Page:Hope-of-a-tree-1934.djvu/5

February 1, 1934

The WATCHTOWER

37

⁹ Christ Jesus, the great Prophet and King, addresses his proclamation to "all peoples", which means primarily to those peoples on the earth who as his followers are maintaining their integrity towards Jehovah, and secondarily to the Jonadab class, meaning all those of good will who desire to know and to do the will of Almighty God. This includes particularly the "sheep" class who are pleased to do good unto others because they believe and understand that such others are servants of Almighty God and his beloved Son. Here then are shown also the faithful followers of Christ Jesus as Jehovah's witnesses bringing the message of the proclamation to all others who have a hearing ear. These are messengers of peace and, quoting the language of their Lord, say: "Peace be multiplied unto you." So said the proclamation of Nebuchadnezzar the king.

¹⁰ The entire world is now in turmoil and distress and has nothing in which it can hope so far as the world's schemes are concerned; bit to those who desire to know God and his King the information is now give that "in his name shall the nations hope". As Jonadab was brought into close contact with Jehu, so now the "sheep" class is brought into close contact with the bearers of this divine message of peace. Concerning this message and its messengers it is written: "How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!" (Isa. 52:7). In order for the Jonadab class to hear, someone must tell them of the King's proclamation; and this privilege is assigned to the faithful remnant. --Rom. 10:14, 15.

¹¹ It is certain that the Lord God gives an understanding of this prophecy and other prophecies at this time for the very purpose of giving assurance to his remnant, that they may have a strong hope of entering into eternal glory and secure the prize,, the crown of life. Without such assurance the remnant would become discouraged by reason fo the constant persecution suffered by them; but now they see that such opposition brings upon them suffering and contradiction and this is essential for them that they may have opportunity to prove their integrity towards Jehovah and to have a part in the vindication of his name. This assurance increases their faith and hope, and hence onward they march, holding high the standard of the Lord God, proclaiming his message to the people and informing them that they will find peace only in the name of the Lord God and his King and kingdom.

¹² Further manifesting the goodness and loving-kindness of himself and his Father the King (Jesus) says: "I thought it good to shew the signs and wonders that the high God [Most High] hath wrought toward me." (Dan. 4:2) Christ Jesus the King is elated that the time has come for the vindication of

Jehovah's name before all creation, and hence he deems it good to make known to his faithful followers the manner of Jehovah's dealing with creation, and particularly with Christ Jesus himself, since the day of the rebellion in Eden unto the bringing of Christ Jesus tot he throne as the Head of Jehovah's holy organization of Zion. This is further and conclusive proof that Jehovah is the Most High. In 1914 the great wonders or signs began to be made manifest when the mighty organization of Satan met in conflict the still mightier organization under Christ Jesus in the war in heaven that resulted in ousting Satan and his wicked crowd from heaven. Then thereafter it was that the great Vindicator at the temple of Jehovah began to make known to the remnant the 'two great wonders or signs' or the twelfth chapter of Revelation and these faithful ones began to discern and appreciate for the first time of and concerning Satan's organization that is pitted against Jehovah's organizations, and that the final conflict will be had at Armageddon. It was early in the year 1925 that The Watchtower, by the grace of the Lord, published the meaning of these two great wonders of Revelation. (See The Watchtower, March 1, 1925.)

¹³ Prior to the coming of the Lord Jesus tot the temple the faithful ones one earth saw Jesus Christ only as the Redeemer and Savior of man, but now they see him as the Vindicator of Jehovah's name, who has gained that exalted place and has proved his qualifications for that place by reason of the things which he suffered and which things were necessary for him to suffer in order to maintain his integrity and to prove Jehovah's side or the great question at issue. (Heb. 5:8,9) Now he would have his faithful followers to know the 'great wonders that the Most High God hath wrought toward me', that is, toward the Lord Jesus Christ, the beloved Son of God. Then Christ Jesus, in admiration of and giving expression to his boundless love for his Father, further says: "How great are his signs! and how mighty are his wonders! his kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and his dominion is from generation to generation." (Dan. 4:3) Like as he has always been, he takes not the credit to himself but gives the honor and glory to Jehovah. Among the great and mighty wonders here mentioned are the manifestation of Jehovah's foreknowledge, his supremacy, and his never-failing purpose. The display of his perfect wisdom and unlimited power causes all pure-hearted creatures to stand in amazement , fear, astonishment and consternation, so might are his wondrous works. Those who love God begin to appreciate the words of his prophet that all nations before him are as nothing and are accounted to him as less than nothing, and vanity. (Isa. 40:17) "None can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?" --Dan. 4:35.

¹⁴ The time has com now to settle the issue before all creation that Jehovah is supreme, that he is the