The street of that great city.

Revelation 11:8-10 ESV and their dead bodies will lie in the street of the great city that symbolically is called Sodom and Egypt, where their Lord was crucified. (9) For three and a half days some from the peoples and tribes and languages and nations will gaze at their dead bodies and refuse to let them be placed in a tomb, (10) and those who dwell on the earth will rejoice over them and make merry and exchange presents, because these two prophets had been a torment to those who dwell on the earth.

Verse 8: “their dead bodies will lie in the street of the great city that symbolically is called Sodom and Egypt, where the the Lord was crucified.”

This verse is filled with clues; one being so blatant that it should slap you in the face. Jesus was crucified on Golgotha hill, a stones throw from Jerusalem.

Why make a big deal out of it?

Because there are those that deny Jesus' crucifixion on the cross, and have no clue as to what is being referred to when God identifies the city with Egypt and Sodom.

The unlearned might say, “but Sodom was destroyed because of homosexuality, and that is not the case with Israel.” Wrong! Sodom was destroyed because of their acceptance of the homosexuality.

Genesis 19:9 ERV The men surrounding the house answered, "Get out of our way!" They said to themselves, "This man Lot came to our city as a visitor. Now he wants to tell us how we should live!" Then the men said to Lot, "We will do worse things to you than to them." So the men started moving closer and closer to Lot. They were about to break down the door.

When you consider that Abraham pleaded with God to spare the cities involved, there was not even ten righteous people to spare. Knowing that the city was to be destroyed Lot's future sons-in-law refused to go, and no one survived the destruction except for Lot and his two daughters. You think you can dismiss the statement that there was an overt acceptance of sinful behavior?

I do not see Israel as a leader in homosexuality, so where is the connection there? The connection comes in an acceptance of sinful behavior as the normal way of life.

What is the primary issue God has with Israel? A rejection of the Messiah and in essence a rejection of the Father. Even though one of Israel's leading and respected Rabbi's wrote it out for all Israel to see prior to his death, they still argue over the correctness of such a declaration, as he told them that Yeshua was the awaited one and he is coming. (Rejection of truth.)

Okay then, what about Egypt?

Egypt was where Israel was enslaved and still to this day Egypt represents bondage. But the Jew will tell you that they are not the slaves to anyone.

Then what does God mean?

Remember, John's main audience, at this writing, was Jewish believers. Perhaps, if we stop looking at this through human eyes we can see that Jesus life, given on the cross, the redemptive payment necessary, a payment in blood, freed us from the bondage of sin, entitling us to be God's children once again. The problem is that so many Jews refuse to accept that premise, telling you that because they are Jew they are the true sons of God, no questions asked. Their logic seems to exclude the fall of man, and the extent of Adam's treason, and demonstrates an arrogance and return to slavery/Egypt once again.

Though you may be entitled certainly does not mean that you are restored to the family. God has done all that is necessary on his part for that to happen, but there is clearly a corresponding response that is necessary from you. I tend to liken the process to a large adoption agency where God has come, decided that he wants us all, pays the fees and signs the papers. Given the opportunity to go with him and join him in his peaceful kingdom they open the doors, with only one small stipulation: While you are free to walk out on your own, in any direction that you choose, to join with God you must symbolically sign the acceptance agreement. That happens to be the easiest part.

That acceptance happens in so many ways, such as: I believe in you; take me as I am; I need you; come into me and change me; I want what you offer me; have your way in me, or so many other words and methods.

The world will tell you that there are many paths to God. No there are not. Jesus said he is the only way, but God will certainly come down and stand on the path you are on and invite you to come with him.

I ask now that God fill your mind and heart with dreams and visions of him. I ask that he be relentless in his quest for you. He will come and invite, over and over again, until there is no more time left. The choice is yours and time is short.

You do not have to be a mathematician to figure this out, just look around you and watch Jerusalem. The words of a prophet are to be judged, and I could repeat things I have heard but then what do I have to judge those words against, only God's word.

Jesus gave us a huge clue! When you see these things come to pass, then you can know that the end is near. What things? Israel becoming a nation, almost overnight. He called that the tree budding and related it to the seasons. The time for picking the fruit has come.

Allow me to bring us back on point.

“Their dead bodies will lie in the street of the great city..” More frequently now Israel is taking center stage in the news. And what is the camera shot they show you? The western wall and the square that holds those that visit and pray for Jerusalem. Considering the events that must transpire I believe that every eye will be on this spot during this time.

