GOD'S SACRED SECRET:

Part 2

"The Man From Bozrah”

(Isaiah 63: 1-9)

Thus far, we've been discussing what's referred to by bible scholars as the "Servant" Prophecies. These "Servant" Prophecies are mentioned several times in the book of Isaiah. For example, Isaiah 42:1-9, also Isaiah 49:1-9, Isaiah 50:4-11, Isaiah 52:13 - Isaiah 53:12, Isaiah 61:1-3, and Isaiah 63:1-9.

Most would readily agree with the fact that these "Servant" Prophecies, were in most cases, fulfilled by Jesus Christ. Yes, his life and ministry fulfilled much concerning these prophecies.

However, if we make a close examination of the "Servant" Prophecies, we notice detail aspects, that are still not fully understood, for our day and time. (James 1:25) For example, the trip to "Bozrah," a primary city of Edom, mentioned in the 63rd chapter of Isaiah. Of course, the bible makes no mention of Jesus ever going there at all, nor any other prophet of God, for that matter and having this angry, violent, bloody encounter as the prophecy foretold.

In fact, this bible account actually says:

¹ Who is this one coming from E′dom, the one with garments of glowing colors from Boz′rah, this one who is honorable in his clothing, marching in the abundance of his power? “I, the One speaking in righteousness, the One abounding [in power] to save.”

² Why is it that your clothing is red, and your garments are like those of one treading in the winepress?

³ “The wine trough I have trodden by myself, while there was no man with me from the peoples. And I kept treading them in my anger, and I kept trampling them down in my rage. And their spurting blood kept spattering upon my garments, and all my clothing I have polluted.

⁴ For the day of vengeance is in my heart, and the very year of my repurchased ones has come.

⁵ And I kept looking, but there was no helper; and I began to show myself astonished, but there was no one offering support. So my arm furnished me salvation, and my rage was what supported me.

⁶ And I kept stamping down peoples in my anger, and I proceeded to make them drunk with my rage and to bring down to the earth their spurting blood.”

⁷ The loving-kindnesses of Jehovah I shall mention, the praises of Jehovah, according to all that Jehovah has rendered to us, even the abundant goodness to the house of Israel that he has rendered to them according to his mercies and according to the abundance of his loving-kindnesses. (Isaiah 63:1-7 NWT)

Based upon what we know of Jesus' earthly ministry, and other prophets as well, we have no written record of any one carrying out the particular activities described above.

Could this be perhaps, a future happening, left to be fulfilled in modern times by some UNKNOWN figure?

And there are many other points like this, that we find are of special interest to bible scholars, as mentioned in the "Servant" Prophecies, that appears to have not been completely fulfilled as of yet.

Then, there are very unique statements taken from the "Servant" Prophecies that have been made, that would be considered "peculiar" or strange, if we tried to apply them to Jesus Christ.

The "Servant" Prophecy of Isaiah 49:1-9 -- Is It About Jesus Christ?

Case in point:

Isaiah 49:1-4 which says,

¹ Listen to me, O YOU islands, and pay attention, YOU national groups far away. Jehovah himself has called me even from the belly. From the inward parts of my mother he has made mention of my name.

² And he proceeded to make my mouth like a sharp sword. In the shadow of his hand he has hidden me. And he gradually made me a polished arrow. He concealed me in his own quiver.

³ And he went on to say to me: “You are my servant, O Israel, you the one in whom I shall show my beauty.”

⁴ But as for me, I said: “It is for nothing that I have toiled. For unreality and vanity I have used up my own power. Truly my judgment is with Jehovah, and my wages with my God.”

In Verse 4 above, it is foretold that the "Servant" would say these words to Jehovah, when first called for his assigned ministry to represent God to Israel and "raise up the tribes of Jacob."

He says, "...But as for me, I said: it is for nothing that I have toiled. For unreality and vanity I have used up my own power..."

That's "unreality" and "vanity" the Servant of God has "used up his power", before Jehovah. God is witness to this fact.

Now after reading, we must ponder and ask ourselves:

When did Jesus Christ ever say to Jehovah he had "toiled for nothing?" Also, when did Jesus ever say to Jehovah, he had "used up his own power" in the search for "VANITY" and total "UNREALITY"?

Now bible scholars have grappled with these words, trying to explain them, as having some application to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and his earthly ministry. But we know, that so far on record, these words as best we can tell, actually never came forth or proceeded from the lips of Jesus Christ, when speaking to Jehovah. And that would cover all time periods, either before coming to earth, during his earthly ministry, nor after his earthly ministry while in heaven. That's before, during or after.

