Please turn in your Bibles this evening to Revelation chapter 11 as we continue our study through the Word of God. As we shall see tonight, chapter 11 opens up still in this parenthetical section that began back in chapter 10. In these chapters John is filling in some of the details that will take place during the tribulation period and keep in mind these sections are not necessarily chronological in their writing. Then, as we get to verse 15 of Revelation chapter 11 we will see the third woe or the seventh trumpet judgment sound forth. We have a lot of ground to cover tonight, so let’s begin reading in Revelation chapter 11, starting in verse 1 and see what the Lord has for us this evening.
VERSES 1-2
Now for some, they make this portion of Revelation way too difficult. In fact, Alford calls Revelation chapter 11 “one of the most difficult in the whole Apocalypse.” Why is that? Because, instead of taking these verses literally, they try to spiritualize them or say they are just symbolic in nature.
Leon Morris, in his commentary on the book of Revelation, falls into this line of reasoning by making this section symbolic, and yet in doing so he has to ignore some facts regarding the church that places his view on shaky ground as you will see. Morris says, “It is important we take this whole section (vv. 1-13) symbolically. It is plain enough that the sanctuary of verse 1 is symbolic, but most expositors take the witnesses in the holy city literally. Then difficulties multiply . . . John is saying that the spiritual temple, the church, will be preserved 9cf. (The sealing of 7:1-8), though it will be subjected to physical oppression as the gentiles trample it.”
Folks, there is nothing in these passages that indicates to me that we are to take this symbolically or spiritually. This temple in Jerusalem will literally be rebuilt at the beginning of the Tribulation Period and the daily sacrifices will start up again. And as we look at these two verses you will clearly see why this is a literal temple that will be rebuilt.
John is given a measuring rod or a reed and told to measure the temple and he uses the Greek word NAOS for “temple”, which speaks of the inner temple or the holy place and the holy of holies. Outside of the inner sanctuary is the brazen altar where the sacrifices were made. That inner sanctuary was the place in which the priests could go and no one else. Now, if John used the Greek word HIERON, then he would be speaking of the whole structure of the temple, but he didn’t, and that is important for us to understand.
One of the problems for the orthodox Jew today is they have no atonement for their sin because, as Paul said in Hebrews 9:22, “And according to the law almost all things are purified with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no remission.” Since there is no temple, there is no sacrifice and since there is no sacrifice, there is no shedding of blood, and thus, because they reject the Lamb of God who came to take away their sins, Jesus Christ, they are guilty before God. But make no mistake about it, there are a zealous group of Jews in Israel today who want to rebuild the temple on the original site and establish the sacrificial system once again!
It is this rebuilt temple that has been set-up in the first half of the seven year Tribulation Period that the Antichrist will enter and demand to be worshiped as God. In Daniel 9:27 we are told, “Then he shall confirm a covenant with many for one week; But in the middle of the week He shall bring an end to sacrifice and offering. And on the wing of abominations shall be one who makes desolate, Even until the consummation, which is determined, Is poured out on the desolate.”
The word for “sacrifice” or ZEBAH in Hebrew speaks of a blood sacrifice, while the word for “offering” or MINHAH in Hebrew speaks of a non-bloody sacrifice or grain offering. Thus, the Antichrist will come into the temple of God and put a stop to the daily sacrifices that have been taking place. That means that the temple must be completed and in operation before the 3½-year mark of the 7 year Tribulation Period, for it is then that the Antichrist will put an end to the sacrifices that will be started up once again!
Not only does the Old Testament speak of the temple being rebuilt, but we also see this in the New Testament. Paul tells us in II Thessalonians 2:3-4, “Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.”
Satan’s desire is to be worshiped, and thus, his right hand man, the Antichrist, wants nothing less. He sets himself against the true God by going into the temple of God and demanding to be worshiped as God. Jesus said this regarding this horrific time period that takes place at the 3½-year period of the 7 year Tribulation Period. In Matthew chapter 24, beginning in verse 15 we read, “‘Therefore when you see the “abomination of desolation,” spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place’ (whoever reads, let him understand), ‘then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. Let him who is on the housetop not go down to take anything out of his house. And let him who is in the field not go back to get his clothes. But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! And pray that your flight may not be in winter or on the Sabbath. For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect's sake those days will be shortened.’” Matthew 24:15-22.
