Rejoicing for Those Who Walk in the Light

“Come and let us walk in the light of Jehovah.”​—ISAIAH 2:5.

1, 2. (a) How important is light? (b) Why is the warning that darkness would cover the earth so grave?

JEHOVAH is the Source of light. The Bible calls him “the Giver of the sun for light by day, the statutes of the moon and the stars for light by night.” (Jeremiah 31:35; Psalm 8:3) He is the One who created our sun, which is, in effect, an enormous nuclear furnace releasing into space vast quantities of energy, some in the form of light and heat. The very small percentage of that energy that reaches us as sunlight sustains life on this earth. Without sunlight, we could not exist. Earth would be a lifeless planet.

² With that in mind, we can understand the gravity of a situation described by the prophet Isaiah. He said: “Look! darkness itself will cover the earth, and thick gloom the national groups.” (Isaiah 60:2) Of course, this does not refer to darkness in a physical sense. Isaiah did not mean that some day the sun, moon, and stars would cease to shine. (Psalm 89:36, 37; 136:7-9) Rather, he was talking of spiritual darkness. But spiritual darkness is death dealing. In the long run, we cannot live without spiritual light any more than we can live without physical light.​—Luke 1:79.

3. In view of Isaiah’s words, what should Christians do?

³ In view of this, it is of serious concern to note that Isaiah’s words, although fulfilled on ancient Judah, are having a greater fulfillment today. Yes, in our time the world is shrouded in spiritual darkness. In such a dangerous situation, spiritual light is of the utmost importance. That is why Christians do well to heed Jesus’ exhortation: “Let your light shine before men.” (Matthew 5:16) Faithful Christians can lighten the darkness for meek ones, thus giving them the opportunity to gain life.​—John 8:12.

Dark Times in Israel

4. When were Isaiah’s prophetic words first fulfilled, but what situation already existed in his own day?

⁴ Isaiah’s words about darkness covering the earth were first fulfilled when Judah lay desolate and her people were in exile in Babylon. However, even before that, in Isaiah’s own day, much of the nation was already shrouded in spiritual darkness, a fact that moved him to urge his fellow countrymen: “O men of the house of Jacob, come and let us walk in the light of Jehovah”!​—Isaiah 2:5; 5:20.

5, 6. What factors contributed to the darkness in Isaiah’s day?

⁵ Isaiah prophesied in Judah “in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah, kings of Judah.” (Isaiah 1:1) It was a turbulent time of political unrest, religious hypocrisy, judicial corruption, and oppression of the poor. Even during the reigns of faithful kings, such as Jotham, altars of false gods could be seen on many hilltops. Under the unfaithful kings, the situation was worse. Wicked King Ahaz, for example, went so far as to offer up his offspring in a ritual sacrifice to the god Molech. That was darkness indeed!​—2 Kings 15:32-34; 16:2-4.

⁶ The international situation was also gloomy. Moab, Edom, and Philistia stood menacingly at Judah’s borders. The northern kingdom of Israel, although related by blood, was an avowed enemy. Farther north, Syria threatened Judah’s peace. Even more dangerous was cruel Assyria, ever on the lookout for opportunities to expand its power. During the period of Isaiah’s prophesying, Assyria took the nation of Israel completely off the map and almost destroyed Judah. At one time every fortified city in Judah except Jerusalem was in Assyrian hands.​—Isaiah 1:7, 8; 36:1.

7. What path did Israel and Judah choose, and how did Jehovah respond?

⁷ God’s covenant people suffered such disasters because Israel and Judah were disloyal to him. Like those mentioned in the book of Proverbs, they were “leaving the paths of uprightness to walk in the ways of darkness.” (Proverbs 2:13) Yet, while Jehovah was angry with his people, he did not completely abandon them. Instead, he raised up Isaiah and other prophets to provide spiritual light for any in the nation who still sought to serve Jehovah faithfully. The light provided through these prophets was precious indeed. It was life-giving.

Times of Darkness Today

8, 9. What factors contribute to the world’s darkness today?

