Wednesday, May 4
We must enter into the Kingdom of God through many tribulations.
Does it shock you that you can expect to face “many tribulations” before you gain the prize of everlasting life? Likely not. Whether you are new in the truth or you are a longtime servant of Jehovah, you know that hardship is an aspect of life in Satan’s world. Besides difficulties that are “common to men”—problems that affect all imperfect humans—Christians face an additional type of tribulation. What is it? Intense opposition because of their steadfast obedience to God’s laws. Jesus told his followers: “A slave is not greater than his master. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you.” Who is behind such opposition? Ultimately, it is Satan, whom the Bible describes as “a roaring lion” who is “seeking to devour” God’s people. Satan will use any means he can to try to break the integrity of Jesus’ disciples.
COMMENTARY
The Western world has enjoyed a prolonged period of relative peace and prosperity. Very few among the present generation were alive during the Great Depression and the Nazi Holocaust.
We can certainly thank Jehovah that the world has not been wracked with continual war. Unfortunately, that is all about the change. The nations are preparing for an inevitable third world war. The London/Wall Street financial system is in a terminal phase and a new system is emerging in the form of the BRICS. There is no way the Anglo lords will relinquish their power. They will blow the world up before they allow the Russians and Chinese to become the dominant players. Of course, behind the scenes it is the demons who refuse to go quietly into the night.
The coming tumult will far exceed the horrors of the previous global conflicts —bringing mankind face-to-face with extinction, in what Jesus referred to as a great tribulation. According to Jesus unless those days were cut short no flesh would be saved.
Just as the tribulation that came upon Jerusalem in 70 C.E. brought an end to the temple-centered Jewish system, the great tribulation that Jesus said would come upon the entire world will bring an end to the Watchtower.
From the ashes will arise a new heavens and a new earth and those who are granted entry into them will sing to Jehovah and Christ a new song.
