April 8, 2022

Now after the three-and-a-half days the breath of life from God entered them, and they stood on their feet, and great fear fell on those who saw them. Revelation 11:11

The events of the French Revolution and news of the “death” of Christianity reverberated all over the world. The writers of history dubbed this era “The Enlightenment.” In the midst of it all, the watching world saw the resurrection of Christian faith. Our verse above hearkens back to creation.

And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being. Genesis 2:7

It also takes us back to the end of Israel’s seventy-year captivity in Babylon. Israel’s enemies considered Israel to be slain. When the world thought the voice that “tormented” their consciences had been silenced, The LORD commanded Ezekiel to prophesy to the “dry bones” of banished Israel as a sign that His plan for them was alive and well.

So I prophesied as He commanded me, and breath came into them, and they lived, and stood upon their feet, an exceedingly great army. Ezekiel 37:10

The French Revolution unwittingly instigated a worldwide interest in the Bible. Vibrant pockets of revival sprang up on nearly every continent. The printing press had come into full swing and copies of the Bible were affordable and available. Bible societies formed and missionaries were being sent in all directions. An unexpected fear fell on the enemies of the gospel as the miraculous resurrection of Christian witnesses gained visibility in the world. A steady, heavenward gaze sustained their faith. Thus was the stage set for widespread preaching of the everlasting gospel to prepare for the return of Jesus.

And they heard a loud voice from heaven saying to them, “Come up here.” And they ascended to heaven in a cloud, and their enemies saw them. In the same hour there was a great earthquake, and a tenth of the city fell. In the earthquake seven thousand people were killed, and the rest were afraid and gave glory to the God of heaven. Revelation 11:12-13

This scene vividly reminds us of Jesus as He ascended to heaven in plain view of His followers (and possibly others) and was enveloped in a cloud. He instructed His followers, saying, “You shall be witnesses to Me…” (Acts 1:8).

The countenance of believers, as citizens of heaven, is quite visible to onlookers. Clouds are very often associated with angels, those ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation (Hebrews 1:14).

The developments in the Christian world certainly shook the enemies of God. In Biblical terms, a tenth is the smallest part of a whole. The 7,000 killed represents spiritual death of the totality of hardened rejectors of salvation, seven being a symbol of fullness. The quake of the great city referred to here actually had a redemptive effect: the rest were afraid and gave glory to the God of heaven. This points forward to God’s merciful final plea to a lost world. It is a three-part message that begins with:

“Fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgement has come; and worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and springs of water.” Revelation 14:7