The End of the Gospel Age

Now let us pass over almost 2000 years when the light of truth dimmed and was almost extinguished in the “dark ages,” then gradually brightened during a reformation period. Finally, the end of the age came, the time of our Lord’s return, the beginning of the times of restitution. Now these words of Jesus applied:

“Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning; And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their Lord, when he will return from the wedding; that, when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately. Blessed are those servants, whom the Lord, when he cometh, shall find watching. Verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them.” Luke 12:35-37

Here again was a promise of “meat in due season.” Was it fulfilled? You know that it was, and you know how it was fulfilled. In dispensing “meat” to his household upon his return, it was not the Lord’s method to give it personally and individually to each member, separately enlightening each person’s mind. He could have done it this way, but he didn’t. No. His method was to choose one special man fully consecrated, wise, ready, willing, and able servant. He then placed him in full charge of his household. He filled this man with his spirit, enlightened his mind, and gave him all the meat in due season to pass on to the others of his household who were waiting. This is exactly what Jesus said he would do:

“Who then is the faithful and prudent servant, whom his master has placed over his household, to give them food in due season? Happy that servant, whom his Master, on coming, shall find thus employed! Indeed, I say to you, that he will appoint him over all his possessions.” Matthew 24:45-47, Diaglott

A person who is given authority to administer and dispense the possessions of another is called a steward. In confirmation we read:

“And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his Lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season? Blessed is that servant whom his Lord, when he cometh (“at his arrival” Diaglott) shall find so doing. Of a truth I say unto you, that he will make him ruler over all that he hath.” Luke 12:42-44

While it was the returned Lord who provided the lavish table of “meat in due season,” he used a human instrument to dispense it, to be his mouthpiece. Of course there are many fellow-servants. We are all fellow-servants of one another. But the Lord illuminated the mind of Brother Russell in a special way. This is well illustrated in the manner Brother Russell was given an understanding of the tabernacle, which is a fine example of “meat in due season.”