Robert Luccioni: Do You Know the Way to Go?
“Do You Know the Way to Go?”: Our theme for this discussion is based on Joshua 3:4. The setting is that the nation of Israel was about to enter the Promised Land after waiting for some 40 years. However, the next phase would not be easy. It would require much effort, faith, and courage to enjoy the blessings of the Promised Land. How would they know how to proceed? Let’s read together Joshua 3:2-4 to understand how Jehovah guides his people at this critical moment. “After three days, the officers passed throughout the camp “and commanded the people: “‘As soon as you see the ark of the covenant of Jehovah your God “‘being carried by the Levitical priests, “‘you should depart from your place and follow it. “‘But keep a distance of about 2,000 cubits from it; “‘do not come any nearer to it, “‘so that you may know which is the way to go, for you have not traveled on this way before.’” You notice they needed to follow the ark of the covenant to know which way to go. Now, while this may have seemed obvious, the nation of Israel had difficulties following direction. They often focused negatively on the men who were leading them and let pride or desire for independence influence their decisions. Now, why is this relevant today? Well, we too are at a pivotal point in human history. All indications suggest that we are deep in “the last days” and could soon see the beginning of the great tribulation leading to Armageddon. Following direction will be vital. How will we know the way to go? Well, just as in Joshua’s day, it’s imperative to identify how Jehovah is leading his people and follow it. With that in mind, we’ll consider three points in this discussion: (1) How do we identify the way to go? (2) How do we stay on the way? and (3) How do we keep up? Let’s begin with our first point: How do we identify the way to go? Well, during their time in the wilderness under Moses and Aaron, the nation of Israel had clear manifestation of Jehovah’s direction (we remember) by the pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night. However, Jehovah now changed how he would provide direction. It required faith on the part of the nation to acknowledge that Joshua was now the one Jehovah was using. By having the ark of the covenant go before the people, Joshua was ensuring that the people knew that it really was still Jehovah who was leading them. Whom is Jehovah using today? Jesus gave us the answer. Let’s turn to Matthew 24:45: “Who really is the faithful and discreet slave “whom his master appointed over his domestics, to give them their food at the proper time?” “The faithful and discreet slave” —who are they? The Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses makes up this group today. They provide the spiritual food, direction, and practical help for Jehovah’s Witnesses around the world. Now, we know that. We’ve considered the scripture many times. But have we thought deeply regarding why we believe that? The Enjoy Life Forever! book includes lesson 54, “The Role of ‘the Faithful and Discreet Slave.’” In that lesson, it asks our Bible students: “What proves to you that Jesus is leading the Governing Body?” And “Do you believe that the Governing Body is ‘the faithful and discreet slave’?” These are serious questions. How would you answer them? Perhaps you’d find it helpful to consider this chapter, including the “Explore” section, in an upcoming family worship or personal study project. Now, why is that important? Well, think about it. If the nation of Israel was going to follow men carrying the ark of the covenant into a river at flood stage, they needed to have complete confidence that Jehovah was guiding these men. Well, likewise, if we’re going to follow the Governing Body as we move into difficult days ahead, we need to have complete confidence that Jehovah is the one taking the lead by means of his Son, Jesus Christ. So, what’s the answer to our first question, How do we identify the way to go? Similar to the faithful Israelites, we follow the ones that Jehovah is using to lead us. That brings us to our second point: How do we stay on the way? It may be easy to follow direction when we agree with the direction given. However, it’s more difficult when we’re asked to do something that doesn’t quite fit with what we think should be done. What do we do then? The apostle Paul provides us with a good example of how to react. Acts chapter 21 records when Paul came to Jerusalem and updated James and the elders regarding his missionary travels. And they were overjoyed to hear his experiences, but there was also a problem. Note what they said regarding some of the Jewish Christians, as recorded at Acts 21:21: “But they have heard it rumored about you “that you have been teaching all the Jews among the nations “an apostasy from Moses, “telling them not to circumcise their children or to follow the customary practices.” Now, there’s no record of Paul doing this. But there were rumors. So, what was their direction? Look at Acts 21:24: “Take these men with you “and cleanse yourself ceremonially together with them “and take care of their expenses, “so that they may have their heads shaved. “Then everyone will know “that there is nothing to the rumors they were told about you, “but that you are walking orderly and you