God's Household

Jesus asked: "Who then is the faithful and sensible slave whom his master put in charge of his household to give them their food at the proper time?" (Matthew 24:45) He thus indicated that there would be a household that would have a slave appointed to feed and take care of the members of that household. He would eventually hold that appointed slave accountable for how he carried out the responsibility he was entrusted with. The apostle Peter also indicates that God has a household. (1 Peter 4:17) And Paul wrote the Ephesians that they were members of God's household. (Ephesians 2:19) Since Jesus promised his disciples that he would be with them until "the end of the age" we can see that his household would survive until then, when he would come to inspect them. ―Matthew 28:20; 24:46-51.

Where today do we find God's household? Is it made up of all those who profess to follow Jesus? Jesus himself warned that there would be many who would claim to belong to him but he would tell them, "I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness." (Matthew 7:22,23) None of us want to be among those. Is it possible today to identify God's household and be among those who will have God's approval? Does belonging to God's household guarantee that one has God's approval?

Lessons from History

Is it possible for God's people ever to be wrong? A better question might be, is it possible for them ever to be right? History tells us that, although Jehovah has always had those who loyally loved and obeyed him, time and again his people as a whole deflected from the pure worship and followed the way of the nations around them.

Concerning his people Israel we are told that they were "stubborn and rebellious," "whose spirit was not trustworthy with their God." "They did not keep the covenant of God, and in his law they refused to walk." "They began to speak against God," "they did not put faith in [him]," "they tried to fool him with their mouth...and...lie to him." Whereas Jehovah was "merciful" and would "cover [their] error...remembering that they were flesh," they would "make him feel hurt" and "pained even the Holy One of Israel," and kept on "offending him...and...inciting him to jealousy."

Although he is a God "slow to anger and abundant in loving-kindness and truth...pardoning error and transgression and sin," at the same time he does not "give exemption from punishment." His people eventually succeeded in rousing him "as from sleeping" and he went "striking them down," finally rejecting them altogether. (Psalms 78:8, 10, 19, 22, 36, 38-41, 58, 65-67; Exodus 34:6-7)

How about the disciples of Jesus? Surely they must have learned from the bad examples of the Israelites. Concerning some of the Christians in the first century Jude writes: "Beloved ones, though I was making every effort to write YOU about the salvation we hold in common, I found it necessary to write YOU to exhort YOU to put up a hard fight for the faith that was once for all time delivered to the holy ones. My reason is that certain men have slipped in who have long ago been appointed by the Scriptures to this judgment, ungodly men, turning the undeserved kindness of our God into an excuse for loose conduct and proving false to our only Owner and Lord, Jesus Christ." ―Jude 3-4.

The apostle Peter also writes: "However, there also came to be false prophets among the people, as there will also be false teachers among YOU. These very ones will quietly bring in destructive sects and will disown even the owner that bought them, bringing speedy destruction upon themselves. Furthermore, many will follow their acts of loose conduct, and on account of these the way of the truth will be spoken of abusively. Also, with covetousness they will exploit YOU with counterfeit words. But as for them, the judgment from of old is not moving slowly, and the destruction of them is not slumbering." ―2 Peter 2:1-3, 10-22

It would be too discouraging to dwell on all the various scriptures that reveal how quickly God's people deflected from the teachings of Jesus and his apostles within a few short years. The letters that Jesus send to the seven congregations, mentioned in the book of Revelation, help us to understand what the situation was by the end of the first century. ―Revelation 2:1-3:22.

"A Generation that is Pure in its Own Eyes"
 

But what about us today? Surely we have learned the lessons of history by now. Since we believe that we are living deep in the time of the end, Paul's words in 1 Corinthians 10:11 have special meaning for us, "Now these things went on befalling them as examples, and they were written for a warning to us upon whom the ends of the systems of things have arrived."

