What Must a Person Do to Be Known by Jehovah? (2 Tim 2.

19) For all that, the solid foundation of God stays standing, having this seal: Jehovah knows those who belong to him, and: Let everyone naming the name of Jehovah renounce unrighteousness.

God Knows and Protects His Own Surely he that toucheth you toucheth the pupil of mine eye. Zech. 2:8, Ro. JEHOVAH knows those who belong to him. (2 Tim. 2:19, NW) His creatures, then, should try to know Jehovah. The majority of men have failed in gaining knowledge of Jehovah because of their indifference toward his Word. It is through his Word, the Bible, that Jehovah has revealed himself to men; yet very few persons have taken time to read this collection of letters to us or even to listen to those who have read and are familiar with the Bible. The many letters and books contained within the Bible were written under inspiration for our learning and admonition. However, by far the greater number of the human race have chosen a god to their own liking or have set themselves above God and outside his authority. They do not see how he shows loving-kindness and protection under any and all conditions to those who belong to him. At the same time, men of the world do not fear Jehovah, the one who is able to destroy those opposing him.
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When Paul wrote to Timothy the words, Jehovah knows those who belong to him, he had in mind a situation that existed many centuries earlier. It was an occasion that happened in the wilderness near Sinai where Moses had led the children of Israel when they left the land of Egypt. This was what happened: Korah, Dathan and Abiram became arrogant and, along with two hundred and fifty of the Israelites who were leaders in the community, gathered together and protested against Moses and Aaron. They said they had had enough of Moses and Aaron and that they needed their services no longer. They claimed these two men had exalted themselves above the Lords assembly. (Num. 16:1-3) Gods Word shows us that it was Jehovah who chose and used Moses as his mediator and special servant to express his will, not only before kings as he did before Pharaoh, but also before the children of Israel. Even though the Israelites had been brought through the Red sea and protected by the hand of Almighty God, and although he had used Moses to lead them all the way, still these Jews were against Moses. So

Moses told this wicked group and the whole community of Israel, In the morning the LORD will show who belongs to him and who is holy, that he may have him come near him; and whomsoever he chooses he will have come near him. (Num. 16:5, AT) Readers of Gods Word know the results of the next days happenings.
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The account informs us that Moses directed the children of Israel to withdraw from the neighborhood of the dwellings of these obstreperous persons. He told them, Move away from the tents of these wicked men, and do not touch anything at all that belongs to them, lest you be swept away with all their sins. We trust we can conclude as did Paul: Now we are not the kind that shrink back to destruction, but the kind that have faith to the preserving alive of the soul.Heb. 6:5; 10:38, 39, NW. What makes these things so much more important and urgent, in all their aspects, is the fact that we are living in the day of judgment, the last days of this wicked system of things, and the appointed time for the judgment to start with the house of God. (2 Tim. 3:1; 1 Pet. 4:17, NW) As shown by the context of Isaiah 28:16, the very purpose for which the foundation cornerstone is laid in Zion is that searching judgment may be forthwith effected, based upon the measurements and angles of that tried stone. Note what immediately follows: And I will make justice the line, and righteousness the plummet; and the hail shall sweep away the refuge of lies, and the waters shall overflow the hiding-place. (Isa. 28:17, AS) That spells doom for the foundations of the old world, its institutions and builders, including its god, Satan, the Devil. A miniature fulfillment of the laying of the tried stone occurred at the first advent, when Jesus rode into Jerusalem and offered himself as king, three and a half years after his anointing with Gods spirit at Jordan. Similarly with the laying of this same stone in completion at the second advent. At the termination of the times of the Gentiles, in 1914 (A.D.), Christ was authorized to commence operations as king and priest, in fulfillment of Psalm 110:2-4, and three and a half years later, in 1918, he offered himself as king to all professing to be his people. (For a full discussion of Isaiah 28, see our issue of October 1, 1951.) Another interesting and pointed reference is the apostle Pauls statement: For all that, the solid foundation of God stays standing, having this seal, Jehovah knows those who belong to him, and, Let everyone
