is possible that Joanna was among the dis-
been the wife of Herod’s steward, some conclude ciples, including Jesus’ mother and brothers,
that she was well-off. Someone like her may have who gathered together in Jerusalem at Pente-
provided the expensive seamless garment that Je- cost 33 C.E. (Acts 1:12-14) Because of her court
sus wore. One writer points out that this was an
connections, Joanna may have been the source
item that “fishermen’s wives could not have sup-
of what some consider to be Luke’s inside infor-
plied.”—John 19:23, 24.
mation about Herod Antipas, especially since
The Scriptures do not specifically say that Jo-
Luke is the only Gospel writer who mentions her
anna made financial contributions. However, she
by name.—Luke 8:3; 9:7-9; 23:8-12; 24:10.
did what she could, and this can teach us a lesson.
The story of Joanna provides us with some
What we give to promote Kingdom interests—or
thought-provoking lessons. She served Jesus the
whether we choose to give—is up to us. What mat-
ters to God is that we joyfully do what we can. best way she could. She must have been happy if
—Matt. 6:33; Mark 14:8; 2 Cor. 9:7. her funds helped him, the Twelve, and other dis-
ciples to travel and preach together. Joanna
AT JESUS’ DEATH AND THEREAFTER ministered to Jesus and was loyal to him through
Apparently, Joanna was present at Jesus’ exe- trials. Christian women would do well to imitate
cution, along with other women “who used to her godly spirit.
Joanna and other

believing women
did what they could
for their Lord
FROM OUR ARCHIVES
“Jehovah Brought You

to France to Learn the Truth”
AS A boy, Antoine Skalecki had a pony or a horse The hardworking Polish immigrants brought
as a constant companion. Together they trudged along their distinct culture, including deep reli-
through dimly lit tunnels, transporting loads of gious sentiment. “My grandfather Joseph spoke
coal in a mine 1,600 feet (500 m) below ground. of the Holy Scriptures with a reverence that had
Antoine’s father was injured in a mine collapse, been implanted by his own father,” recalls An-
leaving the family no choice but to send An- toine, now 90. On Sundays, Polish mining families
toine to toil in the mines nine hours a day. On donned their best clothes for church, just as they
one occasion, Antoine almost lost his life in a had done back home, much to the disdain of cer-
cave-in. tain secular-minded French locals.
Antoine was one of many children born in It was in Nord-Pas-de-Calais that many Polish
France to Polish parents in the 1920’s and 1930’s. residents first came in contact with the Bible Stu-
Why did Polish immigrants come to France? When dents, who had been preaching zealously in the re-
Poland’s independence was restored following gion since 1904. By 1915, The Watch Tower began to
World War I, overpopulation became a serious be printed in Polish each month, and The Golden
problem. France, on the other hand, had lost Age (now Awake!) became available in that lan-
more than a million men in the war and was in des- guage in 1925. Many families were receptive to the
perate need of coal miners. Therefore, the French Scriptural contents of these magazines, as well as
and Polish governments signed an immigration to the book The Harp of God in Polish.
agreement in September 1919. By 1931 the Polish Antoine’s family learned of the Bible Students
population in France had reached 507,800, with through his uncle, who attended his first meeting
many Polish people settling in the mining regions in 1924. That same year, in Bruay-en-Artois, the
in the north. Bible Students held their first assembly in the
Tools used by the Polish miners,

and the mine at Dechy, near Sin-le-Noble,
where Antoine Skalecki worked
31
Polish brothers and sisters in France on their way to a convention. The sign reads “Jehovah’s Witnesses”
Polish language. Less than a month later in the their consecration [dedication] by baptism.” Be-
same town, a representative of world headquar- fore World War II broke out, 32 of the 84 congre-
ters, Joseph F. Rutherford, held a public meeting, gations in France were Polish-speaking.
where 2,000 gathered. Moved by the large, most- In 1947 many Witnesses of Jehovah accepted
ly Polish attendance, Brother Rutherford told an invitation by the Polish government to re-
them: “Jehovah brought you to France to learn turn to Poland. Even after their departure, how-
the truth. Now you and your children must help ever, the fruitage of their efforts and those of
the French! A great preaching work is still to be their French fellow believers could be seen in the
done, and Jehovah will raise up publishers for 10 percent increase in Kingdom publishers that
that work.” year. This was followed by increases of 20, 23, and
And Jehovah God did just that! These Polish even 40 percent in the years from 1948 to 1950! To
Christians were as wholehearted about preaching help train these new publishers, the France branch
as they were hardworking in the mines! Indeed, appointed the first circuit overseers in 1948. Of
some of them returned to their native Poland to the five selected, four were Polish, and Antoine
share the precious truths they had learned. Teofil Skalecki was one of them.
Piaskowski, Szczepan Kosiak, and Jan Zabuda Many of Jehovah’s Witnesses in France still
were among those who left France to spread the have the Polish surnames of their forebears, who
good news throughout large areas of Poland. worked hard both in the mines and in the field
But many Polish-speaking evangelizers re- ministry. Today, too, multitudes of immigrants are
mained in France and continued to preach zeal- learning the truth in France. Whether evangelizers
ously alongside their French brothers and sisters. from other countries return to their native lands
At the 1926 general assembly in Sin-le-Noble, or settle in their new home, they are zealously fol-
1,000 attended the Polish session, along with 300 lowing the course of Kingdom proclaimers such as
at the French. The 1929 Yearbook reported: “Dur- their Polish predecessors.—From our archives in
ing the year 332 Polish brethren have symbolized France.
s
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w15 08/15-E

150415
SEPTEMBER 1 5, 2 0 1 5
34567
STUDY ARTICLES
___________________________________________________________________
OCTOBER 26–NOVEMBER 1
Are You Reaching
the Stature That
Belongs to Christ?
PAGE 3
___________________________________________________________________
NOVEMBER 2-8
Is Your Conscience
a Reliable Guide?
PAGE 8
___________________________________________________________________
NOVEMBER 9-15
“Stand Firm
in the Faith”
PAGE 13
___________________________________________________________________
NOVEMBER 16-22
In What Ways Does
Jehovah Love Us?
PAGE 18
___________________________________________________________________
NOVEMBER 23-29
How Can We Show
That We Love
Jehovah?
PAGE 23
STUDY ARTICLES
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
ˇ Are You Reaching the Stature

ˇ Is Your Conscience a Reliable Guide?
God’s servants should strive to grow spiritually, with
ITALY the goal of reaching spiritual maturity. They should also
COVER: Italian publishers from the train their God-given conscience. These articles provide
Chinese congregation speaking to a practical guide in both areas, discussing aspects of life
tourists visiting the city of Rome. where maturity and the conscience come into play.
Our mobile displays near famous _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
monuments attract hundreds of

people every month ˇ “Stand Firm in the Faith”
‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ We can learn vital lessons about faith from Peter’s attempt
to walk on the Sea of Galilee. This article will help us to
POPULATION identify potential weaknesses in our faith and show how
60,782,668 we can strengthen it.
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PUBLISHERS
ˇ In What Ways Does Jehovah Love Us?
251,650 ˇ How Can We Show That We Love Jehovah?
PIONEERS
Knowing that we are loved by Jehovah and reciprocating
33,073 that love bring us the greatest satisfaction and happiness
in life. In these two articles, we will consider ways in which
Jehovah shows his love for us and how we can show our
love for him.
¡Hola! Hello! 안녕하세요
halo
juga!
䓟好 Bonjour! ALSO IN THIS ISSUE
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The good news is being 28 Jehovah’s Blessing Has Enriched My Life

preached in 37 foreign
languages by over
24,000 publishers
34567 ˙
September 15, 2015
Are You Reaching the Stature
“Attain . . . the measure of stature that belongs
to the fullness of the Christ.”—EPH. 4:13.
WHEN an experienced housewife selects fresh fruit at the SONGS: 69, 70

market, she does not always choose the biggest pieces or the
least expensive ones. Rather, she looks for items that are ripe. WHAT WOULD YOU SAY?
She wants fruit that has good taste and aroma and that offers ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
healthy nutrients. Yes, she selects fruit that has reached a full How do mature Christians
state of growth, that is mature. benefit from accurate
2 After a person has progressed to dedication and baptism, knowledge?
he continues to grow. His goal is to become a mature servant
of God. The maturity we are speaking of is not physical but ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
spiritual. The apostle Paul wrote of the need for Christians in Mature Christians can have
Ephesus to grow spiritually. He encouraged them to reach out what impact on the unity of
to “attain to the oneness of the faith and of the accurate the congregation?
knowledge of the Son of God, to being a full-grown man, at-
taining the measure of stature that belongs to the fullness of ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
the Christ.”—Eph. 4:13. How can the right associates

3 When Paul wrote his letter, the congregation in Ephesus be of benefit to those who
want to become mature
1, 2. What sort of growth should every Christian strive for? Illustrate. Christians?
3. What situation in the Ephesian congregation can also be found
among Jehovah’s people today?
3
had already existed for some years. 6 We understand, though, that love is
Many disciples there had reached a high just one aspect of the fruitage of the spir-
level of spiritual development. Some, it that a mature Christian displays. (Gal.
however, still needed to press on to ma- 5:22, 23) Other aspects—such as mild-
turity. The situation among Jehovah’s ness, self-control, and patience—are im-
Witnesses today is much the same. Many portant too. They can help him to handle
brothers and sisters have long served difficult situations without becoming ir-
God and have advanced to spiritual ma- ritated and to endure heartbreaking dis-
turity. But obviously not all are at that appointments without losing hope. In
point. For example, thousands of new his program of personal study, he contin-
ones are baptized each year, so some still ually searches for Scriptural principles
need to strive for maturity. What about that can help him to distinguish right
you?—Col. 2:6, 7. from wrong. Thereafter, when he makes
CHRISTIAN GROWTH decisions, he gives evidence of spiritu-
4 When you examine ripe fruit at the
al maturity. For instance, he listens to
his Bible-trained conscience. The ma-
market, you see that not all the pieces
ture Christian shows humility in that he
are identical. Yet, they do share some
recognizes that Jehovah’s ways and stan-
characteristics that identify them as be-
dards are always better than his own.1
ing ripe. Similarly, mature Christians
He zealously preaches the good news
may be of different nationality, back-
and contributes to the unity of the con-
ground, health, age, and experience.
gregation.
There are even differences in personali-
7 No matter how long we have been
ty or culture. Still, all who grow spiritu-
ally develop qualities that identify them serving Jehovah, each of us can ask, ‘Are
as being mature. How so? there areas where I yet should model my-
5 A mature servant of Jehovah builds self more closely after Jesus, thus con-
his life around the example of Jesus, tinuing to progress spiritually?’
who left a model for us “to follow his “SOLID FOOD BELONGS
steps closely.” (1 Pet. 2:21) What did Je- TO MATURE PEOPLE”
sus highlight as being very important? 8 Jesus Christ had an excellent grasp
Loving Jehovah with all one’s heart, of God’s Word. Even when he was just 12
soul, and mind, and loving one’s neigh- years old, he was able to discuss Scrip-
bor as oneself. (Matt. 22:37-39) A ma- tural matters with teachers in the tem-
ture Christian strives to live in harmony
with that counsel. He has established a 1 For example, older, experienced brothers may be
life pattern that shows that he gives pri- asked to step aside from certain responsibilities and
to lend support to younger brothers as they take on
ority to his relationship with Jehovah those responsibilities.
and he displays self-sacrificing love for
others. 6, 7. (a) What are some qualities that identify
a mature Christian? (b) What will we consider?
4, 5. In what ways may mature Christians dif- 8. What can be said about Jesus’ knowledge
fer from one another, but what do they all have of the Scriptures and his understanding of
in common? (See opening image.) them?
4 THE WATCHTOWER
Older Christians can reflect
Christlike humility by
supporting younger ones
now taking the lead
(See paragraph 6)
ple. “All those listening to him were in study, making every effort to set aside
constant amazement at his understand- time each week for family worship? As
ing and his answers.” (Luke 2:46, 47) you consider God’s Word, be alert to
Later, during his earthly ministry, Jesus Scriptural principles that will help you to
silenced his opponents with appropri- see more clearly how Jehovah thinks
ate references to God’s Word.—Matt. and feels. Then try to apply Bible princi-
22:41-46. ples, relying on them when you make de-
9 In line with the model Jesus provid- cisions, thus drawing ever closer to Je-
ed, a Christian who wants to grow spiri- hovah.
10 A mature Christian understands
tually will not be satisfied with a super-
ficial knowledge of the Bible. He will that more is involved than knowledge. In
regularly dig deeply into its contents, re- addition to what he knows, how much
alizing that “solid food belongs to ma- does he love what he knows of God’s ways
ture people.” (Heb. 5:14) Clearly, a ma- and principles? One reflection of such
ture Christian wants to have “accurate love is the setting of priorities in life that
knowledge of the Son of God.” (Eph. 4: are in accord with Jehovah’s will rather
13) Do you schedule daily Bible reading? than human inclinations. Moreover, the
Do you follow a routine of personal Christian has no doubt worked to “put
away” his former attitudes and conduct.
9. (a) What Bible study habits are important
for someone who wants to grow spiritually? 10. How does a mature Christian’s knowledge
(b) What is the purpose of Bible study? influence him in everyday life?

As a Christian makes that change, he (Read Ephesians 4:1-6, 15, 16.) It is our
puts on the new Christlike personality, goal that God’s people be “harmonious-
which is “created according to God’s ly joined together” and that all members
will in true righteousness and loyalty.” cooperate with one another. According
(Read Ephesians 4:22-24.) The Bible to Jehovah’s Word, to achieve this uni-
was written under the direction of God’s ty, we need humility. A mature brother
holy spirit. While a Christian deepens his or sister has the humility to work for uni-
knowledge of and love for the Bible’s ty, even when facing the imperfections
standards, he opens his heart and mind of others. How do you react when con-
to the influence of holy spirit. That confronted with the imperfection of a broth-
tributes to spiritual growth. er or sister in the congregation? Or what
JOINED TOGETHER IN UNITY
if you personally are wronged by some-
11 During his life on earth as a per-
one in the congregation? Is it your incli-
nation, or even your pattern, to build a
fect man, Jesus was surrounded by im-
wall, so to speak, that separates you
perfect humans. He was raised by im-
from the offender? Or do you try to con-
perfect parents, and he spent years at
struct a bridge across the gap between
home with imperfect relatives. Even his
the two of you? A mature Christian
closest followers were influenced by the
wants to—yes, strives to—build bridges,
ambitious, manipulative spirit common
not walls.
around them. For example, on the eve-
13 Consider the example of Uwe. In
ning before Jesus was executed, there
“arose a heated dispute among them the past, he tended to let the imperfec-
over which one of them was considered tions of fellow believers upset him. Then
to be the greatest.” (Luke 22:24) But Je- he decided to use the Bible and Insight
sus was confident that his imperfect fol- on the Scriptures to study the life of
lowers could grow spiritually and form David. Why David? Uwe explains: “Da-
a united congregation. That same eve- vid witnessed the unscriptural behavior
ning, Jesus prayed for the loving unity of some fellow believers. For example,
of his apostles, asking his heavenly Fa- King Saul tried to kill him, some of the
ther: “May [they] all be one, just as you, people wanted to stone him, and even
Father, are in union with me and I am in David’s own wife mocked him. (1 Sam.
union with you, that they also may be in 19:9-11; 30:1-6; 2 Sam. 6:14-22) But Da-
union with us, . . . in order that they may vid never allowed the conduct of others
be one just as we are one.”—John 17: to dampen his love for Jehovah. Also,
21, 22. David had a merciful heart, something
12 A mature servant of Jehovah pro- I needed to cultivate. What I learned
motes unity within the congregation. through my study changed my view of
the imperfections of fellow believers. I
11. Jesus experienced what in his dealings no longer keep a chronicle of mistakes.
with his family and his disciples? Rather, I strive to contribute to the uni-
12, 13. (a) How does Ephesians 4:15, 16 high- ty of the congregation.” Do you likewise
light the need to promote unity in the congre-
gation? (b) How did one brother overcome a have the goal of promoting unity in the
weakness and thus learn to work toward unity? congregation?
6 THE WATCHTOWER
FRIENDS AMONG THOSE during her final year at school, the
DOING GOD’S WILL students in her class were comparing
14 Jesus Christ was friendly toward their personal goals. Many of them were
people in general. Individuals of all reaching out for a university education
sorts felt at ease in his company—men, as a stepping-stone to what they hoped
women, young, old, even children. But would be a promising career. Helga dis-
in choosing close friends, Jesus was se- cussed the situation with friends in her
lective. He said to his faithful apostles: congregation. “Many of them were old-
“You are my friends if you do what I am er than I was,” she relates, “and they
commanding you.” (John 15:14) Jesus helped me a lot. They encouraged me to
chose such friends from among those take up the full-time ministry. There-
who loyally followed him and served Je- after, I was able to spend five years in
hovah wholeheartedly. Do you similarly the pioneer service. Now, years later, I
select your close friends from among am happy that I focused much of my
those who serve Jehovah unreservedly? youth on Jehovah’s service. I have no
Why is this important? reason to regret having done so.”
15 Many types of fruit ripen best in 17 Trying to focus our lives on the ex-
warm sunlight. Similarly, the warmth of ample Jesus set will help us in our
our brotherhood can help you to pro- Christian growth. We will draw closer to
gress to maturity. Perhaps you are a Jehovah, and we will grow in our desire
young person who is trying to decide to serve him to the greatest extent pos-
what course you will pursue in life. How sible. A servant of God can give Jeho-
wise you are if you associate with fellow vah his best when he has reached full
believers who have considerable experi- spiritual growth, when he is a mature
ence in serving Jehovah and in contrib- Christian. Jesus encouraged his follow-
uting to the unity of the congregation! ers: “Let your light shine before men, so
Over the years, they may have had some that they may see your fine works and
ups and downs in life and may even have give glory to your Father who is in the
faced challenges in serving God. Such heavens.”—Matt. 5:16.
ones can help you to choose the best 18 As noted, a mature Christian can be
way of life. Warm, upbuilding associa-
a powerful influence for good in the
tion with such brothers and sisters can
congregation. And such spiritual matu-
help you to make your own wise de-
rity is reflected in how a Christian uses
cisions and to press on to maturity.
his God-given conscience. How can our
—Read Hebrews 5:14.
16 Helga, for instance, recalls that
conscience help us to make wise deci-
sions? And how can we respect the con-
14. Jesus chose what sort of individuals as his scientious decisions of fellow believers?
friends? We will consider these points in the fol-
15. How can young ones benefit from associa- lowing article.
tion with mature Christians?
16. How did older ones in the congregation 17, 18. How can spiritual maturity help us to
help one young sister? fulfill our purpose in life?

Is Your Conscience
a Reliable Guide?
“The objective of this instruction is love out of a clean
heart and out of a good conscience.”
—1 TIM. 1:5.
SONGS: 57, 48 JEHOVAH GOD created humans with free will, that is, the lib-
erty to choose between one option and another. God provid-
HOW WOULD YOU ed a valuable guide for the first man and woman and their fu-
ANSWER? ture offspring—the conscience, an inner sense of right and
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
wrong. Used properly, the conscience can help us to do good
How can our conscience and to avoid wrongdoing. Our conscience thus is an evidence
come into play as to health of God’s love for us and of his desire that humans be united in
care? doing good.
2 Today, humans still have the faculty of conscience. (Read
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Romans 2:14, 15.) Though many have strayed far from the Bi-
Of what value can our ble’s standards of conduct, we find that some individuals of-
conscience be as a guide ten do what is good and abhor what is bad. The conscience
with regard to recreation? holds many individuals back from committing deeds of ex-
treme wickedness. Imagine how much worse world conditions
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
would be if no one had a conscience! We would likely hear of
Our conscience can move us even more evil than we do now. How grateful we can be that
to perform what good works?
1, 2. Who is the Source of our conscience, and why can we be thank-
ful that we have this faculty?
8
God has provided humans with a con- 5 However, we might ask: How can a
science! well-trained conscience help us when we
3 Unlike people in general, servants of need to make decisions? How can we re-
Jehovah want to train their conscience. spect the conscientious decision of a fel-
They want the proddings of their con- low believer? And how can our con-
science to agree with the standards of science move us to greater works of zeal?
right and wrong, good and bad, as re- With those questions in mind, let us con-
flected in God’s Word. A properly trained sider three areas in which our conscience
conscience exercises a powerful influ- can be a positive factor: (1) health care,
ence for good in the Christian congrega- (2) recreation, and (3) the ministry.
tion. However, training and using our
BE REASONABLE
Christian conscience is not just a men-
tal activity. The Bible links a good con- 6 The Bible encourages us to avoid
science to faith and love. Paul wrote: harmful practices and to be moderate in
“The objective of this instruction is love habits, such as in eating and drinking.
out of a clean heart and out of a good (Prov. 23:20; 2 Cor. 7:1) As we apply Bi-
conscience and out of faith without hy- ble principles, we will be safeguarding
pocrisy.” (1 Tim. 1:5) As we train our con- our health to a degree, even if advanc-
science and respond to it, our love for Je- ing age and infirmity may still affect us.
hovah will deepen and our faith will be In some lands, both conventional medi-
strengthened. In fact, the way we use our cine and a range of alternative therapies
conscience reveals the depth of our spir- are available. Branch offices regularly
ituality, the quality of our heart, and the receive letters from brothers and sis-
intensity of our desire to please Jehovah. ters who are considering one form of
Indeed, this inner voice reflects what sort treatment or another. Many ask, “Can a
of person we truly are. servant of Jehovah accept such treat-
4 But how can we train our conscience? ment?”
Key ways are by regularly and prayerful- 7 Neither a branch office nor the local
ly studying the Bible, meditating on what congregation elders are authorized to

we read, and then putting into practice make health-care decisions for a Witness,
what we have learned. Obviously, this in- even if he asks what to do. (Gal. 6:5)
volves more than accumulating facts and They can, of course, call attention to
learning rules. Our study of the Bible what Jehovah has said that may have a
should gradually give us an ever more bearing on the decision. For example, a
precise picture of Jehovah, his personal- Christian needs to remember the Bibli-
ity, his qualities, and what he likes or dis- cal command “to keep abstaining from
likes. Our conscience becomes attuned . . . blood.” (Acts 15:29) That would
to the ways of Jehovah God. This should clearly rule out medical treatments that
stir our heart, moving us to want to be-
come more and more like him. 5. What will we consider in this article?
6. What is one field in which questions arise
3. Why is the conscience a powerful force for and decisions must be made?
good in the Christian congregation? 7. How can we make decisions about medical
4. How can we train our conscience? treatments?

involve taking in whole blood or any of so much time to health care that spiritual
its four major components. This knowl- matters are forced into the background.
edge could even influence a Christian’s Were we to allow health care to become
conscience when he makes a personal de- the main focus of our life, we would
cision regarding minor fractions derived run the risk of becoming self-centered.
from one of those four components.1 (Phil. 2:4) Spiritual matters are most im-
But what other Bible advice can guide portant, and with regard to health, our
us when we are contemplating medical expectations should remain reasonable.
treatment? —Read Philippians 1:10.
8 Proverbs 14:15 says: “The naive per- 9 A Christian who is reasonable does
son believes every word, but the shrewd not impose his views on others. In one
one ponders each step.” For some illness- European land, a married couple were
es, there may be no known cure. So it is zealously advocating certain food sup-
wise to be cautious when it comes to plements and a diet. They persuaded
treatments that feature stunning claims some brothers to use the supplements,
but that are promoted merely with hear- but others chose not to. In time, the re-
say testimonials. Paul was inspired to sults fell short of expectations, and there
write: “Let your reasonableness become was widespread resentment. The cou-
known to all men.” (Phil. 4:5) Reason- ple had a right to choose for themselves
ableness also holds us back from devoting whether they would follow a certain diet
1 See “Questions From Readers” in The Watch-
and take the supplements, but was it rea-
tower of June 15, 2004, pp. 29-31. sonable to put the unity of the congrega-
tion at risk over health care? For a time,
8. How can Philippians 4:5 help us with regard Christians in ancient Rome had differing
to health care?
opinions with regard to eating certain
foods and observing certain days. What
advice did Paul give them? Regarding the
Do you impose your views on others?
latter, he said: “One man judges one day
(See paragraph 9) as above another; another judges one
day the same as all others; let each one be
fully convinced in his own mind.” It was
important not to put a stumbling block
before others.—Read Romans 14:5, 13,
15, 19, 20.
10 If we cannot understand the consci-
entious decision of a fellow believer on

some personal matter, we should not
quickly judge him or feel that we ought to
9. How does Romans 14:13, 19 have a bearing

on decisions about health, and how might our
unity be put at risk?
10. Why should we respect the personal deci-
sions of others? (See opening image.)
pressure him to change his mind. Per- 13 The Bible also provides principles
haps his conscience is still “weak” and in that can help us mold our conscience
need of more training or is too sensitive with regard to recreation. One is that
on certain issues. (1 Cor. 8:11, 12) On the “physical training is beneficial for a lit-
other hand, it may be that we need to ex- tle.” (1 Tim. 4:8) Many have conclud-
amine our own conscience, which may ed that a measure of regular exercise
need further training in line with divine promotes good health and refreshes the
principles. On matters like health care, body and mind. If we want to enjoy exer-
each of us should be willing to make a cise in a group, should we share in it
personal decision and accept the respon- with just anyone? Proverbs 13:20 tells us:
sibility that comes with it. “The one walking with the wise will be-
come wise, but the one who has dealings
ENJOY UPBUILDING RECREATION with the stupid will fare badly.” Does this
11 Jehovah created humans in a way not suggest that we should be selective in
that makes it possible for them to enjoy our choice of recreation, guided by our
and benefit from recreation. Solomon Bible-trained conscience?
wrote that there is “a time to laugh” and 14 Christian and Daniela are the parents
“a time to dance.” (Eccl. 3:4) But not of two teenagers. Christian relates: “Dur-
every pastime is beneficial, relaxing, or ing our Family Worship evening, we dis-
refreshing; nor is it good to engage in rec- cussed recreation. We agreed that some
reation too much or too often. How can ways of having fun are acceptable where-
our conscience help us to enjoy upbuild- as others are not. Who can be considered
ing recreation and benefit from it? good association? One of our daugh-
12 The Scriptures warn against certain ters complained that during recess at her
behavior identified as “the works of the school, some Witness youths behave in a
flesh.” These works include “sexual im- way that she thought was not proper. And
morality, uncleanness, brazen conduct, she felt under pressure to behave in the
idolatry, spiritism, hostility, strife, jeal- same way. We reasoned that each of us
ousy, fits of anger, dissensions, divisions, has a conscience, and we ought to be
sects, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, guided by it in choosing what we do and
and things like these.” Paul wrote that with whom.”—Read Romans 14:2-4.
15 There is also the question of when to
“those who practice such things will not
inherit God’s Kingdom.” (Gal. 5:19-21) engage in recreation. Do you plan recre-
Accordingly, we can ask ourselves: ‘Does ation around theocratic activities, such
my conscience move me to shun sports as meetings, field ministry, and personal
that are aggressive, competitive, nation- study? Or do you find yourself trying to
alistic, or violent? Does my inner voice fit theocratic activities between periods
warn me when I am tempted to view a 13. How can the advice at 1 Timothy 4:8 and
film that features pornographic scenes or Proverbs 13:20 help us with regard to recre-
one that condones immorality, drunken- ation?
ness, or spiritism?’ 14. How did one youth act in harmony with Ro-
mans 14:2-4?
11, 12. When choosing recreation, what Bible 15. How can considering Matthew 6:33 be of
counsel should we keep in mind? help when planning recreation?

of leisure? What are your priorities? Je- 17 When Jacqueline was 16 years old,
sus said: “Keep on, then, seeking first she studied biology in school. The theo-
the Kingdom and his righteousness, and ry of evolution was explained in some de-
all these other things will be added to tail. “My conscience would not let me
you.” (Matt. 6:33) Does your conscience share as fully in class discussions as I nor-
prompt you to set priorities that line up mally did. I could not support the theory
with Jesus’ advice? of evolution. I approached the teach-
er and explained my position. To my
MOTIVATED TO ZEALOUS WORKS
surprise, he was very friendly and of-
16 A good conscience does much more fered me the chance to speak to the
than warn us against wrongdoing. It whole class on the subject of creation.”
moves us to do good works. Foremost Jacqueline felt deep inner satisfaction
among these good works is our participa- at having listened to and acted in line
tion in the ministry from house to house with her Bible-trained conscience. Does
and our taking advantage of opportuni- your conscience similarly move you to
ties to witness informally. Paul’s con- do what is right?
science moved him to do so. He wrote: 18 How fine it is when our goal is to
“Necessity is laid upon me. Really, woe to bring our lives ever more into harmony
me if I do not declare the good news!” with Jehovah’s standards and ways! To
(1 Cor. 9:16) As we imitate him, our con- that end, the conscience can be an inval-
science speaks to us, assuring us that we uable tool. By regularly immersing our-
are doing the right thing. And by preach- selves in God’s Word, meditating on what
ing the good news, we appeal to the con- we find, and striving to put it into prac-
science of those to whom we speak. Paul tice, we train our conscience. It will thus
said: “By making the truth manifest, we prove to be a valuable asset in our Chris-
recommend ourselves to every human tian life!
conscience in the sight of God.”—2 Cor.
4:2. 17. How did one young sister act in harmony
with her conscience?
16. Our conscience can have what bearing on 18. Why should we be interested in having a
our preaching? good, reliable conscience?
Your Bible-trained
conscience can help you
to avoid dangers
(See paragraph 14)
“Stand Firm in the Faith”
“Stand firm in the faith, . . . grow mighty.”
—1 COR. 16:13.
THE apostle Peter and some other disciples are struggling to SONGS: 60, 64
row their boat across the Sea of Galilee during a nighttime
windstorm. Suddenly, they see Jesus walking on the sea. Pe- HOW WOULD YOU
ter calls out to Jesus, asking if he could walk across the wa- ANSWER?
ter to his Master. When Jesus tells him to come, Peter gets ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
out of the boat and miraculously walks toward Jesus on the Why is faith a precious
choppy surface. Moments later, though, Peter starts to sink. possession?
Why? He looked at the windstorm and became afraid. Peter
cries out to Jesus, who quickly catches hold of him and says:
“You with little faith, why did you give way to doubt?”—Matt. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
14:24-32. How can we tell if our faith

2 Let us consider three aspects of Peter’s experience relat- has begun to weaken?
ed to faith: (1) how Peter first showed faith in God’s support,
(2) why Peter began to lose faith, and (3) what helped Peter ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
to regain his faith. Examining these points can help us to see Why can we strengthen our
how we can “stand firm in the faith.”—1 Cor. 16:13. faith by looking intently at
Jesus?
1. (a) What experience did Peter have during a windstorm on the Sea
of Galilee? (See opening image.) (b) Why did Peter start to sink?
2. What will we now consider?
13
FAITH IN GOD’S SUPPORT that, because of our faith, we will receive
3 When Peter climbed out of the boat a gift no human could ever obtain by
to walk on the water, he did so in faith. his own efforts—everlasting life.—John
Jesus had called him, and Peter trusted 3:16.
that God’s power would support him just LOSS OF FOCUS
as it was supporting Jesus. Similarly, CAN LEAD TO LOSS OF FAITH
when we dedicated ourselves to Jehovah 6 The wind and waves surrounding Pe-
and got baptized, we did so because of
ter as he walked on the water might be
our faith. Jesus called us to be his fol-
compared to the trials and temptations
lowers, to walk in his footsteps. We had
we face in our life of dedication to God.
to exercise faith in both Jesus and God,
Even when these are severe, we can
trusting that they would support us in
stand firm with Jehovah’s support. Re-
various ways.—John 14:1; read 1 Peter
call that Peter did not sink because of a
2:21.
4 Faith is truly a precious possession.
gust of wind or a big wave. Think back on
the sequence of events: “Looking at the
Just as Peter’s faith enabled him to walk
windstorm, he became afraid.” (Matt.
on water, our faith enables us to do
14:30) Peter lost his focus on Jesus, and
things that from a human standpoint
then his faith wavered. We could begin
may seem impossible. (Matt. 21:21, 22)
to sink if we were to begin “looking at
For instance, many of us have changed
the windstorm,” focusing on its pow-
our attitudes and practices so drastical-
er and doubting that Jehovah will sup-
ly that we are almost unrecognizable
port us.
to those who knew us before. Jehovah 7 We should take seriously the possi-
supported our efforts because we took
bility that our faith could diminish, for
these steps based on our faith in him.
the Bible refers to a weakening of faith or
(Read Colossians 3:5-10.) Once our
loss of faith as “the sin that easily entan-
faith moved us to dedicate ourselves to
gles us.” (Heb. 12:1) As Peter’s experi-
Jehovah, we became his friends, some-
ence shows, our faith can quickly weak-
thing we could never have done in our
en if we focus on the wrong things. How
own power.—Eph. 2:8.
5 Our faith continues to empower us.
can we tell whether we are in danger of
that happening? Consider some ques-
In faith we are able to resist the attacks
tions that we can use to examine our-
of our superhuman adversary, the Devil.
selves.
(Eph. 6:16) In addition, trust in Jehovah
8 Do God’s promises seem less real to me
helps us to minimize our anxiety dur-
ing challenging times. Jehovah says that now than they once did? For instance, God
when our faith moves us to put Kingdom has promised to destroy the present sys-
interests first, he will provide for our ma- 6, 7. (a) To what might we compare the storm
terial needs. (Matt. 6:30-34) More than and waves that surrounded Peter? (b) Why
should we take seriously the possibility that
3. Why did Peter climb out of the boat, and our faith could diminish?
how have we done something similar? 8. How might God’s promises seem less real
4, 5. Why is faith a precious possession? to us than they once did?
14 THE WATCHTOWER
By focusing on Jesus’ example and following his footsteps closely, we can be made firm in the faith
(See paragraph 15)
tem of things. Yet, are we distracted by on personal pursuits, such as by taking a

the world’s array of entertainment op- job that pays well but that interferes with
tions, thus weakening our faith in God’s our worship? Our faith could weaken,
promise? We might start to doubt that and we could “become sluggish,” doing
the end is really near. (Hab. 2:3) Here is less for Jehovah than our circumstances
another example. God promises to for- allow.—Heb. 6:10-12.
give us on the basis of the ransom. If, 10 Do I struggle to forgive personal of-
though, we became obsessed with guilt fenses? When others offend or hurt us,
over our past mistakes, we could begin we could focus on how we feel and then
to doubt whether Jehovah has really be tempted to tell them off or to cut
“blotted out” all our sins. (Acts 3:19) them off by not speaking to them. On the
Consequently, we could lose our joy in other hand, if we forgive, we show our
God’s service and become inactive. faith in Jehovah. How so? Those who sin
9 Am I as diligent in God’s service as I against us owe us a debt, just as our sins
once was? The apostle Paul showed that put us in debt to God. (Luke 11:4) When
working hard for Jehovah leads to our we forgive others, we have to trust that
having “the full assurance of the hope gaining God’s favor by doing so is worth
down to the end.” However, what could more than making them pay back their
happen if we began to focus our efforts debt. Jesus’ disciples recognized that
9. What could happen if we focused on per- 10. How do we demonstrate faith in Jehovah
sonal pursuits? when we forgive others?

forgiving others requires faith. When he FOCUS ON JESUS
told them to forgive even those who TO STRENGTHEN YOUR FAITH
had sinned against them repeatedly, they 14 When Peter looked at the storm and
begged: “Give us more faith.”—Luke 17: started to sink, he could have tried to
1-5. make it back to the boat on his own. He
11 Do I chafe at Scriptural counsel? In- was an able swimmer, so this might even
stead of looking for a way to benefit have been his natural response. (John
from the counsel, we might be focusing 21:7) Yet, instead of relying on himself,
on some defect in the counsel or in the he refocused on Jesus and accepted Je-
counselor. (Prov. 19:20) We might thus sus’ help. If we sense that our faith is
miss an opportunity to bring our think- weakening, we should imitate Peter’s ex-
ing into line with God’s. ample. But how can we do that?
12 Do I murmur against appointed broth- 15 Just as Peter refocused on Jesus, we
ers in the congregation? When the Israel- too must “look intently at the Chief
ites focused on the bad report of the ten Agent and Perfecter of our faith, Jesus.”
faithless spies, they began to murmur (Read Hebrews 12:2, 3.) Of course, we
against Moses and Aaron. Jehovah then cannot literally see Jesus as Peter did. In-
asked Moses: “How much longer will stead, we “look intently” at Jesus by ex-
they not put faith in me?” (Num. 14:2-4, amining his teachings and actions and
11) Yes, the Israelites’ murmuring actu- then following these closely. Consider
ally showed a lack of trust in God, who some steps we can take based on the
had appointed Moses and Aaron. Like- model Jesus set. If we put these into
wise, if we constantly grumble about practice, we will receive the help we need
those whom God is using to lead his peo- to make our faith firm.
ple, is this not an indication that our 16 Strengthen your confidence in the Bible.
faith in God has weakened? Jesus was convinced that the Bible is
13 Still, do not be disheartened if your God’s Word, which provides the best
self-examination exposes weaknesses in guidance in life. (John 17:17) Following
your faith. Even Peter, an apostle, gave Jesus’ example, we must read the Bible
way to fear and doubt. In fact, Je- daily, study it, and meditate on what we
sus at times reproved all the apostles learn. Along with general Bible study, dig
for having “little faith.” (Matt. 16:8) into topics about which you may have
Keep in mind that an important lesson questions. To illustrate, you might in-
we learn from Peter’s experience comes crease your conviction that the end of
from what he did after his faith wavered this system of things really is near by
and he started to sink into the sea. studying in detail the Scriptural proof
that we live in the last days. Strengthen
11. Why might we fail to benefit from Scriptur- your trust in the Bible’s promises for the
al counsel?
12. A person who constantly grumbles about 14, 15. (a) What did Peter do when he started
those whom Jehovah is using to lead his peo- to sink? (b) We cannot actually see Jesus, so
ple gives evidence of what? how can we “look intently” at him?
13. Why should we not be disheartened if we 16. How can we study the Bible in a way that
detect some weaknesses in our faith? builds our faith?
16 THE WATCHTOWER
future by investigating its many prophe- circle. His closest companions, the apos-
cies that have already come true. Devel- tles, had proved their faith and loyalty by
op your confidence in the practical value obeying his commands. (Read John 15:
of the Bible by considering examples of 14, 15.) So when choosing your friends,
how the Bible improves people’s lives.1 look for people who show their faith by
—1 Thess. 2:13. their obedience to Jesus. And remember
17 Focus on the blessings Jehovah has that one sign of a good friendship is open
promised. By fixing his sights on “the joy communication, even when this calls for
that was set before him,” Jesus was able giving or accepting counsel.—Prov. 27:9.
to remain faithful despite extreme tests. 20 Help others strengthen their faith. By
(Heb. 12:2) He was never distracted by both word and deed, Jesus built up
what the world could offer. (Matt. 4:8- the faith of his disciples. (Mark 11:20-
10) You can imitate Jesus by meditating 24) We should follow his example be-
on the wonderful promises Jehovah has cause helping others build up their faith
made to you. Put yourself in the picture also strengthens our own. (Prov. 11:25)
by writing down or making a drawing of In your preaching and teaching, high-
what you hope to do once God has re- light the proof that God exists, that he
moved this wicked system. Make a list of cares about us, and that the Bible is
people whom you look forward to meet- his inspired Word. Help your brothers
ing when they are resurrected and what and sisters bolster their faith as well. If
you would like to discuss with them. See any show signs of doubt, perhaps by
these as God’s promises not just to man- starting to grumble against appointed
kind in general but to you personally. brothers, do not quickly shun them. In-
18 Pray for more faith. Jesus taught his stead, tactfully come to their aid, help-
disciples to ask Jehovah for holy spirit. ing them take steps to restore their faith.
(Luke 11:9, 13) As you do this, pray for (Jude 22, 23) If you are in school and the
more faith; it is an aspect of the fruitage theory of evolution is discussed, boldly
of the spirit. Be specific in your request, defend your faith in creation—you might
asking God to help you overcome any be surprised at the effect your words
trait that you may have found that indi- have on others.
cates a weakening of faith, such as an in- 21 With God’s help through Jesus, Pe-
ability to forgive. ter conquered his fears and doubts, be-
19 Associate with people of faith. Jesus coming a pillar of faith among early
chose his friends carefully, especially Christians. In the same way, Jehovah
those whom he welcomed into his inner helps all of us to stand firm in the faith.
(Read 1 Peter 5:9, 10.) The effort we
1 For instance, see the series “The Bible Changes
Lives” in the public edition of The Watchtower. put into building our faith is well worth
it, for the rewards of faith are incompa-
17. Why was Jesus able to remain faithful de- rable.
spite extreme tests, and how can you imitate
him? 20. What benefit do we receive when we help
18. How can prayer help to strengthen your others build their faith?
faith? 21. What promise has Jehovah made to each
19. What should we look for in a friend? of us about our faith?

