This post is contributed by a fellow anointed slave of Christ.
Here is their website: http://www.christsdisciple.com/
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Here is their website: http://www.christsdisciple.com/
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Just recently, a massive, devastating locust plague made its way across areas of eastern Africa, threatening livelihoods and food supply, with new swarms developing from heavy rains experienced last month. This plague is expected to continue until the beginning of the harvest season in June and July, at the least. The countries of Yemen, Iran, and Pakistan are also on alert, as the development of a “new generation” makes headway into new territory. They appear to be unstoppable, as long as the conditions are favorable to support their life cycle.
Individual locusts experience a transformation that allows a swarm to develop; from the inconspicuous looking grasshopper, to a bold color change accenting their new aggressive attitude, and eating habits that contribute to accelerated size and strength. They are a desert creature, needing moisture to sustain the eggs they lay, which also produces a bumper crop of vegetation to feed on, once hatched.
When I investigated the characteristics and habits of what is called a swarm of “gregarious” locusts, the locust army in Joel chapter 2 took on further understanding of its application today, as an army whose intent is to destroy God’s “land”.
(Joel 2:2-3; Rev.9:3-4,7,10; 13:2,7; 20:7-9)
https://www.biblegateway.com/
(Joel 2:2-3; Rev.9:3-4,7,10; 13:2,7; 20:7-9)
https://www.biblegateway.com/
Most of us are aware that the organization just recently updated their view of the locust attack in Joel. It is rather incredible that it has taken many years to reach the conclusion that the anointed are not that particular “swarm”. The excuse given for their error, is that it wasn’t time for God to reveal its true identity. Perhaps instead of blaming God for deliberately hiding the truth for decades, the governing leaders should be held accountable to their admission of not being “inspired” by Holy Spirit. (2Cor.11:3-4,13-15)
https://www.biblegateway.com/
https://www.biblegateway.com/
Until reading their April magazine article, I had understood that this “new light” revealed two locust armies that would be present in the last days. Instead, the organization segregates the locust account in Revelation chapter 9, from that in Joel by saying Joel’s locusts had their fulfillment during the early Babylonian siege. True, but as witnessed continually in God’s word, the history and actions of God’s people, echo again and again, right down to today. The ancient prophesy in Joel has further fulfillment in our day.
Isa.13:9; Zeph.1:15; Joel 1:15; 2:2; 3:14-16; 2Thess.2:9-12; Rev.8:12; 9:3,11,12; 16:13-16
https://www.biblegateway.com/
Isa.13:9; Zeph.1:15; Joel 1:15; 2:2; 3:14-16; 2Thess.2:9-12; Rev.8:12; 9:3,11,12; 16:13-16
https://www.biblegateway.com/
I noticed that the WT’s focus was on the wickedness of the army in Joel, and not the reason why God allowed the army to devastate His wayward people. (Joel 1:5,8-12; 2:12-14). During the time they taught that the anointed “Israel” were the now understood “wicked” locust swarm, I wonder how it escaped their notice that God’s nation of Israel was the army’s target. And still, it is taught that the anointed “Israel” today are Revelation’s devastating locusts. I hope if you compare the scriptures, you can determine they are the same army that comes against God’s people in the last days. God allows our exposure to this locust swarm as a discipline, leading to our cleansing and repentance from the organizations lies. (Joel 1:13; Lam.2:14; Rev.3:18; 11:3)
https://www.biblegateway.com/
https://www.biblegateway.com/
“When I shut up heaven and there is no rain, or command the locusts to devour the land, or send pestilence among My people, if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” 2Chron.7:13-14
That army is the elder body/”man of lawlessness” ruling over God’s “land”; His anointed priesthood, who do not have the seal of God upon their foreheads.
