REVELATION 11:1-14

When we realize that the Tribulation is intended for God to complete His promises to Israel, while claiming more Gentile believers along the way, it makes sense to see that the Jewish temple will be fully operational during that time. When we come to chapter 11, we see a real temple in a real city of Jerusalem, prior to the return of Christ.

Those outside of the worship of God during this time, those outside of the reclaimed Israel, will be in full rebellion against God during this time and will be subject to His wrath. It would appear that the 42 months mentioned here refers to the second half of the seven-year Tribulation, 42 months leading up to the return of Christ. Jewish worship is continuing, even with the Gentile intrusion, as depicted by the temple measurements taken, excluding the outer court. God will continue to get His message across in spite of oppression.

The two witnesses are a fascinating study, and another one that is difficult to pin down or be dogmatic about. Historically, in the Old Testament it took two witnesses to convict someone of wrongdoing. Jesus required two witnesses in the matter of discipline (Matt. 18), and Paul under inspiration from God wrote of two witnesses to validate a judgment. Here, the two witnesses are definitely prophetic voices of the future. Sticking with the literal meaning of the text, they are likely Moses and Elijah, though this is debatable. The images conjured by the descriptions tend to favor these two sent back to this world by God.

Their ministry is 1260 days, coinciding with the work of the false christs in the city and the trampling mentioned in verse 2. They will seek to restore Israel, and are very near to the Lord. With them, God will once again literally protect His messengers with fire.

The witnesses will complete their tasks, and will be killed by a beast from the abysss (demonic in nature). To the readers of John’s letter, it was understood as the biggest human indignity to leave a corpse unburied. Such is the case of the bodies of the two witnesses. The world will celebrate, as they will have been “tormenting” people by troubling their consciences.

Imagine the shock when God resurrects them, and summons them back to heaven! This will take place in full and open view. It will be as if those who hated the witnesses will wonder “Now what?” as they sense more of God’s power and wrath to be released upon the world.

Their ascension is to be followed by a great earthquake, and it appears that some will even repent as a result. The stage is set for the seventh trumpet…

SO WHAT...?

So, even today, I can sense that people rejoice when bad things happen to Christians. Maybe it's a bit cynical to think that there are many who simply want to see Christians disappear. Soon enough. Bottom line: I need to be a good testimony, regardless of circumstances, resting in the joy that can only come from the Holy Spirit.