SA16 - “Your Brother Will Rise”!

Centuries ago, in the small town of Stratford, there resided a renowned chess master named Damien Deville. Despite being named Damien, he was universally known as Dane. Such was his influence that the Vikings, who invaded the British Isles centuries later, adopted the name "Danes" in honor of his legacy.

Dane was an intellectually sharp and strategically astute, yet insecure man. He had spent years honing his skills by studying Sun Tzu's "The Art of War," applying its techniques to master every move and countermove in the ancient game of chess.

He had developed a reputation for being unbeatable, thanks to a cunning but highly dishonest plan to rig the game in his favor. Using his mental skills and intuition, Dane could interpret a person's body language, behavior, eye movements, and energy to not only determine their current move but also foresee several moves ahead. By memorizing distinct chess positions that arose after the opening moves, he strategically positioned his own pieces to exploit this hidden advantage, giving him an unfair edge over his opponents.

Word of Dane's invincibility spread rapidly. People from far and wide flocked to challenge him, only to face inevitable defeat. Witnessing his victories left people in awe, either falling into his traps or surrendering out of fear. Dane relished the dread and admiration he commanded, basking in the illusion of his unmatched prowess.

Unbeknownst to Dane, there was an observer meticulously analyzing his every move. This figure, known as Gamel, derived from the Old Norse language meaning "he who helps to create games," had been watching Dane exploit his mental techniques, using his perceived advantage to instill fear in his opponents. Gamel astutely noticed that Dane became agitated if his opponent failed to focus on the game or became distracted by irrelevant matters. Furthermore, Dane grew increasingly restless when his challenger adhered unwaveringly to classical opening theory, regardless of the outcome. Gamel possessed profound knowledge of the game's rules and governing laws, and he understood that Dane could be defeated through patience.

One fateful day, Gamel disguised himself as an ordinary challenger and approached Dane with a humble request for a game. Intrigued by this new opponent, Dane agreed, confident in his ability to emerge victorious once again. The pieces were set, and the game began.

As the match unfolded, Dane employed his usual tactics, relying on his hidden advantage to outwit and overpower his opponent. To his astonishment, however, his cunning plans started to crumble. His intuitive ability to interpret body language proved ineffective against Gamel's unwavering patience.

Move by move, piece by piece, Dane's illusion of invincibility shattered before his eyes. He desperately tried to salvage the situation, but his once unbeatable strategies proved futile. Gamel had exposed a major flaw in Dane's rigged setup.

In a state of shock and disbelief, Dane erupted in hostility, flipping over the board as onlookers cowered in fear of his malevolent presence. His meticulously constructed façade of power had been reduced to ruins. Meanwhile, Gamel stood confidently, aware that he had unveiled the flaw that rendered Dane no longer a threat to the people.

News of Dane's defeat spread throughout the land like wildfire. However, this time, it elicited a different sentiment. Instead of fear and awe, there arose a sense of relief and newfound hope among the people. Gamel had shattered the illusion of Dane's superiority, exposing his tactics as nothing more than smoke and mirrors.

Everyone realized that Dane's rigged game held no true power. With his profound wisdom and unwavering presence, Gamel exemplified that the rules governing the game were supreme. No trickery or advantage could withstand adherence to patience and the principles that governed how the game was intended to be played.

Similarly, just as Jehovah has exposed Satan's strategies, we can resist them. As the apostle Paul proclaimed, "we are not ignorant of his designs" (2 Corinthians 2:11). Satan initially caused the misery humanity has endured through death, which Jehovah will ultimately eradicate, including its painful effects. According to Isaiah 25:8, Jehovah "will actually swallow up death forever, and He will certainly wipe the tears from all faces." We have solid reasons to believe in the fulfillment of God's promise of resurrection. Jehovah possesses both the desire and the power to bring it to pass. Let us remain determined to strengthen our faith in this precious hope.

Do you have a comment that did not get mentioned during the Watchtower study? What encouraging observations would you like to point out? Share your thoughts by leaving a comment below.