Opening Prayer
“God’s Final Witnesses: The Lampstands of Revelation”
Revelation 11:3–12
And I will appoint my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth.” 4 They are “the two olive trees” and the two lampstands, and “they stand before the Lord of the earth.” 5 If anyone tries to harm them, fire comes from their mouths and devours their enemies. This is how anyone who wants to harm them must die. 6 They have power to shut up the heavens so that it will not rain during the time they are prophesying; and they have power to turn the waters into blood and to strike the earth with every kind of plague as often as they want. 7 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. 11 But after three and a half days the breath of life from God entered them, and they stood on their feet, and terror struck those who saw them. 12 Then they heard a loud voice from heaven saying to them, “Come up here.” And they went up to heaven in a cloud, while their enemies looked on.
Amos 3:7
Surely the Sovereign Lord does nothing without revealing his plan to his servants the prophets.
This verse emphasizes that God acts with purpose and transparency, revealing His intentions to His prophets before executing them. Prophets serve as divine messengers, tasked with warning the people — particularly of judgment — so they have a chance to repent. In the context of Amos, this highlights the seriousness of Israel’s sin and the inevitability of judgment, but also God’s mercy in giving advance warning.
Divine Transparency: God communicates plans, especially judgments, through prophets.
Prophetic Responsibility: Prophets are God’s chosen vessels to deliver His messages.
Opportunity for Repentance: Warnings serve as chances for people to change before consequences unfold.
Context of Amos: Amos is delivering a divine warning to Israel, underscoring that God’s judgment is both just and forewarned.
Acts 2:17
“‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.
“In the last days”: Refers to the era between Christ’s first and second comings — a time of God’s unfolding redemptive plan.
Divine Authority: The phrase “God says” underlines the authority and certainty of this promise.
Universal Outpouring: The Spirit is given to all people, breaking previous boundaries of gender, age, and status.
Prophesy, Visions, Dreams: These symbolize various forms of spiritual revelation, guidance, and empowerment — accessible to both young and old, men and women alike.
Acts 2:17 reveals a new era of spiritual inclusivity and empowerment, where God’s Spirit works through all believers, enabling them to speak His truth and receive divine insight. It marks the fulfillment of prophecy and the beginning of the Church’s Spirit-filled mission.
Matthew 5:14
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
In this verse from the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus tells His followers that they are the “light of the world”, meaning they are to reflect God’s truth, love, and righteousness in a dark and broken world. Just as a city on a hill is visible to all, so too should the faith and good deeds of believers be clearly seen, serving as a witness to God’s glory.
Light of the World: Believers are called to shine with Christ’s light, offering guidance, hope, and truth.
Visibility: Faith should not be hidden; it’s meant to be lived openly and courageously.
Influence: Christians have a responsibility to positively influence the world through both word and action.
Good Deeds: The “light” is shown through a life of integrity, compassion, and service.
Glorifying God: The ultimate goal is for others to see God through the believer’s life and be drawn to Him.
Matthew 5:14 calls Christians to live boldly and visibly as beacons of God’s love and truth, using their lives to point others to Him through authentic faith and good works.
Luke 21:36
“Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.”
In this verse, Jesus urges His followers to live in spiritual alertness and constant prayer as they face the coming trials and the eventual return of Christ.
It is both a warning and a call to readiness, encouraging believers to stay spiritually strong, discerning, and faithful so they can endure hardship and stand confidently before Him in judgment.
Be Watchful: Stay spiritually alert—aware of the times, temptations, and the significance of unfolding events.
Pray Always: Cultivate a continuous life of prayer, seeking God’s strength and guidance in all situations.
Escape All These Things: Not necessarily a physical escape, but the spiritual strength to endure end-time trials and remain faithful.
Stand Before the Son of Man: Refers to the final judgment before Jesus, where one’s life and faithfulness will be revealed. The goal is to stand with confidence, not fear or shame.
Luke 21:36 is a call to spiritual vigilance, perseverance, and preparation. Jesus reminds His followers that the times ahead will be difficult, but through constant prayer and alertness, they can remain faithful and be ready to stand before Him with hope and confidence when He returns.
GOD ALWAYS SENDS A WITNESS: Throughout history, God has never acted without first raising up a voice. From Noah to Moses, Elijah to John the Baptist, God’s method has always been the same: He sends witnesses to declare His truth, warn of judgment, and call for repentance. Amos 3:7 says, “Surely the Sovereign Lord does nothing without revealing his plan to his servants the prophets.”
