Revelation 11:3-6 - And I will grant authority to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth.” These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands that stand before the Lord of the earth. And if anyone would harm them, fire pours from their mouth and consumes their foes. If anyone would harm them, this is how he is doomed to be killed. They have the power to shut the sky, that no rain may fall during the days of their prophesying, and they have power over the waters to turn them into blood and to strike the earth with every kind of plague, as often as they desire.

In Revelation 11, John receives a measuring rod and is told to measure the temple of God, not including the outer court which is given over to the nations to trample for 42 months. Then God grants authority to two witnesses to prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth. These two witnesses are identified as the two olive trees and lampstands standing before the Lord, empowered by the Holy Spirit. If anyone tries to harm them, fire will come from their mouths and consume their enemies. The witnesses have power to shut the sky so it does not rain, turn waters into blood, and strike the earth with plagues. When they finish their testimony, the beast from the abyss will conquer and kill them. Their bodies will lie in the street of the symbolic Sodom and Egypt for 3 1/2 days as people gloat over them. Then God will resurrect them and they will ascend to heaven in a cloud as their enemies look on in terror.

This passage gives us a sobering glimpse into the end times tribulation. As the temple is measured and the nations trample the holy city, we see a picture of both preservation and judgment. God still measures and protects what is His even as He allows persecution for a set period. In the midst of this, God raises up two powerful witnesses to prophesy the truth, perform signs and wonders, and stand against the tide of godlessness. Though they are attacked and killed, God vindicates them with resurrection and ascension. This shows us that though times may be difficult, God is still on the throne and His purposes will prevail. Evil will not have the final say. As we consider biblical prophecy and the end times, this passage reminds us to have an eternal perspective. God is accomplishing His redemptive plan on a grand scale across history. He preserves a remnant, judges wickedness, and glorifies Himself through His witnesses. We can take hope knowing that no matter how bleak things seem, God is writing the final chapters. Let us live faithfully in light of eternity!

Father, we praise You for the glimpse this passage gives us into Your sovereign plan. Even in the midst of turmoil, You remain on the throne, accomplishing Your purposes. Give us eyes to see past our current circumstances to the eternal reality of Your kingdom. Help us to live faithfully as witnesses for You in our generation, speaking truth boldly and leaving the results to You. May many come to repentance and faith through the message You have given us in Your Word. We long for the day when every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to Your eternal glory. Amen.