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00:01 The theme for this month is 00:03 “In Whom Do You Trust?” 00:06 Do you trust me? 00:08 I hope so. 00:09 All of us want to be trusted. 00:11 Trust is a basic element of everyday life. 00:15 To trust others is a normal reaction. 00:18 Many of us have traveled on a train or a bus. 00:22 Did we worry whether the conductor or driver 00:25 would bring us safely to our destination? 00:27 Normally, we do not worry. 00:30 We trust an airplane captain to take us safely to our destination. 00:35 We trust that when we enter an elevator, 00:37 it will not crash at the bottom of the shaft, 00:40 but safely take us to the desired floor. 00:44 When we marry, we trust that our partner will remain faithful. 00:49 In many situations in life we need trust. 00:53 What is trust? 00:54 Trust is the “firm belief in the reliability, 00:58 truth, or ability of someone or something.” 01:03 Webster’s dictionary says that it is “confidence”; 01:06 a “reliance [or] resting of the mind on the integrity, 01:10 “veracity, justice, friendship, 01:13 or other sound principle, of another person.” 01:18 Trust is related to confidence, 01:20 belief, faith, and assurance. 01:25 Experiments conducted by Professor Dr. Michael Kosfeld, 01:29 a professor at a university in Frankfurt, Germany, 01:33 led him to the conclusion that trust 01:35 is “a biologically-based part of human nature.” 01:41 Kosfeld discovered that when there is interaction between two people, 01:46 the human brain releases a hormone that stimulates trust. 01:52 “It is, in fact, one of the distinguishing features 01:54 of the human species,” Kosfeld states. 01:59 In everyday life, how discouraged some are if they are not trusted. 02:03 The phrase “Don’t you trust me?” 02:07 is frequently heard with an undertone of sadness or complaint. 02:12 Sometimes children or teenagers ask their parents 02:15 “Don’t you trust me?” when the parents place some restrictions on them, 02:20 perhaps in connection with leisure-time activities. 02:23 Parents do that because they love you young ones 02:27 and want to prevent any spiritual or physical harm befalling you. 02:32 If you cooperate, you will see that parents 02:35 will gradually trust you ever more 02:38 and grant more liberty to you. 02:42 You can prove to them that you are trustworthy. 02:46 In the world, many people are not trustworthy. 02:49 Since we are living in the time of the end 02:52 and the demons are desperate and have influenced many people, 02:56 we have to admit that trusting in everybody is not wise. 03:02 Many trusted in religion and were disappointed. 03:05 Others trusted in governments or the United Nations, 03:08 but they were disappointed. 03:10 They trusted political leaders that made all kinds of promises 03:14 but did not keep all of them. 03:16 Some politicians were even exposed as being liars. 03:22 Proverbs 14:15 says: 03:24 “The naive person believes every word, 03:27 but the shrewd one ponders each step.” 03:31 If somebody, even in the truth, promises us big monetary returns 03:36 if we give him money for his planned investment, 03:39 we need to be careful and not believe every word. 03:43 Some that spent their money were in for a disappointment 03:47 when they learned that everything was lost. 03:51 We also should not trust everything we read 03:54 in newspapers or see on television. 03:58 There is another thing we should not trust in—riches. 04:02 Psalm 49:6 speaks about “those who are trusting in their wealth 04:07 and who boast about their great riches.” 04:11 Trusting in riches often leads to disappointment. 04:15 “The one trusting in his riches will fall,” 04:18 says Proverbs 11:28. 04:22 It is not wrong to be rich; just do not trust in riches. 04:27 Riches are a risk factor. 04:31 Many people today are dishonest and cheat. 04:34 Some business owners have installed 04:36 cameras at the workplace, 04:38 since they do not trust their employees to put in a full day of work. 04:43 They know that some would play video games during work hours. 04:48 But Jehovah created us with the inclination to trust. 04:53 We can especially trust our spiritual brothers. 04:56 True, once in a while such trust is misplaced. 05:00 A few commit serious sins and have to be disfellowshipped. 05:04 But that is rare. 05:08 Jehovah himself is the best example of trusting in others. 