"Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law." Psalms 119:18 (KJV)
Daily Devotion in Revelation 11
Daily Nugget:
Before the sounding of the seventh trumpet (Revelation 11:15), John was instructed to measure the temple of God. Titus destroyed Herod’s temple in A. D. 70, 25 years previous to John’s revelation. What is referred to here is not Herod’s temple, but a future temple that will be constructed in the last days. This is one thing the Jews have been waiting for a long time. Currently, there is no temple in Jerusalem, but there will be one day — hopefully, soon.
The “angel,” most likely Jesus spoken of in Revelation 10, also foretold of two “witnesses” that would come in the last half of the seven-year tribulation. There has been much discussion as to whom these two prophesied (Zechariah 4:1-4) “olive trees” and “candlesticks” are. The Scripture told who those men would be a long time ago.
One of the two lights (“candlesticks”) in a very sin-dark world will have “… power to shut heaven, that it rain not…” (Revelation 11:6). That is what God allowed Elijah to do in the days of wicked King Ahab (I Kings 17:1).
Not only is this Elijah’s signature miracle, but it was also prophesied that Elijah would come again “… before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord:” (Malachi 4:6). Jews for thousands of years have been looking for Elijah’s return (Matthew 11:14). Most likely, one witness will be Elijah.
Moses is probably the other witness, as this man will “… have power over waters to turn them to blood and to smite the Earth with all plagues …” (Revelation 11:6). Moses did this in Pharaoh’s day.
In the verse previous to the one promising Elijah’s return in Malachi 4:6, Moses was also mentioned. Also, in the first, second, fourth, and fifth trumpet judgments (Revelation 8-9), it is very clear that God will use miracles He allowed Moses to perform. God may again use Moses in the last days as one witness.
These two witnesses will eventually be allowed to die when their ministry is completed (Revelation 11:7) after three and one-half years (Revelation 11:3). Most likely televised (Revelation 11:9), the entire world may see their carcasses lying dead in the street and will rejoice at their deaths (Revelation 11:8-10).
However, the world’s glee will turn to fear as they see those two deceased saints come back to life and walk the Earth (Revelation 11:11). More fear will come over the world as they hear a voice from Heaven summoning the witnesses up and as they watch them ascend (Revelation 11:12) to Heaven. The planet will also be shaken by devastating earthquakes (Revelation 11:13), which will increase their fear.
Although the catastrophes are not complete, as more judgments will come, part of the reason for these last-day events will be accomplished by the witnesses’ work. That reason will be achieved when God finally gets some glory. Many will see what He has done with the witnesses, and they “… gave glory to the God of heaven.” (Revelation 11:13). Many will undoubtedly know that God is in control of all that is happening in those days.
Today’s Thought:
“Where one man reads the Bible, a hundred read you and me” — D. L. Moody
Words to Understand:
Sackcloth: a coarse, uncomfortable material often worn to show remorse or for mourning
Today’s Reading:
Revelation 11
1 And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein.
2 But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months.
3 ¶ And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth.
4 These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth.
5 And if any man will hurt them, fire proceedeth out of their mouth, and devoureth their enemies: and if any man will hurt them, he must in this manner be killed.
6 These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy: and have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with all plagues, as often as they will.
7 And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them.
8 And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified.
9 And they of the people and kindreds and tongues and nations shall see their dead bodies three days and an half, and shall not suffer their dead bodies to be put in graves.
10 And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them, and make merry, and shall send gifts one to another; because these two prophets tormented them that dwelt on the earth.
11 And after three days and an half the Spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them.
12 And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them.
13 And the same hour was there a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the city fell, and in the earthquake were slain of men seven thousand: and the remnant were affrighted, and gave glory to the God of heaven.
14 ¶ The second woe is past; and, behold, the third woe cometh quickly.
15 And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.
16 And the four and twenty elders, which sat before God on their seats, fell upon their faces, and worshipped God,
17 Saying, We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come; because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned.
18 And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth.
19 And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail.