The Faithful and Discreet Slave...
The Faithful and Discreet Slave...
In response to the apostles questions concerning Jesus Christ's future and second presence during the conclusion of the system of things, Jesus Christ gave an illustration, dealing with a “faithful and discreet slave.” The master would appoint his steward over his household servants also known as his domestics, heavenly and earthly.
Since the full limit of the appointed times was yet in the future and is still in progress, we can now apply that administration to the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses, also known as the Faithful and Discreet Slave. We now know through the manifestation of prophecies that the full limit of the appointed times is coming to its conclusion.
Let's take a closer look at how this is unfolding in our day: "He will revive us after two days. On the third day he will raise us up, And we will live before him. We will know, we will earnestly seek to know Jehovah. His going out is as certain as the dawn; He will come to us like a pouring rain, Like a spring rain that saturates the earth." (Hosea 6:2-3)
Just as Jesus Christ was raised up on the third day in the beginning of that third day, 'the dawn' -- we can be in great anticipation of our dear brothers to be summoned to heaven. Notice the timing from this verse: "However, do not let this escape your notice, beloved ones, that one day is with Jehovah as a thousand years and a thousand years as one day." (2 Peter 3:8)
Can we apply (Hosea 6:2-3) and (2 Peter 3:8) to the full limit of the appointed times? Absolutely! It's a prophecy that has been unfolding for almost 2,000 years now. This prophecy has a beginning and an end. It's beginning was 33 CE on Pentecost and will come to its conclusion in 2033 CE. This is in reference to the sealing event. Not all anointed ones are in heaven yet. Read this scripture again: "He will revive us after two days. On the third day he will raise us up, And we will live before him. We will know, we will earnestly seek to know Jehovah. His going out is as certain as the dawn; He will come to us like a pouring rain, Like a spring rain that saturates the earth." (Hosea 6:2-3)
Yet, there was another manifestation of prophecy that Brother Charles Russell pointed to in regards to the End of the Gentile times that would usher in the Last Days known as the time of trouble. It also has a beginning and an end:
In the first part of 1914, the Bible Students known as International Bible Students Association discussed the “time of trouble” on the printed page called The Bible Students Monthly.
Early in 1914, an issue of The Bible Students Monthly was issued with the large bold heading “END OF WORLD IN 1914? Some have quoted the large headline of this tract as proof that Russell was expecting the “end of the world” in 1914.
However, such neglect the subheading under the larger headline, which states: “NOT THE VIEW OF PASTOR RUSSELL NOR OF I.B.S.A.”
- International Bible Students Association: "Nevertheless, when viewed from God’s standpoint, we are still “shortly after” 1914. Although Russell himself did not think the time of trouble would be this long, he did allow that it could be. It is possible that the time allotted for this period is 120 years (1914+120=2034), but that these days will be “cut short” some time before they are allowed to reach their end. We do not put this forth as a “prophecy”, nor would we feel anything was wrong if 2034 came and went and nothing had happened as far the full binding of Satan and the destruction of his empire is concerned. All things are in God’s hands."
Since Jehovah God is the Almighty God of order, he often uses 'patterns'. Patterns that are duplicated and used so things can take place decently and by arrangement. (1 Corinthians 14:40) The 120 years is a pattern that was used in (Genesis 6:3). Brother Russell was part of the administration the Apostle Paul was speaking about. He may have been the last member of that administration before the appearance of the Faithful and Discreet Slave in 1919. Since he fell asleep in death on October of 1916. It's possible that Brother Charles Russell was the first to be resurrected from death instantaneously, since the flashes of spiritual insight has be flashing brightly ever since from heaven to the earthly slave. (Rev 7:13-14)
If the sealing process ends in 2033 will partaking continue? Those sealed will still be here in the flesh just a little longer. We really need to cherish our dear brothers and pray for them. Do the scriptures give us any evidence how long the FDS remains? It does. Even if it is dissolved, it stands to reason some sort of administration will remain and that the helpers of spiritually mature men will progress. 2034 will come and go just as 1914 did... but don't lose nfaith. If we add 120 years to 1919, we come up with the year 2039 of the remaining ones that are heavenbound. All things are in Jehovah's hands, not ours, keep walking by faith and not by sight. Remember, the a separation work of the earthly sheep will be in the process of coming to its end as our dear brothers are summoned to heaven and those ones come out of the great tribulation as survivors. (Rev 7:14)
A note of encouragement:
When the Apostle Paul began to enter his final sealing, he knew it. "I have fought the fine fight, I have run the race to the finish, I have observed the faith." (2 Timothy 4:7) So as 2033, 2034, and 2039 comes and goes and you haven't received your final sealing, not all is lost. Stay faithful my friends... if you are 70 or 80 now, and you become 90 or 100 in 2039, Jehovah is using you to reveal the sign of the Son of Man. Jehovah loves You very much and will not forget the love you showed for his Name... (Hebrews 6:10)
Thankful for Google transliterates יהוה in English as Jehovah. Visit JW.org about whom Jesus Christ calls the Only True God in (John 17:3)
Comments
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Note to self and others:
Don't cast that which is holy before those unable to appreciate it.