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mentioning the name of Jehovah renounce unrighteousness. (2 Tim. 2:19, NW) This shows, too, that when God institutes his searching judgments it makes manifest where each individual stands. In fact, the circumstance that caused the apostle to make that comment arose out of his mentioning two men by name who had deviated from the truth, and who had to be exposed for what they really were. (2 Tim. 2:16-18, NW) And this same lesson is made still more pointed when we look back at the reference and context of Numbers 16:5, from which Paul made the former of the two above-mentioned quotations. Does it not drive home to us how important and urgent it is to get both the encouragement and the warning from that earlier statement of the apostle: Do your utmost to present yourself approved to God, a workman with nothing to be ashamed of, handling the word of the truth aright? (2 Tim. 2:15, NW) Observe, please, we not only must carefully listen to and believe Gods Word, but must learn how to handle it aright in ministering it and preaching it to others with sanctified hands and hearts. Perhaps you wonder how the two quotations at 2 Timothy 2:19 serve as a seal to the solid foundation of God. The fact is, no people can deceive Jehovah, however much they may deceive others, or even themselves. As we have seen, the capital organization of God is named Zion, the heavenly organization of which Christ Jesus is the cornerstone, who was tried and tested to the utmost. The same testing and disciplining is applied, without an exception, to all others who become sons of God, as Paul shows. (Heb. 12:4-11, NW) In the Christian Greek Scriptures there are two words commonly translated knowledge, gnosis and epignosis. Both are related to the verb ginosko, which means know; understand; perceive. The way this verb is used in the Bible, though, shows that it can indicate a favorable relationship between the person and one he knows. (1Co 8:3; 2Ti 2:19) Knowledge (gnosis) is put in a very favorable light in the Christian Greek Scriptures. However, not all that men may call knowledge is to be sought, because philosophies and views exist that are falsely called knowledge. (1Ti 6:20) The recommended knowledge is about God and his purposes. (2Pe 1:5) This involves more than merely having facts,
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which many atheists have; a personal devotion to God and Christ is implied. (Joh 17:3; 6:68, 69) Whereas having knowledge (information alone) might result in a feeling of superiority, our knowing the love of the Christ which surpasses knowledge, that is, knowing this love by experience because we are personally imitating his loving ways, will balance and give wholesome direction to our use of any information we may have gained.Eph 3:19.

Saturday, May 25 Jehovah knows those who belong to him.2 Tim. 2:19. One day a Pharisee approached Jesus and asked: Which is the greatest commandment in the Law? Jesus responded: You must love Jehovah your God with your whole heart and with your whole soul and with your whole mind. (Matt. 22:35-37) Jesus had great love for his heavenly Father and truly lived by those words. Jesus was also concerned about his standing with Jehovah, demonstrating this by his faithful life course. Therefore, shortly before his death, he could state that God knew him as one who faithfully obeyed His commandments. Jesus thus remained in Jehovahs love. (John 15:10) Many today claim to love God. We no doubt include ourselves in that number. However, serious aspects to consider are: Am I known by God? How does Jehovah view me? Am I known as belonging to him? What a privilege it is to contemplate such a close relationship with the Sovereign of the universe! w11 9/15 5:1, 2

Are You Known by Jehovah? Jehovah knows those who belong to him.2 TIM. 2:19. ONE day a Pharisee approached Jesus and asked: Which is the greatest commandment in the Law? Jesus responded: You must love Jehovah your God with your whole heart and with your whole soul and with your whole mind. (Matt. 22:35-37) Jesus had great love for his heavenly Father and truly lived by those words. Jesus was also concerned about his standing with Jehovah, demonstrating this by his faithful life course. Therefore, shortly before his death, he could state that God knew him as one who faithfully obeyed His commandments. Jesus thus remained in Jehovahs love.John 15:10. Many today claim to love God. We no doubt include ourselves in that number. However, serious aspects to consider are: Am I known by God? How does Jehovah view me? Am I known as belonging to him? (2 Tim. 2:19) What a privilege it is to contemplate such a close relationship with the Sovereign of the universe! Yet, some who have much love for Jehovah find it challenging to believe that God can know them in a positive way. Some have feelings of worthlessness, so they question the idea of belonging to Jehovah. How glad we can be, though, that God can see us from a different perspective! (1 Sam. 16:7) The apostle Paul told his fellow Christians: If anyone loves God, this one is known by him. (1 Cor. 8:3) Your love for God is an important prerequisite for being known by him. Consider: Why are you reading this journal? Why are you striving to serve Jehovah with your whole heart, soul, mind, and strength? If you are dedicated to God and baptized, what led you to take those steps? The Bible explains that Jehovah, who examines hearts, draws desirable ones. (Read Haggai 2:7; John 6:44.) Therefore, you can conclude that you are serving Jehovah because he drew you. He will never leave the ones whom he has drawn if they remain faithful. God views them as very precious, and he loves them dearly.Ps. 94:14.
