The Lord measures what's His. Takes account of it. The rest of the holy city He gives over to the nations. He allows the lost to do what they will. Reveal where they stand before Him. This is the second woe. But in this woe, there is grace.
At the same time God allows the trampling of the holy city, He provides two witnesses to share testimony. 1260 days. 42 months. (Go ahead, divide 1260 by 30. There you find 42.) These are no ordinary witnesses. Protected by God they have power to reveal Who it is they serve.
The two witnesses are called olive trees and lampstands. This is their purpose before the Lord on earth, to bear fruit and give light. And this is where we see His grace. As the world runs amok against God, He provides witnesses to reveal who He is to those who are blind. The One who offers good fruit and light. No one has to receive, but it's their's for the taking if they will. This is the same grace His witnesses are called to offer today to those who don't know Him. His followers are to be a testimony of good fruit and light in a world of unbelievers running crazy in the dark.
Like Jesus, their end seemed a great loss. A powerful witness to the world, destroyed by those of the world. Killed by the beast. Celebrated over. Gloated over. But the world didn't get the last word.
After three and a half days, God breathed life into the two and called them up. This was their final testimony, emphasized with the exclamation point of a great earthquake. Seven thousand died. But because of the witness provided by God the rest were terrified -- awestruck! -- and gave glory to God.
Grace.
Lord, in Your great wisdom You let darkness run crazy in the world.
Let me not be undone by it, but stand firm as Your witness offering grace,
so those who are lost might be saved.
He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.
Revelation 2:7
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