****Please read the scripture from the Bible first as this is God's Word****

People are often inspired by historical events and characters to accomplish great things and make great sacrifices. This particular passage gives an example to follow, not in historical characters, but in future ones. We must be bold in our service of the King.

God calls us all in His own will. Sometimes we get selfish and prideful and think that we know better. Our God of the universe who made all and knows all and with His sovereignty controls all, knows more than we can possibly even comprehend, knows better than we do. We should always seek God's will in every facet of our lives. We should also listen for when He calls us as God called his 2 witnesses in verse 3. You might think, well God will give those 2 witnesses power to prophecy. This chapter of revelation is a prophecy that John wrote, and we can share it with others. You see the word witness in Greek is martyr or testifier, someone who sees and tells.

God commissions us all to represent Him before others. You may think why would God use me to tell others. First of all God commands us to take the gospel of Jesus Christ to all (Matthew 28:19). Second, God can use anyone that so chooses, including you. God used Moses, who murdered an Egyptian to lead many Jews out of Egypt across the desert. God used David who committed adultery and murder to bring glory to his name. God used Jonah who was full of anger to bring revival to many. God can use you, if you just trust and obey.

God accompanies His Word with supernatural power. We see that these witnesses were given power to have fire come from their mouth, and for there not to be rain or to bring plagues to the earth. You have to remember it is God that is granting the power.

God also protects those that he calls. God protects us and never gives us anything we can't handle. Remember Paul was stoned and left for dead, but the Lord didn't let him die, instead Paul continued his missionary work. God is perfect in what he allows in our lives. We see that He protects the 2 witnesses until their duty is complete.

God sometimes allows the world perceived victory for His own purpose. We see that God allowed the witnesses to be killed by beast of the bottomless pit. We also see that they were left dead on the city streets for 3 days. We would assume that the beast is victorious however God is always victorious. Sometimes God allows these things to happen to bring testimony to unbelievers.

God will always be victorious. We see that the 2 witness rose from the dead and stood up. Then they were called up to heaven and ascended up. This is almost like the 3 day resurrection of Christ. This just shows how God is all sufficient and perfect with his plan.

posted by Ben at 8:49 PM