05:12 He trusted the Logos to faithfully cooperate 05:15 with him as the “master worker” in creating the universe, 05:20 the earth, and all the living things on earth, including mankind. 05:25 What tremendous trust Jehovah showed in Jesus when He sent him to the earth. 05:31 Jehovah trusted that Jesus would remain faithful 05:34 and redeem mankind so that His will and purpose with mankind 05:39 and the earth could be accomplished. 05:41 Jehovah trusted him so much that he arranged for prophecies 05:46 to be written that foretold that he would die faithfully. 05:50 This trust on the part of Jehovah was not a risk. 05:54 It was based on the collaboration between the two for aeons of time. 06:01 Think of the prophecy at Psalm 16:10: 06:04 “For you will not leave me in the Grave.” 06:09 Jesus had free will. 06:11 This means that theoretically he could have sinned. 06:14 If he could not have sinned, 06:17 Satan probably would not have tried three times to tempt Jesus to sin. 06:23 If Jesus could not have sinned, 06:25 why would he be so heavily distressed 06:27 in the garden of Gethsemane that he was sweating blood? 06:31 Why send an angel to comfort and strengthen him 06:34 if he could not sin or fail anyway? 06:39 No question that Jesus felt the unfathomable load 06:43 on his shoulders to remain faithful, 06:47 since not only the salvation of mankind depended on him 06:51 but also the vindication of Jehovah’s sovereignty. 06:55 He did not want to disappoint Jehovah. 06:58 Jesus used his own free will 07:01 and was determined to stay loyal. 07:04 How glad we are that he did! 07:09 On the other hand, Jesus also trusted Jehovah completely. 07:13 He trusted Jehovah that he would resurrect him if he would die faithfully. 07:19 Actually, Jesus was publicly known to trust in Jehovah. 07:23 People that passed by when he was on the torture stake were saying: 07:28 “He has put his trust in God; 07:31 “let Him now rescue him if He wants him, 07:34 for he said, ‘I am God’s Son.’” 07:37 Another example of trust was Abraham. 07:40 When God told him to kill his beloved son Isaac, 07:44 Abraham was willing to do so. 07:46 He trusted that Jehovah could resurrect him. 07:51 Hebrews 11:19 says: 07:53 “He reasoned that God was able to raise him up even from the dead, 07:58 and he did receive him from there in an illustrative way.” 08:02 First Corinthians 13:7 says that 08:05 love “believes all things.” 08:09 Love trusts that prophecies will come true. 08:13 It also believes what our brothers tell us. 08:17 It also helps to grant others the benefit of the doubt 08:19 if a matter could be interpreted in different ways. 08:24 Yes, trusting others is an expression of love. 08:28 If you love somebody, you only assume and think the best of him. 08:34 Another example of trust in Jehovah was Moses. 08:38 He led the nation of Israel out of Egypt into the desert 08:43 —a nation upwards of three million people. 08:46 And they had flocks of cattle and sheep with them. 08:51 When he left Egypt, did he know how to provide 08:54 these great crowds with water in the desert? 08:57 Did he know what they would be eating 08:59 after the initial foodstuffs that they took out of Egypt ran out? 09:04 Did he know in advance that Jehovah would miraculously provide the manna? 09:10 It doesn’t seem so. 09:12 But he trusted that Jehovah would take care of the people. 09:18 The three friends of Daniel were another fine example of trust. 09:22 They did not bow and worship in front of an idol 09:25 that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up. 09:29 They were told they would be thrown into a fiery furnace if they disobeyed. 09:35 They remained firm and were protected by an angel, 09:39 so that the fire did not do any harm to them. 09:42 After that 09:44 “Nebuchadnezzar then declared: 09:47 “‘Praised be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, 09:51 “‘who sent his angel and rescued his servants. 09:54 “‘They trusted in him and went against the command of the king 09:59 “‘and were willing to die rather than serve 10:01 or worship any god except their own God.’” 10:05 As we are getting ever closer to the great tribulation, 10:09 we might be confronted with scary challenges 10:12 and tests related to nationalism. 10:15 Will we keep trusting Jehovah? 10:18 We trust we will. 10:20 Jehovah will miraculously save his people throughout the great tribulation 10:25 and arrange for their survival. 10:29 Today, the faithful slave is put in charge of providing spiritual food for God’s people, 10:34 who number into the millions. 