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Serving with the Faithful “Slave”The Watchtower—1977 | January 1
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Happy is the one that stays awake and keeps his outer garments, that he may not walk naked and people look upon his shamefulness.” That would be disastrous! Therefore, the “slave” class will continue to encourage all lovers of truth to put on, and keep on, “garments” that identify them as those who serve God with zeal and “in true righteousness and loyalty.” Such zealous, loyal service will keep us in the place of spiritual security now, and result in our being saved from destruction at Har–Magedon.—Rev. 16:14-16; Eph. 4:24.
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“Girded” for the Work AheadThe Watchtower—1977 | January 1
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“Girded” for the Work Ahead
“Stand firm . . . with your loins girded about with truth.”—Eph. 6:14.
1. Why would the Master’s slaves be made happy?
IT WAS in Judea, probably during the fall of 32 C.E., that Jesus told his disciples: “Happy are those slaves whom the master on arriving finds watching! Truly I say to you, He will gird himself and make them recline at the table and will come alongside and minister to them. And if he arrives in the second watch, even if in the third, and finds them thus, happy are they!” (Luke 12:37, 38) Even if earlier expectations of the Master’s coming were not fulfilled, they were to keep on watching right into the third watch—the darkest hour that precedes the dawn.—Compare Matthew 25:13.
2. What calls for the slaves to be vigilant?
2 Though this period of awaiting the arrival of Jesus, the Son of man, should stretch beyond early expectations, his thieflike approach is certain! None should be lulled into thinking that it is indefinitely delayed. That hour must strike! As Jesus himself assures us: “Know this, that if the householder had known at what hour the thief would come, he would have kept watching and not have let his house be broken into. You also, keep ready, because at an hour that you do not think likely the Son of man is coming.”—Luke 12:39, 40.
3. What is required in addition to keeping awake? (1 Pet. 1:13)
3 However, Jesus’ watchful slaves are to do more than simply keep awake. Just as the Master ‘girds himself’ to minister to them, so he expects them to be “girded” for service. He tells them: “Let your loins be girded and your lamps be burning, and you yourselves be like men waiting for their master.” (Luke 12:35, 36) Our diligence in doing these things will result in our being counted “happy” at the Master’s coming.
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