19 Sep C³ Meeting Wrap-up Houston...The dump truck has landed! Even though we had intentions of covering all of Revelation 11, we stopped at verse 7. We took the time to see that the Old Testament is a much better commentary on the Revelation than USA Today or Fox News. Although there are many who view Revelation 11 as speaking of a literal, rebuilt temple building and two literal prophets (some believe Moses and Elijah), I am persuaded that Revelation 11 is a prophecy about the Church in the last days from Christs ascension until His Second Coming. One of the primary purposes of the Revelation is to encourage the Church to persevere. We are given many snapshot pictures of what that may look like beginning in Revelation 1 with Jesus standing in the midst of the churches in His resurrected glory. In Revelation 7, the answer to the question Who shall stand? is found as the church stands in battle array sealed with the Spirit of God. Now in Revelation 11, we get a more clear picture of the mission of the Church and its future. Just as an angel measures the future glorious temple in Ez 40-48, John is given a measuring rod to measure the same. Jesus is the true fulfillment of the temple of God (John 2.19; 2 Cor 1.20) as the physical temple represented Gods abiding presence. Now all those who are in Christ (i.e. the Church) make up the new everlasting temple. (Eph 2.19-21; 1 Cor 3.16-17; Rev 21). The measuring represents Gods covenant faithfulness to fulfill His promises through His abiding presence. Forty-two months = 1260 days = three and half years = time and times and a half ( Dan 7.25; 9.27; 12.7; 11-12; Ez 11.6; Rev 12.5-6; 13.5) I am not persuaded that these numeric references represent a literal three and half years; however, I do believe they all represent the period of tribulation of the church, which started at Christs ascension and will crescendo just prior to His return. Remember, the Revelation is apocalyptic writing using signs and symbols, primarily from the Old Testament, to reveal spiritual and physical realities. Regardless of ones interpretation (literal temple or church) concerning these numbers; two things are certain: tribulation and Gods protection from ultimate harm. Rev 11.4 tells us exactly how to understand the two witnesses. This verse takes readers back to Zechariah 4 as the prophecy of a kingdom and priests is seen in two olive trees and the declaration Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts. The Church is the fulfillment of the kingdom and priests prophecy and assumes the role of prophet in these last days. Just as John the Baptist went out in the spirit of Elijah, so shall the Church go out it in the power of the Spirit. Just as the warnings of judgment of the prophets of old were answered so shall the churchs warnings be answered when Jesus comes back. And most gloriously, nothing, absolutely nothing will stop the testimony of the church until It is finished! As Christians, we fear no ultimate harm. Even death becomes the portal to everlasting joy with our LORD and Savior Jesus Christ. Next meeting, we will try to finish Revelation 11. Blessings to all. Soli Deo Gloria!!!
Posted on: Tue, 21 Oct 2014 13:52:06 +0000
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