10:37 The slave also shows complete trust in Jehovah 10:40 that he will guide them with his holy spirit. 10:44 What makes it possible for the “faithful and discreet slave” 10:47 to provide precious spiritual food? 10:51 “I will give you insight and instruct you in the way you should go,” 10:56 says Jehovah at Psalm 32:8. 11:01 Today, Jehovah provides direction to the slave through Jesus. 11:05 Jesus, in turn, provides direction for his people 11:09 through “the faithful and discreet slave.” 11:12 We can therefore have full confidence 11:15 in the Scriptural insight, understanding, and guidance. 11:21 Satan tries to sow mistrust. 11:24 Under Communist dictatorship in Romania, 11:27 secret police officers forced a responsible brother 11:30 to walk with them on a heavily frequented street 11:33 hoping that other brothers would see this 11:36 and wrongly conclude that this brother works with the secret police. 11:41 Did the scheme work out? 11:43 No, it failed. 11:45 Brothers did see him but kept trusting him. 11:49 We learn that we should not quickly lose trust in our brothers. 11:56 Satan also has the scheme to spread rumors about faithful brothers, 12:01 including the faithful slave. 12:04 The method of spreading rumors is not new. 12:07 When Jesus was resurrected and the tomb was empty, 12:10 the soldiers who reported it were told to spread the rumor 12:14 that the disciples came and stole the body at night. 12:19 Matthew 28:15 relates: 12:23 “So they took the silver pieces and did as they were instructed, 12:27 and this story has been spread abroad among the Jews up to this very day.” 12:34 Another rumor in the first century was that Christians 12:36 were responsible for the great fire of Rome. 12:40 Could such an accusation be true? 12:43 Historians say that it was Nero, 12:46 the emperor, who set fire to the city. 12:51 Today, rumors are occasionally being spread in electronic form about the faithful slave. 12:56 This has caused some concern on the part of some brothers, 13:00 especially when the reports are commenting on court cases 13:04 where some in the organization were accused. 13:08 Sometimes reference is made to certain quotes and then readers think, 13:13 ‘How can a quote be a rumor?’ 13:15 A quote can be taken out of context. 13:19 Critical reports often give only part of a matter 13:23 and leave out other aspects. 13:26 Often, such rumors play on the emotions. 13:31 Ask yourself: ‘Am I prone to believe rumors? 13:35 ‘And even if I am, should I spread it 13:39 ‘and undermine the trust that others have in the slave 13:42 or in representatives of the branch office?’ 13:47 Avoid sensationalism by not saying something like 13:51 “Can you believe what I heard about this matter or that matter 13:55 or this person or that person?” referring to a statement 13:59 that may have appeared on Facebook, YouTube, or Twitter. 14:04 The spread of rumors is like wildfire that is hard to control. 14:09 It spreads distrust and can undermine someone’s faith. 14:15 This is not to say that the slave is perfect and never makes mistakes. 14:19 But Jehovah and Jesus trust the imperfect slave 14:23 who cares for things to the best of his ability 14:26 and with the best of motives. 14:28 Shouldn’t we then trust the imperfect slave as well? 14:34 To appreciate the extent of Jehovah and Jesus’ trust in the faithful slave, 14:39 reflect on what he has promised its members. 14:43 He has promised them immortality and incorruption. 14:49 Soon, just before Armageddon, 14:51 the remaining members of the slave will be taken to heaven. 14:55 Since 1919 of our Common Era, 14:58 the slave has been put in charge of some belongings of Christ. 15:03 According to Matthew 24:47, 15:06 when the anointed are taken to heaven, Jesus will at that point entrust 15:11 “all his belongings” to them. 15:15 Does this not reveal immense trust? 15:20 Revelation 4:4 describes these resurrected anointed 15:24 as corulers with Christ. 15:27 Revelation 22:5 says they will rule, 15:31 not only for a thousand years 15:33 but “forever and ever.” 15:38 What immense trust Jesus shows toward them! 15:43 Since Jehovah God and Jesus Christ 15:46 completely trust “the faithful and discreet slave,” 15:49 should we not do the same? 15:54 Many servants of Jehovah in the past showed trust in Jehovah 15:57 when confronted with obstacles or opposition. 16:01 We can trust that Jehovah will not let us be tested beyond what we can bear 16:06 but will provide a “way out” 16:09 so we can remain faithful under trials. 