It would be INSANITY on our parts, to think that Jesus Christ, had become, at any time, so discouraged, that he would say something like this to God. In fact, even when he was faced with imminent death at the hands of his enemies, his most grueling hour of test, can you imagine Jesus saying in prayer to Jehovah,

"Well Jehovah now you know...I have slaved for you, but it seems it has been FOR NOTHING, and for total UNREALITY and VANITY."

Can you imagine Jesus ever saying such a thing to Almighty God? That means Jesus would have admitted TOTAL DEFEAT, and Satan would have won. After considering that scenario, I don't think we SHOULD even imagine something like that about Jesus' personal faith and integrity. And yet, by necessity, we have to do so, if we say Jesus Christ FULFILLED the contents of Isaiah 49:4 about the "Servant" prophecy.

That's why we recall Jesus was continually praying for his disciples, even at the end of his life. Praying that they stay strong, and that they his disciples "STAY AWAKE" because of the wicked one (Satan) that was coming. He also prayed to his father, that his disciples stay in Union with one another, like he was in union with his heavenly father -- and to "watch over" them and keep them "IN THE NAME" of the father. (John 17:11)

In other words, JESUS WAS CONCERNED ABOUT OTHERS, others, his weakened, sleeping disciples, others and NOT about himself, even up to his death.

 

No, Jesus was never that discouraged, as we read of the foretold coming "Servant" of Isaiah 49:1-9. A mere man, that was beaten down, and wore out by the brazen, outright wickedness of modern-day "Israel" of our times.

But more importantly, and to the point, we remember these words of discouragement were supposedly spoken when Jehovah FIRST OFFERED, that's first offered, the assignment and ministry to the "Servant" of Isaiah 49:1-9. And not at Jesus' death.

Actually bible prophecy reveals, the "Servant", after uttering these words of total discouragement, still goes on, AFTER expressing great regret to Jehovah, then goes on to faithfully and dutifully carry out God's Will for him, namely to spiritually "RAISE UP THE TRIBES OF JACOB", and "BRING THEM BACK" to God. He braces himself to do MORE work for God, and works to spiritually "restore" them, this earthly Israel, from spiritual degradation and apostasy. And happily, in the end, the "Servant" would lead the entire nation to Almighty God's Everlasting Favor, just as God wanted all the time. (See Isaiah 49:5, 6.) So, Jehovah's Will prevailed in the end, DESPITE the discouragement of the "Servant" when the assignment was first offered to him.

So we can see, the actual scenario, when carefully examined, is quite different from what bible scholars suggest about this prophetic scene of Isaiah 49:4.

So, based upon such like thoughts and ideas vividly described for us within the "Servant" Prophecies, then what is suggested by the YORWW Congregation is possibly this: could there be more to the story, to the prophecies themselves than meets the eye, that very possibly, is left to be fulfilled in our day and time? That's the question.

"He That Puts faith In Me...Out From His Inmost Parts Streams Of Living Waters Will Flow." 

-- John 7:38

From our examination of the Holy Scriptures, the "Servant" Prophecies themselves, do actually show us the truth, that some unknown human coming forth as a modern day "Sprout" or "Twig," in a greater antitypical sense to an anti-typical nation of "Israel", just like Jesus came in a typical sense to God's Name People, the nation of Israel in the first century. And of course having this frame of mind, this could assist us to better understand the foretold future activity of the coming "Spirit of Truth" for our day. -- Isaiah 4:2; Isaiah 11:1; Isaiah 53:2; Ezekiel 17:22-24; Zechariah 3:8; Zechariah 6:12, 13

To be sure, even Jesus Christ himself, made reference to the "Spirit" being a person, a human. Let's notice John 7:38, 39 which says:

"He that puts faith in me, just as the Scripture has said, 'Out from his inmost part streams of living water will flow.' However, he said this concerning the spirit which those who put faith in him were about to receive; for as yet there was no spirit, because Jesus had not yet been glorified." -- John 7:38, 39

In the above passage, Jesus is making an interesting point. Did you notice that Jesus compares the person or one that truly believes or has "faith" in him, as being one in whom "from his INMOST PART streams of living water will flow," did you notice that? So then, these "living waters" actually "flow" from this one....from inside this person. Next, John under inspiration, makes the point that Jesus himself was referring to yes, to the future activity of the "Spirit," when it comes -- either in the first century, or in our day and time, either way. In this way, we begin to think two-dimensionally, and see this as a “paradigm” or a "beside example," type and anti-type wherein we compare activity of the holy spirit in the first century and its "restorative works, with activity of the Modern Day "Servant" and his efforts of "restoration" as the foretold "Elijah."

