Such death in faithfulness assures one of a resurrection and the opportunity to gain everlasting life in the new order of God’s promise.—Rev. 2:10; 2 Pet. 3:13.

In connection with accidents that may bring death to fellow Christians, remember that “time and unforeseen occurrence” befall all men. (Eccl. 9:11) Since that is so, the death of one of God’s servants is not indicative of that person’s unfaithfulness. Furthermore, Jehovah does not guarantee anyone continued life in this system of things. His reward to faithful integrity-keepers is everlasting life in the new system. (Rom. 6:23) The fulfillment of that promised reward will be realized by the faithful Christian even if some unfortunate accident or disaster results in his death now. Resurrection to life under God’s kingdom will be his lot. (John 5:28, 29) So, regardless of what Jehovah may permit, we see that he is not partial; he rewards the faithful. Indeed, “there is no partiality with God.”—Rom. 2:11.

There is something more to consider. We are living in trying times and during these dark days we as Christians are helped mightily by Jehovah. Why, certainly we have cause for gratitude. It is only by His undeserved kindness that we even know Him and are privileged to do His will. Jehovah blesses our ministry. He hears and answers our prayers. (1 John 5:14, 15) His bounties are great indeed. Think of Jehovah’s many provisions, his blessings and the way in which he aids us in performing our ministry. Yes, God may permit us to be tested, to suffer, or even to die. But, regardless of what Jehovah allows, if we are faithful we have his love and very much for which to be thankful!—Rom. 8:38, 39.

One thing is certain. As Jehovah’s dedicated servants we are not entirely at the mercy of Satan. Why, if we were, we would not be here today as Jehovah’s witnesses. We are on earth as God’s protected servants, even as Job himself was protected. Jehovah did not permit the Devil to go to the limit in his case. (Job 2:4-7) In fact, with Gog of Magog’s attack coming on in the near future, there would be no survival of the spiritual remnant nor of their hundreds of thousands of companions if it were not for the protection of Jehovah God. Yet in his Word Jehovah has definitely advised that he will protect and preserve his spiritual remnant and their companions clear through the battle of Armageddon. After “the war of the great day of God the Almighty” is over, those of that remnant and their companions will thank Jehovah for this deliverance. (Rev. 16:14, 16) For a fact, in their case the words of Psalm 37:34 will prove true: “Hope in Jehovah and keep his way, and he will exalt you to take possession of the earth. When the wicked ones are cut off, you will see it.” That deliverance will be the result of God’s protection and will be a definite vindication of Jehovah’s holy name.

Announcements

FIELD MINISTRY

Jehovah’s witnesses not only understand and accept the Biblical teaching of the general priesthood, but they apply the principle, putting it into practice as they all share in preaching God’s Word to others. During February they will do this by offering a year’s subscription for the Watchtower magazine on a contribution of $1. Three Bible-study booklets will be given to each new subscriber.

WATCH TOWER INDEX FOR 1963

Now available is the new Watch Tower Publications Index for 1963. It is your guide to the wealth of information to be found in the Watch Tower Society’s publications released during 1963. It covers all issues of The Watchtower and Awake! for the year, as well as the books “Babylon the Great Has Fallen!” God’s Kingdom Rules!, “All Scripture Is Inspired of God and Beneficial,” 1964 Yearbook of Jehovah’s Witnesses and Report on “Everlasting Good News” Assembly of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Send for your copy. It is only 10c.

“WATCHTOWER” STUDIES FOR THE WEEKS

March 15: Messengers of Liberation. Page 72.

March 22: The Comely Feet of the Messengers. Page 79.