Intro discussion questions:
- Are you and earthling or an alien?
- How would someone know by observing you?
So often in looking at Scripture we tend to isolate out verses or chapters without considering the connection to what came before it or the context in which it was first delivered. Again, Rev was a message to a church suffering or about to suffer persecution. Throughout the book one of the key messages is persevere and this passage is another reminder of God's protection even in the midst of suffering, which re-enforces the last several chapters.
Rev. 11:1-2 is a reminder of God's protection (Sweet), but there will be suffering (Bitter) for a time. Here is the break down for that:
Temple = the church/God's people (2 Cor 6:16, Eph 2:19-22, Heb 3:6, 1 Peter 2:5)
Measured = Protected (Ez. 40-42, Zech 2:1-5)
Outside court tramples = suffering for a time (Jesus is our example, Mark 9:31)
Rev 11:3-13 is both a literal (in the last days 2 witnesses will show up) and symbolic illustration or acting out of 11:1-2 & previous sweet/bitter message.
Note that the 2 witnesses are:
- not hiding but proclaiming..
- protected w/ fire (e.g. Zech 2:1-5, 2 Kings 1)
- resurrected or vindicated (Ezek 37) just like the saints who ask "How long Lord?" in earlier chapters are promised they will be
- What was the purpose of prophecy (their message)?
- One last chance
- Judgment
- much like John the Baptist call and the OT prophets
- note that here in some do turn to God
Application:
- What is the most valuable thing in your life?
- Challenge from Matt 10: 34-39
- Are you living as an alien in this world?
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