When this event takes place, when the Antichrist goes into the temple of God and demands to be worshiped as God, the Jews are told to flee from Jerusalem and head to the mountains for safety. The reason is that the Antichrist will turn from a man of peace into a demon from Hell! His true colors will come forth and his fury will be unleashed upon all those who refuse to worship him. In fact, his persecution will be so intense and war so horrible that unless Jesus steps in, all flesh would be destroyed!
Did you also notice that as John is told to measure this temple he is told to leave out the outer court, why? Because it has been given over to the gentiles. That is very interesting to me. The Temple Mount is a 35 acre piece of property in which Solomon’s temple was built, then after the Babylonians destroyed it, as the Jews were in captivity for 70 years, when they returned home under the leadership of Zerubbabel the temple was rebuilt, but it did not compare to the glory of Solomon’s temple!
Then, in about 20 BC, Herod the Great tried to get in good with the Jews, and he enlarged this second temple and this huge building project lasted till 63 AD, only 7 years before the Romans destroyed it. But Herod’s temple was beautiful! Thus, since 70 AD the Jews have not had a temple.
Today this Temple Mount area is a hot bed of contentions. You see, in around 630 AD Omar built this Dome of the Rock supposedly on the spot where Mohammad was to have ascended up into heaven. In fact, it is the third most holy site for Muslims, Mecca being the first, which is the birthplace of Mohammad and then Medina.
Back in 1967, during the Six Day War, the Jews recaptured the old city of Jerusalem and the Temple Mount. And General Moshe Dayan, in a gesture of peace, gave control to Jordan to oversee the Temple Mount and now the Palestinians are in charge. So what is the problem?
The problem with the Jews building their temple on this Muslim site is given to us in a Time magazine article dated October 16, 1989 and titled, “Time for a New Temple?” they said, “The merest hint of rebuilding the temple is considered an outrage by the prophets followers, who, in the words of an official at Al Aqsa, ‘Will defend the Islamic holy places to the last drop of their blood.’” You see, if the Jews attempted to rebuild on this site, you would see a holy war break out! I believe the key to the site of this third temple is found in this verse as John is told to leave out the outer court because it has been given to the gentiles!
There are many theories out there as to where this temple should be built and they focus on where the previous temple and holy of holies was located. I tend to lean more towards the one given to us by Dr. Asher Kaufman, who is a Plasma Physicist at the Rachan Institute in Jerusalem. He feels that king Solomon’s temple stood to the north of the Dome of the Rock and feels that the holy of holies was located in a place called the Dome of the Spirits or the Dome of the Tablets. The Muslim’s called it this in around 600 AD, and could it be speaking of the place where the stone tablets, the 10 commandments were kept in the Ark of the Covenant in the holy of holies?
Also, according to the Mishna, a highly esteemed book of Jewish oral traditions, when the high priest stood at the entrance of the holy of holies on the Day of Atonement, as he looked out he could look right through the eastern gate. And back in 1970 they excavated and have confirmed that the original eastern gate is directly below the present day eastern gate that has been sealed up by the Turks to prevent the Messiah from coming through it! Like that is going to stop Him!
If this is the place, the Dome of the Spirits or the Dome of the Tablets, the same place, the Jews could rebuild their temple and the Dome of the Rock would not have to be destroyed or taken down. Why? Because it will be in the outer court, a place that John was told not to measure for it has been given to the gentiles!
Now the inscriptions that are located on the Dome of the Rock are also very interesting. In fact they are some 734 feet long in all. Listen to some of the inscriptions that are located on this shrine.
SOUTH WALL: “ . . . There is no God but Allah alone; he has no co-partner . . . “
SOUTHEAST WALL: “. . . The Messiah, Jesus, son of Mary, is but a messenger of Allah and His word which he cast upon Mary, and a spirit from him. So believe only in Allah and of his messenger, but do not say ‘Three’ (trinity) and it will be better for you. Allah is only one God. Far be it from his glory that he should have a son.”
