The Two Witnesses, Part 3
Revelation, Part 15, Revelation 11:11-18
Introduction (LOTS OF TEACHING AND SCRIPTURE IN THIS)
We’ve seen the two witnesses killed for their testimony – but why?
Because the truth which invades our space makes us uncomfortable
Jesus taught on this clearly: Re-read John 3:16-21 Ω (on screen)
- Read Revelation 11:11-18
Point 1 – The Two Witnesses Resurrected (read v11-14)
- After these men lay in the streets for three days (amidst the celebration …)
-- These men will be raised to life by God himself
- The word says that the breath of life entered them
-- It is important to know that the breath of life that entered them is the SAME breath of life that re-entered Jesus in the tomb
- The witnesses’ physical bodies were dead
-- They are resurrected and then taken up to heaven
-- The same voice that called Lazarus to come from the grave calls them
-- APP: This is the voice of Jesus Christ!
- The resurrection of these men was public, and in full view of the world
-- Due to this miracle, people who witnessed this understood who God is
-- They realized the control they lacked and sought to repent
- When these men were resurrected there was a terrible earthquake
-- At the cross, when Jesus gave up his last breath the Word says in Matthew 27:51-53, “At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook and the rocks split. The tombs broke open and the bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. They came out of the tombs, and after Jesus' resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared too many people.”
- Side note: MANY bodies resurrected when Jesus died
--- “The tombs broke open and the bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life.”
-- This is a totally different message, but I want you to see:
-- When Jesus died – God’s power brought back hundreds, perhaps thousands of holy people who had died to testify for God.
-- Notice where they went to testify about God – Jerusalem!
---“They came out of the tombs, and after Jesus' resurrection they went into the holy city …”
-- IMP: Again, the Word ties into the importance of Israel
-- APP: God’s resurrection power is unbelievable!
In the same hour that the witnesses were resurrected, 7,000 people will die
-- Perhaps they will die of shock? Or being under rubble?
-- The focus here is that more lives will be lost – but see something special:
-- God is specific: 7,000 are predicted to die during this earthquake
- Imagine sitting at home, after the rapture of the church
-- You have a bible in your hand and are following along with the events
-- The news flashes on the screen that 7,000 people have been killed
-- APP: Could that not be a specific confirmation of God’s Word?
-- IMP: God gives us a number here so that we can validate things
-- God’s authority is magnificent to those who would study and learn
Point 2 – The Third and Final Woe (read v15-18)
- INFO: Remember back that the 6th trumpet released on Earth the 200 million horsemen from Satan’s army and they were responsible for the death of 1/3 of the Earth’s remaining population.
- These verses signify the beginning of the 2nd half of the Tribulation
-- This trumpet blowing will represent voices in heaven coming forward
-- They come forward to battle Satan and his army … but more importantly:
-- Verse 15 says that the world has become Jesus’s!
- In Matthew Chapter 4 that Satan offered Jesus the “kingdoms of the world” --- What Satan failed to see is the world already belongs to Jesus!
-- Satan was making Jesus an offer that he could not deliver
-- Why? Because He is the father of lies and deception
-- Matthew 4:10 says “Jesus said to him, "Away from me, Satan! For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.”
- The 24 elders in Heaven we’ve discussed now come back into play
-- Their role is part of leadership, but demonstrates worship of Christ
-- Previously they worshiped Him as worthy; now it’s His power!
Ω - Their act of worship to Jesus Christ is clear:
1. Because you have taken power … Satan’s power is removed and God stands supreme!
2. And reigned … Christ will exercise God’s authority over the kingdoms of men.
3. Nations were angry … The nations of the Earth will fight against God’s authority. The second Psalm clearly indicates that there will be a rebellion against God by the Kings of this Earth.
Psalm 2:1-3, Why do the nations rage, and the people plot a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together against the LORD and against His Anointed, saying, “Let us break Their bonds in pieces and cast away their cords from us.”
David was crying to God that this world will turn away from Him.
Ω 4. Your wrath has come … The “Day of the Lord” is God’s wrath on all the continual sin of man. Armageddon will be the final showdown between mankind and God. (This happens in Rev 16:16)
5. Time of the dead … The rest of the unfaithful dead (those who are waiting to be judged following this battle) will be judged after the 1000-year millennium at the “Great white throne” judgment
6. You should reward … Reward is given for faithful service is promised to believers. But three different servants are:
One of 5 crowns in addition to eternal life: LIFE, RIGHTEOUSNESS, GLORY, INCORRUPTABLE, and REJOICING.
A. The prophets:
Daniel is told (Dan 12:13) he will receive his inheritance at the end of days.
David is promised a place of honor in the coming kingdom. (Jer 30:9, Ezk 34:24,).
Job looks forward to his day of resurrection when he will see God with his own eyes. (Job 19:25-27)
B. The saints: All who are saved are saints but all will not be rewarded equally. All will receive eternal life but many who are first in the world will be last in the kingdom.
C. Those that fear your name: The saints who fear God’s name will also be rewarded. There is a continual accounting taking place in Heaven of man’s action. Ezekiel 9:4 says, “Go throughout the city of Jerusalem and put a mark on the foreheads of those who grieve and lament over all the detestable things that are done in it.”
- IMP APP: There is accountability in Heaven!
7. Should destroy …
- From the beginning man was given the responsibility to care for the Earth
- War and moral decay man is seen as the reason for the earth destruction
- The Earth is God’s possession and mankind was given stewardship
- Now God is about to destroy the remaining disobedient stewards
Ω Big Ideas
- Let me sum this message up for you in three small phrases:
-- There’s a resurrection of life
-- There’s a focus on worship
-- There’s a promise to redeem
- What does this say about us today?
-- Do we not have the same roadmap for our lives?
-- We are promised when we surrender to Jesus Christ’s calling on our lives
- IMP: We focus on worship, intent on looking to Jesus for everything
-- We have a hope (Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”);
-- That that we shall be redeemed (Luke 1:68 “Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come and has redeemed his people”);
-- And through the salvation of Jesus we shall see a glorified Heaven and the enemies of God shall be destroyed (Hebrews 1:13 “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet”).
- APP: This is the hope we have
-- Confirms why the Two Witnesses should be heroes of ours
-- Their testimony of truth is rewarded – in the same fashion that ours shall be rewarded as well!
- Challenge:
-- What is your testimony?
-- What does it say about you?
-- Who are you trusting in and where is your heart of worship?
- Pray
