14. (a) Prophecy often has what initial, secondary and final fulfillments? (b) How is a spiritual fulfillment seen, and why is this important?

¹⁴ We also want to remember the general framework within which many prophecies are fulfilled. First, they had a literal fulfillment in their own day. Secondly, they had a later fulfillment when Jesus was on earth, seen in such events as his miraculous birth, the work of John the Baptist, and Jesus’ own quotation of a passage referring to his preaching commission. (Isa. 7:14; 40:3; 61:1, 2; Matt. 1:18-23; 3:1-3; Luke 4:17-21) Additionally, Paul and others show that certain prophecies applied to the Christian congregation as a spiritual Israel, the real “seed of Abraham my friend.” As Paul said: “The children in the flesh are not really the children of God, but the children by the promise [like Isaac] are counted as the seed.” He also said: “If you [Christians] belong to Christ, you are really Abraham’s seed.” (Rom. 9:8; Gal. 3:29) It is essential to accept this inspired guidance when we consider the final and major fulfillment of these prophecies now and in the near future. Only by doing so can you respond to Jehovah’s invitation to work with him and his Son. By doing so, you can “become steadfast, unmovable, always having plenty to do in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in connection with the Lord.”​—1 Cor. 15:58.

15. In what fullness of capacity does Jehovah reveal himself?

¹⁵ See in what a full capacity Jehovah reveals himself in this latter part of Isaiah’s prophecy. In human procreation, it is the father who provides the new life. He starts it off, but it is the mother who provides and nourishes the body for that new life, formed within her during pregnancy. Also after birth, it is she who is mainly responsible for its further care and feeding. With Jehovah, however, he is not only the initial Creator of his servant. Speaking to his servant, he refers to himself by seven different titles, as “your Creator . . . your Former . . . your God . . . your Savior . . . the Repurchaser of you people . . . your Holy One . . . your King.” He emphasizes his role as Former, saying: “This is what Jehovah has said, your Maker and your Former, who kept helping you even from the belly.”​—Isa. 43:1, 3, 14, 15; 44:2; see also Isaiah 44:21, 24.

16. (a) How did God early on form and repurchase his people Israel? (b) In this respect, what was the situation in Isaiah’s day?

¹⁶ This had a beginning with God’s ancient people. Commencing with Jacob’s twelve sons, God began to form them as a people, and preserved them during their long stay in Egypt. That period could be likened to a pregnancy, preceding their birth as a nation at Mount Sinai, with the giving of a national code of laws, embodied in the Law covenant. God was also their Repurchaser, delivering his people by force when Pharaoh refused to let them go. In fact, Pharaoh had to pay the price in the death of his firstborn son, also Egypt in the loss of her army at the Red Sea. (Ex. 4:23; Isa. 43:3) In Isaiah’s day, seven centuries later, a new situation had arisen, giving Jehovah’s titles added significance. Both the kingdoms of Israel and of Judah were guilty of gross idolatry and lawlessness. Judah went into captivity to Babylon, who reckoned to hold them as slaves forever. Jehovah lovingly promised to wipe out the transgressions of his people, declaring himself to be “your Repurchaser and the Former of you from the belly.” He even foretold long in advance how and by whom this would be done, that he was “the One saying of Cyrus, ‘He is my shepherd, and all that I delight in he will completely carry out’; even in my saying of Jerusalem, ‘She will be rebuilt,’ and of the temple, ‘You will have your foundation laid.”’ (Isa. 44:21-28) The remnant who returned in due course from Babylon had a share in this grand work, and, though many were lacking in faith, what a delight it was to such faithful servants as Zechariah and others to help bring this work to a successful conclusion.​—Zech. 4:9, 10.

