The Two Witnesses Pt. 2 – Rev. 11:5-14

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I had an associate pastor years ago of evangelism, a dear man, Charles Beatty. And he was dying of cancer. He was just skin and bones. And it was all over, call the family, everything. And we had prayer for him. And I said, you know, Charlie, it’s possible that God will heal you. And he just wants you around a little bit more. And he said, well, I’m ready to go home to be with the Lord. Don’t worry about it. Just pray a prayer about the sovereignty of God. So I did. And I said, Lord, if you want to heal him, you can. We know you can. And all of a sudden, Charlie started getting better. He almost seemed irritated. He was so anxious to go home to heaven. You know, and he stayed around for many more years, leading folks to Christ and training them in the Lord. People were astonished. Every Sunday they’d look at him and say, are you all right? They just could not believe that that man with skin and bones all of a sudden came back.

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Thank you.

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Revelation 11 takes us to a scene unlike any other. Two witnesses stand in the heart of Jerusalem, breathing fire against their enemies, shutting up the heavens so that not a single drop of rain falls, striking the earth with plague after plague. The world… The world can only watch, furious, powerless, powerless, until at last these prophets of God are struck down. Their bodies lie in the streets as nations rejoice, cities party, and the world believes it has won. But after three and a half days, a voice from heaven calls, and they rise. On this edition of Hope for Today, Bible teacher David Hawking continues our journey into the prophecy of God’s two witnesses. And you need to hear it. I do too. Stay tuned. First, we’re going to open up the mailbag. Matt, our listener letter today comes from George in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He listens on, what station is that? KCFO.

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KCFO. 970 AM.

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Greetings to our wonderful friends. We sure appreciate you guys there at KCFO. And what does George have to say?

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It says, I listened to your good teaching on radio station AM 970 KCFO in Tulsa and on your podcast when my schedule doesn’t allow me to hear it on the radio. And here’s the cool thing, Jim. Most of these stations all have podcasts you can listen to. You don’t have to just be available for that one time. Yeah.

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So go to the station’s website and check out their feed as well. Well, thank you to George for sending that note to us from Tulsa, Oklahoma. And if you have a note for us, maybe a prayer request, get in touch with us, and we’ll tell you just a bit later how to do that.