(1Pet.2:5,9; 1Cor.3:16-17; 1Cor.3:9; Eph.2:20-22; Matt.24:15; Mark 13:14; 2Thess.2:3-4; Rev.11:1-2) (Joel 1:6; Rev.9:4) (Rev.3:12; 7:4)
https://www.biblegateway.com/
(1Pet.2:5,9; 1Cor.3:16-17; 1Cor.3:9; Eph.2:20-22; Matt.24:15; Mark 13:14; 2Thess.2:3-4; Rev.11:1-2) (Joel 1:6; Rev.9:4) (Rev.3:12; 7:4)
https://www.biblegateway.com/
Instead, they carry the mark of an organization; the “mark of the Beast” which is the mark of an idol. JWs receive this mark not only at baptism, but through all activities performed for the organization. Anyone who recognize this destructive body of elders and refuses to acknowledge their power over him, is “killed” –disfellowshipped; which ultimately removes the mark of the Beast. (Rev.13:1,4-10,15-17; 19:20)
https://www.biblegateway.com/
https://www.biblegateway.com/
· ”Mark of the Beast” - https://4womaninthewilderness.
The GB or their “helpers” developed a basic comparison chart that they label, “similar but different”
Using Joel 1:4; 2:7-9,20 :
They are from the north
Vegetation is devastated
Eventually, they are driven away
Joel’s locust depict the Babylonian army that invaded Jerusalem.
Using Rev.9:1-11 :
They are not from the north, but come out of the abyss (the place of “not perceiving”)
They are not to harm the vegetation (UNTIL God’s holy people are sealed – Rev.9:4; 7:3)
They finish their work (When the locust army/Beast from the Sea/man of lawlessness has finished its work, it will no longer exist - Rev.17:8; 20:7-10)
And it is assumed that they are “Jehovah’s anointed servants” proclaiming judgment messages.
· (For more understanding on the meaning of “abyss”, please see: “What is Sheole/Hades?” - https://4womaninthewilderness.
· “Christ’s Return – When?” - https://4womaninthewilderness.
This is a bare-bones comparison chart of error, that most JWs will accept as “proper food at the proper time”. By using God’s Word, Pearl’s article explains in depth why His people today are under attack by a great army of symbolic locusts, that is the catalyst that brings about the Great Tribulation and Armageddon. I encourage you to read, “The Greatest Tribulation -- What and Why?” - https://4womaninthewilderness.
Can it be dismissed that the locust swarms the country of Africa is suffering from, has accomplished incredible damage to the vegetation…to the food supply? If Revelation’s locusts symbolize the anointed presenting the organization’s supply of spiritual food (Rev.13:16,17), which is said to cause the listener to become “very uncomfortable”, isn’t this contradictory to the instinctive drive of a swarm of locusts? Since when do locusts carry their own food supply? And, who in the “preaching work” are so uncomfortable by JW’s initial message that they “seek death”? (Rev.9:6)
https://www.biblegateway.com/
https://www.biblegateway.com/
As the locusts transform from solitary creatures into a blackened swarming powerhouse, they crave carbohydrate rich foods, and their favorite is in the form of grains. God’s priesthood, or “sons of the kingdom” who are to follow the footsteps of Christ, are compared to wheat grain. (Matt.13:23,37-38) They are to carry the “seed”, the word of God in their hearts; yet they are the first and foremost target of the locusts described in both Bible books. (Luke 8:11-12; Rev.9:4) Satan, who demands to sift God’s people “as wheat” is fueling the intentions of this locust army, to turn their hearts into “weeds”, using poison-induced teachings leading God’s people into idolatry. (Luke 22:31; Matt.13:30; Rev.9:1-3; 8:10,11; 16:13,14; Rev.13:4)
https://www.biblegateway.com/
https://www.biblegateway.com/
· “Great Tribulation – Two Phases” - https://4womaninthewilderness.