17. What similarly happened with the early Christian congregation?

¹⁷ Like things happened with the early Christian congregation. Commencing with the disciples of John the Baptist, and on through Jesus’ ministry, God was preparing and forming a body of people to become a “holy nation,” spiritual Israel. (1 Pet. 2:9; Gal. 6:16) The birth of that nation occurred at Pentecost, 33 C.E., when they were brought into the new covenant, and received the outpouring of the holy spirit. Writing to the Romans, Paul showed that these early Christian converts were a further fulfillment of the “remnant” mentioned by Isaiah. He also quoted from Isaiah to show that others, non-Jews, would be added so that “all [spiritual] Israel will be saved.”​—Rom. 9:27-29; 11:5, 25, 26.

18. How has Jehovah been the Former and Repurchaser of his present-day people?

¹⁸ As already indicated, we are now privileged to see and share in the full swing and activity accompanying the final fulfillment of these prophecies. The present-day “remnant” is identified as the remaining members of the Christian congregation. As their Former, Jehovah began a preliminary gathering of these many years prior to 1914. He has also been their Repurchaser. Not only were they “purchased with the blood of his [God’s] own Son,” but they were repurchased, or bought back, when a further deliverance became necessary in the World War I period. They fell captive to “Babylon the Great.” Though they had mostly come out of Christendom’s churches, they retained certain Babylonish traits, such as fear of man and creature worship. This incurred God’s displeasure, requiring them to be disciplined and cleansed. Those true at heart appreciated this, and, when delivered by the Greater Cyrus, Jesus Christ, they rejoiced to exalt God’s name and proclaim the Kingdom message fearlessly. Their experience and sentiments were aptly foretold: “I shall thank you, O Jehovah, for although you got incensed at me, your anger gradually turned back, and you proceeded to comfort me. Look! God is my salvation. . . . Give thanks to Jehovah, you people! Call upon his name. Make known among the peoples his dealings. Make mention that his name is put on high. Make melody to Jehovah, for he has done surpassingly. This is made known in all the earth.”​—Acts 20:28; Rev. 17:5; Isa. 12:1-5.

19. (a) What fine expansion has resulted from this? (b) Wherein can we find delight and success?

¹⁹ This has been made known in all the earth. As a result, many others, not spiritual Israelites, have responded to the good news. All of these, both the remnant and the “great crowd,” have been repurchased and formed into “one flock, [under] one shepherd,” Christ Jesus. (John 10:16) This is the happy experience of Jehovah’s witnesses. Before our very eyes we can see the Creator’s purpose being worked out with complete success, bringing great delight to him, and giving delight and comfort to those gathered in union with God’s reigning king, Christ Jesus. It is just as Jehovah promised: “It [my word] will not return to me without results, but it will certainly do that in which I have delighted, and it will have certain success in that for which I have sent it.”​—Isa. 55:11.

Taking Delight in Suffering

1. To whom does Isaiah, chapter 53, apply, and how can this be proved?

ISAIAH was inspired to record many prophecies concerning Jehovah’s servant, who was and is Christ Jesus, the Messiah. The entire fifty-third chapter of Isaiah tells of the Messiah’s suffering, death and burial. That this is the inspired application of this chapter is generally recognized, because of the many quotations made from it in the Greek Scriptures. The opening words of Isaiah 53:1 are quoted by John at John 12:37, 38, and, as reported at Luke 22:37, Jesus applied one of the closing expressions of Isaiah 53:12 to himself.

2. (a) What wrong conclusion might be reached from the first part of Isaiah 53:10? (b) What rule must be followed in seeking the right understanding of any scripture?

² At Isaiah 53:10 we read: “But Jehovah himself took delight in crushing him; he made him sick.” Just taking this expression by itself, a thing that is often done by Christendom’s teachers, a critic or commentator might exclaim: “What a sadistic God, to take delight in crushing his own Son!” We must keep in mind, however, that when seeking the understanding of any part of God’s Word, it is of the utmost importance to look carefully at the context. Consider not only the immediate setting, but also any other related passages, knowing that the true understanding will be in harmony with all such references; never at variance. It is the widespread failure to observe this guiding principle that causes many interpretations to be put forward that make the Bible appear to contradict itself.

3. (a) For Jehovah’s delight to succeed, what must first be done? (b) Why could Jehovah take delight in crushing his servant?

