C11.03.86.htm

(Cont. from Page 8/3/86).

JOEL. (5).

A "SOLEMN FAST" FOR COMING
BACK TO JEHOVAH. (Joel 2:12-15).

As desolating spiritual and physical events take place as the precursor to the approaching "Day of Jehovah", the "joy and gladness" of receiving spiritual "food" from Him has been withheld while the spirit of uncleanness and apostasy still exists in His spiritual "land". (1:14 16. See NEB). During this time, the opportunity to present spiritual "grain" and "drink" offerings to Jehovah for His blessings has been lost, and faithful anointed priestly ministers of the Lord have been in a "sackcloth" condition. (1:9,13 NEB). We are told to "Proclaim a solemn fast" to summon all the inhabitants of the "land" to come to the house of Jehovah to cry for spiritual aid. (1:14 NEB). Through this "solemn fast" inhabitants of His spiritual "land" may repent and come back to Jehovah with all their hearts. (2:12).

As for those who have chosen to open their hearts to a spirit of uncleanness and apostasy through those falsely claiming to inhabit His spiritual "land" (not of spiritual "Israel"), and have refused to help faithful anointed ministers of the House of Jehovah who truly are of His "land" (1:13), they have "wandered in confusion". (1:18). But those truly belonging to "the droves of the sheep", but were ostracized from the "land" by the apostates, they were "the ones made to bear (the) guilt". This "solemn fast" is for those calling to Jehovah for spiritual aid through anointed ministers of His House. (1:13,14). Jehovah is a refuge only to His people, "a fortress for the sons of Israel". (3:16). People of God need His Spirit and spiritual instruction to survive.

As to the sanctification of one's spirit, a specific period for solemn fasting has been appointed for one to call upon Jehovah for aid and to exercise continued wholesouled devotion to Him thereafter. Only upon those who are truly repentant will Jehovah bestow the blessing of spiritual instruction that they may become "cleansed grain" (2:24), and be able to offer such spirit sacrifices as "grain-offering and drink-offering" to Him. (2:14).

HAR-MA.GED'ON IS THIEFLIKE.
As to the rebellious spirit aspect of the nations, Har-Ma.ged'on is where they are all being gathered. And with reference to the imminence of the "Day of Jehovah", the following scriptural prophecies are being fulfilled: The desolation of Ethiopia (Isaiah 18:1-7); the confounding of Egypt and its leaders (19:1-22); the Judgement of God upon Tyre and Sidon (3:4-8); bringing an end to the "contemptible creature" and "warrior king" of Iran (Dan 11:3,21 NEB); denunciation of the "evil slave" and their "man of lawlessness" the "disgusting thing" of false witnesses "standing in a holy place" (Matt 24:15. 2 Thess 2:3); the earthquake in Mexico City signalling the fulfilment of Revelation 11:13; the implementation of unclean demonic expressions to gather leaders of the political "wild beast" and the sectarian "false prophet" against judicial decisions of God. (Rev 16:13,14) (Rev 19:20).

Imminent is the seventh and last "bowl" of the anger of God to be poured out "upon the air" (Rev 16:17), upon all enemies of Jehovah and His people. For those whose spirit rebellion against God is comparable to the Jews who dismissed the significance of the death of our Lord Jesus Christ, this will be a cause of lamentation and bitter grief. (Zech 12:10-14. Matt 24:30).

The continuing desolation of Ethiopia is an indication of the depth of their spirit rebellion against God. But when the cities of all the nations fall, will the survivors of mankind still rebel against Jehovah so that He must scourge them and withhold "pouring rain"? (Rev 16:19. Zech 14:17-19). The fulfilment of "the curse" of the "Little Scroll" (each side) will have its work completed. (Zech 5:3,4. Rev 10:7-11).

(Cont. on Page 17/3/86).

11/3/86.