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Intro:
Intro:
Good morning. Welcome to TRC.
We’re finally back in Revelation. If you have your Bible/app, turn to . We’re halfway through our series in Revelation called “Ready.” It’s taking a little longer, but that’s okay. Revelation is a cool book to spend time in.
This morning, I’d like to start with a story Jesus shares in . It’s a story I think will help us understand … You can follow along with slides behind me.
I was struggling to come up with an introduction for today’s sermon. I’ve mentioned before I don’t think I’m a great story-teller. The good thing is, I know the best story-teller: Jesus.
So, instead of me trying to be cute with my introduction, I thought I’d let Jesus tell us a story that will help us understand today’s passage in Revelation. Keep your bookmark on , and turn to . If you don’t have a Bible, you can follow along on the slides behind me.
Let’s read together...
The crowd was listening to everything Jesus said. And because he was nearing Jerusalem, he told them a story to correct the impression that the Kingdom of God would begin right away. He said, “A nobleman was called away to a distant empire to be crowned king and then return. Before he left, he called together ten of his servants and divided among them ten pounds of silver, saying, ‘Invest this for me while I am gone.’ But his people hated him and sent a delegation after him to say, ‘We do not want him to be our king.’
“After he was crowned king, he returned and called in the servants to whom he had given the money. He wanted to find out what their profits were. The first servant reported, ‘Master, I invested your money and made ten times the original amount!’
“ ‘Well done!’ the king exclaimed. ‘You are a good servant. You have been faithful with the little I entrusted to you, so you will be governor of ten cities as your reward.’
“The next servant reported, ‘Master, I invested your money and made five times the original amount.’
“ ‘Well done!’ the king said. ‘You will be governor over five cities.’
“But the third servant brought back only the original amount of money and said, ‘Master, I hid your money and kept it safe. I was afraid because you are a hard man to deal with, taking what isn’t yours and harvesting crops you didn’t plant.’
“ ‘You wicked servant!’ the king roared. ‘Your own words condemn you. If you knew that I’m a hard man who takes what isn’t mine and harvests crops I didn’t plant, why didn’t you deposit my money in the bank? At least I could have gotten some interest on it.’
“Then, turning to the others standing nearby, the king ordered, ‘Take the money from this servant, and give it to the one who has ten pounds.’
“ ‘But, master,’ they said, ‘he already has ten pounds!’
“ ‘Yes,’ the king replied, ‘and to those who use well what they are given, even more will be given. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away. And as for these enemies of mine who didn’t want me to be their king—bring them in and execute them right here in front of me.’ ”
The crowd was listening to everything Jesus said. And because he was nearing Jerusalem, he told them a story to correct the impression that the Kingdom of God would begin right away. He said, “A nobleman was called away to a distant empire to be crowned king and then return. Before he left, he called together ten of his servants and divided among them ten pounds of silver, saying, ‘Invest this for me while I am gone.’ But his people hated him and sent a delegation after him to say, ‘We do not want him to be our king.’
“After he was crowned king, he returned and called in the servants to whom he had given the money. He wanted to find out what their profits were. The first servant reported, ‘Master, I invested your money and made ten times the original amount!’
“ ‘Well done!’ the king exclaimed. ‘You are a good servant. You have been faithful with the little I entrusted to you, so you will be governor of ten cities as your reward.’
“The next servant reported, ‘Master, I invested your money and made five times the original amount.’
“ ‘Well done!’ the king said. ‘You will be governor over five cities.’
“But the third servant brought back only the original amount of money and said, ‘Master, I hid your money and kept it safe. I was afraid because you are a hard man to deal with, taking what isn’t yours and harvesting crops you didn’t plant.’
“ ‘You wicked servant!’ the king roared. ‘Your own words condemn you. If you knew that I’m a hard man who takes what isn’t mine and harvests crops I didn’t plant, why didn’t you deposit my money in the bank? At least I could have gotten some interest on it.’
“Then, turning to the others standing nearby, the king ordered, ‘Take the money from this servant, and give it to the one who has ten pounds.’
