November 10: TWO WITNESSES

But leave out the court which is outside the temple, and do not measure it, for it has been given to the Gentiles. And they will tread the holy city underfoot for forty-two months. Revelation 11:2

Let us take a look at the holy city that is trodden underfoot by the Gentiles. This is not the literal, earthly Jerusalem. The writer of Hebrews explains to followers of Christ: But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, to an innumerable company of angels, to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are registered in heaven, to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect (Hebrews 12:22-23). That holy city symbolizes God’s people on the earth. John was shown that they would be persecuted for forty-two months, symbolizing 1260 years.* In the context of history, this period began in 538AD when the papal power completed destruction of three nations that opposed it (Daniel 7:8).

God’s people are instructed not to measure the court which is outside the temple. Remember that the outer court symbolizes the earth. As we continue, we will find an earthly power that seeks to put itself in the place of Christ.

And I will give power to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy one thousand two hundred and sixty days, clothed in sackcloth. These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands standing before the God of the earth (Revelation 11:3-4). The same period of 1260 years is again mentioned. Who are these two witnesses? In Zechariah we read: And [the angel] said to me, “What do you see?” So I said, “I am looking and there is a lampstand of solid gold with a bowl on top of it, and on the stand seven lamps with seven pipes to the seven lamps. Two olive trees are by it, one at the right of the bowl and the other at its left.” …So [the angel] said to me, “This is the word of the LORD …not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ Says the LORD of hosts (Zechariah 4:2,3,6). What has God done by His Spirit that is represented by the lampstands and olive trees? Peter wrote: for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:21). The Bible is inspired by the Holy Spirit. God said it is “by My Spirit.” These two witnesses represent the word of God. There are two of them, because one carries God’s people up to Christ’s first coming, and the other carries them to His second coming. in light of His finished work on the cross. Two different perspectives, one looking forward and the other looking back. One magnificent salvation story.

God’s people are called to keep the church pure. We are given the standard of His own character to go by. Each of us is called to confess our sins to Him and trust Him for cleansing. But, regarding the counterfeit church, God will judge (Revelation 17:1).

For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Is it not those inside the church whom you are to judge? God judges those outside. Purge the evil person from among you. 1 Corinthians 5:12-13 ESV

Further study: Luke 10:20; Philippians 3:20

*The day-for-a-year principle in prophetic time is found in Numbers 14:34; Ezekiel 4:6; Luke 13:32