Dear Members, Co-Workers and Friends:
With this letter, we are pleased to enclose for our readers in the USA and Canada our 29th free booklet, which was printed in England—“The Book of Zechariah—Prophecies for Today.” (Our readers in the UK have already received their copy.) We hope that you will greatly benefit from carefully studying this booklet.
Many do not know the real meaning of biblical prophecies—and where today’s world news events are heading. The book of Zechariah is perhaps one of the most misunderstood books in the Bible. This is a tragedy, as it opens up and reveals to the reader God’s spirit world—far beyond anything our human mind could have imagined. It shows how God and His angels worked in the past in the human realm; what is being done today; and what God will accomplish in the very near future.
For instance, Zechariah’s mysterious nine visions have been puzzling to many. Do you know what they mean? Do you realize that the book of Zechariah describes the First and Second Comings of Jesus Christ; the terrible punishment of the modern houses of Israel and Judah, as well as their deliverance; and the fate of the city of Jerusalem at the time of Christ’s return?
You will find all of this, and much more, addressed in the enclosed booklet. We don’t know of any booklet like this one. That is why it had to be written.
The correct understanding of prophecy is important, if we want to know where this world is heading—and why! “The Book of Zechariah—Prophecies for Today,” is just one of several of our booklets addressing certain aspects of biblical prophecy, and we intend to publish additional booklets in the future on that subject. (All our booklets are listed in the back of the enclosed booklet.)
Prophecy can help us to recognize that the time is indeed near. When the “gospel” (the “good news” or “glad tidings”) of the Kingdom of God is announced “in all the world as a witness,” we KNOW that “the end will come” (Matthew 24:14). Today, the gospel is being preached on a worldwide scale—which has become possible, largely, through the use of the Internet. (In passing, you might want to have a look at the brand-new design of our website, www.standingwatch.org).
Prophecy is not an aim in itself. Rather, it should help us to draw closer to God—especially when we see that the day of Christ’s return is at hand. It should motivate us to really get involved in the Work of God—spending time in prayer and fasting for the Work, including asking for laborers and co-workers; helping practically when there is opportunity; and not neglecting to bring faithfully God’s tithes to His “storehouse” (Malachi 3:10) so that “there may be food” (same verse) or sufficient means to preach the gospel and feed God’s flock (John 21:15-17).
Prophecy can and should help us to focus on the need to assemble regularly—as much as possible—with our fellow brethren; and that “so much the more as [we] see the Day approaching” (Hebrews 10:24-25).
In just over two months from now, we will be celebrating the annual Feast of Tabernacles—a most joyous occasion picturing and foreshadowing the rule of Christ on earth for 1,000 years. By then, that aspect of the good news of the Kingdom of God will have become reality. What we announce today will have become true! All of us should therefore make every effort to attend at one of our designated Feast sites to celebrate this most glorious occasion. (More information can be found on our websites, under “Feasts.” Our websites are listed in the back of the enclosed booklet. Those who do not have access to the Internet are encouraged to write to one of our mail addresses, which are listed as well.)
The book of Zechariah shows that all of mankind will keep the Feast of Tabernacles in the future. Today, only very few understand the need to do so—and what that Feast pictures. But the gospel of the Kingdom of God is explaining to us, among many other things, the meaning of the Feast of Tabernacles. It shows that God’s Kingdom will RULE on this earth for a Millennium. It also shows that those who qualify in this life (by controlling and conquering their fleshly desires and enduring to the end) to enter the Kingdom of God (Mark 9:47; 13:13), will be resurrected to eternal life (Romans 8:8-11). They will become born-again members in the very Family of God (Ephesians 3:14-15).
God IS a Family. God the Father and Jesus Christ the Son are enlarging their Family. God’s true disciples are called the children of God (1 John 3:1-2). They are the sons and daughters of God the Father (2 Corinthians 6:18). Jesus—the Son of God—is the firstborn among many brethren (Romans 8:29; Hebrews 2:11). Today, we are Spirit-begotten members of God’s Family. In the resurrection, we will be born again—born OF the Holy Spirit. We will be IN the Kingdom or Family of God. We will BE God, irrespective of gender, color or race—immortal Spirit-born God beings in God’s Family (compare John 10:34-36).
We will rule WITH and UNDER Christ (Revelation 20:6). We will rule over mortal man (Revelation 5:10; Daniel 7:22, 27)—showing man HOW to live in peace and harmony and tranquility (Micah 4:1-5). And ultimately, we will rule over all things (Hebrews 2:6-8; Revelation 21:7)—and that, forever and ever (Revelation 22:5).
Our new booklet pictures and discusses all of this—and much more. Please accept it as a gift from us to you, and also as a token of our appreciation for your support of and dedication to our part in the Work of God—the most important task for us today. This world is getting darker by the hour—terrible times will come soon (Matthew 24:21-22)—but in the end, destruction, misery and pain will belong to the past (Revelation 21:4).
In Christ’s service,
Norbert Link