In What Ways
Does Jehovah Love Us?
“See what sort of love the Father has given us!”—1 JOHN 3:1.
SONGS: 91, 13 THE apostle John’s statement found at 1 John 3:1 is truly
worthy of our deep and appreciative reflection. With the
CAN YOU EXPLAIN? words “see what sort of love the Father has given us,” John
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
was urging Christians to think about the nature and magni-
Why do some find it difficult tude of God’s love for them, to consider how God loves
to comprehend that Jehovah them. Comprehending Jehovah’s love in those terms will
loves them? surely deepen our love for him and strengthen our relation-
ship with him.
2 To some, though, God’s love for people is a foreign con-
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
cept. To them, God is to be feared and obeyed. Or perhaps
How does Jehovah demon- because of certain entrenched erroneous teachings, they feel
strate his love for us in the that God is unloving, even unlovable. On the other hand,
way he cares for our needs
there are those who believe that God’s love is unconditional
and teaches us the truth?
and that he loves them regardless of what they do or fail to
do. As you studied the Bible, you learned that love is Jeho-
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
vah’s paramount attribute and that his love moved him to
How is God’s love seen in give his Son as a ransom in our behalf. (John 3:16; 1 John
the counsel and discipline 4:8) Yet, your feelings about God’s love for you might be af-
he provides? fected by your upbringing and background.
1. What did the apostle John urge Christians to consider, and why?
2. Why do some find it difficult to comprehend that God loves them?
18
3 In what ways, then, does Jehovah filled with idols of the gods and deities
love us? The answer to that question lies that the people believed gave them life
in understanding the basic relationship and life’s necessities. Paul was moved to
between Jehovah God and us. Jehovah, declare: “The God who made the world
of course, is the Creator of all humans. and all the things in it . . . gives to all
(Read Psalm 100:3-5.) That is why the people life and breath and all things. . . .
Bible calls Adam a “son of God,” and Je- By him we have life and move and exist.”
sus taught his followers to address God (Acts 17:24, 25, 28) Yes, out of love, Je-
as “our Father in the heavens.” (Luke 3: hovah provides “all things” necessary
38; Matt. 6:9) Being the Life-Giver, Je- for us to sustain our life. Think of what
hovah is our Father; the relationship be- that simple statement entails.
6 Consider the earth, which Jehovah,
tween him and us is that of a father to
his children. Simply put, Jehovah loves the Maker, “has given to the sons of
us the way a devoted father loves his men.” (Ps. 115:15, 16) Scientists have
children. spent vast amounts of money on space
4 Human fathers, of course, are im- explorations to find other earthlike
perfect. Try as they may, they do not ful- planets. Although hundreds of planets
ly reflect the way Jehovah expresses his have been identified, scientists are dis-
fatherly love. In fact, some individuals appointed that not one of those plan-
have dark memories of growing up in ets has the intricate balance of condi-
family situations that have left them tions that makes human life possible, as
with deep emotional or psychological the earth does. The earth appears to be
unique among all of God’s creation.
scars. That is painful and sad, even trag-
Just imagine, out of the unknown num-
ic. To be sure, Jehovah is not a father
ber of planets that exist in the Milky
like that. (Ps. 27:10) Knowing how Je-
Way and beyond, Jehovah created the
hovah loves and cares for us will surely
earth to be not merely a habitable place
draw us closer to him. (Jas. 4:8) In this
but a comfortable, beautiful, and safe
article, we will examine four ways in
home for his human creation! (Isa. 45:
which Jehovah shows his love for us. In
18) This reflects how Jehovah must love
the following article, we will consider
us.—Read Job 38:4, 7; Psalm 8:3-5.
four ways in which we can express our 7 Though Jehovah created a wonder-
love for him.
ful home for us, he knows that for us to
JEHOVAH IS OUR LOVING PROVIDER be happy and content, we need more
5 When the apostle Paul was in Ath- than material provisions. A child feels
ens, Greece, he noticed that the city was truly secure when he senses his par-
ents’ love and attention. Jehovah creat-
3. What basic truth helps us to understand ed humans in his image, giving them
God’s love for us? the spiritual capacity to sense and to
4. (a) How is Jehovah different from human
fathers? (b) What will we consider in this arti- 6. How does the earth reflect God’s love for
cle and the following one? us? (See opening image.)
5. What did the apostle Paul tell the Athenians 7. How does the way God made us show that
about God? he truly loves us?

respond to his love and care. (Gen. 1:27) is not only strong and wise but also fair
Furthermore, Jesus said: “Happy are and loving, making it easy for his chil-
those conscious of their spiritual need.” dren to have a close personal relation-
(Matt. 5:3) As a loving Father, Jehovah ship with him.
“richly provides us with all the things we 10 For our benefit, Jehovah also re-
enjoy,” both physically and spiritually. veals the truth about us, that is, about
—1 Tim. 6:17; Ps. 145:16. our place in his overall arrangement of
things. This contributes to peace and or-
JEHOVAH LOVINGLY
TEACHES US THE TRUTH der in his universal family. From the Bi-
8 Fathers love their children and want
ble we learn that humans are not creat-
ed with the right of self-determination,
to protect them from being misled or
to be independent of God, and that ig-
deceived. Many parents, however, are
noring this fundamental truth will have
unable to offer their children proper
sad consequences. (Jer. 10:23) This is
guidance because they themselves have
critically important to our welfare. Only
rejected the standards found in God’s
by recognizing God’s authority can we
Word. The result is often confusion and
enjoy peace and harmony. How loving
frustration. (Prov. 14:12) Jehovah, on
of Jehovah that he chooses to reveal
the other hand, is “the God of truth.”
this important truth!
(Ps. 31:5) He loves his children and de- 11 A loving father is deeply concerned
lights in letting his light of truth shine
about the future of his children, wanting
forth to guide them in every aspect of
them to have a real and meaningful pur-
their life, particularly in matters of wor-
pose in life. Regrettably, most people
ship. (Read Psalm 43:3.) What truth
are in the dark about the future, or they
has Jehovah revealed, and how does
spend their life pursuing goals that bring
this show that he loves us?
no lasting benefits. (Ps. 90:10) As God’s
9 First of all, Jehovah reveals the
children, we feel truly loved because Je-
truth about himself. He reveals his per- hovah has promised us a wonderful fu-
sonal name, which appears more times ture. That gives genuine meaning and
in the Bible than any other name. In this purpose to our life.
way, Jehovah draws close to us, letting
us know him. (Jas. 4:8) Jehovah also re- JEHOVAH COUNSELS
veals his qualities, the kind of God he is. AND DISCIPLINES HIS CHILDREN
While the observable universe makes 12 “Why are you so angry and deject-
manifest his power and wisdom, Jeho- ed? If you turn to doing good, will you
vah also reveals through the Scriptures not be restored to favor? . . . Will you get
his justice and especially his boundless the mastery over [sin]?” (Gen. 4:6, 7)
love. (Rom. 1:20) He is like a father who That was timely counsel coupled with
8. Why can we look to “the God of truth” for 11. What promise by Jehovah shows his love
love? and concern for us?
9, 10. How does Jehovah show that he loves 12. How did Jehovah’s counsel and direction
us by revealing the truth (a) about himself? for Cain and Baruch show his love and concern
(b) about us? for them?
20 THE WATCHTOWER
positive direction. Jehovah thus warned treme trials that may have involved dis-
Cain when it was apparent that Cain was cipline and that trained them. Think of
on a very dangerous course. Sadly, Cain Joseph, Moses, and David. Accounts of
did not heed that warning, and he suf- their lives are among the most detailed
fered for it. (Gen. 4:11-13) When Jere- and vivid of all Bible characters. Read-
miah’s secretary, Baruch, felt weary and ing about how Jehovah was with them
despondent, Jehovah gave him counsel throughout their trials and how they
to help him see the reality of his prob- came to be used mightily by Jehovah
lem. Unlike Cain, Baruch accepted Je- makes us feel all the more Jehovah’s
hovah’s counsel, and this preserved his care and love for his servants.—Read
life.—Jer. 45:2-5. Proverbs 3:11, 12.
13 “Those whom Jehovah loves he dis- 14 Discipline from Jehovah helps us
ciplines, in fact, he scourges everyone see another aspect of his love. When
whom he receives as a son,” wrote Paul. those who have done wrong are disci-
(Heb. 12:6) Discipline, however, is not plined by Jehovah and they respond
limited to punishment. It takes various and repent, “he will forgive in a large
forms. There are many examples in the way.” (Isa. 55:7) What does that mean?
Bible of faithful servants undergoing ex- David gave a touching description of
13. Why did Jehovah allow trials to come upon 14. How can we sense Jehovah’s love when we
his faithful ones? are disciplined by him?
Christian fathers imitate Jehovah by teaching their children the truth

and helping them have a relationship with their heavenly Father
Jehovah’s forgiveness in these words: ited a branch in Africa reported that po-
“He forgives all your errors and heals all litical and religious conflicts had devas-
your ailments; he reclaims your life from tated that country. Fighting, looting,
the pit and crowns you with his loyal raping, and killing plunged the land into
love and mercy. As far off as the sunrise chaos and anarchy. Yet, none of our
is from the sunset, so far off from us he brothers and sisters lost their life in
has put our transgressions.” (Ps. 103:3, that case, even though many of them
4, 12) May we always be sensitive to Je- lost all their belongings and their liveli-
hovah’s counsel, even his discipline, and hood. When asked how they were far-
be quick to respond, recognizing that it ing, everyone, with a broad smile, an-
is an expression of his boundless love swered: “All is well, thanks to Jehovah!”
for us.—Ps. 30:5. They felt God’s love for them.
17 Jehovah has on occasion allowed
JEHOVAH PROTECTS
enemies to take the life of a faithful one,
AND SAFEGUARDS US
such as Stephen. Yet, God protects his
15 Certainly, one of a loving father’s
people overall by providing timely warn-
priorities is that of protecting and safe- ings against Satan’s crafty acts. (Eph. 6:
guarding his family against any possible 10-12) Through his Word and Bible-
harm or serious danger. Jehovah, our based publications from his organiza-
heavenly Father, does no less. Of Jeho- tion, we are helped to see the truth
vah, the psalmist says: “He is guarding about deceptive riches, immoral and vi-
the lives of his loyal ones; he rescues olent entertainment, misuse of the In-
them from the hand of the wicked.” (Ps. ternet, and so on. Clearly, as a loving Fa-
97:10) Consider an example. How pre- ther, Jehovah looks after the safety and
cious your eyes are to you! That is how well-being of his people.
Jehovah feels about his people. (Read
Zechariah 2:8.) How precious God’s A GRAND PRIVILEGE
people are to him! 18 Having considered just a few of the
16 One way Jehovah protects his peo- excelling ways that Jehovah shows his
ple is by means of his angels. (Ps. 91:11) love for us, we cannot help but feel as
One angel saved Jerusalem from the in- Moses did. Reflecting on his long life of
vading Assyrians, destroying an army of service to Jehovah, Moses said: “Satisfy
185,000 in one night. (2 Ki. 19:35) The us with your loyal love in the morning,
apostles Peter and Paul as well as others so that we may shout joyfully and re-
experienced angelic deliverance from joice during all our days.” (Ps. 90:14) To
prison. (Acts 5:18-20; 12:6-11) In our comprehend and experience Jehovah’s
day as well, Jehovah’s hand is not short. love for us is one of the grandest privi-
A headquarters representative who vis- leges and blessings that we can have to-
day. As was the apostle John, we are
15. What shows that Jehovah’s people are pre- moved to declare: “See what sort of love
cious to him? the Father has given us!”—1 John 3:1.
16, 17. Describe ways that Jehovah has pro-
tected and safeguarded his people, even in our 18. How do you feel about Jehovah’s love for
time. you?
22 THE WATCHTOWER
How Can We Show
That We Love Jehovah?
“We love, because he first loved us.”—1 JOHN 4:19.
IT IS generally accepted that the best way a father can teach SONGS: 56, 138
his children is by personal example. The apostle John wrote
that “we love, because [God] first loved us.” (1 John 4:19) HOW IS YOUR LOVE
Therefore, it is clear that Jehovah has provided a surpassing INCREASED AS YOU SEE
example of fatherly love that can help us to love him. JEHOVAH’S LOVE IN . . .
2 In what way has God “first loved us”? The apostle Paul ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
said: “God recommends his own love to us in that, while we his care for our physical
were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Rom. 5:8) By making needs?
that great sacrifice—offering his own Son as the ransom for
believing humans—Jehovah has demonstrated the true na-
ture of love. It is expressed by giving, by acting in a selfless or ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
self-sacrificing way. God’s magnanimous act made it possible the spiritual provisions we
for us to come to him to benefit from his love and in return receive?
show our love for him.—1 John 4:10.
3 Love is Jehovah’s dominant attribute, so we can under-
stand why Jesus told one inquirer that the first command- ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
ment from God is: “You must love Jehovah your God with
counsel and discipline from
your whole heart and with your whole soul and with your him?
1, 2. According to the apostle John, how has God shown us the way to
love him?
3, 4. How should love for God be expressed?
23
whole mind and with your whole and to be happy. Does that not move us
strength.” (Mark 12:30) From Jesus’ to want to love him in return?
words, we learn that love for God in- 6 The Israelites lived under Jehovah’s
volves, first of all, our heart. Being loving care for hundreds of years and
halfhearted is displeasing to Jehovah. were bountifully blessed by him, in both
However, we note that love for God material and spiritual ways. (Deut. 4:
also involves our whole soul, mind, and 7, 8) Their continuing to receive such
strength. This means that genuine love blessings, however, was contingent on
for God is much more than just an emo- their obeying God’s Law, which included
tional feeling of the heart. In addition to regularly offering to Jehovah “the best
being heartfelt, our love for God must of the first ripe fruits” of the land. (Ex.
involve all our spiritual and physical fac- 23:19) The Israelites would thus demon-
ulties. According to the prophet Micah, strate that they did not take for grant-
that is what Jehovah wants from us. ed Jehovah’s love and blessings.—Read
—Read Micah 6:8. Deuteronomy 8:7-11.
4 How can we show that we truly love 7 What about us? Though we are not
our heavenly Father? We should love required to offer literal sacrifices today,
him unreservedly. As Jesus indicated, it is only proper that we show our love
all our physical, emotional, and spiritu- for God by honoring him with our “valu-
al faculties need to be involved. In the able things.” (Prov. 3:9) What are some
preceding article, we considered four ways that we can do so? Obviously, we
ways in which Jehovah has demonstrat- can use our material things to support
ed his great love for his children. Let us the Kingdom work locally and world-
now consider how we can demonstrate wide. This is certainly a fine way to ex-
and deepen our love for Jehovah in ways press love for Jehovah, whether we have
that are acceptable and agreeable to much or little materially. (2 Cor. 8:12)
him. There are, however, other ways to show
Jehovah that we love him.
GRATITUDE FOR
8 Recall Jesus’ reminder to his follow-
JEHOVAH’S PROVISIONS
ers not to be anxious about food and
5 When you receive a gift, what do you
clothing but to keep on seeking first the
do? Most likely you show your apprecia-
Kingdom. He said that the Father knows
tion in some way. In addition, you will
what we really need. (Matt. 6:31-33) The
likely make good use of the gift, not tak-
degree to which we trust that promise is
ing it for granted. “Every good gift and
an indication of the depth of our love for
every perfect present is from above,”
Jehovah because love and trust go hand
wrote the disciple James, “coming down
in hand. We cannot truly love someone
from the Father of the celestial lights,
who does not vary or change like the 6. What did the Israelites have to do to contin-
shifting shadows.” (Jas. 1:17) Jehovah ue receiving Jehovah’s blessings?
unfailingly provides what we need to live 7. How can we use our “valuable things” in
showing our love for Jehovah?
5. What would be a loving response to all that 8, 9. How is trusting Jehovah’s promise relat-
Jehovah has done for us? ed to our love for him? Illustrate.
24 THE WATCHTOWER
whom we do not trust. (Ps. 143:8) So we ing to you, O Jehovah, my Rock and my
might ask ourselves: ‘Do the goals I pur- Redeemer.” Clearly, a warm and intimate
sue and my way of life reflect that I tru- relationship flourished between David
ly love Jehovah? Do my actions day in and his God.—Ps. 19:1, 7, 14.
and day out show that I trust his ability 11 Today, we are blessed with much
to care for my needs?’ knowledge of Jehovah’s works of cre-

9 A Christian named Mike showed ation and the outworking of his purpose.
such love and trust. When he was young, The world promotes higher education
Mike started to develop a strong de- and advanced learning. Yet, the experi-
sire to serve God in a foreign land. He ence of many shows that pursuing such
got married and had two children, but things often leads to loss of faith and loss
that desire never diminished. Encour- of love for God. The Bible, however,
aged by the many articles and reports urges us not only to love knowledge
about serving where the need is greater, but also to acquire wisdom and under-
Mike and his family decided to simplify standing. That means to learn how to
their life. They sold their house and use the knowledge that God has giv-
moved into an apartment. Then Mike reen us so that we can benefit ourselves
duced the size of his janitorial business and others. (Prov. 4:5-7) God’s “will is
and learned how he could manage the that all sorts of people should be saved
business from overseas via the Internet. and come to an accurate knowledge of
The family made the move, and after truth.” (1 Tim. 2:4) We demonstrate
serving for two happy years overseas, our love for Jehovah when we put our
Mike said: “We experienced the truthful- heart into telling everyone the Kingdom
ness of Jesus’ words recorded at Mat- good news and helping people to under-
thew 6:33.” stand God’s grand purpose for mankind.
—Read Psalm 66:16, 17.
TAKE TO HEART THE TRUTH FROM GOD
12 Even young ones can demonstrate
10 Some 3,000 years ago, King David their love for Jehovah by showing appre-
was moved by what he saw in the visible ciation for his spiritual provisions. Shan-
heavens. He wrote: “The heavens are de- non relates that when she was 11 years
claring the glory of God; the skies above
old, she and her 10-year-old sister at-
proclaim the work of his hands.” Then,
tended the “Godly Devotion” District
touched by the wisdom of God’s Law, he
Convention with their parents. Dur-
said: “The law of Jehovah is perfect, re-
ing one session, the young ones were
storing strength. The reminder of Jeho-
asked to sit in a special section. She
vah is trustworthy, making the inexperi-
was a bit nervous but did so. Then she
enced one wise.” What was the result of
was overwhelmed when each youth was
such appreciative contemplation? David
continued: “May the words of my mouth 11. What should love for God move us to do
and the meditation of my heart be pleas- with the abundant knowledge of Scriptural
truth that he provides today? (See opening im-
10. As reflected in King David’s case, what age.)
can meditating on the truth about Jehovah do 12. One young person showed what apprecia-
for us? tion for spiritual provisions from Jehovah?

Follow God’s counsel instead
of the standards of the world
(See paragraph 15)
given as a gift a beautiful book entitled ward, it yields the peaceable fruit of
Questions Young People Ask—Answers That righteousness to those who have been
Work. How did it affect Shannon’s feel- trained by it.” (Heb. 12:11) If we love Je-
ings about Jehovah God? She relates: “It hovah, we must guard against becoming
was then that I finally realized that Jeho- complacent or resentful of his counsel.
vah is real and that he loves me person- For some, that can be a real challenge.
ally very, very much.” Shannon adds: Our love for God can greatly help us.
“How happy we are that our great God, 14 In the days of Malachi, many Jews
Jehovah, freely gives us such beautiful, did not appreciate God’s counsel. They
perfect presents!” knew the Law regarding the offering of
sacrifices but became so shamefully neg-
ACCEPT GOD’S COUNSEL ligent that Jehovah had to give them
AND DISCIPLINE
strong counsel. (Read Malachi 1:12,
13 “Those whom Jehovah loves he re-
13.) How serious was the situation? Lis-
proves, just as a father does a son in ten to Jehovah’s words: “I will send
whom he delights,” the Bible reminds us. on you the curse, and I will turn your
(Prov. 3:12) How, though, should we re- blessings into curses. Yes, I have turned
spond? The apostle Paul was being re- the blessings into curses, because you
alistic when he wrote: “No discipline are not taking [my commandment] to
seems for the present to be joyous, but heart.” (Mal. 2:1, 2) Clearly, habitually
it is painful.” In saying so, Paul was not or deliberately ignoring Jehovah’s loving
minimizing the importance or value of counsel can have serious consequences.
discipline, for he continued: “Yet after- 15 In today’s me-first, self-centered
13, 14. What does our view of counsel from 15. In the world today, what is one common at-
Jehovah show about our love for him? titude that we must guard against?
26 THE WATCHTOWER
generation, it is not easy to talk about of help and protection. What did they
counsel and discipline, let alone to ac- do? “Let us take the ark of Jehovah’s
cept such. Even those who seem to covenant with us from Shiloh, so that it
accept counsel or discipline often do may be with us and save us from the
so begrudgingly. Christians, though, are hand of our enemies,” they decided.
advised to “stop being molded by this The outcome? “The slaughter was very
system of things.” We are to perceive great; on Israel’s side, 30,000 foot sol-
and follow the “perfect will of God.” diers fell. Moreover, the Ark of God
(Rom. 12:2) Through his organization, was captured.” (1 Sam. 4:2-4, 10, 11) It
Jehovah gives us timely counsel about might have seemed that in taking the Ark
many areas of life—our conduct with the with them, the Israelites were looking to
opposite sex, our associations, and our Jehovah for help. Really, though, they
recreation. By willingly accepting and had not sought Jehovah’s direction; they
applying such direction, we show that we were following their own ideas, and the
are grateful and that we truly love Jeho- result was disastrous.—Read Proverbs
vah from the heart.—John 14:31; Rom. 14:12.
18 The psalmist showed the right heart
6:17.
attitude when he wrote: “Wait for God,
LOOK TO JEHOVAH for I will yet praise him as my Grand Sav-
FOR PROTECTION AND SALVATION ior. My God, I am in despair. That is why
16 When little children sense danger,
I remember you.” (Ps. 42:5, 6) What
they instinctively run to their parents. deep feeling and love for Jehovah! Have
As children grow older, they learn to rely you developed such love for and reliance
more and more on their own judgment on our heavenly Father? Even if you
and make their own decisions. That is are inclined to answer yes, you may be
part of becoming an adult. However, able to increase your reliance on him in
those who enjoy a close bond with their line with what the Bible tells us: “Trust in
parents are open to seeking the parents’ Jehovah with all your heart, and do not
opinion and advice before making a de- rely on your own understanding. In all
cision. Spiritually, it is similar. Jehovah your ways take notice of him, and he will
has given us his spirit, stimulating in us make your paths straight.”—Prov. 3:5, 6.
“the desire and the power to act.” Yet, it 19 By loving us first, Jehovah has
would reflect a serious lack of love and shown us how to love him. Let us al-
trust for us to make decisions without ways keep in mind his surpassing ex-
taking his will into consideration.—Phil. ample. And let us increasingly demon-
2:13. strate our love for him ‘with our whole
17 Once in the days of Samuel, Israel heart and with our whole soul and with
was badly defeated in battle by the Phi- our whole mind and with our whole
listines. God’s people were in dire need strength.’—Mark 12:30.
16, 17. (a) Why should we consider Jehovah’s 18. How should we feel about turning to Jeho-
will when we make decisions? (b) How did the vah for help?
Israelites show lack of love for and trust in Je- 19. In what ways do you want to endeavor to
hovah? show love for Jehovah?

LIFE STORY
Jehovah’s Blessing
Has Enriched My Life
AS TOLD BY MELITA JARACZ
I WAS born in 1927 in the little town of Wakaw,

Saskatchewan, Canada. Dad and Mom had seven
children, four boys and three girls, so I came to
know early in life what it was like to be with
people.
Our family felt the effects of the desperate
economic times of the 1930’s known as the Great
Depression. We were not wealthy, but we did not
lack food. We had some hens and a cow, so we
were never short of eggs, milk, cream, cheese, One day Mom came across a booklet entitled
and butter. As you can imagine, all in our farm Where Are the Dead? published by Jehovah’s Wit-
family had chores. nesses. She read it eagerly. When Dad came
I have many happy memories of that time, such home, she said excitedly: “I know where Johnny
as the sweet fragrance of apples filling the room. is! He’s sleeping now, but one day he’s going to
You see, when Dad went to town in the autumn to awaken.” That evening my father read the entire
sell farm produce, he often returned with a box of booklet. Mom and Dad were comforted to learn
freshly picked apples. What a treat it was for each that the Bible says that the dead are asleep and
of us to have a juicy apple every day! that there will be a future resurrection.—Eccl. 9:
5, 10; Acts 24:15.
OUR FAMILY LEARNS THE TRUTH What they found changed our lives for the bet-
I was six years old when my parents heard of ter, bringing both comfort and happiness. They
the truth. Their first son, Johnny, had died started studying the Bible with the Witnesses
shortly after he was born. My distraught parents and attending meetings with the little congrega-
asked the local priest, “Where’s Johnny?” The tion in Wakaw, where most had a Ukrainian
priest said that the baby had not been chris- background. Soon Mom and Dad were sharing in
tened, so he was not in heaven. Rather, he was in the preaching work.
Limbo. The priest also said that if my parents Not long after that, we moved to British Co-
paid him, he would pray for Johnny to get out lumbia and a congregation warmly welcomed us.
of Limbo and go to heaven. How would you I think back with pleasure on our family prepara-
have felt? Dad and Mom were so disillusioned tion of The Watchtower for the Sunday meetings.
that they did not speak with that priest again. All of us were developing a deep love for Jehovah
Yet, they still wondered what had become of and for Bible truth. I could see how our lives were
Johnny. being enriched and how Jehovah was blessing us.
28 THE WATCHTOWER
Understandably, it was not the easiest thing wrong thing to do. Nevertheless, we obtained
for us children to speak to people about our be- school material that we could study at home.
liefs. Something that really helped, though, was Shortly thereafter, we moved some 20 miles
that my younger sister Eva and I often prepared (32 km) away, where we were accepted at anoth-
the month’s field service presentation and dem- er school.
onstrated it at the Service Meeting. It was a won- The war years brought bans on our literature;
derful way for us, though we were shy, to learn yet, we went from house to house with the Bible.
to speak with others about the Bible. I’m so As a result, we became skilled at sharing the
grateful for how we were trained to preach! good news of the Kingdom directly from the
One of the highlights of our childhood was Scriptures. That, in turn, helped us to grow spir-
having full-time servants stay with us. For exam- itually and experience Jehovah’s support.
ple, we loved it when our circuit overseer, Jack
ENTERING FULL-TIME SERVICE
Nathan, visited our congregation and stayed in
our home.1 His countless stories were a delight, As soon as Eva and I completed our school-
and his sincere commendation made us want to ing, we entered the pioneer service. For secular
serve Jehovah faithfully. employment, I first worked in a department
store deli. In time, I took a six-month course in
I recall thinking, “When I grow up, I want to
hairdressing, something I had enjoyed doing at
be like Brother Nathan.” Little did I realize then
home. I found work at a hair salon two days a
that his example was helping to groom me for a
week and also taught the trade twice a month. In
career in full-time service. By the time I was 15
that way I supported myself in full-time service.
years old, I was determined to serve Jehovah. In
In 1955, I wanted to attend the “Triumphant
1942, Eva and I were baptized.
Kingdom” assemblies in New York City, U.S.A.,
TESTS OF FAITH and Nuremberg, Germany. Before I left for
During World War II when patriotism ran New York, though, I met Brother Nathan Knorr
high, Miss Scott, a particularly intolerant from world headquarters. He and his wife were
schoolteacher, expelled my two sisters and one
of my brothers from school. Why? Because they
I had a knack for hairdressing
declined to salute the flag. Then she contacted and even received a few awards for it
my schoolteacher and urged her to expel me. But
my teacher said, “We live in a free country,
and we have the right to refrain from patriot-
ic ceremonies.” Despite much pressure from
Miss Scott, my teacher said firmly, “This is my
decision.”
Miss Scott replied: “No, it is not your decision.
I will report you if you don’t expel Melita.” My
teacher explained to my parents that if she want-
ed to keep her job, she had no choice but to ex-
pel me, even though she believed that it was the
1 Jack Nathan’s life story was published in The Watchtower,
September 1, 1990, pp. 10-14.
attending a convention in Vancouver, Cana-
da. During their visit, I was asked to do Sis-
ter Knorr’s hair. Brother Knorr was pleased with
the result and wanted to meet me. As we chatted,
I told him that I was planning to be in New York
before going on to Germany. He invited me to
work at Brooklyn Bethel for nine days.
That trip changed my life. In New York, I met
a young brother named Theodore (Ted) Jaracz.
Shortly after meeting him, I was surprised when After marrying in 1956, we enjoyed
he asked me, “Are you a pioneer?” I replied, many happy years together in full-time service
“No.” My friend LaVonne overheard this and in-
terjected, “Yes, she is.” Puzzled, Ted asked La-
Vonne, “Well, who knows better, you or her?” I pioneer in Vancouver. I was happy to see how
explained that I had been pioneering and intend- much my family liked him. My older brother, Mi-
ed to start again as soon as I returned from the chael, was very protective of me, and he often
conventions. expressed concern if a young brother took an in-
terest in me. However, Michael quickly became
THE SPIRITUAL MAN I MARRIED fond of Ted. “Melita,” he said, “you’ve got a
Born in 1925 in Kentucky, U.S.A., Ted had good man here. You had better treat him well
symbolized his dedication to Jehovah at the age and be smart enough not to lose him.”
of 15. Though none of his family members came I too had become very fond of Ted. We were
into the truth, he became a regular pioneer two married on December 10, 1956. We pioneered to-
years later. That began a career of nearly 67 gether in Vancouver, then in California, and
years in the full-time service. then we were assigned to the circuit work in Mis-
In July 1946, at the age of 20, Ted graduated souri and Arkansas. For some 18 years, we had a
from the seventh class of the Watchtower Bible different home each week as we served in the
School of Gilead. After that, he served as a trav- traveling work throughout a large part of the
eling overseer in Cleveland, Ohio. Some four United States. We had wonderful experiences in
years later, he was assigned to serve as branch the ministry, as well as much happy association
servant in Australia. with brothers and sisters. That more than made
Ted was at the convention in Nuremberg, up for the inconveniences of living out of a suit-
Germany, and we spent some time together. case.
A romance blossomed. I was happy that his Something I particularly respected about Ted
goals were centered on serving Jehovah whole- was that he never took his relationship with Je-
souled. He was a very dedicated person, serious hovah for granted. He cherished his sacred ser-
in his devotion but kind and friendly in his dis- vice to the greatest Person in the universe. We
position. I felt that he put others’ interests ahead loved to read and study the Bible together. At
of his own. Following that convention, Ted re- night before retiring, we knelt next to the bed,
turned to Australia and I went back to Vancou- and he prayed for us. Then we separately said
ver, but we kept in touch by letter. our own prayers. I always knew when a serious
After some five years in Australia, Ted re- matter was weighing on Ted’s mind. He would get
turned to the United States and then came to out of bed, kneel down again, and silently pray
30 THE WATCHTOWER
at length. I deeply appreciated that he wanted obtained visas and went to Poland. Ted met with
to pray to Jehovah about matters great and some of the brothers who cared for our work,
small. and they went for a long walk so that no one
Some years after we got married, Ted ex- could overhear their conversation. The brothers
plained to me that he was going to start partak- had four days of very intense meetings, but I was
ing of the emblems at the Memorial. “I have happy to see how satisfied Ted was to help his
prayed about this intensely to be absolutely sure spiritual family.
that I am doing what Jehovah wants me to do,” The next time we visited Poland was in Novem-
he said. I was not entirely surprised that he had ber 1977. F. W. Franz, Daniel Sydlik, and Ted
been anointed with God’s spirit to serve in heav- made the first official visit by members of the
en eventually. I viewed it as a privilege to sup- Governing Body. Our work was still banned, yet
port one of Christ’s brothers.—Matt. 25:35-40. the three Governing Body members were able to
speak to overseers, pioneers, and longtime Wit-
A NEW AVENUE OF SACRED SERVICE nesses in various cities.
In 1974, to our great surprise, Ted was invited The next year, when Milton Henschel and Ted
to become a member of the Governing Body of visited Poland, they met with officials who were
Jehovah’s Witnesses. In time, we were called to becoming more tolerant of us and our activities.
serve at Brooklyn Bethel. While Ted cared for his In 1982 the Polish government permitted our
responsibilities on the Governing Body, I worked brothers to hold one-day assemblies. The follow-
as a housekeeper or in the hair salon. ing year, larger conventions were held, mostly in
As part of Ted’s responsibilities, he was as- rented halls. While the ban was still on in 1985,
signed to visit various branches. He was particu- we were allowed to hold four conventions in
larly interested in the preaching work in coun- large stadiums. Then, in May 1989, while plans
tries behind the Iron Curtain. Once, during a were under way for even larger conventions, the
much needed vacation in Sweden, Ted said: “Me- Polish government granted Jehovah’s Witnesses
lita, the preaching work is banned in Poland, and legal recognition. Few events brought Ted more
I would love to help the brothers there.” So we joy than that.
Ted and others at the Ministry of Justice in Moscow

after our work received official registration
District convention
in Poland
I found great pleasure in working and
giving training in the Bethel beauty shop
Three years later, he had a second stroke and

died peacefully on Wednesday, June 9, 2010. Al-
though I had always realized that Ted would
have to finish his earthly course, I cannot de-
scribe how painful it was for me to lose him and
how much I miss him. Still, I daily thank Jeho-
vah for what I was able to do to assist Ted. We
enjoyed over 53 years of full-time service togeth-
er. I thank Jehovah for how Ted helped me draw
closer to my heavenly Father. Now, I have no
doubt that his new assignment brings him great
delight and satisfaction.
MEETING NEW CHALLENGES IN LIFE
After so many busy, happy years with my hus-
COPING WITH HEALTH SETBACKS band, adjusting to the present challenges has not
been easy. Ted and I loved meeting visitors at
In 2007 we were on our way to attend a branch
Bethel and at our Kingdom Hall. Now that my
dedication in South Africa. In England, Ted had
trouble with his blood pressure, and a doctor ad- beloved Ted is no longer here and I am not as
vised him to postpone his trip. After Ted recov- strong as I used to be, my association is more
ered, we returned to the United States. But a few limited. Nevertheless, I still enjoy being with my
weeks later, he had a severe stroke that disabled dear brothers and sisters at Bethel and in the
his right side. congregation. The Bethel routine is not easy, but
Ted’s recovery was slow, and initially he was it is a source of joy to be able to serve God in this
not able to go to the office. We were grateful, way. And my love for the preaching work has in
though, that his speech was normal. Despite no way diminished. Though I get tired and can-
his limitations, he tried to keep up his routine, not be on my feet for any length of time, I get
even participating in the weekly Governing Body much satisfaction from sharing in street witness-
meetings by telephone from our living room. ing and conducting Bible studies.
Ted deeply appreciated the excellent physical When I see all the terrible things happening in
therapy he received in the Bethel infirmary. Slow- the world, how glad I am to have been in Jeho-
ly, he regained much of his mobility. He was able vah’s service with such a wonderful marriage
to care for some of his theocratic assignments, mate! Jehovah’s blessing has truly enriched my
and he always managed to be cheerful. life.—Prov. 10:22.
s
o
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34567
STUDY ARTICLES
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NOVEMBER 30–DECEMBER 6 DECEMBER 7-13 DECEMBER 14-20 DECEMBER 21-27

Do You See God’s “Give Us More Serve Jehovah Keep Meditating
Hand in Your Life? Faith” Without Distraction on Spiritual Things
PAGE 4 PAGE 9 PAGE 18 PAGE 23
STUDY ARTICLES
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ˇ Do You See God’s Hand in Your Life?