³ In this instance, notice the interesting enlightenment that we get when reading the entire verse: “But Jehovah himself took delight in crushing him; he made him sick. If you will set his soul as a guilt offering, he will see his offspring, he will prolong his days, and in his hand what is the delight of Jehovah will succeed.” (Isa. 53:10) Did you notice the connection between the two uses of the word “delight”? You cannot afford to separate them. The “delight of Jehovah” is centered in his kingdom. This will cause his will, or good pleasure, to be carried out successfully. First of all, however, man’s guilt, due to inherited sin, must be set aside in a way that would meet the requirements of God’s justice. This would open the way to restore a righteous standing before God for those who would gratefully accept such a merciful provision. Not one of Adam’s sons could make such a provision. Jehovah therefore arranged for his servant, his Son, to come to earth and give himself a “corresponding ransom for all.” Yes, “Christ was offered once for all time to bear the sins of many.” Moreover, it was Jehovah’s good pleasure to provide a tested, loyal servant, who would be fully qualified to carry out all the fine objectives of God’s kingdom. This would involve the work and the duties of a king, also that of a high priest who could intercede, or interpose, on behalf of fallen man. Who better than the one who became the ‘propitiatory sacrifice for the sins of the whole world’? Being “made perfect” for such an onerous position required that he be tested to the limit. He “learned obedience from the things he suffered.” Because there was a glorious and delightful end in view, it helps us to understand why Jehovah “took delight in crushing” his servant. It was not a case of the end justifying the means. The means in themselves, though so painful, were worthy means, as we shall see more fully.​—1 Tim. 2:6; Heb. 9:28; 1 John 2:2; Heb. 5:8-10; Rom. 3:25, 26.

4. How does the context give further support to this view?

⁴ Immediately, though, see how a further look at the context confirms the foregoing scriptures and comments, showing also that Jehovah’s servant would be satisfied with the outcome. “Because of the trouble of his soul he will see, he will be satisfied. By means of his knowledge the righteous one, my servant, will bring a righteous standing to many people; and their errors he himself will bear. . . . he himself carried the very sin of many people, and for the transgressors he proceeded to interpose.”​—Isa. 53:11, 12.

5. What questions arise as to Jesus’ own view of his sufferings?

⁵ Though it is agreed that Jehovah inspired the prophetic record concerning his delight in determining the course and suffering of his servant, the question might arise as to the servant’s own view of the matter. Was the suffering forced on him? Did Jesus, God’s servant, know from the start of his ministry the kind of suffering that was in store for him? Did he foreknow the crushing ordeal that would terminate his life on earth? If so, did he express his inner feelings, his mental attitude, in this regard?

6. In considering Jesus’ background, what do we learn?

⁶ Before noting what Jesus himself said about this, we know that, like Timothy, he had been taught the holy writings from infancy, and, in addition, retained them with a perfect memory. He would be told what the angel Gabriel said to his mother at the time of her conception, also Simeon’s inspired word that a long sword would be run through her on his account. At the age of twelve, his words show that his mind and heart were centered on his true Father, and on his Father’s house. (2 Tim. 3:15; Luke 1:30-35; 2:34, 35, 49) When coming to John to be baptized, and possibly long before that, he realized the purpose of his coming to earth to provide the all-sufficient sin offering in fulfillment of the typical animal sacrifices under the Law. He would say, as foretold: “To do your will, O my God, I have delighted.” (Ps. 40:6-8; see also Hebrews 10:5-9.) He would appreciate the significance of John the Baptist’s introduction of him: “See, the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world.” Early in his ministry, at the first cleansing of his Father’s house, he indicated his own violent death, also his resurrection. Near the close of his ministry, he gave very clear answers to the foregoing questions, and these deserve our close consideration.​—John 1:29; 2:18-22.