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Is it possible for you to give direct and concise answers to the following questions:
- In JWs vocabulary, who are the “faithful and discreet slaves"?
- Where are they?
- What are their job or responsibilities?
- What is the length of their service?
- How does JW define "discreet"?
Thanks. CM
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I commented on your post on my wall.
I don't know how "Walls" and PM's and such work, but want to be sure you don't miss my message about how to access old posts.
To all who are able to receive it:
Merry Christmas!
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@C Mc In JWs vocabulary, who are the “faithful and discreet slaves"?
The “slave” is closely identified with the Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses. It dispenses timely spiritual food to fellow worshippers of Jehovah. We are dependent on this faithful slave to keep giving us our “measure of food supplies at the proper time.”—Luke 12:42.
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Thanks, @BroRando,
I asked five questions. @C Mc asked @BroRando :
Is it possible for you to give direct and concise answers to the following questions:
In JWs vocabulary, who are the "?
Where are they?
What are their job or responsibilities?
What is the length of their service?
How does JW define "
In the right direction, but you only answered one question CM.
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The members of the Governing Body are Kenneth Cook, Jr., Samuel Herd, Geoffrey Jackson, Stephen Lett, Gerrit Lösch, Anthony Morris III, Mark Sanderson, and David Splane. They serve at our world headquarters in Warwick, New York, U.S.A.
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Today, from his position in heaven, Jesus directs his followers on earth by means of a “faithful and discreet slave.” (Read Matthew 24:45.) All members of the Governing Body are spirit-anointed Christians, who look forward to joining Christ in his heavenly Kingdom when their life on earth is over.
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There are many false religions, but the JW cult is a particularly insidious mutation.
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@C Mc What is the length of their service?
All members of the Governing Body are spirit-anointed Christians, who look forward to joining Christ in his heavenly Kingdom when their life on earth is over. At 1 Corinthians 10:16, 17, Paul, in discussing the particular import of the bread for spirit-anointed brothers of Christ, mentioned “body” in a special sense. He said: “The loaf which we break, is it not a sharing in the body of the Christ? Because there is one loaf, we, although many, are one body, for we are all partaking of that one loaf.” When anointed Christians partake of the Memorial bread, they declare their unity within the congregation of anointed ones, which is like a body with Christ as the Head.—Matthew 23:10; 1 Corinthians 12:12, 13, 18.
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@C Mc How does JW define "discreet"?
The glorified Jesus Christ is the “bridegroom,” and the “discreet” virgins become his heavenly “bride,” finally numbering 144,000. (Rev. 14:1-4; 19:7, 8; 20:6; 21:9) While on earth, they have abundant “oil,” God’s Word and his holy spirit. So they suffer from no spiritual “energy crisis” that could affect a lamp. The “foolish” virgins, though, have lacked sufficient “oil” to keep their lamps burning from the time that the first “joint heirs with Christ” were spiritually begotten on Pentecost of 33 C.E. until the Bridegroom appeared and would go in to the marriage feast.—Rom. 8:17.
Jesus emphasized the point of his parable with timely words for anointed Christians living at the “conclusion of the system of things.” He said: “Keep on the watch, therefore, because you know neither the day nor the hour.” (Matt. 25:13) Those who wish to be like the five “discreet” virgins must shine continually with an active Christian personality. They dare not compromise with those who would take away some or much of their spiritual “oil.” Their faith in the Bridegroom’s arrival and presence must continue bright, and they need to remain in the shining procession that follows his steps until he brings his bridal congregation completely home.
A discreet one would show discernment and good judgement. They would gradullay come to their senses as they are called out of the darkness and into the light. Each member would go through a purification process in a simliar manner as Jesus Christ did. "Indeed, I have a baptism with which to be baptized, and how I am distressed until it is finished!" (Luke 12:50)
The Slave would not only be 'faithful" but also be "discreet" with much opposition. The world would hold the Faithful and Discreet Slave as unworthy, no value, unlearned and without education. They would spearhead the preaching of the good news on a global basis, even though religions and goverments would hinder them at every turn and bring scathing denunciations.
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When was the "faithful and discreet slave class" identified and rewarded? CM
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By the end of 1919, Jehovah’s people were reorganized and energized. Additionally, several important prophecies involving the last days had been fulfilled. The testing and refinement of God’s people, foretold at Malachi 3:1-4, was complete. Jehovah’s people had been released from their symbolic captivity to “Babylon the Great,” and Jesus had appointed “the faithful and discreet slave.” (Rev. 18:2, 4; Matt. 24:45) Now the Bible Students were ready for the work that Jehovah had in store for them.