Revelation 11:9 ESV For three and a half days some from the peoples and tribes and languages and nations will gaze at their dead bodies and refuse to let them be placed in a tomb,

If they were in an area considered to be an active war zone I might not be surprised to find them lying in the streets. But that does not seem to be the case here.

Things to consider:

• The tribulation is ongoing, and involved with that time frame is a deluge of pain and death as part of God's judgment and wrath. These two witnesses will be the single point of anger against God.
• We know that the “beast/false prophet” is released upon the earth at some point. There is a logical approach to this calculation. Seeing as the two witnesses are killed by the beast, and the two witnesses are on the earth for three and one half years, then the beast is released at the mid-point, or at the end of the seven years. Seeing as scripture describes a continuance of grief due to the false prophet it tends to imply his appearance at the mid-point.

Jerusalem will effectively be overrun by Muslims at this point and will be considered the governing authority. Only recently (12/11/12) the United Nations granted the Palestinians a form of statehood. It have been a symbolic gesture but someone began putting up no trespassing signs immediately, indicating that the land was Palestinian territory. One might equate this to poking a stick at an angry dog; you are going to get bit.

Scenarios to ponder:

• The Jews, while still rejecting God, leave the two witnesses in the streets. Not likely as they have strict sanitary laws.
• God keeps people away. Maybe, but we don't see that in scripture.
• The entire area is a war zone and it is unsafe to gather them up. Maybe. If it were not for specific details about the scenario I might consider that.
• “the people” are Muslims and out of hatred, possession and mockery, they are left to lie there.

Having seen what the Muslims will do as an act of desecration to opposition forces, it will be no different. Imagine as the last one goes to kick the body and it rises to it's feet.

Revelation 11:10 ESV and those who dwell on the earth will rejoice over them and make merry and exchange presents, because these two prophets had been a torment to those who dwell on the earth.

You might think that the impact of two witnesses will be strictly regional – not so.

Considerations:

• There will have cataclysmic earthquakes, possibly of a magnitude to shift global land masses. This certainly makes it easier to affect more people at the same time.
• Another consideration is that God is not bothered by geographical boundaries.

People all over the globe will be aware of the two witnesses, and who they represent. This of course flies in the face of their unbelief.

It is so difficult to deny God when he demonstrates himself so forcefully.

Killing these two will be like killing God, and it seems to give credence to the phony gods the haters of God serve.

The stupidity will feel right for three and one half days but should come to a crashing halt when they come back to life.

Again, if I ponder the arrival and departure of the two, there is clearly an end to the saints being caught up to heaven. (This is not to be thought of like the rapture, but upon their death the martyred are found before the throne of God, and they are worshiping Him.) From this point on we see no one turn to God, and in terms of traditional chronology, the two witnesses show up after the saints are seen before the throne of God in heaven.

My question again is: What purpose do the two witnesses serve coming to the earth so late?

To bring them in, so late in the game, can only be to punish and demonstrate the power of the God they have rejected, and to be honest, that doesn't make much sense.

“because these two prophets had been a torment to those who dwell on the earth.”

To preach the gospel is to bring life and freedom, not torment, so that is not their mission.

How do they torment?

For 42 months they stand as bold symbols of the living God the reigns omnipotent, and the God that the nations have rejected.

The attacks, driven by Satan's anger and hatred, will be non-stop. They will come from every direction and nation, using a variety of weapons in an attempt to kill them. The burned bodies littering the streets on account of the fire that proceeds from the mouths of the two witnesses, will be numerous.

Hatred and anger, on that level, cannot see or think clearly and they will perceive this as torment.

What else do the two witnesses do that causes torment?

• Anywhere on the globe they can and will stop the rain. That does not sound so bad until you consider the far reaching effects of no rain for that length of time.
  • Economic destruction
  • famine
  • nothing to drink
  • and the violence of strongmen, as they horde what water there is, dispersing it a major cost.
• Plagues – Consider what Moses called down upon Egypt to get a better picture of this. Frogs, flies, water into blood, and painful boils upon your body.
• They will turn the water into blood. Again, look at what Moses did. The court sorcerers did the same thing. Regardless, having nothing drinkable will kill many.