ˇ “Give Us More Faith”
In the first article, we learn how to perceive God’s interest
and his hand in our life and how to avoid the mistakes
TASMANIA, AUSTRALIA of those who fail to do so. The second article discusses the
COVER: A brother conducts importance of faith for salvation and how we can strength-
a meeting for field service en our faith and put it into action.—Heb. 11:6.
in the small coastal town of _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
St. Helens, Tasmania

ˇ Serve Jehovah Without Distraction
‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐
ˇ Keep Meditating on Spiritual Things
POPULATION
We live in what has been called the age of distraction.
514,800 What can we do to avoid needless distractions so that we
can keep focusing our attention on the spiritual side of
CONGREGATIONS
our life? To that end, as we read God’s Word, how can
24 we make sure that our study is productive? These articles
will explain.
PUBLISHERS
1,779
RATIO
1:289
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE
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3 “Keep Holding Men of That Sort Dear”

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14 No Regrets About the Decision He Made in His Youth

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
28 Drawing Near to God Has Been Good for Me

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
30 “The Naive Person Believes Every Word”
34567 ˙
October 15, 2015
“Keep Holding Men of That Sort Dear”
SINCE 1992, the Governing Body has appointed tional conventions. They may also be assigned to
experienced, mature Christian elders to help its visit branch offices as headquarters representa-
committees carry out their work.1 These helpers, tives.
from among the “other sheep,” provide valuable One of the helpers who has served since the ar-
support to the Governing Body. (John 10:16) rangement was instituted says: “When I take care
They attend the weekly meeting of the commit- of my assigned tasks, the Governing Body can
tee to which they are assigned, providing back- concentrate more fully on spiritual matters.”
ground information and offering suggestions. Looking back over his two decades of serving as
The Governing Body members make the final de- a helper, another brother observes: “It has been
cisions, but the helpers implement the commit- a privilege beyond anything I could ever have an-
tee’s direction and carry out whatever assign- ticipated.”
ments they are given. The helpers accompany The Governing Body entrusts much to its
Governing Body members to special and interna- helpers and appreciates the fine service per-
formed by these loyal, hardworking brothers.
1 See page 131 of the book God’s Kingdom Rules! for a sum-
mary of the responsibilities that are cared for by the six com- May we all “keep holding men of that sort dear.”
mittees of the Governing Body. —Phil. 2:29.
Helpers to Governing Body Committees
Coordinators’ Personnel Publishing Service Teaching Writing

Committee Committee Committee Committee Committee Committee
John Ekrann Gerald Grizzle Don Adams Gary Breaux Ronald Curzan Robert Ciranko
Robert Wallen Patrick LaFranca Robert Butler Joel Dellinger Kenneth Flodin James Mantz
Daniel Molchan Harold Corkern Seth Hyatt William Malenfant Izak Marais
Ralph Walls Donald Gordon Christopher Mavor Mark Noumair Gene Smalley
Robert Luccioni Baltasar Perla, Jr. David Schafer John Wischuk
Alex Reinmueller William Turner, Jr.
David Sinclair Robert Wallen
Leon Weaver, Jr.
3
Do You See God’s Hand
in Your Life?
“The hand of Jehovah will become known to his servants.”
—ISA. 66:14.
SONGS: 65, 26 MANY people think that there is little connection between
what they are doing and what God is doing. In fact, some be-
CAN YOU EXPLAIN? lieve that God has little interest in what is happening to hu-
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
mans. After Super Typhoon Haiyan wreaked destruction on
Why do some people see the central Philippines in November 2013, the mayor of one
God’s hand in their life, large city said: “God must have been somewhere else.”
whereas others do not? 2 Other people act as if God cannot see what they are do-
ing. (Isa. 26:10, 11; 3 John 11) They are like those whom the
apostle Paul described when he said: “They did not see fit to
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
acknowledge God.” Such people “were filled with all unrigh-
What evidence do we have teousness, wickedness, greed, and badness.”—Rom. 1:28, 29.
of Jehovah’s interest in 3 What about us? Unlike those mentioned above, we real-
us today?
ize that Jehovah observes everything we do. But do we also
perceive his interest and supporting hand in our life? More-
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ over, are we among those whom Jesus referred to as ones
What can we do to see God’s who “will see God”? (Matt. 5:8) To learn what that means, let
hand in our life more clearly?
1, 2. What do some people think about God?
3. (a) What questions may we want to ask ourselves about God?
(b) As used in the Bible, what does Jehovah’s “hand” often refer to?
4
us first take a look at Bible examples of (1 Ki. 17:1) Jehovah was obviously be-
those who saw God’s hand in action and hind those words, but Ahab refused to
of those who refused to do so. Then we accept the evidence. Later, Ahab saw
will learn how we can clearly see Jeho- fire come down from heaven when Eli-
vah’s hand in our life through our eyes jah prayed for his offering to be con-
of faith. As we consider these points, sumed. Elijah then indicated that Je-
keep in mind that the Bible often speaks hovah would bring the drought to an
of God’s “hand” when referring to his end, telling Ahab: “Go down so that
applied power, which he uses to help his the downpour may not detain you!”
servants and to defeat his opposers. (1 Ki. 18:22-45) Ahab saw all of this hap-
—Read Deuteronomy 26:8. pen but still refused to acknowledge
THEY FAILED TO SEE GOD’S HAND that it was a mighty display of God’s
power. This and the preceding examples
4 In Israel’s early history, people had
teach us an important lesson—we must
the opportunity to see and hear about
recognize Jehovah’s hand when it is in
how God acted in Israel’s behalf. Jeho-
action.
vah miraculously delivered his people
out of Egypt, and then king after king THEY SAW JEHOVAH’S HAND
fell before them. (Josh. 9:3, 9, 10) De- 6 In contrast with those wicked kings,
spite what almost all the kings on the others saw God’s hand, even though
west side of the Jordan heard and saw, they were in the same situation as those
“they formed an alliance to fight against mentioned above. For example, unlike
Joshua and Israel.” (Josh. 9:1, 2) Even
most of the nations who fought against
after those kings started to fight, they
Israel in Joshua’s time, the Gibeonites
had every reason to see God’s hand. At
made peace with Israel. Why? They said:
Jehovah’s direction, “the sun stood still
“Your servants have come . . . out of re-
and the moon did not move until the na-
gard for the name of Jehovah your God,
tion could take vengeance on its ene-
because we have heard about his fame
mies.” (Josh. 10:13) But Jehovah “al-
and about all he did.” (Josh. 9:3, 9, 10)
lowed their [the opponents’] hearts to
They wisely recognized Israel’s backer
become stubborn so that they waged
to be the true God.
war against Israel.” (Josh. 11:20) Israel’s
7 Rahab too perceived God’s hand in
opponents refused to acknowledge that
God was fighting for Israel, and that led the events of her day. After learning
to their defeat. about how Jehovah rescued his people,
5 Later, wicked King Ahab had every she told two Israelite spies: “I do know
opportunity to see God’s hand in that Jehovah will give you the land.”
events. Elijah told him: “There will be Even though taking such a stand was
no dew or rain except by my word!” fraught with danger, she expressed faith
that Jehovah could deliver her and her
4. Why did Israel’s opponents fail to see God’s family.—Josh. 2:9-13; 4:23, 24.
hand?
5. What did wicked King Ahab refuse to ac- 6, 7. What did some in Joshua’s time clearly
knowledge? perceive?
OCTOBER 15, 2015 5

8 Unlike Israel’s wicked King Ahab, answered her prayer so quickly that she
some Israelites who witnessed Jeho- was visibly moved.” Within a year, she
vah’s response to Elijah’s fire test recog- dedicated her life to Jehovah.
nized God’s hand in matters. When they 11 Many of God’s servants have seen
saw the fire from Jehovah consume the evidence of his help when they broke
offering, they exclaimed: “Jehovah is free from such addictive habits as smok-
the true God!” (1 Ki. 18:39) To them, ing, drug abuse, or the viewing of por-
that was an obvious conclusion! nography. Some say that they repeated-
9 Both the positive and the negative ly tried to stop on their own but were
examples we have considered help us to not successful. However, when they
understand what it means to see God or turned to Jehovah for help, he supplied
to see his hand in matters. As we come “the power beyond what is normal,” and
to know him, we too can see his hand be- they finally conquered their weakness.
cause we perceive his qualities and ac- —2 Cor. 4:7; Ps. 37:23, 24.
12 Jehovah has helped many of his ser-
tions with “the eyes of [our] heart.”
(Eph. 1:18) Surely we want to be like vants cope with personal challenges. For
those past and present who have clearly example, Amy struggled when she was
seen Jehovah supporting his people. assigned to help build a Kingdom Hall
Nonetheless, do we really have evidence and missionary home on a small Pacific
that God is active in people’s lives to- island. She says: “We stayed in a small
day? hotel, and every day we walked through
flooded streets to the work site.” She
EVIDENCE OF GOD’S HAND TODAY also had to adjust to local customs,
10 We have ample reason to believe and frequently there was no electricity
that Jehovah continues to help people. or water. Amy adds: “To make matters
Time and again, we have heard experi- worse, I lashed out at one of the sisters
ences of how individuals prayed for spir- working with us. I went home feeling
itual help and then received it. (Ps. like a failure. In my dark hotel room, I
53:2) While preaching from house to poured my heart out to Jehovah, asking
house on a small island in the Philip- for help.” When the electricity came
pines, Allan met a woman who started to back on, Amy picked up a Watchtower
cry. He states: “Just that morning, she magazine with an article on a Gilead
prayed to Jehovah that his Witnesses graduation program that discussed all
would find her. As a teenager, she had the things she was struggling with: new
studied the Bible with the Witnesses but culture, homesickness, new people to
had lost contact with them when she got get along with. She says: “I felt that Je-
married and moved to that island. God hovah was speaking to me that night. It
gave me the motivation to continue in
8. How did some Israelites recognize God’s my assignment.”—Ps. 44:25, 26; Isa. 41:
hand?
10, 13.
9. How can we see Jehovah and his hand to-
day? 11, 12. (a) In what ways is Jehovah helping
10. What evidence do we have that Jehovah is his servants? (b) Relate an experience of
helping people today? (See opening image.) someone who received God’s help.
6 THE WATCHTOWER
Breaking free from Simplifying Winning
addictive habits your lifestyle legal victories
Do you see evidence that Jehovah is helping his people today?

13 The fact that Jehovah’s Witnesses ple today—something the world cannot
have been successful in “defending and imitate—and we can see why even out-
legally establishing” the good news is siders admit: “God is really among you.”
another proof of support from Jeho- (1 Cor. 14:25) So as a whole, we have
vah’s mighty hand. (Phil. 1:7) Some gov- abundant proof that God is working in
ernments have tried to stop the work of behalf of his people. (Read Isaiah 66:
God’s people completely. But when we 14.) However, what about you personal-
look back and see that Jehovah’s Wit- ly? Do you clearly see Jehovah’s hand in
nesses have received at least 268 high- your life?
court victories, including 24 cases won
DO YOU SEE JEHOVAH’S
in the European Court of Human Rights
HAND IN YOUR LIFE?
just since the year 2000, it becomes
clear that no one can hold back God’s
15 What are some reasons why we may
hand.—Isa. 54:17; read Isaiah 59:1. not clearly see God’s hand in our af-
14 The preaching of the good news fairs? Life’s challenges can overwhelm
us. When this happens, we may forget to
worldwide is accomplished only with
keep focused on how Jehovah has al-
God’s help. (Matt. 24:14; Acts 1:8)
ready helped us. When Queen Jeze-
Add to that the unified, multina-
bel threatened the prophet Elijah’s life,
tional brotherhood of Jehovah’s peo-
even Elijah momentarily forgot how
13. What proof do we have that Jehovah sup- God had acted in his behalf. Regarding
ports his people in “defending and legally es- Elijah, the Bible says: “He asked that he
tablishing” the good news?
14. How do we see God’s hand in our preach- 15. Explain why we at times may not clearly
ing work and in the unity that we enjoy? see Jehovah’s hand in our life.
OCTOBER 15, 2015 7

might die.” (1 Ki. 19:1-4) What was the Here are some examples: Perhaps you
solution to Elijah’s problem? He needed feel that the way you received the truth
to look to Jehovah for encouragement. was clearly at God’s direction. Have you
—1 Ki. 19:14-18. ever attended Christian meetings, heard
16 Job got so distracted by his own a part, and said: “That was just what I
concerns that he neglected to see things needed”? Or you may have experienced
from God’s viewpoint. (Job 42:3-6) an answer to a prayer. Maybe you decid-
Like Job, we too may need to put forth ed to expand your ministry and were
greater effort to see God. How can we amazed at how Jehovah helped to work
do that? In the light of the Scriptures, things out for you. Or have you ever ex-
perienced leaving a job for spiritual rea-
we need to meditate on what is happen-
sons and then seen the truth of God’s
ing around us. As we become aware of
promise: “I will never abandon you”?
how Jehovah supports us, he will be-
(Heb. 13:5) By being spiritually alert, we
come more real to us. Then, like Job, we
can discern how Jehovah has helped us
can say: “My ears have heard about you,
in many ways.
but now I do see you with my eyes.” 18 Sarah from Kenya relates this expe-
17 How might we see Jehovah’s hand?
rience: “I prayed about a student who I
16. What can we do to see God as Job did? felt did not appreciate her Bible study.
17, 18. (a) In what ways might we discern
I asked Jehovah if I should stop the
that Jehovah is helping us? (b) Relate an expe- study. Immediately after I said ‘Amen,’
rience that demonstrates how God is helping my phone rang. The Bible student called
us today. to ask if she could attend the meeting
with me! I was awestruck!” By being
alert, you too may see ways that God is
active in your life. Rhonna, a sister who
Is Jehovah using you to help others see him? lives in Asia, says: “It takes some experi-
ence to discern Jehovah’s guidance. But
once you do, it’s amazing to discover
how much interest he has in us!”
19 Jesus said: “Happy are the pure in
heart, since they will see God.” (Matt.

5:8) How can we be “pure in heart”? We
must be clean on the inside and stop any
wrong conduct. (Read 2 Corinthians
4:2.) As we cultivate stronger spirituali-
ty and manifest upright conduct, we put
ourselves among those who can see God.
The next article will examine what can
help us to perceive Jehovah’s influence
even more clearly in our life—our faith.
19. What more is needed to be among those

who see God?
“Give Us More Faith”
“Help me out where I need faith!”—MARK 9:24.
HAVE you ever thought, ‘Am I the kind of person Jehovah SONGS: 81, 135
will want to save during the great tribulation and bring into
the new world?’ Of course, surviving involves several factors, HOW WOULD YOU
but one very important requirement is highlighted by the ANSWER?
apostle Paul: “Without faith it is impossible to please God ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
well.” (Heb. 11:6) This may sound very basic, but the truth is Why is strengthening our
that “faith is not a possession of all people.” (2 Thess. 3:2) faith so important?
These texts help us understand how important it is to culti-
vate strong faith.
2 The apostle Peter drew special attention to the impor-
tance of faith when he spoke of its “tested quality” that “may ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
be found a cause for praise and glory and honor at the reve- What steps can we take
lation of Jesus Christ.” (Read 1 Peter 1:7.) Since the great to build faith?
tribulation is fast approaching, do we not want to make sure
that we have the type of faith that puts us among those who
are a cause for praise when our glorious King is revealed?
Most certainly, we want to be “the sort who have faith for the
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
preserving of our lives.” (Heb. 10:39) With this goal in mind,

How can we demonstrate
we may plead like the man who said: “Help me out where I that we have a living faith?
need faith!” (Mark 9:24) Or we may be moved to say, as did
1. How important is faith? (See opening image.)

2, 3. (a) What do we learn from Peter about the importance of faith?
(b) What questions will we now consider?
9
Jesus’ apostles: “Give us more faith.” pressed confidence that Jehovah could
—Luke 17:5. raise a child from the dead. (1 Ki. 17:21)
3 The need for more faith raises some He had no doubt that Jehovah would
questions. How can we build this quali- send fire to consume his sacrifice on
ty? How can we show that we have faith? Mount Carmel. (1 Ki. 18:24, 37) When
What assurance do we have that our re- Jehovah’s time came to end the drought,
quests for more faith will be answered? even before there was any sign of rain,
Elijah told Ahab: “Go up, eat and drink,
BUILDING FAITH THAT PLEASES GOD for there is the sound of a heavy down-
4 Since “all the things that were writ- pour.” (1 Ki. 18:41) Do not such ac-
ten beforehand were written for our in- counts make us examine ourselves to see
struction,” we can learn from the many if our faith is that strong?
examples of faith recorded in the Bible.
WHAT CAN WE DO TO BUILD FAITH?
(Rom. 15:4) When we read about such
people as Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob,
6 We cannot develop faith simply by
Moses, Rahab, Gideon, Barak, and many our own willpower. Faith is an aspect of
others, these accounts may move us to the fruitage of God’s holy spirit. (Gal. 5:
examine our own faith. (Heb. 11:32-35) 22) Thus, we are wise to follow Jesus’
In addition, when we read modern-day counsel about praying for more of that
accounts of brothers and sisters with spirit because Jesus assures us that the
Father will “give holy spirit to those ask-
outstanding faith, this can move us to
ing him.”—Luke 11:13.
work hard to strengthen our faith.1
7 Once our faith is established, we
5 An example from the Bible is the
must continue to nourish it. Our faith
prophet Elijah. Imagine the following
might be compared to a wood fire. When
scenes that reveal his implicit trust in Je-
the fire is started, it may come roaring to
hovah. When Elijah informed King Ahab
life in an intense blaze. However, if noth-
of Jehovah’s intention to bring about a
ing more is done to the fire, it will even-
drought, he confidently declared: “As
tually die down to hot coals that, in turn,
surely as Jehovah . . . is living, . . . there
will become cold ashes if left alone. But
will be no dew or rain except by my
if you regularly feed the fire with more
word!” (1 Ki. 17:1) Elijah believed that
wood, it can be kept going indefinitely.
Jehovah would supply what was need- So, too, our faith can be kept alive if we
ed for him and for others during the regularly feed on God’s Word. By pro-
drought. (1 Ki. 17:4, 5, 13, 14) He ex- gressively studying the Bible, we can de-
1 For some examples, see the life stories of Lillian velop a deep love for it and its Author,
Gobitas Klose (July 22, 1993, Awake!), Feliks Borys and that will become the basis for build-
(February 22, 1994, Awake!), and Josephine Elias ing more faith.
(September 2009 Awake!).
8 What more can you do to build and
4. Whose examples can move us to strength-

en our faith? 6. What is needed from Jehovah to build faith?
5. How did Elijah show that he had strong faith 7. Illustrate how we can keep our faith strong.
in Jehovah, and what does his example move 8. What will help us to build and maintain our
us to think about? faith?
10 THE WATCHTOWER
maintain strong faith? Do not be satis- 11 As we sense how Jehovah helps us in
fied with only what you learned up to the life and how he answers our prayers, our
point of your baptism. (Heb. 6:1, 2) Take faith grows. This was true of Caleb and
note of fulfilled prophecies in the Bible Joshua. They showed faith in Jehovah
because these can provide you with pow- when they spied out the Promised Land.
erful reasons for having faith. You can However, as they saw Jehovah’s direc-
also use God’s Word as a measuring rod tion at each turn in their life thereafter,
to see if your faith matches the descrip- their faith grew even more. No wonder
tion of what is expected of those who Joshua spoke so strongly to the Israel-
have strong faith.—Read James 1:25; 2: ites, saying: “Not one word out of all the
24, 26. good promises that Jehovah your God
9 The apostle Paul told fellow Chris- has spoken to you has failed.” He later
tians that they could “have an inter- added: “Therefore, fear Jehovah and
change of encouragement by one anoth- serve him with integrity and faithfulness
er’s faith.” (Rom. 1:12) As we associate . . . As for me and my household, we will
with fellow worshippers, we can build up serve Jehovah.” (Josh. 23:14; 24:14, 15)
one another’s faith, especially when we As we taste Jehovah’s goodness, we too
are with those who have already dem- can develop such conviction.—Ps. 34:8.
onstrated the “tested quality” of their DEMONSTRATING OUR FAITH
faith. (Jas. 1:3) Bad associations destroy 12 How do we demonstrate that we
faith, but good associations build it.
have living faith? The disciple James an-
(1 Cor. 15:33) That is one reason why we
swers that question by saying: “I will
are counseled not to forsake “our meet-
show you my faith by my works.” (Jas. 2:
ing together,” but to keep on “encour- 18) Our actions will show that we have
aging one another.” (Read Hebrews real faith. Let us look at some examples.
10:24, 25.) Another reason is that the 13 Sharing in the preaching work is an
content of the meetings themselves pro-
excellent way to demonstrate our faith.
vides us with faith-building instruction.
Why is that? This work requires that we
This is in harmony with Paul’s state-
have faith in God’s timing of the coming
ment: “Faith follows the thing heard.”
end of this system of things, believing
(Rom. 10:17) Are we making association that “it will not be late!” (Hab. 2:3) One
at Christian meetings a regular part of way to measure our faith is to look at the
our life? extent to which we are willing to expend
10 When we share in the field ministry,
ourselves in the ministry. Are we doing
not only do we build faith in others all we can, perhaps even seeking ways to
but our own faith grows. Like the early expand our share in the work? (2 Cor.
Christians, we learn to put full faith in
Jehovah and speak boldly in any situa- 11. Why did Caleb and Joshua have strong
tion.—Acts 4:17-20; 13:46. faith, and how can we be like them?
12. What does James show is necessary re-
9, 10. How do the following help build faith: garding faith?
(a) good association? (b) congregation meet- 13. In what ways is the preaching work a
ings? (c) field service? means to show faith?
OCTOBER 15, 2015 11

Those who expend themselves in the ministry give evidence of their strong faith
(See paragraph 13)
13:5) Yes, making “public declaration the stream,” as Jehovah had directed.
for salvation” is a powerful way to show (1 Ki. 17:3-6) We have faith that Jehovah
that we have faith in our heart.—Read can maneuver matters so that we too
Romans 10:10. have what we need.
14 We can also show faith as we grapple 15 We have confidence that applying
with the challenges of daily life. Wheth- Bible principles can help us put food on
er we face illness, discouragement, de- the table. Rebecca, a married sister in
pression, poverty, or other trying prob- Asia, found this to be true of her family.
lems, we have confidence that Jehovah They have applied Matthew 6:33 and
and his Son will “help us at the right Proverbs 10:4 in their life by putting
time.” (Heb. 4:16) We show such confi- Kingdom interests first and by being
dence by praying for help that is not lim- diligent workers. Rebecca says that at
ited to our spiritual needs. Jesus said one point her husband felt that the na-
that we can pray for material things, in- ture and pressure of his secular work
cluding “bread according to our daily might endanger their spirituality, so he
needs.” (Luke 11:3) Bible accounts con- resigned. However, they had four chil-
vince us that Jehovah can provide for dren to support. Rebecca tells what hap-
us. During a severe drought in Israel, Je- pened: “We began making confections
hovah provided Elijah with food and wa- and selling them. Over the years that we
ter. “The ravens were bringing him bread made a living this way, we felt that Je-
and meat in the morning and bread and hovah never abandoned us. We never
meat in the evening, and he drank from missed a single meal.” Have you too
been able to demonstrate your belief
14, 15. (a) How can we show faith in our dai-
ly lives? (b) Relate an experience to illustrate that the Bible provides the best guidance
strong faith in action. available to people today?
12 THE WATCHTOWER
16 We must never doubt that if we fol- may feel as the apostles did when
low God’s direction, it will turn out for they said to the Lord: “Give us
our good. Paul, quoting the inspired more faith.” (Luke 17:5) Their re-
words of Habakkuk, wrote: “The righ- quest was answered, particularly at Pen-
teous one will live by reason of faith.” tecost 33 C.E. when holy spirit was
(Gal. 3:11; Hab. 2:4) Therefore, it is vi- poured out on them and they were
tal that we put faith in the One who can given deeper insight into God’s pur-
really help. Paul reminds us that God is pose. This strengthened their faith. As a
“the one who can, according to his pow- result, they embarked on the greatest
er that is operating in us, do more than preaching campaign up to that time.
superabundantly beyond all the things (Col. 1:23) Can we expect our requests
we ask or conceive.” (Eph. 3:20) Jeho- for more faith to be answered? The Bi-
vah’s servants do all they can to carry ble assures us that we can when “we
out the will of God, but knowing their ask according to [God’s] will.”—1 John
limitations, they trust in Jehovah to 5:14.
bless the outcome. Are we not glad that 18 Clearly, Jehovah is pleased with
our God is with us? those who put their complete trust
REQUESTS FOR FAITH ANSWERED in him. Jehovah will answer our re-
quest for more faith, and our faith will
17 After the foregoing discussion, we
grow exceedingly, leading to our being
16. What will be the end result if we trust in “counted worthy of the Kingdom of
God? God.”—2 Thess. 1:3, 5.
17. (a) How was the apostles’ request for faith
answered? (b) Why can we expect that our re- 18. How does Jehovah bless those who culti-
quest for more faith will be answered? vate faith?
We show faith as we grapple with the challenges of daily life

(See paragraph 14)
LIFE STORY
No Regrets About the Decision

He Made in His Youth
I enthusiastically shared my Kingdom hope
with others. As I studied these publica-
AS TOLD BY tions, I grew in understanding of the truth
ILVE APANYUK and developed a strong desire to become a
servant of Jehovah.
“I understood that I would suffer because
of my beliefs. It was wartime, and I was not
about to kill anyone. To prepare myself for
the tests ahead, I started to memorize such
Bible verses as Matthew 10:28 and 26:52. I
DURING the last years of his life, my great- firmly resolved that I would always remain
uncle Nikolai Dubovinsky compiled a rec- faithful to Jehovah, even if it meant my
ord of his experiences—both joyful and death!
anxious—in a life of dedicated service to
“I turned 18 in 1944 and was called up for
Jehovah, much of it during the ban in the
military service. This was the very first time
former Soviet Union. Despite challenges
I found myself among fellow believers, oth-
and difficulties, he always remained faithful
er young brothers of draft age who had also
and had an extraordinary zest for life. Un-
gathered at the conscription point. We res-
cle Nikolai often said that he wanted young
olutely told the authorities that we would
people to hear his story, so I would like to
not participate in the war. Enraged, the mil-
share some highlights from it. He was born
itary personnel threatened to starve us,
in 1926 to a peasant family in the village of
force us to dig trenches, or just shoot us.
Podvirivka, located in the Chernivtsi Ob-
Fearlessly, we answered: ‘We are in your
last, Ukraine.
hands. But no matter what you do to us, we
NIKOLAI TELLS HOW HE will not break God’s command, “You must
FOUND THE TRUTH not murder.” ’—Ex. 20:13.
Uncle Nikolai begins: “One day in 1941, “As it turned out, two other brothers and
my older brother Ivan brought home the I were sent to Belarus to work in the fields
books The Harp of God and The Divine Plan and repair damaged houses. I still remem-
of the Ages, some Watchtower magazines, ber seeing the gruesome effects of war on
and several booklets. I read them all. I was the outskirts of Minsk. Charred trees lined
surprised to learn that the Devil, not God, the road. Unburied corpses and the bloat-
is the source of all the trouble in the world. ed bodies of dead horses lay in the ditch-
Along with the publications, I read the Gos- es and forest. I saw abandoned wagons
pels and realized that I had found the truth. and artillery and even the wreckage of an
14 THE WATCHTOWER
Sketches of a secret bunker
under the house where Nikolai
duplicated literature
airplane. Here in front of my eyes were asked me to assist in producing literature

the consequences of breaking God’s com- underground. I was 24 years old.”
mands.
PREPARING LITERATURE
“The war ended in 1945, but we were still
sentenced to ten years in prison for refus- “The Witnesses were fond of saying, ‘If
ing to fight. For the first three years, we had the Kingdom work is banned above ground,
no association or published spiritual food. it will continue underground.’ (Prov. 28:
We were able to contact some sisters by let- 28) At this time, most of our printing was
ter, but they too were arrested and sen- done in secret underground locations. My
tenced to 25 years in a labor camp. first ‘workroom’ was in a bunker on the
“Then we received an early release in property where my older brother Dmitry
1950 and returned home. While I was in lived. Sometimes I did not leave the bunk-
prison, my mother and younger sister Ma- er for two weeks straight. If the kerosene
ria had become Jehovah’s Witnesses! My lamp went out because of a lack of oxygen,
older brothers were not yet Witnesses, but I would lie down and wait until the room
they were studying the Bible. Because I filled with fresh air.
was actively preaching, the Soviet security “One day, a brother with whom I worked
agency wanted to send me to prison again. asked me, ‘Nikolai, have you been bap-
Then the brothers in charge of the work tized?’ Although I had served Jehovah for
OCTOBER 15, 2015 15

“We always put in
an honest day’s
work and often did
more than we were
assigned to do”
tious sapped my strength. We had to be

ready for anything. For example, one eve-
ning two police officers came to the house
where I was staying. I jumped out of a win-
dow on the other side of the house and ran
into the forest. Emerging into a field, I
heard strange whistling sounds. When I
heard gunshots, I realized that the whis-
At the labor camp in Mordvinia, 1963 tling was from bullets! One of my pursuers
jumped on a horse and kept shooting at me
from horseback until he ran out of ammu-
11 years, I had not been baptized. So he dis-
nition. One shot hit me in the arm. Finally,
cussed the matter with me, and that night,
after a three-mile (5 km) chase, I escaped
at the age of 26, I got baptized in a lake.
by hiding in the forest. Later at my trial, I
Three years later, I received additional re-
was told that they had fired at me 32 times!
sponsibility, becoming a member of the
Country Committee. At that time, brothers “Since I spent so much time under-
who were still free were appointed to re- ground, I was very pale. This immediately
place those who had been arrested, and the gave away what I was doing. So I spent as
Kingdom work continued.” much time as I could in the sun. Life under-
ground also affected my health. One time I
THE DIFFICULTIES OF could not even attend an important meet-
WORKING UNDERGROUND ing with other brothers because I was bleed-
“The underground printing work was ing from my nose and mouth.”
much more difficult than prison! For seven
years, to avoid surveillance by the KGB, I NIKOLAI’S ARREST
was unable to attend congregation meet- “On January 26, 1957, I was arrested.
ings and had to look after my own spiritual- Six months later the Supreme Court of
ity. I saw my family only when I went to visit Ukraine announced the verdict. I was sen-
them, which was seldom. Still, they under- tenced to death by firing squad, but be-
stood my situation, and this encouraged cause the death penalty had been abolished
me. The constant stress and need to be cau- in the country, my sentence was commuted
16 THE WATCHTOWER
to 25 years in prison. Eight of us were sen- suffered under the harsh treatment of the
tenced to a total of 130 years in labor authorities were exonerated. In 1996, Niko-
camps. We were sent to camps in Mordvin- lai moved to the city of Velikiye Luki in
ia, where there were about 500 Witnesses. Pskov Oblast, about 300 miles (500 km)
We met secretly in small groups to study from St. Petersburg. He bought a small
The Watchtower. After examining some of house, and in 2003 a Kingdom Hall was
our confiscated magazines, one guard ex- constructed on his property. Today, two
claimed: ‘If you continue to read them, you flourishing congregations meet there.
will be invincible!’ We always put in an hon- My husband and I serve at the branch
est day’s work and often did more than we office of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Russia. In
were assigned to do. Still, the camp com- March 2011, just a few months before his
mander lamented: ‘The work you do here is death, Uncle Nikolai visited us for the last
not important to us. What we need is your
time. His words deeply touched us as he
loyalty and allegiance.’ ”
told us with a sparkle in his eye: “From all
HIS INTEGRITY DID NOT FADE appearances, I can see that in a manner
After being released from the labor camp of speaking, the seventh day of marching
in 1967, Uncle Nikolai helped organize con- around Jericho has begun.” (Josh. 6:15)
gregations in Estonia and St. Petersburg, He was 85 years old. Although his life had
Russia. Early in 1991, the 1957 court verdict not been easy, he described it in these
was overturned because of the lack of evi- words: “How happy I am that when I was
dence that a crime had been committed. young, I decided to serve Jehovah! I have
During that time, many Witnesses who had never regretted it!”
Kingdom Hall in Velikiye Luki
Nikolai Dubovinsky
in 2011
Serve Jehovah
Without Distraction
“Mary . . . kept listening to what [Jesus] was saying.
Martha . . . was distracted with attending to many duties.”
—LUKE 10:39, 40.
SONGS: 94, 134 WHAT comes to mind when you think about the Bible charac-
ter Martha? Although she was the only woman mentioned by
HOW WOULD YOU name as being one whom Jesus loved, he also had pure unself-
ANSWER? ish love for other godly women, such as his dear earthly moth-
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
er, Mary, and Martha’s sister, Mary. (John 11:5; 19:25-27)
How did both Martha and Why, then, is Martha mentioned in this way in the Gospel ac-
Mary set a fine example count?
for us? 2 Jesus loved Martha not only for her hospitable and indus-
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
trious nature but, no doubt, because of her spirituality. She
What does it mean to make was a woman who truly believed Jesus’ teachings. Martha had
use of the world but not to remarkable faith in Jesus as the promised Messiah. (John
the full? 11:21-27) At the same time, like all of us, she was not perfect.
On one occasion while Jesus was being entertained in her
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
home, Martha presumed to tell Jesus what he should do to
How are many following
the examples of Jesus and
correct a situation she thought to be wrong. “Lord,” said Mar-
Paul in serving God without tha, “does it not matter to you that my sister has left me alone
distraction?
1, 2. Why did Jesus love Martha, but what shows that she was not per-
fect?
18
to attend to things? Tell her to come and serve Jehovah faithfully for the rest of
help me.” (Read Luke 10:38-42.) What her life.
lesson can we learn from this account? 5 Concerning distractions, how does
the world we live in compare with the

MARTHA WAS DISTRACTED
world of Bible times? “Never in history
3 In response to their hospitality, Je- has mankind boasted superior means
sus is moved to give Martha and Mary a of communication, high speed printing
spiritual gift. Mary seizes the opportuni-
presses, profusely illustrated magazines,
ty to take in knowledge from the mouth
the radio, movies, television. . . . They
of the Great Teacher and sits down “at
bombard us daily with fresh distractions
the feet of the Lord . . . , listening to what
. . . Not too long ago, it was fondly
he was saying.” Martha could have done
thought that ours was ‘The Age of En-
the same. No doubt, Jesus would have
lightenment.’ More and more it is be-
commended Martha for giving him her
coming ‘The Age of Distraction.’ ” These
full attention.
words were spoken to a group of stu-
4 However, Martha gets busy prepar-
dents in the United States over 60 years
ing a special meal and does other chores ago. “Distractions,” said The Watchtower
to make Jesus’ stay as nice as possible. of September 15, 1958, “will likely in-
But all this work is causing her need- crease as this world nears its doom.”
less anxiety, and she becomes irritated
How true! And this raises an important
with Mary. Jesus notices that Martha is
question: What can we do to avoid need-
trying to do too much, so he kindly says:
less distractions and become more like
“Martha, Martha, you are anxious and
Mary, keeping our focus on spiritual
disturbed about many things.” He then
things?
suggests that just one dish of food would
be sufficient. Jesus now turns his atten- USING THE WORLD
tion to Mary and clears her of any negli- BUT NOT TO THE FULL
gence, saying: “For her part, Mary chose 6 For the advancement of true wor-
the good portion, and it will not be ship, the earthly part of God’s organiza-
taken away from her.” Mary may soon tion has always made good use of the
have forgotten what she ate on that spe- world’s technology. For example, con-
cial occasion, but she would never for- sider the “Photo-Drama of Creation,” a
get the commendation and fine spiritu- photographic slide and motion picture
al food she received by giving Jesus production, complete with color and
her undivided attention. More than 60 sound. Before and during World War I,
years later, the apostle John wrote: “Je- millions throughout the world received
sus loved Martha and her sister.” (John comfort from this presentation, which
11:5) These inspired words surely indi- concluded by describing the coming,
cate that Martha took to heart Jesus’
loving correction and that she strove to 5. How does life in this modern world compare
with life in Bible times, and what question does
3, 4. In what way did Mary choose “the good this raise?
portion,” and what lesson did Martha no doubt 6. How have Jehovah’s people made good use
take to heart? (See opening image.) of the world’s technology?
OCTOBER 15, 2015 19

