Chapter eleven is a very dramatic chapter in the scheme of
things to come, and in many ways it is
a very important and pivotal chapter. Understanding this chapter helps us to
understand the rest of this book.
Last time we considered
the first two verses only – and again, these were foundational to
our understanding of this chapter . They showed us the position of the true church in the midst of tribulation and an
apostate church. We saw that John was to
measure the “ temple of God and the altar and those who worship
there” (11:1). We noted that this was not the
physical temple in Jerusalem
since John was writing in about 95 AD
and the temple had been destroyed by the Romans in AD 70. Neither was it a future temple to be rebuilt on Mt Moriah in Jerusalem. The
same John tells us that Jesus prophesied
that this temple would be destroyed (Matt.24:1-2) and abolished, and that true worship was not going to happen in Jerusalem
or in any other location, but “in spirit
and truth” (Jn. 4:23). This is in anticipation of a
much more glorious future in the heavenly city called Jerusalem, where there was no temple,
for the temple are the Lord God the
Almighty and the
Lamb (Rev 21:22).
The temple that John was to measure was the “spiritual temple” - the church,
the building made up of living stones.
We took note of the fact that the
holy city and the outer courts of the temple were given to the nations (gentiles)
to be trampled upon. Only the sanctuary (Gr. naos) containing the true
worshippers was to be measured. The true
church is the one that is measured, sealed and known by
God. Thus the true church is at the
heart of our discussion. If we
understand this, we will not find it difficult to understand the rest of the
chapter.
Against this background
we will now consider the matter
of the mysterious two witnesses that are killed and resurrected in this
chapter. We will consider
this under 5 headings:
1. The
time of their witness (11:2,3)
2.
Their
identity (11:3-6)
3.
Their
work (11:7-10)
4.
Their opposition (11:7-10)
5.
Their
future (11:11-12)
We shall consider the first 2 points (vv. 3-6) today, and the last three points next time.
We shall consider the first 2 points (vv. 3-6) today, and the last three points next time.
1. The Time Frame of their Witness ( 11:2,3)
Before we explore the identity of the two witnesses,
we must first identify in which time
frame they operate. The time in which
these two witnesses are to testify is that period mentioned in verses 2 and 3. . 42 months
equals 1260 days (see
11:3;12:6) and this also equals
the “time, times and a half a time”
or 3 ½ years. It is the
time in which according to 13:5, “the beast was given a mouth uttering haughty and blasphemous words, and it was allowed to exercise
authority for 42 months.” It is also
the same time in which the woman (Christ’s
church) is nourished, sustained and
preserved by God (see 12:6,14)
So which time frame are we talking
about here? This is the period which extends from Christ’s ascension to His
descension - the second coming.
This is the time in which we are now
living- the age of the New Testament church. The Lord Jesus spoke of this time
in Luke 21:24 when He said
that, “… Jerusalem will be trampled underfoot by the gentiles,
until the times of the gentiles are fulfilled.” The
gentiles or ‘nations’ here refers to mankind in opposition to God. Jerusalem was severely trampled by the
gentiles in AD 70 by the Romans, and if you like, Jerusalem is still being spiritually trampled
by those who defy the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
This is the time in which the true church has to contend with the broad or nominal church – the church of the city –
the church of the outer court-the hypocritical church- Christianity without substance!
Please note however that
there is a time limit placed on this happening, and we are
reminded once again that God is in
charge of history.
2. Their Identity (11:3-6)
Who are these witnesses? We have already
prepared the groundwork for this. The key to their identification has
been given. Before we reveal their identity, note:
(i) The two
witnesses must arise out of the true church, and they must witness for 1260 days (42 months) “… and I
will grant authority to my two
witnesses, and they will prophesy for 1260 days, clothed in sackcloth“ (v.3). The Great commission is given by Jesus for the church in the last days
before His second coming: “You will receive
power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my
witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria and to the end of the earth.” (Acts 1:8). The book of Acts outlines the beginning of the true church as she carries the Word of Jesus into the whole
world.
(ii) They are two witnesses: Two is the number of witness (e.g. Deut. 19:15; Jn.8:17). Jesus also generally sent out His
witnesses in pairs (Mk 6:7; Lk 10:1)
(iii)
The two witnesses are dressed in
sackcloth: this is symbolic of those who have repented and
believed. They have been humbled by the
truth as it is in Jesus, and they have become like their Lord Jesus “… who
though He was rich, yet for our sakes He
became poor…” (2 Cor. 8:9). By
their message they urge their hearers to
repent and believe on the Lord Jesus.
This message which tastes sweet as honey
in the mouth (because it is true), turns bitter in the stomach (because it
must be acted upon) (10:10) is the message which must be preached to many
peoples, nations, languages and kings (10:11)
But now, what of their identity?
Chapter 11:4 gives us the clue: “These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands that
stand before the Lord of the earth.”
This is a clear reference to Zechariah 4. Here the prophet receives a vision
of a lampstand with 7 lights on
it. Above the lamp he sees a golden
bowl filled with oil which feeds the
light . On either side is the source of
the oil – two olive trees. In Zechariah
4:14, in answer to Zechariah’s
question in 4:12
“What are these…?” the answer is given,“These are the two anointed one’s who stand by the Lord of the whole earth.”
