Revelation 11- 11.03.22
SCRIPTURE: Revelation 11:3-4 NIV
“And I will appoint my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth.” They are “the two olive trees” and the two lampstands, and “they stand before the Lord of the earth.”
OBSERVATION:
Two Witnesses, clothed in sackcloth- are appointed by God and given divine Power as they Prophesy for three and half years. The times on earth are extremely dark and evil. The witnesses are referred to as “Olive Trees” and “Lampstands”. At the conclusion of three and half years the (Beast) Antichrist is given permission to kill the two witnesses and he puts their dead lifeless bodies on display with the evil world rejoicing. BUT-three and half days later, God’s Breath restores their life and they stand up on their feet—striking great fear and panic into everyone who watches (vs 11). AND then they are called up to heaven as their enemies watch. In that very hour an earthquake strikes collapsing a tenth of the city and killing 7,000. The remaining survivors are terrified and give glory to God recognizing His awesome Power (vs 13).
UNDERSTANDING:
We always say that we don’t Know the day OR hour when Jesus is coming back—BUT we DO Know He IS Coming Back! AND when Jesus comes back—
“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, HE will sit on his glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered before him, and HE will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.” (Matthew 25: 31-33 NIV)
The Two Witnesses are Clothed in sackcloth-a heavy coarse garment woven out of camel’s hair or mohair. It was worn as a sign of sorrow and great mourning. And so—these two witnesses of God stand in sackcloth—a sign of national, worldwide, personal mourning. The day is evil and they are FILLED with DEEP spiritual sorrow-- desiring that people would repent and come to God while there is still time. (Daniel 9:3-Daniel put on sackcloth when he confessed Israel’s sin)
Olive Trees- The Hebrew word for Olive Tree is “es shemen” which literally means “Tree of Oil”. The more primitive root word is “Shemesh” meaning Oil that Shines and is Brilliant-Brilliant like the SUN. So indicative of the Holy Spirit-
“Also there are two olive trees by it, one on the right of the bowl and the other on its left.” So he said to me, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty.” (Zechariah 4:3, 6 NIV)
Lampstands-the place where Light is illuminated. These two witnesses speak God’s Truth and are LIGHT in the midst of the earth’s darkest hour.
“You are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14a NIV)
LIFE APPLICATION:
Be a Witness for Christ-
The Two Witnesses are CALLED and APPOINTED as two LIGHTS from God, FILLED with the Holy Spirit, as they testify to the world of the work and truth of the LORD among mankind.
WE are CALLED and APPOINTED to be LIGHTS from God—Filled with the Holy Spirit from above TO Testify to the world of the work and Truth of the Lord among mankind.
“He saved us and called us with a holy calling [a calling that leads to a consecrated life—a life set apart—a life of purpose], not because of our works [or because of any personal merit—we could do nothing to earn this], but because of His own purpose and grace [His amazing, undeserved favor] which was granted to us in Christ Jesus before the world began.” (2 Timothy 1:9 AMP)
I remember the popular saying, “Always preach the gospel and sometimes use words”. I used to think, “Great”! Because at the time I didn’t know how to share the gospel. But, the truth is—LIVING the gospel in such a way that our Lives Truly look different—is a much BIGGER challenge than it seems.
The world has a long laundry list of what is permissible and acceptable:
The “ME” First mentality
Questionable TV viewing-(Garbage in-Garbage out)
Choice of words (Cussing)
Gossip
Unforgiveness
I am so very thankful that I am able to confidently and comfortably use words to share the gospel. But what effect will I have IF my life doesn’t seem any different/better than what the world is offering? I have to daily ask myself If I am living a Life that reflects Christ’s values OR am I looking just like the world except I go to church on Sundays?
But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there.” (Galatians 5:22-24 NLT)
LORD Jesus,
I pray we will all be seeking to Fulfill Your calling on our Lives. I pray we will see the world’s current state and be deeply moved to repentant prayer before you. I pray we will seek to Live an anointed Life—separated unto You-as a LIGHT in these times KNOWING that You placed us here in this season for this very purpose to be Your Witnesses. I ask your forgiveness for times I allow the temptations of the world to creep into my life. I pray for greater discipline and Thank You for Your Love and Holy Spirit to Give me my daily supply. May my life be holy and pleasing to You. I pray to be an effective witness for your kingdom. In Jesus Name I Pray, amen.
Tina L Kudelka