When you think about Jesus death on the cross we seem to quickly say, “the Jews put him there.” But the reality is that he put himself there, and gladly. He voluntarily gave himself up to die for our salvation. He told those that wanted him dead, “I lay my life down, no man takes it form me.” (John 10:18 ESV )

For 42 months no one has been able to touch them. Much like Jesus their time has been fulfilled and either God gives them up or they give themselves up voluntarily.

I will guarantee you that there will be no war between the two witnesses and the satanic power of the false prophet who brings the rain as quickly as they can take it away. As long as the two stand upon this earth their word will reign supreme.

With that kind of thinking there can be only one place for the three and one half years of the false prophet, and that is at the back half.

God seems to tolerate contradictions from us at this time, while we operate under the covering of grace. Why would he put up contradictions once grace is removed, during the tribulation, the time of the two witnesses? The mere idea does not make sense.

Everyone on earth will celebrate and be happy.

“Everyone on earth will celebrate and be happy. They will give gifts to each other, because of what happened to the two..”

Of course they will, they will see this as killing God. The false prophet, who Islam calls Isa ben Maryiam, Jesus the son of Mary, not God (or Allah in their thinking.) will be not only be:

• a Jew,
• but of the lineage of Aaron, therefore quite probable that he is a priest and entitled to be in the newly built temple.
• He will also be a declared Muslim and give allegiance to the beast/Antichrist.
• Cause the image of the beast to talk
• be the enforcer of Islam
• and produce documentation that proves everyone was wrong in following Christ (Islams dajal. They call our Jesus that is coming a false prophet.)

Pray for these people. God is moving mightily in their lives. Find and get a copy of the book Dreams and Visions: Is Jesus Awakening the Muslim World? By Tom Doyle. You will be brought to tears and perhaps awakened yourself as you read their testimonies.

Related articles

• Certainly there is a chronology to the Revelation
• Who decided that they were finished? Revelation 11: 7,8
• How Can God Still Love Me?
• Revelation 11:1-2, Jerusalem under the power of the antichrist.
• Who wants to be a milloinaire in Sodom and Gomorrah?

Who decided that they were finished? Revelation 11: 7,8

Now when they have finished their testimony, the beast that comes up from the Abyss will attack them, and overpower and kill them. (Revelation 11:7, NIV)

Who decides that they are finished? Only God!

Just speculating here:

• Their finish could coincide with the last Saint being brought in the kingdom.
• There is a problem with the previous theory if you are going to hang with a tight chronological view of the Revelation. Chapter 13:7 of the Revelation has the beast that ascends from the bottomless pit making war with the saints and killing them, and the chronological viewpoint then places the Saints after the two witnesses. So that really doesn't work.
• Or, it could be that time has merely come to an end, finishing the time of tribulation. There again, if you are attempting to hold to a strict chronological read of the Revelation this theory does not work either.
• From the point of their arrival, until the end of the their days was prescribed. 1260 days. That's three and a half years. An odd number, and short considering how fast time flies, but that is the entire prescription and end of their purpose. Ironic and yet poignant how it matches several other incidents such as: Jesus in death; Jonah in the fish

“the beast coming up out of the Abyss will fight against them, overcome them and kill them”

No one has been able to do that for 42 months (3 ½ years). As I write this I think back on Elijah and recall that a certain king demanded his presence. (Read about this in 1Kings chapter one starting at verse six.) In fairly rapid succession several (Based on modern warfare terminology.) platoons were turned into toast. (This is one of the aspects that encourages a hard look at Elijah as one of the two witnesses.)

Why would God have any problem with the army ( I assume) that this beast will amass to kill them. He shouldn't, unless their mission is over. 

For precisely 1260 days they have stood in the streets, declaring that there is a God in heaven and causing havoc on the the earth. Think about that! From the moment they arrive the rain is shut off over geographical regions of their choice. I have a strong feeling that this will primarily be those areas that have the loudest voices against God. They sad aspect is that everyone will be affected. It may well be that saints are still coming to the Lord (at the cost of their lives) but then that would mean that God's mercy is still being poured out through the course of the tribulation, if the two show up at the mid-point.

“ left lying in the streets”

“and their dead bodies will lie in the street of the great city that symbolically is called Sodom and Egypt, where their Lord was crucified.” (Revelation 11:8 ESV)

Killed by the beast. Again, I implore you to think rationally. This is not a vicious yeti or some imaginary creature, but a man. Islam calls him Jesus the son of Mary (not God.ⁱ) Empowered by Satan himself he will work the same wondrous miracles that the two witnesses have done, and, as Jesus stated, “he will deceive even the elect.” Did you ever wonder who that would be and how that might happen? 

