August 15: CROSSING THE LINE
These have power to shut heaven, so that no rain falls in the days of their prophecy; and they have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to strike the earth with all plagues, as often as they desire. Revelation 11:6
This passage reminds us of the awesome power of God’s word that has saved people even during the darkest of times. The phrase in the days of their prophecy refers to the 1260-year period (vv.2&3) when the Bible was kept hidden from the people by the fallen church. But the spiritual laws put in place by Almighty God are no less true just because certain influential people do not want them to be talked about. Likewise, not talking about a physical law, such as gravity, doesn’t make it any less real.
There was a period of three and a half years during Elijah’s tenure that no rain fell, for he had said to King Ahab, “As the LORD God of Israel lives, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, except at my word” (1 Kings 17:1). This literal draught became a symbol for a lack of God’s word. We are shown in the rest of the story that Elijah was provided for, as well as others around him who were not rebelling against God, including the woman with the small amount of flour and oil (v.12). Her comment at the end of the chapter is very telling: “I know that you are a man of God, and that the word of the LORD in your mouth is the truth” (v.24). God’s word contains a principle regarding obedience: those who look to Him for guidance have a reverent regard for His word. The more they obey, the better they trust Him. This is “fuel” for a growing love relationship. Conversely, those privileged to have access to His word and yet choose to disregard it, will experience a shriveling faith—a draught—even though they profess to trust Him (Luke 19:26; John 9:41; James 4:17). This loss renders them subject to the adversary’s intense deceptions during the time of the end. While those who seek the Lord are being cleansed (their temple, or sanctuary, of mind and body), those who disregard Him and His word become worse and make themselves prey to deceptions.
The words expressed they have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to strike the earth with all plagues, as often as they desire are the direct result of willfully forfeiting divine protection by way of rejecting the written word and the Author of that word. The adversary’s minions are posted at every deviation to the right or to the left (Deuteronomy 5:32; 28:14; Proverbs 4:27; Isaiah 30:21) of the straight way (Psalm 107:7; Proverbs 2:3; 3:6; 4:11; 2 Peter 2:15). These minions stand ready to fill every vacuum that is created in those who choose to depart from the Lord’s safe and narrow Way.
Our verse today echoes back to the plagues of Egypt initiated by Moses under the direction of the LORD. Pharaoh’s refusal to allow the children of Israel leave Egypt was more than a matter of geography. It was bad enough that Pharaoh had no intention of acknowledging God (Exodus 5:2). But to block others from knowing or obeying God crossed a line that brings a total forfeiture of divine protection.
Jesus referred to the written word as the Law and the Prophets. Moses represents the Law and Elijah represents the Prophets. These two spoke with Jesus on the mount of transfiguration before He was crucified. Moses had experienced death and a special resurrection. Elijah experienced a special translation without seeing death. These two represent the Lord’s people. Many have experienced death, and there are still those who will (Revelation 6:11), represented by Moses. Those people serving the Lord who are still alive when He returns will be translated, as Elijah was. So, just who are the two witnesses of Revelation 11? The Word of God (see 19:13) in His people (see also John 15:20-27).