WEST AND NORTHWEST WALL: “. . . Praise be God who has not taken unto himself a son and who has no partner in sovereignty nor has he any protector on account of weakness.”
As you can see from these words, this shrine has nothing but blasphemies against Jesus Christ, I guess there is just something about that name! And so I believe it is in this area on the temple mount that will be given over to the gentiles, and the third temple will be built alongside of it, possibly in the area of the Dome of the Spirits!
Now, one of the fascinating things for me is to see that plans are being made to rebuild the temple. In fact, this is a passion of some Jews that has been going on for a long time. Back on May 21, 1967 the Washington Post printed this ad before Jerusalem was even liberated by the Jews! It read:
To all persons of the Jewish faith all over the world –
A project to rebuild the temple of God in Israel is now being started. With divine guidance and help the “temple” will be completed . . .
Folks, you can go to Israel today and visit the Temple Institute, and you will see that they have most of the implements that are needed for temple worship. They have the three pronged fork used to turn the offerings on the altar, a copper washbasin, a loom for making the priestly garments and they have the garments made, the incense spices, a pure gold diadem of the high priest, a shofar or ram’s horn, the musical instruments used in the temple, a sliver Mizrak that was used to catch the blood from the sacrifice and carry it to the altar, the seven branched oil burning lamp, a 4½ ton marble foundation stone to be laid once they have permission and they have even tried without permission but that did not work! The priests are being trained to begin their service in the temple and all they are waiting for is the word to rebuild! And I believe it will be the Antichrist who makes a covenant with the Jews to rebuild this temple and he has the power to make the Muslims go along with this plan.
Did you know that there are actual plans of what this temple will look like, and it is even wired for electricity and closed circuit television? That may help explain the words of Jesus in Matthew 24:15, “‘Therefore when you see the “abomination of desolation,” spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place’ (whoever reads, let him understand).” You see, the only people allowed into the holy place where the priests, and the only one allowed into the holy of holies was the high priest and only once a year, on the Day of Atonement. But Jesus is speaking to all Jews, that they will witness this event of the Antichrist entering into the holy of holies and demanding to be worshiped as God, and they could if they had closed circuit television, they could watch this all come to pass live!
One last point. In these first two verses we see a false witness of God in the rebuilding of the temple, why? Because Jesus has made the perfect sacrifice for sin and the temple was a picture or foreshadowing of what was to come! Now, in verses 3 & 4 we will see the true witnesses of God as these two witnesses spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ!
VERSES 3-4
I believe that these two witnesses have their ministry in the first 3½ years of the 7-year Tribulation Period or 1,260 days. And I believe it is through their witnessing we see the 144,000 Jewish witnesses get saved. You see, they are the true witness of God, not pointing to the old sacrificial system that could never take away your sins, but to the finished work of Christ on the cross of Calvary! The temple sacrifices were symbolic of what Jesus would do and has done for us, like I have said.
Paul put it this way in Hebrews 9:11-15, “But Christ came as High Priest of the good things to come, with the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands, that is, not of this creation. Not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption. For if the blood of bulls and goats and the ashes of a heifer, sprinkling the unclean, sanctifies for the purifying of the flesh, how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? And for this reason He is the Mediator of the new covenant, by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions under the first covenant, that those who are called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance.”
Now why the sackcloth or camel skin outfits? It was a sign of mourning over the spiritual condition of the Jewish people, and at this time, people all over the world. And these camel skin outfits would be worn with the hair against your skin, which was very uncomfortable. The reason for that is they were not to be comfortable in the wicked conditions they were coming against!
Also, we are told that these two witnesses are two olive trees and two lampstands, what is that all about? In Zechariah 4:11-14 we are told, “Then I answered and said to him, ‘What are these two olive trees — at the right of the lampstand and at its left?’ And I further answered and said to him, ‘What are these two olive branches that drip into the receptacles of the two gold pipes from which the golden oil drains?’ Then he answered me and said, ‘Do you not know what these are?’ And I said, ‘No, my lord.’ So he said, ‘These are the two anointed ones, who stand beside the Lord of the whole earth.’”
