Encore Performances

      Now that we know from Daniel what the crucial flashpoint is in Chapter 11, we can understand what is about to take place. The angel informs us that the Gentile oppressors surrounding Israel will make war against her that will last 42 months (which just so happens to be 3½ years).
       In response, God sends an astounding confirmation of His will to the nations. It is two witnesses who shall prophecy in Jerusalem 1,260 days, which likewise happens to equal 42 months and 3½ years. The two witnesses are generally identified by scholars as Moses and Elijah, for they represent the 2 distinguishing feature of the law and the prophets. They also miraculously appeared on the Mount of Transfiguration with Jesus (Mt. 17:1-9). The miracles these two perform during this time are the same as what Moses and Elijah did during their Old Covenant ministries. They are described as two olive trees and two lampstands—representing the anointing and the light of revelation.
        But that is not the only encore performance that is seen. When their ministry is complete, they are killed. The Beast here refers to the spiritual counterfeit trinity of the Antichrist, the False Prophet, and the Dragon (Satan). Satan, who is the power behind this ungodly Beast, seeks to erect is own one-world order.
         End-Time Lesson: What happens next cements the point of why God must avenge evil on the earth. The people from all the tribes, tongues, and nations will see the witnesses murdered and their dead bodies lying in the street for 3 regular earthly days. The people rejoice over this, celebrating and sending gifts to one another. Why? “Because these two prophets tormented those who dwell on the earth” (Rev. 11:10). How did they torment them? By warning them of what was to come.
         Did this torment bring painful stings and bloodshed like that of Satan’s forces (Rev. 9)? No, the torment of the two witnesses consisted of telling the people the truth that God Almighty reigns. And if the people continue to reject Him, God’s perfect justice shall be served. He shall destroy those who seek to destroy the earth (Rev. 11:18).
        God’s truth always prevails. So in the midst of this hedonistic celebration, God brings yet another encore performance. This time He resurrects the two witnesses after three days. All the people see them rising up to Heaven in clouds of glory, just as they saw Jesus raised up as His resurrection and saw His  Church raise up in resurrection as this last Day dawned.
      John brings us back to the unfolding revelation with this announcement: “The second woe is past. Behold, the third woe is coming quickly” (v. 14).
           Before we leave this chapter, however, we need to see one more important detail—where is all this happening? In what city? Verse 2 tells us it is the holy city (Jerusalem), confirmed by the fact that this is where the Temple is rebuilt. Verse 8 tells us that this  city is spiritually called Sodom and Egypt. In case we’re tempted to think this can’t be Jerusalem because of this spiritual condition, it is also described as the place where Jesus was crucified—Jerusalem. Stay tuned to find out why this is important.