⁸ The situation in Isaiah’s day was very similar to conditions today. In our time, human leaders have turned their backs on Jehovah and his enthroned King, Jesus Christ. (Psalm 2:2, 3) The religious leaders of Christendom have deceived their flocks. Such leaders claim to serve God, but in truth most of them promote the gods of this world​—nationalism, militarism, wealth, and prominent individuals—​to say nothing of teaching pagan doctrines.

⁹ In one place after another, Christendom’s religions have been involved in wars and civil strife that feature ethnic cleansing and other horrors. Furthermore, rather than taking a stand for Bible-based morality, many churches are either winking at or actively supporting immoral practices like fornication and homosexuality. As a result of such a rejection of Bible standards, Christendom’s flocks are like those men spoken of by the ancient psalmist: “They have not known, and they do not understand; in darkness they keep walking about.” (Psalm 82:5) Truly, Christendom, like ancient Judah, is in deep darkness.​—Revelation 8:12.

10. How does light shine in the darkness today, and how do meek ones benefit?

¹⁰ Amid such darkness, Jehovah is causing light to shine for the sake of meek ones. For this, he is using his anointed servants on earth, “the faithful and discreet slave,” and these are “shining as illuminators in the world.” (Matthew 24:45; Philippians 2:15) That slave class, supported by millions of “other sheep” companions, reflects spiritual light based on God’s Word, the Bible. (John 10:16) In this bedarkened world, such light gives meek ones hope, assists them to have a relationship with God, and helps them to avoid spiritual pitfalls. It is precious, life-giving.

“I Laud Your Name”

11. What information did Jehovah make available in Isaiah’s day?

¹¹ In the dark days during which Isaiah lived and in the even darker days thereafter when the Babylonians carried Jehovah’s nation off into captivity, what kind of guidance did Jehovah supply? Besides supplying moral guidance, he clearly outlined in advance how he would fulfill his purposes with regard to his people. Consider, for example, the wonderful prophecies contained in Isaiah chapters 25 to 27. The words in these chapters indicate how Jehovah handled matters back then and how he does so today.

12. What heartfelt expression does Isaiah make?

¹² First, Isaiah declares: “O Jehovah, you are my God. I exalt you, I laud your name.” What a heartfelt expression of praise! But what moved the prophet to utter such a prayer? A major factor is revealed in the second half of the verse, where we read: “For you [Jehovah] have done wonderful things, counsels from early times, in faithfulness, in trustworthiness.”​—Isaiah 25:1.

13. (a) What knowledge strengthened Isaiah’s appreciation for Jehovah? (b) How can we learn from Isaiah’s example?

¹³ By Isaiah’s day, Jehovah had done many wonderful things for Israel, and these had been recorded in writing. Isaiah was evidently familiar with these writings. He knew, for example, that Jehovah brought his people out of slavery in Egypt and saved them from the wrath of Pharaoh’s army at the Red Sea. He knew that Jehovah led his people through the wilderness and brought them into the Promised Land. (Psalm 136:1, 10-26) Such historical accounts showed that Jehovah God is faithful and trustworthy. His “counsels”​—all the things he purposes—​come true. Divinely provided accurate knowledge strengthened Isaiah to keep on walking in the light. Thus, he was a fine example for us. If we carefully study God’s written Word and apply it in our lives, we too will remain in the light.​—Psalm 119:105; 2 Corinthians 4:6.

A City Is Destroyed

14. What is prophesied about a city, and likely, what city was it?

¹⁴ An example of God’s counsel is found at Isaiah 25:2, where we read: “You have made a city a pile of stones, a fortified town a crumbling ruin, a dwelling tower of strangers to be no city, which will not be rebuilt even to time indefinite.” What is this city? Isaiah was likely speaking prophetically of Babylon. Indeed, the time did come when Babylon became a mere pile of stones.

15. What “great city” exists today, and what will happen to it?

¹⁵ Does the city mentioned by Isaiah have a counterpart today? Yes. The book of Revelation speaks of “the great city that has a kingdom over the kings of the earth.” (Revelation 17:18) That great city is “Babylon the Great,” the worldwide empire of false religion. (Revelation 17:5) Today, the principal part of Babylon the Great is Christendom, whose clergy take the lead in opposing the Kingdom-preaching work of Jehovah’s people. (Matthew 24:14) Like ancient Babylon, however, Babylon the Great will soon be destroyed, never to rise again.