JESUS’ MENTAL ATTITUDE

7. How did Jesus respond to the Greek’s request to see him, and why so?

⁷ With this background in mind, we can appreciate the depth of meaning in what Jesus said to Andrew and Philip. The occasion was when, after his entry into Jerusalem as king, causing much attention, also intense annoyance to the Pharisees, there were some Greeks who had come for the Passover festival, and who asked to see Jesus. (John 12:20-22) But Jesus knew that at this Passover, only few days ahead, he would have to face and endure the terrible weight of all the suffering foretold concerning him, ending with the agonizing death on the torture stake. This was no time to court popularity, or satisfy some passing interest. Instead, in a few words, he disclosed to Andrew and Philip exactly what was ahead of him, how he viewed it and felt about it, also mentioned underlying principles that affect every one of us. This is what Jesus said:

8. What did Jesus say in his explanation to Andrew and Philip?

⁸ “‘The hour has come for the Son of man to be glorified. Most truly I say to you, Unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains just one grain; but if it dies, it then bears much fruit. He that is fond of his soul destroys it, but he that hates his soul in this world will safeguard it for everlasting life. If anyone would minister to me, let him follow me, and where I am there my minister will be also. If anyone would minister to me, the Father will honor him. Now my soul is troubled, and what shall I say? Father, save me out of this hour. Nevertheless, this is why I have come to this hour. Father, glorify your name.’ Therefore a voice came out of heaven: ‘I both glorified it and will glorify it again.”’​—John 12:23-28.

9. How did Jesus show his full agreement with God’s purpose for him?

⁹ Beyond any doubt, Jesus was keenly aware of what was ahead of him. It gave him a foretaste of that vivid prophetic word at Psalm 116:3: “The ropes of death encircled me and the distressing circumstances of Sheol themselves found me. Distress and grief I kept finding.” If only it could be avoided! But, no, as he said: “This is why I have come to this hour.” He was in full agreement with the entire process, every part of it. His opening and closing words clearly prove this, mentioning first his own glorification, then leading to the final glorifying of his Father’s name. And what a strength and comfort it must have been to hear immediately and audibly his Father’s confirmation on this, the main issue: “I both glorified it [my name] and will glorify it again.” From the beginning to the end of his ministry, Jesus was determined to pursue the course set out for him. At the start, he overcame John’s resistance to his ‘being baptized,’ and, when approaching the end, “he firmly set his face to go to Jerusalem.” In the same connections, he again had direct and wonderful evidence of his Father’s approval. He proved that his mental attitude was exactly as foretold in that same 116th Psalm: “My vows I shall pay to Jehovah, yes, in front of all his people.”​—Matt. 3:13-17; Luke 9:28-35, 51; Ps. 116:14, 18.

10. What application to himself did Jesus make respecting a grain of wheat?

¹⁰ Next, notice the fine reasoning and apt illustration, showing the necessity for a sacrificial death, mentioned at John 12:24, 25. A grain of wheat cannot be fruitful in providing more grains unless it is put in the ground and dies. This had a special application in the case of Jesus. If he held on to his human life selfishly, going contrary to his Father’s will, he would lose out. Besides, he could only confer temporary benefits to others. If, however, he was willing to lay down his soul, his life, “in this world,” as prescribed by the Great Sower, Jehovah, he would not only “safeguard it for everlasting life” in God’s new order, but could become the ‘Father for eternity’ to countless others. As Paul said: “For to this end Christ died and came to life again, that he might be Lord over both the dead and the living.”​—Isa. 9:6; Rom. 14:9.

11. In this regard, how do we know that Jesus was not thinking only of himself?

¹¹ It is evident, however, by what Jesus said next, at John 12:26, regarding those who would minister to him, that he was not thinking only of himself. True, he knew he was going to die a sacrificial death on a torture stake, with a unique merit attached to such a sacrifice. But he also knew that it was his Father’s good pleasure that he should have close, footstep followers, or disciples. These would be invited to pursue a similar course of disowning themselves, picking up the torture stake, and following him continually. This is confirmed by what Jesus said earlier, just before his transfiguration, and recorded in almost identical wording by each of the other Gospel writers: “If anyone wants to come after me, let him disown himself and pick up his torture stake and continually follow me. For whoever wants to save his soul will lose it; but whoever loses his soul for my sake will find it.”​—Matt. 16:24-27; Mark 8:34-38; Luke 9:23-26.