“ ‘But, master,’ they said, ‘he already has ten pounds!’
“ ‘Yes,’ the king replied, ‘and to those who use well what they are given, even more will be given. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away.
Luke 19:11-26
Jesus tells us a story about a man who was destined to be king. However, he had to attend to other business before he could reign. So, he gave ten of his servants about 3 months salary and said, “Do business on my behalf until I come.” Basically, “Invest in my kingdom. Prepare it for my arrival.”
Jesus tells us about a man who was destined to be king. However, he had other business to attend to before he could take his throne. So, he gathered ten servants, gave them 3 months salary, and said, “Do business on my behalf until I come.” Basically, “Invest in my kingdom and prepare it for my arrival.”
And some of the servants worked for their King faithfully. They invested what they were given and multiplied their investment. But... some did not. You see, there was a problem...
And some of servants worked for their King faithfully. They invested what they were given and multiplied their investment. But some did not. You see, there was a problem...
The people of the land DID NOT want this man to be king. And if the people didn’t want the new king, they certainly didn’t want his servants. That means these servants had a harsh work environment. They did business with people who initially didn’t like them. It was a tough job!
But… they had a good business. Those willing to take the risk and do the king’s business, saw major profits. Not only that, when the king came back, HE REWARDED THEM BIG TIME. Not only did they get coins, they got cities! It’s good to work hard for the King.
I believe this story can help us understand what’s known as the most difficult chapter in Revelation - chapter 11. There are endless debates about how to interpret this chapter.
Should we take it literally?
Is it symbolic?
Is it both?
And while interpreting the details of this chapter can be complex, I think the overall message is simple: The King has a job for us to do.
Exegesis:
Exegesis:
In chapter 10
We left off in Revelation with the apostle John being told...
And I was told, “You must again prophesy about many peoples and nations and languages and kings.”
Rev. 10:
God gave John a job. Go and tell the world God’s message. And it wasn’t an easy message. It would be sweet in his mouth but bitter in his stomach. A picture of the message being both good but hard.
You know, sometimes, difficulties can keep us from doing a job. It might be good. It might be extremely rewarding. But, if it’s hard, we might pass or give up. However, some things are too important to give up on...
John’s job was EXTREMELY important. He HAD to do it, even if it was hard - REALLY HARD. John would have to sacrifice - maybe even take major risks - to finish the job. I think John was a little nervous about his new job.
But here’s something cool about our God: He knows how we are...
He knows we get scared. He knows we are weak. He knows we lack faith. We struggle to believe God will take care of us even though He’s already promised to take care of us.
And God, instead of getting frustrated with us, He encourages us and teaches us to trust Him. That’s what God does here in chapter 11. He encourages John to do his job by showing him a vision of the future.
Then I was given a measuring rod like a staff, and I was told, “Rise and measure the temple of God and the altar and those who worship there, but do not measure the court outside the temple; leave that out, for it is given over to the nations, and they will trample the holy city for forty-two months.
As you can see… this is already confusing. Like, “What the heck is John talking about? Is he measuring a literal future-temple? Or, is the temple symbolic? Why is he only measuring some of it? Why is he measuring at all?”
Again, we’re not going to spend time breaking down the multiple views on this passage. What we can talk about is a MAJOR point of the passage...
Who’s seen Finding Nemo? What do the Seagulls say?
In this passage, you know what it means to measure something? It means God’s saying, “Mine.” Whatever John measured belonged to God. Technically, everything belongs to God, but (as we’ll see) sometimes He allows others to have temporary control of His possesions.
While this passage can definitely refer to a future Jerusalem temple being rebuilt, and part of that temple being overtaken by nations, I also believe there’s symbolism here. These verses can symbolically represent:
(1) God protecting His people spiritually, but also (2) allowing bad things to happen to us physically (the outer court being overran).
God protecting His people, specifically spiritually;
But also allowing bad things to happen to us physically (the outer court being overran).
Verse 3 says...
And I will grant authority to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth.”
