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 signalling the imminence of the "Day of Jehovah" take place worldwide, the "joy and gladness" of receiving spiritual "food" from Him has been withheld while spirit apostasy still exists within His spiritual "land". (1:14-16 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 are in a "sackcloth" condition. (1:9,13 NEB). We are told to: "Proclaim a solemn fast" and to summon all the inhabitants of the "land" to come to the house of Jehovah to cry for spiritual aid. (1:14. See NEB). Through this "solemn fast" inhabitants of His spiritual "land" repent and come back to Jehovah with all their hearts.

Those who have chosen to open their hearts to apostates falsely claiming to inhabit His spiritual "land" (that are not of spiritual "Israel") and have refused help to those who truly are of His "land" (faithful anointed ministers of the house of Jehovah. 1:13,14), have "wandered in confusion". (1:18). These congregations, "the droves of the sheep", have been "the ones made to bear guilt". This "solemn fast" is for those calling to Jehovah for spiritual aid through anointed ministers of His house. (1:14). Jehovah will only be a refuge to His people, "a fortress for the sons of Israel". (3:16). We need His Spirit and spiritual instruction.

As to one's spirit sanctification, 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 to those who truly repent will Jehovah leave behind the blessing of "cleansed grain" (His spiritual instruction) more than enough for "grain-offering and drink offering" to Him.

HAR-MA.GED'ON IS THIEFLIKE.
As to their rebellious spirit aspect, Har-Ma.ged'on is where all nations are being gathered. With reference to the imminence of the "Day of Jehovah", the following scriptural prophecies are being fulfilled: The desolation of Ethiopia and surrounding lands; the confounding of Egypt and its leaders (Isaiah Ch.18 & 19); the judgement of God upon Tyre and Sidon (3:4); bringing to an end the "contemptible creature" and "warrior king" of Iran (Dan 11:3,21 NEB); denunciation of the "evil slave" or "man of lawlessness" the "disgusting thing" of false witnesses "standing in a holy place" (Matt 24:15. 25:45. 2 Thess 2:3); the fulfilment of Revelation 11:13 with the great earthquake of Mexico City; the unclean demonic expressions of satan gathering political rulers of the "image of the wild beast" and the sectarian "false prophet" against the judicial decisions of God, those not written in the Lamb's "scroll of life". (Rev 13:8. 16:13,14).

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. This will cause lamentation and bitter grief for those whose spirit rebellion is comparable to those responsible for the death of The Christ. (Zech 12:10).

The continuing desolation of Ethiopia indicates their spirit rebellion against God has become too great for them to achieve repentance through a "solemn fast" and calling upon His Name. When cities of the nations have fallen (Rev 16:19) will mankind still rebel against Jehovah until He scourges them and withholds "pouring rain"? (Zech 14:17). The fulfilment of "the curse" of the "Little Scroll" (both sides) will complete its work. (Zech 5:3,4. Rev Ch.10).

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

11/3/86.