 

I think we are all aware of people we deem uneducated that have fallen for deception, but what have we been seeing over the last couple of years. Schemers that have bilked the well-to-do out of their money and used that money for their own personal gain. Several have been caught. The name Bernie Madoff comes to mind, along with the corporation Enron. You do not have to be stupid to be deceived, you merely have to be convinced that what they are pushing on you is the real and better thing. 

 

Having just witnessed the two representatives of God make the world even more vulnerable, and then be killed by this “beast”, he might just be a very believable person. The deception comes when he declares that the God we understand is false, and that Allah is true. Because Jesus said it would happen this way, you can go to the bank on it, if they still exist.

“their dead bodies will lie in the street of the great city”

Do not get confused, there is only one great city at this point, and it is Jerusalem. Sure, I understand that the battle is raging and that the UN gave the Palestinians some form of statehood, but do not be deceived, this is still God's heart and he is not giving it up.

Of all the places that could be considered a town square in Israel, there is only one, in my mind, that always gets photographed, video taped, or have interviews conducted from, and that is the square at the Western Wall, in clear view of the temple mount.

What is it that would make this a great city, outside of history? The rebuilt temple. The mere fact that it may be standing at this point will hugely significant, and a source of pride and arrogance for the Jews. To be able to slaughter the two witnesses in front of it, would be a major coup, and add tremendous fuel to the deception.

I rehash a major theme of mine:

What is prophecy to the Jewish mind? - Pattern.

Who else died and left us a pattern of three and a half days?

• Jesus
• Jonah

The idea of three days spread all through out the law and Moses (The Torah and Pentateuch). I suspect that this will all take place on the same day that Jesus rose. Just as Jesus rose, so will these two. God will not be mocked or destroyed.

Ask him to make himself real to you and watch what happens. His name is Jesus Christ and he is the son of the living God. I strongly suggest that you come to him quickly.

(i)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jesus_in_Islam

Related articles

• Certainly there is a chronology to the Revelation.
• Their arrival will be phenomenal.
• A Sign For The Rapture?

Their arrival will be phenomenal.

Of the two witnesses.

Revelation 11: 5-6 LITV

And if anyone desires to harm them, fire comes out of their mouth and devours their enemies. And if anyone desires to harm them, so it is right for him to be killed. (6) These have the authority to shut up the heaven, that no rain may rain in the days of their prophecy. And they have authority over the waters, to turn them into blood, and to strike the earth with every plague, as often as they desire.

Let's make some assumptions here.

• I am convinced that we are dealing with a pre-tribulation rapture. So I will approach this primarily from this point of view. So let's say the tribulation comes and immediately the witnesses show up. What would have happened only a short time before their arrival?
  • Potentially, as nations have amassed against Israel, the firestorm of Ezekiel 38, 39 has come. The author Joel C. Rosenberg, wrote a book entitled “The Copper Scroll”. A fictional story based in the reality of scripture and the fact that there really is a copper scroll. The book opens with the world, primarily Muslims, attempting to recover from the firestorm from the skies (Islam would not admit that God might have had his hand in this) that has wiped the dome of the rock off the map leaving only some charred rubble, and left the armies that gathered against Israel dead on the nearby hillsides. All the world will be looking at Israel. This is not even taking into consideration the potential rapture scenario.
  • Another scenario. Many chose to believe that the two witnesses appear at mid-tribulation. If that is the case what are the obvious factors? Sticking with the knowns: Either the temple has been built or may be in the process of being built. Regardless the Muslims are not giving up the temple mount without a fight. Suppose that fight has taken place and they have lost, giving Israel the ability to clear the dome and build. As usual all eyes will be on Israel because tensions will be high, and the two witnesses will suddenly appear, wreaking even more havoc as they spew fire out of their mouths and stop the rain at will.
  • Perhaps what might be happening will be that the harpazo or rapture has taken place. People from every walk of life and nation will disappear. Planes will fall from the sky; cars will crash; banking at it's best be severely hampered; law enforcement, rescue teams, and normal work operations will be without personnel. Pregnant mothers will be instantly without babies, and children under the age of accountability will be missing. That means that elementary schools will be vacant of children, instantly. Try for a moment to imagine the pandemonium as mothers alone scream in desperate search for their children that are now with the Lord. Nations will have to react as normal citizens begin to panic, screaming about aliens and conspiracies. Marshall law will be declared and people, especially those that speak out against the government, or for God, will be detained and disappear. I do not think that you can get past Ezekiel 38,39 therefore something will happen, almost of global proportion, either before or immediately after the rapture, that draws all the attention to Israel. I venture every network camera will be there recording the events as they unfold.

