Reading: Revelation 11:1-19

First thing’s first. Think back to chapter 1. Who are the lamp stands? The churches. Secondly, throughout Scripture who is represented by olive trees? The Jewish people. Ok. So. I don’t think we can assume, as some do, that this is talking about 2 actual people. My impression is that Jesus is talking to the global church. That is: Jews and Gentiles worshipping together. See also Zechariah 4.

Additionally, why is it only 2? Because only 2 churches were found faithful. You remember that? Of the seven churches, only 2 does Jesus not criticize. Smyrna and Philadelphia.

Lets also talk about these dates that are repeated a couple times. There’s the 3 and a half days, 42 months, and 1260 days. Which. This is not the only time they’re going to appear in the book. Ok? So. Here’s what I think is going on: remember the Venn Diagram? Old, New, Both. I think we’ve got a “both” happening.

In terms of the old, you need to know that Rome, under a guy named Nero declared war on the Jewish people in 66AD. Nero then sent his general Vespasian in, except after roughly 3 and a half years of fighting, Nero dies. Vespasian takes the throne for himself. After 3 and half more years, Masada finally falls, and the war is over. So. Maybe, that’s what John is talking about.

However, in terms of the new, which is why I think it’s both, these 2 witnesses could be symbolic of the global Jewish/Gentile Church. In other words, we are the witnesses. Some of you are like, wait I can’t breathe fire. Verse 5. To which I say, “Oh, can’t you? It’s basically what I do each and every week, just preaching fire.” In Jeremiah 5:14 it reads, Therefore this is what the Lord God Almighty says: “Because the people have spoken these words, I will make my words in your mouth a fire and these people are the wood it consumes.” Now. Did Jeremiah go Pete’s Dragon on anybody? Of course not. It was a metaphor. The word of the Lord is fire.

Plus, it talks about the witnesses having power to create plagues. Verse 6. What’s that mean? It means the church is powerful. Why? Because prayer if powerful. And God is powerful.

So. In my estimation, the text is showing us that the church will preach the gospel for a set time. Symbolically. 42 months. 1260 days. However, to many people, the good news of salvation will be a torment. Verse 10. Paul said as much in 2 Corinthians. To some we bring an odor of death—to others the aroma of life. And so, the world will rejoice when they can get the church out of their way. Which. That is happening all over the globe right now. But. Verse 11. Just as the world is worshipping themselves, saying, “Look how great we are. Look how advanced we are. We beat disease. We created artificial life. We are so awesome…who needs God? Who needs His people? Who needs the church?” At that moment, when the church looks dead, Revival.

That said. I could be wrong. So. Above all else, we must pay attention to verse 18: The time (is coming) for judging the dead, and for rewarding your servants the prophets and your people who revere your name, both great and small—

In short, we must take seriously the idea of revering God’s name so we can experience His reward!

With Gratitude,

pLJ