God's Two Candlesticks
Today’s Verse:
These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth. ~Revelation 11:4
During the Great Tribulation, God will raise up two men who are referred to as God’s two witnesses. They are described as His two olive trees and two candlesticks. They have a limited ministry, during which they will testify of God’s judgment on earth and direct the people of the world to the Lord. Let us consider the encouragement that the lives of these two men give us.
We see their calling.
God calls them “my two witnesses” in verse 3. God uniquely calls men to be His preachers of the gospel. God has always raised up the men whom He needs for every generation to preach His Word and be the voices of their generation. "The gifts and calling of God are without repentance." We are not told anything about these men regarding their backgrounds. We do know that these men are raised up to represent the Lord during the time of God’s great wrath on the earth for its wickedness. They will be the right men in the right place. Be certain that you know the calling that God has given you and that you are the right person in the right place.
We see their continuance.
They will prophesy for 1,260 days, or three and a half years. They are given a specific time in which to serve the Lord. This is a reminder to us that the time we have to serve our Lord is, likewise, specific. Peter encourages us to live the rest of our days to the will of God. We have only one life in which to serve the Lord. C.T. Studd said, "Only one life, 'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last." Make the most of the time that God has given you to serve Him.
We see their capability.
These two men are given incredible power. They can call down fire against their enemies. They have power to shut the heavens from rain, turn water into blood, and smite the earth with all plagues. God never fails to give His servants who are surrendered to Him power for service. Our capability for power is limited to our surrender, time with God, and faith in what God can do. We must not underestimate the need for power for service. We need God’s power in everything that we do if we want to maximize our effectiveness for Him.
We see their completion.
In verse 7, they will finish their testimony for the Lord. Not long after this, the Beast will contend with them, overcome them, and kill them. However, God raises these two men up and takes them to Heaven. These men, who are hated and killed, will instill fear in the hearts of their enemies when they see them resurrected and, then, raptured out of this world. God takes care of His servants up to their last breath. Let us remember that our days of service will end one day. We will want to give our Lord our best as we serve Him.
We see the catalyst.
Even though the two witnesses are set to appear in the future, they are a catalyst for the ministry. They stir us to be circumspect and to redeem the time, for the days are evil. They stir us on to desire God’s unlimited power in our life. They stir us to make a difference for God through our words, works, and walk. They stir us to lay everything on the line and to always be ready for God to work through us. Let’s be stirred about being fervent in spirit, serving the Lord. Shine and burn brightly with what God has given you.
Have a serving God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Job 40-42