Pearl Doxsey:
Satan sows misleading lies in our heart, as "weeds" (Eph.4:22; 2Thess.2:10; James1:15; Matt.13:25; 1Pet.2:11).
https://www.biblegateway.com/
https://www.biblegateway.com/
As those deceptive desires and illusions/"weeds" grow and mature, they choke out the word from our heart (Matt.13:7; Luke 8:7,14; Gal.6:8).
https://www.biblegateway.com/
https://www.biblegateway.com/
When these hearts come to maturity, the appearance of the heart is full of weeds/thorns. The identity of that heart then, is a weed (Matt.13:38; Ps.37:1-2; Eze.2:6; 28:24; 2Sam.23:6; Isa.51:12; Micah 7:4)
https://www.biblegateway.com/
https://www.biblegateway.com/
· “Wheat and Weed seeds grow up and mature” - https://4womaninthewilderness.
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These desert locust swarms are as one article put it, “opportunists”, who breed and forage where vegetation growth is aided by plentiful rain. God’s word of truth in Christ is compared to “living water”, which nourishes the faithful heart of the anointed and all who accept their teachings. (Prov.10:11; John 4:14; 7:38; Matt.5:6; Mark 9:37) The anointed receive a “token” of Holy Spirit that “writes” the laws of God through Christ, onto their heart. (Matt.13:12; 2Cor.1:21-22; Heb.8:10)
https://www.biblegateway.com/
https://www.biblegateway.com/
Effectively, the elder body/Beast/symbolic locusts have taken the opportunity to target, infiltrate and desolate the hearts of God’s lush “beautiful land” and dwelling (1Cor.3:16,17) spreading spiritual darkness, famine and thirst to all in the organization. (Amos 8:9-11; Rev.6:6-8; 13:15-17) Those anointed priests who submit to the power of this counterfeit priesthood, can lose all sense of God’s righteous decrees through their act of idolatry, acceptance of lies and the wicked rulership over them. (Mal.2:7-9; Num.18:7; Ezek.44:6-9)
https://www.biblegateway.com/
https://www.biblegateway.com/
· “Earth Swallows Satan’s River” - https://4womaninthewilderness.
Listen to me, you who know righteousness,
the people in whose heart is my instruction:
do not fear disgrace by men,
and do not be shattered by their taunts.8 For moths will devour them like a garment,
and worms will eat them like wool.
But my righteousness will last forever,
and my salvation for all generations.
the people in whose heart is my instruction:
do not fear disgrace by men,
and do not be shattered by their taunts.8 For moths will devour them like a garment,
and worms will eat them like wool.
But my righteousness will last forever,
and my salvation for all generations.
I—I am the one who comforts you.
Who are you that you should fear humans who die,
or a son of man who is given up like grass?13 But you have forgotten the Lord, your Maker,
who stretched out the heavens
and laid the foundations of the earth.
You are in constant dread all day long
because of the fury of the oppressor,
who has set himself to destroy.
But where is the fury of the oppressor?14 The prisoner is soon to be set free;
he will not die and go to the Pit,
and his food will not be lacking. Isa 51:7,8,12-14
Who are you that you should fear humans who die,
or a son of man who is given up like grass?13 But you have forgotten the Lord, your Maker,
who stretched out the heavens
and laid the foundations of the earth.
You are in constant dread all day long
because of the fury of the oppressor,
who has set himself to destroy.
But where is the fury of the oppressor?14 The prisoner is soon to be set free;
he will not die and go to the Pit,
and his food will not be lacking. Isa 51:7,8,12-14
And one last thought; these uniquely transformed locusts become attracted to the odor of a toxic plant substance, which attributes to their own toxicity and possible color change from grey, to bright yellow and black. This is a plant alkaloid used in the pharmaceutical world for several reasons, but its downside is harmful effects on the nervous system and vision. “Wormwood” has her army at her side, drunk on her toxic waters, while sharing dominion over God’s “land”, as together they bring “truth to the ground”
(Dan.7:23; 8:12; Rev.13:1,2; 8:10,11; Matt.24:48-51; Rev.13:11-12; 17:3,15)
https://www.biblegateway.com/
(Dan.7:23; 8:12; Rev.13:1,2; 8:10,11; Matt.24:48-51; Rev.13:11-12; 17:3,15)
https://www.biblegateway.com/
Those under the influence of that organization and it's leaders, are drinking the wine of the vine of Satan (Deut.32:32-33; Joel 3:13-14; Rev.14:18-20).
