The two witnesses of Revelation are probably alive now
Olive tree./Frank Albrecht/Unsplash
These days I'm leaning more toward the idea, also held by others, that the two witnesses are two persons who were called by God to carry out His purposes for this period of time - 1,260 days. Instead of two former prophets who parachute into the world to preach and do other things, I believe they will be two people set aside by the Lord from the time they were in their mother's wound, like Jeremiah and John the Baptist. I also consider this a good possibility because they will likely be very humble (sackcloth - being clothed with humility) and sort of spring out of nowhere. They will also be fearless and focused on their mission.
The fact that despite their powers they can be killed and die at the end of their ministry - the antichrist will kill them - convinces me that they must be two persons who were born instead of being brought back (Moses) or brought forth (Elijah and Enoch). Will they be involved in rebuilding God's Temple in Jerusalem?
They are mentioned in Revelation Chapter 11 immediately after John, the author of the book, writes that he was instructed to measure the Temple of God. Brenda Weltner, an American contemporary Bible teacher, teaches that she believes that the main task of the two witnesses is to rebuild the Temple. Given the short time they will have for this, Weltner says the "temple" may be a tabernacle, like the one the Lord instructed Moses to build after the exodus from Egypt.
Considering the times we live in, the two witnesses are probably with us now, and they may well be involved in carrying out God's blueprint for the End Times temple or tabernacle. The world will be astounded when the Lord resurrects the two witnesses who are left on the street after their deaths, and takes them into heaven (Rev. 11:7-12). The "world" may get see this miracle live on television or via streaming media.
Revelation 11:3-6 (NIV) - (3) "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.” 5 If anyone tries to harm them, fire comes from their mouths and devours their enemies. This is how anyone who wants to harm them must die. 6 They have power to shut up the heavens so that it will not rain during the time they are prophesying; 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."
There are prophetic references to the two witnesses in the Old Testament:
Zechariah 4:11-14 (NIV) - (11) "Then I asked the angel, “What are these two olive trees on the right and the left of the lampstand?” 12 Again I asked him, “What are these two olive branches beside the two gold pipes that pour out golden oil?” 13 He replied, “Do you not know what these are?” “No, my lord,” I said.14 So he said, “These are the two who are anointed to serve the Lord of all the earth.”
Coincidentally, I have two olive trees in my yard, a young one and a slightly older one.
Tomorrow evening, September 18, begins the Feast of Trumpets (Rosh Hashanah.)
These prophecy-focused messages will continue. If they are interrupted and the blog ends, then you will know that something significant in the spiritual realm has taken place. Otherwise, keep praying for the lost and the prodigals, read the scriptures, love and serve others, and stay close to Jesus.
Shalom!
Diana Washington-Valdez/Faith Today Christian Ministries
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