Do not allow nonessential
things to interfere with
spiritual activities
(See paragraph 7)
peaceful Thousand Year Reign of Je- time we spend on nonessential things,

sus Christ. Later, the Kingdom message we may find ourselves neglecting the
was broadcast over public radio and was most important activity of all—our wor-
heard by millions more throughout the ship of Jehovah.—Read Ephesians 5:
earth. Today, computer technology and 15-17.
the Internet are being used in a power- 8 Satan has designed his world to at-
ful way to spread the good news, reach- tract and distract us. That was true in the
ing people on remote islands and in first century, and it is even more so to-
every corner of the earth. day. (2 Tim. 4:10) Thus, we need to heed
7 As the Bible warns, there is a danger
the counsel: “Do not love . . . the things
in making too much use of what the in the world.” By constantly adjusting
world has to offer. (Read 1 Corinthians ourselves to live in accord with such
7:29-31.) A Christian can easily waste an counsel, we will avoid being distracted
excessive amount of time on things that and we will be able to grow in our “love
are not wrong in themselves, such as of the Father.” This, in turn, will make it
hobbies, recreational reading, TV watch- easier for us to do the will of God and re-
ing, sightseeing, window shopping, and main in his favor forever.—1 John 2:
seeking out the latest electronic gad- 15-17.
gets or luxuries. Social networking, text-
ing, circulating e-mails, and frequent- KEEP YOUR EYE FOCUSED
ly checking the latest news and sports 9 Jesus’ kind words of counsel to Mar-
events can also waste our time and can tha were in perfect harmony with his
even become an obsession.1 (Eccl. 3: teaching and his example. He encour-
1, 6) If we do not limit the amount of aged his disciples to keep their figu-
rative eye “focused” so as to pursue
1 See the article “The Naive Person Believes Every
Word.”
8. Why is the counsel not to be loving the
7. (a) Why is it dangerous to make too much things in the world so important?
use of the world? (b) What should be of special 9. What did Jesus say about our figurative
concern to us? (See footnote.) eye, and how did he set the example?
20 THE WATCHTOWER
Kingdom interests without distraction. was very stressful. (Matt. 26:38; John
(Read Matthew 6:22, 33.) Jesus was 12:27) He had much work to do, and he
not burdened with material possessions; faced a humiliating trial and a cruel
he did not own a house or land.—Luke 9: death. Consider, for example, what hap-
58; 19:33-35. pened on Sunday, Nisan 9, of the year
10 Many things happened during Je- 33 C.E. As foretold, Jesus entered Jeru-
sus’ ministry that could have distracted salem on a colt, and the crowds hailed
him, but he never succumbed to them. him as “the one coming as the King in Je-
Early in his ministry, after he had taught hovah’s name.” (Luke 19:38) The next
the crowds and performed miracles in day, Jesus entered the temple and cou-
Capernaum, people begged him not to rageously threw out the greedy business-
leave their city. But how did Jesus react men who were using God’s house for ex-
to this flattering request? He said: “I torting money from fellow Jews.—Luke
must also declare the good news of the 19:45, 46.
Kingdom of God to other cities, because 13 Among the crowds in Jerusalem
for this I was sent.” (Luke 4:42-44) True were some Greek proselytes who evi-
to his word, Jesus walked the length dently were so impressed with Jesus
and breadth of Palestine, preaching and that they asked the apostle Philip to ar-
teaching. Though perfect, he had nor- range a meeting with him. Jesus, how-
mal human needs and sometimes felt ever, refused to be distracted from the
very tired because of expending himself more important matters that lay ahead.
in God’s service.—Luke 8:23; John 4:6. He certainly did not want to try to gain
11 On a later occasion while Jesus was popularity in order to avoid a sacrificial
teaching his followers how to cope with death at the hands of God’s enemies. So
opposition, a man interrupted, saying: after explaining that he would soon die,
“Teacher, tell my brother to divide the he said to Andrew and Philip: “Who-
inheritance with me.” But Jesus refused ever is fond of his life destroys it, but
to be drawn into this dispute. “Man,” he whoever hates his life in this world will
answered, “who appointed me judge or safeguard it for everlasting life.” Rath-
arbitrator between you two?” Then Je- er than satisfy the curiosity of those
sus continued with his teaching, warning Greeks, he recommended following his
his listeners about the danger of being self-sacrificing course and promised: “If
distracted from God’s service by desires anyone would minister to me, the Father
for material things.—Luke 12:13-15. will honor him.” No doubt, Philip car-
12 The last week of Jesus’ human life ried this positive message back to the in-
quirers.—John 12:20-26.
10. What example did Jesus set early in his 14 Though Jesus refused to be distract-
ministry?
ed from his main purpose of preaching
11. What did Jesus say to a man who had a
family dispute, and what warning did Jesus the good news, he was not always think-
give? ing about work. He accepted at least
12, 13. (a) Shortly before Jesus’ death, what one invitation to a wedding and even
aroused the interest of some Greek proselytes?
(b) How did Jesus handle the potential distrac- 14. While Jesus put the preaching work first in
tion? his life, what shows that he was balanced?
OCTOBER 15, 2015 21

contributed to the joy of the occasion by or married, all can “throw off every
miraculously turning water into wine. weight” and serve God with as few dis-
(John 2:2, 6-10) He also accepted invita- tractions as possible. This may require
tions to evening meals with close friends cutting down on time-wasting habits and
and potential disciples. (Luke 5:29; setting goals to increase the time spent
John 12:2) More important, Jesus fre- in the service of God.
quently bought out time for prayer, pri- 17 Consider a Welsh couple, Mark and
vate reflection, and needed rest.—Matt. Claire, each of whom entered the pio-
14:23; Mark 1:35; 6:31, 32. neer service after completing school and
continued pioneering after they got mar-
“THROW OFF EVERY WEIGHT”
ried. “We were able to simplify our lives
15 “Let us also throw off every weight,” further by giving up our three-bedroom
wrote the apostle Paul, who likened house and our part-time work so that we
the course of a dedicated Christian could enter the international construc-
to an endurance race. (Read Hebrews tion work,” explains Mark. For the past
12:1.) Paul certainly practiced what he 20 years, they have traveled throughout
preached, giving up a promising career Africa, helping to build Kingdom Halls.
in Judaism that could have brought him Once, their personal funds dropped to
wealth and fame. He focused on “the 15 dollars, but Jehovah took care of
more important things” and slaved in them. “It gives us deep satisfaction,”
God’s service, traveling back and forth says Claire, “to spend every day serving
between Syria, Asia Minor, Macedo- Jehovah. We have made so many friends
nia, and Judea. “Forgetting the things along the way, and we lack nothing. The
behind and stretching forward to the little that we have given up cannot be
things ahead, I am pressing on toward compared to the happiness that comes
the goal for the prize,” wrote Paul re- from serving Jehovah full-time.” Many
garding his hope of everlasting life in full-time servants have had similar expe-
heaven. (Phil. 1:10; 3:8, 13, 14) Taking riences.1
full advantage of his singleness, Paul 18 What about you? What can you do if
succeeded in being in “constant devo-
you detect that you no longer pursue
tion to the Lord without distraction.”
Kingdom interests with the same enthu-
—1 Cor. 7:32-35.
siasm because of unnecessary distrac-
16 Like Paul, some servants of God
tions? Perhaps the answer lies in making
choose to remain single so that they your personal Bible reading and study
have fewer family responsibilities and more productive. How can you do that?
can devote themselves to Kingdom ser- The next article will explain.
vice. (Matt. 19:11, 12) Married servants
of God often have more extensive fami- 1 See also the life story of Hadyn and Melody San-
ly responsibilities. But whether single derson in the article “Knowing What Is Right and
Doing It.” (The Watchtower, March 1, 2006) They
gave up a profitable business in Australia to enter
15. What counsel did the apostle Paul give, full-time service. Read what happened after they ran
and how did he set a fine example? out of money while serving as missionaries in India.
16, 17. Whether single or married, how can we
follow the example Paul set as a disciple of 18. What questions might some need to con-
Christ? Relate an experience. sider?
22 THE WATCHTOWER
Keep Meditating
on Spiritual Things
“Ponder over these things; be absorbed in them, so that
your advancement may be plainly seen by all people.”—1 TIM. 4:15.
LANGUAGE enables humans to read, write, speak, under- SONGS: 57, 52

stand the spoken word, pray, and sing praises to Jehovah.
Each of these actions is astonishing and involves regions of WHAT DO YOU THINK?
the brain and neural networks that scientists still do not ful- ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
ly understand. Because our brain is unique, we are able to What does it mean to
learn a language. “The ability of human children to acquire meditate?
a language,” states a professor of linguistics, “is one of the
hallmarks of [humans].”
2 Man’s linguistic abilities are a miraculous gift designed by
God. (Ps. 139:14; Rev. 4:11) Our God-given brain is unique in ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
another important respect. Unlike animals, humans were What are some of the good
created “in God’s image.” They have free will and can choose things we can meditate on?
to use their linguistic skills to glorify God.—Gen. 1:27.
3 To all who desire to honor the Creator of language, God
has given a wonderful gift, the Bible. It is available in whole ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
or in part in some 2,600 languages. When you absorb these What are the benefits of daily
holy writings, you are filling your mind with the thoughts of meditating on God’s Word?
God. (Ps. 40:5; 92:5; 139:17) Thus you can enjoy meditating
1, 2. In what important ways is the human brain unique?

3. What wonderful gift has Jehovah provided to make us wise?
23
on things that “are able to make you our brain knows this. That is why he in-
wise for salvation.”—Read 2 Timothy structed Joshua to read His book of the
3:14-17. Law “in an undertone.” (Read Joshua
4 To meditate means to focus your 1:8.) You will likely find that reading the
thoughts and to reflect on or ponder Bible softly, or in an undertone, makes
over something, be it good or bad. (Ps. a deeper impression on your mind. This
77:12; Prov. 24:1, 2) The two best sub- may also help you to concentrate better.
jects for meditation are Jehovah God 7 While reading may be done with lit-
and his Son, Jesus Christ. (John 17:3) tle effort, meditation requires concen-
We may wonder, though, what is the tration. That is why the imperfect hu-
connection between reading and medi- man brain is inclined to switch to easier,
tating? What opportunities are there less demanding tasks. Thus, the best
for us to meditate, and how can we time to meditate is when you are rested
make meditation an enjoyable habit? and in a stress-free environment with
few distractions. The psalmist found
MAKE SURE THAT
that a good time to meditate was while
YOUR STUDY IS PRODUCTIVE
he was awake in bed during the night.
5 Amazing things can be done by your (Ps. 63:6) Jesus, who had perfect men-
brain, sometimes even without your tal powers, knew the advantage of being
conscious effort. For example, breath- in quiet places to meditate and pray.
ing, walking, riding a bicycle, or touch- —Luke 6:12.
typing are automatic processes that you
may be able to do without even think- GOOD THINGS TO MEDITATE ON
ing. To some extent, this is also true of 8 Reflecting on what you read in the
reading. It is vital, therefore, to focus Bible is one important way to meditate,

on the meaning of what you are reading. but there are others. For example, as
When getting to the end of a paragraph you view the marvels of creation, pause
or before starting a new subheading in a and think. This will no doubt move
publication, you might pause and pon- you to praise Jehovah for his goodness
der over what you have just read to be and—if you are with a companion—to
sure that you understand it correctly. share your appreciative feelings. (Ps.
Of course, distractions and a lack of 104:24; Acts 14:17) Does Jehovah val-
concentration may cause your mind to ue such prayerful thoughts and expres-
wander, making your reading unpro- sions about him? Let his precious Word
ductive. How can this be avoided? give the answer. Concerning these criti-
6 Scientific research shows that say- cal last days, we have this promise: “At
ing words aloud during study makes that time those who fear Jehovah spoke
them easier to recall. The Creator of with one another, each one with his
4. What does it mean to meditate, and what 7. When is the best time to meditate on God’s
questions will we consider? Word? (See opening image.)
5, 6. When you read, what may help you to im- 8. (a) Besides God’s Word, what can we med-
prove your understanding and your ability to itate on? (b) How does Jehovah feel about the
remember what you read? time we spend talking about him?
24 THE WATCHTOWER
Do you meditate on the needs and circumstances of your Bible students?
(See paragraph 9)
companion, and Jehovah kept paying these things strengthens our own faith
attention and listening. And a book of and helps us to conduct our Bible stud-
remembrance was written before him ies with greater effectiveness and en-
for those fearing Jehovah and for those thusiasm. The same is true when we pre-
meditating on his name.”—Mal. 3:16. pare our heart to go out in the field
9 The apostle Paul told Timothy to service. (Read Ezra 7:10.) Reading a
“ponder over [or, “meditate on,” ftn.]” chapter from the Bible book of Acts will
the effects of his speech, his conduct, “stir up like a fire” our enthusiasm for
and his teaching. (Read 1 Timothy 4: the ministry. Meditating on Bible verses
12-16.) Like Timothy, we have an abun- we intend to use that day and the publi-
dance of spiritual activities to think cations we plan to offer will help us car-
about. For example, we need time to ry out our privilege of service. (2 Tim.
meditate as we prepare to conduct a Bi- 1:6) Think about the people in the terri-
ble study. With each student in mind, we tory and what may arouse their interest.
might think of a viewpoint question or All such preparation will move us to wit-
an illustration to help the student make ness effectively “with a demonstration
progress. Time spent in this way can of spirit and power” from the Word of
be most refreshing, as pondering over God.—1 Cor. 2:4.
10 Do you at times take notes during
9. (a) What did Paul tell Timothy to meditate
on? (b) How can we apply Paul’s counsel when 10. What additional opportunities do we have
we prepare for our ministry? to meditate on spiritual things?
OCTOBER 15, 2015 25

public talks, assemblies, and conven- good things you have learned.—John
tions? Reviewing these notes provides 14:26.
excellent opportunities for meditation 12 Some days of the week can be set
as you think about what you have aside to read and meditate on the
learned from God’s Word and from his weekly Bible reading for the Theocrat-
organization. Also, each month’s issues ic Ministry School. Other days can be
of the Watchtower and Awake! magazines set aside for meditating on what Jesus
and the latest convention releases give said and did. You will surely agree that
us fresh information that we can read among the better-known books of the
and digest. When you read the Year- Bible are the Gospel accounts of Je-
book, you may find it helpful to pause sus’ life and ministry. (Rom. 10:17; Heb.
before moving from one experience to 12:2; 1 Pet. 2:21) God’s people have
another. That will give you time to re- even been provided with a publication
flect on what you read and to let the ex- that puts Jesus’ experiences and time
perience touch your heart. You may on earth in chronological order. It is a
want to underline key thoughts or to wonderful aid, especially if we careful-
make notes in the margin, which you ly read and meditate on the parallel
might find helpful when preparing for Gospel passages cited in each chapter.
a return visit, a shepherding call, or —John 14:6.
a future talk. Most important, paus- WHY IS MEDITATION SO IMPORTANT?
ing and meditating every now and then 13 Meditating on spiritual things will
while reading Bible-based publications
help a person grow to Christian maturi-
will give you the opportunity to absorb
ty. (Heb. 5:14; 6:1) A person who spends
the material and to say a prayer of
little time thinking about Jehovah and
thanks to Jehovah for the good things
Jesus will not maintain strong faith.
you are learning.
Such a person is in danger of drifting
DAILY MEDITATE ON GOD’S WORD away or drawing away from the truth.
11 Of course, the primary focus of our (Heb. 2:1; 3:12) Jesus warned that if we
meditation should be God’s inspired do not hear, or accept, God’s Word
Word. Suppose you are in a circum- “with a fine and good heart,” we will not
stance where you are deprived of a Bi- “retain” it. Instead, we could easily be
ble.1 You will never be deprived of the “carried away by anxieties, riches, and
ability to meditate on what you have pleasures of this life, . . . and bring noth-
stored in your memory, such as your fa- ing to maturity.”—Luke 8:14, 15.
14 Therefore, let us continue to pon-
vorite scriptures and the words of King-
dom songs. (Acts 16:25) And God’s spir- der over God’s Word. This will motivate
it can help bring back to your mind the us to reflect Jehovah’s glory, qualities,
1 See the article “Our Fight to Stay Spiritually 12. What routine of Bible reading can be bene-
Strong” in The Watchtower, December 1, 2006. ficial?
13, 14. Why is it so important for us to keep
11. What should be the primary focus of our meditating on spiritual things, and what will
meditation, and why? (See also footnote.) this motivate us to do?
26 THE WATCHTOWER
and personality as revealed in the Bible. search the contents of my mind, I often
(2 Cor. 3:18) What more could we ask find ‘disquieting thoughts,’ and I have
for? Growing in the knowledge of God to pray to Jehovah about them before I
and being allowed to reflect his glo- can meditate with a clear mind. Al-
ry are wonderful privileges, a never- though doing this might take a little
ending process as we continue to learn time before I can start to meditate on
how to imitate our loving heavenly Fa- spiritual subjects, I feel closer to Jeho-
ther.—Eccl. 3:11. vah. This opens my mind to understand-
15 By continuing to ponder over spiri- ing the truth better.” (Ps. 94:19, ftn.) In-
tual things, we will maintain our enthu- deed, wonderful benefits come to all
siasm for the truth. Thus we will be a who are “examining the Scriptures dai-
source of refreshment to our brothers ly” and meditating on what they learn.
and to the interested ones we meet in —Acts 17:11.
the field service. Meditating deeply on HOW DO YOU FIND THE TIME?
God’s greatest gift, the ransom sacrifice 17 Some get up early in the morning to
of Jesus, will help us to cherish the priv- read, meditate, and pray. Others do so
ilege of having a close relationship with during their lunch break. You might find
our Holy Father, Jehovah. (Rom. 3:24; that this can be done early in the eve-
Jas. 4:8) Mark, a South African who ning or before you go to bed. Some en-
spent three years in prison because of joy reading the Bible in the morning and
his Christian neutrality, said: “Medita- again before retiring. Thus they “read it
tion can be compared to an exciting . . . day and night,” or regularly. (Josh.
adventure. The more we meditate on 1:8) The important thing is to buy out
spiritual things, the more we discover time from less important things for dai-
new things about our God, Jehovah. At ly meditation on God’s Word.—Eph. 5:
times when I’m feeling a little discour- 15, 16.
aged or anxious about the future, I pick 18 God’s Word repeatedly promises
up the Bible and meditate on a passage blessings to all who meditate on it and
of Scripture. I feel that it really calms who strive to apply what they learn.
me down.” (Read Psalm 1:1-3.) “Happy are those
16 True, life in today’s world is so hearing the word of God and keeping
full of distractions that it is sometimes it,” said Jesus. (Luke 11:28) Most im-
very difficult to meditate on spiritual portant, meditating on spiritual things
things. Another faithful African broth- each day will help us to bring honor to
er, named Patrick, admits: “My mind is the Grand Creator of our marvelous
like a mailbox filled with a variety of in- brain, and he will reward us with happi-
formation, both wanted and unwanted, ness now and everlasting life in his righ-
that needs to be sorted every day. As I teous new world.—Jas. 1:25; Rev. 1:3.
15, 16. (a) How do we personally benefit from 17. How do you find the time to meditate?
pondering over spiritual matters? (b) Why may 18. What does the Bible say about all who dai-
it sometimes be difficult to meditate, but why ly meditate on God’s Word and strive to apply
should we persist? what they learn?
OCTOBER 15, 2015 27

study with me. Soon I realized that coming to
Drawing Near know Jehovah and his purpose was more impor-
to God Has Been tant than my physical situation. That did me

good. Psalm 73:28 became my favorite scripture.
Good for Me The first part of that passage in the Bible states:
“Drawing near to God is good for me.”
Quite abruptly our family moved to Burkina
Faso, and my life changed dramatically. Back in
our neighborhood in Côte d’Ivoire, I had been a
WHEN I was nine years old, I stopped growing. familiar sight beside the fruit stand. But in our
That was 34 years ago in Côte d’Ivoire, and even new surroundings, I was a stranger and, to many,
today I stand only three feet (1 m) tall. At the a strange sight. People stared at me. I reacted by
time that my condition became apparent, my par- staying indoors for weeks at a time. Then I re-
ents encouraged me to work hard so that I would membered how good it had been for me to draw
not constantly think about my appearance. I set near to Jehovah. I wrote to the branch office of
up a fruit stand in front of our house and kept the Jehovah’s Witnesses and was visited by the right
display neat. That attracted many customers. person—Nani, a missionary on a motor scooter.
Of course, working hard did not change every- The sandy roads in our neighborhood were al-
thing. I was still very short, and I had to struggle ways slippery, and in the rainy season, muddy.
with even simple things in life, such as the height Nani tumbled from her scooter countless times
of store counters. Everything seemed to be de- while coming to study with me, but she was un-
signed for people almost twice my height. I felt daunted. Then she offered to take me to the meet-
sorry for myself, but that changed when I was 14 ings. I realized that this meant venturing out of
years old. the house and enduring people’s stares. Further-
One day, two women—Jehovah’s Witness- more, having me on the back of the motor scoot-
es—purchased fruit, and then they started a Bible er would add extra weight to a scooter that was
28 THE WATCHTOWER
already difficult to steer. Nevertheless, I agreed, own sisters also accepted the truth! Hearing how
aware of the second part of my favorite scripture: others progressed often buoyed me up just when
“I have made the Sovereign Lord Jehovah my ref- I needed it. One day while suffering from a bout
uge.” of malaria, I received a letter from Côte d’Ivoire.
Nani and I sometimes toppled into the mud, I had started a doorstep Bible study with a uni-
but it was worth it to get to the meetings. What a versity student in Burkina Faso and had turned it
contrast the loving smiles I received inside the over to a brother. The student later moved to
Kingdom Hall were to the stares I got outside! Côte d’Ivoire. How happy I was to learn that he
Nine months later, I was baptized. had become an unbaptized publisher!
“To declare all your works” is the third part of How do I support myself? An organization that
my favorite scripture. I knew that the ministry aids the disabled offered to teach me sewing. One
would be my biggest challenge. I still remember instructor noticed my work habits and said: “We
the first time I went preaching from house to should teach you to make soap.” They did. I
house. Children and grown-ups alike stared at make laundry and household soap at home. Peo-
me, followed me, and imitated how I walked. That ple like my soap and recommend it to others. I
really hurt, but I continually reminded myself deliver it myself, using a three-wheeled motor
that they needed the Paradise just as much as I scooter.
did; so I persisted. Sadly, in 2004, pain caused by my deformed
To make things easier, I got a hand-pedaled tri- spinal column had increased to the point that it
cycle. My service partner pushed me uphill and was only reasonable for me to stop pioneering.
then jumped on the tricycle as we gained momen- Nevertheless, I still have a full share in the min-
tum going downhill. The ministry, a challenge at istry.
first, became a source of great joy, so much so People say that I am known for my contagious
that in 1998, I enrolled as a regular pioneer. smile. I have every reason to be happy because
I conducted many Bible studies, and five of drawing near to God has been good for me.—As
those persons were baptized. Happily, one of my told by Sarah Maiga.
OCTOBER 15, 2015 29

“The Naive Person
Believes Every Word”
“Foolish is the man who never (Prov. 7:7) If a news item seems unbelievable, it
probably is. Furthermore, when the information
reads a newspaper; even more discredits others, think about who would benefit
foolish is the man who believes from such news being spread and whether the
what he reads just because source has ulterior motives in spreading it.
it is in the newspaper.” COMPULSIVE FORWARDERS
—August von Schlözer, German historian Some—often in search of attention—are fixat-

and publicist (1735-1809). ed on being the first to spread news and for-
ward it to all their contacts without checking its
authenticity or considering the consequences.
IF A person could not trust everything that was (2 Sam. 13:28-33) However, if we are “shrewd,”
written in a newspaper over 200 years ago, the we will think about the possible damage this
same applies to much of what can be read on the could cause, perhaps to the reputation of a per-
Internet in the 21st century. A huge amount of son or an organization.
information—true and false, useful and worth-
less, harmless and dangerous—is now available,
thanks to modern technology. We must be very
selective about what we consider worthy of our
attention. Especially could those who are new to
the Internet conclude that a report or a news
item, however strange or sensational, is true sim-
ply because it is online or because a friend sent it
via e-mail. For good reason, the Bible warns:
“The naive person believes every word, but the
shrewd one ponders each step.”—Prov. 14:15.
How can we become “shrewd” and identify
hoaxes, urban legends, swindles, and other mis-
information that may appear on our computer
screens? First, ask yourself: ‘Is the item from an
official, reliable website or from a blog or an un-
known source? Has it already been exposed on
anti-hoax websites?’1 Then, use “good sense.”
1 Be aware that previously exposed hoaxes and urban leg-
ends resurface now and then, sometimes slightly altered to Should I . . .
make them appear genuine.
30 THE WATCHTOWER
It takes effort to verify news. That is why some extracted for Bible study, or answers to use
decide simply to leave it up to the recipient to at congregation meetings would detract from
determine if it is credible. But how much time the value of each individual’s personal prepara-
will it take for him to do that? Time is precious. tion.
(Eph. 5:15, 16) Instead of thinking, “If in doubt, And what should you do if you find slanderous
send it out,” it would be better to adopt the mot- news about Jehovah’s organization on the Inter-
to, “If in doubt, throw it out!” net? Such material should be firmly rejected.
Ask yourself: ‘Have I become a compulsive Some feel that they must bring it to the attention
forwarder of e-mails? Have I ever had to write of others to get their opinion, but all that does is
my contacts to apologize for having sent them propagate the malicious information. If we feel
information that turned out to be incorrect or an troubled about something we see on the Inter-
outright lie? Has anyone ever asked me to stop net, we should ask Jehovah for wisdom and
forwarding e-mails?’ Remember that whoever is speak to mature brothers about it. (Jas. 1:5, 6;
on your e-mail contact list also has access to the Jude 22, 23) Jesus, who was the object of false
Internet and is therefore able to look for things accusations, warned his followers that enemies
of interest without your help. They do not need
would persecute them and “lyingly say every sort
to be inundated with funny stories, video clips,
of wicked thing against [them].” (Matt. 5:11; 11:
or slide shows. It is also unwise to forward re-
19; John 10:19-21) We need to use “thinking
cordings or transcripts of Bible talks.1 Fur-
ability” and “discernment” to identify “the man
thermore, forwarding research material, verses
speaking perverse things” and those “whose en-
1 See Our Kingdom Ministry, April 2010, “Question Box.” tire course is devious.”—Prov. 2:10-16.
forward a sensational e-mail to someone else?
OCTOBER 15, 2015 31

RESPECT THE RIGHT OF OTHERS an e-mail or a text to even one person has to re-
We also have to be careful about news or expe- alize that whether it was intended or not, the
riences of a spiritual nature that we receive sec- content could travel all over the world in a flash.
ondhand. Even if a report is true, it does not nec- May we therefore resist the urge to forward in-
essarily mean that it should be spread. There may formation quickly and indiscriminately. When
be times when it would be neither right nor lov- we read sensational news items, remember that
ing to distribute true accounts to others. (Matt. love is not unduly suspicious; nor is it naive or
7:12) For example, it is neither loving nor up- gullible. Above all, love refuses to believe malev-
building to spread gossip, even though the infor- olent insinuations about Jehovah’s organization
mation may be true. (2 Thess. 3:11; 1 Tim. 5:13) or lies about our brothers that are circulated by
Some news may be of a confidential nature, and people who are slaves to “the father of the lie,”
we should respect the right of others to di- Satan the Devil. (John 8:44; 1 Cor. 13:7) Think-
vulge the information at the proper time through ing ability and discernment will help us become
the appropriate channels. Spreading information “shrewd” and consider how to handle responsi-
ahead of time can do much harm. bly the increasing amount of information avail-
Today it is possible to spread news—true or able to us on a daily basis. As the Bible says, “the
false, useful or worthless, harmless or danger- naive will inherit foolishness, but the shrewd are
ous—at an incredible speed. Anyone who sends crowned with knowledge.”—Prov. 14:18.
QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF

BEFORE YOU HIT SEND:
Q Is this information from a reliable source?
Q Is this information confidential?
Q Will this information damage someone’s reputation?
Q Has anyone ever asked me to stop forwarding e-mails?
s
o
w15 10/15-E

150528
available
N OVEMBER 1 5, 2 0 1 5
34567
STUDY ARTICLES
___________________________________________________________________
DECEMBER 28–JANUARY 3
Train Your Child
to Serve Jehovah
PAGE 3
___________________________________________________________________
JANUARY 4-10
Train Your Teenager
to Serve Jehovah
PAGE 8
___________________________________________________________________
JANUARY 11-17
Jehovah Is
the God of Love
PAGE 16
___________________________________________________________________
JANUARY 18-24
Do You “Love
Your Neighbor
as Yourself”?
PAGE 21
___________________________________________________________________
JANUARY 25-31
One Hundred Years
Under Kingdom
Rulership!
PAGE 26
STUDY ARTICLES
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
ˇ Train Your Child to Serve Jehovah

ˇ Train Your Teenager to Serve Jehovah
Jehovah has entrusted parents with a precious yet sobering
assignment—that of training their children to serve him.
BRAZIL These two articles show how parents can fulfill that
COVER: A circuit overseer and responsibility by imitating Jesus and three of his qualities
some special pioneers travel —love, humility, and insight.
by boat in the Amazon rain forest. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
They joyfully proclaim the good

news in isolated villages along ˇ Jehovah Is the God of Love
the river and its tributaries ˇ Do You “Love Your Neighbor as Yourself”?
‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ The first of these two articles makes it clear that Jehovah
POPULATION
is a God of love. It also explains how God has manifested
his love for mankind. The second article discusses how
203,067,835 Jehovah’s servants show love for neighbor.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
PUBLISHERS
794,766 ˇ One Hundred Years Under

Kingdom Rulership!
PIONEERS
This article focuses on what has been done to declare the
84,550 good news during the past 100 years of Kingdom rulership.
Learn about some tools and innovative methods used in our
disciple-making work. Also consider the effective training
1,728,208 given to Kingdom publishers throughout the years.
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE

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_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
14 Show Appreciation for Jehovah’s Generosity

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
34567 ˙
November 15, 2015
Train Your Child
to Serve Jehovah
“Let the man of the true God . . . instruct us about what we
should do with the child who will be born.”—JUDG. 13:8.
THE man’s wife could hardly have brought him more surpris- SONGS: 88, 120
ing news. After all, the couple was sure that the wife was in-
fertile. However, Jehovah’s angel had appeared to her, and HOW CAN YOU IMITATE
what had seemed impossible was true: Manoah and his wife JESUS BY . . .
were going to have a son! No doubt, Manoah was happy, but ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
he was also aware of the great responsibility that rested on his

showing love for your child?
shoulders. In a nation filled with badness, how could he and
his wife successfully raise their son to serve God? Manoah
“pleaded with Jehovah,” saying: “Please let the man of the
true God [the angel] whom you just sent come again to in- ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
struct us about what we should do with the child who will be demonstrating humility as
born.”—Judg. 13:1-8. a parent?
2 If you are a parent, you can likely relate to Manoah’s ear-
nest plea. You too bear the weighty responsibility of helping

your child to come to know and love Jehovah. (Prov. 1:8) To
that end, Christian parents arrange for a meaningful and pro- ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
gressive Family Worship program. Of course, to impress Bible showing insight in helping
your child?
1. How did Manoah respond to the news that he was going to become
a father?
2. What does training your child involve? (Include the box “Your Most
Important Bible Students.”)
3
Your Most Important Bible Students
ON MOST Bible studies, we use the only believing parent in your family,
book What Does the Bible Real- we urge you to study the Bible Teach
ly Teach? to help students come to and “God’s Love” books with your
know Jehovah and learn Scriptur- children. (Prov. 6:20) If possible, use
al truths. We study the book “Keep the study guides on jw.org to help
Yourselves in God’s Love” to help Bi- your young ones reason on the ma-
ble students come to love Jehovah terial in the Bible Teach book so that
and his standards. it reaches their heart.—Look under
The most important Bible studies BIBLE TEACHINGS ˛
you will ever have are those you con- TEENAGERS.1
duct with your children. They need to 1 Parents may decide to
learn about Jehovah and to grow in have one parent study
these books with a child
love for him and his righteous princi- apart from the regular Scan this
ples. Therefore, even if you are the Family Worship sessions. code for study
guides
truths on a child’s mind, you need to with them. Thus, they did not have to
do more than conduct a weekly fami- wonder whether he truly loved them.
ly study. (Read Deuteronomy 6:6-9.) How can you imitate Jesus’ way of
How can you meet the challenge of incul- teaching?
cating the truth in your child? This arti- 4 Tell your children that you love
cle and the next will examine how par- them, and regularly show them how
ents can follow Jesus’ example. Though much they mean to you. (Prov. 4:3; Ti-
Jesus was not a father, parents can ben- tus 2:4) Samuel, who lives in Australia,
efit from his way of teaching because he says: “When I was very young, Dad used
taught and trained his disciples with to read My Book of Bible Stories to me
love, humility, and insight. Let us con- every evening. He would answer my
sider each of these qualities, one at a questions, hug me, and kiss me good-
time. night. What a surprise when I later dis-
covered that Dad was not raised in a
LOVE YOUR CHILD
family where hugs and kisses were com-
3 Jesus did not hesitate to tell his dis- mon! Yet, he made a real effort to ex-
ciples that he loved them. (Read John press his love for me. As a result, I devel-
15:9.) He also showed his love by close- oped a strong bond with him, and I felt
ly and regularly associating with his contented and secure.” Help your chil-
disciples. (Mark 6:31, 32; John 2:2; 21: dren to feel that way by often telling
12, 13) Jesus was not “all business” them “I love you.” Show your affection
3. How did Jesus express love for his disci- 4. How can you convince your children that
ples? you love them? (See opening image.)
4 THE WATCHTOWER
for your children. Talk with them, eat have felt when they heard, or later
with them, play with them. learned about, one of his final prayers as
5 “All those for whom I have affec- a human: “Abba, Father, all things are
tion,” said Jesus, “I reprove and disci- possible for you; remove this cup from
pline.”1 (Rev. 3:19) Although Jesus’ dis- me. Yet, not what I want, but what
ciples repeatedly argued about who was you want.”1 (Mark 14:36) From Jesus’
the greatest among them, Jesus did not pleading words, his followers undoubt-
give up on them. He also did not ig- edly learned that since the perfect Son
nore it when they failed to respond to of God humbly prayed for divine help,
his counsel. Lovingly and mildly, Jesus they should do the same.
reproved them at a suitable time and 8 What do your children learn from
place.—Mark 9:33-37. your prayers? True, you do not pray
6 Show your love for your children
to Jehovah primarily to teach your
by disciplining them. It is sometimes children. Nevertheless, when you pray
enough to explain why a certain course humbly in their presence, your chil-
is right or wrong. At other times, a dren learn to rely on Jehovah. Ana,
child may fail to apply what you say. who lives in Brazil, states: “When there
(Prov. 22:15) When that happens, imi- were problems, such as when my grand-
tate Jesus. At a fitting time and place, parents were ill, my parents would ask
discipline your child lovingly and mildly Jehovah to give them the strength to
through patient guidance, training, and cope with the situation and the wis-
correction. “My parents were consistent dom to make good decisions. Even when
in giving discipline,” says Elaine, a sister under terrible pressure, they left their
in South Africa. “If they warned me problems in Jehovah’s hands. As a re-
about the consequences of misbehav- sult, I learned to rely on Jehovah.”
ing, they would always follow through. When you pray with your children, do
But they never disciplined me in anger not pray just for them. Ask Jehovah to
or without explaining why I was being help you too—perhaps to help you speak
disciplined. As a result, I felt secure. I
to your employer about getting time off
knew my boundaries, and I understood
for a convention, to give you courage to
what was required of me.”
witness to your neighbor, or to help you
DEMONSTRATE HUMILITY in other ways. Humbly rely on God, and
7 Imagine how Jesus’ disciples must your children will learn to do so too.
9 By word and example, Jesus trained
1 According to the Bible, discipline includes loving
his disciples to serve others humbly.
guidance, training, correction, and sometimes pun-
ishment—but never in anger.
1 The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
states: “In the colloquial speech of Jesus’ time,
5, 6. (a) What does Jesus do for those whom abbā was primarily used as a term of informal inti-
he loves? (b) Explain how proper discipline macy and respect by children of their fathers.”
helps children to feel secure and loved.
7, 8. (a) How did Jesus show humility in his 9. (a) How did Jesus teach his disciples to
prayers? (b) How can your prayers teach your serve others humbly? (b) If you are willing to
children to rely on God? serve others, what will your children learn?
NOVEMBER 15, 2015 5

(Read Luke 22:27.) He taught his apos- yond the obvious and discerning why
tles to be self-sacrificing in Jehovah’s people acted in a certain way. On
service and in dealing with fellow believ- one occasion, some of his listeners in
ers. Through your example of humble Galilee appeared eager to follow him.
self-sacrifice, you can teach your chil- (John 6:22-24) But Jesus, who could
dren the same lesson. “I never felt jeal- read hearts, discerned that the people
ous because of the time my husband were more interested in physical food
spent with others as an elder,” says Deb- than in what he taught. (John 2:25) He
bie, a mother of two. “I knew that when- saw what was wrong, patiently corrected
ever our family needed my husband’s at- them, and explained how they could im-
tention, he would give it to us.” (1 Tim. prove.—Read John 6:25-27.
3:4, 5) Her husband, Pranas, adds: “Lat- 11 Although you cannot read hearts,
er, our children were keen to be involved you too can show insight and learn how
at assemblies and on theocratic pro- your child feels about the field ministry.
jects. They flourished, made friends, Many parents include short breaks dur-
and felt that they belonged!” The entire ing field service to allow their children
family now serves Jehovah in the full- to rest and enjoy some refreshments.
time ministry. By the way you demon- Yet, you might look beyond the obvious
strate humility and self-sacrifice, your and ask yourself, ‘Does my child enjoy
children are likely to learn how to serve the ministry or only the breaks?’ If you
others. discern that the ministry could be more
SHOW INSIGHT
11. (a) Give an example that shows how in-
10 Jesus showed insight by looking be- sight can help you determine whether your
child enjoys the ministry. (b) How can you
10. When a crowd came to see Jesus, how did make the ministry interesting and rewarding
he show insight? for your child?
Does your child find

the preaching work
interesting and
rewarding?
(See paragraph 11)
interesting or more rewarding for your able so that he will come to me for help
children, set goals with them. Use cre- if he is ever tempted to look at pornog-
ativity to help them to have a full share raphy?’ Even while your children are
as your preaching companions. quite young, you could say to them: “If
12 Jesus also showed insight by identi- you ever come across an immoral web-
fying missteps that lead to sin. For ex- site and you feel tempted to look at it,
ample, his followers knew that sexual please come and talk to me. You don’t
immorality is wrong. But Jesus warned have to be ashamed. I want to help
them about the steps leading to immoral- you.”
ity, saying: “Everyone who keeps on 14 Insight will also help you to choose
looking at a woman so as to have a pas- your own entertainment prudently.