November and December of 2012 saw two major events.

1. After continuous missile attacks from Hamas, Israel fought back. What was the public outcry? How horrible Israel was. The ensuing buildup of hatred and animosity rises.
2. A recent majority vote in the UN gave the Palestinians statehood. While this maybe a symbolic gesture but watch as many attempt, through violent means, to eliminate Israel as a nation/state, and claim Jerusalem/Palestine as their capital. Mohamed Morsi of Egypt has already made the assertion that Jerusalem will be Egypt's capital, and Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, the current president of Iran, has proclaimed that Israel will be wiped off the map.

What is my point?

God is placing his two witnesses right in the midst of this kaos. Of course they (the Muslims) will try, on a daily basis, to kill them. Angry at the Jews, and angry at God, people from every nation will try to kill “God's” representatives.

Scripture tells us that the nations will overrun the city and will have control of the outer court of the rebuilt temple.

Revelation 11:2-3 LITV And cast aside the outside court of the temple, and do not measure it. For it was given to the nations, and they will trample the holy city forty two months. (3) And I will give to My two witnesses, and they will prophesy a thousand, two hundred and sixty days, dressed in sackcloth.

The word “and” tends to tie the two thoughts together. I realize that the implications are that this puts them at a mid-tribulation arrival, but the word and is not set in stone and can also mean “but.” Look at the Moffat translation of this passage. Moffat is not the only one that sees this in this manner.

Revelation 11:3 Moffatt NT (3) But I will allow my two witnesses to prophesy for twelve hundred and sixty days, clad in sackcloth

I do not see a directive mandating a chronological point of view, and therefore cannot necessarily tie the two witnesses to the tragic end of a rebuilt temple.

“If any man will hurt them,...”

Revelation 11:5 LITV And if anyone desires to harm them, fire comes out of their mouth and devours their enemies.

Because of the potential circumstances the two witnesses are being placed into, attempts on their life will be many, on a daily basis. Anyone attempting to kill them will be burned to death on the street. Not only will there be an instantaneous response, but it says desire. If I take that literally, I know many of you do or at least want to, then this means that the thought will be read and you will be destroyed with fire. (This brought back an image from the movie Minority Report, in which future intent was perceived and dealt with as though the crime had been committed.

Flame throwers have been used in war as a method of getting shooters out of caves and tunnels. There is a limit to the range of such weapons, but then we are not talking about a weapon but God himself. Trust me on this. When the frontal attacks fail they will try to take the two witnesses out with snipers, well outside of out what they believe to be harms way. This means that God will give the two witnesses insight as to who and where their enemies are, and regardless of how well hidden or their distance, they will be toast. Most will die on the streets before their feet.

“They have power to shut up the sky, so that no rain falls during the days when they are prophesying;”

Revelation 11:6 Moffatt NT (6) ... they have power to shut up the sky, so that no rain falls during the days when they are prophesying; and they have power over the waters, to turn them into blood, and also to smite the earth with all manner of plagues as often as they choose.

Three and one half years of no rain. Not just in one spot as a demonstration, but wherever they deem necessary. Keep in mind that these men are also carrying out the judgment of God upon this earth.

“and they have power to turn the waters into blood and to strike the earth with every kind of plague as often as they want.”

Dramatic? Yes, but God is not interested in giving anyone a good show for the entertainment value. He is always trying to make a point.

Under God's direction, Moses presented himself before Pharaoh's court. (Much can be written about the background of this scene and why Moses had any right to be standing here.)

Exodus covers the events. Turn there to chapter 5 and you can see the story unfolding as Moses begins telling Pharaoh, “let my people go!”.

Exodus 5:1 NIV Afterward Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and said, "This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: 'Let my people go, so that they may hold a festival to me in the wilderness.'"

Exodus 7:8-13 NIV The LORD said to Moses and Aaron, (9) "When Pharaoh says to you, 'Perform a miracle,' then say to Aaron, 'Take your staff and throw it down before Pharaoh,' and it will become a snake." (10) So Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and did just as the LORD commanded. Aaron threw his staff down in front of Pharaoh and his officials, and it became a snake. (11) Pharaoh then summoned wise men and sorcerers, and the Egyptian magicians also did the same things by their secret arts: (12) Each one threw down his staff and it became a snake. But Aaron's staff swallowed up their staffs. (13) Yet Pharaoh's heart became hard and he would not listen to them, just as the LORD had said.