12. (a) How does Paul describe Jesus’ mental attitude? (b) What fine result does Paul then point out?

¹² In making a strong appeal to these followers, note Paul’s fine description of the mental attitude of Christ Jesus. Note, too, how Paul shows that, as a direct result of Christ’s suffering, “in his [Christ’s] hand what is the delight of Jehovah will succeed.” (Isa. 53:10) Paul wrote: “Keep this mental attitude in you that was also in Christ Jesus, who, although he was existing in God’s form, gave no consideration to a seizure, namely, that he should be equal to God. No, but he emptied himself and took a slave’s form and came to be in the likeness of men. More than that, when he found himself in fashion as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient as far as death, yes, death on a torture stake. For this very reason also God exalted him to a superior position and kindly gave him the name that is above every other name, so that in the name of Jesus every knee should bend of those in heaven and those on earth and those under the ground, and every tongue should openly acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father.”​—Phil. 2:5-11.

13. What was necessary in order for Jesus to get and maintain the right attitude?

¹³ How can we get and keep the same mental attitude that Jesus had, and which he proved by his entire course? How did Jesus himself maintain such a fine attitude of mind and heart? Surely the answer is that he was careful to get the right viewpoint on everything affecting his life and ministry. He obtained this by thoroughly absorbing his Father’s Word, as foretold concerning him: “Your law is within my inward parts.” It was this that enabled him to say at the beginning of his ministry and trialsome course: “To do your will, O my God, I have delighted.”​—Ps. 40:8.

14. (a) Does the same apply to us? (b) In Eve’s case, how was the wrong viewpoint given, leading to what bad attitude?

¹⁴ The same is true of us. The right viewpoint is essential if we are to build up and maintain the right mental attitude. Conversely, the wrong viewpoint, though held in sincerity, will likely lead to a wrong attitude. This is what happened with Eve. Notice the opening words, stressing God’s bounty and generosity, when he “laid this command upon the man: ‘From every tree of the garden you may eat to satisfaction.”’ Then came the one exception: “But as for the tree of the knowledge of good and bad you must not eat from it, for in the day you eat from it you will positively die.” Now notice Satan’s opening words, spoken through the serpent, when it “began to say to the woman: ‘Is it really so that God said you must not eat from every tree of the garden?”’ Why, it was just the opposite to what God had said! By inference, in question form, it was really the first lie, giving a false viewpoint, creating the atmosphere of doubt, leading to the first direct lie: “You positively will not die.” (Gen. 2:16, 17; 3:1-5) Her allowing herself to be “thoroughly deceived” quickly led to a bad attitude, and thus Eve “came to be in transgression.” We should take this as a pointed warning, putting us on guard, as Paul said: “I am afraid that somehow, as the serpent seduced Eve by its cunning, your minds might be corrupted away from the sincerity and the chastity that are due the Christ.”​—1 Tim. 2:14; 2 Cor. 11:3.

REJOICE TO SHARE IN CHRIST’S SUFFERINGS

15. How does Isaiah, chapter 53, show the contrast between the two viewpoints respecting God’s servant?

¹⁵ This warning is particularly necessary where suffering is involved, which is generally looked upon as something to be avoided at all costs. This is the main argument in Isaiah, chapter 53. A suffering Messiah? Not for the Jews, either then or now. “He was despised and was avoided by men, a man meant for pains and for having acquaintance with sickness. . . . we ourselves accounted him as plagued, stricken by God and afflicted.” (Isa. 53:3, 4) They looked at the Messiah from a selfish, human viewpoint, leading to an attitude of hate, even of murder. In contrast, what a blessing it is when we get Jehovah’s viewpoint, and learn why he took delight in his Son’s willing sacrifice and suffering. We can say with deep appreciation and gratitude: “Truly our sicknesses were what he himself carried; and as for our pains, he bore them. . . . he was being pierced for our transgression; he was being crushed for our errors.”​—Isa. 53:4-6.

