They Ran The Numbers...But Left Jehovah OUT Of The Equation

[Timl1980]

Today was one of those frigid Wisconsin winter days where the wind howled against the side of my work van...pushing it side to side as I struggled to keep it between the white lines. 

 

Frigid outside...the cab of my van was warm and cozy as I made my way throughout my route. 

 

I was in the middle of an old time radio episode of You Bet Your Life, starring Groucho Marx, when out of the blue a brother called and asked if I would like to have lunch with him when I made it up to his neck of the woods. 

 

Eagerly I agreed, suddenly filled with visions of a hot bowl of soup and a grilled cheese sandwich dancing around in my brain.

 

Making my way up to his Kingdom Hall, I parked my van, got into his SUV and rode with him over to a local family restaurant where we sat in a booth at the back of the restaurant and sipped on a strong cup of cafe coffee as we waited on our orders of soup and sandwiches. 

 

Our conversation was light and casual; an older elder just talking to a brother he met by chance one day when that brother showed up at his Kingdom Hall with 150 lbs of free cheese.

 

We've become very good friends now, and it's a relationship that I treasure very much. 

 

It wasn't until after lunch and we had returned to the Kingdom Hall parking lot that he suddenly turned in his seat and hit me with the following question: 

 

"How would you respond if someone at the door said that you were heartless because Jehovah's Witnesses are going to rejoice when Jehovah kills billions of people at Armageddon?"

 

(Those may not have been his exact words, but that's the question he was asking)

 

To everyone reading this, you may be very shocked that he would ask me such a thing. But we have had many such conversations over the past couple of years, so instead of trying to figure out any hidden motive that he might have, I simply paused, sat back in his heated leather seat...and really THOUGHT about his question.

 

Did I think it was okay...did I REALLY think it's okay to be happy about people who are going to be destroyed? Or who have been destroyed?

 

As the wind howled around us, pressing against the frosted side windows...I started picturing what that scene might actually look like...and I won't lie...I was actually conflicted.

 

Perhaps he saw that, because suddenly he interrupted my train of thought, reached down between the seats and extracted his tablet. 

 

Flipping open the magnetic cover, he pulled up the Pure Worship book, turned to Chapter 18...and scrolled down to paragraph 21...and read it aloud: 

 

"Before they are destroyed, our enemies will see the sign of the Son of man, likely a supernatural manifestation of the power of Jehovah and Jesus. The opposers will see things that cause them extreme anxiety. As Jesus foretold, “people will become faint out of fear and expectation of the things coming upon the inhabited earth.” (Luke 21:25-27) To their horror, they will realize that they miscalculated when they attacked Jehovah’s people. They will be forced to know the Creator in his role as military commander, Jehovah of armies. (Ps. 46:6-11; Ezek. 38:23) Jehovah will no doubt unleash heavenly armies and natural forces in such a way that he protects his loyal servants but eliminates his enemies.—Read 2 Peter 2:9."

 

He stopped, allowing me to soak in those words.

 

For a moment we didn't talk, we just sat there, listening to the wind...watching snow dance in miniature whirlwinds all across the parking lot.

 

Finally he faced me again and asked what had stood out to me...if anything at all? I said the power of Jehovah and how everyone would know once and for all who he really is. 

 

He nodded as I talked...then ran his eyes back over the paragraph until they settled on a single spot...and looking up at me...he reread a single word:

 

Miscalculated!!

 

He explained that word doesn’t just describe a careless mistake. It implies careful thought, planning, and confidence. They ASSESSED the situation. They believed they understood the balance of power. They moved forward anyways...CONVINCED the outcome was going to be in their favor.

 

But they left Jehovah out of the equation.

 

Then he explained how Jesus described this moment at Luke 21:26, saying that people would “become faint out of fear and expectation of the things coming upon the inhabited earth.”

 

He told me how the Greek expression in that verse can convey the idea of being drained, losing breath...not from sudden panic, but from the crushing realization that everything they thought was solid...was actually dead wrong.

 

And then he took me over to Psalm 46:10–11 to show me why:

 

“Let go and know that I am God… Jehovah of armies is with us.”