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Once Jehovah has drawn us, we should be concerned with remaining in his love. (Read Jude 20, 21.) Remember, the Bible shows that it is possible to drift away or draw away from God. (Heb. 2:1; 3:12, 13) For example, just prior to the statement found at 2 Timothy 2:19, the apostle Paul mentioned Hymenaeus and Philetus. Those two men had evidently belonged to Jehovah at one point, but they later deviated from the truth. (2 Tim. 2:16-18) Recall, too, that in the Galatian congregations, some who had been known by God did not remain in the spiritual light they once enjoyed. (Gal. 4:9) May we never take for granted our precious standing with God. There are some qualities that Jehovah especially values. (Ps. 15:1-5; 1 Pet. 3:4) Faith and humility distinguished some who were known by God. Let us examine the examples of two men to see how these qualities endeared them to Jehovah. We will also look at a man who thought he was known by God but who took a prideful course and found out that Jehovah had rejected him. We can learn valuable lessons from these examples. The Father of Those Having Faith Abraham was a man who put faith in Jehovah. In fact, he is called the father of all those having faith. (Gen. 15:6; Rom. 4:11) In faith, Abraham left his home, his friends, and his possessions to go to a distant land. (Gen. 12:1-4; Heb. 11:8-10) Abrahams faith was still strong many years later. This was evident when he as good as offered up Isaac his son in obedience to Jehovahs command. (Heb. 11:17-19) Abraham demonstrated faith in Jehovahs promises, so God viewed him as special; he really knew Abraham. (Read Genesis 18:19.) Jehovah was not merely aware of Abrahams existence; he cherished Abraham as a friend.Jas. 2:22, 23. It is noteworthy that Abraham did not during his lifetime receive the inheritance of the land promised to him. He also did not see his seed become like the grains of sand that are on the seashore. (Gen. 22:17, 18) Though these promises went unfulfilled during Abrahams lifetime, he maintained strong faith in Jehovah. He knew that if God gave
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his word, it was as good as done. Yes, Abraham lived his life in harmony with that faith. (Read Hebrews 11:13.) Are we known by Jehovah as having faith similar to Abrahams? Waiting on Jehovah Is a Mark of Faith We may have desires that we long to see fulfilled. Marriage, having children, and good health are all natural and appropriate desires. For many, though, one or more of those desires may go unfulfilled. If that is so in our case, how we deal with the situation may be a measure of our faith. How unwise it would be to seek to fulfill these desires in a way contrary to godly wisdom. That would be to ones spiritual detriment. Some, for instance, have chosen forms of health care that conflict with Jehovahs counsel. Others have taken on employment that keeps them away from their families or congregation meetings. Or what of developing a romantic relationship with an unbeliever? If a Christian follows such a course, is he truly seeking to be known by Jehovah? How would Jehovah have felt if Abraham had become impatient about the fulfillment of Gods promises to him? What if Abraham had taken matters into his own hands to settle down again and make a celebrated name for himself rather than wait on Jehovah? (Compare Genesis 11:4.) Would he have continued to be favorably known by Jehovah? What desires do you long to see fulfilled? Is your faith strong enough for you to wait on Jehovah, who promises to satisfy your proper yearnings? (Ps. 145:16) As was true with Abraham, the fulfillment of some divine promises may not come as soon as we would like. Still, Jehovah values our developing faith like Abrahams and our acting in harmony with it. Doing so is surely to our ultimate benefit.Heb. 11:6. A Contrast Between Humility and Pride Moses and Korah stand in sharp contrast when it comes to demonstrating respect for Jehovahs arrangement and his decisions. Their reactions had a bearing on how Jehovah viewed them. Korah was a Kohathite Levite, and he enjoyed many privileges, which likely included