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And here’s David with today’s lesson. Take your Bibles, please, and turn to Revelation chapter 11. We are discussing the two witnesses, and you are thoroughly confused. Several of you offered your views. I appreciate them. I am senile now. I will continue with my notes. But thank you. We all need to be searching the Scriptures daily to see whether those things be so. But let’s take a quick review and start by reading God’s Word again. And we’re looking at the opening 14 verses of chapter 11 of the book of Revelation. Verse 1, it says, And there was given me a reed like a rod… And the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship in it. But the court, which is without or outside the temple, leave out, and measure it not. For it is given unto the Gentiles the nations, and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months.” 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 or lampstands 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 war 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 peoples and kindreds and tongues and nations shall see their dead bodies three days and a half, and shall not allow or permit or suffer their dead bodies to be 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 all them who saw them. And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up here. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud, and their enemies beheld them. And the same hour was there a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the city fell, and in the earthquake were slain of men seven thousand. And the remnant were astonished or frightened or terrified, and gave glory to the God of heaven. The second woe is past, and behold, the third woe cometh quickly. Let’s pray. Lord, help us now as we study your word to not only hear the word, but to do the word, to apply it in our lives. We know these days are near the return of Jesus Christ. We’re in perilous times, times about which your word spoke. Help us, Lord, to be wise and not deceived. Help us, Lord, to live holy. Help us, Lord, to clean up our act when we know what we’re doing is wrong. Help us to repent. Thank you that you’re a gracious and loving and forgiving God. We pray for those who are listening right now and not really sure of their own relationship to you. God, help them to know that Jesus is the only way. He is the truth and the life, and no man can come to the Father but through him. May we turn to him before it’s too late. Thank you, Lord, for what you’re going to do in Jesus’ name. Amen. We looked at the measurement of the temple in the opening two verses and saw that there was a prohibition there that the court outside, which was called the court of the Gentiles, was actually a metaphor for what was really going to happen in Jerusalem. It’s going to be trodden down of the Gentiles during the last half of the tribulation period. When the Antichrist, who makes a peace agreement through guaranteeing the peace and security of Israel from its hostile neighbors, he’s going to change his mind and he’s going to desecrate the temple that they will be rebuilding. And he is going to then persecute Israel. And the last three and a half years, Jerusalem will again be trodden down of the Gentiles. Until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled, Jesus said in Luke 21, 24. And that’s the end of the tribulation period. The times of the Gentiles began with the destruction of Jerusalem by Babylon in 586 B.C. They will end at the end of the tribulation period when Christ returns in power and great glory and sets up his kingdom on the earth. So the prophecy is that the holy city, they’ll tread underfoot 40 and two months or three and a half years or 1260 days, the last half of the tribulation. Now don’t get confused because the two witnesses are during the first half of the tribulation because it’s at the middle of the week that they are killed. They’re resurrected. A remnant turns to the Lord and all hell breaks out in terms of persecution of Israel. We looked at the message of the two witnesses in verse 3, and I pointed out something to you I want you to see again. It’s the two witnesses of mine in the Greek text, which means they are referred to somewhere else in the Bible. The two witnesses of mine. Now, naturally, it could simply be referring to Joshua and Zerubbabel. We looked at some of that history, but we believe there’s something more intended. The message of these two witnesses is a message of repentance. We looked at that at the end of verse 3. They were clothed in sackcloth. That common Old Testament symbolism of grief and mourning and lamentation and repentance turning to God. Now the meaning of these two witnesses. We gave you two concepts here and I want to remind you of them. One is there is a historical meaning. that can only mean two men. Joshua, who is the high priest, and Zerubbabel, who was the civic ruler. By the way, Zerubbabel was in the messianic line of King David. When we say the meaning of the two witnesses, historically, there’s no choice. It’s Joshua and Zerubbabel. But prophetically, we believe there’s another choice. We’re not trying to make this up. It’s because of what God says in His Word. I suggest to you that the two witnesses could very well be Moses and Elijah all along. They are the same two men that show up at the transfiguration, the resurrection, the ascension, and once again in the tribulation period. Now, in looking at this again, I want you to notice in verse 5 the manner in which they are protected. When we read in Revelation 11 that these guys have fire coming out of their mouths and devouring their enemies, hey, that was associated with how God protected his servants in the Old Testament, and it was associated with Elijah the prophet. So back to Revelation chapter 11 again. And I want you to look at the means by which they demonstrate their power in verse 6, and that tells us very clearly that it’s connected with Moses and Elijah, both of them. Look at Revelation 11 again. And verse 6, it says, these have power to shut heaven that it rain not in the days of their prophecy. Now, who’s that? That’s Elijah. Well, don’t take my word for it. Flip back to James chapter 5. James chapter 5. Now, the story is in 1 Kings, but here’s a New Testament commentary on that. These witnesses have power to shut heaven so that it won’t rain. James 5. Verse 16, confess your faults one to another and pray one for another that you may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. Elijah was a man subject to like passions as we are. He’s just like us. And he prayed earnestly that it might not rain. And it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. And he prayed again and the heaven gave rain and the earth brought forth her fruit. So who is the one who shuts up heaven so that it doesn’t rain? Again, it’s connected or associated with Elijah the prophet. And the Bible uses it. Back to chapter 11 of Revelation, verse 6. Not only do they stop the rain, but they also strike the waters, turning them into blood. It says, and they