Steams

of

Living Waters

So, the vital connection is made between one, who is coming, one who has genuine "faith" in Jesus, as a footstep follower of Jesus. He "believes in" Jesus when a renegade, apostate "world" does not, as John 16:8, 9 shows. And from this one, from the "spirit of truth," yes from his "inmost parts," yes "streams of living water would flow" -- from this particular "believer" in Christ or person who has genuine "faith" in Jesus. -- Please compare Isaiah 53:1 with John 7:38, 39.

The Holy Spirit As A "Leader" For First Century Christians

Therefore, this one, for all practical purposes, becomes, the "spirit" for the congregation. Because the nation of Israel is now in apostasy, he thus becomes, the "helper," the "counselor" for the congregation of Jesus' followers -- those originally admitted into the "Christian Covenant" and originally "purchased" by the precious blood of Jesus as spiritual "Israel." Yes, he becomes "another helper", as Jesus said would come. Yes, "another helper" just as Jesus was the original "helper" at first, to guide the congregation, and lead it, as Messiah. And, just as the "holy spirit," at Pentecost, also became a "helper" and led the first century Christians, in the absence of Jesus in bodily form, who was now resurrected to heavenly life. Yes, now after Jesus leaves earthly life, yes, the "holy spirit" now leads the congregation, in the same manner as Jesus did while on earth in person. In short, the "holy spirit" itself, became to first century Christians, the leader and the last word for them, in deciding matters of faith, and for gaining general direction and edification of the congregation toward complete spiritual "restoration" in the first century. -- Please consider Acts 3:19-21; Acts 5:3; Acts 9:31; Acts 13:2; Acts 15:28; Acts 16:6; Acts 20:23, 28; Acts 21:11.

We recall, Jesus was the first "helper" for the congregation. And now, the "spirit" becomes "another helper", like Jesus that becomes a messiah-leader for the first century congregation. Thus, in that sense, the "spirit" could be personified in the first century by inspired men, since one day, "another helper" God would send to assist his wayward people of the nation of Israel, in the last days. So the "spirit" was personified and referred many times by Jesus and the apostles, as with pronouns as "him" or "he", yes "he" the spirit, indicating the future coming of a "person" a human to act as the modern day counterpart of the holy spirit of the first century. Yes, he would take on that role, in our modern day times. -- See John 14:16, 26; John 15:26; John 16:7-9, 13-15

To further that thought, we recall Jesus also said:

Again, the thought is planted by Jesus himself, that this coming one, is to be properly understood to be, first in the first century God's Holy Spirit, given as a "helper" or leader for the congregation. And yet later, in our day, it is to be understood as the reality of God's promise, that is through one individual, a coming "prophet" like Moses, yes the coming one referred to as "Elijah" that becomes the one that "restores all things."

He become the one that "receives from" Jesus something very, very special. Something so special that he even "declares it" to God's people Israel. This one "receives" from Jesus, the Davidic Right, the right to govern Israel, who in turn will one day govern the entire earth. Yes, again, a person that would be given such an honor and privilege, by Jesus, and would as Jesus said, would "glorify" Jesus too. Yes, because he would recognize and teach all others that it was through the righteous shed blood of Jesus, that all of this was even made possible. So yes, he would "glorify" Jesus too. Yes, this "he," the "spirit of truth" then becomes the one that "declares" this given right, and all of this information, yes, to earthly Israel. Praise Jah! -- John 16:14, 15

But at this point, someone might say,

"...But there is absolutely nothing to demonstrate beyond all refutation that the "spirit of truth" which will be present in the closing days of this system of things will prove to be a human. Rather, did not Jesus himself say:

For where there are two or three gathered together in my name, there I am in their midst.”--Matthew 18:20 (NWT)

And, look! I am with YOU all the days until the conclusion of the system of things.”--Matthew 28:20b (NWT)

But the helper, the holy spirit, which the Father will send in my name, that one will teach YOU all things and bring back to YOUR minds all the things I told YOU. --John 14:26

Yes, these are interesting thoughts that many would consider to be quite correct at this point, and therefore must be addressed.

Well, first of all, the YORWW Congregation, then would agree with that conclusion. But yet there is more to the story.