16:13 So whom do you trust? 16:16 You fully trust in Jehovah, Jesus, and the faithful slave. 16:22 To a reasonable degree, you also trust all your fellow brothers and sisters. 16:28 The writer of Psalm 119:42 mentioned something else we need to trust in 16:33 —God’s Word. 16:35 He wrote: 16:37 “For I put my trust in your word.” 16:41 The prophecies in God’s Word have always come true at the proper time. 16:46 Based on that, we can fully trust that the remaining prophecies 16:51 pointing to the survival of the great tribulation 16:54 and to the Paradise to follow will also come true, 16:59 without the slightest possibility of failure. 17:04 Of course, we should trust not only Jehovah, Jesus, 17:07 the faithful slave, and the Bible but also our fellow brothers. 17:12 The apostle Paul is a fine example of this. 17:15 He wrote to Philemon 17:18 asking him to kindly receive back 17:21 the runaway slave Onesimus who had become a brother. 17:26 Paul wrote at Philemon 21: 17:30 “I am confident that you will comply, 17:33 so I am writing you, knowing that you will do even more than what I say.” 17:38 When we speak of trust, 17:40 we sometimes think of a little child 17:43 walking hand in hand with his father. 17:47 The child does not question where the father will take him. 17:51 The child trusts the father. 17:54 All throughout the last days, 17:56 true Christians have faced hostility of so many in the world. 18:01 How strengthening Jehovah’s promise is 18:03 in view of the impending attack by Satan’s hordes! 18:07 When they attack, Jehovah’s people will seem as defenseless. 18:12 But we do not need to quake with fear. 18:15 We trust that Jehovah, Jesus, and the angels 18:18 will fight to deliver us. 18:22 We will not shrink back in fear. 18:25 At Hebrews 10:39, Paul wrote: 18:27 “Now we are not the sort who shrink back to destruction, 18:31 but the sort who have faith for the preserving of our lives.” 18:36 Today and after Armageddon, all can say, 18:38 according to Psalm 26:1 and 52:8: 18:43 “I have trusted [in Jehovah] without wavering.” 18:46 “My trust is in God’s loyal love, forever and ever.” 18:52 Therefore, keep trusting in Jehovah and those who are proving loyal to him.
00:01 The theme for this month is 00:03 “In Whom Do You Trust?” 00:06 Do you trust me? 00:08 I hope so. 00:09 All of us want to be trusted. 00:11 Trust is a basic element of everyday life. 00:15 To trust others is a normal reaction. 00:18 Many of us have traveled on a train or a bus. 00:22 Did we worry whether the conductor or driver 00:25 would bring us safely to our destination? 00:27 Normally, we do not worry. 00:30 We trust an airplane captain to take us safely to our destination. 00:35 We trust that when we enter an elevator, 00:37 it will not crash at the bottom of the shaft, 00:40 but safely take us to the desired floor. 00:44 When we marry, we trust that our partner will remain faithful. 00:49 In many situations in life we need trust. 00:53 What is trust? 00:54 Trust is the “firm belief in the reliability, 00:58 truth, or ability of someone or something.” 01:03 Webster’s dictionary says that it is “confidence”; 01:06 a “reliance [or] resting of the mind on the integrity, 01:10 “veracity, justice, friendship, 01:13 or other sound principle, of another person.” 01:18 Trust is related to confidence, 01:20 belief, faith, and assurance. 01:25 Experiments conducted by Professor Dr. Michael Kosfeld, 01:29 a professor at a university in Frankfurt, Germany, 01:33 led him to the conclusion that trust 01:35 is “a biologically-based part of human nature.” 01:41 Kosfeld discovered that when there is interaction between two people, 01:46 the human brain releases a hormone that stimulates trust. 01:52 “It is, in fact, one of the distinguishing features 01:54 of the human species,” Kosfeld states. 01:59 In everyday life, how discouraged some are if they are not trusted. 02:03 The phrase “Don’t you trust me?” 02:07 is frequently heard with an undertone of sadness or complaint. 02:12 Sometimes children or teenagers ask their parents 02:15 “Don’t you trust me?” when the parents place some restrictions on them, 02:20 perhaps in connection with leisure-time activities. 02:23 Parents do that because they love you young ones 02:27 and want to prevent any spiritual or physical harm befalling you. 02:32 If you cooperate, you will see that parents 02:35 will gradually trust you ever more 02:38 and grant more liberty to you. 02:42 You can prove to them that you are trustworthy. 