Monday, July 6
Let us consider one another so as to incite to love and fine works. —Heb. 10:24.
To attend meetings regularly, we may need to demonstrate courage in the face of difficult circumstances. Some of our brothers and sisters attend meetings despite being burdened by grief, discouragement, or health problems. Others courageously attend meetings despite strong opposition from family members or governmental authorities. Think for a moment about how our example affects our brothers who are imprisoned for their faith. (Heb. 13:3) When they hear that we keep serving Jehovah in spite of our trials, they are strengthened to maintain their faith, courage, and integrity. When Paul was in prison in Rome, he rejoiced whenever he heard that his brothers were serving God faithfully. (Phil. 1:3-5, 12-14) Shortly before or just after his release, Paul wrote his letter to the Hebrews. In that letter he urged those faithful Christians to never forsake meeting together. —Heb. 10:25. w19.01 28 ¶9
Obviously the daily word for July 6 was written many months ago. It is not even relevant for today. For more than three months the kingdom halls of Jehovah’s Witnesses have sat empty— shuttered by the COVID pandemic lockdown. So much for food at the proper time and never forsaking meeting together.
Given that the world is now digitally interconnected, it seems that the dispensers of spiritual food could serve up fresher information. (My commentaries are made fresh daily.)
As we enter the fourth month of the pandemic some states in the United States are easing the lockdown restrictions. Churches are opening back up. (Albeit, with some restrictions– like singing hymns!) That being the case, why are not Jehovah’s Witnesses courageously gathering together to incite each other to love and fine works as the Bible exhorts?
Besides, the COVID virus seems to be less virulent than it was originally. While it is extremely contagious it is not nearly as deadly as before— affecting mostly elderly people and those with underlying health conditions.
Why has the Watchtower suspended the all-important ministry? Surely there are no longer any legal restrictions. Parcel services send delivery people to private homes. At this time when millions of people are at home when they would not ordinarily be is a perfect time for Jehovah’s Witnesses to reach out to people. Especially with the increased anxiety over the future— people need to hear the Bible’s message.
And where are the witnessing carts? JW’s can wear a mask and surgical gloves. After all, over the past month, the streets have been filled with throngs of demonstrators and rioters. Why are Jehovah’s Witnesses not allowed to engage in a public ministry at this critical time?
Where is the faith, courage, and integrity the Watchtower talks about? Where are the stalwart leaders of the flock? Is the Governing Body and their “helpers” still sheltering in place in their granite palace? At what point do Jehovah’s Witnesses place obedience to Christ above the orders of men?
Be reminded of the apostle’s exhortation to Timothy: “I solemnly charge you before God and Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his manifestation and his Kingdom: Preach the word; be at it urgently in favorable times and difficult times; reprove, reprimand, exhort, with all patience and art of teaching. For there will be a period of time when they will not put up with the wholesome teaching, but according to their own desires, they will surround themselves with teachers to have their ears tickled.” — 2 Timothy 4:1-3