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seeing the deliverance of the nation through the Red Sea, supporting Jehovahs judgment against disobedient Israelites at Mount Sinai, and having a role in transporting the ark of the covenant. (Ex. 32:26-29; Num. 3:30, 31) He had evidently been loyal to Jehovah for years and was subsequently looked up to by many in the camp of Israel. Nevertheless, while the nation of Israel was en route to the Promised Land, Korah perceived what he imagined to be problems in Gods arrangement. Then 250 other leading men in the nation sided with Korah in trying to make changes. Korah and the others must have felt secure about their relationship with Jehovah. They told Moses: That is enough of you, because the whole assembly are all of them holy and Jehovah is in their midst. (Num. 16:1-3) What an overconfident and prideful attitude! Moses told them: Jehovah will make known who belongs to him. (Read Numbers 16:5.) By the end of the next day, Korah and all those who had sided with him in rebellion were dead.Num. 16:31-35. In contrast, Moses was by far the meekest of all the men who were upon the surface of the ground. (Num. 12:3) He manifested his meekness and humility by his determination to follow Jehovahs direction. (Ex. 7:6; 40:16) There is no indication that Moses often questioned Jehovahs way of doing things or got annoyed at having to follow procedures that Jehovah set out. For example, Jehovah gave commands regarding the tabernacle construction down to the smallest detail, such as the color of the thread and the number of loops to be used in making the tent cloths. (Ex. 26:1-6) If a human overseer in Gods organization provides you with instructions that seem extremely detailed, you might at times feel frustrated. Jehovah, however, is a perfect overseer, who delegates generously and trusts his servants. When he gives many details, he does so for good reason. Take note, though, that Moses did not become irritated with Jehovah for giving that level of detail, as if Jehovah were demeaning him or stifling his creativity or freedom. Rather, Moses made sure that the workers did just so in following Gods directions. (Ex. 39:32) What a humble course! Moses recognized that it was Jehovahs work and that he was just a tool being used to get that work done.
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Moses humility was also evident when he faced negative circumstances that affected him personally. On one occasion, Moses lost self-control and failed to sanctify God when dealing with the complaining people. As a result, Jehovah told Moses that he would not take the people into the Promised Land. (Num. 20:2-12) He and his brother, Aaron, had endured the grumbling of the Israelites for years. Then, because Moses erred on that one occasion, he would not get to experience what he had been expecting for so long! How did Moses react? While understandably disappointed, Moses humbly accepted Jehovahs decision. He knew that Jehovah is a righteous God, with whom there is no injustice. (Deut. 3:25-27; 32:4) When you think of Moses, do you not see him as one known by Jehovah?Read Exodus 33:12, 13. Submitting to Jehovah Requires Humility How we react to adjustments in the worldwide Christian congregation and decisions made by those taking the lead in it has a bearing on our being known by Jehovah. Korah and his associates alienated themselves from God by their overconfidence, pride, and lack of faith. Although in Korahs eyes it was aged Moses who was making day-to-day decisions, it was really Jehovah who was directing the nation. Korah lost sight of that fact and consequently failed to show loyalty to those whom God was using. How much wiser it would have been for Korah to wait on Jehovah for a clearer understanding or for adjustments if those were really needed. So in the end, Korah destroyed his record of faithful service by his prideful actions! That account provides a serious warning for elders and others in the congregation today. Waiting on Jehovah and following directions from those appointed to take the lead requires humility. Do we show that we are as humble and mild-tempered as Moses was? Can we acknowledge the position of those taking the lead among us and submit to directions we receive? Are we able to rise above our personal feelings when faced with disappointments? If so, we too will be known favorably by Jehovah. Our humility and submission will endear us to him. Jehovah Knows Those Who Belong to Him