These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands that stand before the Lord of the earth. And if anyone would harm them, fire pours from their mouth and consumes their foes. If anyone would harm them, this is how he is doomed to be killed. They have the power to shut the sky, that no rain may fall during the days of their prophesying, and they have power over the waters to turn them into blood and to strike the earth with every kind of plague, as often as they desire.
Rev 11:
God shows John that in the last days, two witnesses appear. They belong to God. And just like John, they have a job to do - a message to give. And, there’s a lot of possible symbolism in this passage:
They are described as olive trees and lampstands, similar to a vision the prophet Zechariah had, which described the ruler and priest of Jerusalem, who were filled with the Holy Spirit’s power to accomplish God’s will.
They also had supernatural prophetic powers. Similar to Elijah and Moses.
This could very well symbolize the church - who are kings and priests of the Lord - supernaturally protected by God as they accomplish God’s will by the Spirit’s power.
But, I’m going to go down a small rabbit trail. I actually believe these two witnesses are literal people in the future. But who are they? There are a ton of theories, but I like this one.
And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment,
As far as we know, there are only two people in the Bible who never died. Do you know who they are? Enoch and Elijah - who would both fit a prophetic description. That being said, the majority who hold a literal view of this passage think they are Moses and Elijah.
What does this have to do with the point of the passage - not much. I just think it’s cool.
What we do see is two men faithfully do the job God’s given them. And God supernaturally protecting them as they accomplish His will. But then we read...
And when they have finished their testimony, the beast that rises from the bottomless pit will make war on them and conquer them and kill them, and their dead bodies will lie in the street of the great city that symbolically is called Sodom and Egypt, where their Lord was crucified. For three and a half days some from the peoples and tribes and languages and nations will gaze at their dead bodies and refuse to let them be placed in a tomb, and those who dwell on the earth will rejoice over them and make merry and exchange presents, because these two prophets had been a torment to those who dwell on the earth. But after the three and a half days a breath of life from God entered them, and they stood up on their feet, and great fear fell on those who saw them. Then they heard a loud voice from heaven saying to them, “Come up here!” And they went up to heaven in a cloud, and their enemies watched them. And at that hour there was a great earthquake, and a tenth of the city fell. Seven thousand people were killed in the earthquake, and the rest were terrified and gave glory to the God of heaven.
Something crazy happens. This beast that rises from the bottomless pit (likely the anti-christ) is allowed to kill the two witnesses. Notice how I said “allowed.” Then, the entire world rejoices! They are so happy that they create this second Christmas to celebrate. They hated these servants of God. They hated their message. They were tortured by it! That’s why when they die, they don’t even burying them. It was the ultimate sign of disrespect.
But, after three and a half days, something miraculous happens. God raises them from the dead in front of everybody (say: uh oh!). He proves to the world: They are MINE!
And it rocks their world - literally! But look what ALSO happens, they are “terrified and gave glory to God.” Whenever that word “terrified” is used in Scripture, it refers to a fear that leads people toward God. Strangely, God even uses the death of His prophets to accomplish His work.
Chapter 11 ends with this...
The second woe has passed; behold, the third woe is soon to come.
Then the seventh angel blew his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever.” And the twenty-four elders who sit on their thrones before God fell on their faces and worshiped God, saying,
“We give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty,
who is and who was,
for you have taken your great power
and begun to reign.
The nations raged,
but your wrath came,
and the time for the dead to be judged,
and for rewarding your servants, the prophets and saints,
and those who fear your name,
both small and great,
and for destroying the destroyers of the earth.”
Then God’s temple in heaven was opened, and the ark of his covenant was seen within his temple. There were flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, an earthquake, and heavy hail.
Three messages to close the chapter:
The 7th trumpet sounds - Time is almost up. What’s the mean?
It means the King is coming back. He’s almost here. In Revelation, God’s referred to as the One “who is, who was, and who is to come.” But, notice verse 17 says, “who is and who was...” but not, “who is to come.” Why? Because at this point, the King is at the gate!
