After John digests the little book or scroll from chapter 10, the angel then hands him a reed for measuring.
He is told to measure the temple of God, the altar and those who worship there.
This measuring of the temple was to signify God’s ownership of it.
John was also told what not to measure – the court which is outside the temple. This referred to an area separated from the inner court in the Herodian temple by a low wall. It was known as the court of the Gentiles.
The instruction not to measure this court symbolizes God’s rejection of those unbelieving Gentiles who have oppressed His covenant people.
The angel then foretells how these unbelievers led by the Antichrist will devastate Jerusalem during the latter half of the tribulation period.
3-6
The angel, again acting as a representative for God, transitions to the ministry of the two witnesses.
He (God) will give them power to prophesy for 3 1/2 years, clothed in sackcloth – a sign of their mourning for the debauchery of the world.
The ministry of these two men will spark a revival and they will be protected by supernatural power as they minister.
They will be given the ability to perform miracles. As other men of God before them, Elijah, Moses, etc., they will have power to cause drought, and all sorts of plagues, “as often as they desire.”
7-14
When their time of testimony is over, the antichrist (beast) will make war with them and in the end, kill them.
The people will allow the bodies to lie in the street of Jerusalem for three and a half days – a practice forbidden by the Old Testament and known as a way to show contempt for the dead.
The whole world will be watching this spectacle, rejoicing over the dead bodies of the two witnesses as if it is a holiday.
However, after 3 1/2 days, God breathes life back into these men and they are gloriously resurrected before the entire world.
Great fear falls upon all onlookers as they hear a voice from heaven say, “Come up here.”
The two witnesses then ascend into heaven as their enemies watch in awe.
That same hour, another great earthquake hits and a tenth of the city falls and seven thousand people are killed.
Those who remain are terrified and give glory to the God of heaven.
This ends the second woe.
15-19
MacArthur notes that the seventh trumpet includes the seven bowls, the final judgments depicted in chapter 16, and all the events leading up to the establishing of the millennial kingdom and coronation of Jesus as King.
As this trumpet sounds, John hears voices from heaven proclaiming that the kingdom of the world is finally about to be given back to its rightful owner, Jesus, who is about to make His glorious return to earth.
The 24 elders mark the occasion by falling prostrate and worshipping God. They give thanks and praise as they tell of the final judgment that is about to take place in which the saints of God will be rewarded and the enemies of God, all those who have rejected His Son, will be cast in the lake of fire forever.
As a final exclamation point on this amazing scene, the heavenly Holy of Holies is opened and the ark of the covenant can also be seen, “to speak of God’s saving New Covenant and redeeming purpose in the midst of judgment.”
From the temple come lightnings, noises, thunderings, an earthquake and great hail.
Final Thoughts
I have loved re-reading this book because it is impossible to go through it and not be struck by the awesome power of the glory of God. Just the sheer might of his presence is so overwhelming.
Is it any wonder those who behold him have no recourse by to fall prostrate at his feet in worship of the great God of the universe.
Sometimes the daily fight against the evil in this world can get discouraging, defeating – it can make us tired and weary.
Oh friend, if that’s where you are today, take heart because that great God of the universe, that being with all that awesome might and power is your God – He is your father, and He is always with you to help you in the fight.
He will not let you be defeated. Live victorious in Him!!!