sion for her has already committed adul- “What we as parents approve of in the
tery with her in his heart. If, now, your way of music, movies, or books sets the
right eye is making you stumble, tear it tone for the family,” says Pranas, quot-
out and throw it away from you.” (Matt. ed earlier. “You can say a lot about
5:27-29) Those words were very timely a lot of things, but your children will
for Christians living under Roman rule. watch what you do and imitate you.” If
At Roman stage plays, “eye and ear alike your children see you carefully choos-
saw and heard indecencies,” wrote one ing clean entertainment, they will prob-
historian, “and the lewdest scenes were ably be moved to make similar choices.
the most applauded.” How loving and —Rom. 2:21-24.
insightful of Jesus to warn his disciples
THE TRUE GOD WILL
about things that would make it hard to
LISTEN TO YOU
stay morally clean!
13 Insight can help you to protect
15 What happened when Manoah
your children from spiritual harm. To- asked for help to raise his son? “The true
day, children may be exposed to por- God listened to Manoah.” (Judg. 13:9)
nography and other immoral materi- Parents, Jehovah will listen to you too.
al at a younger age than ever before. He will answer your prayers and help
Of course, Christian parents tell their you to train your children. You can suc-
children that unclean entertainment is ceed in doing so with love, humility, and
wrong. However, insight will also help insight.
16 Just as Jehovah helps parents to
you to understand how your child might
become curious about pornography. train their young children successfully,
Ask yourself: ‘What may tempt my child so he can help parents to train their ad-
to look at pornography? Does he know olescent children. The next article will
why it is so dangerous? Am I approach- examine how you can imitate Jesus’
love, humility, and insight as you train
12. (a) How did Jesus insightfully warn his fol- your teenager to serve Jehovah.
lowers about moral uncleanness? (b) How did
Jesus’ warning prove to be timely? 15, 16. (a) Why can you be sure that God will
13, 14. How can you protect your children help you to train your children? (b) What will we
from unclean entertainment? discuss in the next article?
NOVEMBER 15, 2015 7

Train Your Teenager
to Serve Jehovah
“Jesus went on progressing in wisdom and in physical
growth and in favor with God and men.”—LUKE 2:52.
SONGS: 41, 89 CHRISTIAN parents have few joys like that of watching their
child get baptized. “It was a highly emotional experience for
HOW CAN YOU IMITATE us. We were, of course, grateful that our children wanted to
JESUS BY . . . serve Jehovah,” says Berenice, whose four children were bap-
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
tized before they turned 14. “But,” she adds, “we also knew
showing love for your that as teenagers our children would face many challenges.”
teenager? You may understand Berenice’s concern if your child is a
teenager or is approaching adolescence.
2 While acknowledging that adolescence can be challenging
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ for parents and teenagers alike, one expert on child develop-
demonstrating humility ment states: “Adolescence is not a period of being ‘crazy’ or
as a parent? ‘immature.’ It is an essential time of emotional intensity, so-
cial engagement, and creativity.” While they are teenagers,
your children can develop a more meaningful friendship with
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Jehovah, set and pursue goals in the ministry, and use more
showing insight in your initiative as they make their dedication and live up to it. They
dealings with your teenage may find adolescence to be a rewarding time of spiritual
son or daughter?
1, 2. (a) What concerns do some parents have when their children be-
come teenagers? (b) In what ways can Christian youths thrive during
adolescence?
8
growth, even as Jesus did when he was When you are a friend to your teenage
young. (Read Luke 2:52.) What role do children and help them to enjoy “close
you as a parent play during those cru- friendship with Jehovah,” you do not re-
cial years? Consider how Jesus, after he linquish your authority as a parent. (Ps.
grew into adulthood, manifested love, 25:14) On the contrary, you show that
humility, and insight. How can these you love and respect them, and you be-
qualities help you to train your teenager come more approachable. In turn, they
to serve Jehovah? are more likely to share their concerns
with you.
LOVE YOUR TEENAGER 5 Jesus wanted his beloved disciples
3 Jesus was a loving and loyal friend. and friends to experience the joy that
(Read John 15:15.) In Bible times, a comes from a busy life in Jehovah’s ser-
master did not normally share his private vice. Therefore, he desired that they
thoughts and feelings with his slaves. zealously participate in spiritual activi-
However, Jesus proved to be both mas- ties. Indeed, Jesus wanted them to be
ter and friend to his faithful apostles. He ardent disciple-makers! And he lovingly
spent time with them, shared his feelings assured his disciples that he would help
with them, and carefully listened when them to succeed.—Matt. 28:19, 20.
they poured out their hearts to him. 6 You want your teenage children to
(Mark 6:30-32) Such loving communica- remain spiritually healthy. And God
tion created a warm bond between Jesus wants you to bring your children up “in
and his apostles and prepared them for the discipline and admonition of Jeho-
future responsibilities in God’s service. vah.” (Eph. 6:4) So use your God-given
4 “While we as parents can’t be our
responsibility to establish and maintain
children’s peers,” says Michael, a fa- a spiritual routine. To illustrate: You
ther of two, “we can be their friends.” insist that your children be educated
Friends spend time together. Prayerfully because their education is important
consider whether you can adjust your and you hope to instill in them a love
secular work or other pursuits to spend for learning. Loving parents likewise in-
more time with your children. Friends sist that their children benefit from the
also share common interests. There- “admonition of Jehovah” at congrega-
fore, make an effort to enjoy things that tion meetings and through other spiritu-
your teenager enjoys—his favorite mu- al programs. Because divine education is
sic, films, or sports. Ilaria, who lives in vital, you try to instill in your children
Italy, says: “My parents took an interest love for spiritual things and apprecia-
in the music I listened to. In fact, my dad tion for wisdom. (Prov. 24:14) As Jesus
became my best friend, and I felt free to helped his disciples, you seek to help
talk to him about even delicate matters.”
5. How did Jesus help his disciples to experi-
3. Why could Jesus call his apostles his ence the joy that comes from a busy life in Je-
friends? hovah’s service?
4. How can you be a friend to your child while 6, 7. Why is it loving for parents to establish
still maintaining your parental authority? (See and maintain a spiritual routine for their chil-
opening image.) dren?
NOVEMBER 15, 2015 9

your teenage children to succeed in the limitations and admit your mistakes.
ministry by developing in them a love (1 John 1:8) After all, whom do you re-
of teaching God’s Word and by helping spect more? A boss who admits when he
them stick to a good field service rou- is wrong or one who does not apologize?
tine. When your teenager hears you apologize
7 How can a consistent spiritual rou- for your mistakes, his respect for you is
tine help teenagers? Erin, who lives in likely increased. He may also learn to ad-
South Africa, admits: “We children of- mit his own errors. “We admitted our
ten whined and complained about Bible mistakes, and that moved our children
study, meetings, and field service. Some- to open up to us when they had a prob-
times we deliberately disrupted our fam- lem,” says Rosemary, a mother of three
ily study to try to get out of it. But our grown children. “We realized our limita-
parents didn’t give in.” She adds: “That tions, so we taught our children where to
training helped me to develop persever- find the best solutions to their problems.
ance. If my spiritual routine gets dis- When they needed help, we always re-
rupted now, I have a longing to return to ferred them to our Bible-based litera-
it as quickly as possible. I don’t think I ture, and we prayed together.”
10 Jesus had the authority to issue
would have developed that longing had
our parents not been firm in maintaining commands to his followers. Humbly,
a spiritual routine. Had they given in, I though, he often gave reasons for a com-
am quite sure I would now find it much mand. For example, he did not just tell
easier to miss meetings or other spiritu- his followers to seek first the Kingdom
al activities.” and God’s righteousness but said: “And
all these other things will be added to
TEACH HUMILITY BY YOUR EXAMPLE you.”After saying, “Stop judging,” Jesus
8 Though Jesus was a perfect man, gave this reason: “That you may not
he humbly acknowledged his limitations be judged; for with the judgment you
and reliance on Jehovah. (Read John 5: are judging, you will be judged.”—Matt.
19.) Did Jesus’ humility weaken his dis- 6:31–7:2.
11 When appropriate, explain the rea-
ciples’ respect for him? Not at all. In
fact, the more he relied on Jehovah, the sons behind a rule or a decision you
more his disciples trusted him. Later, make. If a teenager understands your
they imitated Jesus’ humility.—Acts 3: thinking on the matter, he is more likely
12, 13, 16. to obey you from a willing heart. “Giving
9 We have many limitations, and un- reasons helps teenagers to trust you be-
like Jesus, we are imperfect and make cause they see that your decisions are
mistakes. Humbly acknowledge your not arbitrary or capricious but reason-
able,” says Barry, who raised four chil-
8. (a) How did Jesus acknowledge his limita- dren. A teenager is also maturing into an
tions? (b) How did Jesus’ humility affect his
disciples? 10. How did Jesus show humility when com-
9. When you humbly apologize and acknowl- manding his followers?
edge your limitations, how may this affect your 11. When appropriate, why is it wise to explain
teenage children? the reasons for a parental rule or decision?
10 THE WATCHTOWER
adult with his own “power of reason.” 13 Pray to Jehovah to give you insight
(Rom. 12:1) Barry explains: “Teenagers so that you can understand where your
need to learn to make sensible decisions teenager needs help. (Ps. 32:8) For ex-
based on reason rather than emotion.” ample, what might indicate that your
(Ps. 119:34) When you humbly give rea- child’s faith is wavering? Perhaps his joy
sons for your decisions, your adolescent is waning, he is speaking critically of fel-
can sense that you recognize that he low believers, or he has become secre-
is progressing toward maturity, and he tive. Do not hastily conclude that these
learns to make his own decisions with his are signs of a double life involving seri-
“power of reason.” ous sin.1 On the other hand, do not ig-
nore such signs or dismiss your teen-
SHOW INSIGHT, AND
UNDERSTAND YOUR TEENAGER ager’s isolation as a mere phase.
14 Like Jesus, ask questions kindly
12 Jesus showed insight and under-
and respectfully. As drawing a buck-
stood where his disciples needed help.
et of water out of a well too quickly
For instance, the apostle Peter meant
will cause you to lose some of the wa-
well when he urged Jesus to be kind to
ter, confronting your teen too forceful-
himself in order not to be killed. Je-
ly may make you squander a valuable
sus, however, knew that Peter’s com-
opportunity to learn his thoughts and in-
ment reflected faulty thinking. To help
tentions. (Read Proverbs 20:5.) Ilaria,
him and the other disciples, Jesus gave
frank counsel, stated the consequences 1 Parents may wish to consult Questions Young
of a self-sparing attitude, and outlined People Ask—Answers That Work, Vol. 1, p. 317, and
Vol. 2, pp. 136-141.
the blessings of a self-sacrificing spirit.
(Matt. 16:21-27) Peter learned the les- 13, 14. (a) What may indicate that your
son.—1 Pet. 2:20, 21. teen’s faith is wavering? (b) How can you use
insight to understand and really help your son
12. How did Jesus use insight to help Peter? or daughter?
Create opportunities
with your children to form
friendships within the
Christian congregation
(See paragraph 14)
11
quoted earlier, states: “During my ado- him know that you see his potential
lescence, I became torn between walking and heartfelt desire to do what is right.
in the truth and spending more time with Note any signs of growth and progress,
my classmates. This inward battle affect- and commend him. Help him to de-
ed my mood, and my parents detected velop his good qualities by giving him
that. One evening, they simply men- increased responsibility when possible.
tioned that they had noticed that I was Jesus did that with his disciples. About
a bit down, and they asked me what a year and a half after meeting Nathana-
the problem was. I burst into tears, ex- el (also called Bartholomew), Jesus se-
plained the situation, and asked for help. lected him as an apostle, and Nathanael
They hugged me, told me that they un- proved to be a zealous Christian. (Luke
derstood, and promised to help me.” Ila- 6:13, 14; Acts 1:13, 14) Your commenda-
ria’s parents immediately began assisting tion and encouragement will help your
her to forge new and better friendships child to feel that he is, not someone who
in the congregation. always fails to measure up, but a capable
15 Jesus also showed insight by see- Christian whom Jehovah can use.
ing where his disciples needed help and TRAINING THAT REAPS
where they excelled. For instance, when INDESCRIBABLE JOY
a man named Nathanael heard that Je- 17 As you raise your children, you may
sus had come from Nazareth, he said: sometimes feel as did the apostle Paul,
“Can anything good come out of Naza- who became a spiritual father to many.
reth?” (John 1:46) Based on that com- He experienced “tribulation and anguish
ment, how might you have labeled Na- of heart” because of “the depth of love”
thanael? Critical? Prejudiced? Faithless? he had for his spiritual children in Cor-
Jesus exercised insight and looked for inth. (2 Cor. 2:4; 1 Cor. 4:15) Victor, who
the good in Nathanael. Jesus called him raised two sons and a daughter, says:
“truly an Israelite in whom there is no “The teenage years were not easy. Yet,
deceit.” (John 1:47) Jesus could read the good times outweighed the chal-
hearts, and he used that ability to look lenges we faced. With Jehovah’s help, we
for the good in others. enjoyed a close friendship with our chil-
16 You cannot read hearts, but with dren.”
God’s help you can exercise insight. Will 18 Keep working tirelessly to train your
you use that ability to look for the good children to serve Jehovah. As you show
in your teenager? No one wants to be la- the depth of your love for them, may
beled a “troublemaker.” In thought or you experience the indescribable joy of
word, never label your son or daughter seeing them come into the truth and
a “rebellious teenager” or a “problem remain in the ranks of spiritual chil-
child.” Even if your teen is struggling, let dren who “go on walking in the truth.”
—3 John 4.
15. Explain how Jesus showed insight when
dealing with others. 17, 18. Your persistent efforts to help your
16. How can you help your teenager to devel- teenager to serve Jehovah can lead to what
op good qualities? outcome?
12 THE WATCHTOWER
What evidence is there that the ancient city of Jericho

was conquered without a long siege?
ˇ According to Joshua 6:10-15, 20, Israel-

ite forces marched around Jericho once a
day for six days. On the seventh day, they
went around the city seven times, and God
caused Jericho’s formidable walls to fall.
This allowed the Israelites to enter Jericho
and conquer it. Does archaeological ev-
idence corroborate what the Bible says
about the short siege of Jericho?
In ancient times, it was common for at-
tackers to besiege a fortified city. Regard-
less of how long a successful siege last-
ed, the victors would plunder the city’s
riches, including any remaining provisions.
In Jericho’s ruins, however, archaeolo-
gists found large supplies of food. In this
regard, Biblical Archaeology Review states:
“The most abundant item found in the de-
struction, apart from pottery, was grain.
. . . This is unique in the annals of Palestin-
ian archaeology. Perhaps a jar or two might
be found, but to find such an extensive
amount of grain is exceptional.”
According to the Scriptural account, the
Israelites had good reason not to plunder
Jericho’s grain. Jehovah had commanded
them not to do so. (Josh. 6:17, 18) The Is-
raelites attacked in the spring of the year,
just after harvesttime when grain supplies
were abundant. (Josh. 3:15-17; 5:10) The
fact that much grain remained in Jeri-
cho indicates that the Israelite siege was
of short duration, just as the Bible de-
scribes it.

Show Appreciation for
JEHOVAH’S GENEROSITY
JEHOVAH is a generous God. (Jas. 1:17) From When Paul wrote his second inspired letter to
the dark expanse of the starry heavens to the ver- the congregation in Corinth, he emphasized the
dant blanket covering the earth, Jehovah’s cre- proper attitude to have toward giving. “Let each
ation sings of his generosity.—Ps. 65:12, 13; 147: one do just as he has resolved in his heart,” said
7, 8; 148:3, 4. Paul, “not grudgingly or under compulsion, for
The psalmist’s appreciation for his Creator was God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Cor. 9:7) Next,
so deep that he was moved to compose a song ex- Paul mentioned those who benefit from generous
tolling the works of Jehovah. Read Psalm 104, and giving: the recipients, whose needs are satisfied;
see if you do not share his sentiments. The psalm- and the donors, who are enriched by spiritual
ist said: “I will sing to Jehovah throughout my life; blessings.—2 Cor. 9:11-14.
I will sing praises to my God as long as I live.” (Ps. Paul concluded this section of his letter by re-
104:33) Is that your desire too? ferring to the strongest evidence of God’s gener-
SUPERLATIVE EXAMPLE OF GENEROSITY osity. “Thanks be to God for his indescribable free
Jehovah wants us to follow his example of be- gift,” wrote Paul. (2 Cor. 9:15) Jehovah’s gift evi-
ing generous. He also provides sound reasons for dently includes the sum total of all the goodness
us to be generous. Note what he inspired the apos- that God extends to his people through Jesus
tle Paul to write: “Instruct those who are rich in Christ. It is so lofty that words cannot fully de-
the present system of things not to be arrogant, scribe its value.
and to place their hope, not on uncertain riches, How can we show appreciation for all that Jeho-
but on God, who richly provides us with all the vah and his Son have done and will yet do for us?
things we enjoy. Tell them to work at good, to be One way is by being generous in the giving of our
rich in fine works, to be generous, ready to share, time, energy, and resources to advance the pure
safely treasuring up for themselves a fine founda- worship of Jehovah, whether it is a small amount
tion for the future, so that they may get a firm or a greater portion.—1 Chron. 22:14; 29:3-5;
hold on the real life.”—1 Tim. 6:17-19. Luke 21:1-4.
14 THE WATCHTOWER
HOW SOME CHOOSE TO CONTRIBUTE year for life. The donor may receive
an income-tax deduction for the
TO THE WORLDWIDE WORK year in which the gift annuity is es-
tablished.
As in the apostle Paul’s day, other methods of giving to bene- Wills and Trusts: Property or mon-
many today “set something aside,” fit Kingdom service worldwide. ey may be bequeathed to an enti-
or budget an amount of money, These are listed below. Regardless of ty used by Jehovah’s Witnesses by
and place it in the congregation the method or methods you would means of a legally executed will or
contribution box labeled “Worldwide like to use, please first contact the by specifying the entity as the bene-
Work.” (1 Cor. 16:2) Each month, branch office that serves your coun- ficiary of a trust agreement. This ar-
congregations forward these contri- try to see which methods are avail- rangement may provide certain tax
butions to the office of Jehovah’s able. Since legal requirements and advantages.
Witnesses that serves their country. tax laws vary, it is important to con-
It is also possible for you to send As the term “charitable planning”
sult qualified tax and legal advisers
donations directly to a legal entity implies, these types of donations
before choosing the best way to do-
that is used by Jehovah’s Witnesses typically require some planning on
nate.
in your country. To learn the name the part of the donor. To assist indi-
Insurance: A donation made by viduals desiring to benefit the world-
of the primary legal entity used by
Jehovah’s Witnesses in your coun- specifying an entity used by Je- wide work of Jehovah’s Witnesses
try, please contact the branch of- hovah’s Witnesses as the beneficia- through some form of charitable
fice. The address can be found on ry of a life insurance policy or a giving, a brochure entitled Chari-
www.jw.org. The types of donations retirement/pension plan. table Planning to Benefit Kingdom
that you can send directly are the Service Worldwide has been pre-
Bank Accounts: Bank accounts, cer-
following: pared in English and Spanish. The
tificates of deposit, or individual re-
brochure was written to provide in-
tirement accounts set up as a trust
OUTRIGHT DONATIONS formation on a variety of ways that
or made payable on death to an
˙ Donations via electronic bank gifts may be made now or later, such
entity used by Jehovah’s Witness-
transfer, debit card, or credit card. as through a bequest at death. The
es in accord with local bank require-
In some branches this is also pos- information covered in this brochure
ments.
sible using jw.org or another des- may not apply fully to your situation
ignated website. Stocks and Bonds: Stocks and because of tax laws or other laws
bonds donated to an entity used by in your country. Hence, after read-
˙ Donations of cash, jewelry, or oth- Jehovah’s Witnesses as an outright ing the brochure, you should confer
er valuable personal property. In- gift or by means of a written agree- with your own legal or tax adviser.
clude a letter indicating that the ment to transfer on death. By using such methods of charitable
cash or the item is an outright do-
giving, many have helped to support
nation. Real Estate: Salable real estate do-
our religious and humanitarian ac-
nated to an entity used by Jehovah’s
CONDITIONAL DONATION tivities worldwide and maximize tax
Witnesses, either by making an out-
ARRANGEMENT benefits. If available in your country,
right gift or, in the case of residential
the brochure may be obtained by re-
˙ Donations of cash with the con- property, by reserving a life estate
questing a copy from the secretary
dition that it can be returned if to the donor, who can continue to
of the local congregation.
needed by the donor. live in the residence during his or her
lifetime. __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
˙ Include a letter stating that the

donation is conditional. Gift Annuity: Money or securities For more information, you may
donated to an entity used by Jeho- contact the branch office.
CHARITABLE PLANNING vah’s Witnesses under an arrange-
In addition to gifts of money and ment where the donor receives a
valuable personal property, there are specified annuity payment every

Jehovah Is the God of Love
“God is love.”—1 JOHN 4:8, 16.
SONGS: 18, 91 JEHOVAH’S inspired written Word, the Bible, tells us that
“God is love.” It says not merely that love is one of his many
CAN YOU ANSWER? admirable qualities but that “God is love.” (1 John 4:8) It is
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
his dominant quality, his most important one. Jehovah does
In what way will God’s love not just possess love—he is the personification of it. How
affect the future of those who wonderful it is to know that the Creator of the universe and
are rightly disposed and obe- of all living things is a God of love! Everything he does is
dient? guided by that quality.
2 The warm, benevolent affection that God has for his crea-
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
tures assures us that all his purposes for the human family
How did Jehovah show love will be fulfilled in the best possible way and will result in the
for sinners?
greatest benefit to all who come under his rulership. For ex-
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
ample, out of love Jehovah “has set a day on which he pur-
What has the Messianic poses to judge the inhabited earth in righteousness by a man
Kingdom been doing that whom he has appointed,” Jesus Christ. (Acts 17:31) We can
convinces you that it is be confident that this will come to pass. For rightly disposed
God’s loving arrangement
for mankind? 1. What is God’s dominant quality, and how does knowing this make
you feel about him?
2. Of what does God’s love assure us? (See opening image.)
16
and obedient humans, favorable judg- just what God’s Word foretold would
ment will result in a truly blessed future happen in “the last days” of the pres-
that will go on and on throughout all ent system of things when “wicked men
eternity. and impostors [would] advance from
bad to worse.” (2 Tim. 3:1, 13) History
WHAT HISTORY HAS DEMONSTRATED
has demonstrated beyond any doubt the
3 Imagine what life would be like if truthfulness of what the Bible says: “I
God did not have love for mankind. We well know, O Jehovah, that man’s way
merely have to look at the awful history does not belong to him. It does not be-
of this world with its human rulerships long to man who is walking even to di-
under its unloving and wrathful god, Sa- rect his step.” (Jer. 10:23) No, Jehovah
tan the Devil. (2 Cor. 4:4; 1 John 5:19; did not create humans with the ability
read Revelation 12:9, 12.) This shows or the right to direct their affairs in-
us how horrible the future would be if dependent of him.
the universe were to function without 6 In addition to showing how futile
the operation of God’s love. human rule is, God’s temporary per-
4 When rebelling against Jehovah’s
mission of wickedness serves another
rule, the Devil influenced the first hu- long-range purpose. It provides perma-
man pair to do the same. He challenged nent testimony that only God’s rule can
the rightfulness and righteousness of be successful. After Jehovah destroys
God’s universal sovereignty. In effect, wickedness and those who cause it, if
Satan claimed that his rule would be bet- anyone ever again would challenge Je-
ter than that of the Creator. (Gen. 3:1-5) hovah’s way of ruling in love, there
Though Jehovah permitted Satan to try would be no need for God to permit the
to prove his side of the issue, such per- challenge to stand. He could use what
mission was temporary. In his great wis- has happened in mankind’s history as
dom, Jehovah has allowed enough time the just reason to remove such rebels
to pass to expose very clearly the inade- quickly, not allowing them to establish
quacy of any rule other than his. The wickedness once again.
miserable record of mankind shows that
neither humans nor Satan can provide JEHOVAH’S LOVE ALREADY SHOWN
7 Jehovah’s great love has been dis-
what we need in the way of good ruler-
ship. played in many ways. For example, note
5 Just in the past 100 years, over the magnificence of the universe. There
100 million people have been killed in are billions of galaxies, each contain-
the wars of the nations. Today, world ing many billions of stars and planets.
conditions keep getting worse. This is In our own Milky Way galaxy, one of
those stars is our sun, without which the
3. What do you think life would be like if God multitude of life forms on earth would
did not love mankind?
4. Why did Jehovah permit rebellion against 6. What purpose is served by God’s temporary
his righteous rule? permission of wickedness?
5. What has mankind’s history clearly demon- 7, 8. What are some of the many ways in
strated? which Jehovah has displayed his great love?

not exist. All these creations give evi- tures; they will vanish like smoke.”—Ps.
dence of Jehovah’s Godship and of his 37:9, 10, 20.
qualities, such as his power, wisdom, 11 On the other hand, God’s Word also
and love. Yes, God’s “invisible quali- promises: “The righteous will possess
ties are clearly seen from the world’s the earth, and they will live forever on
creation onward, because they are per- it.” (Ps. 37:29) Such upright ones “will
ceived by the things made, even his eter- find exquisite delight in the abundance
nal power and Godship.”—Rom. 1:20. of peace.” (Ps. 37:11) This will come
8 On earth, Jehovah created every- to pass because our loving God always
thing for the benefit of his creatures de- does what is in the best interests of his
signed for earthly life. For humans, he faithful servants. The Bible tells us: “He
made a beautiful paradise garden and will wipe out every tear from their eyes,
gave them perfect minds and bodies ca- and death will be no more, neither will
pable of living forever. (Read Revela- mourning nor outcry nor pain be any-
tion 4:11.) Moreover, “he gives food to more. The former things have passed
every living thing, for his loyal love en- away.” (Rev. 21:4) What a marvelous fu-
dures forever.”—Ps. 136:25. ture awaits all of us who truly appreciate
9 While Jehovah reveals himself as the Jehovah’s love and obey him as our
God of love, he also expresses hatred for Ruler!
12 Jehovah’s Word tells us: “Take note
what is bad. For example, Psalm 5:4-6
says of Jehovah: “You are not a God of the blameless one, and keep the up-
who takes pleasure in wickedness . . . right one in sight, for the future of that
You hate all those who behave wicked- man will be peaceful. But all the trans-
ly.” And it adds: “Jehovah detests vio- gressors will be destroyed; the future of
lent and deceptive people.” wicked people will be cut off.” (Ps. 37:
37, 38) “The blameless one” comes to
SOON—THE END OF WICKEDNESS know Jehovah and his Son and obe-
10Because he is a God of love and diently does God’s will. (Read John
he hates wickedness, Jehovah has pur- 17:3.) Such a person takes seriously the
posed to rid the earth—as well as the words of 1 John 2:17: “The world is pass-
rest of the universe—of evil when the ing away and so is its desire, but the one
issue regarding rulership is settled to who does the will of God remains for-
his satisfaction. God’s Word promises: ever.” As the world’s end draws near, it is
“Evil men will be done away with, but urgent that we “hope in Jehovah and
those hoping in Jehovah will possess the follow his way.”—Ps. 37:34.
earth. Just a little while longer, and the
GOD’S GREAT ACT OF LOVE
wicked will be no more . . . The enemies
13 Although we are imperfect, we can
of Jehovah will vanish like glorious pas-
‘follow Jehovah’s way.’ We can also
9. Besides love, what does Jehovah’s person-
ality at times allow for, and why? 12. Who can be viewed as “the blameless
10, 11. (a) How will Jehovah deal with wicked one”?
people? (b) How will Jehovah reward rightly 13. What great act of love has Jehovah per-
disposed people? formed in behalf of sinners?
18 THE WATCHTOWER
God lovingly sent
his willing Son
to earth
(See paragraph 13)
have a close personal relationship with 14 Jesus maintained his integrity and
Jehovah because of his great act of love. upheld Jehovah’s sovereignty under the
He provided the ransom sacrifice of Je- severest of tests, dying as a faithful ser-
sus Christ, opening the way for obedi- vant of his Father. How grateful we
ent humans to be freed from sin and should be that by his death, Jesus also
death inherited from Adam. (Read Ro- paid the ransom price needed to redeem
mans 5:12; 6:23.) Jehovah had com- mankind and open the way to everlast-
plete confidence in his only-begotten ing life in God’s promised new world!
Son, who had been faithful to him in The apostle Paul showed what a loving
heaven for countless ages. As a loving act that was on the part of both Jehovah
Father, God was no doubt pained at the and Jesus by stating: “Indeed, while we
unrighteous treatment that Jesus re- were still weak, Christ died for ungodly
ceived while on earth. However, Jesus men at the appointed time. For hard-
faithfully upheld God’s sovereignty and ly would anyone die for a righteous
demonstrated that a perfect human can man; though perhaps for a good man
maintain integrity to Jehovah under the 14, 15. What was accomplished by Jesus’
most trying of circumstances. death?

someone may dare to die. But God rec- with them the experience of human life.
ommends his own love to us in that, (Rev. 14:1) The Kingdom was the main
while we were yet sinners, Christ died theme of Jesus’ teaching, and he taught
for us.” (Rom. 5:6-8) The apostle John his disciples to pray: “Our Father in the
wrote: “By this the love of God was re- heavens, let your name be sanctified.
vealed in our case, that God sent his Let your Kingdom come. Let your will
only-begotten Son into the world so that take place, as in heaven, also on earth.”
we might gain life through him. The love (Matt. 6:9, 10) What blessings the fulfill-
is in this respect, not that we have loved ment of such prayers will bring to obedi-
God, but that he loved us and sent his ent mankind!
Son as a propitiatory sacrifice for our 17 What a contrast there is between
sins.”—1 John 4:9, 10. Jesus’ loving heavenly kingship and the
15 Regarding God’s love for human- rulership by humans who have led many
kind, Jesus said: “God loved the world millions of people to their death in
[of redeemable mankind] so much that warfare! Jesus truly cares for his sub-
he gave his only-begotten Son, so that jects and reflects God’s marvelous qual-
everyone exercising faith in him might ities, especially love. (Rev. 7:10, 16, 17)
not be destroyed but have everlasting “Come to me, all you who are toiling
life.” (John 3:16) God’s love for humans and loaded down, and I will refresh
is so great that he does not withhold you,” said Jesus. “Take my yoke upon
good from them regardless of the cost to you and learn from me, for I am mild-
himself. His love is everlasting. We will tempered and lowly in heart, and you
always be able to count on it. “I am con- will find refreshment for yourselves. For
vinced,” wrote Paul, “that neither death my yoke is kindly, and my load is light.”
nor life nor angels nor governments nor (Matt. 11:28-30) What loving assurance
things now here nor things to come nor that is!
powers nor height nor depth nor any 18 Bible prophecy shows that God’s
other creation will be able to separate us heavenly Kingdom was established when
from God’s love that is in Christ Jesus Christ’s presence began in 1914. Since
our Lord.”—Rom. 8:38, 39. then, there has been a gathering of the
remaining ones who will rule with Jesus
KINGDOM RULERSHIP NOW IN ACTION
in heaven as well as of “a great crowd”
16 God’s love for mankind is evident
of people who will survive this system’s
in the arrangement he has made for end and be ushered into the new world.
the Messianic Kingdom. Jehovah has al- (Rev. 7:9, 13, 14) How large is the great
ready placed this government in the crowd now? What is required of those
hands of his Son, who loves man- making up this group? The next article
kind and is superbly qualified to rule. will examine such questions.
(Prov. 8:31) At their resurrection, Je-
sus’ 144,000 heavenly joint heirs take 17. Contrast the rulership of Jesus with that of
sinful human rulers.
16. What is the Messianic Kingdom, and to 18. (a) What has God’s Kingdom been doing
whom has Jehovah entrusted Kingdom ruler- since its establishment? (b) What will we con-
ship? sider in the next article?
20 THE WATCHTOWER
Do You “Love Your Neighbor
as Yourself”?
“You must love your neighbor as yourself.”—MATT. 22:39.
LOVE is Jehovah God’s dominant quality. (1 John 4:16) His SONGS: 73, 36
first creation was Jesus, who existed with him in heaven for
many aeons and learned God’s loving ways. (Col. 1:15) By his CAN YOU ANSWER?
entire course, including his life on earth, Jesus showed that ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
he fully understands what a loving God Jehovah is, and he im-

itates that love. Thus, we can be confident that the rulership servants reflect his love?
exercised by Jehovah and Jesus will forever be guided by the
quality of love.
2 When asked which was the greatest commandment in the
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Law, Jesus stated: “ ‘You must love Jehovah your God with How important is love
your whole heart and with your whole soul and with your in marriage?
whole mind.’ This is the greatest and first commandment. The
second, like it, is this: ‘You must love your neighbor as your-
self.’ ”—Matt. 22:37-39. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
3 Notice that Jesus placed love of neighbor second only to

What bearing has love of
love of Jehovah. This shows how important it is to display neighbor had on the relation-
love in all our relationships. But who is our “neighbor”? If we ship of God’s people with
are married, our closest neighbor is our marriage mate. fellow believers and others?
1, 2. How do the Scriptures show the importance of love?