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It is beneficial to reflect on those whom Jehovah drew and knew favorably. Abraham and Moses were imperfect and had flaws, as we do. Yet, they were known by Jehovah as ones belonging to him. Korahs example, however, illustrates that it would be possible for us to draw away from Jehovah and thus no longer be known by him with approval. Each of us does well to ask himself: How does Jehovah see me? What can I learn from these Bible examples? You can take great comfort in knowing that Jehovah views as belonging to him faithful ones whom he has drawn. Continue to develop faith, humility, and other qualities that further endear you to our God. Being known by Jehovah is undeniably a precious privilege that brings satisfaction to our life now, and it holds out wonderful blessings for the future.Ps. 37:18. The apostle Paul leaves no doubt about the importance to him of Gods name. In his letter to the Romans, he quotes the same words by the prophet Joel and goes on to encourage fellow Christians to show their faith in that statement by going out to preach about Gods name to others in order that these, too, might be saved. (Romans 10:13-15) Later he wrote in his letter to Timothy: Let everyone naming the name of Jehovah renounce unrighteousness. (2 Timothy 2:19) At the end of the first century, the apostle John used the divine name in his writings. The expression Hallelujah, meaning Praise Jah, appears repeatedly in the book of Revelation.Revelation 19:1, 3, 4, 6.
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God said to Moses: I do know you by name. (Exodus 33:12) The wellknown account of the burning bush verifies this. The Bible says that God called to him out of the midst of the thornbush and said: Moses! Moses! (Exodus 3:4) This is just one example of the numerous occasions when God addressed people by their personal name. Clearly, the Creator of the universe is interested in us as individuals. The Bible says that God knows each one of the many billions of stars by name. (Isaiah 40:26) How much more so must he care about humans

who worship him! The apostle Paul wrote that Jehovah knows those who belong to him. (2 Timothy 2:19) This implies more than simply memorizing names. God has intimate knowledge of his worshipers. We, in turn, should know God by name and acquire intimate knowledge of his qualities. The last book of the Bible describes a figurative book in which God writes the names of all who have worshiped him throughout history. This book is called the scroll of life because Jehovah God will grant everlasting life to those whose names are written in it. (Revelation 17:8) This is a bright prospect for those who know God by name.

Be Proud of Who You Are These servants of God were successful because they nurtured a wholesome sense of pride in their standing before God. What about us today? What is involved in boasting in our Christian identity?
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Primarily, this includes a deep appreciation for being one of Jehovah s name people, having his blessing and approval. God has no doubts about who belong to him. The apostle Paul, who lived in an era of considerable religious confusion, wrote: Jehovah knows those who belong to him. (2 Timothy 2:19; Numbers 16:5) Jehovah takes pride in those who belong to him. He declares: He that is touching you is touching my eyeball. (Zechariah 2:8) Clearly, Jehovah loves us. In return, our relationship with him should be based on deep love for him. Paul noted: If anyone loves God, this one is known by him.1 Corinthians 8:3.
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Young people who have been raised as Jehovahs Witnesses do well to examine whether their Christian identity is becoming stronger based on a personal relationship with God. They cannot depend merely on the faith of their parents. Regarding each servant of God, Paul wrote: To his own master he stands or falls. Thus, Paul continues: Each of us will render an account for himself to God. (Romans 14:4, 12) Obviously, a halfhearted continuation of family tradition cannot sustain an intimate, long-term relationship with Jehovah.