Zerubbabel was the governor and Joshua was the high priest during the time after the Jews returned home from their Babylonian captivity or their exile in Babylon. Now I don’t believe that means these two witnesses are Zerubbabel and Joshua but their actions represent what these two witnesses will do. You see, oil represents the Holy Spirit in the Scriptures and these oil lamps were filled directly from the olive trees in our story in Zechariah. Thus, we see here a picture of a continual, abundant supply of the Holy Spirit in the lives of these men, Zerubbabel and Joshua so they could complete the work they were called to do just as these witnesses will need the power of the Holy Spirit in their lives to complete the work they were called to do. It is as we are told in Zechariah 4:6, “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ Says the LORD of hosts.” The work of rebuilding this temple for Zerubbabel was overwhelming and the Lord said it is not going to be accomplished in their power or strength, but by God’s Spirit working in them and through them!
Folks, that is a powerful and important lesson for us to learn, that we will never be able to complete the work of God by our own efforts, our own might, our own power, our own strength, our own resources and that list can go on-and-on. The only way we will complete it is by the power of God’s Spirit working in us and through us!
VERSES 5-6
There is going to be a world of angry people fighting against the work they are doing and if anyone tries to harm these men, they will become Post Toasties! In other words, they will go up in smoke! We also see that they can shut up the heavens from raining and turn water into blood. These guys mean business. You see, for those 1,260 days no one will be able to harm them but they will certainly deal with those that try! Now, who are these guys?
I can tell you with 100% confidence that one of them is Elijah. How can I be sure? Because we are told in Malachi 4:5-6, “Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet Before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD. And he will turn The hearts of the fathers to the children, And the hearts of the children to their fathers, Lest I come and strike the earth with a curse.” Before Jesus comes back to set-up His kingdom on this earth, Elijah must come first and prepare the way! He also had power to stop rain (I Kings 17:1, Luke 4:25, James 5:17) for 3½ years! And even today during the feast of Passover the Jewish people will set an extra plate at the table, and during the meal one of the children will go to the door to see if Elijah has come!
But who is the second witness? I believe we get a clue when Jesus appeared in all of his glory on the Mount of Transfiguration. In Luke 9:28-35 we are told, “Now it came to pass, about eight days after these sayings, that He took Peter, John, and James and went up on the mountain to pray. As He prayed, the appearance of His face was altered, and His robe became white and glistening. And behold, two men talked with Him, who were Moses and Elijah, who appeared in glory and spoke of His decease which He was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. But Peter and those with him were heavy with sleep; and when they were fully awake, they saw His glory and the two men who stood with Him. Then it happened, as they were parting from Him, that Peter said to Jesus, ‘Master, it is good for us to be here; and let us make three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah’ — not knowing what he said. While he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were fearful as they entered the cloud. And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, ‘This is My beloved Son. Hear Him!’” You see, Moses represented the Law, Elijah the prophets! And as you remember in Exodus the plagues – the turning of the water to blood by Moses – it does seem to fit Moses as the second witness.
VERSE 7
The point being made here is that you will not go a moment too soon or a moment too late, but right according to God’s schedule as the Antichrist puts these two witnesses to death. You see, we are at the 3½-year mark now and this pseudo- peace of the Antichrist will be turned to war, as he demands to be worshiped.
Interestingly enough the word “witnesses” is the plural form of MARTUS from which we get our English word “martyr,” and like those in the early church, like those today and on into the Tribulation Period, believers will pay with their lives for their witnessing of Jesus! And folks, witnessing is not something that we do, it is something we are, it is our lives lived out in faith!
VERSES 8-10
As they are killed their dead bodies will lie in the streets of what city? I believe it is the city of Jerusalem. You see, Sodom speaks of immorality, wickedness; and Egypt speaks of bondage, worldliness. The great city of Jerusalem was manifesting the character of these two wicked cities – Sodom and Egypt!
Because of all the trouble these two witnesses caused this world, being a light in a dark world, the people are rejoicing over their death! They are having a party for 3½ days as their bodies lie in the streets. Dr. Newell said, “Now comes the revelation of the heart of man; glee, horrid, insane, inhumane, hellish, ghoulish, glee!” It is so bad that they are sending gifts to each other; Hallmark has a card, “Happy Dead Witnesses Day!” Now, how can the entire world take part in this celebration? In John’s day, impossible but not today, we can see what is going on in the other part of this world in real time because of satellite technology and-so-on.
