Revelation 11 DEVO: Measurement, 2 Witnesses, 7th Trumpet

Chapter 11:
Ok, I think today’s passage is one of the most difficult passages in Revelation to interpret. With that said, here are my thoughts…
1-2: John is told to go and measure the temple, altar & it’s worshippers. Inventory is often taken of one’s possessions and the temple belonged to God. Seems to also be a sense that those measured are secure in God and those not measured are not – most likely unbelieving Gentiles who will oppress the Jews just before Christ returns. The 42 months = 1260 days or 3 ½ years and predicted in the book of Daniel. The main comfort I take from this is that the reign of evil WILL have an end!
3-6: God then sends 2 fire-breathing witnesses. Most likely these are Moses & Elijah. Both were at the transfiguration, Malachi 4:5 says Elijah will appear during this time, “no rain” alludes to Elijah and “water to blood” alludes to Moses. Regardless, anyone who tries to hurt these two witnesses is toast! They will preach repentance, foretell the future and restore Israel to her land.
7-10: The beast here is not Satan himself, but certainly demonic and will kill these two witnesses. Their bodies will be left in the streets for 3 ½ days to enhance the insult. People will be glad they were slain and even celebrate. Somehow (TV/satellite/internet) the whole world will see this.
11-12: When these two come back to life, absolute fear will come upon those who were rejoicing. If murder is the ultimate weapon of mankind and it doesn’t work, that will bring terror! God will then call them up to heaven and everyone will watch them go. Those left behind will be freaking out – wondering what will happen to them next.
13-14: Their fears came true as “there was a severe earthquake and a tenth of the city collapsed. Seven thousand people were killed in the earthquake, and the survivors were terrified and gave glory to the God of heaven.” This is not the third “woe”, that is still to come.
15-19: The 7th Trumpet sounds and heaven celebrates the transferring of power from Satan back to the True King! BUT, before the contents of the 7th trumpet are disclosed (Ch 16), there is some lengthy background given (ch 12-15) so we can better understand those coming judgments.
SO WHAT?!
*God is measuring our hearts right now. More important to God than what we say or do is our heart. How does your heart for God measure up? Do you & I treasure the things of God above all other things? Two big indicators are our schedules and our checkbooks. What do they show?
*Being a true witness for Jesus can cost us our lives? But even if it doesn’t, it should cost us something. What have you & I sacrificed for our Lord?
*How has God lifted you up because you were obedient. He did it with these two witnesses physically, but how about with us? Lovingly take a stand for God - it’s worth it!
*Finally, God is STILL offering hope! Regardless what kind of mess you are in, God is in the restoration and transformation business – and he’s GREAT at it!