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Throughout history, there has been a succession of witnesses of Jehovah. It extends from the faithful man Abelabout 60 centuries agoto
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the great crowd of modern Witnesses and on to throngs of worshipers of Jehovah who will enjoy an endless future. (Revelation 7:9; Hebrews 11:4) We are the latest of this long line of faithful worshipers. What a rich spiritual heritage we have! Our Christian identity also includes the set of values, qualities, standards, and characteristics that identify us as Christians. It is The Way, the only successful way of life and of pleasing God. (Acts 9:2; Ephesians 4:22-24) Christians make sure of all things and hold fast to what is fine! (1 Thessalonians 5:21) We have a clear understanding of the vast difference between Christianity and the world that is alienated from God. Jehovah leaves no room for any ambiguity between true worship and false. Through his prophet Malachi, he declared: You people will again certainly see the distinction between a righteous one and a wicked one, between one serving God and one who has not served him.Malachi 3:18.
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Since boasting in Jehovah is so important in this confused and disoriented world, what can assist us to maintain a wholesome pride in our God and a strong sense of Christian identity? Helpful suggestions are found in the next article. While considering these, you can be certain of this: True Christians will never become victims of apatheism.
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Rejecting the Worlds Vices Jehovahs Witnesses do not join the chorus of those who endorse permissive standards of sexual morality. Says Titus 2:11, 12: The undeserved kindness of God which brings salvation to all sorts of men has been manifested, instructing us to repudiate ungodliness and worldly desires and to live with soundness of mind and righteousness and godly devotion amid this present system of things. Yes, we cultivate a real hatred, an abhorrence, of such vices as premarital sex, adultery, and homosexual acts. (Romans 12:9; Ephesians 5:3-5) Paul gave this exhortation: Let everyone naming the name of Jehovah renounce unrighteousness.2 Timothy 2:19.
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Another interesting and pointed reference is the apostle Pauls statement: For all that, the solid foundation of God stays standing, having this seal, Jehovah knows those who belong to him, and, Let everyone mentioning the name of Jehovah renounce unrighteousness. (2 Tim. 2:19, NW) This shows, too, that when God institutes his searching judgments it makes manifest where each individual stands. In fact, the circumstance that caused the apostle to make that comment arose out of his mentioning two men by name who had deviated from the truth, and who had to be exposed for what they really were. (2 Tim. 2:16-18, NW) And this same lesson is made still more pointed when we look back at the reference and context of Numbers 16:5, from which Paul made the former of the two above-mentioned quotations. Does it not drive home to us how important and urgent it is to get both the encouragement and the warning from that earlier statement of the apostle: Do your utmost to present yourself approved to God, a workman with nothing to be ashamed of, handling the word of the truth aright? (2 Tim. 2:15, NW) Observe, please, we not only must carefully listen to and believe Gods Word, but must learn how to handle it aright in ministering it and preaching it to others with sanctified hands and hearts. Perhaps you wonder how the two quotations at 2 Timothy 2:19 serve as a seal to the solid foundation of God. The fact is, no people can deceive Jehovah, however much they may deceive others, or even themselves. As we have seen, the capital organization of God is named Zion, the heavenly organization of which Christ Jesus is the cornerstone, who was tried and tested to the utmost. The same testing and disciplining is applied, without an exception, to all others who become sons of God, as Paul shows. (Heb. 12:4-11, NW) However far Satan has been allowed to go, even to attempting to becloud the whole issue by oversowing weeds in among the wheat, yet when the appointed time comes, as, indeed, it has come, for Gods judgment to start, then it is made abundantly clear that Jehovah knows those who belong to him down to the last one. (Matt. 13:25, NW) There is not the slightest possibility, therefore, of anyones finding a place in Zion, settled upon its foundation Jesus Christ, or enjoying the freedom of the city, unless he
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has in deed and in truth renounced unrighteousness, and proved that he has dedicated himself to God, delighting to do his will because his law is within his heart. Hence the fulfillment of the above-mentioned two quotations absolutely confirms, or ratifies (seals), the grand basic truth that the legal and solid foundation of God stays standing.