3. Who is our “neighbor”?
21
God’s Word shows how to
have a successful marriage
Also close to us are those who make up 5 God’s Word shows that love—warm
the Christian congregation, that is, fel- personal attachment or deep affec-
low worshippers of the true God. Others tion—is essential for humans to enjoy
are the individuals whom we meet in the happy relationships. This is certainly
ministry. How is love for neighbor to be true in marriage. In words directed to
demonstrated by those who worship Je- the congregation, the apostle Paul said:
hovah and follow the teachings of his “Love is patient and kind. Love is not
Son? jealous. It does not brag, does not get
puffed up, does not behave indecently,
SHOWING LOVE
does not look for its own interests, does
FOR OUR MARRIAGE MATE
not become provoked. It does not keep
4 Jehovah performed the first mar-
account of the injury. It does not rejoice
riage by creating Adam and Eve and over unrighteousness, but rejoices with
bringing them together. He purposed the truth. It bears all things, believes
for them to have a happy, enduring all things, hopes all things, endures all
union and to fill the earth with their off- things. Love never fails.” (1 Cor. 13:4-8)
spring. (Gen. 1:27, 28) However, re- Reflecting on and applying such inspired
bellion against Jehovah’s sovereignty words will surely increase the joys of
marred the first marriage and brought marriage.
sin and death to all mankind. (Rom. 6 Because of the headship principle
5:12) Nevertheless, the Scriptures tell that exists throughout God’s arrange-
us how we can succeed in marriage. ment of things, love is especially impor-
They contain the very best counsel on tant. Paul explained: “I want you to
this subject because they originate with know that the head of every man is the
Jehovah, the Originator of marriage.
—Read 2 Timothy 3:16, 17. 5. How important is love in a marriage?
6, 7. (a) What does the Bible say about head-
4. Why can marriage be successful despite hu- ship? (b) How must a Christian husband treat
man imperfection? his wife?
22 THE WATCHTOWER
Christ; in turn, the head of a woman is fied yourselves by your obedience to
the man; in turn, the head of the Christ the truth with unhypocritical brotherly
is God.” (1 Cor. 11:3) But headship is affection as the result, love one an-
not to be exercised in a domineering other intensely from the heart.” Peter
way. For example, Jehovah exercises his also told fellow believers: “Above all
headship over Christ in a kind, unselfish things, have intense love for one anoth-
way, and Jesus responds to it. He appre- er.”—1 Pet. 1:22; 4:8.
ciates God’s loving headship, for he de- 9 Because we have intense love for our
clared: “I love the Father.” (John 14:31) fellow servants of Jehovah, we make up
It is unlikely that Jesus would have felt a unique worldwide organization. More-
that way had Jehovah been harsh or dic- over, because we love Jehovah and obey
tatorial in his dealings with his beloved his laws, he supports us with the most
Son. powerful force in the universe, his holy
7 Although a husband is the head of spirit, or active force. This enables us to
his wife, the Bible instructs him to ‘as- enjoy wonderful unity as a truly inter-
sign her honor.’ (1 Pet. 3:7) One way national brotherhood.—Read 1 John 4:
husbands can honor their wives is by 20, 21.
taking into consideration their needs 10 Highlighting the need for love
and giving them first choice in some among Christians, Paul wrote: “Clothe
matters. Indeed, God’s Word states: yourselves with the tender affections of
“Husbands, continue loving your wives, compassion, kindness, humility, mild-
just as the Christ also loved the congre- ness, and patience. Continue putting up
gation and gave himself up for it.” (Eph. with one another and forgiving one an-
5:25) Yes, Jesus even gave his life for other freely even if anyone has a cause
his followers. When a husband imitates for complaint against another. Just as
the loving way in which Jesus exercises Jehovah freely forgave you, you must
headship, it is much easier for a wife to also do the same. But besides all these
love and respect him and be in subjec- things, clothe yourselves with love, for
tion to him.—Read Titus 2:3-5. it is a perfect bond of union.” (Col. 3:12-
14) How thankful we are that love—“a
HAVE LOVE FOR FELLOW WORSHIPPERS
perfect bond of union”—prevails among
8 Throughout the earth, there are mil- us regardless of our background or na-
lions who worship Jehovah and bear tional origin!
witness to his name and purpose. How 11 Genuine love and unity identify Je-
should each worshipper of Jehovah hovah’s servants as the ones who prac-
view his fellow Witnesses? God’s Word tice the true religion, for Jesus said:
answers: “Let us work what is good to- “By this all will know that you are
ward all, but especially toward those re- my disciples—if you have love among
lated to us in the faith.” (Gal. 6:10; yourselves.” (John 13:34, 35) And the
read Romans 12:10.) The apostle Pe-
ter wrote: “Now that you have puri- 9, 10. Why do God’s people have unity among
themselves?
8. How should worshippers of Jehovah view 11. How do love and unity identify Jehovah’s
fellow Christians? organization?

apostle John wrote: “The children of ther will mourning nor outcry nor pain
God and the children of the Devil are ev- be anymore.” Do you yearn to live in
ident by this fact: Whoever does not Paradise after “the former things have
practice righteousness does not origi- passed away”?—Rev. 21:4.
nate with God, nor does the one who 14 When the last days began in 1914,
does not love his brother. For this is there were only a few thousand servants
the message that you have heard from of Jehovah worldwide. Motivated by
the beginning, that we should love one love for neighbor, and with the back-
another.” (1 John 3:10, 11) Love that ing of God’s spirit, a small remnant of
results in extraordinary unity marks anointed Christians persevered in the
Jehovah’s Witnesses as Christ’s true fol- Kingdom-preaching work. As a result,
lowers, the ones whom God is using to today a great crowd with an earthly
serve his purpose to have the good news hope is being gathered. Our ranks have
of the Kingdom preached in all the in- grown to about 8,000,000 Witnesses as-
habited earth.—Matt. 24:14. sociated with more than 115,400 con-
gregations throughout the earth, and we
GATHERING “A GREAT CROWD”
continue to grow in number. For exam-
12 The vast majority of Jehovah’s ser-
ple, over 275,500 new Witnesses were
vants are part of “a great crowd . . . out baptized during the 2014 service year
of all nations and tribes and peoples and —an average of some 5,300 each week.
tongues.” They are “standing before the 15 The scope of the preaching work is
throne [of God] and before the Lamb remarkable. Our Bible-based literature
[Jesus Christ].” Who are they? “These is now published in over 700 languages.
are the ones who come out of the great The Watchtower is the most widely dis-
tribulation, and they have washed their tributed magazine in the world. Over
robes and made them white in the blood 52,000,000 copies are printed each
of the Lamb,” for they exercise faith month, and the magazine is published in
in Jesus’ ransom sacrifice. Members of 247 languages. Upwards of 200,000,000
the growing “great crowd” love Jehovah copies of our Bible study book What
and his Son and “are rendering [God] Does the Bible Really Teach? have been
sacred service day and night.”—Rev. 7:9, printed in more than 250 languages.
14, 15. 16 The remarkable growth that we see
13 Soon God will destroy this wicked
today is the result of our faith in God
world in the “great tribulation.” (Matt. and full acceptance of the Bible—Je-
24:21; read Jeremiah 25:32, 33.) But hovah’s miraculously inspired Word.
because of his love for his servants, Je- (1 Thess. 2:13) Especially outstanding
hovah will preserve them as a group and is the spiritual prosperity of Jehovah’s
will usher them into his new world. As people—despite the hatred and opposi-
foretold nearly 2,000 years ago, God
“will wipe out every tear from their 14. How large has the great crowd become?
eyes, and death will be no more, nei- 15. Describe the scope of the Kingdom-
preaching work that is now being done.
12, 13. What is the “great crowd” now doing, 16. What accounts for the spiritual prosperity
and what will its members soon experience? of the earthly part of Jehovah’s organization?
24 THE WATCHTOWER
tion of Satan, “the god of this system of that it was said: ‘You must love your
things.”—2 Cor. 4:4. neighbor and hate your enemy.’ How-
ever, I say to you: Continue to love your
ALWAYS SHOW LOVE
enemies and to pray for those who per-
FOR OTHERS
secute you, so that you may prove your-
17 What attitude is required of Je-
selves sons of your Father who is in the
hovah’s servants toward those who do heavens, since he makes his sun rise on
not worship the only true God? In our both the wicked and the good and makes
preaching work, we meet with varied it rain on both the righteous and the
responses—some favorable, some hos- unrighteous.” (Matt. 5:43-45) Yes, as
tile. Regardless of how people react, God’s servants, we must learn to ‘love
however, God’s Word shows the stan- our enemies,’ regardless of their atti-
dard that his servants must maintain. It tude toward us.
states: “Let your words always be gra- 20 In all areas of life, Jehovah’s people
cious, seasoned with salt, so that you must show by their attitude and actions
will know how you should answer each that they love Jehovah and their neigh-
person.” (Col. 4:6) When we make a de- bor. For instance, even if some do not
fense before everyone who demands of respond favorably to the Kingdom mes-
us a reason for our hope, we do so “with sage, we show neighbor love when they
a mild temper and deep respect” be- are in need. The apostle Paul wrote: “Do
cause we are motivated by neighbor not owe anything to anyone except to
love.—1 Pet. 3:15. love one another; for whoever loves his
18 We show love of neighbor even if
fellow man has fulfilled the law. For the
our message is rejected by an angry law code, ‘You must not commit adul-
householder who berates us. We imitate tery, you must not murder, you must not
Jesus: “When he was being insulted, he steal, you must not covet,’ and what-
did not insult in return. When he was ever other commandment there is, is
suffering, he did not threaten, but he en- summed up in this saying: ‘You must
trusted himself to the One [Jehovah] love your neighbor as yourself.’ Love
who judges righteously.” (1 Pet. 2:23) does not work evil to one’s neighbor;
Whether we are with fellow believers or therefore, love is the law’s fulfillment.”
others, we show humility and apply the (Rom. 13:8-10) As Jehovah’s Witnesses,
counsel: “Do not pay back injury for in- we show genuine love in this disunited,
jury or insult for insult. Instead, repay violent, wicked world that is under Sa-
with a blessing.”—1 Pet. 3:8, 9. tan’s control. (1 John 5:19) Surely, love
19 By maintaining a humble attitude, will dominate every activity on earth in
Jehovah’s people obey an important the new world after Satan, his demons,
principle given by Jesus. In his Sermon and rebellious humans have been re-
on the Mount, he declared: “You heard moved from the scene. What a blessing
it will be when all inhabitants of the
17, 18. What attitude should God’s servants earth love God and their neighbor!
have toward unbelievers?
19. What principle did Jesus give regarding op- 20. Why will love of God and neighbor per-
posers? meate the new world? (See opening image.)

One Hundred Years
Under Kingdom Rulership!
“May the God of peace . . . equip you with every good
thing to do his will.”—HEB. 13:20, 21.
SONGS: 136, 14 JESUS loved to talk about God’s Kingdom. According to the
Bible record, he spoke more about the Kingdom than about
DURING THE PAST any other subject—referring to it more than 100 times during
100 YEARS . . . his ministry. The Kingdom was truly dear to his heart.—Read
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Matthew 12:34.
2 Shortly after his resurrection, Jesus met with more than
what tools have been used
effectively to spread the 500 prospective Kingdom proclaimers. (1 Cor. 15:6) Perhaps
Kingdom message? it was on that occasion that he gave the command to take the
Kingdom message to “people of all the nations”—a daunting
task back then!1 This great work, Jesus foretold, would be
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ carried on right up to “the conclusion of the system of
what innovative methods things,” and that has proved to be the case. Quite likely you
have been introduced?
1 There is reason to believe that most of those present on that occasion be-
came Christians. Paul refers to them as “500 brothers” in his letter to the Co-
rinthians. Significantly, he adds: “Most of [them] are still with us, though
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ some have fallen asleep in death.” So it seems that Paul and other first-
century Christians were acquainted with many who had heard that command
what training has been given firsthand.
to Kingdom publishers?
1. How important was the preaching work to Jesus? Explain.
2. How many may have been present when the commission at Matthew
28:19, 20 was given, and why can we draw that conclusion?
26
are having a share in the fulfillment of inches (7.6 by 12.7 cm) in size and con-
that commission and prophecy.—Matt. tained a brief Bible message. From time
28:19, 20. to time, a new card containing a new
3 After giving the commission to message was issued. The presentation
preach, Jesus promised his followers: “I was simple! C. W. Erlenmeyer was about
am with you.” (Matt. 28:20) So this vast ten years old when he first engaged in this
preaching work would be carried out form of witnessing. He explained: “The
under his direction. And our God has standard introduction was, ‘Would you
equipped us with “every good thing” to please read this card?’ After the house-
help us fulfill that commission. (Heb. 13: holder read the card, we would present
20, 21) In this article, we will consider the literature and be on our way.”
three of these good things: (1) the tools 6 The testimony card was helpful in
we have been given, (2) the methods we more ways than one. Although having a
have used, and (3) the training we have strong desire to share in the preaching
received. First, consider some of the work, some publishers were shy and did
tools we have used during the past 100 not know what to say. Others had plenty
years. to say. They would tell the householder
THE KING EQUIPS HIS everything they knew in just a few min-
SERVANTS TO PREACH utes, but their presentation was not al-
4 Jesus compared “the word of the
ways tactful! In contrast, in a few con-
cise, well-chosen words, the testimony
Kingdom” to seed that is sown on vari-
card “did the talking” for the publisher.
ous types of soil. (Matt. 13:18, 19) A gar-
7 There were challenges, of course.
dener may use a variety of tools to
prepare his garden to receive seed. Sim- Grace A. Estep, a longtime Witness, re-
ilarly, over the years our King has given called: “At times, we would be asked,
us tools to use to help prepare the hearts ‘Well, what does it say? Can’t you just tell
of millions to receive the Kingdom mes- me about it?’” Moreover, some house-
sage. Some tools were useful for perhaps holders could not read what was on the
a decade or so, while others have proved card. Still others, thinking that the card
to be of timeless value. But all these was theirs to keep, accepted it from the
tools have allowed us to develop our publisher and closed the door. If the
skills as evangelizers in some way. householder was very opposed, he might
5 One tool that helped many get start- tear the card to pieces. Nevertheless, our
ed in the ministry was the testimony card, brothers were learning to meet the pub-
which Kingdom publishers began using in lic and to identify themselves openly as
1933. The card was about three by five representatives of the Kingdom.
8 Another tool that was used in the
3. In what three areas have we been well-

equipped to carry out the commission to 6. What practical purpose did the testimony
preach the good news? card serve?
4. Why have we used a variety of tools in our 7. What challenges did some face in using the
preaching work? card?
5. What was a testimony card, and how was it 8. Explain how the portable phonograph was
used? used. (See opening image.)

1930’s and early 1940’s was the portable in order to reach as many as possible
phonograph, which some brothers nick- with the good news. This was especial-
named Aaron because the machine did ly important when ‘the workers were
most of the talking for them. (Read Ex- few.’ (Read Matthew 9:37.) In the early
odus 4:14-16.) With the householder’s 20th century, newspapers were used to
permission, the publisher would play a reach large audiences in areas where Je-
four-and-one-half-minute Bible lecture, hovah’s people were few in number. Each
and then he would offer some literature. week, Charles Taze Russell would tele-
At times, entire families gathered to lis- graph a sermon to a newspaper syn-
ten to a recorded message from the dicate. In turn, the syndicate retele-
Bible! In 1934 the Watch Tower Soci- graphed the sermon to newspapers in the
ety began producing portable phono- United States, Canada, and Europe. It is
graphs especially designed to be used in estimated that by 1913, Brother Russell’s
the ministry. Eventually, recordings cov- sermons were reaching 15,000,000 read-
ering 92 different subjects were made ers by means of 2,000 newspapers!
available. 11 After Brother Russell died, another
9 On hearing one of the recorded Bible effective method of spreading the good
talks, a householder named Hillary Gos- news began to be used. On April 16,
lin obtained the publisher’s permission 1922, Joseph F. Rutherford made one of
to borrow the phonograph for a week in his first radio broadcasts, speaking to
order to acquaint his neighbors with the an estimated 50,000 people. Then, on
Kingdom message. When the publisher February 24, 1924, the organization’s
returned, he found several newly inter- first radio station, WBBR, began broad-
ested ones waiting for him. In time, a casting. Regarding this new method of
number of these dedicated themselves reaching people, The Watch Tower of De-
to Jehovah, and Hillary’s two daughters cember 1, 1924, observed: “We believe
eventually attended Gilead School and that the radio is the most economical
received a foreign assignment. Like the and effective way of spreading the mes-
testimony card, the phonograph helped sage of the truth that has yet been used.”
many to get started in the preaching Like the newspaper, the radio was useful
work. Later, the King would put words in for reaching large audiences in areas
their mouths by means of the Theocrat- where few Kingdom publishers lived.
12 Increased emphasis is now being
ic Ministry School.
placed on public witnessing: at bus stops,
USING EVERY POSSIBLE METHOD train stations, parking lots, in pub-
TO REACH PEOPLE lic squares, and markets. If engaging
Under the King’s direction, God’s
10 in some of these features of service
people have used a variety of methods makes you nervous, why not give prayer-
ful thought to this comment of longtime
9. How effective was the use of the phono-
graph? 12. (a) What features of public witnessing do
10, 11. How were newspapers and the radio you enjoy most? (b) What can help us to over-
used in spreading Bible truth, and why were come any fears we might have about engaging
these methods effective? in public witnessing?
28 THE WATCHTOWER
Many Kingdom publishers share
in public witnessing and enjoy directing
people to our website, jw.org
TRAINING MINISTERS
OF THE GOOD NEWS
14 We have considered a few of the
tools and methods that have been used
to spread the good news. However, what
of the training we have received? Sup-
pose the householder objected to what
he heard on a phonograph recording or
expressed interest in what he read on
the testimony card. Publishers needed
to know how to overcome objections
tactfully and how to teach honestheart-
ed ones skillfully. Doubtless moved by
God’s spirit, Nathan H. Knorr saw the
traveling overseer Angelo Manera, Jr.:
need to train publishers to use the gift of
“We looked at each new feature of ser-
speech in the ministry. The solution?
vice as another way to serve Jehovah, as
The Theocratic Ministry School, which was
another way to prove our loyalty to him,
first organized in congregations in 1943.
as another test of our integrity, and we
That school has helped us to become ef-
were eager to prove ourselves willing to
fective teachers.
serve him in any way he asked.” Engag-
15 For many, it took time to get used to
ing in a new feature of the work, perhaps
one outside our comfort zone, helps us speaking before an audience. Julio S.
to build trust and faith in Jehovah, lead- Ramu recalled his first talk in the school
ing to greater spirituality.—Read 2 Co- back in 1944. The subject? Doeg, a man
rinthians 12:9, 10. mentioned in only five verses of the Bi-
13 Many publishers have enjoyed di- ble! “My knees were knocking together,
recting people to our website, jw.org, my hands were shaking, and my teeth
where they can read and download Bible- were chattering,” Julio said, adding that
based literature in over 700 languages. he had to build the entire talk around
Each day, over 1.6 million people visit those five scriptures. “I gave my talk in
our website. As the radio did in the past, 14. What training did Kingdom publishers
our website today is reaching people with need, and what school has helped them to be-
the good news, even in remote areas. come effective teachers?
15. (a) What have some experienced when
13. What need is being filled by our website, handling a part on the Theocratic Ministry
jw.org, and what experiences have you had in School? (b) How has Jehovah’s promise re-
directing people to it? corded at Psalm 32:8 proved true in your case?

three minutes. That was my first experi- ing been? Consider an example. In Au-
ence in platform speaking, but I did not gust 1949, there were fewer than ten lo-
quit.” Children too joined the school, al- cal publishers in Japan. By the end of
though it was not necessarily easy for that year, 13 Gilead-trained missionaries
some to present a talk to the congrega- were busy preaching there. Today, there
tion. Angelo Manera, mentioned earlier, are some 216,000 publishers in Japan,
remembered a first student talk given by and nearly 42 percent of them serve as
a young lad who had just started public pioneers!
school. “He was so nervous that when he 18 Other schools, such as the Kingdom
started his talk, he began to sob. But Ministry School, the Pioneer Service
determined to give it, he sobbed his School, the School for Kingdom Evange-
way through the entire talk.” Have you lizers, the School for Circuit Overseers
held back from commenting or partici- and Their Wives, and the School for
pating in meetings in other ways be- Branch Committee Members and Their
cause of shyness or some limitation? Wives, have contributed immeasurably
Ask Jehovah to help you overcome your to increased spirituality and the effec-
fears. You may find that he will help you tiveness of Jehovah’s people. Without a
just as he helped those early Theocratic doubt, the King is continuing to train his
Ministry School students.—Read Psalm subjects!
32:8. 19 More than 100 years have elapsed
16 The training available to Jehovah’s
since the birth of God’s Kingdom. Our
people is not limited to the Theocratic King, Jesus Christ, continues to train us.
Ministry School. Missionaries and oth- Shortly before his death in 1916, Charles
ers have greatly benefited from attend- Taze Russell showed remarkable fore-
ing Gilead School. According to one insight regarding the extent to which the
structor, an objective of the school is “to preaching work would be accomplished.
instill in the students a more intense de- He told a close associate: “The work is
sire to share in the evangelizing work.” increasing rapidly, and it will continue to
Gilead was inaugurated in 1943, and increase, for there is a world-wide work
since then over 8,500 have been trained. to be done in preaching the ‘gospel of
Gilead-trained missionaries have served the kingdom.’ ” (Faith on the March, by
in some 170 lands. Since 2011, enroll- A. H. Macmillan, p. 69) How right he
ment is limited to those who are already was! And how grateful we are that the
in special full-time service—special pio- God of peace continues to equip us for
neers, traveling overseers, Bethelites, or this most enjoyable work! Indeed, he
field missionaries who have not attended gives us “every good thing” we need to
Gilead. do his will!
17 How effective has this extra train-
18. Name some of the other schools that have
16. What purpose has been served by Gilead helped qualified Witnesses to grow spiritually.
School (a) in the past and (b) since 2011? 19. What perceptive comment did Charles Taze
17. How effective has training at Gilead proved Russell make about the preaching work, and
to be? how has this proved to be true?
30 THE WATCHTOWER
FROM OUR ARCHIVES
“Nothing Under the Sun

Should Stop You!”
IT IS the spring of 1931. The entrance German-speaking brother who boldly preached in
to the famous Pleyel concert hall Paris recalls: “We knew that our God is a mighty
in Paris swarms with delegates from one. If our heart was beating in our throat when
23 countries. Large taxicabs drop off we engaged in the ministry, it was not out of fear
their fashionable passengers in front of the hall, of man but because we were afraid we might for-
and soon the main auditorium is packed. Almost get the little phrase: ‘Voulez-vous lire cette carte,
3,000 people have come, not to listen to a con- s’il vous plaît? [Would you please read this card?]’
cert, but to hear Joseph F. Rutherford, who was We were convinced that our work was really im-
then taking the lead in our preaching work. His portant.”
powerful talks are interpreted into French, Ger- When preaching in apartment buildings, col-
man, and Polish. Brother Rutherford’s booming porteurs were often chased away by caretakers.
voice resounds through the hall. One day, two English sisters who knew very little
The Paris convention marked a turning point in French found themselves face-to-face with an ag-
the Kingdom-preaching work in France. Broth- gressive concierge who asked them whom they
er Rutherford called on the international audi- wanted to see. Trying to calm the angry caretak-
ence—young Christians in particular—to serve as er, one sister noticed a small enameled plate on a
colporteurs in France. John Cooke, a teenage door. On it were the words: “Tournez le bouton
English delegate, never forgot the stirring ex- [Ring the bell].” Thinking that this was the house-
hortation: “Nothing under the sun should stop holder’s name, she replied cheerfully: “We have
you young folks from going into the colporteur come to see Madame ‘Tournez le bouton.’ ” A good
work!”1 sense of humor greatly helped these zealous col-
In addition to John Cooke, who later became a porteurs!
missionary, many others responded to this Mace-
donian call. (Acts 16:9, 10) In fact, the number of Early colporteurs
colporteurs in France grew from 27 in 1930 to 104 used bicycles and
in 1931—an exceptional increase in just one year. motorcycles to
spread the good
Since most of these early pioneers did not speak news in France
French, how would they cope with the language
barrier, meager means, and isolation?
COPING WITH THE LANGUAGE BARRIER
Foreign colporteurs relied on testimony cards
to speak for them about the Kingdom hope. A
1 Regarding the work among Polish immigrants in France,
see the article “Jehovah Brought You to France to Learn the
Truth,” in the August 15, 2015, issue of The Watchtower.
English pioneers
who attended the
1931 convention
in Paris
LITTLE MEANS AND ISOLATION Bible studies], in the evening we had time to write
DID NOT STOP THEM to our family and especially to other pioneers, to
In the 1930’s, most people in France had to put share our experiences and encourage one anoth-
up with poor living conditions, and the for- er.”—1 Thess. 5:11.
eign colporteurs were no exception. Concerning Those self-sacrificing colporteurs maintained a
what she and her pioneer partner experienced, positive outlook despite obstacles. This can be
an English-speaking sister named Mona Brzoska seen from letters they sent to the branch office,
said: “Our accommodations were generally of a sometimes decades after pioneering in France.
very primitive nature, and one of the big prob- Looking back on those years, Annie Cregeen,
lems was the heating in the wintertime. We were an anointed sister who traveled the length and
often obliged to make do with a freezing cold breadth of France with her husband from 1931 to
room where we had to break the ice on the water 1935, wrote: “We had a very happy and eventful
in the jug in the morning before we could wash.” life! We pioneers were a close-knit group. As the
Were early pioneers discouraged by the lack apostle Paul said, ‘I planted, Apollos watered, but
of comfort? By no means! One of them nicely God kept making it grow.’ This is thrilling to those
summed up their feelings when he said: “We of us who had an opportunity to help so many
did not own anything, but we lacked nothing.” years ago.”—1 Cor. 3:6.
—Matt. 6:33. Those early pioneers indeed left a legacy of en-
These courageous colporteurs also had to over- durance and zeal for consideration by others who
come isolation. In the early 1930’s, the number of want to expand their ministry. Today, there are
Kingdom publishers in France did not exceed 700, some 14,000 regular pioneers in France. Many are
and most of them were scattered throughout the serving in foreign-language groups or congrega-
country. What helped isolated colporteurs to re- tions.1 Like their predecessors, they do not let
main happy? Mona, who faced this challenge with anything under the sun stop them!—From our ar-
her pioneer partner, explained: “We had to fight chives in France.
this isolation by regularly studying together the
1 In 2014, over 900 foreign-language congregations and
Society’s publications. Since back in those days groups were working under the oversight of the France branch,
we [made no return visits and conducted no home helping sincere truth-seekers in 70 different tongues.
s
w15 11/15-E
o
150703
available
D ECEMBER 1 5, 2 0 1 5
34567
STUDY ARTICLES
_______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________
FEBRUARY 1-7 FEBRUARY 8-14 FEBRUARY 15-21 FEBRUARY 22-28

Jehovah, the God A Living Use the Power Jehovah Will
of Communication Translation of Your Tongue Sustain You
PAGE 4 of God’s Word for Good PAGE 23
PAGE 9 PAGE 18
STUDY ARTICLES
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
ˇ Jehovah, the God of Communication

ˇ A Living Translation of God’s Word
For thousands of years, Jehovah has communicated
with his servants in various languages. These articles
PARAGUAY show that his use of different languages has not hindered
COVER: A special pioneer his communication with man. We will also see how the
happily shares the good news New World Translation, including the 2013 revision,
with a mother and her young ones. has been a powerful tool to sanctify God’s name and
Spanish and Guarani are the official to make his will known.
languages of the country, and the _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
truth is being spread in both

‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐
ˇ Use the Power of Your Tongue for Good
The ability to speak is a marvelous gift from God. This
POPULATION
article discusses three aspects of our speech. It also
6,800,236 encourages us to imitate Jesus’ example in using this
powerful gift to honor God and benefit others.
PUBLISHERS
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
9,760 ˇ Jehovah Will Sustain You

We all experience sickness; hence, how should we view
healings recorded in the Bible? What should we consider
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE when others make health recommendations? This article
will help us to answer these questions and to make personal
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
choices.
3 Do You Remember?
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
14 The 2013 Revision

of the New World Translation
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
28 I Found Peace With God and

With My Mother
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
32 Subject Index
for The Watchtower 2015
34567 ˙
December 15, 2015
DO YOU REMEMBER?
Have you carefully read the recent issues of The Watchtower?

Well, see if you can answer the following questions:
When the end comes, what are Why can we, though How does avoiding bad
some things that will end? imperfect, be sure that associations have a bearing
Some of what will end are we can please God? on dating?
failing human governments, Such men as Job, Lot, and We are not unkind to unbeliev-
war and injustice, religions that David made mistakes. Yet, they ers. Yet, it would be contrary to
have failed both God and men, wanted to serve God, were sorry God’s direction to date someone
and ungodly people.—5/1, pp. for their errors, and changed who is not dedicated to him and
3-5. their ways. They gained God’s faithful to his standards. (1 Cor.
approval, and we can too.—7/1, 15:33)—8/15, p. 25.
Who is Gog of Magog
mentioned in the book of pp. 12-13. How did Peter fail but then
Ezekiel? Will the destruction of regain his faith?
Rather than referring to Satan, Babylon the Great result in In faith the apostle Peter
it appears that Gog of Magog the death of all the former walked on water toward Jesus.
refers to a coalition of nations members of false religions? (Matt. 14:24-32) But on looking
that will try to wipe out God’s It does not seem so. Zechariah at the storm, Peter became
people after the great tribulation 13:4-6 suggests that even some afraid. Then he refocused on
begins.—5/15, pp. 29-30. clergymen will abandon their Jesus and accepted his help.
religious course and claim that —9/15, pp. 16-17.
What are six things that
can help someone to age they were not part of a false reli- Acts 28:4 says that the people
gracefully? gion.—7/15, pp. 15-16. of Malta thought that the
apostle Paul was a murderer.
The Bible recommends that we Why did Barak agree to fight Why would they think that?
be (1) modest, (2) balanced, only if Deborah went with
When a viper bit Paul, they may
(3) positive, (4) generous, him?
wrongly have concluded that
(5) friendly, and (6) thankful. Barak was a man of faith. Dike, the goddess of justice, was
Reflecting those qualities can Rather than ask Jehovah for punishing him.—10/1, p. 9.
help one to age gracefully.—6/1, more weapons, he wanted to
pp. 8-10. have God’s representative—Deb- What lesson is there in
orah—there to strengthen him Martha’s being distracted
How do Jesus’ miracles with many duties?
illustrate his generosity? and his men. (Judg. 4:6-8; 5:7)
—8/1, p. 13. Once, Martha was distracted
At a wedding in Cana, Jesus with the preparation of a large
turned some 100 gallons (380 L) What are some things that a meal. Jesus said that her sister
of water into wine. Another time Christian can meditate on? had chosen the better portion in
he miraculously fed over 5,000 Some of the things are Jehovah’s listening to his teaching. We
people. (Matt. 14:14-21; John 2: creative works, the value of his need to take care that nonessen-
6-11) Both times, he was imitat- inspired Word, our privilege of tials do not interfere with our
ing his Father’s generosity. prayer, and his loving provision spiritual activities.—10/15,
—6/15, pp. 4-5. of the ransom.—8/15, pp. 10-13. pp. 18-20.
3
Jehovah, the God
of Communication
“Please listen, and I will speak.”—JOB 42:4.
SONGS: 113, 114 THE eternal God created intelligent beings with whom to
share life and happiness. (Ps. 36:9; 1 Tim. 1:11) The apostle
HOW WOULD YOU John referred to God’s first companion as “the Word” and
ANSWER? “the beginning of the creation by God.” (John 1:1; Rev. 3:14)
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Jehovah God communicated his thoughts and feelings to this
Why does God simplify how firstborn Son. (John 1:14, 17; Col. 1:15) The apostle Paul
he expresses his thoughts speaks of ‘the tongues of angels,’ a heavenly form of commu-
to humans? nication superior to human language.—1 Cor. 13:1.
2 Jehovah has intimate knowledge of billions of intelligent
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ creatures, earthly and heavenly. At any given moment, count-

Why has the use of less individuals may be praying to him in many languages. Not
different human languages only does he listen to those prayers but he simultaneously
not hindered God’s gives direction to and communicates with heavenly beings. To
communication with man?
accomplish this, his thoughts, language, and communication
must be vastly superior to those of humans. (Read Isaiah 55:
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
8, 9.) Clearly, when Jehovah communicates with humans, he
What was the goal of simplifies how he expresses his thoughts so that man can un-
Jehovah’s organization derstand them.
in connection with the
3 We will now consider how this all-wise God has taken steps
New World Translation?
1-3. (a) Why are God’s language and communication superior to
those of man? (b) What will we consider in this article?
4
to ensure clear communication with his gan to speak that language, leading to
people throughout history. We will also the translation of the Hebrew Scriptures
see how he adapts the means of commu- into Greek. This translation, thought to
nication according to the need and cir- have been done by 72 translators, be-
cumstances. came known as the Septuagint. It was
the first translation of the Bible and
GOD’S WORD TO HUMANS
one of the most important.1 The work
4 Jehovah communicated with Adam of so many translators resulted in var-
in the garden of Eden, using human ied translation styles, from literal to
language. God likely did so in an an- rather free. Nevertheless, the Septuagint
cient form of Hebrew. He later made was viewed as God’s Word by Greek-
his thoughts known to Hebrew-speaking
speaking Jews and later by Christians.
Bible writers, such as Moses, Samuel, 7 When God’s firstborn came to earth,
and David, and they expressed these
he likely spoke and taught in what the Bi-
thoughts in their own words and style.
ble calls Hebrew. (John 19:20; 20:16;
Besides recording direct statements from
Acts 26:14) First-century Hebrew was
God, they told of his dealings with
evidently influenced by Aramaic, so Je-
his people, including accounts of their
sus may have used some Aramaic ex-
faith and love as well as those that re-
pressions. However, he also knew the
vealed their failings and unfaithfulness.
ancient Hebrew of Moses and the proph-
All this information is of great value to-
ets, which was read each week in the syn-
day.—Rom. 15:4.
5 As circumstances changed, God did
agogues. (Luke 4:17-19; 24:44, 45; Acts
15:21) In addition, Greek and Latin were
not restrict his communication with hu-
spoken in Israel. The Scriptures are si-
mans to Hebrew. After the Babylonian
lent about whether Jesus also spoke
exile, Aramaic became the everyday lan-
those languages.
guage of some of God’s people. Perhaps
8 Jesus’ early followers knew Hebrew,
to indicate what was to come, Jehovah
inspired the prophets Daniel and Jere- but after his death, his disciples spoke
miah and the priest Ezra to record por- other languages. (Read Acts 6:1.) As
tions of their Bible books in Aramaic. Christianity spread, much communica-
—See the footnotes to Ezra 4:8; 7:12; tion among Christians was in Greek.
Jeremiah 10:11; and Daniel 2:4. In fact, the Gospels of Matthew, Mark,
6 Alexander the Great later conquered
1 Septuagint means “Seventy.” Translation re-
much of the ancient world, and com- portedly began in Egypt in the third century B.C.E.
mon, or Koine, Greek became an in- and may have been finished by 150 B.C.E. This
translation is still important, as it gives scholars in-
ternational language. Many Jews be- sight into the meaning of certain obscure Hebrew
words and passages.
4. (a) What language did Jehovah use to
communicate with Moses, Samuel, and David? 7. What language did Jesus likely use to teach
(b) What does the Bible contain? his disciples?
5. Did Jehovah insist that his people use only 8, 9. As Christianity spread, why was Greek
Hebrew? Explain. the primary language used among God’s peo-
6. How did God’s Word become available in ple, and what does this indicate about Jeho-
languages other than Hebrew? vah?
DECEMBER 15, 2015 5

COMMUNICATION AND TRANSLATION OF GOD’S WORD
TRANSLATED INTO QUOTED IN

ORIGINAL GREEK ORIGINAL
WRITINGS SEPTUAGINT WRITINGS
GENESIS TO MALACHI GENESIS TO MALACHI MATTHEW TO REVELATION

(Hebrew and Aramaic) (Greek) (Greek)
Luke, and John, which contain inspired tion of the Bible, but he allowed it to be
records of what Jesus taught and did, presented in different styles.
were widely distributed in Greek. Thus,
PRESERVATION OF GOD’S MESSAGE
the language of many disciples was
Greek rather than Hebrew.1 The letters
11 Has God’s communication with hu-
of the apostle Paul and the other in- mans been hindered by the use of differ-
spired books were also distributed in ent languages and minor variations in
Greek. translation? No. For example, we may
9 It is noteworthy that when writers of
be aware of only a few of the original-
language words that Jesus used. (Matt.
the Christian Greek Scriptures quoted
27:46; Mark 5:41; 7:34; 14:36) However,
from the Hebrew Scriptures, they usual-
Jehovah made sure that Jesus’ mes-
ly did so from the Septuagint. These quo-
sage was transmitted in Greek and, in
tations, which at times vary somewhat
time, in other languages. Later, Bible
from the exact Hebrew wording, are now
manuscripts were copied again and again
part of the inspired Scriptures. Thus, the
by Jews and Christians, preserving the
work of imperfect human translators be-
holy writings. These were translated into
came part of the inspired Word of God,
many more languages. John Chrysostom
a God who does not favor one culture
of the fourth/fifth century C.E. said that
or language over another.—Read Acts
by his day, Jesus’ teachings had been
10:34. translated into the languages of the Syri-
10 Our brief review of God’s communi-
ans, Egyptians, Indians, Persians, Ethio-
cation with humans teaches us that Je- pians, and innumerable other peoples.
hovah communicates according to need 12 Producing the Bible in many lan-
and circumstances. He does not insist guages thwarted the efforts of such
that we learn a specific language in order men as Roman Emperor Diocletian, who
for us to get to know him or his purpos- in 303 C.E. ordered that all copies of
es. (Read Zechariah 8:23; Revelation the Scriptures be destroyed. There were
7:9, 10.) Jehovah directed the inspira- countless attacks on God’s Word and on
1 Some feel that Matthew wrote his Gospel in He- those who translated and distributed it.
brew and that it was then translated into Greek, per-
haps by Matthew himself. 11. Why have language differences not hin-
dered God’s communication with people?
10. What can we conclude about Jehovah’s 12. How was the transmission of the Bible op-
making his Word available to people? posed?
6 THE WATCHTOWER
NOW AVAILABLE
TRANSLATED IN OVER
INTO MANY
LANGUAGES New World
2,800
Translation Languages
ENGLISH VERSIONS
Revised
Old Latin Tyndale
Edition 2013
Latin Vulgate King James
In the 16th century, William Tyndale set inally inspired Bible writers to record.
out to translate the Bible from Hebrew —Isa. 40:8.1
and Greek into English, declaring to a 14 Despite fierce opposition from ene-
well-educated man: “If God spare my mies, Jehovah has seen to it that his
life, ere many years I will cause a boy Word is the most widely translated book
that driveth the plough shall know more in the history of mankind. Even at a time
of the Scripture than thou doest.” Tyn- when many have little or no faith in God,
dale had to flee from England to the Eu- the Bible remains a best seller and is now
ropean continent to translate and print available, in whole or in part, in over
his translation. Despite a campaign by 2,800 languages. No other work comes
the clergy to burn publicly all the Bibles close to the Bible in breadth of distribu-
that they could find, copies began to tion and availability. Some Bible transla-
circulate in great numbers. Eventually, tions are not as clear or as reliable as
Tyndale was betrayed and was strangled others. Still, it is possible to learn the Bi-
and burned at the stake, but his Bible ble’s basic message of hope and salva-
translation lived on. It was consulted ex- tion from nearly all translations.
tensively in the preparation of the wide-
NEED FOR A NEW BIBLE TRANSLATION
ly distributed King James version of the
Bible.—Read 2 Timothy 2:9.
15 When early in the last century a
13 Granted, some surviving ancient small group of diligent Bible students
copies of the Bible contain minor mis- was appointed as “the faithful and dis-
takes and discrepancies. However, thou- creet slave,” much of their communica-
sands of fragments, manuscripts, and tion with the “domestics” was in En-
ancient translations have been com- glish. (Matt. 24:45) That “slave” has put
pared and painstakingly studied by Bible forth great effort to make spiritual food
scholars. This study validated the con- available in more and more languages;
tents of the vast majority of Bible pas- 1 See Appendix A3 in the revised New World
sages. The few verses about which there Translation; also A Book for All People, pp. 7-9, “How
is a degree of uncertainty do not change Did the Book Survive?”
the overall message. A study of ancient 14. To what extent has the Bible’s message be-
manuscripts convinces sincere Bible stu- come available?
dents that they have what Jehovah orig- 15. (a) How have present-day language bar-
riers been overcome? (b) How has English
13. What has the study of ancient manuscripts proved to be a practical language for the dis-
shown? pensing of spiritual food?
DECEMBER 15, 2015 7

the number has now risen to over 700. ple, plain, common, lowly readers of
Like Koine Greek in the first century, En- their day.” He expressed the hope that
glish has been a practical base language this translation would spread its spiritu-
for translation because it is widely used al help to millions of people.
as a language of commerce and educa- 18 That hope was realized in a signif-
tion. icant way by 1963 when the New World

