Revelation Now :

Daily Devotional Bible Studies in Revelation

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Two Witnesses in the Temple : Day 41

I was given a reed like a measuring rod and was told, "Go and measure the temple of God and the altar, and count the worshippers there. But exclude the outer court; do not measure it, because it has been given to the Gentiles. They will trample on the holy city for 42 months. And I will give power to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth." These are the two olive trees and the two lamp stands that stand before the Lord of the earth. If anyone tries to harm them, fire comes from their mouths and devours their enemies. This is how anyone who wants to harm them must die. These men have power to shut up the sky so that it will not rain during the time they are prophesying; and they have power to turn the waters into blood and to strike the earth with every kind of plague as often as they want. (Revelation 11:1-6)

Temple

John now participates in the vision by measuring the Temple. As he does so, he also sets aside the location of what is yet to take place. The Greek word for "temple" means the "building" itself and not the surrounding courts. The area measured out will be preserved during the coming destruction.

Two Witnesses

"The two witnesses" who experience death and resurrection bear a strong resemblance to Moses and Elijah, two of God's mighty men of old representing the law and the prophets. With God's power, Moses called plagues down upon the nation of Egypt. Elijah defeated the prophets of Baal, and had control over the rain. Both of these witnesses appeared with Christ at his transfiguration.

Moses was the primary law giver and Elijah was the model prophet. They both appeared with Jesus at the Transfiguration but here they are witnesses on earth like two olive trees or two lamp stands. They are clothed in sackcloth which was often a prophets clothing symbolizing mourning. Moses and Elijah have miraculous powers. They can shut up the sky so that it will not rain as Elijah did... they can turn the water into blood as Moses did before the Pharaoh in Egypt in order to let the people of Israel go. They can also produce every kind of plague as Moses did before Pharaoh.

Words to meditate on

What is the best thing you will take across the Great Divide?

Words to pray

When we all get to Heaven, Who shall we see, You and Me?

And You and Me. (1)

Notes

(1) Unknown

"The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place."

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