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ANOINTED ONES PROPHESIED
IN A "SACKCLOTH" CONDITION.
FASTING IN SACKCLOTH. (From Isaiah 58:3-14
NEB).
The purpose of fasting
is not "that a man should bow his head like a bulrush and make his bed on
sackcloth and ashes". The manner of fast our Heavenly Father accepts is
that we "loose the fetters of injustice" and break the
"yoke" of wickedness, that we set free the oppressed, share our food
with the hungry, take in the homeless poor, and clothe the naked. It means to
cease perverting justice by pointing the accusing finger and laying false
charges. We must remove the "yoke" of wickedness and oppression
and refuse to rely upon falsehood. Righteous deeds are required, not
self-excusing words. (James 2:14-18 &
24).
PROPHESYING IN "SACKCLOTH". (From Rev
11:3-13).
The prophesying
work of the "two witnesses" of God spiritually "devours"
enemies seeking to do them harm. During the designated period of the 1,260 days
they had the power to "strike the earth at will with every kind of plague." (Rev 11:1-6 NEB).
Included in their work has been to prophesy and warn of calamities from God, and
call upon people to repent and avert further calamity. As His witnesses did
"strike" sinners with knowledge of the righteous indignation of God
against them, there is urgent need for their repentance and reconciliation to
God before His coming wrath upon all the earth. (Mal 4:5,6
NEB). It
should be noted that while faithful anointed sons of God prophesied in a
"sackcloth" condition, they did not literally wear a sackcloth garment.
There was no need, for what was once carried out literally was but a
"shadow" of things to come. Such literal observances have been
superseded by their spiritual fulfilment and reality in Christ. (Col 2:16,17.
Heb 10:1).
Jehovah gives the order to His
anointed priestly ministers to "call together a solemn assembly"
of all the inhabitants of His spiritual "land" to come to the
house of Jehovah and cry for spiritual aid. (Joel 1:14) (See NEB).
Through this "solemn fast" they are to repent and come back to
Jehovah with all their hearts, calling upon Him for spiritual aid through
anointed ministers of His house. But before
one is able to repent, one must
have heartfelt regret over one's sins. For to ritualistically mimic a sacred
ordinance of God, is in itself a sin. Unless those guilty of glorifying God
merely with their lips are made fully conscious of it, and as a congregation
accept correction, why call a "solemn fast"? (Isaiah 58:3. 29:13). There is urgent need for the "other sheep, which are not of this
fold" to be spiritually sanctified before the awesome Day of God. (John 10:16. Rev 22:14 NEB).
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A FEAR-INSPIRING WARNING "IN THAT DAY". (Joel
2:1,2). |
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There are two ways that one may
fast: |
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(1) |
"And
this is what will prove to be the scourge with which Jehovah will scourge all
the peoples that will actually do military service (warring)
against (spiritual) Jerusalem: There will be a rotting away of
one's flesh, while one is standing upon one's feet; and one's very eyes will rot
away in their sockets, and one's very tongue will rot away in one's mouth."
(Zech 14:12). Or: |
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(2) |
"Proclaim a solemn fast" "Call together a solemn assembly" "Sanctify a
congregation." "Gather together the older men, all the inhabitants of the
land, to the house of Jehovah your God, and cry to Jehovah for aid."
(From Joel 1:14 and
2:15,16 NWT & NEB). |
Which one will you choose?
31/10/88.
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