Have we heeded the warning? Is it today impossible for God's people to again be as those mentioned above? We have been taught that, as Jehovah's witnesses, we are a clean people, speaking the pure language of truth. (Zephaniah 3:9) It is unthinkable, we believe, that Jehovah would again find any cause for complaints against us. And all the prophecies that God addresses to "my people," that show the very opposite to be the case, we brush aside as applying to Christendom. We are pure in his eyes―at least that is what we are led to believe. The words recorded in Proverbs 30:12 apply especially to us, "There is a generation that is pure in its own eyes but that has not been washed from its own excrement."

On October 15, 2001, Stephen Bates, religious affairs correspondent for The Guardian Newspaper, exposed the Watchtower Society's 10 year secret affiliation with the Department of Public Information (DPI) of the United Nations. Although the Society acknowledged having been an NGO member of the UN for the ten years, they downplayed the significance of this adulterous relationship. ―James 4:4.  http://www.guardian.co.uk/religion/Story/0,2763,574175,00.html

Most of Jehovah's people do not seem to feel alarmed by the hypocrisy of the Society for supporting an organization it has repeatedly denounced. Yet many others have been stumbled and have come to question whether we have ever been God's household. Should we be surprised by these developments? Also, many have come to question the reliability of the Watchtower's interpretation of Bible prophecies concerning the establishment of God's kingdom in 1914 and the time of the end; as many expectations have gone unfulfilled. It is as Proverbs 13:12 says, "Unrelenting disappointment leaves you heartsick." (MSG) And many of God's precious sheep have become "heartsick."

As if that were not enough, we have also come to understand that the slave, who was appointed to provide food for the master's household, includes both, the slave who would be pronounced happy by his master for being faithful in carrying out his responsibility; and an evil slave, who would exalt himself over his fellow slaves, beating them (perhaps into submission). ―Luke 12:45-46; 22:25-26.

Because of the foretold wicked developments many have had their faith tested to the limit. But, please reflect on what I have already stated above. Has there ever been a time in the history of God's people when they did not deserve to be disciplined? The very fact that the scriptures have foretold these things concerning God's people for our time is prove that Jehovah recognizes us as his people, and it is in order to sanctify his holy name that he will soon act to correct and cleanse us, even with severity. Who else could bring reproach upon his name? Let us not trust the words of those who are promising that these things will not come upon us. ―compare Jeremiah 7:4-10; Amos 9:10.

"For the sake of my name I shall check my anger, and for my praise I shall restrain myself toward you that there may be no cutting you off. Look! I have refined you, but not in [the form of] silver. I have made choice of you in the smelting furnace of affliction. For my own sake, for my own sake I shall act, for how could one let oneself be profaned? And to no one else shall I give my own glory." ―Isaiah 48:9-11.

And our reply to Jehovah is:

"Even if our own errors do testify against us, O Jehovah, act for the sake of your name; for our acts of unfaithfulness have become many; it is against you that we have sinned." ―Jeremiah 14:7; Ezekiel 36:22-23.

After he has cleansed us by means of the "furnace of affliction," Jehovah will also restore us by giving us "a new heart, and a new spirit," so that in his "regulations [we] will walk, and [his] judicial decisions [we] will keep and actually carry out," for Jehovah says afterward that "you must become my people and I myself shall become your God." ―Ezekiel 36:25-28.

A Wicked Slave Makes his Appearance
 

Our sins are far deeper than the apostasy of joining the UN as an NGO. Also, our sins are far greater then our lack of understanding the prophecies concerning "the time of the end." Over the decades a slave has become apparent among God's people who has set himself up above his fellow slaves, to dominate them. Jehovah has given him time to repent and humble himself. But this period of time is also allowing for him to be exposed, for that slave has mistakenly reasoned that he will not be held accountable. He is missing the purpose of Jehovah's patience. ―Daniel 12:4; 2 Peter 3:9.