16, 17. How have enemies of Jehovah glorified him in ancient and in modern times?

¹⁶ What else does Isaiah prophesy about the “fortified town”? Addressing Jehovah, Isaiah says: “Those who are a strong people will glorify you; the town of the tyrannical nations, they will fear you.” (Isaiah 25:3) How would this hostile city, “the town of the tyrannical nations,” glorify Jehovah? Well, remember what happened to Babylon’s mightiest king, Nebuchadnezzar. After a sobering experience demonstrating his own weakness, he was forced to confess the greatness of Jehovah and His almighty power. (Daniel 4:34, 35) When Jehovah exercises his power, even his enemies are forced to acknowledge, albeit reluctantly, his powerful works.

¹⁷ Was Babylon the Great ever forced to acknowledge Jehovah’s powerful works? Yes. During the first world war, Jehovah’s anointed servants preached under tribulation. In 1918 they went into spiritual captivity when leading officers of the Watch Tower Society were imprisoned. The organized preaching work virtually ceased. Then, in 1919, Jehovah restored them and reinvigorated them with his spirit, whereupon they set out to fulfill the commission to preach the good news in all the inhabited earth. (Mark 13:10) All of this was prophesied in the book of Revelation, as was the effect upon their opponents. These “became frightened and gave glory to the God of heaven.” (Revelation 11:3, 7, 11-13) Not that they all were converted, but they were forced to recognize the powerful work of Jehovah on this occasion, just as Isaiah had foretold.

“A Stronghold to the Lowly One”

18, 19. (a) Why have opponents failed to break the integrity of Jehovah’s people? (b) How will “the melody itself of the tyrannical ones” be suppressed?

¹⁸ Turning now to Jehovah’s kindly dealings with those who walk in the light, Isaiah says to Jehovah: “You have become a stronghold to the lowly one, a stronghold to the poor one in the distress that he has, a refuge from the rainstorm, a shade from the heat, when the blast of the tyrannical ones is like a rainstorm against a wall. Like the heat in a waterless country, the noise of strangers you subdue, the heat with the shadow of a cloud. The melody itself of the tyrannical ones becomes suppressed.”​—Isaiah 25:4, 5.

¹⁹ Since 1919, tyrants have tried everything to break the integrity of true worshipers, but they have failed. Why? Because Jehovah is the stronghold and the refuge of his people. He provides cool shade from the burning heat of persecution and stands like a sturdy wall against the rainstorm of opposition. We who walk in God’s light confidently look forward to the time when ‘the melody of the tyrannical ones will be suppressed.’ Yes, we eagerly await the day when Jehovah’s enemies will be gone.

20, 21. What banquet does Jehovah provide, and what will that banquet include in the new world?

²⁰ Jehovah does more than protect his servants. He provides for them as their loving Father. After liberating his people from Babylon the Great in 1919, he set before them a victory banquet, an abundant supply of spiritual food. This was foretold at Isaiah 25:6, where we read: “Jehovah of armies will certainly make for all the peoples, in this mountain, a banquet of well-oiled dishes, a banquet of wine kept on the dregs, of well-oiled dishes filled with marrow, of wine kept on the dregs, filtered.” How blessed we are to share in that feast! (Matthew 4:4) “The table of Jehovah” is truly laden down with good things to eat. (1 Corinthians 10:21) Through “the faithful and discreet slave,” we are given everything we could ever need in a spiritual sense.

²¹ And there is more to this divinely provided banquet. The spiritual feast that we now enjoy reminds us of the abundance of physical food that will be available in God’s promised new world. Then, the “banquet of well-oiled dishes” will include physical food in abundance. No one will need to be hungry in a physical or a spiritual sense. What a relief that will be for those dear faithful ones who now suffer because of the foretold “food shortages” that are part of “the sign” of Jesus’ presence! (Matthew 24:3, 7) For them, the words of the psalmist are comforting indeed. He said: “There will come to be plenty of grain on the earth; on the top of the mountains there will be an overflow.”​—Psalm 72:16.