 

Jehovah doesn’t need to rush to prove that he's the strongest. He allows events to unfold until the thinking of his enemies is fully exposed...until they are so dead set in their ways there is no turning back...then, at the right moment, they are forced to know HIM...not as the abstract ideas they THINK he is, but as Jehovah of armies!

 

And now...for some weird reason...that word MISCALCULATED has been replaying over and over again in my head...encouraging me deeply all day as I drive.

 

Especially right now...more than ever before...the world is busy measuring threats, power, and outcomes.

 

But all the while...Jehovah is never reacting. He is allowing. He is waiting. He is...as he has always been...simply and fully...in total control.

 

Jehovah NEVER miscalculates.

 

 

But for anyone who thinks they can move against his people without consequence...they already have miscalculated...they just haven't realized it yet.

 

So while I may be conflicted on how I'm going to FEEL when that time comes...I'm going to remain calm, keep my head up and get ready...because Jehovah was never PART of the equation...he IS the equation!

Edited January 14 by Timl1980

[Ludwika]

What great points! 

I think of it, not as rejoicing over the deaths of those people, but more as a deep gratitude for the removal of the wicked, and as the song says..."peace at last"!

[Patience87]

I trust Jehovah on whatever he decides. I do not rejoice over the fact that people will lose their lives, but Jehovah gives everyone the most opportunity to escape judgment. It will be unfortunate for those who are incorrigible. Jehovah will have no choice, and the fault will only lie with those who choose not to recognize his Sovereignty. That being said, in my heart I've prepared myself to accept his decision regarding my daughter who has left the truth. I hope she chooses differently before the end comes. Because I cannot make that choice for her and I cannot tell Jehovah that his decision was wrong. ❤️

[Watching and Waiting]

Very sobering, thank you for sharing. I agree with Jennifer, 'rejoicing' isn't what I'd classify it under. It put me more in mind of an old publication titled, "The Nations Shall Know That I Am Jehovah"—How? And that's because it's neither here nor there what I think about the wicked who refuse our message of Good News, for whatever reason they contrive and why they still insist on clinging to that losing position clear to the end. Rather, it's about the vindication of Jehovah as the only Sovereign and the sanctification of his beautiful name, Jehovah. That's what I keep going back to. I will not be happy to see people lose their lives, when I've been trying for decades to appeal to them. That part will be sad, but not for lack of trying. 

 

But it's not over yet and we carry on!

Edited January 14 by Watching and Waiting
Publication name corrected

[tmm]

I feel for you, Rebecca, and others of us in a similar situation. We hope that in the remaining time, our son or daughter can have a change of heart and return to loving Jehovah and rejoicing in being his friend.

Even Jesus felt deep sadness looking over the city he had attended annual festivals in, the culture he had grown up in while being a human. He grieved that soon, the city would have "no stone left upon a stone." He wanted to gather them under his wings like a hen shelters her chicks.

But he knew it was going to happen, that the masses would reject him and his father, Jehovah, who is totally just, wise, and right in all he does, and lovingly warns people for a long time ahead of the necessary execution of divine judgment.

Sad as it feels for believing humans, peace-loving people cannot enjoy global peace while fierce people remain, so the land must be cleared, and the evil spirits removed. Then at last there will be calm and relief. 

[Beggar for the Spirit]

On 1/14/2026 at 3:29 PM, Timl1980 said:

 So while I may be conflicted on how I'm going to FEEL when that time comes...I'm going to remain calm, keep my head up and get ready. 

 

Hey Tim,

As you told your story, I was imagining you at the restaurant with your new friend. 

I could picture you in the restaurant feeling cozy with hot grilled cheese, soup,  drink and warm conversation. 🍲 🥪

 

As for your “inner conflict” about Armageddon, along with the good expressions by the sisters above, the right way to feel at Armageddon is to feel how our Father Jehovah will feel.  So here are some thoughts on how Jehovah may feel at Armageddon: 

 

NOT HAPPY, NO REJOICING

“Do I take any pleasure at all in the death of a wicked person?

“Do I not prefer that he turn away from his ways and keep living?

“I do not take any pleasure in the death of anyone, . . . so turn back and live.” (Ezek. 18:23, 32) 

 

YET HAPPY, REJOICING

We know that Jehovah has a grand purpose to sanctify His own name and establish a glorious Kingdom rule over the earth.