In the final days of history — during the chaos of the Great Tribulation — God will once again send two prophetic voices. Revelation 11 introduces us to these men: powerful, fearless, and divinely anointed. Their role will not only fulfill God’s prophetic timeline, but it will also challenge the Church today to reflect on its own calling as God’s light in the darkness.
THE TWO LAMPSTANDS AND OLIVE TREES: Revelation 11:4 – “They are the two olive trees and the two lampstands, and they stand before the Lord of the earth.”
The identity of these two witnesses is cloaked in imagery, but rich with meaning: Two Olive Trees – a reference to Zechariah 4, symbolizing continual anointing and the Spirit’s empowerment.
Two Lampstands – A symbol of light-bearing testimony in a dark world. In Revelation 1, lampstands represented churches. Here, they represent two faithful individuals who embody the prophetic flame.
These figures echo the two faithful churches of Revelation — Smyrna and Philadelphia — the only ones not rebuked by Christ. They represent unwavering faith, endurance, and truth in the face of global apostasy.
THE MISSION: PROPHETIC WITNESS IN THE LAST DAYS: Revelation 11:3 – “They will prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth.”
Their ministry spans 1,260 days—three and a half years, a period deeply significant in prophetic literature. Sackcloth speaks of mourning, repentance, and urgency.
Their ministry will not be silent or safe: They will preach in defiance of the Antichrist. They will call for repentance in the face of judgment.
They will perform miraculous signs with divine authority.
They are not preaching to win popularity, but to fulfill a divine assignment. Like Moses and Elijah, their ministry carries weight, confrontation, and power.
THEIR POWER AND AUTHORITY: Revelation 11:5–6 – If anyone tries to harm them, fire comes from their mouths and devours their enemies. This is how anyone who wants to harm them must die. 6 They have power to shut up the heavens so that it will not rain during the time they are prophesying; and they have power to turn the waters into blood and to strike the earth with every kind of plague as often as they want.
These are not ordinary men. Their ministry mirrors: Moses – who turned water into blood and brought plagues. Elijah – who shut the heavens and called down fire.
They demonstrate that God’s power is not diminished, even in the darkest times. Their miracles are not for entertainment—they are acts of judgment and validation of truth.
No one can stop them — until their testimony is complete.
THEIR DEATH, RESURRECTION, AND ASCENSION: Revelation 11:7 – “When they have finished their testimony, the beast… will kill them.”
The most shocking moment comes when these invincible men are finally struck down by the beast from the Abyss. But note this: “When they have finished their testimony.” God is sovereign even over their deaths.
Their bodies lie in the streets of Jerusalem — called spiritually Sodom and Egypt — a city of spiritual compromise and rebellion.
The world celebrates their death. Truth, it seems, has finally been silenced.
But after 3½ days, the breath of God fills them again. Revelation 11:11 – “The breath of life from God entered them, and they stood on their feet…”
They rise in full view of their enemies. Just as Jesus rose, these two rise—vindicated, glorified, and called to heaven in a loud voice: “Come up here.”
Their ascension mirrors Christ’s own. Their mission complete, heaven receives them—and judgment begins.
THE AFTERMATH: EARTHQUAKE AND FEAR: Revelation 11:13 – “A great earthquake… 7,000 were killed… the survivors were terrified and gave glory to the God of heaven.”
Their ascension triggers a divine response: an earthquake strikes, thousands perish, and fear grips the city. Some give glory to God — yet we’re left to wonder: is this true repentance, or simply terror?
This moment reminds us: judgment will come, but so will mercy. God sends witnesses. He warns before He acts. He gives every opportunity to repent—even in wrath.
THE WITNESSES AND THE RAPTURE: WHERE DO WE STAND: Much debate surrounds the timing of the Rapture — before, during, or after the Tribulation. What’s clear is this: God will preserve and empower a remnant. Whether the Church is caught up early or remains, the spirit of the Two Witnesses must live in us.
Luke 21:36 – “Be always on the watch… that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen.”
These witnesses are either God’s post-Rapture messengers to the world—or examples for those enduring the storm. Either way, they are the final lampstands, shining with clarity and fire in the world’s darkest hour.
BE GOD’S WITNESS TODAY: Be a Lampstand Now. Matthew 5:14 – “You are the light of the world…”
Just as the witnesses shine in darkness, so must we. The Church is not to hide its light, but to illuminate truth—no matter the cost.
Walk in the Spirit’s Power: Acts 2:17 – “In the last days, I will pour out my Spirit…”
The prophetic spirit is not limited to the two witnesses. God promises an outpouring on all flesh. Are you walking in that power?