22, 23. (a) What “woven work,” or “envelopment,” will be removed, and how? (b) How will ‘the reproach of Jehovah’s people’ be removed?

²² Listen now to an even more wonderful promise. Comparing sin and death to a “woven work,” or an “envelopment,” Isaiah says: “In this mountain [Jehovah] will certainly swallow up the face of the envelopment that is enveloping over all the peoples, and the woven work that is interwoven upon all the nations.” (Isaiah 25:7) Just think! Sin and death, which have weighed on mankind like a suffocating blanket, will be no more. How we long for the day when the benefits of Jesus’ ransom sacrifice are fully applied to obedient and faithful humankind!​—Revelation 21:3, 4.

²³ Pointing to that glorious time, the inspired prophet assures us: “[God] will actually swallow up death forever, and the Sovereign Lord Jehovah will certainly wipe the tears from all faces. And the reproach of his people he will take away from all the earth, for Jehovah himself has spoken it.” (Isaiah 25:8) No one will die from natural causes or weep because of losing a loved one. What a blessed change! Furthermore, nowhere on earth will there be heard the reproach and lying propaganda that God and his servants have so long endured. Why not? Because Jehovah will remove their source​—the father of the lie, Satan the Devil, along with all of Satan’s seed.​—John 8:44.

24. How do those who walk in the light respond to Jehovah’s powerful works in their behalf?

²⁴ Upon contemplating such manifestations of Jehovah’s power, those who walk in the light are moved to exclaim: “Look! This is our God. We have hoped in him, and he will save us. This is Jehovah. We have hoped in him. Let us be joyful and rejoice in the salvation by him.” (Isaiah 25:9) Soon, righteous mankind will have every reason to rejoice. The darkness will be completely dispelled, and faithful ones will be bathed in Jehovah’s light for all eternity. Could any hope be more glorious? No, indeed!

Salvation for Those Who Choose the Light

“Jehovah is my light and my salvation. Of whom shall I be in fear?”​—PSALM 27:1.

1. What life-giving provisions does Jehovah make?

JEHOVAH is the Source of the sunlight that makes life possible on earth. (Genesis 1:2, 14) He is also the Creator of spiritual light, which dispels the death-dealing darkness of Satan’s world. (Isaiah 60:2; 2 Corinthians 4:6; Ephesians 5:8-11; 6:12) Those who choose the light can say with the psalmist: “Jehovah is my light and my salvation. Of whom shall I be in fear?” (Psalm 27:1a) However, as happened in Jesus’ time, those who prefer the darkness can only expect an unfavorable judgment.​—John 1:9-11; 3:19-21, 36.

2. In ancient times, what happened to those who rejected Jehovah’s light and to those who listened to his word?

² In the days of Isaiah, most of Jehovah’s covenant people rejected the light. As a result, Isaiah saw the destruction of the northern kingdom of Israel as a nation. And in 607 B.C.E., Jerusalem and its temple were destroyed and the inhabitants of Judah carried off into exile. However, those who listened to Jehovah’s word were strengthened to resist the apostasy of those days. Regarding 607 B.C.E., Jehovah promised that those who listened to him would survive. (Jeremiah 21:8, 9) Today, we who love the light can learn much from what happened back then.​—Ephesians 5:5.

The Happiness of Those in the Light

3. Today, what confidence can we have, what “righteous nation” do we love, and what “strong city” does that “nation” have?

³ “We have a strong city. [God] sets salvation itself for walls and rampart. Open the gates, you men, that the righteous nation that is keeping faithful conduct may enter.” (Isaiah 26:1, 2) These are the exultant words of people who trusted in Jehovah. Faithful Jews in Isaiah’s day looked to Jehovah, not to the false gods of their fellow countrymen, as the only real Source of security. Today, we have the same confidence. Moreover, we love Jehovah’s “righteous nation”​—“the Israel of God.” (Galatians 6:16; Matthew 21:43) Jehovah too loves this nation because of its faithful conduct. With his blessing, the Israel of God has “a strong city,” a citylike organization that supports and protects it.

