JW's, how much would you do to obey the November 15th Watchtower order?

[Grey Tower]

A similar question went out on Facebook in the form of a poll, and attracted some very interesting responses from Jehovah's Witnesses. The link is in the source box below, if you want to check it out.

As regards the 15 November 2013 study Watchtower article, Seven Shepherds and Eight Dukes – what they mean for us today? here are some highlights:

The Watchtower study article is pointing forward to the coming great tribulation, when Jehovah's enemies will rise up against his people - Jehovah's Witnesses. The admonition to "obey any instructions we may receive" pertains to the future when Jehovah's Witnesses expect false religion and governments to turn against them. Here is their interpretation of the Bible characters:

HEZEKIAH = JESUS
LEVITES = JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES (led by the Faithful & Discreet Slave)
MODERN DAY ‘ASSYRIANS’ = ANY WHO ATTACK THE WATCHTOWER SOCIETY AND ITS TEACHINGS

“Elders who are reading this article can draw some useful conclusions from the account we have just considered: (1) The most practical step that we can take to prepare for the coming attack of ‘the Assyrian’ is that of strengthening our faith in God and helping our brothers to do the same. (2) When ‘the Assyrian’ attacks, the elders must be absolutely convinced that Jehovah will deliver us. (3) At that time, the lifesaving direction that we receive from Jehovah’s organization may not appear practical from a human standpoint. All of us must be ready to obey any instructions we may receive, whether these appear sound from a strategic or human standpoint or not. (4) Now is the time for any who may be putting their trust in secular education, material things, or human institutions to adjust their thinking. The elders must stand ready to help any who may now be wavering in their faith.” (p.20)

Below is a link to a review of this Watchtower study article. Also a link to another Watchtower article entitled 'Obey Jehovah's Shepherds.' “Be obedient to those who are taking the lead among you and be submissive, for they are keeping watch over your souls.”—HEB. 13:17.

And just in case any Witness has forgotten, here are direct quotes from the Society on obedience:

4 January 2007 Watchtower, page 24 paragraph 12: “When we loyally submit to the direction of the faithful slave and its governing body, we are submitting to Christ.”

15 July 2011 Watchtower, page 24: “We need to obey the faithful and discreet slave to have Jehovah’s approval.”

15 July 2013 Watchtower, page 20: "That faithful slave is the channel through which Jesus is feeding his true followers in this time of the end. It is vital that we recognize the faithful slave. Our spiritual health and our relationship with God depend on this channel.”

As a former Jehovah's Witnesses, when the Society said "Jump!" our only question was "How high?" Remember, your salvation depends upon total obedience to your leaders.

LM