have power over waters to turn them to blood. Now, nobody’s going to miss this one. Exodus 7.20 tells us that that’s exactly what Moses did. By the way, the Egyptians were really hurting on that one, not only because their agricultural products would be affected by the Nile River, which is their source of life in Egypt, turning to blood, being polluted, but also because they believed the Nile River was the number one god. If you have not studied the gods of Egypt, they are very polytheistic, all kinds of gods, but the number one god is the Nile River, from which they got life. So when the Nile River turns to blood, guess what? Their god died. You can imagine the panic all over Egypt. Their God died. And Moses is exerting power over their God. They not only strike the waters, they smite the earth with plagues. And you can’t miss that. Moses was involved in that in terms of the ten plagues of Egypt in Israel’s past history. So the Bible’s not trying to be tricky. It’s giving us the clues to explain to us who the two witnesses are. I think the two witnesses are Moses and Elijah. And I will not be surprised if they turn out to be Moses and Elijah. I think that’s what the Bible indicates. And I think that’s very important. Moses is the lawgiver. Elijah is the greatest of the prophets. And those two men represent the history of Israel in terms of the law and prophets. And they’re going to come back, and they’re going to witness for three and a half years. Now look at the method by which they’re killed, verses 7 to 10. the method by which they are killed. Now, one of the things I like about this, it says in verse 7, when they shall have finished their testimony. Nobody’s going to be able to hurt these guys until they’re done. Now, I don’t know if this blesses you or not, but we will all die on time. We’re under divine appointment. It’s appointed unto men once to die. You just don’t know. It’s in the hands of the Lord. What I like is nothing’s going to happen to them until God’s done with them. Isn’t that nice to know? And when God’s done with you, you don’t want to stick around any longer. You’re finished, washed up, go home to glory. But if He’s not done with you and there’s a message He wants to give to His people, He might keep you around for a while. If for nothing else, just people look at you and say, I don’t believe it, I don’t believe it, I don’t believe it. And they’ll be praising the Lord because of what they see. But I like that statement, when they shall have finished their testimony. And all of us need to take courage with that. God has a plan for every one of us. If you’re still breathing, some of us barely, but if you’re still breathing, God has a plan for you. You’re still here and you want to entrust yourself to your creator and say, Lord, whatever you want, that’s what I want. So nothing’s going to happen. And the book of Job is so ideal on that because God just had a hedge about that man. He wouldn’t let anything happen to him that wasn’t under his divine will and permission. God was protecting him. You can trust the Lord to take care of you all the way to glory. Doesn’t matter how you die. I love looking at doctors and saying, you know, you really don’t know, do you? This guy in that room today, he was so, you know, they try to be so objective. I guess they don’t want to get emotional. Their family’s crying and weeping and all that, and he’s in there. He said, well, on the basis of, he’ll be dead tonight. Oh, well, what do you got, the gift of comfort? I mean, come on. You know, some of those doctors need to clean up their act, and I see several of them in the audience laughing right now. Just keep laughing, right? But God knows, folks. He knows. He’s in absolute control. Nothing’s going to happen until God’s done with you. When they shall have finished their testimony. Now, look at the person who kills them. He’s called the beast. The beast that ascended out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them and shall overcome them and kill them. That’s interesting. Turn over to chapter 13, verse 7. Concerning the saints, the beast opened his mouth and blasphemed God, verse 6, and it was given unto him to make war, here not with the two witnesses, but with the saints, with believers, and what? Overcome them. What does it mean to overcome them? Well, chapter 11, verse 7 meant to kill them. He’s going to kill the saints. Wow. Look at chapter 13, verse 15. This second beast… that had two horns like a lamb and spoke like a dragon, we call the false prophet. He had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be what? Killed. That’s what it says. So what happens to the believers in the tribulation period? They’re killed. Now one of the interesting things about this beast, in chapter 11, verse 7, where we are, it says he comes out of the bottomless pit. But look over to chapter 13, verse 1. It says, I stood upon the sand of the sea and saw a beast rise up out of the sea. Out of the bottomless pit, chapter 11, verse 7. Out of the sea, chapter 13, verse 1. Now look at verse 11. And I beheld another beast coming up… out of the earth. We have a beast coming up out of the bottomless pit, chapter 11, verse 7, coming up out of the sea, chapter 13, verse 1, and coming out of the earth, chapter 13, verse 11. What do we make of all this? Number one, We make of this, first of all, that he is satanically inspired. When he comes out of the bottomless pit, we’re talking the demons of hell are his force and are using him. And in particular, the Bible says the dragon will give him all his authority and his throne and will speak through him. So when we read he comes out of the bottomless pit, we know the source who’s behind him, and that’s the devil himself. And when it says he comes out of the sea, the sea represents the nations of the world, and maybe the sea, meaning the Mediterranean, and what they call a revived Roman empire around the Mediterranean that becomes the immediate empire of the Antichrist. That’s one view. But to show you what the sea means, turns to chapter 17, please. Chapter 17. It says in verse 1 that the great harlot sits upon many waters. Now look down at verse 15, chapter 17. He saith unto me, the waters which thou sawest, where the harlot sits, remember she’s sitting on a beast, are peoples and multitudes and nations and tongues. So we have, first of all, that the source of this terrible person who’s going to come as a counterfeit, really. He’s an antichrist, not meaning against, but in the stead of Christ. He will deceive many. He will seem like Mr. Clean, Mr. Good, human rights, the whole thing. The world will love him. Bible says the whole world will wonder after him. Go for him. He’ll be the leader of all leaders. Finally, our answer to all our problems. He’ll be able to solve things no one else could in history. People will follow him like crazy. But his true source is from the devil. And he comes out of the nations. He’s one of us. He’s our man. And he also will come out of the earth because he’s not from heaven. He’s the opposite of that. Everything about heaven is not even associated with him.