What is the meaning of the 2 olive trees?
The olive tree (apart from being a valuable tree) enjoyed (like the vine and the cedar) wide symbolic usage in Hebrew culture. An olive tree was sometimes used to describe an anointed person that enjoyed the Lord’s favour – hence Zechariah 4:14 [1]. Here we read that these 2 symbolic olive trees are the two anointed ones who stand before the Lord of all the earth. Now in this context it refers to two men: Zerubbabel the prince and Joshua, the high priest. These two servants returned from Babylonian exile to lead Israel and to rebuild the temple. They were indeed olive trees who fed the lampstands – symbolic of Israel. These anointed witnesses of the Old Testament find their counterparts among the true and faithful gospel ministers in our day. These are the olive trees who feed God’s people, God’s church, God’s lampstands and who call them constantly to repentance. Needless to say that such faithful gospel ministers are a thorn in the flesh of the worldly church (we shall see that next time), but they serve God and the true church throughout the whole earth with their testimony and witness.
The olive tree (apart from being a valuable tree) enjoyed (like the vine and the cedar) wide symbolic usage in Hebrew culture. An olive tree was sometimes used to describe an anointed person that enjoyed the Lord’s favour – hence Zechariah 4:14 [1]. Here we read that these 2 symbolic olive trees are the two anointed ones who stand before the Lord of all the earth. Now in this context it refers to two men: Zerubbabel the prince and Joshua, the high priest. These two servants returned from Babylonian exile to lead Israel and to rebuild the temple. They were indeed olive trees who fed the lampstands – symbolic of Israel. These anointed witnesses of the Old Testament find their counterparts among the true and faithful gospel ministers in our day. These are the olive trees who feed God’s people, God’s church, God’s lampstands and who call them constantly to repentance. Needless to say that such faithful gospel ministers are a thorn in the flesh of the worldly church (we shall see that next time), but they serve God and the true church throughout the whole earth with their testimony and witness.
They feed the
lampstands.
The lampstands in the inner sanctuary of the OT were symbolic of the people of God. Israel was thereby reminded that she was meant to be a shining light to the people of this world who are lost in darkness.[2] The church of the N.T. fulfills the same role. The church is provided with light by her Lord Jesus, who is the light of the world (Jn 1:4,5; 8:12) and the church in turn extends that light to the world (Matt. 5:14 “You are the light of the world. “ Matt. 5:16. “Let your light shine“) It is significant then that the Lord Jesus is said to walk among his lampstands- which are clearly his churches in Revelation 2 and 3. So the other witness is the true church – the lamp stand of Jesus.
The lampstands in the inner sanctuary of the OT were symbolic of the people of God. Israel was thereby reminded that she was meant to be a shining light to the people of this world who are lost in darkness.[2] The church of the N.T. fulfills the same role. The church is provided with light by her Lord Jesus, who is the light of the world (Jn 1:4,5; 8:12) and the church in turn extends that light to the world (Matt. 5:14 “You are the light of the world. “ Matt. 5:16. “Let your light shine“) It is significant then that the Lord Jesus is said to walk among his lampstands- which are clearly his churches in Revelation 2 and 3. So the other witness is the true church – the lamp stand of Jesus.
The
two witnesses here are then faithful gospel ministers and faithful gospel
churches!
SUMMARY AND APPLICATION
1. The book of Revelation is
relevant and up to date and it
speaks to our day. I am saying this against
the background of some who maintain that, from chapter 4, the church is
raptured and not involved in the processes described here. If anyone holds to
this view they must also admit that from
Chapter 4 onwards the book of Revelation is merely of academic
interest to the Christian. We however maintain
that all of the book of Revelation, and particularly from Chapter 4
onwards helps us to understand life in this world in these last days. It is encouraging to know that
our God is in charge of history!
2. Remember the two great witnesses in this world: true gospel preachers and true gospel churches. Gospel preachers are feeding, equipping,
encouraging the people of God- the church – the lampstands. The one supports
the other, and together they serve as
the true and faithful witness in this world in which the false church and the forces of the anti-Christ would
overpower the church- but for God’s intervening power!
3. Remember that gospel churches and gospel
preachers are really the great obstacle
to Satan’s plans. Who do you think Satan
would love to silence presently if he
had the opportunity? Gospel preachers and gospel churches! In our next sermon we shall get to this point where
we are told that the beast from the abyss
will actually succeed to silence these witnesses for a while.
4. Right now, I trust that you have a new appreciation for the work
of the true gospel ministry and gospel churches in the world. Pray for gospel ministers. Pray for gospel churches. Make sure that you belong to the church of the
inner sanctuary. Make sure that His witness is in your heart, living and
working in you until the Lord returns or calls you home. Do not be like the
5 foolish virgins who had no oil to keep their lamps burning (Matt
25 :1-13).
Next time we will consider
the work, opposition and the
future of our witnesses. May God strengthen you in your resolve to
find you faithful to His Word and work. Amen!
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