https://www.biblegateway.com/
https://www.biblegateway.com/
Those who imbibe from that vine (instead of the vine and branches of Christ - John15:1,4-5,8), are spiritually drunk, and are unable to "Keep Awake" as Jesus commanded (Luke 21:34-36; 1Thess.5:7; John12:35).
https://www.biblegateway.com/
https://www.biblegateway.com/
Just as it is nearly impossible to rouse an intoxicated person, it will be near to impossible to awaken one who is devoted to demonic deception (1Tim.4:1; Rev.16:13-16).
https://www.biblegateway.com/
https://www.biblegateway.com/
Spiritual blindness can only be cured by Christ, who opens that no one can shut, and shuts that no one can open (Rev.3:7; Luke 24:45; Matt.13:11). We are ready to offer our scriptural reasons for hope (1Pet.3:15; 1Cor.9:16)... but only God can make them able to hear what the spirit says to the congregations (1John1:5; Ps.36:9; Luke 11:13; 1Cor.2:10; Matt.11:15).
https://www.biblegateway.com/
https://www.biblegateway.com/
*From “How Do We Warn Them?” - https://4womaninthewilderness.
“Pay attention to me, my people,
and listen to me, my nation;
for instruction will come from me,
and my justice for a light to the nations.
I will bring it about quickly.
5 My righteousness is near,
my salvation appears,
and my arms will bring justice to the nations.
The coasts and islands will put their hope in me,
and they will look to my strength.
and listen to me, my nation;
for instruction will come from me,
and my justice for a light to the nations.
I will bring it about quickly.
5 My righteousness is near,
my salvation appears,
and my arms will bring justice to the nations.
The coasts and islands will put their hope in me,
and they will look to my strength.
For the Lord will comfort Zion;
he will comfort all her waste places,
and he will make her wilderness like Eden,
and her desert like the garden of the Lord.
Joy and gladness will be found in her,
thanksgiving and melodious song.” Isa. 51:4,5,6
he will comfort all her waste places,
and he will make her wilderness like Eden,
and her desert like the garden of the Lord.
Joy and gladness will be found in her,
thanksgiving and melodious song.” Isa. 51:4,5,6
“Don’t be afraid, land;
rejoice and be glad,
for the Lord has done astonishing things.
22 Don’t be afraid, wild animals,
for the wilderness pastures have turned green,
the trees bear their fruit,
and the fig tree and grapevine yield their riches.
23 Children of Zion, rejoice and be glad
in the Lord your God,
because he gives you the autumn rain
for your vindication.
He sends showers for you,
both autumn and spring rain as before.
24 The threshing floors will be full of grain,
and the vats will overflow
with new wine and fresh oil.
rejoice and be glad,
for the Lord has done astonishing things.
22 Don’t be afraid, wild animals,
for the wilderness pastures have turned green,
the trees bear their fruit,
and the fig tree and grapevine yield their riches.
23 Children of Zion, rejoice and be glad
in the Lord your God,
because he gives you the autumn rain
for your vindication.
He sends showers for you,
both autumn and spring rain as before.
24 The threshing floors will be full of grain,
and the vats will overflow
with new wine and fresh oil.
25 I will repay you for the years
that the swarming locust ate,
the young locust, the destroying locust,
and the devouring locust—
my great army that I sent against you.
26 You will have plenty to eat and be satisfied.
You will praise the name of the Lord your God,
who has dealt wondrously with you.
My people will never again be put to shame.
27 You will know that I am present in Israel
and that I am the Lord your God,
and there is no other.
My people will never again be put to shame.” Joel 2:21-27
that the swarming locust ate,
the young locust, the destroying locust,
and the devouring locust—
my great army that I sent against you.
26 You will have plenty to eat and be satisfied.
You will praise the name of the Lord your God,
who has dealt wondrously with you.
My people will never again be put to shame.
27 You will know that I am present in Israel
and that I am the Lord your God,
and there is no other.
My people will never again be put to shame.” Joel 2:21-27