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That’s Bible teacher and author David Hawking, and this is Hope for Today. David will be back in a bit to close out our time in a word. Some additional teaching is just ahead, so don’t go anywhere. Right now, Matt’s here, and together we’re going to tell you about a book by David that may just help you see how important it is to not gloss over the writings of the lesser-known prophets.

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Matt? What a blessing it’s been to showcase visions of the future. My dad’s engaging study trekked through Zechariah. Jim, Zechariah is brimming with Bible prophecy now fulfilled and yet to be fulfilled.

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It’s also a sobering account of the end of God’s forbearance with the people of Israel. His judgment via Babylon’s destruction of Jerusalem. And, of course, the forced removal of the Jews to Babylon.

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But also God’s merciful work of restoring his people to the land. That’s it. Calling them to repentance and rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem. That’s it. Now, there’s warnings here, though, and hope for all who need to come to repentance. Amen? Amen.

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Well, because God has that heart for the people of Israel, we know he has that mercy when we repent.

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Amen. Amen. Amen.

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And in these difficult days, and you know this, Matt, when evil is often lauded as good, biblical truths are savagely attacked and believers are targeted. We see that, don’t we? It’s reassuring to study Zechariah and see God’s prophetic plan for the world laid out.

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And to know that all who belong to Jesus through his redemptive work of salvation will be spared the events foretold in Zechariah.

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And there is so much to see and study in Zechariah that will build your faith, expand your understanding of God’s plan for the ages, thrill your heart for the future that awaits believers, and inspire you to be a gospelite.

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And you’ll find and experience it all inside Visions of the Future by my dad, David Hawking. Visions of the Future, our featured resource this month, is just $15. And your purchase will also help the Ministry of Hope for today. Yeah, and please pray for hope for today in these challenging times. Yeah, please start with that.

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And if you’d like to be a part of this work and help meet our financial need, consider sending a donation as well. We do need the help. Your summertime donation will be particularly helpful. You can order Visions of the Future by calling us at 1-800-75-BIBLE. That’s in the U.S. Or 888-75-BIBLE in Canada. Bible is 24253. And you can also order online at davidhawking.org. Now, when you order a resource, the purchase price covers the cost of production and shipping and handling costs. But we need more help beyond that because the cost of keeping this broadcast on the air, paying for airtime production costs, streaming our teaching free to thousands around the world. It needs fuel. It needs support from listening friends in the way of donations. That’s why we ask friends like you to prayerfully consider giving above and beyond the cost of your resource order. Let me ask you a question. What would it feel like to know that your gift is not just helping you grow, but it’s also sending the Word of God into homes and hearts that may have never heard it before? How would it change your perspective to know that because of you, a new believer has a Bible study by mail in their hands, or a pastor in Africa is being trained to teach his congregation the pure Word of God? Well, you know, the truth is, if voices like this are silenced, the world doesn’t grow quieter, it grows darker. But your support keeps the light of God’s Word being taught through Hope for Today going Shining. Every time you give, you’re partnering with us to proclaim the Word of God without compromise. And whether your gift is $25, $50, or $100 or more, God uses it to multiply His Word far beyond what we could ever imagine. So if you’d like to help, you can send a gift by mail to HopeForToday, Box 3927.com. Tustin, California, 92781. That’s in the United States. Or in Canada, hope for today, Box 15011, RPO Seven Oaks, Abbotsford, B.C., V2S 8P1. Or send a gift by phone. Call 1-800-75-BIBLE in the U.S., 1-888-75-BIBLE in Canada, and online at davidhawking.org. And here’s David to take us home.

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Well, we’ve been studying the two witnesses for several days now, and we’re still looking at chapter 11. And the fact is that these two witnesses were killed by the Antichrist, and their dead bodies are lying in the street of Jerusalem. But it’s apparently going to be seen by the nations of the world, satellite television maybe. And God’s going to raise them up. Oh, boy. And that is going to be an exciting moment. And the Bible says in verse 11 that when they see it, the nations see it, great fear will fall on them which saw them. Wow. I tell you, this whole event of the two witnesses and a coming earthquake that we’ll get to, you don’t want to miss it. God bless you.

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Tomorrow, it’s a final look at Revelation 11. The world rejoices as God’s witnesses lie dead in the streets. But after three and a half days, heaven speaks. Breath enters their bodies and fear sweeps the earth. An earthquake shakes Jerusalem. Thousands perish and the nations know this is the hand of God. Wow. Be sure to invite a friend to join us next time on Hope for Today.