Well yesterday was a gray and windy day! Let's see what today brings!!
Our chapter today begins with John measuring the Temple of God. The rod or reed was like a meter stick or yard stick- something uniform to use for measuring a big area. Measuring communicates ownership and protection from someone. In Habakkuk 3:6, he measured the earth as God requested (translation, God owns the earth and will protect). God is in charge! We are not really sure what the "temple" is- is it the church? the earth? There is no temple in heaven (that we know of, yet). There was a temple in Jerusalem but was destroyed by Rome in 70AD. The "outer court" of the temple in Jerusalem was a place for the gentiles to gather- for some reason, this was not measured. "They will trample the holy city for 42 months" is possibly the idea that the antichrist will destroy the city of Jerusalem? The Antichrist is pouring out his fury on the city of Jerusalem?
We are now introduced to two new and unusual characters of Revelation. They are wearing sackcloth (so in repentance), they are prophets, and they are effective in ministry (God gives them power). The amount of time they prophesy (1260 days) is the same amount of time the city will be trampled. Zechariah references olive trees and lampstands (4:2-14) that are empowered by the Holy Spirit. The lampstands had a continual supply of oil from the olive trees; if we are to witness then we need to be continually fed by the Spirit. These prophets seem quite powerful- fire from their mouth, they cause drought, they cause plagues if someone tries to stop them! We don't know what they are testifying or prophesying, but it doesn't seem good if they have these powers!
When their task is complete, the beast (Revelation 9:11) will kill them. We will not be removed from earth until our testimony and witness is complete. Although these prophets are killed in Jerusalem, the city is given three names: Sodom (representing immorality), Egypt (slavery and oppression), the great city (AKA Babylon, the city of the Antichrist). The preaching and prophesying of the two witnesses called for repentance and a change in life- no wonder the people were happy when they were killed! But can you imagine celebrating with dance and parties and exchanging gifts over dead bodies?! The idea- people will never learn!
God resurrects them in 3 1/2 days. Imagine the shock and fear of the people that were celebrating! God called the prophets to heaven and there was a great earthquake that destroyed part of the city of Jerusalem (there can't be too much left!) and 7000 people (the unrepented) were killed. The others learned (?) and praised God. Did they really?
We don't know who the witnesses were. Some commentaries say Elijah, some say Enoch, some say Moses. Does it matter? They are calling us to task!
The seventh trumpet sounds. Heaven erupts in joy and worship. The world kingdom has become the kingdom of God. The elders, who have been silent for most of the time, fall to their knees and worship God for the things that are going to happen...the end is coming close, and God is in control. Nations are angry with God and God is going to bring wrath and judgment to those nations. God is coming to rule. The ark of the covenant is opened and God is revealed to the nations. Meteorological events of hail, thunder, rain and wind ensue. What is God up to now?!
What a strange but interesting chapter! We next meet a woman, a dragon, and Garbiel himself. More excitement to come!
Shalom+
Pastor Paul
This is hard to read. As always when I read the chapters I relate it to today. Think of the families that would attend lynchings. I have seen photos of them having picnics. I cant imagine being glad that anyone was killed.
ReplyDeleteAlso as I can read the chapters I often wonder who they are.
Jack I hope your surgery is successful. I know several people who have had that done and been very happy.
These are some tough words to read aren't they! But, there is good to come later in the book!
DeleteI guess the measuring of the temple was to represent that God's people were safe from the two prophets that plagued the non believers for 42 months? That they were dressed in sackcloth reminds me of how John the Baptist dressed It was really strange that when they were killed their bodies just laid there for 3 1?2 days and people celebrated their deaths but God came back by raising them up and the really frightened the people by this. 7000 died from the earthquake. then they give glory to God what does it take for people to wake up and smell the roses? the 7th angel sounds the trumpet and the world is now God's Kingdom .. I fear the time of judgement is upon us We will all be judged??
ReplyDeleteWearing sackcloth was a sign of repentance and asking for forgiveness. Can you imagine celebrating their deaths for that long!
DeleteWill we be judged? Good question!
I read both chapters 10 and 11 tonight. I hardly know what to say. There is so much going on and it seems to never end but gets worse and worse. The book that John "digests" - good news and bad news? God's promises - both good and bad? So the Jews again will be on the "inside" and the Gentiles on the "outside" The Gentiles will be made to suffer as long as the Jews suffered under "Gentile" rule? Are these the Gentiles that were nonbelievers? In my translation it seems that it is favored that the two witnesses are Moses and Elijah. But do people rejoice at their death because they are making them think? Suffer for their nonbelief? Like when we are in church and the Pastor says something that makes us feel uncomfortable? Or think differently about something? In my translation the last statement in vs. 15 says "The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ....." I am thinking the "his Christ" means Jesus - but how does this work in the trinity thinking?
ReplyDeleteHow much more will we/they suffer?
It is hard to respond to the words isn't it! Like I said a few times- when we try to analyze, we lose some of the impact!
ReplyDeleteI am still confused if John is talking Jews and/or/but Gentiles!
Hmmm...good question- maybe they were struggling with what the prophets said!
Some more suffering- but good is coming! Have hope!