Revelation, Part 17 Series

Revelation Part 17

Revelation 11:3-10

Introduction

Last week we set the stage for the 11th Chapter of Revelation by defining who these two witnesses are – and that they will come with one mission – to preach the Gospel to the entire world with never-ending passion for sharing Jesus.

This week we continue on in Chapter 11, and begin to examine these witnesses specific actions and why we, as believer today, ought to consider them spiritual heroes in our own understanding of the Bible.

I want to give you something to think about before we dive into Chapter 11 – Go with me to Acts Chapter 1 and look at verse 11. (READ)

These angels hit the disciples mission right on the head, and it is time that as the church we simply get busy and STOP acting like we do not know what is going on in this world. This same Jesus is returning, and we ought to be busy proclaiming who He is! I do not want someone else to be speaking for me; I want to tell others about Jesus Christ … as a Son of the True and Living God that is my ONLY responsibility to this world!

It is your responsibility as well, and let me tell you that there is none greater! Let’s see how these two Men of God carry out their duties.

Read Revelation 11:3-10

Pray

Point 1 – The Two Witnesses (v4-6)

The two olive trees reflect back on Zechariah Chapter 4. These two olive trees are described quite clearly as two people who stand beside the Lord. These two people are obviously very special to the Lord, and to witnessing for Him, and their mission here in Revelation is to witness to the testimony of Jesus Christ. They have come for one reason, to preach Jesus and Him crucified.

Note the power that these two witnesses have. Last time we discussed that these witnesses are either Elijah and Enoch or Elijah and Moses. If you notice, these men will have the same protection from the Father that was granted unto Moses when he stood before Pharaoh. Surely, Pharaoh could have struck them down and had Moses killed for his demands, but he was spared.

It is no accident that Moses was originally raised by Pharaoh’s wife – the God placed him there to be a step-brother to the man who would eventually become Pharaoh – and we need to see that. This same protection that Moses had will be the same super-natural protection that the witnesses have.

Go to 2 Kings Chapter 1, 10-12

2 Kings 1:10-12 talks about Elijah having the power to reign fire down from heaven so that he would not be captured, and it is no coincidence that the witnesses (one of them is Elijah) will have the same power He was given originally.

2 Kings Chapter 1, 10-12 says, “Elijah answered the captain, "If I am a man of God, may fire come down from heaven and consume you and your fifty men!" Then fire fell from heaven and consumed the captain and his men. At this the king sent to Elijah another captain with his fifty men. The captain said to him, "Man of God, this is what the king says, ’Come down at once!’ "If I am a man of God," Elijah replied, "may fire come down from heaven and consume you and your fifty men!" Then the fire of God fell from heaven and consumed him and his fifty men.”

So what?

Very important application: God gives you a power and authority – and if you use it, you shall ALWAYS have it! It is when it is not used that God removes it (Parable of the Talents – Matthew 25). If we do not continue to work for the Lord, He will remove His gifts to us and we will become as lazy as the world.

God needs willingness!

Perhaps some are in that very same rut today and have no idea how to get out? Perhaps some just are not ready to admit that they are even in a spiritual rut. But I assure you, if you are not working for God, you are disobeying Him, willingly. The first step to a right relationship with God is to be willing to change – to admit that you need to change – and then to do it!

The judgments that these men bring about on the Earth are cataclysmic, and they have the power to do them whenever they want. This is a gift from God – but meant to get the attention of the inhabitants of the Earth. I can assure you – these men will NOT be favored among the Earth, and they will be constant targets of those bent on destroying Jesus Christ.