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“And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy…”
For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.
(Matthew 18:20) |
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The whole world rejoices at the deaths of these two witnesses, who have caused trouble by saying what the people didn’t want to hear—words about their sin, their need for repentance, and the coming punishment. Sinful people hate those who call attention to their sin and who urge them to repent. They hated Christ, and they hate his followers. When you obey Christ and take a stand against sin, be prepared to experience the world’s hatred. But remember that the great reward awaiting you in heaven far outweighs any suffering that you face now. (Life Application Notes)
As faithful witnesses of the saving power of Jesus Christ, we should be fearless, speaking boldly and lovingly to those who are not saved, taking courage in the promise of His Great Commission:
And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. (Matthew 28:18-20) |
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Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldy, as I ought to speak.
(Acts 5:42) |
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It isn’t easy to be a witness of the Gospel; without God’s Holy Spirit it’s impossible. God reserves great power and great promise to those who testify of his Son Jesus.
God sends witnesses to preach the Gospel. |
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And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth. These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth. And if any man will hurt them, fire proceedeth out of their mouth, and devoureth their enemies: and if any man will hurt them, he must in this manner be killed. These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy: and have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with all plagues, as often as they will. And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make ware against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them. And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified. And they of the people and kindreds and tongues and nations shall see their dead bodies three days and a half, and shall not suffer their dead bodies to b e put in graves. And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them, and make merry, and shall send gifts one to another; because these two prophets tormented them that dwelt on the earth. And after three days and a half the Spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them. And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them.
(Revelation 11:3-12) |