02:46 In the world, many people are not trustworthy. 02:49 Since we are living in the time of the end 02:52 and the demons are desperate and have influenced many people, 02:56 we have to admit that trusting in everybody is not wise. 03:02 Many trusted in religion and were disappointed. 03:05 Others trusted in governments or the United Nations, 03:08 but they were disappointed. 03:10 They trusted political leaders that made all kinds of promises 03:14 but did not keep all of them. 03:16 Some politicians were even exposed as being liars. 03:22 Proverbs 14:15 says: 03:24 “The naive person believes every word, 03:27 but the shrewd one ponders each step.” 03:31 If somebody, even in the truth, promises us big monetary returns 03:36 if we give him money for his planned investment, 03:39 we need to be careful and not believe every word. 03:43 Some that spent their money were in for a disappointment 03:47 when they learned that everything was lost. 03:51 We also should not trust everything we read 03:54 in newspapers or see on television. 03:58 There is another thing we should not trust in—riches. 04:02 Psalm 49:6 speaks about “those who are trusting in their wealth 04:07 and who boast about their great riches.” 04:11 Trusting in riches often leads to disappointment. 04:15 “The one trusting in his riches will fall,” 04:18 says Proverbs 11:28. 04:22 It is not wrong to be rich; just do not trust in riches. 04:27 Riches are a risk factor. 04:31 Many people today are dishonest and cheat. 04:34 Some business owners have installed 04:36 cameras at the workplace, 04:38 since they do not trust their employees to put in a full day of work. 04:43 They know that some would play video games during work hours. 04:48 But Jehovah created us with the inclination to trust. 04:53 We can especially trust our spiritual brothers. 04:56 True, once in a while such trust is misplaced. 05:00 A few commit serious sins and have to be disfellowshipped. 05:04 But that is rare. 05:08 Jehovah himself is the best example of trusting in others. 05:12 He trusted the Logos to faithfully cooperate 05:15 with him as the “master worker” in creating the universe, 05:20 the earth, and all the living things on earth, including mankind. 05:25 What tremendous trust Jehovah showed in Jesus when He sent him to the earth. 05:31 Jehovah trusted that Jesus would remain faithful 05:34 and redeem mankind so that His will and purpose with mankind 05:39 and the earth could be accomplished. 05:41 Jehovah trusted him so much that he arranged for prophecies 05:46 to be written that foretold that he would die faithfully. 05:50 This trust on the part of Jehovah was not a risk. 05:54 It was based on the collaboration between the two for aeons of time. 06:01 Think of the prophecy at Psalm 16:10: 06:04 “For you will not leave me in the Grave.” 06:09 Jesus had free will. 06:11 This means that theoretically he could have sinned. 06:14 If he could not have sinned, 06:17 Satan probably would not have tried three times to tempt Jesus to sin. 06:23 If Jesus could not have sinned, 06:25 why would he be so heavily distressed 06:27 in the garden of Gethsemane that he was sweating blood? 06:31 Why send an angel to comfort and strengthen him 06:34 if he could not sin or fail anyway? 06:39 No question that Jesus felt the unfathomable load 06:43 on his shoulders to remain faithful, 06:47 since not only the salvation of mankind depended on him 06:51 but also the vindication of Jehovah’s sovereignty. 06:55 He did not want to disappoint Jehovah. 06:58 Jesus used his own free will 07:01 and was determined to stay loyal. 07:04 How glad we are that he did! 07:09 On the other hand, Jesus also trusted Jehovah completely. 07:13 He trusted Jehovah that he would resurrect him if he would die faithfully. 07:19 Actually, Jesus was publicly known to trust in Jehovah. 07:23 People that passed by when he was on the torture stake were saying: 07:28 “He has put his trust in God; 07:31 “let Him now rescue him if He wants him, 07:34 for he said, ‘I am God’s Son.’” 07:37 Another example of trust was Abraham. 07:40 When God told him to kill his beloved son Isaac, 07:44 Abraham was willing to do so. 07:46 He trusted that Jehovah could resurrect him. 07:51 Hebrews 11:19 says: 07:53 “He reasoned that God was able to raise him up even from the dead, 07:58 and he did receive him from there in an illustrative way.” 08:02 First Corinthians 13:7 says that 08:05 love “believes all things.” 