You see, we know Jesus was with first century Christians, and demonstrated his presence by allowing the "holy spirit" to act as a comforter, a counselor, a leader for the congregation. The "holy spirit" in the first century IN JESUS' ABSENCE, then acted in Jesus' behalf, to act in his absence, as a leader-messiah to lead the congregation. That's why Jesus said that if he did not leave, the "holy spirit" would not come to the congregation -- why? Well, the congregation simply wouldn't need the "spirit's" presence, since Jesus, the Messiah, was right there present in physical form, to guide the congregation and act as its head. So, if Jesus was there in person, then, there would not have been any need to "send" the "spirit" at all, to the first century congregation. No, because Jesus would have been there, in the flesh, leading the congregation! -- See John 16:7.

Further John himself point blank said about things in the first century:

"...for as yet there was no spirit, because Jesus had not yet been glorified." -- John 7:38, 39

No, John clearly said, "there was no spirit" in the first century, before Jesus was to be "glorified" in a sacrificial death. So then, there simply was no "spirit" there, all the time Jesus was there.

Thus, after Pentecost, we can say: Jesus was "present" or "with" the first century congregation, even though he was in heaven, and the "spirit" was operated and leading the congregation of the first century. Isn't that true?

Also we can say this too:

It was AFTER Pentecost that the real "restoration" of Israel of the first century, began -- yes right after Pentecost, when the "holy spirit" was put in charge of the spiritual growth of the first century congregation! Isn't that true? And likewise today, yes, the "Spirit of Truth" or "Elijah" is sent to God's Name People of our day, to fully "restore all things." Think about it!

So, just as it is true that Jesus could be "present" with his followers in the first century, with the "spirit" acting as a leader down here on earth, during that time -- then today, Jesus could do the same, for us. Therefore, Jesus' absence in bodily form from the earth, would not necessarily preclude or interrupt the ministry of the "Spirit of Truth" at all, at any time among his followers today, just as it didn't in the first century -- and yes, all the time, the "Spirit" leads the repentant congregation of modern day 'Israel" back from spiritual "apostasy." -- Matthew 19:28

Palingensis – A “Regeneration," Or "Restoration" Work Of "Elijah"

– Matthew 17:11; Matthew 19:28

Again, we of the YORWW Congregation say spiritual "restoration," or the "restoring of all things," is brought about by the ministry of the "Spirit of Truth" in our day, which is one in the same with the foretold ministry of the coming "Elijah" mentioned by Jesus in Matthew 17:11. This one that Jesus himself said, would "restore all things." Yes, this "Elijah" that the prophet Malachi spoke of, that was to come just "before the great and fear-inspiring Day of Jehovah" was to come -- yes, his coming. As Malachi 4:5 says:

"Look! I am sending to you people Elijah the prophet BEFORE the coming of the great and fear-inspiring day of Jehovah."

"Elijah", the prophecy indicates, comes BEFORE the "great and fear-inspiring day of Jehovah." And we know, that "great and fear-inspiring day of Jehovah" is still, a much anticipated FUTURE EVENT for all of us. Jesus Christ, the bible informs, actually BRINGS the "great and fear-inspiring day of Jehovah" upon mankind. This we know. So, then who is this one that is referred to as "Elijah", that actually comes BEFORE that day?

That's the question we must be concerned about.

Then, there is the statement that Jesus himself said about the coming "Elijah" and his coming "FIRST", first as the disciples asked in Matthew 17:10. Jesus responds in Verse 11,

"...Elijah indeed, is coming and will restore ALL THINGS."

Why does Jesus Christ himself, acknowledge above that there will appear upon earth, another "Elijah", a future great prophet of Jehovah -- that will among other things, actually "restore ALL things?" That's restore all things. "Restore" in a spiritual sense. A spiritual "restoration" as Matthew 19:28 shows, all the while Jesus resides in heaven. (Please see footnote in NWT large print on "recreation" [Greek: palingenesis ] for Matthew 19:28.)

In fact Matthew 19:28 says,

"Jesus said to them: Truly I say to you, in the re-creation, when the Son of man sits down upon his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also yourselves sit upon twelve thrones, JUDGING the twelve tribes of Israel."

Now, we must ask: Is Jesus saying, IT WAS TO BE UNDERSTOOD AS EARLY AS THE FIRST CENTURY, that he and his apostles would actually "judge" from a heavenly vantage point, a future, foretold earthly "12 tribes of Israel" that needed a "re-creation"?

