October 24, 2022

These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands standing before the God of the earth. Revelation 11:4 (compare to Zechariah 4:14)

These symbols were familiar to the early Christians. Zechariah the prophet had seen them in vision: “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.” [The angel] said to me: “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the LORD of hosts. Zechariah 4:2,3,6

The activity of the two witnesses of Revelation 11 is understood in the context of building God’s kingdom, but not by forceful human power; only through those animated by the Spirit of God. Well-known for their obedience and discernment*, Zerubbabel and Joshua are Old Testament characters used by John the Revelator to illustrate how the golden oil of the Spirit of God has anointing power. We are to be receptacles for this golden oil (v.12) like Zerubbabel and Joshua!

And if anyone wants to harm them, fire proceeds from their mouth and devours their enemies. And if anyone wants to harm them, he must be killed in this manner. Revelation 11:5

Some of the most thoughtful and sincere opponents of Christianity have endeavored to refute and destroy God’s word by studying it with the intent of discrediting it. Many future residents of heaven will be this kind of former enemy. Their testimony will be that the fire of the word of God devoured the philosophies of the world that had taken them captive. We are in a spiritual battle. It is a battle for the mind. The decisions and actions of people are merely the consequences that follow their thinking.

John’s use of Zerubbabel, governor of Judea, and Joshua, the high priest serve to highlight the royal and priestly status (see Revelation 1:6) of those who are able to stand when Jesus returns. They are actually enabled by the Holy Spirit of God.

For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are the sons of God. Romans 8:13-14

*Ezra 3:2,8; 4:2,3; 5:2; Haggai 2:4