Revelation 11
It is easy in the meditation
on Revelation to fail to see the forest for the trees. This is especially true in this chapter. We are prone to want to discern every detail
that we fail to gain the message as a whole.
That message is conflict between the world and the people of God. We who
have lived our lives in a culture and society that is, on the surface, tolerant
of our faith might be enticed into thinking that there is a peaceful
coexistence between the world and the church. In reality the powers of darkness
are always attacking the church. This chapter displays overt persecution and in
other places the attacks on the church are shown as subtle and seductive.
In the conflict we see the
two witnesses who faithfully proclaim God's message to a hostile world. There
is no end to the guesses as to who these two witnesses are. One suggestion is
they represent the Word of God and the Church of God. They are hated and
persecuted but they are also powerful. They are killed or removed from society
and that is cause for celebration on the part of the hostile world. Think
of political/national philosophies or specific groups of people who want to
remove the church and Scriptures. But God doesn't forget His faithful servants;
rather He rescues and resuscitates them. We see at the end of the chapter a
snapshot of the Judgment to come. (vss.
15 – 19)
Rather than focus on the
trees, the individual types and symbols, what is the forest, the big picture
here? Expect opposition and persecution from the powers of darkness at work in
every culture and society when we faithfully bear witness to the truth. In
fact, worldly people believe they would be better off without the Word and the
Church. When opposed in our ministry and
efforts to proclaim the good news we need to always remember there are some who
would rather see us dead than spreading the gospel. But even in the midst of
these attacks God notices, cares and is planning our vindication. So, speak on.
Tell the truth come what may. Remaining faithful in our witness, that is the
path to victory.
Questions to ponder
No culture is static they
are all in change. Do you believe that
our culture is become more hostile or more accepting toward the Word of God and
the Church?
With prison and death a
prospect that we as American Christians will not likely face soon, what forms
of persecution are we most likely to face?
What is the best way to
respond to that attacks of our society on the Church and the Word of God?
What practical steps can you
take now to prepare for growing persecution?