VERSES 11-12
Can you picture this taking place! “Katie Couric here in Jerusalem as we are 3½ days into this celebration of the death of these two witnesses. We see parties everywhere. These guys that caused so much trouble are now out of the way. Happy Dead Witnesses Day! I’m Katie Couric here from Jerusalem, now back to you in New Yooooooooork . . . Hey, wait a minute. What is going on here? These bodies are beginning to rise up on their feet! I don’t believe it! This can’t be happening . . .” And they won’t believe it and their joy will quickly change and as God calls them home – their gone!
VERSE 13
Now we see 7,000 people killed in an earthquake and the word “people” is the Greek word ANTHROPOS, (anth’-ro-pos) and it literally means “names of men.” This could mean that 7,000 prominent people were killed, possibly leaders within the Antichrists government! Also, the rest who gave glory to God may be speaking of the Jewish people who come to Jesus at this time. It is as Paul said in Romans chapter 11, beginning in verse 4, “But what does the divine response say to him? ‘I have reserved for Myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal.’ Even so then, at this present time there is a remnant according to the election of grace. . . . And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written: ‘The Deliverer will come out of Zion, And He will turn away ungodliness from Jacob; For this is My covenant with them, When I take away their sins.’” Romans 11:4-5, 26-27.
VERSE 14
We have been waiting for this third woe to come, the sounding of the seventh trumpet since Revelation 9:21 and now we see this angel ready to sound forth this trumpet. What is this third woe all about? I think we get a hint back in Revelation 10:7, which says, “but in the days of the sounding of the seventh angel, when he is about to sound, the mystery of God would be finished, as He declared to His servants the prophets.” Let’s read on and see.
VERSE 15
The Word “kingdoms” should be singular, that is how most of the manuscripts render this word. You see, Christ purchased this world some 2,000 years ago on the cross of Calvary and now it is time to take possession of this world, this kingdom. And so as this seventh trumpet sounds it introduces to us and includes the seven bowl judgments of the wrath of God that will be revealed to us in Revelation chapter 16.
And what do you think will take place as these voices cry out, “ . . . ‘The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!’” Revelation 11:15. Worship will take place in heaven, as we shall see in a minute.
There is one more point I would like to make and I feel it is an important one for us to understand. That phrase “have become” is in the aorist active indicative tense in the Greek. What does that mean? It is describing a future event, making it so certain that it can be spoken of as if it already has taken place! God’s kingdom will be established, not might! It is that certain. Zechariah 14:9 puts it this way, “And the LORD shall be King over all the earth. In that day it shall be — ‘The LORD is one,’ And His name one.” Once again, we long for that day when righteousness will fill this land!
VERSE 16
Here again we see the twenty-four elders before God. In Revelation chapter 4 we saw them around the throne of God. We said that these twenty-four elders represented the church of Jesus Christ. The number “24” represented the entire church of God. This is illustrated for us in I Chronicles chapters 23 and 24 where we see king David divide the priests into what you might call shifts, 24 of them. Each one would serve about 2 weeks in the service they were called to do. And when one group would serve they would represent all the priests just as these 24 represent the church, all of it! And here we see the church falling down before the Lord to worship Him – they can’t stop because He is going to establish His kingdom on this earth and righteousness will fill this land – PRAISE THE LORD!
VERSES 17-18
In Revelation chapter 5 we see the church sing a song of redemption. That is the redemption of man back to God through the death and resurrection of Christ. Now in Revelation chapter 11 we see the song of praise that is being sung by the church who is anticipating the second coming of Jesus Christ and the establishment of His rule on this earth. In fact, there is a hint that this hymn speaks not only of the millennial reign of Christ but up through the Great White Throne Judgment, where all those who have rejected Christ will be cast into the Lake of Fire!
