SWHW Bible Reading Plan: December 2021Sample

Top Takeaway from Caren Fehr:

Reading this book of Revelation leaves me with both hope and anguish. Hope because no matter how bad things look now, we know God and good will triumph over evil. Anguish because many are still far from God and do not know Him or fear Him. Anguish, however, keeps us alert to the urgency of sharing the gospel. 

A lot is going on in Chapter 11 and builds off of chapter 10 (I encourage you to go back and read it if you haven’t!) Let’s highlight three things in this chapter:

1. We learn and see the unstoppable witness of the Church. 

We see the ministry of the two witnesses in verses 3-6 through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. They are witnesses because one, they have something to witness about (their personal encounter with Christ), and two, because the power of the Holy Spirit enables them to share their story well. Here, John is reassured that the witness of the Church would persevere even when faced with intense persecution, imprisonment, and suffering.

2. We learn and see how much the world is allergic and resistant to surrender.

The two witnesses were given power, and once their witness was complete, they were killed. Upon their death, we see that “the inhabitants of the earth will gloat over them and will celebrate by sending each other gifts, because these two prophets had tormented those who live on the earth.” (vs. 10).

Those on earth loved the lie so much that the truth tormented them. You see, religion is all well and fine until there is a call to surrender. Religion is all well and fine until submission is required. Religion is all well and fine until someone (other than us) reigns over us.

3. God is glorified and triumphs through our suffering, not despite it.

We may look at the death of the two witnesses (spoiler alert: they are brought back to life 3.5 days later) and see it as a tragedy. What was the point? The point is we get to see God’s sovereign control even in dark times.

When it looks like evil won, and the witness to God’s truth is over, John tells us that even here, God is sovereign and in control. The witnesses aren’t killed until after they’ve finished their testimony. They couldn’t be destroyed nor overcome until their witness to God’s truth, majesty, and power was finished! And in their suffering, God displays His triumph; He vindicates His people and His Name.

I am encouraged today that while I don’t need to seek suffering, I also don’t need to fear it, resent it, or run from it. God uses the suffering of those who fear Him for their eternal good and His glory. Let’s take heart today, knowing that God is always working and in control behind the scenes. Sometimes it’s subtle and may seem like evil has won, but as we see in verse 15, we can have courage and not fear because our God reigns forever!

Father, thank You for the book of Revelation that is filled with hope and Your promises to us in the final days. You never waste suffering, and You never waste a life that is fully submitted to You. God help me to be Your witness where You have positioned me. Give me the courage to share the gospel and Your truth boldly. Embed Your Word in my heart so when trials come, I am not shaken. I love You. Amen.