16 The basis of the spiritual food is Translation of the Christian Greek Scrip-
the Bible. In the mid-20th century, the tures was produced in six more languages
King James Version of 1611 was the most —Dutch, French, German, Italian, Por-
widely used English Bible. However, the tuguese, and Spanish. In 1989 the Gov-
language in it was largely outdated. And erning Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses put
God’s name appeared only a few times in in place a department at headquarters
the text, whereas ancient Bible manu- to facilitate Bible translation. Then in
scripts contained the divine name thou- 2005, Bible translation was made a pri-
sands of times. That version contained ority for the languages in which this
some translation errors as well as spu- journal is produced. As a result, the
rious verses that were not found in au- New World Translation is now available in
thoritative ancient manuscripts. Other whole or in part in over 130 languages.
available English Bible translations like- 19 As time passed, it became evident
wise had shortcomings. that the English edition of the New World
17 There was a need for a Bible that Translation needed to be updated to re-
would accurately convey in modern flect changes in the English language. On
speech the intent of the original writ- the weekend of October 5 and 6, 2013,
ings. The New World Bible Translation an audience of 1,413,676 in 31 countries
Committee was formed, and over a ten- attended or were tied in to the 129th an-
year period from 1950 to 1960, their nual meeting of the Watch Tower Bible
translation was released in six volumes. and Tract Society of Pennsylvania. All
When releasing the first volume on Au- were thrilled to hear a member of the
gust 2, 1950, Brother N. H. Knorr told a Governing Body announce the release of
convention audience: “More and more the revised New World Translation in En-
the need has been felt for a transla- glish. Many were moved to tears as the
tion in modern speech, in harmony with attendants passed out copies of the re-
revealed truth, and yet furnishing us vised Bible. As the verses were read from
the basis for gaining further truth by the revised text, the audience discovered
faithfully presenting the sense of the that the rendering of God’s Word into
original writings; a translation just as English had never been better. The fol-
understandable to modern readers as lowing article will discuss details about
the original writings of Christ’s disci- this revision, as well as its translation
ples were understandable to the sim- into other languages.
16, 17. (a) What need was felt by God’s peo- 18. What decisions have sped up Bible transla-
ple? (b) How was this need filled? (c) What tion?
hope regarding the New World Translation was 19. What historic event took place in 2013, and
expressed back in 1950? what will the following article discuss?
8 THE WATCHTOWER
A Living Translation
of God’s Word
“The word of God is alive.”—HEB. 4:12.
JEHOVAH GOD endowed his creatures with the gift of com- SONGS: 37, 116
munication. After settling Adam into his garden home, God
gave him an assignment that involved language; he was to HOW WOULD YOU
name the animals. Adam used his creativity and intellect to ANSWER?
give each an appropriate name. (Gen. 2:19, 20) Since then, ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
God’s people have continued to use their ability to speak—to

Why should a Bible
use language—to praise Jehovah and to make his will known translation include
to others. In recent times, a significant way to promote pure God’s name?
worship by the use of language has been through Bible trans-
lation.
2 There are thousands of Bible translations, but they vary ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
in how faithfully they convey the message from the original Why was the New World
texts. In the 1940’s, the New World Bible Translation Commit- Translation revised?
tee established principles of translation that have been fol-
lowed in over 130 languages. These are: (1) Sanctify God’s
name by restoring it to its rightful place in the Scriptures. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
(Read Matthew 6:9.) (2) Translate the original inspired How have God’s people
benefited from the
1. (a) What kind of assignment did God give to Adam? (b) How have New World Translation?
God’s people used their language abilities since then?
2. (a) The New World Bible Translation Committee followed what prin-
ciples in doing its work? (b) What will we consider in this article?
9
message literally where possible, but That set a pattern for many subsequent
convey the correct sense when a word- translations, English and non-English.
for-word rendering would distort the 5 Why is the inclusion or omission of
meaning. (3) Use easy-to-understand God’s name significant? A skilled trans-

language that encourages reading.1 lator knows the importance of under-
(Read Nehemiah 8:8, 12.) Let us see standing the intent of an author; such
how these principles have been applied knowledge affects many translation de-
in the New World Translation, the 2013 re- cisions. Countless Bible verses show the
vision as well as the non-English edi- importance of God’s name and its sanc-
tions. tification. (Ex. 3:15; Ps. 83:18; 148:13;
Isa. 42:8; 43:10; John 17:6, 26; Acts 15:
HONORING THE NAME OF GOD
14) Jehovah God—the Author of the Bi-
3 Those who study ancient Hebrew ble—inspired its writers to use his name
Bible manuscripts, such as the Dead freely. (Read Ezekiel 38:23.) Omitting
Sea Scrolls, are struck by the many oc- the name, found thousands of times in
currences of the Tetragrammaton—the ancient manuscripts, shows disrespect
four Hebrew letters that represent God’s for the Author.
name. The divine name appears not only 6 The evidence for retaining God’s
in those ancient Hebrew manuscripts name in the Bible has not diminished
but also in some copies of the Greek Sep- but grown. The 2013 revision of the
tuagint from the second century B.C.E. New World Translation includes the name
through the first century C.E. 7,216 times, which is 6 more than the
4 Despite the clear evidence that the
1984 edition. Five of the additional in-
personal name of God belongs in the Bi- stances are found at 1 Samuel 2:25; 6:3;
ble, many translations completely omit 10:26; 23:14, 16. These were restored
the sacred name of God. In fact, just primarily because the Dead Sea Scrolls,
two years after the New World Translation which predate the Hebrew Masoretic
of the Christian Greek Scriptures was re- text by over 1,000 years, contain the
leased in 1950, the Revised Standard Ver- name in these verses. Also, one occur-
sion was published. That version omitted rence at Judges 19:18 was restored as a
the name, reversing the policy of the ed- result of further study of ancient manu-
itors of the American Standard Version of scripts.
1901. Why? The preface says: “The use 7 For true Christians, Jehovah’s name
of any proper name for the one and only has great significance. The appendix of
God . . . is entirely inappropriate for the the 2013 revision of the New World Trans-
universal faith of the Christian Church.” lation contains updated information on
1 See Appendix A1 of the revised New World 5. Why is it important to retain God’s name in
Translation and the article “How Can You Choose the Bible?
a Good Bible Translation?” in The Watchtower of
May 1, 2008. 6. Why does the revised New World Transla-
tion have six additional occurrences of the di-
3, 4. (a) What ancient manuscripts contain vine name?
the Tetragrammaton? (b) What have many Bi- 7, 8. What is the significance of the name
ble translations done regarding God’s name? meaning “He Causes to Become”?
10 THE WATCHTOWER
this matter. The New World Bible Trans- translation is to omit the divine name,
lation Committee understands that the substituting a title such as “Lord” or the
name reflects the causative form of name of a local god. This is a prime rea-
the Hebrew verb ha·wah,’ meaning “He son why the Governing Body of Jeho-
Causes to Become.”1 Our publications vah’s Witnesses has given priority to
had previously connected this meaning making available to as many people as
with Exodus 3:14, which says: “I Will Be- possible a Bible that honors God’s name.
come What I Choose to Become.” This
led to the view expressed in the 1984 edi- CLEAR, ACCURATE TRANSLATION
tion that the name means He “caus- 10 The process of rendering the sacred
es himself to become the Fulfiller of text into scores of languages presented
promises.”2 However, Appendix A4 of many translation problems. For exam-
the revised edition of 2013 explains: ple, in the past, the English New World
“While the name Jehovah may include Translation followed the pattern of some
this idea, it is not limited to what he other English Bibles that use the Hebrew
himself chooses to become. It also in- expression “Sheol” in verses such as
cludes what he causes to happen with re- Ecclesiastes 9:10. That verse used to
gard to his creation and the accomplish- read: “There is no work nor devising nor
ment of his purpose.” knowledge nor wisdom in Sheol, the
8 Jehovah causes his creation to be- place to which you are going.” Transla-
come whatever he chooses. In line with tors of many non-English editions faced
the meaning of his name, God caused this problem: The term “Sheol” is un-
Noah to be an ark builder, Bezalel to be known to most of their readers, it is
a master craftsman, Gideon to be a vic- not found in their dictionaries, and
torious warrior, and Paul to be an apos- it sounds like some geographic loca-
tle to the nations. Yes, God’s name has tion. Accordingly, approval was given
great meaning to his people. And the to make the meaning of “Sheol” and
New World Bible Translation Committee the corresponding Greek term “Hades”
would never undermine the name’s sig- clear by translating them accurately as
nificance by omitting it from the Bible. “the Grave.”
9 Over 130 language editions of the
11 In some languages, translating the
New World Translation honor God’s name Hebrew word nephesh and the Greek
by including it where it belongs in psy·khe consistently with a term similar
the sacred text. (Read Malachi 3:16.)
to the English “soul” created some con-
In contrast, the current trend in Bible
fusion. Why? Because the equivalent
1 Some reference works present this understand- terms could give the impression that the
ing, though not all scholars agree. “soul” is an immaterial part of man.
2 See the New World Translation of the Holy Scrip-
tures—With References, Appendix 1A “The Divine That could reflect the mistaken view
Name in the Hebrew Scriptures,” p. 1561. that it is something like a ghost and not
9. What is one reason why priority has been 10, 11. What were certain challenges facing
given to translating the Bible into other lan- the translators of some non-English editions of
guages? the New World Translation?

man himself. Hence, approval was given GREAT APPRECIATION
to render “soul” as indicated by the con- 13 What has been the effect of this
text, in line with the meanings already revised English New World Translation?
provided in the appendixes of the New Thousands of letters of appreciation
World Translation of the Holy Scriptures have been received at the Brooklyn
—With References. Yes, priority was given headquarters of Jehovah’s Witnesses.
to making the text immediately under- The comments of one sister reflect the
stood, and helpful renderings were of- feelings of many: “The Bible is a treasure
ten put in footnotes. chest brimming over with valuable jew-
12 Questions from translators raised els. To read Jehovah’s words clearly by
awareness that similar misunder- using the 2013 revision can be compared
standings were possible. So in Sep- to examining each jewel, admiring its
tember 2007, the Governing Body gave many facets, clarity, color, and beauty.
approval to revise the English text. The Scriptures conveyed in simple lan-
Thousands of questions from Bible guage have helped me to become better
translators were reviewed during the re- acquainted with Jehovah, who is like a
vision process. Obsolete English expres- father with his arms around me while he
sions were replaced, and a concerted ef- reads his soothing words to me.”
14 It is not just the revised English New
fort was put forth to make the text clear
and easy to understand without sacrific- World Translation that has had an im-
ing accuracy. Applying what had been pact. An elderly man from Sofia, Bulgar-
done in other languages sharpened the ia, commented about the Bulgarian edi-
English text.—Prov. 27:17. tion: “I have read the Bible for many
12. What are some changes that were made in 13. What has been the response to the 2013
the 2013 revision of the New World Transla- revision?
tion? (See also the article “The 2013 Revision 14, 15. How has the New World Translation
of the New World Translation,” found in this is- made a positive impact in languages other
sue.) than English?
12 THE WATCHTOWER
years, but I have never read a transla- for every member of the family. But now
tion that is easier to understand and each of us has his own Bible. To show
that goes right to the heart.” Likewise, our gratitude to Jehovah, we read the
after receiving her copy of the complete Bible as a family every day.”
New World Translation, an Albanian sis- 16 In time, the revised New World Trans-
ter commented: “How beautiful God’s lation will be made available in more lan-
Word sounds in Albanian! What a privi- guages. Satan tries to block such ef-
lege to have Jehovah speak to us in our forts, but we trust that Jehovah wants to
own language!” have all his people listen as he speaks
15 In many lands, Bibles are expensive to them in clear, understandable lan-
and not readily available, so just receiv- guage. (Read Isaiah 30:21.) The time
ing a Bible is a great blessing. A report will come when “the earth will certainly
from Rwanda stated: “For a long time, be filled with the knowledge of Jehovah
many people with whom the brothers as the waters cover the sea.”—Isa. 11:9.
were studying had not progressed be- 17 May we be determined to take ad-
cause they had no Bibles. They could vantage of every gift from Jehovah, in-
not afford to purchase the local church cluding this translation that honors his
edition. And they often could not clear- name. Let him speak with you every day
ly understand the meaning of certain through his Word. His limitless abilities
verses, which hindered their progress.” allow him to listen attentively to our
Things changed when the New World prayers. This communication will help
Translation in their language became us to come to know Jehovah ever more
available. A Rwandan family with four intimately as our love for him keeps
teenagers said: “We really thank Jeho- growing.—John 17:3.
vah and the faithful and discreet slave
16, 17. (a) What does Jehovah want for his
for giving us this Bible. We are very poor people? (b) What should be our determina-
and had no money to purchase Bibles tion?
“What a privilege
to have Jehovah
speak to us in our
own language!”

The 2013 Revision of the
New World Translation
OVER the years, the New World Translation of the the contemptuous attitude embodied in the Greek
Holy Scriptures has been revised a number of times, term. The expression “long-suffering,” as previ-
but the 2013 revision was by far the most exten- ously used, could be misunderstood to mean suf-
sive. For example, there are now about 10 percent fering for a long time; “patience” better con-
fewer English words in the translation. Some key veys the right sense. “Revelries” was replaced
Biblical terms were revised. Certain chapters were with “wild parties,” which would be better under-
changed to poetic format, and clarifying foot- stood today. (Gal. 5:19-22) In place of “loving-
notes were added to the regular edition. It would kindness,” the thought is accurately rendered
be impossible in this article to discuss all the “loyal love.” That captures the meaning of a Bible
changes, but let us consider a few of the main ad- term often used in parallel with “faithfulness.”
justments. —Ps. 36:5; 89:1.
Which key Biblical expressions were changed? Some terms that had consistently been translat-
As was mentioned in the preceding article, the ed with one expression are now translated accord-
renderings for “Sheol,” “Hades,” and “soul” were ing to context. For example, the Hebrew oh·lam,
revised. Additionally, though, a number of other previously rendered “time indefinite,” can have
terms were adjusted. the sense of “forever.” Compare how this affects
For example, “impaled” was changed to “exe- the rendering of such verses as Psalm 90:2 and Mi-
cuted on a stake” or “nailed to the stake” to avoid cah 5:2.
giving a wrong impression about how Jesus was The Hebrew and Greek terms translated “seed”
executed. (Matt. 20:19; 27:31) “Loose conduct” appear often in the Scriptures, both in an agricul-
was adjusted to “brazen conduct,” which conveys tural sense and with the figurative meaning of
14 THE WATCHTOWER
“offspring.” Past editions of the New World Trans- brew, “sons”] will be fatherless.” Applying this
lation consistently used “seed,” including at Gen- principle in other cases, “fatherless boy” has
esis 3:15. However, using the term “seed” in the been changed to “fatherless child” or “orphan.”
sense of “offspring” is no longer common in En- (Deut. 10:18; Job 6:27) That is similar to the ren-
glish, so the revision uses “offspring” at Genesis 3: dering in the Greek Septuagint. This also resulted
15 and related verses. (Gen. 22:17, 18; Rev. 12:17) in the phrase “the days of your youth” instead of
Other occurrences are translated according to “the days of your young manhood” at Eccle-
context.—Gen. 1:11; Ps. 22:30; Isa. 57:3. siastes 12:1.
Why have many literal renderings been ad- Why has the rendering of many Hebrew verbs
justed? Appendix A1 of the 2013 revision says been simplified? The two main Hebrew verb
that a good Bible translation will “communicate states are the imperfect, denoting continuous ac-
the correct sense of a word or a phrase when a lit- tion, and the perfect, denoting completed action.
eral rendering would distort or obscure the mean- Past editions of the New World Translation consis-
ing.” When the original-language idioms make tently rendered Hebrew imperfect verbs with a
sense in other languages, they are rendered lit- verb and an auxiliary term, such as “proceeded
erally. Following this approach, the expression to” or “went on to” in order to show continuous
“searches the . . . hearts” at Revelation 2:23 or repeated action.1 Emphatic expressions such
makes sense in many languages. However, in the as “certainly,” “must,” and “indeed” were used to
same verse, “searches the kidneys” may not be show the completed action of perfect verbs.
readily understood, so “kidneys” was revised to In the 2013 revision, such auxiliary expressions
“innermost thoughts,” thus reflecting the origi-
1 See the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures—With
nal sense. Similarly, at Deuteronomy 32:14, the References, Appendix 3C “Hebrew Verbs Indicating Continuous
literal idiom “the kidney fat of wheat” is rendered or Progressive Action.”
more clearly as “the finest wheat.” For a similar
reason, “I am uncircumcised in lips” is not near-
ly as clear in most languages as “I speak with dif- In keeping with the poetic writing style of the original
text, more chapters are now in poetic format
ficulty.”—Ex. 6:12.
plunder
Why are the expressions “sons of Israel” and Each will devour the flesh
Isa 8:3, 4
Isa 10:24 And to trample
“fatherless boys” now translated “Israelites” of his own arm, mud in the s
and “fatherless children”? In Hebrew, the mas- 21 Ma·nasseh will devour h 2Ki 17:6 7 But he will not
Ephra·im, this way
culine gender or the feminine gender usually And Ephra·im Ma·nasseh. i De 28:45, 63 And his heart
identifies whether the reference is to a male or to Together they will be against 2Ki 17:22, 23 scheme this
Judah. c For it is in his
a female. However, some masculine terms may In view of all this, his anger j 2Ki 18:19, 24 annihilate,
include both males and females. For example, the has not turned back, To cut off man
But his hand is still stretched k Am 6:2 not a few.
context of some verses suggests that “the sons of out to strike. d 8 For he says,
Israel” included both men and women, so this ex-
10 Woe to those who enact l 2Ch 35:20 ‘Are not my pr
harmful regulations, e kings? j
pression is now usually rendered “the Israelites.” Who constantly draft m 2Ki 17:24 9 Is not Calno k j
—Ex. 1:7; 35:29; 2 Ki. 8:12. oppressive decrees, Carche·mish
2 To deny the legal claim of n 2Ki 19:11, 13 Is not Hamath
Along the same lines, the Hebrew masculine the poor, Is not Sa·mari
term meaning “sons” at Genesis 3:16 was translat- To deprive the lowly among o 2Ki 17:5
2Ki 18:9, 10
Damascus? p
my people of justice, f
ed “children” in earlier editions of the New World 10:2 1 Or “And orph
Translation. But at Exodus 22:24, the same word 9:17 1 Or “their orphans.” p 2Ki 16:8, 9 “punishment.” 2 Or “
has now been revised to read: “Your children [He-

Some Features of the Revised New World Translation in English
Question 4 Question 9 Glossary of Bible Terms 1715

gans used as a religious symbol for many
TRANSGRESS; TRANSGRESSION–WADI
wore a turban of fine linen, with a gold plate
centuries before Christ. “Torture stake” con- tied to its front with a blue cord. The king
Is the Bible scientifically Why do humans suffer? veys the full intent of the original word,
since Jesus also used the word stau·ros to
wore a turban under his crown. Job used the
expression figuratively when he likened his
indicate the torture, suffering, and shame justice to a turban.—Ex 28:36, 37; Job 29:
accurate? A companiment was to be executed at a high
that his followers would face. (Mt 16:24; Heb
12:2)—See STAKE.
14; Eze 21:26.
U
Unclean. May refer to being physically dirty
Ab. After the Babylonian exile, the name of register.—1Ch 15:20; Ps 46:Sup. Transgress; Transgression. To overstep a
or to breaking moral laws. In the Bible,
the 5th month of the Jewish sacred calendar Alpha and Omega. Names of the first and last stated law; the act of overstepping a law. It
though, the word often refers to what is not
and the 11th month of the secular calendar. letters of the Greek alphabet; they are used is synonymous with “sin” in the Bible.—Ps
acceptable, or not clean, according to the
It ran from mid-July to mid-August. It is not together three times in Revelation as a title 51:3; Ro 5:14.
“He stretches out the northern sky over empty space, “The swift do not always win the race, nor do the mighty for God. In these contexts this expression
Mosaic Law. (Le 5:2; 13:45; Mt 10:1; Ac 10:
mentioned by name in the Bible; it is simply Tree of life. A tree in the garden of Eden. The 14; Eph 5:5)—See CLEAN.
suspending the earth upon nothing.” win the battle, nor do the wise always have the food, referred to as “the fifth month.” (Nu 33:38; means the same as “the first and the last” Bible does not indicate that it had inherent Undeserved kindness. A Greek word with
Ezr 7:9)—See App. B15. and “the beginning and the end.”—Re 1:8; life-giving qualities in its fruit; instead, it
Job 26:7 [Page 727] nor do the intelligent always have the riches, nor do Abib. The original name of the first month of 21:6; 22:13. represented God’s guarantee of everlasting
the central idea of that which is agreeable
and winsome. The word is often used to re-
those with knowledge always have success, because the Jewish sacred calendar and the seventh Altar. A raised structure or platform made of life to those he would allow to eat of its fruit. fer to a kind gift or a kind manner of giv-
month of the secular calendar. It means dirt, rocks, a block of stone, or wood cov- —Ge 2:9; 3:22. ing. When referring to the undeserved kind-
“All the streams flow into the sea, yet the sea is not full. time and unexpected events overtake them all.” “Green Ears (of Grain)” and ran from mid- ered with metal on which sacrifices or in- Tree of the knowledge of good and bad. A ness of God, the word describes a free gift
March to mid-April. After the Jews’ return cense were offered in worship. In the first tree in the garden of Eden that God used as given generously by God, with no expec-
To the place from which the streams flow, there they Ecclesiastes 9:11 [Page 924]
room of the tabernacle and of the temple, a symbol of his right to set the standards for
from Babylon, it was called Nisan. (De 16:1) tation of repayment. Thus, it is an expres-
—See App. B15. there was a small “altar of gold” for offering mankind as to what is “good” and what is sion of God’s bounteous giving and gener-
return so as to flow again.” incense. It was made of wood covered with “bad.”—Ge 2:9, 17.
Abyss. From the Greek word abys·sos, mean- ous love and kindness toward humans. The
Ecclesiastes 1:7 [Page 916] “Through one man sin entered into the world and death ing “exceedingly deep” or “unfathomable, gold. A larger “altar of copper” for burnt Tribute. Payment by one State or ruler to an- Greek term is also rendered by such expres-
boundless.” It is used in the Christian Greek sacrifices was located outside in the court- other as a mark of submission, in order to sions as “favor” and “kind gift.” It is given

through sin, and so death spread to all men because Scriptures to refer to a place or condition of yard. (Ex 27:1; 39:38, 39; Ge 8:20; 1Ki 6:20; maintain peace or to gain protection. (2Ki unearned and unmerited, motivated solely
they had all sinned—.” confinement. It includes the grave but is not 2Ch 4:1; Lu 1:11)—See App. B5 and B8. 3:4; 18:14-16; 2Ch 17:11) The word is also by the generosity of the giver.—2Co 6:1; Eph
“There is One who limited to it.—Lu 8:31; Ro 10:7; Re 20:3. Amen. “So be it,” or “surely.” The word comes used for a personal tax on individuals.—Ne 1:7.
Romans 5:12 [Page 1512] Achaia. In the Christian Greek Scriptures, the from the Hebrew root word a·man, which 5:4; Ro 13:7. Unleavened. Referring to bread that is made
dwells above the Roman province of southern Greece with its means “to be faithful, trustworthy.” “Amen” True God, the. A rendering of the Hebrew ex- without leaven.—De 16:3; Mr 14:12; 1Co 5:8.
was said in agreement to an oath, a prayer, pression for “the God.” In many cases, this Urim and Thummim. Objects used by the
circle of the earth.” capital at Corinth. Achaia included all of the
or a statement. In Revelation, it is used as use of the definite article in Hebrew serves
Peloponnese and the central part of conti- high priest in a manner similar to the use of
“For this purpose the Son of God was made manifest, a title for Jesus.—De 27:26; 1Ch 16:36; Re to distinguish Jehovah as the only true God
Isaiah 40:22 [Page 989] nental Greece. (Ac 18:12)—See App. B13. lots to determine the divine will when ques-
to break up the works of the Devil.” 3:14. in contrast to false gods. The rendering “the tions of national importance needed an an-
Adar. After the Babylonian exile, the name of
Angels. From the Hebrew mal·akh and the true God” carefully preserves the full mean- swer from Jehovah. The Urim and Thummim
the 12th month of the Jewish sacred calen-
1 John 3:8 [Page 1632]
dar and the 6th month of the secular calen- Greek agge·los. Both words literally mean ing of the Hebrew expression in such con- were put inside the high priest’s breastpiece
“messenger” but are rendered “angel” when texts.—Ge 5:22, 24; 46:3; De 4:39. when he entered the tabernacle. Their use
dar. It ran from mid-February to mid-March.
referring to spirit messengers. (Ge 16:7; Trumpet. A wind instrument made of metal, seems to have ceased when the Babylonians
(Es 3:7)—See App. B15.
32:3; Jas 2:25; Re 22:8) Angels are pow- used for signaling and for music. According destroyed Jerusalem.—Ex 28:30; Ne 7:65.
“The whole world is lying in the power of the wicked Adultery. Voluntary sexual intercourse by a erful spirit creatures, created by God long to Numbers 10:2, Jehovah gave instructions
married man or woman with someone other V
one.” than his or her mate.—Ex 20:14; Mt 5:27;
before the creation of mankind. They are for making two silver trumpets that would Vow. A solemn promise made to God to per-
also referred to in the Bible as “holy myri- be used to sound specific signals for sum- form some act, make some offering or gift,
1 John 5:19 [Page 1635] 19:9. ads,” “sons of God,” and “morning stars.” moning the assembly, for breaking camp,
Alabaster. The name of small perfume jars enter some service, or abstain from certain
(De 33:2; Job 1:6; 38:7) They were not made or for proclaiming war. These likely were things not unlawful in themselves. It carried
originally made of a stone found near Ala- with the ability to reproduce their own kind straight trumpets, unlike the curved “horns”
bastron, Egypt. Such containers were usu- the force of an oath.—Nu 6:2; Ec 5:4; Mt
but were created individually. They num- that were actually made from animal horns. 5:33.
ally made with a narrow neck that could ber well over a hundred million. (Da 7:10) Trumpets of unspecified construction were
be sealed to prevent any of the precious Vow offering. A voluntary offering that ac-
The Bible indicates that they have personal also included among the musical instru-
perfume from leaking. The stone itself also companied certain vows.—Le 23:38; 1Sa
names and distinct personalities, yet they ments at the temple. The sound of trumpets
came to be known by the same name.—Mr 1:21.
humbly refuse to receive worship, and most often symbolically accompanies the procla- W
14:3. even avoid disclosing their names. (Ge 32: mation of Jehovah’s judgments or other sig- Wadi. The valley or bed of a stream that is
Alamoth. A musical term meaning “Maidens; 29; Lu 1:26; Re 22:8, 9) They have different nificant events of divine origin.—2Ch 29:26; usually dry except during the rainy season;
Young Women,” probably alluding to the so- ranks and are assigned a variety of roles, Ezr 3:10; 1Co 15:52; Re 8:7–11:15. the word may also refer to the stream itself.
prano voices of young women. It was likely including serving before Jehovah’s throne, Turban. A cloth wrapped around the head Some streams were fed by springs and were
used to indicate that a musical piece or ac- conveying his messages, intervening in be- and worn as a headdress. The high priest therefore perennial. The wadi is referred to
1692
19
Introduction to God’s Word: Glossary of Bible Terms:

Contains texts that answer A short dictionary that explains words
20 Scriptural questions and expressions used in the Bible
Map 3B
A
TIME PLACE EVENT MATTHEW MARK LUKE JOHN Sidon

Chart: Prophets and Kings of
CI
A6
NI
31 or 32 Capernaum area Jesus gives Kingdom illustrations 13:1-53 4:1-34 8:4-18

Judah and of Israel
OE
Mt. Hermon
Sea of Galilee Calms a storm from the boat 8:18, 23-27 4:35- 41 8:22-25
PH
Gadara region
Probably Capernaum
Capernaum (?)
Sends demons into swine
Heals woman’s flow of blood;
resurrects Jairus’ daughter
Heals the blind and speechless
8:28-34
9:18-26
9:27-34
5:1-20
5:21- 43
8:26-39
8:40-56 Tyre
Kings of Southern Two-Tribe

Appendix A:
Kingdom of Judah
Nazareth Rejected again in his hometown 13:54-58 6:1-5
1000 B.C.E.
Galilee Third tour of Galilee; expands work 9:35–11:1 6:6-13 9:1-6 997
E Rehoboam: 17 years
Articles, charts, and

by sending out apostles E
L IL
Tiberias Herod beheads John the Baptist; 14:1-12 6:14-29 9:7-9 GA Abijah (Abijam): 3 years 980
Herod perplexed by Jesus Capernaum Bethsaida 978
32, near Capernaum (?); Apostles return from preaching 14:13-21 6:30- 44 9:10-17 6:1-13
DE
Passover NE side Sea of Galilee tour; Jesus feeds 5,000 men

Magadan
(Joh 6:4)
historical information
CA
NE side Sea of Galilee; People try to make Jesus king; 14:22-36 6:45-56 6:14-21 Tiberias Asa: 41 years
RA
PO
Gennesaret he walks on sea; heals many

DA
GA
Nazareth 950 B.C.E.

L IS
Capernaum Says he is “the bread of life”; 6:22-71

many are stumbled and leave Gadara
useful to Bible students

32, after Probably Capernaum Exposes human traditions 15:1-20 7:1-23 7:1 937
Passover Jehoshaphat: 25 years
Phoenicia; Decapolis Heals Syrophoenician woman’s 15:21-38 7:24–8:9
daughter; feeds 4,000 men
To Jerusalem
Magadan Gives no sign but sign of Jonah 15:39–16:4 8:10-12 (for Passover) Jehoram: 8 years 913
Ahaziah: 1 year
Jordan River
c. 906
Queen Athaliah: 6 years c. 905

900 B.C.E.
898
Region of the Gerasenes GAD

ARA
2
Jehoash: 40 years
3 5
Bethsaida Activity at the Sea of Galilee

4 (Also called Lake of Gennesaret and Sea of Tiberias) 858
Capernaum 1 Sea of Galilee
1 Calms a storm from the boat
850 B.C.E.
Chorazin 6 Tiberias 2 Sends demons into swine Amaziah: 29 years
3 Feeds 5,000 men
Plain of Magadan N
Gennesaret 4 Walks on sea 829
5 Feeds 4,000 men

Joel
6 Traditional location of Sermon on the Mount

Uzziah (Azariah): 52 years
1754 800 B.C.E.
The Gospels in Chronological Order Prophets and Kings
AVERAGE TEMPERATURE
B14 Trade and Commerce Linear Measures 1 Fingerbreadth B15 Hebrew Calendar 0°C 10°C 20°C 30°C
( 1 ⁄4 handbreadth) 32°F 50°F 68°F 86°F
Long reed (6 long cubits) 1.85 cm / 0.73 in.
3.11 m / 10.2 ft
Appendix B:
NISAN 14 Passover Jordan swells Barley
2 Handbreadth (ABIB) 15-21 Unleavened Bread from rains,
Liquid Measures Dry Measures (4 fingerbreadths) 16 Offering of firstfruits melting snow
7.4 cm / 2.9 in.
APR.
Cor ( 10 baths / 60 hins) Homer ( 1 cor / 10 ephahs) IYYAR 14 Late Passover Dry season Wheat
220 L / 58.1 gal 220 L / 200 dry qt Reed (6 cubits) 3 Span (ZIV) begins,
(3 handbreadths) mostly clear
2.67 m / 8.75 ft skies
MAY
22.2 cm / 8.75 in.

SIVAN 6 Festival of Weeks Summer heat, Wheat,
Maps, diagrams,
(Pentecost) clear air early figs
JUNE
1 3
TAMMUZ Heat increases, First
heavy dews in grapes
areas
JULY
2
AB Heat reaches
maximum
Summer
fruits
and other study aids
AUG.
ELUL Heat continues Dates,

grapes,
and figs
Cubit
SEPT.
TISHRI 1 Trumpet blast Summer ends, Plowing

(ETHANIM) 10 Day of Atonement early rains
Fathom 15-21 Festival of Booths begin
Bath (6 hins) 1.8 m / 6 ft 22 Solemn assembly
OCT.
22 L / 5.81 gal
HESHVAN Light rains Olives
Long cubit (BUL)
Hin ( 12 logs) (7 handbreadths)
NOV.
3.67 L / 7.75 pt 51.8 cm / 20.4 in.

CHISLEV 25 Festival of Dedication Rain increases, Flocks
Ephah (3 seahs / frost, wintered
Log ( 1 ⁄ 12 hin) Cubit (2 spans / mountain
0.31 L / 0.66 pt 10 omers) snows
6 handbreadths)
DEC.
22 L / 20 dry qt
44.5 cm / 17.5 in. TEBETH Maximum cold, Vegetation
rainy, developing
Seah (3 1 ⁄ 3 omers) mountain
Short cubit snows
1 Roman stadium
JAN.
7.33 L / 6.66 dry qt

38 cm / 15 in. 1 8
⁄ Roman mile SHEBAT Cold weather Almond
lessens, rain blossoms
Omer ( 14 ⁄ 5 cabs) ˙ 185 m / 606.95 ft continues
2.2 L / 2 dry qt
FEB.
ADAR 14, 15 Purim Frequent Flax

Cab thunder and
1.22 L / 1.11 dry qt hail
MAR.
Quart VEADAR Intercalary month added

seven times in 19 years
1.08 L / 0.98 dry qt
Measurements Hebrew Calendar

are not used unless they add to the meaning. For printed as poetry. Some contain prose that is po-
example, there is no need to emphasize that God etic in wording, freely using pictorial language,
repeatedly said, “Let there be light,” so in the re- wordplay, and parallelism to drive home a point.
vision the imperfect verb “say” is not rendered as A new feature, the Outline of Contents, is es-
continuous. (Gen. 1:3) However, Jehovah evi- pecially useful in identifying the frequent change
dently called to Adam repeatedly, so this is still of speakers in the ancient poem The Song of Sol-
highlighted at Genesis 3:9 with the rendering omon.
“kept calling.” Overall, verbs are rendered in a How did study of the original-language manu-
simpler way, focusing on the action rather than scripts affect the revision? The original New
on the incomplete or complete aspects reflected World Translation was based on the Hebrew Maso-
in the Hebrew. A related benefit is that this helps retic text and the respected Greek text by West-
to recapture, to an extent, the terseness of the cott and Hort. The study of ancient Bible manu-
Hebrew. scripts has continued to advance, shedding light
Why are more chapters now in poetic format? on the reading of certain Bible verses. Readings
Many parts of the Bible were originally written as from the Dead Sea Scrolls have become avail-
poetry. In modern languages, poetry is often dis- able. More Greek manuscripts have been studied.
tinguished by rhyme, whereas in Hebrew poetry, Much updated manuscript evidence is available
the most important formal elements are parallel- in computer format, making it easier to analyze
ism and contrast. Rhythm is achieved in Hebrew the differences between manuscripts to deter-
poetry, not by rhyming words, but by the logical mine which reading of the Hebrew or Greek text
order of the thoughts. is best supported. The New World Bible Transla-
Previous editions of the New World Translation tion Committee took advantage of these develop-
formatted Job and Psalms in verse format to ments to study certain verses, resulting in some
show that they were originally meant to be sung changes.
or recited. This format highlights the poetic ele- For example, at 2 Samuel 13:21, the Greek Sep-
ments for emphasis and serves as a memory aid. tuagint contains the equivalent of the words: “But
In the 2013 revision, Proverbs, Song of Solomon, he would not hurt the feelings of Amnon his son,
and many chapters of the prophetic books are because he loved him, for he was his firstborn.”
also now in verse format to show that the pas- Earlier versions of the New World Translation did
sages were written as poetry and to highlight the not include these words because they are not
parallelism and contrasts. An example of this is in the Masoretic text. However, the Dead Sea
Isaiah 24:2, where each line contains a contrast, Scrolls do contain these words, which are now in-
and one line builds on another to emphasize that cluded in the 2013 revision. For similar reasons,
no one would be excluded from God’s judgment. God’s name was restored five times in the book of
Recognizing such passages as poetry shows the First Samuel. Study of Greek texts also resulted
reader that the Bible writer was not simply re- in a change in the order of ideas at Matthew
peating himself; rather, he was using a poetic 21:29-31. Thus, some changes were based on the
technique to emphasize God’s message. weight of manuscript evidence rather than on the
The distinction between Hebrew prose and po- strict adherence to a single master Greek text.
etry may not always be clearly evident, so there These are but a few of the changes that have en-
are differences among Bible translations as to hanced reading and understanding for many who
which passages are poetic. The translators’ judg- view the New World Translation as a gift from the
ment is involved in deciding which verses are God of communication.