Jesus allowed for this development when he asked the question, "Who really is the faithful steward, the discreet one, whom his master will appoint over his body of attendants to keep giving them their measure of food supplies at the proper time?" If that slave would prove faithful in lovingly caring for his responsibility then he would also be rewarded by being appointed over all his master's belongings, at the time of the master's return. But if he were to "dominate," perhaps even beating those whom he was to feed and protect, then he would be punished with "the greatest severity," and rejected as unfaithful. (Matthew 24:45-51; Luke 12:42-46; 22:24-26) Since that slave is not one individual but made up of many members chosen and anointed by God, the possibility has always existed that, although many of that slave may prove faithful, others may prove to be wicked.

I would like to say here that we should appreciate those of the slave who are loyal to Jehovah, who have helped us to know and love our heavenly Father; who have taught us the truth about the identity of God and his only-begotten Son Jesus, about the soul, the resurrection hope, and also that Satan the Devil is the god of this world. (John 5:28-30; 12:49-50; 2 Cor. 4:4) We have learned about God's kingdom, by means of which Jehovah will restore his rightful sovereignty over his creation and undo the damage done by Adam's rebellion. (Matt. 6:10) And the truth of all this has united us into a wonderful brotherhood, no matter where we are in the world. We all have come to be members of God's household. Also, the Society has organized the preaching of "this good news of the kingdom" in all the earth. (Matthew 24:14) But, of course, that does not mean for a moment that we share our worship of Jehovah with those who may be taking the lead. ―Isaiah 42:8.

The Scriptures tell us that we are all brothers, none more equal than others. Yet, Jesus' disciples continuously argued over who was the greatest among them. Are we immune from this same desire to outshine our brothers? Note what Jesus said in regards to this: "However, there also arose a heated dispute among them over which one of them seemed to be greatest. But he said to them: "The kings of the nations lord it over them, and those having authority over them are called Benefactors. YOU, though, are not to be that way. But let him that is the greatest among YOU become as the youngest, and the one acting as chief as the one ministering. For which one is greater, the one reclining at the table or the one ministering? Is it not the one reclining at the table? But I am in YOUR midst as the one ministering." ―Luke 22:24-27.

In the world, those having authority are given titles, as Benefactors. But Jesus commanded his disciples, "YOU, though, are not to be that way." That could not be more clearly stated! "Faithful and discreet slave" is used as a title by those who have elevated themselves over their fellow brothers, just as "Benefactors" can refer to a title. Other Bibles translate it as "call themselves friends of the people" (GodsWord) "are given names of honor" (BBE) "called benefactors and well-doers" (AMP) "called good doers" (WYC) "call themselves Protectors" (NIRV). The Living Bible paraphrases it this way, "Jesus told them, 'In this world the kings and great men order their slaves around, and the slaves have no choice but to like it!'" And, according to The Message Bible, "Kings like to throw their weight around and people in authority like to give themselves fancy titles. It's not going to be that way with you. Let the senior among you become like the junior; let the leader act the part of the servant."

Jesus set the example in humility. He was in their midst as a servant. When one man called him "good teacher," Jesus immediately replied, "Why do you call me good? Nobody is good, except one, God." He refused to be addressed as good, as if it were a title. Thus, he told his disciples, "But YOU, do not YOU be called Rabbi, for one is YOUR teacher, whereas all YOU are brothers." ―Matthew 23:8-10; Mark 10:17,18.

Jesus did not allow for anyone to adopt a title such as Rabbi, Teacher, Father. Those rightly applied only to him or his heavenly father, as he said. He clearly warned, "The person who thinks he is important will find out how little he is worth." (NLV) "If you put yourself above others, you will be put down." (CEV) "Anyone who lifts himself up will be brought down." (WE) (Matthew 23:12) That faithful and discreet is equivalent to a title becomes readily apparent by how Jesus' words at Luke 12:42 are translated in other Bibles. Here are some examples:

faithful and sensible steward – NASB
faithful and intelligent – Wey
faithful, skilled – GodsWord
faithful and prudent – Darby
wise and responsible – BBE
the dependable manager, full of common sense – MSG
faithful steward, the wise man – AMP
a wise servant who can be trusted – WE
true dispenser, and prudent – WYC

The definition of title, among other things, is:  an appellation of dignity, distinction, or pre-eminence given to persons or families; as, titles of office, nobility, distinction, degree, etc. 
Also, "an informal right to something," such as having the right to refer to themselves as the "faithful and discreet slave."