Although I have heard this story many times it seems I did not read it. As God is introducing himself to Moses, proving to Moses that he means what he says, God has Moses throw down a staff. That staff turned into a serpent. That would have had me hopping for cover. Moses, at God's command, picked the serpent up and it turned back into a staff.

I mentioned previously that prophecy to the Jew is pattern, and God has now demonstrated his power and intent once to Moses. Moses upon his trek back to Egypt is met by his brother Aaron, and Moses shows him that God is real and means business by throwing the staff down again; it responds by turning into a serpent once again. You might think that throwing this staff down could be a dangerous thing to do at this point. The pattern is now established in Moses mind, and Aaron is now paying attention as well. Just to make it interesting Aaron had a staff as well. God is not limited by who owns the staff, and God tells Moses to have Aaron to thrown down his own staff.

When you toss out the staff and the Egyptians do the same thing, with the same results, what do you do next? Apparently nothing as Aaron's staff ate theirs. God had already warned Moses that he would harden Pharaoh's heart, and he did. The next phase was the turning of water into blood and the plagues upon the people and the land.

The two witnesses are given the freedom to do the very same things. You want an idea of what is still coming, continue reading what Moses did to Egypt. Do not anticipate anything less. And you can add all this on top of what Revelation has already been spelling out, in terms of judgment, upon the world.

In a previous post I talked about the aspects of being a witness. http://omharris.com/2012/12/19/certainly-there-is-a-chronology-to-the-revelation/

While one may testify as to what they saw, another can tell you how great something is, and yet another is proactive, demonstrating with all authority in the absence of the creator. This last aspect is what I believe these two witnesses are doing. They are walking out the power and presence of God that man has shunned, ignored, and denied. Peter stood on the day of Pentecost, freshly filled with the Holy Spirt and with the fire of God. (By the way. I believe that while fresh is exciting and new, maturity causes the gift to ripen and become more full-bodied, and the recipient, which is anyone who desires it, becomes more skillful at delivery and their ability to hear the spirits voice clearly.) Spoke, driven by that power, and said,

Acts 2:14-21 Moffatt NT (14) But Peter stood up along with the eleven, and raising his voice he addressed them thus: "Men of Judaea and residents in Jerusalem, let everyone of you understand this — attend to what I say: (15) these men are not drunk, as you imagine. Why, it is only nine in the morning! (16) No, this is what was predicted by the prophet Joel — (17) In the last days, saith God, then will I pour out my Spirit upon all flesh, your sons and daughters shall prophesy, your young men shall see visions, your old men shall dream dreams: (18) on my very slaves and slave-girls in those days will I pour out my Spirit, and they shall prophesy. (19) And I will display wonders in heaven above and signs on earth below, blood and fire and vapour of smoke: (20) the sun shall be changed into darkness and the moon into blood, ere the great, open Day of the Lord arrives. (21) And everyone who invokes the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Do you not realize that this passage was referring to the last days, and yet Peter put it into the present tense. Applying it not only to himself, but our lives and children as well. It says, “And everyone who invokes the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Saved from what, and to what degree?

If the rapture has come and gone, then clearly he is not talking about being saved from the wrath to come. When we speak of the wrath to come what are we talking about? The tribulation years. While many have experienced horrible tribulations, and many are going through horrible tribulations even as we speak, this is not the tribulation that we are to expect. Jesus told you that it would be so bad that if God did not cut short time no man would survive it. And yet based upon what Peter said you can not only prophesy, but be saved by using the name of the Lord. To help defined what I mean allow me to show you something from the book of Hebrews.

Hebrews 11:7 Wuest 7 By faith Noah, having been divinely warned concerning the things not seen, with reverential care prepared an ark for the preservation of his household; by means of which he condemned the world, and became an heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.

Hebrews 11:23 GW Faith led Moses' parents to hide him for three months after he was born. They did this because they saw that Moses was a beautiful baby and they were not afraid to disobey the king's order.

Hebrews 11:29 GW Faith caused the people to go through the Red Sea as if it were dry land. The Egyptians also tried this, but they drowned.

