There are no pictures here! Rev 11:1-14

Scattered post today for sure. I've been wanting to post about this weekend, one post about my family, and another on sunday school, but my pictures are on my laptop and unfortunately I write a lot of blogs at work! haha. (I know I could upload the pics at home and then write at work but..... it's hard to sit down and do it some weeks)

Anyway I was reading a blog that posted scripture every morning and thought hmmm what a good idea to post what I read and learn in the morning. I'm not sure that anyone cares much about what I learn or even what I'm reading so I'm kinda gonna do it for myself. I don't even really know who reads my blog (except sharon) but if I'm going to post on what I've studied everyday, it will work as a bit of accountability. I don't expect anyone to call me out on missing posts (though I wouldn't mind at all, actually it'd be appreciated) but for the sake of encouragement (or to prevent discouragement) posting what i read and learn serves as extra (not primary) reason to be disciplined in my study.

So imma get to it. I started a new reading plan recently and its um.... not too structured. Especially as I'm about to use "when I have time." So having failed at YOTB (year of the bible), I read on that schedule when I have time, making it 2YOTB. And since YOTB covers so much per day I couldn't study it all so I started at the back of the bible. I'm on Revelations and when I finish I will move to Jude. See? YOTB goes forward, study going backward, two pronged attack!!!!

......

Yes anyway Revelation 11:1-14 The Two Witnesses

(I am not good at expositing or anything, I'm just trying to understand what is written and allow the spirit to work in my heart)

So in this passage, God gives John a measuring rod with which to measure the temple and those who worship there, but not the court outside the temple because it is given over to the nations. What John is measuring is God's possession. We are His. He does not take those for Himself who are outside the temple, not worshipping Him. The people outside the temple will "trample the holy city for forty-two months." Then two messengers will come and prophesy for 1260 days (which is the same as forty-two months if you consider a month to be 30 days, and forty-two months is 3 and a half years which is half of a sabbatical year (7 years)). I'm not clear on when these messengers arrive, but, if they start their ministry after the 42 months of trampling the city, then when they finish the 42 months and 1260 days will add up to 7 years, a sabbatical time period.

Now a quick note about the holy city, this is disputed as being an actual or symbolic city. With regard to a lot of references to beleivers in Revelations, many will argue that this is Jerusalem and the people there are descendents of Israel while others claim that it is the universal church. Personally, I believe and know that God blesses all nations and will save more than just Israel, so I am generally inclined to believe that Revelation, more often than not, is referring to the universal church.

The majority of this passage actually deals with these two messengers who are referred to as the two olive trees and two lampstands, which, if you're a Berean, you may remember these are two images from our Zechariah study not too long ago. We studied that there would be a king or leader to rebuild God's temple, and a high priest to lead worship. While Christ is both king and priest, I'm not sure that this would be referring to His return as these two witnesses die after "they have finished their testimony." However, before they die they are pretty powerful as anyone who would harm them would be consumed with fire from their mouths. They can "shut the sky" and turn water to blood.

But then the witnesses finish their ministry and the beast rises from the bottomless pit to conquer and kill these witnesses. And people rejoice over their death! They don't allow them to be buried becauese of the celebration of their defeat. God only allows this to last for 3 and half days though. A very short time before God vindicates His saints. They are raised from the dead and God calls them up to heaven.

After the witnesses are gathered to heaven (which is a debate regarding a specific resurrection of these two or perhaps the rapture of all God's people.) A great earthquake comes and kills a tenth of the city, specifically, 7 thousand. This scares the people and they give glory to God. Whether they turn to God or not? Well, this is probably the tribulation, so.... no. If thats the case then God's work on earth will be so amazing and frightening that people will not be able to help but give Him glory and acknowledge Him, but they will still rely on their righteousness and reject Christ, perhaps beyond all reason and understanding. Unfortunately for them, the seventh trumpet will blow next, and the third woe is coming.

Things I realize: Well, I'm not sure, I am scared and excited for the end times because, while this stuff is scary, it's judgement on the wicked and vindication for the saints! I think it's important to know what things may look like when this time comes, because it is apparent that so many people will be deceived. When God measures me, I want to be of some worth to Him, not a useless dull tool, but a sharp tool that has been sharpened (sanctified) throughout my life, usefull for building His kingdom. Not so much to build up heavenly treasures as promised, but if I could hear "well done my good and faithful servant" that would be treasure enough.

I'll continue to think about this passage throughout the day. Tomorrow Rev 11:15-19 The Seventh Trumpet