Now, as some look at God responding in “wrath” against the nations of this world, they tend to look at it through eyes of man. His actions seem to be an outburst of His temper or even an irrational response to a situation. No, God’s anger, His wrath is not irrational, He is not out of control, but it is a righteous response to the conduct of the nations. It is a holy indignation against sin. Walvoord puts it this way as he compares the wrath of man to the wrath of God. He says, “The wrath of men is impotent, the wrath of God is omnipotent. The wrath of men is wicked, the wrath of God is holy.” A big difference to say the least.
And keep in mind the heart of God, as He said in Ezekiel chapter 18, “‘Do I have any pleasure at all that the wicked should die?’ says the Lord GOD, ‘and not that he should turn from his ways and live?’ . . . ‘Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways,’ says the Lord GOD. ‘Repent, and turn from all your transgressions, so that iniquity will not be your ruin. Cast away from you all the transgressions which you have committed, and get yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. For why should you die, O house of Israel? For I have no pleasure in the death of one who dies,’ says the Lord GOD. ‘Therefore turn and live!’” Ezekiel 18:23, 30-32. That is the heart of God, but because He is a righteous judge and there is no darkness in Him at all, He must deal with sin and He will!
Now when did the nations become angry with God and plot against Him? During the first coming of Jesus we see those who opposed Him try to kill Him at His birth and during His earthly ministry. But John is speaking of another time when the nations will come against God, a final assault you might say! Psalm 2 gives us an interesting description of this event. We are told, “Why do the nations rage, And the people plot a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, And the rulers take counsel together, Against the LORD and against His Anointed, saying, ‘Let us break Their bonds in pieces And cast away Their cords from us.’” Psalm 2:1-3. The foolishness of man trying to fight against God!
The reason for their rebellion is they want to break away from God. They don’t want anything to do with Him. Thus, they make war against God. It is during this blood bath, the final battle, the battle of Armageddon, in which the kings of the earth will turn and come against God. Revelation 19:19 says, “And I saw the beast, the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against Him who sat on the horse and against His army.” And folks, please understand this is not a battle, for the Lord will destroy them by the sword from His mouth, the Word of God!
But the battle against God will be short-lived. How can man fight against God and win? He can’t and thus that is why Psalm 2 tells us, “He who sits in the heavens shall laugh; The LORD shall hold them in derision. Then He shall speak to them in His wrath, And distress them in His deep displeasure.” Psalm 2:4-5. God is saying that man’s plans are foolishness and He just laughs at them. God will not tolerate this behavior and if man wants to be separated from God, then God will give them the desire of their hearts. He will cast them into eternal darkness, the Lake of Fire, where they will be eternally separated from Him and eternally tormented!
VERSE 19
God is getting ready to pour out more judgment. The temple proper; which is being spoken of here, and the Ark represented the very presence of God. Now how does that relate to us? Paul expounds on this heavenly wisdom, as God reveals himself to us in I Corinthians 2:9-11, “ . . . ‘Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.’ But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God.” You see, if you want to know God more, open up the Word of God, search the Scriptures and let the Holy Spirit open your eyes and reveal to you the nature and character of God. Man cannot do this on his own, even though he tries, for he gets a distorted picture of God. The Lord said, “And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13.
This chapter opened with a false temple in Jerusalem where God was not to be found, and ends with a true temple in heaven where God dwells. And God is about to take that heavenly temple and set it up in Jerusalem where God will dwell and reign as king. Thus, Psalm 2 ends with this solemn warning, “Now therefore, be wise, O kings; Be instructed, you judges of the earth. Serve the LORD with fear, And rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest He be angry, And you perish in the way, When His wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all those who put their trust in Him.” Psalm 2:10-12. Receive His grace and mercy before that comes to an end and judgment comes upon this land!
You see, the message of the trumpet judgment, the seventh trumpet or the third woe is that Jesus Christ is the Sovereign King of kings and Lord of lords, and one day He will take His rightful place upon the throne in Jerusalem, taking back from the usurper, Satan, and from man, who through his sin has polluted this earth with filthiness. As the seventh angel cried out, “ . . . ‘The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!’” Revelation 11:15. We wait in anticipation for this day to come, and as we study the events in the world and see what the Scriptures have to say, that day is drawing closer. Are you ready?