16. (a) Why is it necessary for the Christian congregation to share Christ’s sufferings? (b) Why should we not give out when being disciplined?

¹⁶ However, those forming the Christian congregation not only benefit from Christ’s sufferings, they are invited to share in them. Indeed, it is essential that they should. As Paul explains: “It was fitting . . . in bringing many sons to glory, to make the Chief Agent of their salvation perfect through sufferings,” and, further, that “he was obliged to become like his ‘brothers’ in all respects, that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest . . . for in that he himself has suffered when being put to the test, he is able to come to the aid of those who are being put to the test.” (Heb. 2:10, 17, 18) Ah, yes, how fitting and necessary that there should be similar testing and perfecting for all who share as kings and priests with the Chief Agent in his heavenly throne. (Rev. 20:6) Such severe testing involves pressure, discipline, endurance, cleansing and refining, all of which entail suffering. As Paul later says: “Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, as we look intently at the Chief Agent and Perfecter of our faith, Jesus.” He then emphasizes the right viewpoint: “‘Do not belittle the discipline from Jehovah, neither give out when you are corrected by him; for whom Jehovah loves he disciplines; in fact, he scourges every one whom he receives as a son.’ . . . True, no discipline seems for the present to be joyous, but grievous; yet afterward to those who have been trained by it it yields peaceable fruit, namely, righteousness.”​—Heb. 12:1-11.

17. How do James and Peter confirm this?

¹⁷ The next Bible writer, James, confirms this, saying: “Consider it all joy, my brothers, when you meet with various trials, knowing as you do that this tested quality of your faith works out endurance. But let endurance have its work complete, that you may be complete and sound in all respects, not lacking in anything.” (Jas. 1:2-4) ‘Rejoice,’ no, not in the trial itself, but in the end result if taken the right way. Peter, too, confirms this in his first letter, and, after warning: “Let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a busybody in other people’s matters,” he concludes: “Let those who are suffering in harmony with the will of God keep on commending their souls to a faithful Creator while they are doing good.”​—1 Pet. 1:6, 7; 4:15, 19.

18. How did Paul fill up what was lacking respecting Christ’s sufferings?

¹⁸ It is evident that God foreknew and predetermined just how much suffering and tribulation would be needed in the case of Christ and his congregation. Paul, for one, was willing to undergo his share, as he said: “I am now rejoicing in my sufferings for you, and I, in my turn, am filling up what is lacking of the tribulations of the Christ in my flesh on behalf of his body, which is the congregation.” His own record testifies how much he endured. (Col. 1:24; 2 Cor. 11:23-27) Neither was he taken unawares, as we know from what the Lord said to Ananias: “I shall show him [Paul] plainly how many things he must suffer for my name.”​—Acts 9:16.

19. Do the present “great crowd” of “other sheep” share in the suffering, and to what end?

¹⁹ Though the foregoing scriptures have their primary application to the Christian congregation, the underlying principles also apply to the present “great crowd” of “other sheep.” Much of the suffering is due to the opposition from Satan’s world. As it nears its end the opposition increases. As Jesus said to his disciples: “You will be objects of hatred by all the nations on account of my name,” and added: “But he that has endured to the end is the one that will be saved.” He followed this with the illustration of the sheep and goats, showing that the “sheep” are those who openly identify themselves with, and minister to, Christ’s “brothers” in their suffering hunger, sickness and imprisonment.​—Matt. 24:9-13; 25:35-40.

20. What view should the Christian take of suffering due to distress caused by sickness, and so forth?

²⁰ In this Scriptural view of suffering, can we include all the sorrow and distress due to sickness and bereavement, and other things common to all mankind? Yes, if taken as an opportunity for working out greater endurance, faith and integrity. The Scriptural rule for the Christian is to “do all things for God’s glory,” even eating and drinking, everything that makes up daily life. (1 Cor. 10:31) Hence, on this basis, all such suffering provides a good opportunity for taking God’s side of the great issue raised by Satan.​—Job 1:8-11; 2:3-5.