are also keeping the Law.” What did Paul do? He didn’t argue or resist. In verse 26, it says that “Paul took the men the next day and cleansed himself ceremonially along with them.” So to settle a rumor that was not true, Paul used his own funds and did what he knew was no longer required. Why? Because he was loyal to those Jehovah appointed to take the lead. Now, what’s the lesson? When we receive direction —even if it seems unnecessary or we have a different opinion— do we trust Jehovah enough to follow it? If you receive clear direction, follow it if there’s no Scriptural law being disregarded. You never know if Jehovah is maneuvering matters for a reason. And even if not, he’ll reward you for your loyalty. At times, this direction can mean our lives. We may think of the drama “Commit Your Way to Jehovah.” This portrayed the real situation of our brothers fleeing for their lives in Africa. That’s happening even to some of our brothers and sisters today in different parts of the world. And our heart goes out to these dear ones. That drama prompted all of us to consider how we would respond if we are told to do something we may feel is a bit extreme or not needed. Why not look at that drama again as part of your family worship and then consider how you would have reacted? Why is this important? Well, think about this: Will we also receive clear direction on what to do and what not to do during the great tribulation? What form will that direction take? Will it make sense to us? If we have complete confidence in Jehovah and his Son, we’ll be ready to follow the direction of those taking the lead. So we’ve considered how we identify the way to go and how we stay on that way. That leads to our third point: How do we keep up? Be careful not to let disappointments, persecutions, or problems cause us to stop or slow down in following the direction of those taking the lead. For example, we may respond immediately if we hear something directly from the Governing Body. But what do we do when we receive direction from our local elders or the circuit overseer? We know their personalities. We see their imperfections. Does that cause us to stop or slow down? Can we still see Jehovah behind the direction? We need to stay close to Jehovah’s organization. Why is that important? Well, have you ever followed someone with your car and encountered traffic and suddenly noticed that the person you’re following is far ahead of you? The next thing you know, you realize that they got off at an exit and you missed it. What happened? We were too far away. For the same reason, we need to keep up with Jehovah’s organization. Now, how do we do that? Consider the reminders we receive so often to keep up spiritually. What are they? Be at our congregation meetings; maintain our routine of Bible reading, personal study, and prayer; engage in the ministry. These things help us keep up with Jehovah’s organization. Now, at times, ones become disgruntled with decisions that are made or how things are handled in the organization. And this has caused some to slow down, become inactive, or stop associating with the congregation. Sadly, they fail to understand that, as in the nation of Israel, things will not be managed perfectly because of the fact that all who are being used are imperfect. So where will such ones go to find perfection? The only perfect human was Jesus himself. So we have imperfect humans trying their best to follow the direction of their perfect Leader. One astute, long-time circuit overseer often said about Jehovah’s arrangement, “This is the best imperfect organization on earth.” Well said. This may remind us of what’s recorded in John chapter 6. We remember there that some stumbled because of what Jesus said about eating his flesh and drinking his blood. And the account said that “because of this, “many of his disciples went off to the things behind and would no longer walk with him.” So Jesus asks his disciples: “You do not want to go also, do you?” What was the response? Peter responded beautifully with conviction, as recorded at John 6:68: “Lord, whom shall we go away to? You have sayings of everlasting life.” “Whom shall we go away to?” Peter and the other disciples may not have understood what Jesus was talking about any more than the others did. But they were convinced that there was nowhere else to go. The same is true today. Never forget what you have. Where else will you go for the guidance, spiritual food, and comfort that Jehovah provides through his organization? There is nowhere else to go. Don’t let the things you do not understand blind you to what you have and what you’re a part of. So, what’s the point of this discussion? All indications are that we are deep in the last days and on the verge of entering a future we have long awaited. Like Israel standing at Jordan’s banks, obedience and following the direction may mean our lives. Now is the time to be fully convinced of how Jehovah directs his organization. Don’t let disappointments or imperfections of others slow you down. Regularly remind yourself of the privilege it is to be part of this imperfect, yes, but unified worldwide organization. And be assured that no matter what dark days lay ahead of us, if you stick close to Jehovah’s organization and follow its direction, you will always know the way to go.