Also, is it possible that Jesus Christ and his apostles IN HEAVEN were foretold to carry out for Jehovah, a "judging" work from heaven toward some OTHER foretold nation of "Israel" which AT THE SAME TIME was in existence ON EARTH, and needed great spiritual help? A earthly nation of Israel, which needs a spiritual "re-creation" or palingenesis, a "regeneration," a spiritual "rebirth," a spiritual renovation or spiritual restoration before Almighty God? All the while Jesus and the apostles, have agreed to "judge" from the heavens, this "Israel" who had greatly offended God?

Do you think Jesus is saying that he and his apostles would from a heavenly vantage point, actually have to "judge" an earthly "12 tribes of Israel" because of their committing SPIRITUAL APOSTASY before God? Could Jesus have been saying such a thing, do you think?

Now think: Would Jesus have said such a thing, if he himself, PERSONALLY, that's personally in his glorified state, was going to complete the job of spiritual "restoration" for Israel, and personally come down from heaven to do this? Why would Jesus say this, if he knew he was going to personally COME OUT OF HEAVEN, leave his glorious existence and so that he could carry out the duties of the foretold "Spirit of Truth", and personally spiritually "restore" his people in the last days, and personally "guide" them "into ALL TRUTH, "declare the things coming" for them, as the "Spirit of Truth" is foretold to do? Why would Jesus Personally do the things HE HIMSELF SAID the great "Elijah" was assigned to do BEFORE the "coming of the great and fear-inspiring day of Jehovah" that Jesus Christ brings? -- See John 16:13; Malachi 4:5.

Of course, we've heard statements by Jehovah's Witnesses, who recognize the serious problems associated with the recently revealed, 

Governing Body's Hidden 10-Year [Affair] Liaison With The United Nations As A Secret NGO [Non Governmental Organization] Publicity Agent With The Department Of Public Information,

wherein statements are made that maybe, Jesus Christ himself will come back, to in, IN PERSON, to correct, "restore" the congregation of Israel, Jehovah's Witnesses of our time.

But let's consider this.

Jesus said:

"...but the helper, the holy spirit, which the Father will send in my name, that one will teach YOU all things and bring back to YOUR minds all the things I told YOU." -- John 14:26

This verse makes an excellent point, as well as John 15:26 which shows Jehovah God & Jesus Christ, will yes, actually "send" the "Spirit of Truth" to earth, to act as a "helper".

Now, let's assume then, this "helper", the holy spirit, is personified within the person of the glorified Jesus Christ, who will now act to personally "restore" the congregation of apostate Jehovah's Witnesses. Well, if we are satisfied that this conclusion is correct, then let's figure out the following:

"When the helper arrives that I WILL SEND YOU from the Father, the spirit of the truth, which proceeds from the Father, that one will bear witness about me..." -- John 15:26

 

This verse makes an excellent point, as well as John 15:26 which shows Jehovah God & Jesus Christ, will yes, actually "send" the "Spirit of Truth" to earth, to act as a "helper".

Now, let's assume then, this "helper", the holy spirit, is personified within the person of the glorified Jesus Christ, who will now act to personally "restore" the congregation of apostate Jehovah's Witnesses. Well, if we are satisfied that this conclusion is correct, then let's figure out the following:

"When the helper arrives that I WILL SEND YOU from the Father, the spirit of the truth, which proceeds from the Father, that one will bear witness about me..." -- John 15:26

It shows above that Jesus Christ, actually "sends" the "helper", the "spirit of the truth" which indeed "proceeds from the Father" to earth.

Is Jesus going to "SEND" himself? Would you say that is a reasonable conclusion to reach?

Yes, we must ask: Do we personally believe that Jesus is saying he, Jesus, would find it necessary one day, to "SEND" HIMSELF TO EARTH, as a "helper", as the "Spirit of Truth", also as the coming "Elijah", the one who "restores ALL THINGS," -- all the while AT THE SAME TIME, he is also ON HIS GLORIOUS THRONE IN HEAVEN supposedly "judging" the apostate "12 tribes of Israel" who are on earth and in need of a spiritual "re-creation"? Is that what Jesus is saying? -- Matthew 19:28; Malachi 4:5; John 15:26; John 16:13.

[For in-depth consideration of the coming "Palin-Genesis" of all Jehovah's Witnesses from apostasy, please see the article entitled Jehovah's Witnesses Re-Generated As A Nation From Apostasy!" at this link: viewtopic.php?f=3&t=6 ]

End of Part 2.

GOD'S SACRED SECRET:

THE "SPIRIT OF TRUTH" & "ELIJAH"

Part 3

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