Revelation 11 reminds me of the old tradesman’s adage to measure twice and cut once. If the measure is right, the cut will be right. Today’s lesson is about using an accurate measuring tape. The chapter begins with the apostle John being given a task: “Go and measure the temple of God and the altar.” This symbolizes ownership. The Temple in Jerusalem was designed with increasingly more restrictive access as you moved closer to the most inner part. At its center was the Ark of the Covenant. John is told, do not measure the outer court: “because it has been given to the Gentiles. They will trample on the holy city for 42 months.” This appears to be referring to an actual rebuilt temple in modern day Jerusalem. John is then told that God will appoint: “two witnesses, and they will prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth.” Presumably they will warn of God’s final judgement to those who are left. They are supernaturally protected: “If anyone tries to harm them, fire comes from their mouths and devours their enemies.” And these witnesses will be empowered to prevent rain and “strike the earth with every kind of plague as often as they want.” Why so extreme? I think there will be a very firm line drawn. No one will be able to say they did not know that the sin of man will be judged.
John adds: “When they have finished their testimony, the beast that comes up from the Abyss will attack them, and overpower and kill them.” This may be a worldwide televised event: “Their bodies will lie in the public square… For three and a half days.” They will be despised and dishonored: “every people, tribe… nation will gaze on their bodies and refuse them burial… The inhabitants of the earth will gloat over them and will celebrate… because these two prophets had tormented those who live on the earth.” I am frequently grieved when people celebrate misfortune falling onto their perceived enemy. That kind of hatred eats away at the heart of the host. Sadly, this cuts us off from learning the whole story. John continues: “after the three and a half days the breath of life from God entered them, and they stood on their feet.” Needless to say: “terror struck those who saw them.” God’s resurrection power is on display. They heard a loud voice from heaven calling them: “’Come up here.’ And they went up to heaven in a cloud, while their enemies looked on.” “At that very hour there was a severe earthquake… the survivors were terrified.”
The chapter closes with the seventh angel sounding his trumpet. John hears loud voices in heaven: “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Messiah, and He will reign for ever and ever.” At this announcement, the twenty-four elders who were seated in their thrones, fell on their faces, worshipping God, saying: “We give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty… The time has come for judging the dead, and for rewarding your servants the prophets and Your people.” They declare that the time has come for “destroying those who destroy the earth.” God’s final cut is perfect. Those being judged may argue, but Matthew chapter 7 makes it clear that the same measure we use to judge others will be used on us. Before the remodel begins, the new owner is revealed: “Then God’s temple in heaven was opened… within His temple was seen the ark of his covenant.” The overwhelming power of God is described in human terms: “flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, an earthquake and a severe hailstorm.” The eviction process is about to begin. The squatters will be unwillingly removed, and the Hebrew nation will receive her Redeemer. God has gone to great lengths to prepare each one of us.
John adds: “When they have finished their testimony, the beast that comes up from the Abyss will attack them, and overpower and kill them.” This may be a worldwide televised event: “Their bodies will lie in the public square… For three and a half days.” They will be despised and dishonored: “every people, tribe… nation will gaze on their bodies and refuse them burial… The inhabitants of the earth will gloat over them and will celebrate… because these two prophets had tormented those who live on the earth.” I am frequently grieved when people celebrate misfortune falling onto their perceived enemy. That kind of hatred eats away at the heart of the host. Sadly, this cuts us off from learning the whole story. John continues: “after the three and a half days the breath of life from God entered them, and they stood on their feet.” Needless to say: “terror struck those who saw them.” God’s resurrection power is on display. They heard a loud voice from heaven calling them: “’Come up here.’ And they went up to heaven in a cloud, while their enemies looked on.” “At that very hour there was a severe earthquake… the survivors were terrified.”
The chapter closes with the seventh angel sounding his trumpet. John hears loud voices in heaven: “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Messiah, and He will reign for ever and ever.” At this announcement, the twenty-four elders who were seated in their thrones, fell on their faces, worshipping God, saying: “We give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty… The time has come for judging the dead, and for rewarding your servants the prophets and Your people.” They declare that the time has come for “destroying those who destroy the earth.” God’s final cut is perfect. Those being judged may argue, but Matthew chapter 7 makes it clear that the same measure we use to judge others will be used on us. Before the remodel begins, the new owner is revealed: “Then God’s temple in heaven was opened… within His temple was seen the ark of his covenant.” The overwhelming power of God is described in human terms: “flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, an earthquake and a severe hailstorm.” The eviction process is about to begin. The squatters will be unwillingly removed, and the Hebrew nation will receive her Redeemer. God has gone to great lengths to prepare each one of us.