So how does Jehovah feel when He accomplishing His purposes?

 

Maybe the Grand Creator will express Himself similar to when He was accomplishing another major purpose many centuries ago:

“After that God saw everything he had made, and look! it was very good.” (Genesis 1:31)

 

So at Armageddon , if we try our best to imitate our Father Jehovah, we will not be happy, not be rejoicing, finding no pleasure in the death of anyone, no matter how wicked they became.

 

But at the same time we will be happy, rejoicing, and taking great pleasure in watching first hand how Jehovah is accomplishing His purposes of sanctifying His great name and establishing his loving Sovereignty on earth. 🎉

Edited January 16 by Beggar for the Spirit

[Patience87]

12 hours ago, Beggar for the Spirit said:

But at the same time we will be happy, rejoicing, and taking great pleasure in watching first hand how Jehovah is accomplishing His purposes of sanctifying His great name and establishing his loving Sovereignty on earth. 🎉

Your last sentence is my greatest desire. All other things and how I feel about them pale in comparison to this one thought. My mother has instilled this in me because it has been her greatest desire. I hope she lives to see it in person. 

[Jason Williams]

Can you imagine what it will be like walking the streets of where you live, once full of life now empty? Parks, schools, office blocks, shops deserted and empty.

 

Will we deal with survivors guilt as we adjust to our survival? Could I have done more?

 

We are human after all and Jehovah will undersand that we will see him in all the fear-inspiring awe he deserves as he looks back at us, "remembering that we are dust".

[tmm]

I've often wondered about this, too, Jason. Will it even be recognizable after the cataclysmic end... What sadness will we feel, perhaps with a heavy weight in our hearts, having felt love and care for those we meet - and many did not respond. Will we, can we, ever be truly satisfied with all we did to help others?

Then again, we need to be reasonable and balanced, for we can only plant a seed and water it... for it is our kind, and just, wise and loving Heavenly Father who will choose to make it grow if the person is "rightly disposed." 

[LeolaRootStew]

3 hours ago, Jason Williams said:

Can you imagine what it will be like walking the streets of where you live, once full of life now empty? Parks, schools, office blocks, shops deserted and empty.

 

Will we deal with survivors guilt as we adjust to our survival? Could I have done more?

 

We are human after all and Jehovah will undersand that we will see him in all the fear-inspiring awe he deserves as he looks back at us, "remembering that we are dust".

 

I think I'd have more trouble seeing the places I grew up in being dismantled during the Restoration work. How many generations are going to feel uprooted, even if they are fortunate enough to be able to live on the same land?

[Thomas Walker]

51 minutes ago, LeolaRootStew said:

How many generations are going to feel uprooted, even if they are fortunate enough to be able to live on the same land?

 

You think you'll have that problem in the USA? What about the Medieval Castles who saw a dozen kings? The land portioned out to Israel covers almost fifty generations; with a nearly 2000 year gap in between. You think they'll all want to pick up where they left off?

[LeolaRootStew]

1 minute ago, Thomas Walker said:

 

You think you'll have that problem in the USA? What about the Medieval Castles who saw a dozen kings? The land portioned out to Israel covers almost fifty generations; with a nearly 2000 year gap in between. You think they'll all want to pick up where they left off?

 

Completely agree. Land rights is something I want to leave firmly in Jehovah's hands.

[Beggar for the Spirit]

Please be comforted! 🥰

Because after Armageddon, we will not be sad or devastated or have any form of survivor’s guilt, why?

Notice the following scripture the Governing Body applied to how the Israelites felt after being delivered through the Red Sea:

Quote

“…as for me, I will exult in Jehovah;
I will be joyful in the God of my salvation.” (HAB 3:18)

 

*** w15 1/15 p. 12 par. 14 Give Thanks to Jehovah and Be Blessed ***

“AS FOR ME, I WILL EXULT IN JEHOVAH”

14 Throughout history, Jehovah’s people have rejoiced in their blessings. For example, after being delivered from Pharaoh and his armies at the Red Sea, the Israelites expressed their joy in songs of praise and thanksgiving. (Ex. 15:1-21)

 

We are going to experience 1 of the greatest miracles in world history at Armageddon!

We are going to see firsthand Jehovah’s power!

