� To receive the greatest possible blessing from this Bible study, please take a moment to read the passage.
P Prayer:
Lord God Almighty, although I am a sinner, You chose me to be a witness of Your mercy and grace through Jesus. As You equip me for the task, help me to speak with clarity and love to those You place in my path today. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
� Introduction:
How many times a day do we testify on behalf of someone or something? Doctors are a familiar object of our witness. Products, telemarketers, beauticians, dog groomers, transportation, politics—the list is endless. Let’s face it, a large percentage of our conversations are consumed by our testimonies pro or con someone or something. However, our greatest obligation to witness often goes unmentioned for days, weeks, maybe even years.
P The Lesson:
Verse 3: Throughout history, God preserved a remnant of believers to proclaim the truth to the lost and dying world. In this verse, the Lord promises to send two witnesses to the city of Jerusalem, which will be the central city or the capital of the world in the end-times under the leadership of the antichrist. These witnesses will preach and create havoc for 1260 days (3 ½ years).
Some theologians take the term “two witnesses” to mean that there will be a very small number of witnesses at this time, but they will be full of power and sufficient to do the job.
Others believe the Scriptures indicate two specific people will come from heaven as witnesses. Some say Elijah and Enoch because they never saw death. And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him (Genesis 5:23). And it came to pass, as they (Elijah and Elisha) still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder, and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven (2 Kings 2:11). However, most believe the witnesses will be Elijah and Moses because of the powers prescribed to the witnesses in the following verses. Although we cannot be sure who the second witness is, the Scriptures make it plain that Elijah will be one of them—Be hold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD (Malachi 4:5).
Verse 4: The two olive trees and two candlesticks standing before God have great significance. The olive provided fuel for the lamps. In ancient times, olive trees were so valuable that Jewish law protected them during war. Olive trees are not capable of bearing a full harvest until they are 20 years old. However, they live for centuries. In fact, there are trees preserved on the Mount of Olives near Jerusalem that were present when Jesus trotted the soil.
Zechariah (4:2-3) saw a vision of the olive trees and candlesticks. The olive tree represents God’s power and strength. Of course, the candlesticks receive their light from the fruit of the olive tree. The light of the world is Jesus. The witnesses are to reflect His light thus becoming light themselves.
Verse 5-6: Within these verses, John recorded the specific powers prescribed to the two witnesses. Fire will proceed out of their mouth—2 Kings chapter 1 gives the account of Elijah calling fire from heaven to devour those sent to hurt him. Elijah also prayed that it would not rain for 3 years (1 Kings 17:1). Turning water into blood and striking the earth with plagues reminds us of the powers given to Moses recorded in Exodus chapters 7-11.
Verses 7-10: When they finished their work, the two witnesses are attacked and murdered. No one can stand against them until they fulfill their duty, which is to witness 1260 days. God’s protection rests on His children and “the gates of hell cannot prevail against them.”
However, to accomplish His eternal purpose, God allows these witnesses to be martyred. Because of their testimony, the witnesses will create an atmosphere of hostility, self-condemnation, and terror to the hearers. When the antichrist finally manages to massacre the witnesses, the public is so relieved that no one attempts to bury them. In fact, they celebrate in much the same fashion as we now celebrate Christmas.
Verses 11-13: In the middle of this worldwide celebration, God breathed the spirit of life into the witnesses in plain view of everyone. Fear cascaded over the inhabitants of the earth and they heard a mighty voice from heaven say, “come up hither.” With their enemies watching, a cloud transported the witnesses up to heaven. Some commentaries believe this to be figurative. But then Jesus’ ascension on a cloud would be as well. And when he (Jesus) had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up, and a cloud received him out of their sight (Acts 1:9). Why do we doubt the awesome power of God? I believe Luke’s account of Jesus’ ascension as well as the prophecy that these men will be raised into heaven on a cloud. I look forward to Jesus’ return the same way He left—on a cloud.
While these verses clearly point to the arrogance and willful animosity of humanity toward God, we can also see the Lord’s mercy and grace in dealing with His children. At the appointed time, He breathed the spirit of life into the martyrs and called them to a higher position. We can trust Abba Father to sustain us, to resurrect us, and to call us onto Himself. We need not seek a higher position in our churches or any other station in life. When the time is right, He will call us to higher ground. Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time (1 Peter 5:6).
P Conclusion and Challenge:
Perhaps one of the most difficult responsibilities we face as Christians is witnessing for our Lord when our circumstances are less than favorable. Although we may not understand the trials we are facing, we can trust God that He has an eternal purpose for them.
Perhaps one of our greatest challenges as a Christian is remembering that nothing can harm us except that which God Almighty permits.
Perhaps one of our most significant services is praising God in all things. When we praise God in the midst of our tribulation, we surrender all things to Him and acknowledge His sovereignty, His omniscience, His omnipresence, and His omnipotence.
And in that day you shall say, O LORD, I will praise you though you were angry with me, your anger is turned away, and you comforted me. Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song, he also is become my salvation. Therefore with joy shall you draw water out of the wells of salvation. (Isaiah 12:1-3).
� Prayer Requests:
Rachel, Nancy, Gloria, Glen, Trista, Pastor Maloney, Ken, Bud, Shelia, Amber, Shirley & Ryan, Gary, Jo, Barb, Bob, Melinda & Barry and family, Phyllis and husband, Don, John, Ray, Conner, Elizabeth, Mary, Irene, salvation for unsaved, April, Tony and Kathy, Carl and Thelma, Ann, Pauline, revival—In our hearts, in our churches, and in our communities, cancer victims, our Bible Study, special unspoken needs, and remember me, Brenda Hendricks.
P Praise Report:
Wayne and April are expecting their first baby April 2007. Congratulations.
Shirley’s surgery went well and the doctors believe they got all the cancer cells.
Jace came through his surgery with positive results again.
Ruth is mending from her surgery and everything looks good for her.
I had the great pleasure of hearing the testimony of one of my loved ones who is now saved. WOO HOO!! God is so good—always, all ways.
We are looking forward to your praise reports. Please keep us informed so we can share the wonderful grace of Jesus.
� Next Weeks Study:
Our next Bible Study is January 30, 2007. Read Chapter 11:14-19, The Seventh Trumpet.
P Invitation:
Although we have not chosen to be, we are all born into sin because of the fall of man. It sounds hopeless and unfair. Nevertheless, in His infinite wisdom and abundant love, God has provided a choice for us. We can choose to repent of our sinful nature and believe in Jesus Christ. He is faithful and will cleanse us from sin and give us His Holy Spirit to equip us to live for Him. If you’ve made your choice to repent and believe in Jesus, we’d like to hear about it.
If you are free in Christ Jesus, pray for those who remain captive. Tell others, Christians as well as non-believers, what Jesus has done for you. Your testimony will benefit them and help you to strengthen your confidence in Christ’s work in your life and in the future.
If you’d like to participate in our Bible Study, please contact us with your comments, questions, and prayer requests at twosmallfish@verizon.net Be sure to put today’s Bible study in the subject line or I may delete it unopened.
� A special reminder: to find out what other readers have to say check out the comment page. For previous chapters in this Bible study follow this link: http://www.twosmallfish.org/revelation_bible_study.htm or click on Beta Fish below to view previous Bible studies and archived devotionals.
May God grant you safety, reassurance of His love, and the revelation of Jesus Christ,
P Brenda Hendricks.
You turned my mourning into
dancing
You stripped me of my sorrow and clothed me with your joy
I cannot be silent, I will sing Your praises forever. Psalms 30:11&12
(paraphrased by me)