4. What mental attitude do we do well to cultivate?

⁴ Those within this “city” are well aware that “the inclination that is well supported [Jehovah] will safeguard in continuous peace, because it is in [Jehovah] that one is made to trust.” Jehovah supports those mentally inclined to trust in him and comply with his righteous principles. Thus, the faithful ones in Judah heeded Isaiah’s exhortation: “Trust in Jehovah, you people, for all times, for in Jah Jehovah is the Rock of times indefinite.” (Isaiah 26:3, 4; Psalm 9:10; 37:3; Proverbs 3:5) Those with that mind-set look to “Jah Jehovah” as the only secure Rock. They enjoy “continuous peace” with him.​—Philippians 1:2; 4:6, 7.

Humiliation for God’s Enemies

5, 6. (a) How was ancient Babylon humiliated? (b) In what way was “Babylon the Great” humiliated?

⁵ What if those who trust in Jehovah suffer tribulation? They need not fear. Jehovah allows such things for a time, but eventually he brings relief, and those causing the tribulation face his judgment. (2 Thessalonians 1:4-7; 2 Timothy 1:8-10) Consider the case of a certain “elevated town.” Isaiah says: “[Jehovah] has laid low those inhabiting the height, the elevated town. He abases it, he abases it to the earth; he brings it in touch with the dust. The foot will trample it down, the feet of the afflicted one, the steps of the lowly ones.” (Isaiah 26:5, 6) The elevated town here mentioned may be Babylon. That city certainly afflicted God’s people. But what happened to Babylon? In 539 B.C.E., it fell to the Medes and the Persians. What an abasement!

⁶ In our day Isaiah’s prophetic words well describe what has happened to “Babylon the Great” since 1919. That elevated town suffered a humiliating fall in that year when it was forced to release Jehovah’s people from spiritual captivity. (Revelation 14:8) What occurred next was even more humiliating. That small band of Christians turned to ‘trampling down’ their old captor. In 1922 they began to announce the coming end of Christendom, publicizing the four angelic trumpet blasts of Revelation 8:7-12 and the three woes foretold at Revelation 9:1–11:15.

“The Path of the Righteous One Is Uprightness”

7. What guidance do those who turn to Jehovah’s light receive, in whom do they hope, and what do they cherish?

⁷ Jehovah provides salvation for those who turn to his light, and he guides their path, as Isaiah next shows: “The path of the righteous one is uprightness. You being upright, you will smooth out the very course of a righteous one. Yes, for the path of your judgments, O Jehovah, we have hoped in you. For your name and for your memorial the desire of the soul has been.” (Isaiah 26:7, 8) Jehovah is a righteous God, and those who worship him must observe his righteous standards. When they do, Jehovah guides them, smoothing their course. By heeding his guidance, these meek ones show that they hope in Jehovah and wholeheartedly cherish his name​—his “memorial.”​—Exodus 3:15.

8. What exemplary attitude did Isaiah display?

⁸ Isaiah cherished Jehovah’s name. That is evident from his next words: “With my soul I have desired you in the night; yes, with my spirit within me I keep looking for you; because, when there are judgments from you for the earth, righteousness is what the inhabitants of the productive land will certainly learn.” (Isaiah 26:9) Isaiah desired Jehovah ‘with his soul’​—with his whole being. Picture the prophet using the quiet times of the night to pray to Jehovah, expressing his deepest thoughts and ardently seeking Jehovah’s guidance. What a fine example! Moreover, Isaiah learned righteousness from Jehovah’s judgment acts. In this, he reminds us of the need for constant vigilance, keeping alert to discern Jehovah’s will.

Some Choose the Darkness

9, 10. What acts of kindness did Jehovah perform toward his unfaithful nation, but how did they respond?

⁹ Jehovah showed great loving-kindness to Judah, but unhappily not all responded. Frequently, the majority chose rebellion and apostasy rather than the light of Jehovah’s truth. Isaiah said: “Though the wicked one should be shown favor, he simply will not learn righteousness. In the land of straightforwardness he will act unjustly and will not see the eminence of Jehovah.”​—Isaiah 26:10.