What if they called themselves the "dependable manager, full of common sense?" the "true dispenser, and prudent" slave? the "wise servant who can be trusted?" "faithful and intelligent." Why not just call themselves the "good" slave (as Jesus refused to do)? Since they believe that they have already been judged as faithful and discreet, (or skilled, wise, prudent, intelligent, dependable) back in 1918-19, they feel that they deserve to be addressed as such and honored accordingly.

Are we to believe that Jehovah actually chose and appointed the president of a legal corporation over his people back in 1917―after the death of C.T. Russell―a president who would have absolute authority over all of God's household? Did Jehovah ever recognize such a president as representing him, along with the members of the board of directors as a governing body? President Rutherford and his associates failed to grasp the significance of Jehovah expressing his anger upon them by sending them to a federal penitentiary in 1918. Although they recognized that this was discipline from Jehovah, they failed to discern the reason behind it. They did not repent! Since it was not yet the appointed time for Jehovah to judge his household, he did not immediately remove them. He allowed the passing of time to expose their presumptuous "rule by divine right" assertion, like those "superfine apostles" had done in Corinth in the first century. (1 Cor. 4:8; 2 Cor. 11:5; 12:11) Their many failed prophecies bear witness that Jehovah has not been supporting them and their lofty position. We cannot rebel against God's Word and expect his blessings upon us.

This small group of self-glorified men have not hesitated to expel anyone from God's household who has dared to question their self-appointed authority. But when our Master, Christ Jesus, arrives unexpectedly, "at an hour that [they] do not think to be it," he will hold that "evil slave" accountable. They will be caught in the act of beating their fellow slaves and dismissed from his household. Their portion will be "with the hypocrites." (Matt. 24:48-51)

A Body of Governors

Today we have the Governing Body. A governing body is logically a body, or group of people, that governs. One dictionary defines the word govern as:
1. bring into conformity with rules or principles or usage; impose regulations
2. direct or strongly influence the behavior of
3. exercise authority over, as of nations.

That pretty well sums up the function of our governing body.

Was there such a body of governors in the Christian congregation in the first century? Concerning Governors in Bible times Insight on the Scriptures says,

"Governors in Bible times generally had military and judicial powers and were responsible to see that the tribute, tax, or revenue to the king or superior ruler was paid by the jurisdictional districts or provinces that the governors ruled. (Lu 2:1-2) Many of them put a heavy load on the people to supply food for themselves and their large body of attendants.—Ne 5:15-18.

"Practically all the major powers of Bible times are spoken of as having rulers of the order of governors, either as local native rulers or as governors controlling occupied territories.

"Under Roman rule, Judea was an imperial province; the governors there were directly responsible to the emperor for their actions. Pilate was the fifth of the line of governors of Judea. . . These Roman governors had the power to order capital punishment, as we see in the case of Jesus, who was judged by Pilate.—Mt 27:11-14; Joh 19:10.

"Governors of the nations in general were referred to by Jesus when he told his followers that they would be brought before such men to give a witness. Christians should not fear such rulers, though powerful, nor be worried about what to say when giving testimony before them. (Mt 10:18-20, 26) All such governors are part of the superior authorities to which Christians owe relative, not total, subjection. . . However, in contrast with the apostles, who rendered respect and honor first to Jehovah, who governs all, the nation of Israel sank to the point where they accorded earthly governors more respect than they gave Jehovah. This circumstance was used by Jehovah in strong reproof to the nation through his prophet Malachi.—Mal 1:6-8; see SUPERIOR AUTHORITIES." —it-1 p. 992 Governor. (Bold mine)

In the above summary there is no mention of a body of governors in the Christian congregation. Is it not apparent that governing was the way of the nations, something that Jesus told his disciples not to imitate? If Jehovah "strongly reproved" the nation of Israel through his prophet Malachi because of "according earthly governors more respect" than him, will he not do likewise with us?

