This scenario rings familiar.
When Jesus realized that the apocalyptical "chronology" provided by Daniel was about to reach its climax, he undertook his final trip to Jerusalem, to openly confront the leading Saducees, Pharisees and Herodians, knowing that it would likely end up in his arrest and sentencing to death. However, he pushed forth that scenario, thinking that God would ultimately deliver him at the last minute and usher in the sudden manifestation of the Kingdom of God. In a way, upping the confrontation purposedly was a way to force God's hand to start Armageddon.
Perhaps that's the WTS plan all along. Perhaps they're playing a double game: On one hand, they're cleary preparing for the "long haul", consolidating assets, new world HQ, streamlining the hierarchy, big push towards online publishing etc. Also, there are signs that there are some prophetic interpretations that can be used to "delay" the end times almost indefinitly. However, this recent view of Gog opens the door to an interpretation of an agression from ANY type of enemy of God's people. And THAT may well be the media, the courts, etc. By bluntly defying the courts and authorities, maybe the leadership of the WTS is testing a certain "make or break" apocalyptic theology, where, by forcing the hand of the authorities to persecute them, they expect that would somehow force Jehovah's hand to act and bring about Armageddon. In their view, it may well be a win-win situation: If Jehovah interveines and Armageddon takes place, fine! - their apocalyptic wordview has been vindicated. But if nothing happens, they will simply regroup from the finantial and adept losses and carry on for the long haul, having their belief framework already adapted to survive for times to come.
Eden