And now that He’s back, He will fulfill His promises. He will establish His kingdom. That’s what the picture of the heavenly ark symbolizes. The ark was a symbol of God’s presence and promise. And, just like the parable Jesus told us… when the King comes back, people will either be rewarded or judged in His presence, according to His promise.
The 7t trumpet, the king is coming, God will fulfill his promises.
So, let’s summarize the vision John is given, right after receiving a super hard job:
The measurement of the temple reminds us that God is in control. He takes care of what He owns. But God also allows things to happen to us - the same way He allows the outer court of the temple to overran.
We see the supernatural protection of His people in the two witnesses who do their job. They preach God’s word and no one can hurt them. They are like Mario when he has “star power.”
But after their job is done, God ALLOWS them to be killed. And while the world thinks they won, God declares a different winner. Even in their death, God wins. Not only does He raise them from the dead, He also causes people to glorify God through it. That’s a WIN-WIN!
As John receives an incredibly hard job, I think this would’ve incredibly encouraged him. And this morning, I think it should encourage us.
Response:
Response:
As we close today, I want to remind us that God’s given us a job. And although it’s a SIMPLE job - go preach the gospel (tell everyone about Jesus) and make disciples - it’s not an EASY job. It’s HARD.
It’s HARD. It’s hard because we live in a kingdom where the people don’t want the king. It’s the type of environment that when the King’s servants die (in reputation or physically), people celebrate!
It’s hard because we live in a world where the people don’t want the new King. It’s the type of place that when the King’s servants die (in reputation or physically), people celebrate!
Finally, those born-agains are gone!
I’m so glad that Jesus freak got fired!
And even in some places: I’m so glad those Christians are dead.
It’s hard to live in this world and do business for the King.
Maybe you’re here this morning and you find yourself scared to do business for the King.
What will people think if they find out I’m a Christian?
What will happen if I fully surrender my life to Jesus and live for Him?
Will people hate me if I share the gospel with them?
Will they mock me?
This morning, I’m hear to tell you all of those things are possible. Sorry. But Jesus said, “If they hate Me, they are going to hate you.” Ladies and gentlemen, it’s part of the job.
But, although it’s hard, we shouldn’t give up. Remember, the King will protect us. If God has called us to do a job, He’s going to give us the resources and protection to accomplish His work.
Additionally, He will reward us. Sometimes we get to experience that reward here on earth, but we will definitely experience it in eternity. Be faithful and God will one day ridiculously reward you for a job well done. Instead of coins, you’re going to get cities!
And plus, what’s the worst thing that can happen? Again, this is a hard and dangerous job. If you will, we are sent into enemy territory. But think about it like this, “Dead people aren’t scared to die.” As Christians, when we place our faith in Jesus Christ, the Bible says we die to our old lives and Jesus gives us His life - we get eternal life. What’s that mean? We don’t need to be scared of dying because we know we will rise again.
That’s why the two witnesses aren’t scared of the beast. Even when he makes war against them and God allows them to kill them. That aint no thang but a chicken wang! Why? Because they got eternal life!
When I was growing up, there was a Nintendo video game called Contra. It was this war game where you had a million things trying to kill you as you attempted to complete the mission. You only got three lives - it was super hard. You had to be super skilled and careful. It was stressful!
BUT!!!!! There was a code. Say, “There’s a code!”
If you put in this code at the right time, you got infinite lives! When you have infinite life instead of three lives, there’s a difference in the way you play Contra. You don’t worry about dying - you just complete the mission.
Church, we don’t need to worry about dying. We need to do our job - to go preach the gospel and make disciples. Jesus is our Contra code.
As I call the worship team up, let me encourage you: Live passionately for Jesus. Let’s stop being afraid and do the job the King’s given us. Let’s go tell people the good news of Jesus.
Yes, they may not want the King, but here’s what’s cool: We have the ability to change their mind - just like the two witnesses. God can use our lives - even the tragic things - to cause people to move towards God and even give Him glory.
The King has given us an important job! Are you READY to go to work?