¹⁰ In Isaiah’s day when Jehovah’s hand protected Judah against her enemies, the majority refused to recognize this. When he blessed them with his peace, the nation showed no gratitude. Hence, Jehovah abandoned them to serve “other masters,” finally letting the Jews be taken off to captivity in Babylon in 607 B.C.E. (Isaiah 26:11-13) Still, eventually a remnant of the nation returned, chastened, to their homeland.

11, 12. (a) What future did Judah’s captors have? (b) In 1919 what future did the former captor of Jehovah’s anointed servants have?

¹¹ What about Judah’s captors? Isaiah prophetically answers: “They are dead; they will not live. Impotent in death, they will not rise up. Therefore you have turned your attention that you might annihilate them and destroy all mention of them.” (Isaiah 26:14) Yes, after her fall in 539 B.C.E., Babylon had no future. In time, the city would be no more. She would be “impotent in death,” and her huge empire consigned to the history books. What a warning for those who hope in the powerful ones of this world!

¹² Aspects of this prophecy had a fulfillment when God allowed his anointed servants to go into spiritual captivity in 1918 and then liberated them in 1919. From that point on, the future of their former captor, principally Christendom, was bleak. But the blessings in store for Jehovah’s people were rich indeed.

“You Have Added to the Nation”

13, 14. What rich blessings have Jehovah’s anointed servants enjoyed since 1919?

¹³ God blessed the repentant spirit of his anointed servants in 1919 and gave them increase. First, attention was given to gathering the final members of the Israel of God, and then “a great crowd” of “other sheep” began to be gathered. (Revelation 7:9; John 10:16) These blessings were foretold in Isaiah’s prophecy: “You have added to the nation; O Jehovah, you have added to the nation; you have glorified yourself. You have extended afar all the borders of the land. O Jehovah, during distress they have turned their attention to you; they have poured out a whisper of prayer when they had your disciplining.”​—Isaiah 26:15, 16.

¹⁴ Today, the borders of the Israel of God have spread around the earth, and the great crowd that has been added now numbers some six million enthusiastic sharers in the work of preaching the good news. (Matthew 24:14) What a blessing from Jehovah! And what glory this brings to his name! That name is heard today in 235 lands​—a wonderful fulfillment of his promise.

15. What symbolic resurrection occurred in 1919?

¹⁵ Judah needed Jehovah’s help to escape from captivity in Babylon. They could not have done it on their own. (Isaiah 26:17, 18) Similarly, the liberation of the Israel of God in 1919 was proof of Jehovah’s support. It could not have happened without him. And so startling was the change in their condition that Isaiah likens it to a resurrection: “Your dead ones will live. A corpse of mine​—they will rise up. Awake and cry out joyfully, you residents in the dust! For your dew is as the dew of mallows, and the earth itself will let even those impotent in death drop in birth.” (Isaiah 26:19; Revelation 11:7-11) Yes, those impotent in death would, as it were, be reborn for renewed activity!

Protection in Dangerous Times

16, 17. (a) In 539 B.C.E., what did the Jews need to do in order to survive the fall of Babylon? (b) Likely, what are the “interior rooms” today, and how do they benefit us?

¹⁶ Jehovah’s servants always need his protection. Soon, though, he will stretch out his hand for the last time against Satan’s world, and his worshipers will need his help as never before. (1 John 5:19) Regarding that dangerous time, Jehovah warns us: “Go, my people, enter into your interior rooms, and shut your doors behind you. Hide yourself for but a moment until the denunciation passes over. For, look! Jehovah is coming forth from his place to call to account the error of the inhabitant of the land against him, and the land will certainly expose her bloodshed and will no longer cover over her killed ones.” (Isaiah 26:20, 21; Zephaniah 1:14) This warning showed the Jews how to survive the fall of Babylon in 539 B.C.E. Those who heeded it would have stayed in their houses, safe from the conquering soldiers out in the streets.

