[:en]SCRIPTURE: REVELATION 11
“We give thanks to you Lord God Almighty, the one who is and who was because you have taken your great power and have begun to reign. The nations were angry; and your wrath has come. The time has come for judging the dead, and for rewarding your servants, the prophets and your saints and those who reverence your name, both small and great — and for destroying those who destroy the earth” (Revelation 11:17-18)
THE TWO WITNESSES (vs. 1-14)
John was told to measure the temple of God and the altar, and count the worshiper there but he had to exclude the outer court because the Gentiles will take over and trample it for 42 months (vs. 1- 2). This signifies the events of the first half of the Tribulation. God will give power to two witnesses who will prophesy for 1,260 days clothed in sackcloth. Anyone who tried to harm them will be devoured by fire coming out from their mouths. They have power to shut up the rain from the sky, to turn water into blood and to strike the earth with plagues (vs. 3-6). They will be protected until their work is finished. However, after they have finished their testimony, God allowed the beast from the Abyss to persecute, overpower and kill them. Their bodies will lie in the street of the great city figuratively called Sodom and Egypt. For 3-1/2 years it will be displayed in the streets without proper burial. People saw them and rejoice hosting parties and exchanging gifts to celebrate the dead of their tormentors. (vs. 7-10).
After 3-1/2 days, God will raise them from the dead. The two men rose to life and were caught up to heaven. The enemies were terrified as they stood and watch. Then a severe earthquake will kill 7,000 people with 1/10 of the city collapsed. The survivors will give glory to the God of heaven.
THE SEVENTH TRUMPET (vs. 15-19)
As the 7th angel sounded the trumpet, it announces that the kingdom of this world will be in Christ’s power. He, the Son of God is going to conquer His enemies and reign forever and ever. This prophesy is witnessed by 24 elders who were seated on their throne before God. They worship God, giving thanks and praising Him as King and Judge.
God is going to judge the works of the saints. He will also condemn the sins of the wicked. Flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, earthquake and hailstorm came when God pours out His wrath.
SUMMARY:
Measurement is a way of claiming ownership. John claimed the temple in Jerusalem for the Lord. However, the Antichrist will get it over for a short while. But at the end, God has its absolute sovereignty.
The 2 witneses are performing their ministries. God allows them to be tormented and killed but He raised them up and took them to heaven. This is an encouragement to God’s servants today. They may experience difficult times of sufferings, but God’s faithfulness endureth forever.
During the 3-1/2 years of tribulation period, nations refuse to acknowledge Christ and the saints will be persecuted. Satan is having his time, but when the 7th trumpet is sounded, the martyrs will be resurrected. Judgment has come to the wicked and reward will be given to His servants and prophets. And the 24 elders who were seated on the throne will worship and give thanks to the Lord God Almighty.
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