Two Witnesses

Revelation 11:3-6 “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 lampstands that stand before the Lord of the earth. 5 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. 6 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.
 
THE two olive trees and lampstands are images of two witnesses, two prophets, God sends in power to once more warn the world. The olive trees produce the oil to fuel the lampstands. God’s unending oil of joy (Hebrews 1:9) flows to his messengers. God gives them great power to destroy any opposition during their appointed ministry.  
   Such prophets have lived. Elijah brought down fire twice to destroy soldiers from King Ahaziah (2 Kings 1:10-14). For three and one-half years Elijah also shut the sky from rain in Israel. This is the same length of time as the witnesses minister. And Moses turned the water to blood and struck Egypt with every kind of plague. Yes, the two witnesses can be a reincarnation of these especially anointed prophets. Remember, they were the two prophets with Jesus in the Transfiguration (Mark 9). Or they can be two prophets created with the same heavenly power.
   The image of the two olive trees and two lampstands is very similar to another Old Testament vision: Zechariah 4:12 “What are these two olive branches beside the two gold pipes that pour out golden oil?” … 14 “These are the two who are anointed to serve the Lord of all the earth.” As the Jews
began rebuilding Jerusalem and the temple on their return from exile, the priest Joshua joined Zechariah to call God’s people to repentance amid great opposition.
   Both visions reflect a pattern of God powerfully working to declare his saving message to a world in need of healing and redemption.
   And then the prophets’ time is done as we’ll see in the next passage. This is the pattern of all prophets, including Jesus’ ministry. Our Lord has and does use especially anointed messengers to declare God’s power for an appointed time.  
   Persecution against God’s witnesses will not destroy the church. The Spirit gives live to the church, and he will not be denied. The gospel overcomes. We can forever thank God he is the Victor.
 
Prayer: Lord, you have anointed each believer, each one of us, to be a witness to unbelievers. Protect us. Encourage us. Enable us to even face death for you in your gracious love. Amen.