January 16 2007

[barry]

Todays text:

Proverbs 4:18 - "But the path of the righteous ones is like the bright light that is getting lighter and lighter until the day is firmly established."

So, most of us know how this text is applied.

Example from WT 2000/4/1:
'The current organisation of Jehovah's witnesses has been sensitive for the guidance of Gods holy spirit for more than a century. In accordance with progressive enlightment from Jehovah's spirit, the witnesses willingly apply the needed changes to adapt to the changed understanding.'

Example from WT 2005/08/15:
'The same applies for christendom. Just as the jews in the first century they have 'a zeal for God, but not according to accurate knowledge' (Rom 10:2). While some study the bible, they don't want to believe what is written in it. They refuse to accept that God teaches his people via the faithful and discreet slave class of anointed christians (Matth 24:45). We do understand that God teaches his people and that comprehension of the Godly truth always develops progressively (Prov 4:18). By allowing Jehovah to teach us, we are blessed with knowledge of His will and intention.'

What do you think about today's text?

I'm looking forward to your comments.

much love,
Barry

PS all quotes are translated from Dutch, so don't look at grammar or spelling mistakes ;)

[Molly]

Good Morning Barry-

Thank you for posting this scripture. It is one of my favorites, but not in the way the WTS uses it.

It is not about any prophetic insight getting brighter. If the scripture is read in context it is about individual application of God's word in ones life that affords an individual freedom from the missteps of that perplex the unrighteous. As a comparison verse 19 says: "The way of the wicked ones is like the gloom; they have not known at what they keep stumbling." It is simply a contrast between those who apply God's word and those who don't. The context of verses 14-19 compares the activities of the wicked with the activities of the righteous.

Just as with Ps. 119: 105 "Your word is a lamp to my foot, And a light to my roadway," application of God's word will allow us to avoid the pitfalls that Satan would have us fall into. The light allows us to see what is going on and avoid disaster.

Hopefully, we add some new spiritual insight to our lives each day. I don't know what they meant by adapting to changed understanding. They have known what his requirements are for the last century and they haven't changed. If they are referring to prophecy, then you can decide for yourself how much light the FDS have. Certainly Christendom is in darkness. It reminds me of Matt. 6: 23(B): "If in reality the light that is in you is darkness, how great that darkness is!"

Molly

[Jeshurun]

Hi Barry

This scripture is clearly speaking about our spirituality, not prophecies. But as far as the WT's applying it to prophecies, from what I've seen over the last 30 years or so, it seems to be getting darker, with each second that ticks us further away from 1914.

Aside from that, it's a wonderful illustration of how our spirituality matures.

Lou