G12.07.88.htm

(Cont. from Page 11/7/88).

HOW OUR LORD IS TAUNTING AND DESTROYING
THOSE CONTEMPTUOUS OF HIS LAW.

CONTEMPT: RISKING LIVES TO EXTRACT OIL.
Example: King David expressed a longing for water. Subsequently, three men risked their lives to bring water to him, but he refused to drink it. He said, "They have brought it at the risk of their lives." (1 Chron 11:17-19 NEB).

Every day, thousands of men knowingly risk their lives to extract oil. This contempt for human life is an offence before God. As to the inequalities that oil promotes throughout the world, it swells the coffers of the greedy few over the deprived masses.

But such organizations of industry and commerce are among the houses destined for demolition by the sent curse from Almighty God against lawbreakers. For they are among those "stealing" according to one side of the "flying scroll" described in the prophecy of Zechariah 5:1-4.

Unlike our need for water, no one has need for oil to sustain life, so there are no legitimate grounds for risking lives in the dangerous pursuit of oil extraction at sea. To be free of any bloodguilt, David poured out to Jehovah the water brought to him. Those three men had risked their very lives to obtain it! This teaching is for all mankind, as a living example, that we must never put our lives or the lives of others at risk, for fear of offending Almighty God. In relation to those involved in the 'Piper Alpha' disaster, for having ignored this truth and contemptuously risking lives "all these will have to learn the truth through torments after death", just as it is written concerning all who show contempt for God. (Read 2 Esdras 9:7-12 NEB). But "because of the oil" their "yoke" will be wrecked. (Isaiah 10:27 NWT & NEB footnote).

CONTEMPT: RISKING LIVES IN AIR AND SPACE TRAVEL.
The inferno of the Manchester airliner disaster, before the aircraft had even become airborne, was sufficient evidence of the extreme risk and disregard for human life undertaken in this form of travel. Even greater is the risk of space travel, as was made evident by the explosion of the space shuttle 'Challenger' costing more lives.

The Bradford City football ground disaster was evidence of the indignation of God against the riotous behaviour and idol worship that these types of gatherings promote.

The Mexico City earthquake of 1985 revealed the anger of our God against the excessive wickedness of that city, especially in their worship of false gods. This disaster served as an indicator of the work being carried out by the one "whom the Most High has held in readiness through many ages" to deliver people of God. (2 Esdras 13:26. Rev 11:13).

The angel of God spoke of the last days of this "Esau" age through Ezra (Esdras): "Keep a careful count yourself... When the world becomes the scene of earthquakes, insurrections, plots among the nations, unstable government, panic among rulers… then you will recognize these as the events which the Most High has foretold... their beginning is marked by portents and miracles, their end by manifestations of power." (2 Esdras 9:1-6 NEB).

CONTEMPT (1) The action of contemning or despising; the mental attitude in which
a thing is considered as of little account, or vile or worthless.

(2) Disobedience or open disrespect to the authority or lawful commands
of the Sovereign. (Oxford dictionary).

12/7/88.