The Church (the 2 witnesses) throughout history has carried the message of repentance and the demonstration of signs and wonders. We would want that to be a picture of completeness and perfection. But of course throughout history we just know for the persecuted that is simply not their experience. “And I will appoint my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth.” (v3) Those days are 3.5 years, half of the seven. It hasn’t been and it isn’t perfect.
Then what happens?
“Now when they have finished their testimony, the beast that comes up from the Abyss will attack them, and overpower and kill them. 8 Their bodies will lie in the public square of the great city—which is figuratively called Sodom and Egypt—where also their Lord was crucified. 9 For three and a half days some from every people, tribe, language and nation will gaze on their bodies and refuse them burial. 10 The inhabitants of the earth will gloat over them and will celebrate by sending each other gifts, because these two prophets had tormented those who live on the earth. (Revelation 11 v 7-11)
Who is the beast and where is the great city also called Sodom (that corrupt city) and Egypt (that self-dependent city)?
For John’s generation it was the Emperors and Rome. For the future generations it has been a variety of pagan and oppressive rulers and their empires. Though the Church has spoken the truth and even moved supernaturally they have experienced time and again the enemy celebrating their demise throughout every generation. But again we take heart because we know that isn’t the end of the story, it isn’t complete, it is half of the seven again, it is 3.5 days, so if it isn’t perfect then it means that God still has a move to make. He does!
Key thought: If you have been defeated by the enemy simply because you have tried to be and do what a follower of Jesus should, then wait, it isn’t over, it is only 3.5 days. Wait and see what happens next! God is coming!
Missions Paul 