If we put as much, or perhaps even more, emphasis on what our governing body teaches than what the Bible teaches, are we not according our earthly governors more respect than Jehovah? But many will argue, "We don't do that!" "Our teachings are solidly based on the Scriptures." Then why are there those who have been expelled from our congregations simply for disagreeing with certain teachings in our publications that they have found difficult to harmonize with God's Word, and not because of rejecting the Bible? Further, the "faithful" among us are then under compulsion to avoid any association with such ones. Have we not accepted the body of governors lording it over their fellow brothers, in defiance of what Jesus commanded his disciples? Please consider, with your Bible in hand, the points I am making in my articles and see whom we really accord more respect, Jehovah or the self-proclaimed "faithful and discreet slave." If we support and defend what Jehovah himself condemns, then we are no longer worshipping Jehovah, but have become followers of men, no different from people of the nations.

Was There a Governing Body in the First Century?
 

In the first century the apostles and older men did not exercise control over congregations outside their area. Once, when a problem arose concerning the circumcision issue, it was dealt with by the mature elders and apostles in Jerusalem where the problem arose and the decision was relayed to all affected congregations. (Acts 15:1,2) We could compare it to how things are done among Jehovah's witnesses on a local level. Each congregation has its body of elders, who are supposed to have scriptural qualifications. (Number of hours in preaching is not a scriptural qualification. Titus 1:5-9) The elders are there to feed and shepherd the members of their congregation. When a problem arises the elders in their own congregation deal with it. If the problem affects congregations in the surrounding area then mature brothers of the affected congregations will get involved, sometimes on a circuit or even district level. The elders should be qualified to handle the situation or they would not scripturally qualify to be elders in the first place. In this way they are all led by holy spirit. There should be no need to seek from others, such as some branch office, permission or instructions as if such ones have special authority. All elders are equal before Jehovah and all will be equally held accountable for the carrying out of the responsibility they willingly accepted. ―1 Corinthians 2:12-13; James 3:1.

Please consider: when Jesus wrote his letters to the Seven Congregations, in the book of Revelation, if there was a governing body at that time, why did he bypass them and deal directly with each congregation and its elders? (Revelation 1:20-3:22) If a governing body had been put in place by holy spirit should not that body of governors have been called to account by the Master as to the situation in the various congregations, since, as we understand it today, they would be the ones having authority over every aspect of the congregations, including the appointment of elders? Would they be given authority over God's household and yet not be acknowledged and held accountable?

The twelve apostles have the distinction of being the "twelve foundation stones" of the New Jerusalem. (Revelation 21:14) They were the ones chosen by Jehovah to take the lead in carrying on the work that Jesus had started. As Jesus pointed out in his words to the apostle Peter, they were to continue to "feed the sheep." (John 21:15-17) They were also strongly admonished by their Master not to imitate the nations in lording it over the sheep. At the end of the first century only the apostle John was still alive. By that time many imposters had presented themselves as having apostolic authority. In his first letter to the congregation in Ephesus, Jesus addressed that problem and commended his faithful disciples for "[weeding] out apostolic pretenders." (Revelation 2:2) These craved the recognition and authority of the apostles, and they are likened to Satan himself. (2 Corinthians 11:5, 12-14) They had no respect for their fellow believers, even wanting to disfellowship ones who disagreed with them. Why, even the aged apostle John became the target of such ones. ―2 Corinthians 11:26; 12:11; Galations 2:4; 3 John 9-10.

The apostle Paul foretold that "oppressive wolves will enter in among YOU and will not treat the flock with tenderness, and from among YOU yourselves men will rise and speak twisted things to draw away the disciples after themselves." (Acts 20:29-30) This situation would especially develop in the "last days" when this wicked slave's presence would become apparent. It would be during the time just before his master's sudden and unexpected arrival.