Use the Power
of Your Tongue for Good
“May the words of my mouth . . . be pleasing to you,
O Jehovah.”—PS. 19:14.
SONGS: 82, 77 IN EARLY October 1871, what has been described as the most
deadly forest fire in U.S. history engulfed the dry woodlands
HOW WILL FOLLOWING of northeastern Wisconsin. As the fire raged on, the flames
JESUS’ EXAMPLE HELP and intense heat killed more than 1,200 people and con-
US TO . . . sumed some two billion trees. The inferno may have been
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ started by mere sparks from passing trains. How true are the
choose the right time words of James 3:5: “See how small a fire it takes to set a
to speak? great forest ablaze!” Why did the Bible writer make such a
statement?
2 The point of James’ illustration is made clear in verse 6.
“The tongue is also a fire.” The tongue represents our abili-

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
ty to speak. Like fire, our speech has the potential for caus-
select the correct words?
ing great harm. The Bible even says that “death and life are
in the power of the tongue.” (Prov. 18:21) Of course, we do
not stop talking just out of concern that we might say some-
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ thing harmful, any more than we refuse to use fire because
be gracious in our speech? we fear the damage it might cause. The key is control. If we
control fire, we can use it to cook our food, warm our bod-
ies, and light up a dark night. If we tame our tongue, we can
1, 2. Why is fire an appropriate illustration of the power of the tongue?
18
use its power to honor God and to ben- 6 The words of Proverbs 25:11 illus-
efit others.—Ps. 19:14. trate the importance of choosing the
3 Whether we use sounds from our right time to speak: “Like apples of gold
mouth or signs with our hands, the abil- in silver carvings is a word spoken at the
ity to communicate our thoughts and right time.” Golden apples by them-
feelings is a marvelous gift from God. selves would be beautiful. Placing them
How can we use this gift to build up, not against the background of silver carv-
tear down? (Read James 3:9, 10.) We ings would enhance their beauty. Simi-
will consider three important aspects of larly, carefully picking a suitable time to
speech: when to speak, what to speak, speak can make our speech more ap-
and how to speak. pealing and effective. How?
7 Our words may be just what our
WHEN TO SPEAK hearer truly needs, but unless we dis-
4 Speech is part of our daily life, but cern the best time to speak, their mean-
we do not need to talk all the time. In ing could be lost. (Read Proverbs
fact, the Bible says that there is “a time 15:23.) For example, in March 2011
to be silent.” (Eccl. 3:7) Maintaining si- an earthquake and tsunami devastated
lence when others are speaking can be a parts of eastern Japan, wiping out en-
mark of respect. (Job 6:24) Controlling tire cities. More than 15,000 lost their
our tongue to keep quiet about a confi- lives. Although Jehovah’s Witnesses in
dential matter gives evidence of dis- the area suffered along with their neigh-
cretion and discernment. (Prov. 20:19) bors, they took advantage of every op-
Restraining our tongue when we are pro- portunity to use the Bible to comfort
voked is the course of wisdom.—Ps. 4:4. those who were mourning. However,
5 On the other hand, the Bible also many of the local people have deep-
rooted Buddhist beliefs and little or
says that there is “a time to speak.”
no knowledge of Bible teachings. Our
(Eccl. 3:7) If a friend gave you a beauti-
brothers discerned that immediately fol-
ful present, you would probably not
lowing the tsunami was not necessarily
store it out of sight. Rather, you would
the best time to tell the grief-stricken
show your appreciation by putting it to
victims about the resurrection hope. In-
good use. We show our gratitude for Je-
stead, they used their gift of speech to
hovah’s gift of speech by using it wisely.
focus on giving emotional support and
That might include expressing our feel- explaining from the Bible why such ter-
ings, communicating our needs, shar- rible things happen to innocent people.
ing words of encouragement, and giving 8 Jesus knew when not to speak, but
God praise. (Ps. 51:15) How can we de- he also knew when it was the right
termine the best “time to speak”? time to speak. (John 18:33-37; 19:8-11)
3. What three aspects of speech will we con-
6. How does the Bible illustrate the impor-
sider? tance of choosing the right time to speak?
4. Give examples of “a time to be silent.” 7, 8. How did our brothers in Japan imitate
5. How can we show appreciation for God’s Jesus’ example by choosing the right time to
gift of speech? speak about the resurrection?

He once told his disciples: “I still have well as to heal. (Read Proverbs 12:18.)
many things to say to you, but you are Using words to inflict pain is common in
not able to bear them now.” (John 16: Satan’s world. The field of entertain-
12) The Witnesses in eastern Japan fol- ment incites many to “sharpen their
lowed Jesus’ example. Two and a half tongue just like a sword” and to “aim
years after the tsunami, they shared in a their cruel words like arrows.” (Ps. 64:3)
worldwide campaign to distribute King- A Christian needs to avoid this harmful
dom News No. 38, entitled “Can the Dead practice. One example of “cruel words”
Really Live Again?” At that time, more is sarcasm, stinging remarks intended to
people were ready to be comforted by belittle or rebuke others. Sarcasm is of-
the heartwarming message of the resur- ten meant to be humorous, but it can
rection, and many householders readi- quickly deteriorate into disrespectful,
ly accepted their personal copy of the insulting speech. Cruel sarcasm is one
tract. Of course, cultures and religious form of abusive speech that Christians
beliefs vary greatly, so we need to be dis- should “put away.” Humor can add spice
cerning when it comes to choosing the to our speech, but we need to avoid the
right time to speak. trap of trying to evoke a laugh by resort-
9 There definitely are occasions when ing to cutting, sarcastic quips that hurt
we need to discern the right time to or humiliate others. The Bible admon-
speak. For example, someone may of- ishes us: “Let a rotten word not come
fend us, even with well-intentioned out of your mouth, but only what is
words. It would be prudent on our part good for building up as the need may be,
to take time to reflect on whether the to impart what is beneficial to the hear-
matter is serious enough to say some- ers.”—Eph. 4:29, 31.
11 Jesus taught that “out of the abun-
thing. If we must speak, it would not be
wise to approach the offender when dance of the heart the mouth speaks.”
we are upset and perhaps might speak a (Matt. 12:34) Therefore, choosing the
bit rashly. (Read Proverbs 15:28.) Sim- appropriate words begins in the heart.
ilarly, we need to be discerning when Our speech usually reflects how we tru-
speaking about the truth to our un- ly feel about others. If our hearts are full
of love and compassion, our speech will
believing relatives. We want them to
likely be positive and upbuilding.
come to know Jehovah, but we must be
12 Selecting the proper words also in-
patient and perceptive. Speaking the
right words at the right time may help to volves mental effort and good judg-
open their hearts. ment. Even wise King Solomon “pon-
dered and made a thorough search” in
WHAT TO SPEAK order to “find delightful words and to
10 Words have the power to hurt as record accurate words of truth.” (Eccl.
12:9, 10) Do you find that it is often a
9. In what situations will selecting the right
time to speak make our speech more effective? 11. How is our heart involved in selecting the
10. (a) Why should we be careful to select the correct words?
proper words? (b) Give an example of harmful 12. How can we enhance our ability to select
speech. the right words?
20 THE WATCHTOWER
challenge to come up with “delightful speech; nor did he employ harsh or hurt-
words”? If so, you may need to enlarge ful language. Instead, he chose clear,
your vocabulary. One way to do this is simple expressions to reach the hearts
to take note of how words are used in of his listeners. For example, to allay
the Bible and in our Christian publica- the people’s anxieties over their daily
tions. Learn the meanings of unfamil- need for food, he referred to how Jeho-
iar expressions. More important, learn vah provides for the birds of heaven.
how to use words in a way that helps Then, comparing his hearers to birds, he
others. Regarding the relationship be- asked: “Are you not worth more than
tween Jehovah and his firstborn Son, they are?” (Matt. 6:26) What a loving
we read: “Jehovah has given me [Jesus] appeal in simple, understandable words
the tongue of those taught, so that I that touch the heart! Let us now consid-
may know how to answer the tired one er the third important aspect of our
with the right word.” (Isa. 50:4) Taking speech.
time to meditate on what we are going to
HOW TO SPEAK
say can help us to find the right words.
(Jas. 1:19) We could ask ourselves, ‘Will
15 How we say something can be as im-
these words really convey what I want to portant as what we say. When Jesus
say? What effect will my choice of words spoke in the synagogue of his hometown
have on my listener?’ of Nazareth, the people were “amazed at
13 Trumpets were used in Israel to as-
the gracious words coming out of his
mouth.” (Luke 4:22) Gracious speech
semble the camp and to disperse it, as
appeals to the heart and in no way weak-
well as to spur the army to do battle. Fit-
ens the power of our tongue. In fact,
tingly, the Bible uses the trumpet blast
graciousness can make our speech more
to illustrate the need for speech that is
persuasive. (Prov. 25:15) We can imitate
easily understood. An indistinct trum-
Jesus’ gracious speech by being kind,
pet call could be disastrous for an ad-
courteous, and considerate of others’
vancing army. In the same way, if our
feelings. Seeing the effort a crowd made
speech is unduly vague or indirect, it
to hear him speak, Jesus was moved
may well be confusing or misleading. Of
with pity and “started to teach them
course, in our effort to keep our words
many things.” (Mark 6:34) Even when
crisp and clear, we would not want to be
he was being insulted, Jesus did not re-
blunt or tactless.—Read 1 Corinthians
sort to harsh speech.—1 Pet. 2:23.
14:8, 9. 16 Speaking with mildness and tact can
14 Jesus set the finest example of ap-
be a challenge when our listener is some-
propriate word selection. Consider his
one whom we know very well. We might
short yet powerful discourse recorded
feel at liberty to be very frank. That can
in Matthew chapters 5 through 7. Je-
sus did not use flowery or ambiguous 15. Why must we be gracious when speaking?
16, 17. (a) When we are speaking with family
13. Why is easily understood speech impor- members and close friends in the congrega-
tant? tion, how can we imitate Jesus? (See opening
14. Give an example of Jesus’ use of easily un- image.) (b) Give an example of the benefits of
derstood speech. gracious speech.

be true whether we speak with a family after Armageddon; then we will know
member or a close friend in the congre- for sure.” This mild response helped to
gation. Did Jesus feel that his close rela- maintain peace between the sisters, and
tionship with his disciples granted him it encouraged the son, who overheard
liberty to speak harshly to them? Not at the conversation. He realized that his
all! When his closest followers contin- mother had not given up on him. This
ued to argue over who was greater, Je- moved him to stop his bad associations.
sus corrected them with kind words and In time, he got baptized, and he later
an illustration of a young child. (Mark 9: served at Bethel. Whether in the compa-
33-37) Elders can imitate Jesus’ exam- ny of our brothers, our family, or strang-
ple by giving counsel “in a spirit of mild- ers, we should always let our words “be
ness.”—Gal. 6:1. gracious, seasoned with salt.”—Col. 4:6.
17 Even when someone says some- 18 The ability to express our thoughts
thing offensive, responding with gra- and feelings in words is truly a marvel.
cious words can have positive results. May we follow Jesus’ example by choos-
(Prov. 15:1) For example, the teen- ing the right time, striving to select the
age son of a single mother was lead- proper words, and putting forth effort
ing a double life. A well-meaning Chris- to be gracious. Then the power of our
tian sister said to the mother: “It’s too tongue will be a healing to our listeners
bad you have failed at child training.” and pleasing to Jehovah, the Giver of
The mother thought for a moment and the precious gift of speech.
responded: “It’s true that things are
18. How will following Jesus’ example of
not going well right now, but his train- speaking help us to use the power of our
ing is a work in progress. Talk to me tongue for good?
USE THE POWER

OF THE TONGUE
FOR GOOD
WHEN: Choose the right
time to speak
WHAT: Select the

proper words
HOW: Strive to be gracious
22
Jehovah Will Sustain You
“Jehovah will sustain him on his sickbed.”—PS. 41:3.
HAVE you ever wondered: ‘Will I recover from this sickness?’ SONGS: 23, 138
Or you may have wondered if a beloved family member or
friend will recover from an illness. It is a normal concern when HOW WOULD YOU
someone faces serious health problems. Similar concern was ANSWER?
expressed by two kings in the days of the prophets Elijah and
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Elisha. King Ahaziah, son of Ahab and Jezebel, had a bad fall,
When we are sick, what
so he asked: ‘Will I recover from this injury?’ Later, King Ben-
encouragement can we
hadad of Syria was very ill, and he asked: “Will I recover from
draw from Psalm 41:3?
this sickness?”—2 Ki. 1:2; 8:7, 8.
2 We hope, of course, that there will be a good outcome for
us and for those whom we care about. Still, many have won- ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
dered what God will do to help. During the lives of those kings, Why do we not expect
God occasionally performed miracles involving the life and miraculous cures at
health of humans. By means of his prophets, Jehovah even this time?
performed resurrections. (1 Ki. 17:17-24; 2 Ki. 4:17-20, 32-35)
Is there reason to expect that he might do something similar in ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
our time? What caution is appropriate

3 There is no doubt that God has the power to affect
in regard to recommenda-
tions about health issues?
1, 2. What may we at times wonder, and what examples in the Bible
come to mind?
3-5. What power do God and Jesus have, leading to what questions?
23
someone’s health. The Bible confirms form miraculous healings for us or our
that. At times, he punished individu- loved ones.
als with sickness, such as the Pharaoh 7 Still, if we are ill, we can look to God
in Abraham’s day and later Moses’ sis- for comfort, wisdom, and support, as did
ter, Miriam. (Gen. 12:17; Num. 12:9, 10; true worshippers in the past. King David
2 Sam. 24:15) God warned that if the Is- wrote: “Happy is anyone who shows con-
raelites proved unfaithful, he would af- sideration to the lowly one; Jehovah will
flict them with “every sickness or plague.” rescue him in the day of calamity. Jeho-
(Deut. 28:58-61) On the other hand, Je- vah will guard him and keep him alive.”
hovah could remove diseases or prevent (Ps. 41:1, 2) We know that an individual
sickness. (Ex. 23:25; Deut. 7:15) Also, he living in David’s day who showed consid-
could heal people. After Job had been so eration to a lowly one did not keep living
sick that he longed to die, God healed without end. Hence, David could not
him!—Job 2:7; 3:11-13; 42:10, 16. have meant that such a considerate indi-
4 Yes, God definitely has the power to vidual would be kept alive miraculous-
intervene and heal a sick person. It is ly, thus gaining everlasting life. We can
similar with his Son. We read that Je- take those inspired words to mean that
sus miraculously cured lepers, epilep- God would help the loyal considerate
tics, and blind or paralyzed ones. (Read one. How? David explained: “Jehovah
Matthew 4:23, 24; John 9:1-7) How will sustain him on his sickbed; during
strengthening it is to think that the heal- his sickness you will completely change
ings Jesus performed are a foregleam of his bed.” (Ps. 41:3) Yes, an individual
what he will do on a grand scale in the who showed consideration to a lowly one
new world. Then “no resident will say: ‘I could be certain that God was aware of
am sick.’”—Isa. 33:24. him and his faithful course. And the re-
5 But should we look to God or Jesus cuperative power of his God-given body
for a miraculous cure now? How should might help him to get better, to recover
we view grave illnesses or infirmities, and from his sickness.
what should we do about them? 8 David spoke from experience: “I said:
‘O Jehovah, show me favor. Heal me, for

SUSTAINED ON A SICKBED
I have sinned against you.’” (Ps. 41:4) He
6 We know from the Bible that in the may have written that regarding the time
first century, God enabled some anointed when Absalom tried to usurp the throne
Christians to work miracles. (Acts 3:2-7; while David was ill and unable to han-
9:36-42) Among the “different gifts” of dle the situation. Despite having received
the spirit were “gifts of healing.” (1 Cor. God’s forgiveness, David did not forget
12:4-11) But those and other gifts, such his own sin with Bath-sheba and its con-
as speaking in tongues and prophesying, sequences. (2 Sam. 12:7-14) Still, the
would soon come to an end. (1 Cor. 13:8) king was sure that God would sustain him
They are not available today. Thus, we
have no basis for expecting God to per- 7. Psalm 41:3 provides what encouraging as-
surance?
6. What do we know about the “gifts of heal- 8. According to Psalm 41:4, what did David
ing” that some early Christians had? seek from Jehovah?
24 THE WATCHTOWER
on his sickbed. But was David asking for death,” there is no indication that Paul
a miraculous healing and an extension of used some miraculous power to heal his
life? good friend.—Phil. 2:25-27, 30.
9 Years later, God chose to heal
TAKE REASONABLE STEPS
King Hezekiah, who “became sick and
was at the point of death.” In that unusu-
11 “Luke, the beloved physician,” writ-
al case, God intervened. Hezekiah recover of the book of Acts, also traveled with
ered and lived on for 15 years. (2 Ki. 20: Paul. (Col. 4:14; Acts 16:10-12; 20:5, 6) It
1-6) David, on the other hand, did not is reasonable to believe that Luke gave
pray for God to heal him miraculously. Paul medical advice and rendered medi-
The context suggests that David asked cal services to him and to others in his
Jehovah to help him in the same way that missionary group. Why would Luke need
He would help an individual who showed to do that? Because even Paul got sick
consideration to a lowly one. That in- while traveling. (Gal. 4:13) Luke could
cluded being sustained “on his sickbed.” provide medical help that was in line with
Because David’s sin had been forgiven, what Jesus had said: “Those who are
he could ask that God would comfort and healthy do not need a physician, but
support him and that the physical re- those who are ill do.”—Luke 5:31.
12 The Bible does not indicate where or
sources of his body might enable him to
recover. (Ps. 103:3) We can do likewise. when Luke received his medical training.
10 Just as David did not receive a mi- It has been suggested that Paul men-
raculous cure and a greatly extended life, tioned to Christians in Colossae the role
neither did Trophimus, one of the apos- of Luke as a physician because they
tle Paul’s coworkers. We know that Paul knew him. Interestingly, there was a med-
was on occasion empowered to heal the ical school in nearby Laodicea. In any
sick. (Read Acts 14:8-10.) He did so for event, Luke was not some untrained lay-
“the father of Publius [who] was lying man spouting health recommendations;
in bed sick with fever and dysentery.” he was a physician. That is evident both
Paul “prayed, laid his hands on him, and from the specific medical language that
healed him.” (Acts 28:8) Yet, Paul did Luke used in his Gospel and in the book
not do the same for Trophimus, who of Acts and from the way he focused on
had traveled with him on a missionary Jesus’ healings of others.
journey. (Acts 20:3-5, 22; 21:29) When 13 We do not live at a time when a fel-
Trophimus fell ill and could not continue low Christian can use “gifts of healing” to
on with Paul, the apostle did not heal cure us. But some well-intentioned broth-
him; he left him at Miletus to recover. ers give unsolicited health recommenda-
(2 Tim. 4:20) Similarly, when Epaphro- tions. Granted, someone might simply
ditus fell “sick nearly to the point of offer general, practical suggestions. Paul
9. (a) How did David’s case differ from that of 11, 12. Why was Luke able to be of genuine
King Hezekiah? (b) What could David expect help to Paul, and what can we say about Luke’s
from Jehovah? qualifications?
10. What can we conclude from the experienc- 13. What balanced view of health recommen-
es of Trophimus and Epaphroditus? dations is advisable?

did so when Timothy was experiencing these “cures” may seem appealing. Let us
stomach problems, perhaps because the not forget, however, that God’s Word
local water was polluted.1 (Read 1 Timo- advises us: “The naive person believes
thy 5:23.) That, however, is quite differ- every word, but the shrewd one ponders
ent from trying to persuade a fellow Wit- each step.”—Prov. 14:15.
ness to use some herb, remedy, or diet 15 “The shrewd one” will be particu-
that may not be effective or in some cas- larly cautious if the “word,” or recom-
es may even be harmful. At times, some mendation, comes from someone whose
have tried to persuade others with an ex- qualifications are questionable. “The
planation: ‘My relative had a similar dis- shrewd one” might reason: ‘He says that
ease, and he took . . . Then he got well.’ this vitamin, herb, or diet supposedly
No matter how sincere the suggestion, we helped someone, but are there adequate
do well to keep in mind that there may be witnesses to establish the matter? People
risks even with widely used medications differ. Is there valid reason to trust that
and treatments.—Read Proverbs 27:12. it will help me? Should I do more re-
search or even consult with some who are
THE WISDOM OF CAUTION known to be trained or qualified in this
14We Christians have a normal desire field?’—Deut. 17:6.
to be healthy so that we can enjoy life 16 God’s Word admonishes us “to live
and share fully in God’s service. None- with soundness of mind . . . amid this
theless, we have inherited imperfection, present system of things.” (Titus 2:12)
as shown by our being subject to ill- Having “soundness of mind,” or be-
nesses. When we get sick, there might ing sober-minded, should certainly come
be various approaches or treatments. into play when the explanation of a diag-
Each person has the right to choose nostic method or therapy seems strange
which to accept or employ. Sadly, in this or mysterious. Can the practitioner or
greedy world, there are those who seize the one promoting it explain satisfactori-
on people’s illness as an opportunity to ly how it works? Is it in accord with
make money. Some sell “treatments” or known facts, and do numerous qualified
“cures” backed with false claims or sup- people view it as credible? (Prov. 22:29)
posed testimonials. Other individuals or Or is the main appeal to the emotions?
companies stress the use of products that Perhaps the claim is that it was discov-
ered or used in a distant or remote place,
are high-priced in order to make large
as if hidden from modern research. Does
profits. To a sick person who desperately
such a claim prove anything or even seem
seeks relief or a way to stay alive longer,
reasonable? Some diagnostic devices or
1 The book The Origins and Ancient History of forms of treatment are described as using
Wine reports: “It has been shown experimentally a ‘secret substance’ or ‘body force.’ That
that living typhoid and other dangerous microbes
rapidly die when mixed with wine.” warrants serious caution because God
warned against “the use of magical pow-
14, 15. (a) Some people view the sickness of
others as an opportunity to do what? (b) How 16. Considering what questions could help us
is Proverbs 14:15 helpful when it comes to to demonstrate “soundness of mind” regard-
health recommendations? ing health recommendations?
26 THE WATCHTOWER
We want to prosper and be strong as we serve God
(See paragraph 17)
er” and spirit mediums.—Isa. 1:13; Deut. We cannot expect now to be cured mi-
18:10-12. raculously. However, Revelation 22:1, 2
points to the time when we will be healed
“GOOD HEALTH TO YOU!”
completely. The apostle John saw in vi-
17 The first-century governing body sion “a river of water of life” and “trees of
sent an important letter to the congrega- life” with leaves “for the healing of the
tions. After listing things that Christians nations.” This does not refer to any herb-
must avoid, the letter concluded: “If al remedy now or in the future. Rather, it
you carefully keep yourselves from these points to Jehovah’s provision through
things, you will prosper. Good health to Jesus for giving everlasting life to obedi-
you!” (Acts 15:29) The final words, a ent mankind—truly something we can
type of complimentary close, can also be look forward to.—Isa. 35:5, 6.
rendered “be strong.” We definitely want 19 As we await that glorious future, we
to prosper in “good health” and be strong
know that Jehovah is interested in each
as we serve our great God.
of us personally, even when we are ill. We
18 As long as the present system of
can be confident, just as David was, that
things remains and we are imperfect,
our God will sustain us during any time
sickness is a fact that we must face.
of sickness. And with David we can say:
17. We should have what reasonable desire? “As for me, you uphold me because of my
18, 19. What can we look forward to in the new integrity; you will keep me in your pres-
world? ence forever.”—Ps. 41:12.

LIFE STORY
I Found Peace
With God and
With My Mother
AS TOLD BY MICHIYO KUMAGAI
Mom and I happily discussed what I was

learning. I began attending Sunday meet-
ings at the Kingdom Hall. As my knowledge
of the truth increased, I told Mom that I
“AND just why won’t you worship your an- would no longer share in Buddhist rites.
cestors?” my mother asked. “Don’t you re- Suddenly, her attitude changed. “Having
alize that it’s because of them that you have someone in the family who has no love for
life? Will you show them no gratitude? How our ancestors is a disgrace” were her words.
can you cast off customs handed down for She demanded that I quit studying the Bible
generations? Refusing to honor our ances- and attending meetings. Never had I imag-
tors is saying that our worship is foolish.” ined that my mother would say this! She was
Then Mom broke down and cried. like a different person.
It was not like Mom to speak this way. Be-
From Ephesians chapter 6, I learned that
sides, she had arranged for me to study the
Jehovah wanted me to obey my parents.
Bible, although she did that as a gentle way
Dad took Mom’s side. Initially, I reasoned
to refuse a study for herself. I had always
that if I listened to them, they would listen
obeyed her, and now I found it hard to
to me and peace in our family would be re-
refuse to follow her guidance. This time,
stored. Besides this, examinations to enter
though, I had to in order to please Jehovah.
high school were coming up, and I needed
Without strength from him, I could not
to prepare. So I agreed to do as they said for
have done it.
three months, but I promised Jehovah that
BECOMING A CHRISTIAN I would attend the meetings again when that
Like most people in Japan, we were Bud- time was up.
dhists. But just two months of study with My decision proved to be bad in two ways.
Jehovah’s Witnesses convinced me that the First, I thought that my feelings would not
Bible is true. Discovering that I had a heav- change in three months’ time. Instead, I
enly Father, I yearned to come to know him. quickly began to feel spiritually starved,
28 THE WATCHTOWER
slipping further away from Jehovah. Sec- up, we often became emotional, as we each
ond, instead of meeting me halfway, Mom focused on making our point. I should
and Dad put even more pressure on me to have acknowledged Mom’s feelings and be-
quit everything that had to do with true liefs more, which might have calmed things.
worship. My parents increased my chores in an at-
tempt to keep me indoors. Sometimes I was
HELP AND OPPOSITION
locked out of the house or no food was left
At the Kingdom Hall, I had met many for me.
who were experiencing family opposition. Mom turned to others for support. She
They had assured me that Jehovah would appealed to my schoolteacher, who re-
strengthen me. (Matt. 10:34-37) They im- mained neutral. Mom took me to her man-
pressed on me that I was my family’s main ager at work so that he could try to convince
link to their gaining salvation. So I began to me that all religions are useless. At home,
pray earnestly, wanting to learn how to rely Mom telephoned various relatives and tear-
on Jehovah. fully pleaded for help. That upset me, but at
In the family, opposition took many the meetings the elders urged me to think of
forms. Mom tried both pleading and rea- all the people to whom Mom was inadver-
soning. Usually, I kept quiet. When I spoke tently giving a witness.
Serving in several countries taught

me a lot about Jehovah
Nepal
JAPAN
NEPAL
BANGLADESH
29
mature brothers and sisters. I concluded
Jehovah helped me that I wanted to please Jehovah. In addi-
to put my thinking tion, delaying pioneering was no guarantee
that my parents’ attitude would change.
straight and to see I began my pioneer service during my last
the way to go year of high school. After pioneering for a
while, I had the goal of serving where the
need was greater. But Mom and Dad did not
want me to leave home. So I waited until I
Then I faced the issue of going to univer-
was 20 years old. Then, to ease Mom’s mind,
sity. My parents planned to give me what
I asked the branch office for an assignment
they considered to be the best start in life.
in southern Japan, where we had relatives.
They hoped that I could find a good job. We
were too emotional to discuss matters calm- In that assignment, I was blessed to see
ly, so I wrote Mom and Dad several letters several people with whom I studied get bap-
to explain my goals. Furious, Dad threat- tized. Meanwhile, I studied English with a
ened: “If you think that you can find a job, view to expanding my service. Two special
find it by tomorrow or else you leave this pioneer brothers were in the same congre-
house.” I took the matter to Jehovah in gation. I could see their zeal and how they
prayer. The next day while I was in the min- helped others. Thus, special pioneering be-
istry, two different sisters, independent of came my goal. During this time, Mom twice
each other, asked me to tutor their children. experienced serious health problems. On
Dad was not happy with this development each occasion, I returned home to care for
and stopped talking to me altogether; actu- her. This surprised her, and her attitude
ally, he began to ignore me. Mom said that softened slightly.
she would rather I be a delinquent than one BLESSINGS UPON BLESSINGS
of Jehovah’s Witnesses.
After seven years, I received a letter from
Sometimes I wondered whether Jehovah
Atsushi, one of the special pioneer brothers
wanted me to resist my parents’ wishes to
mentioned earlier. He said that he was think-
this extent. But more prayer and reflection
ing of marriage and wondered about my sit-
on Bible texts about Jehovah’s love enabled
uation and feelings. I had never had roman-
me to view opposition objectively and to un-
tic feelings for Atsushi, nor did I think that
derstand that, in part, it stemmed from my
he had any toward me. A month later, I re-
parents’ concern for me. Jehovah helped
plied that I was willing for us to get better ac-
me to put my thinking straight and to see
quainted. We discovered that we had much
the way to go. Also, the more I shared in the
in common, both of us wanting to pursue
ministry, the more I enjoyed it. Yes, pio-
the full-time ministry and being willing to
neering became my goal.
serve in any capacity. In time, we got mar-
SERVING AS A PIONEER ried. How happy I was to have Mom, Dad,
Knowing that I wanted to pioneer, some and several relatives attend our wedding!
sisters advised me to wait until my parents Before long, while we were serving as reg-
calmed down. I prayed for wisdom, did re- ular pioneers, Atsushi was appointed a sub-
search, examined my motives, and talked to stitute circuit overseer. Soon other bless-
30 THE WATCHTOWER
ings came. We were appointed as special spects. Field service was quite diversified.
pioneers and then to the regular circuit After five years, we were assigned back to
work. After we had served all the congrega- Japan, where we now enjoy the circuit work.
tions in the circuit one time, we received a Japan, Nepal, Bangladesh—serving in
telephone call from the branch office. The these countries has taught me so much
question? ‘Would we accept an assignment about Jehovah! Each country has its unique
to circuit work in Nepal?’ background and culture. And within each
I wondered how my parents would feel country, every person is unique. I have seen
about my going that far away. So I tele- how Jehovah cares for people individually,
phoned them. Dad answered, and his re- accepts them, helps and blesses them.
sponse was: “You’ll be going to a nice On a personal level, Jehovah has blessed
place.” Just a week before, one of his me with knowledge of him, work to do, and
friends had given him a book about Nepal, a fine Christian husband. God has guided
and Dad had even been thinking that it me to make right decisions, and I now have
would be a nice place to visit. a good relationship with him and with my
As we served happily among the friendly family. Thanks to Jehovah, Mom and I are
Nepalese, another blessing came our way. once again good friends. I am deeply grate-
Our circuit was to include Bangladesh, a ful that I found peace with God and with my
place so close yet so different in many re- mother.
We find much joy in the circuit work

SUBJECT INDEX
THE WATCHTOWER 2015

Indicating the date of issue in which each article appears
BIBLE Decision Made in Youth (N. Dubovinsky), 10/15 Types and antitypes, 3/15
2013 Revision of New World Translation, 12/15 Drawing Near to God Has Been Good for Me Who is Gog of Magog? 5/15
(S. Maiga), 10/15
Bedell’s Bible (Ireland), 9/1
Gem From the Trash (Rylands fragment), 4/1
I Found Peace With God and My Mother STUDY ARTICLES
(M. Kumagai), 12/15 A Living Translation of God’s Word, 12/15
Has Science Replaced? 6/1
Jairo’s Eyes—His Way to Serve God, 3/1 Always Trust in Jehovah! 4/15
Prophecies, 9/1 Jehovah Has Given Me More Than I Deserve
Surprise Gift for Japan (Matthew), 2/15 Are You Reaching the Stature That Belongs to
(F. Alarcón), 8/1 Christ? 9/15
Why Examine? 2/1 Jehovah’s Blessing Has Enriched My Life
Would You Like to Study? 4/1 Be Watchful—Satan Wants to Devour You! 5/15
(M. Jaracz), 9/15
You Can Understand, 12/1 Build a Strong and Happy Marriage, 1/15
Legacy That Lasted Seven Generations
Christ—The Power of God, 6/15
(K. Williams), 6/1
BIBLE CHANGES LIVES Do You “Love Your Neighbor as Yourself”? 11/15
“Let the Many Islands Rejoice” (G. Jackson), 8/15
Do You See God’s Hand in Your Life? 10/15
Answers to Life’s Big Questions (E. Loedi), 2/1 Remembering My First Love (A. Morris III), 5/15
Elders, How Do You Feel About Training Others?
I Learned That Jehovah Is Merciful Something Better Than Glamour (M. H.
4/15
(N. Pelletier), 5/1 Godenzi), 9/1
Give Thanks to Jehovah and Be Blessed, 1/15
I Now Feel I Can Help Others (J. Corio), 10/1
MISCELLANEOUS “Give Us More Faith,” 10/15
I Thought I Was Living Life to the Full (P. Pyzara),
He Loved People, 6/15
11/1 Accommodations at Jewish Festivals, 12/1 How Can We Show That We Love Jehovah? 9/15
My Life Was Going From Bad to Worse “Am I in the Place of God?” (Joseph), 5/1 How Elders Train Others to Become Qualified, 4/15
(S. McDowell), 7/1 Ancient Israel Forested? 7/15 How Real Is Your Relationship With Jehovah? 4/15
Satisfied My Thirst for Answers (M. Gündel), 1/1 Antichrist, 6/1 Imitate Jesus’ Courage and Discernment, 2/15
Three Questions Changed My Life (D. Eldred), 4/1 Anxiety, 7/1 Imitate Jesus’ Humility and Tenderness, 2/15
Archaeology Support Bible? 5/1 Imitate the One Who Promises Everlasting Life,
CHRISTIAN LIFE AND QUALITIES “Bosom Position,” 7/1 5/15
Does It Do Any Good to Pray? 10/1 Centurion in Roman Army, 4/1 In What Ways Does Jehovah Love Us? 9/15
Enjoy Your Work, 2/1 Christmas Customs, 12/1 Is Unfailing Love Possible? 1/15
Forgive Freely, 10/1 Cut-Down Tree Sprout Again? 4/15 Is Your Conscience a Reliable Guide? 9/15
Husbands—Make Home Secure, 1/1 Dead Live Again? Where? 11/1 Jehovah Guides Our Global Teaching Work, 2/15
Maintain Zeal for the Ministry, 2/15 Easter a Christian Celebration? 3/1 Jehovah Is the God of Love, 11/15
Marry “Only in the Lord” Realistic? 3/15 End Near? 5/1 Jehovah, the God of Communication, 12/15
Matter Who Notices Your Work? 7/15 Eunuchs, 1/1 Jehovah Will Sustain You, 12/15
“Naive Person Believes Every Word,” 10/15 Existence of Creator, 1/1 Keep in Expectation! 8/15
Serving Jehovah in “the Calamitous Days,” 7/15 Future for Mankind, 4/1 Keep Meditating on Spiritual Things, 10/15
“You Need Endurance,” 6/15 Gifts Fit for a King (aromatic spices), 3/1 Learn From the Illustration of the Talents, 3/15
Government Free of Corruption, 1/1 Let Jehovah Fortify and Safeguard Your Marriage,
JEHOVAH Hand Mills in Ancient Times, 7/1 1/15
Herod’s Temple, 10/1 Live in Harmony With the Model Prayer, 6/15
Can We Find God? 10/1
How Shepherds Were Paid, 3/1 Loyally Supporting Christ’s Brothers, 3/15
Can We Please God? 7/1
How to Age Gracefully, 6/1 Maintain Your Loyalty to God’s Kingdom, 7/15
Disappointed in God? 9/1
How Will Selfishness Be Eliminated? 4/1 Meditate on Jehovah’s Enduring Love, 8/15
Truth About God, 12/1
Hypocrisy Ever End? 12/1 One Hundred Years Under Kingdom Rulership!
View of War, 11/1
“I Arose as a Mother in Israel” (Deborah), 8/1 11/15
“Interpretations Belong to God” (Joseph), 2/1 Prepare Now for Life in the New World, 8/15
JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES
Jews “From Every Nation” at Pentecost 33 C.E.? Preparing the Nations for “the Teaching of
Appreciation for Jehovah’s Generosity 12/1 Jehovah,” 2/15
(contributions), 11/15 Judgment Day, 5/1 Serve Jehovah Without Distraction, 10/15
Disfellowshipping a Loving Provision, 4/15 Life After Death Possible? 8/1 “Stand Firm in the Faith,” 9/15
“If Kingsley Can Do It, So Can I!” 6/15 Lions Disappear From Bible Lands, 5/1 They “Saw” the Things Promised, 5/15
“Jehovah Brought You to France to Learn the Mirrors in Bible Times, 4/1 This Is Our Place of Worship, 7/15
Truth” (Polish immigrants after World War I), “My Beloved and Faithful Child” (Timothy), 11/1 “This Is the Way You Approved,” 3/15
8/15 One Government for Whole World, 2/1 Train Your Child to Serve Jehovah, 11/15
“Keep Holding Men of That Sort Dear” Peter the First Pope? 12/1
(Governing Body helpers), 10/15 Train Your Teenager to Serve Jehovah, 11/15
Raising Responsible Children, 6/1 Use the Power of Your Tongue for Good, 12/15
Love Ran the Cafeteria, 5/15 Roman Citizenship, 3/1
‘Nothing Should Stop You!’ Watch Your Associations in These Last Days, 8/15
Shepherds Separate Sheep From Goats, 1/1 We Can Remain Chaste, 6/15
(colporteurs in France), 11/15 This Life All There Is? 8/1
Offered Selves in New York, 1/15 Why We Observe the Lord’s Evening Meal, 1/15
Timothy’s Father From Greece? 11/1 Will You “Keep on the Watch”? 3/15
Offered Selves in Russia, 7/15 What Makes a Good Parent, 6/1
“Very Precious Season” (Memorial), 2/15 Work to Enhance the Spiritual Paradise, 7/15
What We Can Learn From Joanna, 8/15 You Can Fight Satan—And Win! 5/15
Who Are Jehovah’s Witnesses? 9/1 Where Does Evil Come From? 7/1 “Your Deliverance Is Getting Near”! 7/15
Why Joseph Shaved Before Seeing Pharaoh, 11/1
JESUS CHRIST Why People of Malta Thought Paul a Murderer,
Jesus Saves—From What? 3/1 10/1
Remembering Jesus’ Death, 3/1 Why Were Humans Created? 8/1
Should We Pray To? 1/1 World Without Poverty, 10/1
Why Commemorate Death? 4/1
LIFE STORIES
w15 12/15-E
Adverse reactions to fragrances, 2/15

A More Rewarding Career (D. and G. Cartwright), Existence of Pontius Pilate supported? 2/15
3/15
150819
Head covering for female publisher conducting

Blessing “in Favorable Times and Difficult Times” Bible study? 2/15
(T. R. Nsomba), 4/15 Jericho conquered without long siege? 11/15

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Is Easter really a Christian celebration?

What Jairo’s Associates Say

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From the book La Bibbia, Volume I, 1907

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