We are going to see our Father’s love in action, protecting us & delivering us!

And like the Israelites did, we too will express our joy in songs of praise and thanksgiving!

 

 

 

*** w96 4/1 p. 15 Praise the King of Eternity! ***
As Moses and all Israel celebrated Jehovah’s victory at the Red Sea, there will be great rejoicing after Armageddon

Edited January 17 by Beggar for the Spirit

[Dolce vita]

At the AM 2025, Brother Sanderson used Psalm 91 to reassure our hearts when we think about Armageddon, to certify Jehovah's perfect protection at this precise and unique moment in history. The levels of protection were, I quote, “spiritual, physical, and even emotional.” He used verse 14 to emphasize Jehovah's tenderness, which prompts him to act to protect his people. Jehovah, he said, will be personally very involved in this protection.

 

Quoting 2 Peter 2:9, the brother reinforced the idea of Jehovah's perfect justice. There can be no doubt about the righteousness of his action: only the wicked will be destroyed, those who reject him and who have joined forces to wipe out innocent children, women, and the elderly from the earth. History shows us the lack of compassion when war is declared. This will not be the case at Armageddon, because this war will only eliminate those who do not have a heart, and will save all those whose hearts beat for Jehovah and his King. (Ez 33:11)

 

We will be emotionally protected to cope with the situation. In any case, this is how I understand this salvation, a help provided by Jehovah to cope with the disappearance of beings to whom we have been very attached until now. Perhaps the latter will even facilitate emotional detachment because they will participate in the eradication effort led by the Coalition.

 

" What must we do ? Keep on the watch and prove ourselves ready' Mat 24:43-44. 

His conclusion: 'We have absolutely nothing to fear. Amen, come Lord Jesus!'

 

[Beggar for the Spirit]

Good post by @Dolce vita  Thanks for reminding us of that important talk in the AM 2025 

So now to add to how we may be “emotionally protected” at Armageddon.

 

A HELPER

What did Jesus refer to Holy Spirit as when he promised that he would send it after returning to heaven?  

A “Helper“ (pa·raʹkle·tos) which can be understood also as a “comforter; encourager; advocate.”

 

Our Father’s Holy Spirit is a powerful force!  

So for those under its influence, they can display His wonderful qualities in ANY situation.

 

So what is 1 valuable quality that Holy Spirit will produce in you after Armageddon?  

JOY — That immense feeling of joy after Armageddon will bring us great comfort and encouragement!!!

 

SOMETHING BEYOND WHAT A NORMAL PERSON HAS

When there is serious trouble, a crisis, conflict, war, a normal human only has certain ways to cope.

But for those under the very potent influence of Jehovah’s Spirit, what will happen to such ones after the Great War of Armageddon?  Jesus will send to each of us the “Helper”, the “Comforter”, which will help us to have “power beyond what is normal” to handle anything!

 

Here is a great example we can remember if we get worried about Armageddon:

1 of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Stephen, was dragged before 71 of the most powerful men in the nation of Israel.

False accusers were brought in to give deceiving testimony.

Imagine the wide range of human emotions that Stephen was feeling in that terrifying situation!

But something happened beyond what a normal person has in them during such traumatic situations:

 

The “High Priest Caiaphas, who presided over the court a few months earlier when Jesus was condemned to death”, along with the 71 powerful members of the Sanhedrin, “noticed something rather surprising about Stephen—his face looked “like an angel’s face.”—Acts 6:13-15. (w18)

 

How could Stephen remain calm and serene in such an intimidating situation?

Only with help, by means of a ”Pa·raʹkle·tos” or “Helper”, “Comforter”,

 

“Before he was dragged before the Sanhedrin, Stephen had been fully immersed in his ministerial work under the powerful influence of God’s spirit.  When he was on trial, that same spirit was operating on him, both as a comforter and as a remembrancer.” (John 14:16, ftn.) (w18)

 

So after Armageddon, you will not be transformed into an angelic creature, but…

with Holy Spirit operating on you, your face will become “like an angel’s face”, full of serenity and joy!!!

 

No wonder the Psalmist under inspiration said this!

“You, O Jehovah, are my helper and comforter.“ —Ps. 86:17.

Edited January 17 by Beggar for the Spirit