1. The Measuring of the Temple
What John Saw:
- John is told to measure the temple of God, the altar, and those who worship there, but not to measure the outer court, as it has been given to the nations to trample (Revelation 11:1-2).
Meaning:
- Measuring the temple: In biblical symbolism, measuring represents God’s ownership and protection. It is an act of defining and protecting what belongs to Him (Zechariah 2:1-2).
- Outer court trampled by the nations: The outer court represents the part of the temple exposed to Gentile defilement. This suggests the period in which the Gentiles (non-believers or nations opposing God) will have influence, while God’s true worshippers are preserved (Luke 21:24).
Takeaway:
Even in times of opposition, God preserves and protects His people. Stay faithful and trust that God sees and measures His faithful servants. While the world may seem chaotic, God remains in control and will preserve His people through trials (Isaiah 54:17).
2. The Two Witnesses
What John Saw:
- Two witnesses are described as prophesying for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth. They have the power to shut the sky so that no rain falls, turn water into blood, and strike the earth with plagues as often as they wish (Revelation 11:3-6).
Meaning:
- Two witnesses: These two witnesses are likely symbolic of the faithful prophets of God, who speak truth in the face of persecution. Their sackcloth attire suggests mourning, indicating that their message is one of repentance and warning.
- The power to shut the sky and strike the earth with plagues reflects the authority given to these witnesses, reminiscent of the powers of Elijah and Moses (1 Kings 17:1; Exodus 7:17-20).
Takeaway:
Faithful witness to God’s truth will bring both opposition and empowerment from God. Even when the world rejects or persecutes you, remain faithful and trust in God’s provision and protection. The gospel is powerful and must be proclaimed (Matthew 10:18-20).
3. The Death of the Two Witnesses
What John Saw:
- After the witnesses complete their testimony, the beast from the Abyss kills them. Their bodies lie in the street of the great city (which symbolically is called Sodom and Egypt), and the people of the world rejoice over their death (Revelation 11:7-10).
Meaning:
- The beast from the Abyss is a powerful, evil entity (likely Satan or a demonic force) opposing God’s messengers. Their death represents the triumph of evil for a short time but is temporary.
- The great city symbolizes a place of rebellion and sin, and is referred to as Sodom (immorality) and Egypt (bondage, oppression). This signifies that the world will reject God’s truth and celebrate the death of His messengers (Luke 6:22-23).
Takeaway:
The world may mock and oppose the message of God, but we must remain faithful, knowing that our labor is not in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58). Even in death, the faithful witness of God’s truth has eternal significance.
4. The Resurrection and Ascension of the Two Witnesses
What John Saw:
- After three and a half days, God breathes life into the witnesses, and they stand up. Terror strikes the onlookers as a voice from heaven calls them to ascend to heaven in a cloud (Revelation 11:11-12).
Meaning:
- The resurrection of the two witnesses symbolizes the victory of life over death, showing that God has the final say over His messengers. It also reflects the pattern of Christ’s resurrection—life after apparent defeat.
- Ascension to heaven: Their ascension signifies divine vindication and the ultimate triumph of God’s witnesses over evil. It is a reminder that God’s servants may face suffering, but He will honor them and bring them to eternal glory (John 5:24).
Takeaway:
Even when we face suffering or persecution for Christ, we can trust in His power to vindicate and reward us. Our hope is in the eternal victory that God has promised, and we are called to endure faithfully (Romans 8:18).
5. The Earthquake and the Seventh Trumpet
What John Saw:
- A great earthquake follows the resurrection of the witnesses, and a tenth of the city falls, with 7,000 people killed. The survivors give glory to God (Revelation 11:13).
- Then, the seventh trumpet is sounded, and loud voices in heaven declare, “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever” (Revelation 11:15).
Meaning:
- The earthquake symbolizes God’s judgment upon the world, shaking the foundations of human power and causing widespread devastation. The 7,000 people killed could signify a remnant being judged, and the survivors giving glory to God demonstrates that, even in judgment, God is calling people to repentance.
- The seventh trumpet marks the final declaration of God’s kingdom, signifying the end of human rebellion and the beginning of Christ’s eternal reign. This announcement is a declaration of victory, as the rightful King is acknowledged (Psalm 2:6-9).
Takeaway:
God’s kingdom will ultimately prevail. Though the world may resist, Christ is the King of kings, and His reign is eternal. Live in the hope and confidence that God’s victory is assured and that we, as His people, will share in that victory (Revelation 22:5).
6. The Temple of God Opened in Heaven
What John Saw:
- The temple of God in heaven is opened, and the ark of the covenant is seen (Revelation 11:19).
Meaning:
- The ark of the covenant represents God’s presence and His covenant promises to His people. It signifies that God is present with His people and that His covenant will be fulfilled. The opening of the temple in heaven reveals that God’s presence will be fully manifested in the ultimate victory over evil and the establishment of His eternal kingdom (Hebrews 9:11-12).
Takeaway:
God’s presence is the ultimate assurance for His people. No matter the trials we face on earth, God’s promise to be with us and fulfill His covenant stands firm (Matthew 28:20).
Practical Lessons from Revelation 11
- Faithfulness in Witnessing: God calls us to be faithful witnesses, even when we face rejection, suffering, or opposition. Stay true to the message of the gospel (Matthew 28:19-20).
- Hope in God’s Ultimate Victory: Despite the evil in the world, God’s kingdom will come, and Christ will reign forever. Live in the confidence that God’s ultimate plan is unfolding (2 Timothy 4:18).
- The Triumph of God’s Justice: While evil may seem to win temporarily, God’s judgment will bring justice, and His victory will be final (Romans 12:19).
- Eternal Rewards for Faithfulness: The resurrection of the two witnesses is a reminder that God will ultimately vindicate His faithful servants. Our labor for Christ will be rewarded, even if it involves suffering (Romans 8:17-18).