The apostle Peter counseled shepherds of God's flock, "Shepherd the flock of God in YOUR care, not under compulsion, but willingly; neither for love of dishonest gain, but eagerly; neither as lording it over those who are God’s inheritance, but becoming examples to the flock. And when the chief shepherd has been made manifest, YOU will receive the unfadable crown of glory." ―1 Peter 5:2-4.

Those elders, of whom it could be said that they were "appointed by holy spirit," did not "lord it over" the sheep, the ones who are God's inheritance. ―Acts 20:28.

Our body of governors have justified their lording it over their fellow slaves by their unique interpretations of the scriptures and going beyond the things written. They have done this by claiming that
1. Jesus inspected them in 1918-19 and found them faithful and thus appointed them over all his belongings. Therefore, they insist to have the right to govern, or rule, before actually sitting on their heavenly thrones.
2. Also, they claim to have special status with God in connection with the New Covenant, which they say includes only them. In this they have also made Jesus the mediator of only themselves. Thus, they have legitimized what they were commanded not to do, claiming the words of Jesus and Peter no longer apply to them. Rather than "lording it over" their fellow slaves they ought to be "examples to the flock," because "all you are brothers." They have started ruling ahead of their time. (compare 1 Corinthians 4:6, 8)

Over the decades, since the early twenties, this was not really an issue. But when 1975 did not bring about the anticipated end of this system as they had predicted, their authority began to be seriously questioned. By that time they had in subjection over two million worshipers. (Which has grown to seven million today.) Fearful of losing authority over such a great crowd, a number of those highly placed in the organization began to flex their muscles, so to speak, to keep their flock in subjection. Many articles on apostasy began to appear in the publications and questioning the authority of "the faithful and discreet" slave became intolerable. The evil slave, the "man of lawlessness," was starting to make his presence felt. Jehovah has seen good to allow him time to become fully exposed, so that when the master arrives at an hour we "do not think to be it," we will all understand that the judgment upon him is fully deserved. Therefore, we can expect the situation in God's household to go from bad to worse, until the unexpected arrival of the master. ―2 Thessalonians 2:3, 8-12.

There are those who believe that since Jehovah has allowed all these things to take place such as it has, he must be in agreement with it. But our God has always been patient. He put up with the sins of his people Israel for a very long time. Like them, because of seeming lack of action on his part, so far, we are in danger of becoming fully set in our wayward course. "Because sentence against a bad work has not been executed speedily, that is why the heart of the sons of men has become fully set in them to do bad." ―Ecclesiastes 8:11.

Instead of being overly disturbed by the wicked slave among us getting away with it for so long let us find comfort in what Ecclesiastes goes on to say,
12 But even though a person sins a hundred times and still lives a long time, I know that those who fear God will be better off. 13 The wicked will never live long, good lives, for they do not fear God. Their days will never grow long like the evening shadows.
14 And this is not all that is meaningless in our world. In this life, good people are often treated as though they were wicked, and wicked people are often treated as though they were good. This is so meaningless! ―Ecclesiastes 8:12-14, New Living Translation.

"Keep Silent Before Jehovah and Wait Longingly for Him"
(Psalms 37:7)

We should make a distinction between questioning what men teach and what God teaches. "Do not put your trust in nobles, nor in the son of earthling man, to whom no salvation belongs." But, rather, "trust in Jehovah with all your heart and do not lean upon your own understanding. In all your ways take notice of him, and he himself will make your paths straight." ―Psalms 146:3; Proverbs 3:5-6.

