Brother Joseph Rutherford

Brother Rutherford (http://pastorrussell.blogspot.com/2009/09/j-f-rutherford.html)

Brother Rutherford was the leader of the Bible Student movement during WWII. Later, the Bible Students were renamed Jehovah's Witnesses, so that people wouldn't discriminate them as Russelites or Rutherford's followers. He worked to teach people information found in the Bible, although what he said wasn't popular with the majority of the public. In fact, a lot of his message told of how the religions and governments that were out there weren't working or correct. Also of what God's Kingdom will do for the future of mankind.

He did what others were afraid to do. Through his and many other's efforts the truth was told when everyone around them was ignoring the truth. During WWII, Jehovah’s Witnesses were the first to give information of what was really going on in concentration camps, when basically everyone turned a blind eye till it hit them straight in the noses. Brother Rutherford's strong and intense speeches and statements ended up making the government charge him for sedition. They saw his words as a threat to their government. To the point that Brother Rutherford and his ten closest associates were sent to prison for the statement of their beliefs. These charges were dropped however due to the First Amendment. Where we are allowed freedom of speech and religion, even if the message is not well liked by the majority.

His efforts are important to us since the reason we are so open to make as open statement about our beliefs in religion, government, and even our rights. Brother Rutherford although being a great role model to stand up for what you believe in isn't the only Jehovah's Witness who is worthy of the statement of hero though. Many of our freedoms and rights have been made available and open to us because of court cases won by Jehovah’s Witnesses for our rights, freedom, and liberties.

Brother Rutherford is a hero to me, because he refused to back down from his beliefs even under pressure from the government, friends, and others around him. He fought for himself and for others not as strong as him. Lastly, he never gave up even in old age. He fought for the truth found in God's Word the Bible, Jehovah, and Jesus' sacrifice and example. A hero is someone who always chooses to do what is right and that is what Brother Rutherford strived for.

We need to be the same way by fighting for what we believe, but never in a way that is violent or can hurt others. We need to help those who don't know the truth. Never give up doing what is right!