08:09 Love trusts that prophecies will come true. 08:13 It also believes what our brothers tell us. 08:17 It also helps to grant others the benefit of the doubt 08:19 if a matter could be interpreted in different ways. 08:24 Yes, trusting others is an expression of love. 08:28 If you love somebody, you only assume and think the best of him. 08:34 Another example of trust in Jehovah was Moses. 08:38 He led the nation of Israel out of Egypt into the desert 08:43 —a nation upwards of three million people. 08:46 And they had flocks of cattle and sheep with them. 08:51 When he left Egypt, did he know how to provide 08:54 these great crowds with water in the desert? 08:57 Did he know what they would be eating 08:59 after the initial foodstuffs that they took out of Egypt ran out? 09:04 Did he know in advance that Jehovah would miraculously provide the manna? 09:10 It doesn’t seem so. 09:12 But he trusted that Jehovah would take care of the people. 09:18 The three friends of Daniel were another fine example of trust. 09:22 They did not bow and worship in front of an idol 09:25 that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up. 09:29 They were told they would be thrown into a fiery furnace if they disobeyed. 09:35 They remained firm and were protected by an angel, 09:39 so that the fire did not do any harm to them. 09:42 After that 09:44 “Nebuchadnezzar then declared: 09:47 “‘Praised be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, 09:51 “‘who sent his angel and rescued his servants. 09:54 “‘They trusted in him and went against the command of the king 09:59 “‘and were willing to die rather than serve 10:01 or worship any god except their own God.’” 10:05 As we are getting ever closer to the great tribulation, 10:09 we might be confronted with scary challenges 10:12 and tests related to nationalism. 10:15 Will we keep trusting Jehovah? 10:18 We trust we will. 10:20 Jehovah will miraculously save his people throughout the great tribulation 10:25 and arrange for their survival. 10:29 Today, the faithful slave is put in charge of providing spiritual food for God’s people, 10:34 who number into the millions. 10:37 The slave also shows complete trust in Jehovah 10:40 that he will guide them with his holy spirit. 10:44 What makes it possible for the “faithful and discreet slave” 10:47 to provide precious spiritual food? 10:51 “I will give you insight and instruct you in the way you should go,” 10:56 says Jehovah at Psalm 32:8. 11:01 Today, Jehovah provides direction to the slave through Jesus. 11:05 Jesus, in turn, provides direction for his people 11:09 through “the faithful and discreet slave.” 11:12 We can therefore have full confidence 11:15 in the Scriptural insight, understanding, and guidance. 11:21 Satan tries to sow mistrust. 11:24 Under Communist dictatorship in Romania, 11:27 secret police officers forced a responsible brother 11:30 to walk with them on a heavily frequented street 11:33 hoping that other brothers would see this 11:36 and wrongly conclude that this brother works with the secret police. 11:41 Did the scheme work out? 11:43 No, it failed. 11:45 Brothers did see him but kept trusting him. 11:49 We learn that we should not quickly lose trust in our brothers. 11:56 Satan also has the scheme to spread rumors about faithful brothers, 12:01 including the faithful slave. 12:04 The method of spreading rumors is not new. 12:07 When Jesus was resurrected and the tomb was empty, 12:10 the soldiers who reported it were told to spread the rumor 12:14 that the disciples came and stole the body at night. 12:19 Matthew 28:15 relates: 12:23 “So they took the silver pieces and did as they were instructed, 12:27 and this story has been spread abroad among the Jews up to this very day.” 12:34 Another rumor in the first century was that Christians 12:36 were responsible for the great fire of Rome. 12:40 Could such an accusation be true? 12:43 Historians say that it was Nero, 12:46 the emperor, who set fire to the city. 12:51 Today, rumors are occasionally being spread in electronic form about the faithful slave. 12:56 This has caused some concern on the part of some brothers, 13:00 especially when the reports are commenting on court cases 13:04 where some in the organization were accused. 13:08 Sometimes reference is made to certain quotes and then readers think, 13:13 ‘How can a quote be a rumor?’ 13:15 A quote can be taken out of context. 