¹⁷ Today, the “interior rooms” of the prophecy likely have to do with the tens of thousands of congregations of Jehovah’s people around the world. Such congregations are a protection even now, a place where Christians find safety among their brothers, under the loving care of the elders. (Isaiah 32:1, 2; Hebrews 10:24, 25) This is especially true in view of the nearness of the end of this system of things when survival will depend on obedience.​—Zephaniah 2:3.

18. How will Jehovah soon “kill the sea monster”?

¹⁸ Regarding that time, Isaiah prophesies: “In that day Jehovah, with his hard and great and strong sword, will turn his attention to Leviathan, the gliding serpent, even to Leviathan, the crooked serpent, and he will certainly kill the sea monster that is in the sea.” (Isaiah 27:1) What is the modern-day “Leviathan”? Apparently, it is “the original serpent,” Satan himself, along with his wicked system of things, which he uses to wage war against the Israel of God. (Revelation 12:9, 10, 17; 13:14, 16, 17) In 1919, Leviathan lost its hold on God’s people. In time, it will disappear altogether. (Revelation 19:19-21; 20:1-3, 10) Thus, Jehovah will “kill the sea monster.” Meantime, nothing that Leviathan may try against Jehovah’s people will have lasting success. (Isaiah 54:17) How comforting to be assured of that!

“A Vineyard of Foaming Wine”

19. What is the condition of the remnant today?

¹⁹ In view of all this light from Jehovah, do we not have every reason to rejoice? Yes, indeed! Isaiah beautifully describes the joy of Jehovah’s people when he writes: “In that day sing to her, you people: ‘A vineyard of foaming wine! I, Jehovah, am safeguarding her. Every moment I shall water her. In order that no one may turn his attention against her, I shall safeguard her even night and day.’” (Isaiah 27:2, 3) Jehovah has cared for his “vineyard,” the remnant of the Israel of God, and for their hardworking associates. (John 15:1-8) The result has been fruitage that brings glory to his name and causes great rejoicing among his servants on earth.

20. How does Jehovah protect the Christian congregation?

²⁰ We can be thrilled that Jehovah’s earlier anger against his anointed servants​—because of which he allowed them to go into spiritual captivity in 1918—​has ceased. Jehovah himself says: “There is no rage that I have. Who will give me thornbushes and weeds in the battle? I will step on such. I will set such on fire at the same time. Otherwise let him take hold of my stronghold, let him make peace with me; peace let him make with me.” (Isaiah 27:4, 5) To ensure that his vines continue to produce an abundance of “foaming wine,” Jehovah crushes and consumes any weedlike influence that could corrupt them. Hence, let no one endanger the welfare of the Christian congregation! Let all ‘take hold of Jehovah’s stronghold,’ seeking his favor and protection. In so doing, we make peace with God​—something of such importance that Isaiah mentions it twice.​—Psalm 85:1, 2, 8; Romans 5:1.

21. In what way has the productive land been filled with “produce”?

²¹ The blessings continue: “In the coming days Jacob will take root, Israel will put forth blossoms and actually sprout; and they will simply fill the surface of the productive land with produce.” (Isaiah 27:6) This verse has been fulfilled since 1919, providing wonderful evidence of Jehovah’s power. Anointed Christians have filled the earth with “produce,” nourishing spiritual food. In the midst of a corrupt world, they joyfully preserve God’s elevated standards. And Jehovah continues to bless them with increase. As a result, their millions of companions, the other sheep, “are rendering [God] sacred service day and night.” (Revelation 7:15) May we never lose sight of the grand privilege of partaking of “produce” and sharing it with others!

22. What blessings come to those who accept the light?

²² In these critical times, when darkness covers the earth and gross darkness the national groups, are we not thankful that Jehovah sheds spiritual light upon his people? (Isaiah 60:2; Romans 2:19; 13:12) For all who accept it, such light means peace of mind and joy now and nothing less than everlasting life in the future. With good reason, then, we who love the light lift up our hearts in praise to Jehovah and say with the psalmist: “Jehovah is the stronghold of my life. Of whom shall I be in dread? Hope in Jehovah; be courageous and let your heart be strong. Yes, hope in Jehovah.”​—Psalm 27:1b, 14.