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Day 178 Revelation 11:1 Then I received a reed like a measuring rod. And the angel stood, saying, “Rise and measure the temple of God, the altar, and those who worship there. 2 But leave out the court, which is outside the temple, and do not measure it, for it has been given to the Gentiles. They will tread the holy city underfoot for forty-two months. 3 I will give power to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for one thousand two hundred and sixty days, clothed in sackcloth.” 4 These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands standing before the God of the earth. 5 If anyone wants to harm them, fire proceeds from their mouth and devours their enemies. If anyone wants to harm them, he must be killed in this manner. 6 These have power to shut heaven, so that no rain falls in the days of their prophecy; and they have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to strike the earth with all plagues, as often as they desire. 7 When they finish their testimony, the beast that ascends out of the bottomless pit will make war against them, overcome them, and kill them. 8 Their dead bodies will lie in the street of the great city which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified. 9 Then those from the peoples, tribes, tongues, and nations will see their dead bodies three-and -a-half days, and not allow their dead bodies to be put into graves. 10 Those who dwell on the earth will rejoice over them, make merry, and send gifts to one another, because these two prophets tormented those who dwell on the earth. 11 Now after the three-and -a-half days the breath of life from God entered them, and they stood on their feet, and great fear fell on those who saw them. 12 They heard a loud voice from heaven saying to them, “Come up here.” They ascended to heaven in a cloud, and their enemies saw them. 13 In the same hour there was a great earthquake, and a tenth of the city fell. In the earthquake seven thousand people were killed, and the rest were afraid and gave glory to the God of heaven. 14 The second woe is past. Behold, the third woe is coming quickly. 15 Then the seventh angel sounded: There were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He will reign forever and ever!” 16 The twenty-four elders who sat before God on their thrones fell on their faces and worshiped God, 17 saying: “We give You thanks, O Lord God Almighty, the One who is and who was and who is to come, because You have taken Your great power and reigned. 18 The nations were angry, and Your wrath has come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that You should reward Your servants the prophets and the saints, and those who fear Your name, small and great, and should destroy those who destroy the earth.” 19 Then the temple of God was opened in heaven, and the ark of His covenant was seen in His temple. And there was lightning, noises, thunder, an earthquake, and great hail. Many people like to see bad things happen to good people. They can’t keep their mirth from overflowing into social media and giving their rendition of what happened until everyone knows their take on what happened and celebrates with them when they topple into dust. An angel gave John a measuring reed to measure the temple, but not the court of the Gentiles. When he did, he saw the two witnesses prophesying about what was to come. Those two witnesses are believed to be Elijah and Enoch who never tasted death. They will die. When they do, all their enemies will rejoice and give presents to each other for three-and-a-half days. Then life will return to them, and God will call them to heaven. Then everyone who rejoiced over their demise, will see them ascend to heaven. When they ascend to heaven, God will cause an earthquake in Jerusalem. When the earthquake happens, seven thousand people die, and the rest will give glory to God. Then the angel announces that the kingdoms of the earth belong to God and His Son, the Christ. At the announcement, the twenty-four elders fall down and worship God. When they do, God opens the temple and John saw the Ark of the Covenant. What does this mean for Christians? Christians can get as caught up in social media and the bad-mouthing emanating from those who would see Christians destroyed as much as those who don’t worship Jesus or anything about Him. What can you do to keep on top of what is going on in the world? Pray. Prayer is the only thing that will keep you ahead of Satan’s plans for Christians and the world. You know the day will come when Satan takes over the earth and God starts His judgment of the earth. You know God’s judgments are God’s last effort to bring salvation to the nations and those who rejected Jesus as Savior and Lord. When you see the signs spoken about by Jesus, then is the time to look up because your redemption draws nigh. Jesus’ return is soon. Matthew 24:4 Jesus answered and said to them: “Take heed that no one deceives you. 5 For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many. 6 You will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. 7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are the beginning of sorrows.” John saw what happened when the earthquake hit Jerusalem. Many people died, and the rest glorified God. Salvation will come to people during the Tribulation. When you see God’s plan unfold and people turning to God and glorifying Him, rejoice. God is only interested in salvation. He wants everyone to know Him. Don’t rejoice with those who want to see the destruction of God’s people. Rejoice when you see salvation come to those who once rejected Him. Rejoice with the twenty-four elders who worshiped God when people glorified Jesus and the angel announced that the kingdoms of the earth belonged to God and Christ. Rejoice because your redemption draws near. If you accepted Jesus as Savior and Lord, you will not be part of God’s judgments on the earth. However, if you have not accepted Jesus as Savior and Lord, you will still have the opportunity to know Him and glorify Him when you see the prophecy unfold. Give God praise and rejoice because He wants all men everywhere to repent and come to the knowledge of Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. He doesn’t want anyone to go to Hell. 2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. (NKJV) Give God glory and watch Him move on the nations. Let’s pray: Father, help me not to be among those who rejoice at the destruction of Your people. Help me rejoice instead, when I see You move in the hearts and lives of those who don’t know You and accept You as Savior and Lord. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen. Copyright © 11 January 2024 by Valerie Routhieaux The image belongs to me.