13:19 Critical reports often give only part of a matter 13:23 and leave out other aspects. 13:26 Often, such rumors play on the emotions. 13:31 Ask yourself: ‘Am I prone to believe rumors? 13:35 ‘And even if I am, should I spread it 13:39 ‘and undermine the trust that others have in the slave 13:42 or in representatives of the branch office?’ 13:47 Avoid sensationalism by not saying something like 13:51 “Can you believe what I heard about this matter or that matter 13:55 or this person or that person?” referring to a statement 13:59 that may have appeared on Facebook, YouTube, or Twitter. 14:04 The spread of rumors is like wildfire that is hard to control. 14:09 It spreads distrust and can undermine someone’s faith. 14:15 This is not to say that the slave is perfect and never makes mistakes. 14:19 But Jehovah and Jesus trust the imperfect slave 14:23 who cares for things to the best of his ability 14:26 and with the best of motives. 14:28 Shouldn’t we then trust the imperfect slave as well? 14:34 To appreciate the extent of Jehovah and Jesus’ trust in the faithful slave, 14:39 reflect on what he has promised its members. 14:43 He has promised them immortality and incorruption. 14:49 Soon, just before Armageddon, 14:51 the remaining members of the slave will be taken to heaven. 14:55 Since 1919 of our Common Era, 14:58 the slave has been put in charge of some belongings of Christ. 15:03 According to Matthew 24:47, 15:06 when the anointed are taken to heaven, Jesus will at that point entrust 15:11 “all his belongings” to them. 15:15 Does this not reveal immense trust? 15:20 Revelation 4:4 describes these resurrected anointed 15:24 as corulers with Christ. 15:27 Revelation 22:5 says they will rule, 15:31 not only for a thousand years 15:33 but “forever and ever.” 15:38 What immense trust Jesus shows toward them! 15:43 Since Jehovah God and Jesus Christ 15:46 completely trust “the faithful and discreet slave,” 15:49 should we not do the same? 15:54 Many servants of Jehovah in the past showed trust in Jehovah 15:57 when confronted with obstacles or opposition. 16:01 We can trust that Jehovah will not let us be tested beyond what we can bear 16:06 but will provide a “way out” 16:09 so we can remain faithful under trials. 16:13 So whom do you trust? 16:16 You fully trust in Jehovah, Jesus, and the faithful slave. 16:22 To a reasonable degree, you also trust all your fellow brothers and sisters. 16:28 The writer of Psalm 119:42 mentioned something else we need to trust in 16:33 —God’s Word. 16:35 He wrote: 16:37 “For I put my trust in your word.” 16:41 The prophecies in God’s Word have always come true at the proper time. 16:46 Based on that, we can fully trust that the remaining prophecies 16:51 pointing to the survival of the great tribulation 16:54 and to the Paradise to follow will also come true, 16:59 without the slightest possibility of failure. 17:04 Of course, we should trust not only Jehovah, Jesus, 17:07 the faithful slave, and the Bible but also our fellow brothers. 17:12 The apostle Paul is a fine example of this. 17:15 He wrote to Philemon 17:18 asking him to kindly receive back 17:21 the runaway slave Onesimus who had become a brother. 17:26 Paul wrote at Philemon 21: 17:30 “I am confident that you will comply, 17:33 so I am writing you, knowing that you will do even more than what I say.” 17:38 When we speak of trust, 17:40 we sometimes think of a little child 17:43 walking hand in hand with his father. 17:47 The child does not question where the father will take him. 17:51 The child trusts the father. 17:54 All throughout the last days, 17:56 true Christians have faced hostility of so many in the world. 18:01 How strengthening Jehovah’s promise is 18:03 in view of the impending attack by Satan’s hordes! 18:07 When they attack, Jehovah’s people will seem as defenseless. 18:12 But we do not need to quake with fear. 18:15 We trust that Jehovah, Jesus, and the angels 18:18 will fight to deliver us. 18:22 We will not shrink back in fear. 18:25 At Hebrews 10:39, Paul wrote: 18:27 “Now we are not the sort who shrink back to destruction, 18:31 but the sort who have faith for the preserving of our lives.” 18:36 Today and after Armageddon, all can say, 18:38 according to Psalm 26:1 and 52:8: 18:43 “I have trusted [in Jehovah] without wavering.” 18:46 “My trust is in God’s loyal love, forever and ever.” 18:52 Therefore, keep trusting in Jehovah and those who are proving loyal to him.
