Two Olive Trees

Rev 11:1 And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein.
Rev 11:2 But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty [and] two months.
Rev 11:3 And I will give [power] unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred [and] threescore days, clothed in sackcloth.
Rev 11:4 These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth.
Rev 11:5 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.
Rev 11:6 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.

In my last post, I told you that in subsequent posts I would be writing to tell you some of the methods that God is going to use to bring Israel to repentance and turn her heart to the Messiah Jesus Christ. The first that I'd like to discuss are the two olive trees, which the Bible says are standing before the God of the Earth. Zechariah 4:14 tells us about these two olive trees that they are 2 anointed one's standing before the Lord of the earth. That begs the question of what they are doing. I believe they are standing in the gap of intercession for Israel. They are both literal and figurative. They will literally come and preach for 1,260 days (42 months or 3.5 yrs.). It is interesting that Rabbinical scholars tell us that it would take approximately 42 months to purify the temple to get it ready for sacrifices, if it were to be rebuilt.

I believe that during the rebuilding of the temple, which will take place during the first half of the Tribulation (Time of Jacob's Trouble), these 2 anointed ones will be calling the nation to repentance and faith in Jesus as Messiah. So who are these anointed ones? While it is purely speculation, I believe it will be Moses and Elijah. Who better to send back to call the Jewish people to faith in Messiah!?!

There are a couple of reasons I believe this: 1) the things they do (calling down fire, turning the water into blood, and releasing plagues); and 2) the office they hold. It is obvious that they are both prophets and Moses and Elijah both prophesied about the future of Israel and Messiah. They also are seen interceding for Israel and both Elijah and Moses did this. We also know that one has to be Elijah for the prophet Malachi prophesied that Elijah would come back to precede the Messiah's return during the Day of the Lord. As for Moses, both he and Elijah showed up on the Mount of Transfiguration with our Lord (Matthew 17:1-6). Furthermore, they both are figurative of something greater than themselves, the Law and the Prophets. So who better than those 2?

Regardless of who they are, it is obvious that God loves Israel if He is going to send two powerful anointed ones to them in the last days. He hasn't cut off Israel! Furthermore, we can see that His promises are true, and prophecy is simply history written in advance.

So, what will be the result of these two's ministry for 3.5 yrs? For 1, at least 144,000 (12,000 from each of the 12 tribes of Israel) will be saved and sealed to preach all over the globe (Revelation 7). They will see a great multitude come to faith in Jesus from all over the world (Revelation 7 and 14). Even during this time of Hell on earth, we see God graciously saving souls for His glory. What an awesome God we serve!

So, what will be their fate? If you read on in Revelation 11, you'll find that after these 42 months, God will allow the Beast (Anti-Christ) to kill these witnesses. Their bodies will lie in the streets for 3.5 days, after which they will be resurrected and ascend back into Heaven. We see God continuing to show signs and wonders to the Jews, which have sought for a sign since the days of Christ.

So, again, as we see God dealing with Israel and time drawing nigh, let us work for Him. Let us work the works of Him while it is day, the night is coming when no man can work. I ask you, "Are you ready to meet Him?" Larry Norman wrote a song many years ago entitled, "I Wish We'd all Been Ready." A line from that song says this, "The Father spoke; the demons dined; the Son has come; and you've been left behind." If you don't know Jesus as your Messiah, Lord and Savior, surrender to Him as Lord today! Repent and believe the gospel. The night is fast approaching, and God's day of grace is coming to a close. Meet Christ today in His love, so you won't wake up then and meet Him in His wrath! God bless you!