When you see these things happening…

We get courage by trusting in God and following the steps of his Son. During his ministry, Jesus showed courage in various ways. He boldly exposed the religious leaders for misleading the people with false teachings. He stood firm against the world’s contaminating influence. He continued to preach despite pressure from opposers.  Twice, he fearlessly cleansed the temple, driving out those who were defiling the worship there. In the garden of Gethsemane, Jesus fearlessly identified himself to the soldiers who came to arrest him. Although his own life was in danger, he spoke up to protect his disciples.  When questioned before the Sanhedrin, he boldly affirmed that he was both the Christ and the Son of God, even though he knew that the high priest was looking for an excuse to have him killed.

COMMENTARY

Jesus certainly set the perfect example of courage and reliance on Jehovah. He knew from the beginning of his ministry that he was going to be betrayed and killed. But he also knew that his ultimate destiny was his to determine.

Because he was sinless and not deserving of the just death that comes from being a sinner, he knew that if he was faithful to the end God would resurrect him from death. His resurrection, though, was not by means of Jehovah’s underserved kindness, but rather, a matter of justice. As the Psalm says: “For you will not leave me in the Grave. You will not allow your loyal one to see the pit.” (You Tube – Did Jesus Resurrect Himself?)

A few days before his death Jesus spoke of the need for his future disciples to show the same courage that he displayed up until he expired. Speaking of the conclusion of the global system under which we presently live, Christ stressed the importance of not giving in to terror, saying: “Furthermore, when you hear of wars and disturbances, do not be terrified. For these things must take place first, but the end will not occur immediately.” — Luke 21:9

Jehovah’s Witnesses would do well to consider an oft-overlooked detail concerning the sign that Jesus gave us, namely, that that his disciples who would be living during the conclusion would personally see all things take place, even as Jesus stated: “Notice the fig tree and all the other trees. When they are budding, you see it for yourselves and know that now the summer is near. Likewise also you, when you see these things happening, know that the Kingdom of God is near. Truly I say to you that this generation will by no means pass away until all things happen.”

Recently the Watchtower has redefined what a generation is. Supposedly the generation that will not pass away until all things happen is actually two overlapping generations. The reason for this latest cockamamie explanation is to retain 1914 as the year that Christ began ruling the world. But a simple question that reasoning persons ought to ask themselves, is this: Have I personally seen any of the things Christ foretold?

The simple truth is, Christ has not returned. Nations and kingdoms have not gone to war yet. His Kingdom has not come. Satan and his angels have not been hurled down to the earth. The beast has not been slain and come back to life.

When these things begin Jehovah’s Witnesses will face a trial of faith unlike anything before. And there is nothing the Governing Body will be able to do to patch over their error then. It will all come down to our having faith and trust in Jehovah. Indeed: “Be courageous and strong of heart. Yes, hope in Jehovah.”