Revelation 11

In the Bible the measuring of something can be understood as protecting that which is measured. Here the temple is measured and thus the people of God gathered there will be protected and able to survive the persecutions. Again we read that the persecution will last a short, indefinite period of time: 42 months, 1260 days all refer to 3 ½ years.

When Moses and Elijah appeared with Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration it was a representation that Jesus was the fulfillment of the Law (Moses) and the Prophets (Elijah.) I believe the two witnesses in chapter eleven are Moses and Elijah. I understand the witnesses in the context that the preservation of the teachings of Jesus (Moses & Elijah) is the responsibility of the church, which is being persecuted by evil. Accordingly, the church is being challenged to remain faithful to her witness of God’s revelation in Christ Jesus, even in the midst of severe persecution.

The message of the seven trumpets is that God is active in the judgment against evil; because the evil is so harsh God will shorten the time of persecution; the church is called to remain pure and faithful; already God and Christ are ruling over the world even though the final battle has not been fought; even so, the victory of God’s judgment of evil is certain. So certain that Handel includes the song of chapter eleven in his Messiah:

Hallelujah:

for the Lord God Omnipotent reigneth.

The kingdom of this world

has become the kingdom of our Lord,

and of His Christ;

and He shall reign

for ever and ever.

King of Kings,

and Lord of Lords.

Hallelujah!

What does today’s reading

reveal to you about God?

What does it reveal to you about yourself?

Think about what God wants you to do

or remember about this passage.

Does God want you to change

anything in your life?

10-Oct-11     Rev. 12:1-18