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Witness #3 - Pt. 1: Two Witnesses - message  

Thoughts on the Passage

This section follows John taking the small book and prophesying to nations. Now, we see two people – two witnesses – prophesying to the nations that are occupying Jerusalem and the temple. At this time, Jerusalem lies in ruins, destroyed by Titus the Roman general. Rome scattered the Jewish people throughout the empire and stopped all worship at the temple. These two witnesses are in sackcloth – that means that they are in mourning. They could be mourning the loss of worship to God and the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple. They could also be calling people to repentance. The nations destroyed God’s house, scattered His people, and prevent worship at the temple – there is a great cost to this action.

There are a couple of lines here that remind us of promises in the Old Testament. First, they will be oppressed for 42 months (and 1260 days – based on 30 days per month). This picture comes from the book of Daniel, where the prophecy is given that God’s people would face severe oppression for this length of time. However, that time will come to an end – and God promised to re-establish David’s throne and the rule of God’s people. So the reader knows that Kingdom transfer is coming quickly.

Second, there is a second reference to the two leaders who would rebuild the temple and restore worship to God – this is the two olive trees and lampstands (from the book of Zechariah). John describes these two witnesses in the same manner – they will be responsible for declaring God’s kingdom is coming in the midst of Gentile rule and oppression; God’s kingdom with come through the power of the Spirit not physical strength. God gives them authority to withhold God’s blessing from any who oppress, and even destroy anyone who seek their destruction.

These witnesses tell God’s people and the nations around them:

-- the time of suffering is limited.

-- the authority of God’s people is greater that the authority of the nations.

-- the nations can destroy – but God’s kingdom is coming and they cannot stop it.

-- God keeps His promises to His people just as He did when Jerusalem and the temple were rebuilt before.

Prayer

Father, do I mourn for the sin of the nations? Do I mourn the impact on God’s people? Am I prepared to see this as the last chance for the people to repent? The seventh trumpet is about to sound; kingdom transfer is happening. The world does not see it and they attack God’s people as if they are immune to the cost of their actions. They get a taste of the cost – the two witnesses reveal that. Still they reject. Father, I want to have that kind of heart for my world. Yes, I have a heart that cries out for justice for Your children, but I want to mourn the cost to those who reject You and Your kingdom. In Jesus Name, Amen.