Revelation 11:1-3 And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth.

The two witnesses

The chapter starts out with a reed given to John and an angel measuring God’s temple and the alter. Then, it is prophesized the Holy city will be trodden under foot by the enemies of God for forty-two months. Then, God sends his two witnesses to testify for the same amount of time. He gives them power to do so for the allotted time. No one can hurt them during this time because God makes it that way.

Who are these two witnesses? There are differing answers to this question. Elijah was taken up in a chariot of fire. No one actually witnessed Moses’s death. Enoch walked with God and was taken up. No one actually knows but the fact is God sends the two messengers and are given power by Him to satisfy God’s will.

How do they protect themselves?

Revelation 11:5-6 And if any man will hurt them, fire proceeded out of their mouth and devoured their enemies; and if any man will hurt them, he must in this manner be killed. These have power to shut heaven, that it rains not in the days of their prophecy; and have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with all plagues, as often as they will.

Fire shouting out of the two witnesses’ mouths! Like the movies and shows we see about dragons? If it were not such a serious moment, I would almost gloat about the coolness. Another reason some think one of these witnesses is Elijah is the fact that power has been given to take rain away for their time of witnessing. Some think the other is Moses because of the water being turned into blood and the plagues.

Revelation 11:11 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. The witnesses were killed by the anti-christ in the previous verses after their allotted time. But after three days the Spirit of God fell upon them and they were resurrected. Familiar imagery right.

What are the consequences?

Revelation 11:13 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. After the two witnesses are called up to heaven, there is a great earthquake. Seven thousand people die in Jerusalem. Again, a cataclysmic event.

But then look what happens. People start giving glory to God. Finally, after all of the judgements, there are people who see God’s plan. People can be saved in and through any situation! Is this person you today? Seek the Lord, and He will seek you.