Hebrews 11:32-34 GW What more should I say? I don't have enough time to tell you about Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets. (33) Through faith they conquered kingdoms, did what God approved, and received what God had promised. They shut the mouths of lions, (34) put out raging fires, and escaped death. They found strength when they were weak. They were powerful in battle and defeated other armies.

Now here comes the hard part; the part that no one wants to hear.

Hebrews 11:35-38 GW Women received their loved ones back from the dead. Other believers were brutally tortured but refused to be released so that they might gain eternal life. (36) Some were made fun of and whipped, and some were chained and put in prison. (37) Some were stoned to death, sawed in half, and killed with swords. Some wore the skins of sheep and goats. Some were poor, abused, and mistreated. (38) The world didn't deserve these good people. Some wandered around in deserts and mountains and lived in caves and holes in the ground.

Hebrews 11:39 ISV All these people won approval for their faith but they did not receive what was promised,

While God can and will show his mighty hand through some, others, will like sheep be led off, tortured and or killed. I suspect that the numbers of people that make a stand for Jesus, and the added distraction that the judgments of God bring, will cause them to not waste much time torturing people. You will merely be beheaded. Islam is not terribly interested in a conversion process, there will not be time for that. Therefore the killings will be methodically fast and global.

There is no getting around this. The end result will be the death of the saints for those coming through the tribulation. I know this because it is laid out in the Revelation. The only reason I can see for some showing such power and strength, is to cause others to come to Jesus, and give many the hope they need to carry on their testimony. How strong will you be when they torture you, or even worse, torture your children before you. Isaiah the prophet testified that, “they will dash your children upon stones before your feet.”

Revelation 7:13-14 ISV "Who are these people wearing white robes," one of the elders asked me, "and where did they come from?" (14) I told him, "Sir, you know." Then he told me, "These are the people who are coming out of the terrible suffering. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the lamb.

I feel confident in saying that all that come to the Lord through the tribulation years will be killed. I do not see it any other way, and yes it will quite possibly hurt. Keeping your eyes fixed on Jesus Christ and the hope of eternity with him will bring you through.

Let me point something out. Logic and current directions the world is going make Islam the logical choice for terminology. I am not interested in making you a hater of people, I am merely pointing out that the scriptures tell us clearly that such a person with a vile hatred of Christians and Jews will and already exists. Knowing the background of Islam, it fits the bill even now. So what can you do about it? Until that day comes you pray that God stops the hand of the enemy (really that is Satan empowering people.) and that God's will be done and that God's life find it's way into peoples hearts. God's plan will not be stopped or hindered, and yet Satan has spent all these years finding people willing to try. Allow the Holy Spirit give you a peace and confidence that surpasses your understanding, as you walk calmly through this life, what is left of it. The words of the Apostle Peter still ring true today, just as they did the moment he proclaimed, “this day are these words fulfilled in your ears.” And he quoted Joel chapter two. I am declaring to you that we can, should, and are walking in the spirit of power and prophecy. Allow God to move through you. Give yourself to him and let the Holy Spirit possess you and trust him as he tells you to thrown down the proverbial staff.

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It always re-creates a visual image inside of me.

We went to our church Christmas spectacular. Beautiful voices, entertainment and interesting videos to coincide, but the part that got me was what I could hear of this passage from the bible. An aspect of  this passage is that it always recreates a visual image of  Linus reading to Charlie Brown after telling him I know  what Christmas is all about.

Luke 2:8-14 KJV And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. (9) And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. (10) And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. (11) For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. (12) And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. (13) And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, (14) Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

When this ended I again heard this inside of me. He is real and alive, and coming back for those who are his. Turn your hearts toward Jesus. He has already turned his heart toward yours.

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Certainly there is a chronology to the Revelation

Revelation 11:3-4 NIV And I will appoint my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth." (4) They are "the two olive trees" and the two lampstands, and "they stand before the Lord of the earth."

These verses are a statement describing an event that will happen during the seven-year period called the tribulation. I do not see the passage as chronological and I will attempt to explain why.

The two witnesses.

My Dake's bible notes places the entrance of the two witnesses at the second half of the seven years.