21. How can we take delight in suffering, collectively and individually?

²¹ We can therefore learn how to take delight in suffering, whether viewed collectively or individually. Collectively, we rejoice to be living in the day when Jehovah, through his “messenger of the covenant,” has been “like the fire of a refiner and like the lye of laundrymen” to the anointed remnant and has thereby fulfilled the promise that “they will certainly become to Jehovah people presenting a gift offering in righteousness.” Individually, you can, like Job, learn by “the suffering of evil and the exercising of patience,” and, not only learn, but actually experience that “Jehovah is very tender in affection and merciful.”​—Mal. 3:1-4; Jas. 5:10, 11.

Christ Jesus, by God’s appointment, is the king of that kingdom. His enthronement took place in heaven in 1914 C.E. The foretold waiting period had expired, and then was fulfilled the prophecy at Psalm 110:2: “The rod of your strength Jehovah will send out of Zion, saying: ‘Go subduing in the midst of your enemies.”’ What a delightful moment that must have been to the king and all the holy angels with him! (Matt. 25:31) Similar to the expression at Psalm 2:6, Zion is where the king is enthroned, and is the center of operations. To David, of course, this meant the literal city of Zion, or Jerusalem, where he reigned for 33 years. (1 Ki. 2:11) He was the writer of these psalms, and they had a literal fulfillment during his kingship, when all the land promised to his forefather Abraham came under his rule. In the major fulfillment, however, the Greater David is Christ Jesus, David’s permanent heir. He reigns in the heavenly “Mount Zion,” and standing there with him are the 144,000 who make up the Christian congregation. As already mentioned, there is a remnant of this congregation still on earth, forming the Zion class, and in whom we can see the modern fulfillment of the many grand promises and prophecies featuring Zion. We have considered a few of these, and now wish to pay attention to others that throw much light on the immediate outworking of Jehovah’s purpose, and show how we can identify ourselves with it.​—Rev. 14:1.

MY DELIGHT IS IN HER

4. What is the primary objective of God’s anointed king, following what warning?

⁴ Psalm 110, similar to Psalm 2, tells in a striking way the primary objective of God’s anointed king. For long enough now Jehovah’s enemies have greatly reproached his name. In defiance, they are “massed together as one against Jehovah and against his anointed one.” The time has come for those enemies to be subdued. “Jehovah himself at your [Christ Jesus’] right hand will certainly break kings to pieces on the day of his anger. He will execute judgment among the nations; he will cause a fullness of dead bodies.” However, before this final execution, a final appeal and warning is given to all opposers to subject themselves to Jehovah, and to “kiss the son [in fealty], that He [Jehovah] may not become incensed and you may not perish from the way, for his anger flares up easily [when the time limit is reached].”​—Ps. 2:2, 12; 110:5, 6.

5. How do Jehovah’s witnesses view their commission, and why so?

⁵ Jehovah’s witnesses count it a great privilege and a delight to share in this work. For one thing, it openly identifies them as being on Jehovah’s side, and against his enemies. It is evidence that, like God’s Son, they love righteousness and hate lawlessness. (Heb. 1:9) Furthermore, it attracts favorable attention on the part of those who “are sighing and groaning over all the detestable things that are being done” in Christendom and all of Satan’s system of things. (Ezek. 9:4) The work is not easy, but we will see how Jehovah has built up, fortified and equipped his servants for it. For long enough Jehovah’s enemies have oppressed Zion and her children, but now her harsh ‘military service has been fulfilled, and her error has been paid off.”​—Isa. 40:1, 2.

6. What encouraging vision was given to Isaiah, prompting what participation?

⁶ See now, how that early on in Isaiah’s prophecy we find a most encouraging vision of the Zion, the “heavenly Jerusalem,” enjoying God’s favor. She is referred to as “the mountain of the house of Jehovah . . . firmly established above the top of the mountains.” With what result? “And many peoples will certainly go and say: “Come, you people, and let us go up to the mountain of Jehovah, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will instruct us about his ways, and we will walk in his paths.’ For out of Zion law will go forth, and the word of Jehovah out of Jerusalem.”