Glimpse Of Glory 9

Title

Text: Revelation 11

Introduction

Remember, from chapter 10-14

Behind all of the geo-political and politics there is a battle between God and Satan.

We all believe that humanity is on a train ride to utter destruction.

We have been traveling through future events of God taking back the title deed of creation and bring down his kingdom of which will consume all others (we learn that today).

Revelation 10–14 describes the events that will occur at the middle of the seven-year Tribulation. This explains John’s repeated mention of the three-and-a-half-year time segment in one form or another (Rev. 11:2–3; 12:6, 14; 13:5). At the beginning of this period, the Antichrist began to make his conquest by promising to protect the Jews and assist in their rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem. But after three-and-a-half-years, he will break his agreement, invade the temple, and begin to persecute the Jewish people. Warren W. Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1996), 596.

The interlude, Rev 10:1–11:14, continues with a second remarkable event. John has been a participant in the saga of the small scroll and has learned through the consumption of the volume God’s purpose for him to prophesy again concerning many peoples, nations, languages, and kings. That John is asked once again to participate in his own vision in chap. 11 is not surprising.

Paige Patterson, Revelation, ed. E. Ray Clendenen, vol. 39, The New American Commentary (Nashville, TN: B&H, 2012), 237.

1) An Unmatched Power Of God’s Witnesses

A. God’s protection is seen through John’s participation

We are in the last tribulation

In 95AD there was no temple in Jerusalem to measure.

Jesus prophesied that King Herod’s temple would be completely destroyed. That happened in 70AD.

So…what temple was the angel referring too that John was supposed to measure?

There are some who take a more symbolic approach to what the temple and outer court represent.

However, in my estimation, it is very fitting to understand this in the literal sense of a Jews being able to return to temple worship.

Here are some realities to keep in mind:

You have Ezekiel description of a temple that far transcends in size and beauty than anything before.

What is called the Temple Mount is the most contested piece of real-estate on the planet.

There are discussion in our lifetime of not only allowing a temple to be rebuilt but also a church for Christians (that really speaks to a one world religion). Italian authorities are even discussing whether they should return the temple furniture that they took when Rome destroyed it and took everything with them.

The actual place that the most orthodox Jew believes the temple was built was just right of the Dome of the rock in line with the eastern gate.

The angel mentions a period of time of 3.5 years.

This gives me the understanding of the temple being built prior to the tribulation or at the beginning.

The measuring here is more to do with those worshiping than the temple itself.

Remember, there is prophesied a remnant of Jews who will survive (later the subject of chapter 12)

APP — Think of the message of God’s protection

B. God’s sovereignty is seen through God’s two witnesses

Jesus told his followers right before He ascended that He has all power and He would never leave them.

Over two thousand years, the church has been God’s living witnesses. Many times successful and other times not so much.

At this moment, the church has been raptured yet God maintains a presence of witnesses.

These two witnesses are well aquainted with the particular powers God has given them.

While there are different opinions as to who there are, it is my understanding of them to Elijah and Moses.

“Prophecy” = they are going to preach (3.5 years)

“Saccloth” = expression of humility.

“two olive trees = a representation of the fact that the Spirit will never let them run out of the power needed to preach.

“seek ye first the kingdom of God…”

“two lamp stands” = representing the fact they were to be a light during the tribulation period.

C. God’s glory is seen by those who were spared

2) An Unavoidable Reign Of God’s Kingdom

A. The angelic announcement of the Trinitarian Kingdom

B. The entire globe will be ruled by the cosmic King Jesus

C. The

Verses 1-3

John is once again asked to participate in this apocalyptic vision.

He is given a reed of which he is supposed to measure