Problems I have with that timing -

• Verse 3 states, “my two witnesses,” but witnesses to whom?
  • If the nations are being witnessed to, what is the effect?
    • You do not see anyone come to the Lord after a certain point in the Revelation (Rev 7:13-17), and if you are holding fast to a chronological viewpoint, the last of the Saints that John viewed in heaven, were seen previously in scripture. If you are going to be literal in your interpretation then you have to admit that there is no one past this point that comes into the kingdom.
  • The answer to the question of who they are witnessing to really depends on when the two witnesses enter into the picture.
    • If they are witnesses to the Saints, then that puts the two witnesses at the beginning of the seven years.
    • But if they are witnesses to God's power and judgment, then perhaps this all makes strange sense; for what do they do? They consume those that would fight against them with fire, much like a fire breathing dragon. And, they stop the rain on whomever they see fit. There would have to be a motivation behind that, or they are merely responding to God's directives, just as Jesus did.
    • If they arrive at the beginning of the tribulation then it could also be said that they are a representation of the Life of God in men, an aspect that few of us have adequately demonstrated. This makes more sense to me.
      From a prophets point of view. When we have attempted to move in the power of God those fearful of God's power have cried and moaned, and had us kicked out of our churches. (I speak from experience.) Pastors across this land have acted in fear and though they ask God for a move of his spirit they refuse to allow anyone the venue. I can tell that the church I go to now, they will escort you out the door if you attempt to express what you feel is a word from God. Growth in an area like this is somewhat experimental as you try to represent the heart of God and all you have is a broken human vessel to work with. God, it would seem, intentionally designed it that way. If I use Jonah as an example. He was not willing to deliver any message other than destruction upon a hated enemy, the Ninevites (The Assyrians). But he did, and they turned their hearts, momentarily, and God spared them for the time being. Reading the story of Jonah all the way through shows you how angry he was that God spared them.

The two witnesses are part of the pattern of prophesy. Allow me to refresh, or to some explain. To the Jew, prophesy is pattern. Pattern builds recognition and confidence. I suppose it demonstrates little trust, but really, was that Israel's problem all along?

We can find the two witnesses in: Zechariah 4:11-14; Malachi 4:5-6; Genesis 5:24; and Hebrews 11:5

Zechariah's account tells us that they are the anointed ones that stand before the Lord.

Malachi 4:5-6 LITV Behold, I am sending you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of Jehovah. (6) And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the sons, and the heart of the sons to their fathers, that I not come and strike the earth with utter destruction.

Seeing as I am talking about pattern in prophesy, let's discuss this passage for a moment.

• Malachi was penned long after Elijah death, so there are only two ways Elijah could have an impact on fathers of the future.
  • Through the record of his life,
  • His reappearance as a witness at a future date. That date is not specified but the obvious factor is an appearance during the tribulation.
• For God to say, “before the coming of the great and dreadful of Jehovah” gives us no specific timing. Jesus even made the odd statement implying that John the baptist was Elijah. I do not believe that this was literal, but more symbolic, for John followed Elijah's pattern.
• One of the objectives that God spells out for Elijah is turning the heart of the fathers to their children. Has any aspect of Elijah's life had that great of an impact so far? No! Sure, there may have been a few that have been greatly affected, but do you not get the sense that God seems to be talking about a large scale result. How could Elijah possibly have that great of an impact? If he came back to earth in the tribulation period would certainly do it. Now that alone opens a can of worms for those that wish to date the return of the two witnesses, for where do you see anything in Revelation that looks like fathers turning to the hearts of the children? Only in the saints coming to the Lord after the rapture. Doesn't this imply that the future witness of Elijah has some impact on this prophecy.
• Verse 6 “And he shall turn..” sounds very definite, but is that what we see happen in Revelation? I have often described the saints turning to the Lord like this: Under the pressure of emminent death, they decide that choosing something other than Allah is a better choice, and most will merely refuse to accept the mark or worship the beast (Do not get all stupid on me here. There is no beast, it is a man, empowered by Satan, but you won't see that. What you might see is someone who came off as very charasmatic in the beginning.) These Saints will have their throats slit, or their heads removed for refusing Allah, and will enter the kingdom of God within a few seconds. Religion will have you beating your chest and crying out to God about what a sinner you are. You think he doesn't know that already. We are talking about a Father that is trying to regain a family, and all he has ever done is emplore them to come home.

There are things about the two witnesses that just make more sense to me. Those of you who chose not to learn of God have to do some backtracking. Joel chapter two tells of a powerful, spirit filled, fearless life, lived out briefly as a testimony to the living God. The two witnesses may be physical examples for you. If so, follow their lead.

ref: (i) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jesus_in_Islam

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