Eventually we will all come face to face with the fact that not everything we have been taught was what it seemed. Many "strongly entrenched things" will then be overturned. Discarding some of our previous precious jewels of "truth" may be very difficult, especially if it means that we might be marked as apostates. Will our faith stand up under such a severe test? (2 Corinthians 10:4)

Jesus spoke of the coming "hour of test, which is to come upon the whole inhabited earth." (Revelation 3:10) This test will not be about how much physical pain we can endure, but rather our faith will be put to the extreme test. (Luke 18:8; 1 Peter 1:6-7) Because of the operation of this wicked slave among us, Jesus said, "it is unavoidable that causes for stumbling should come." (Luke 17:1) Yes, sadly, "many will be stumbled and betray one another." (Matthew 24:10) May we not stumble because things were not going according to our expectations.

Through the words of the apostle John, Jehovah is encouraging us all to "test the inspired expressions to see whether they originate with [him]." (1 John 4:1) That means that Jehovah expects us to compare what we are being taught with what his Word actually teaches. Doing so would be a safeguard to us. The Watchtower of March 1, 2004, on page 6, actually encourages us to do that. It reads:

"Like Timothy, true Christians today are keeping their senses by rejecting human reasoning and by accepting only Scriptural authority for their doctrinal beliefs."

That is good advice. You would expect such counsel to come from a "faithful" slave. But an "evil" slave would hinder you from following such encouragement. The first century congregations had loving, humble elders who genuinely cared for the sheep, shepherding God's flock with love and mildness, teaching them and being examples to them. All such shepherds were precious to Jehovah. And any such shepherds today will be blessed at the unexpected arrival of their Master.

The time is fast approaching "when the true worshipers will worship the Father with spirit and truth, for, indeed, the Father is looking for suchlike ones to worship him." (John 4:23) If we truly are lovers of truth and are to stand firm in our faith we will have to look solely to God for salvation by sticking to his Word of truth. (John 17:17) "Look! God is my salvation. I shall trust and be in no dread; for Jah Jehovah is my strength and [my] might, and he came to be the salvation of me." ―Isaiah 12:2.

The purpose of my website is to encourage those of God's sheep who have had their faith shaken by the recent developments within God's household. If we have been taught among teachings of God also teachings of men, it is because a certain slave, as a governing body, has elevated himself within God's household, and has tailored certain Scriptures to justify their authority to do so, making it appear that their position is from God. (Colossians 2:22) Their deviant teachings includes our doctrine of Dedication, by means of which we have been saddled with a heavy load, a thing not even hinted at in the Scriptures. Also, the interpretation on "the other sheep," without which this evil slave would not have a people to govern; and especially the teaching of the new covenant in which they exclude all but themselves from a relationship with God, even going as far as saying that Jesus is solely their mediator. If we find that our traditions are out of harmony with God's Word, should we not make adjustments; otherwise we could be in danger of making the word of God invalid, and our worship in vain. ―see Matthew 15:3-8.

Jehovah's promise is reliable when he says that the time will come when he will "give to peoples the change to a pure language, in order for them all to call upon the name of Jehovah, in order to serve him shoulder to shoulder." This will take place shortly, after he has poured out his denunciation upon the nations. (Zephaniah 3:8,9) The time is not yet for us to speak the pure language of truth. Jehovah has not yet made it an issue. The master has not yet arrived to settle accounts with his appointed slaves. Therefore, what I present here may not be of encouragement to those who are satisfied with the way things are. ―Mark 2:17.

It is apparent to many that we have discrepancies and contradictions in our teachings. We are not immune from the problems afflicting the world. We have broken marriages, child abuse cases, lawlessness, and many of the other things itemized by Paul in 2 Timothy 3:1-7. Many among us are "sighing and groaning over all the detestable things that are being done" in our midst. If you are one of them, rather than being stumbled, take courage because in Ezekiel's vision those were the ones who were marked for survival. (Ezekiel 9:4-6) You will be among those who will rejoice when Jehovah will act on behalf of his name and of all those who have longingly waited for him.

Good is Jehovah to the one hoping in him,
to the soul that keeps seeking for him.
Good it is that one should wait, even silently,
for the salvation of Jehovah.
―Lamentations 3:25-26

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