Jerusalem rebuilt & 2 witnesses, (Revelation 11, Zechariah 4:2-10, Hebrews 9:3-5)

I found this testimony from Miss Kay (Duck Dynasty) and Phil on Godtube.  We've got some great testimonies in the Church.  I got a few tears, I admit it.  One thing God has done in my life by becoming a Christian, is He made my heart more mushy and compassionate for others.  Makes it hard to be a great photojournalist, but it's worth it to allow my heart to be touched by His love.  

Duck Dynasty Testimonies (link)

One of my favorite verses:

They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.
Revelation 12:11

Miss Kay's testimony is a wonderful example of how our testimonies, faith, and prayer can help change lives.  God Himself is the ultimate heart healer.  It's so awesome that He's allowed us to contribute : )  

Back to Revelation 11:

This chapter starts out with the Antichrist allowing the Jews to rebuild their temple.  Then Jesus steps in : )  My thanks to Pastor Chuck Smith from Calvary Chapel, Costa Mesa.  Your notes are really great.  Love the part about the witnesses speaking on TV.

1 Then I was given 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. And they will tread the holy city underfoot for forty- two months. 3 And I will give power to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy one thousand two hundred and sixty days, clothed in sackcloth.”
The Apostle John was given a measuring rod to measure the Temple.  A portrayal of the witnesses was in the Left Behind Series movies.  They stood outside the Jewish Temple, in Jerusalem, prophesying  for around 3 1/2 years which is also how long the Gentiles marched.  Sackcloth is like burlap which would be very itchy.  In the Bible it's usually worn by a prophet who is in mourning to demonstrate God's pain.  I know Elijah, Isaiah and Jeremiah wore sackcloth when Israel was caught in sin.  Gentiles who weren't raptured would be outside in the court.  Those who are on earth at this time will hear what the witnesses prophesy. 

The witnesses took control of the Temple for 42 months.
4 These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands standing before the God of the earth. 5 And if anyone wants to harm them, fire proceeds from their mouth and devours their enemies. And 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.
The 2 lampstands and olive trees symbolize the 2 witnesses.  The drought, plagues and turning water into blood is a reminder of the Exodus with Moses.  It would be a historic example of how God set the Israelites free.  Through our faith in Jesus, we also are set free.  In John's time it would have been impossible for the whole world to hear the witnesses.  In ours, we have TV and the web so they could be heard around the world.

Here's the description from Zechariah of the seven lamps and olive trees: 

1 Now the angel who talked with me came back and wakened me, as a man who is wakened out of his sleep. 2 And he said to me, “What do you see?”
So I said, “I am looking, and there is a lampstand of solid gold with a bowl on top of it, and on the stand seven lamps with seven pipes to the seven lamps. 3 Two olive trees are by it, one at the right of the bowl and the other at its left.” 4 So I answered and spoke to the angel who talked with me, saying, “What are these, my lord?”
5 Then the angel who talked with me answered and said to me, “Do you not know what these are?”
And I said, “No, my lord.”
6 So he answered and said to me:
“This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel:
‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’Says the Lord of hosts. Zech 4:6 (one of my all time favorite verses).  

7 ‘Who are you, O great mountain?
Before Zerubbabel you shall become a plain!
And he shall bring forth the capstone
With shouts of “Grace, grace to it!” ’”
8 Moreover the word of the Lord came to me, saying:
9 “The hands of Zerubbabel
Have laid the foundation of this temple;
His hands shall also finish it.
Then you will know
That the Lord of hosts has sent Me to you.
10 For who has despised the day of small things?
For these seven rejoice to see
The plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel.
They are the eyes of the Lord,
Which scan to and fro throughout the whole earth.
(Zechariah 4:2-10 NKJV)

Zerubbabel laid the foundation for the temple.  Jesus is the cornerstone.  The next question is, "What will happen when the witnesses stop prophesying?"

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 And 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 And 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.
Ok so the witnesses were very annoying to those on earth during their 3 1/2 years.  When people are addicted to alcohol, drugs, and sex, they seem to be extra annoyed with people who are doing God's will.  Even satan came out to destroy them. In my heart this sounds like a last call, like the people on earth needed to listen.  But, instead chose to go on with drugs, abuse and violence.  God called His beloved city, "a spiritual Sodom and Egypt."  Sodom was filled with evil doers and Egypt held the Hebrews captive as slaves.

However all those drugs went to waste, the witnesses rose again : )  Imagine their surprise!  The party was over.  They saw firsthand that God allowed the witnesses to die, and  then to top it off - He has the power to resurrect whom he chooses.  Maybe they thought it was a hangover so they'd drink more.  Some sobbered up and ...
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 And they heard a loud voice from heaven saying to them, “Come up here.” And 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.
After the witnesses were resurrected, God brought them to Heaven.  A great earthquake took place at the same time, it was so strong a tenth of the city was destroyed and 7000 were killed.  So you heard a bunch of people outside yelling, screaming.  You had a horrible headache and nausea from the night before.  Then the ground started shaking really hard and loud.  The sickness turned to ice as thousands died in the earthquake.  People fell on their knees and gave God glory.  

14 The second woe is past. Behold, the third woe is coming quickly.

God took control of all of the earth's kingdoms.  He is also Jesus, "His Christ."  They are one.  A great celebration will take place in Heaven.  God will reign over the earth forever.  The 24 elders worshipped God.
15 Then the seventh angel sounded:  And 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 shall reign forever and ever!” 16 And 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.”
God will give His servants, prophets and saints rewards.  I can't help but notice  verse 18.  The description about the nations being angry and God's wrath has come, the time of the dead has come, they will be judged.  It all reminds me of today, yet in my heart I know things aren't as bad as the description here.  Sometimes, as humans we forget how good it is in our, "Today."  Hug the kids, wives and husbands.  Say an extra thanks today : )

19 Then the temple of God was opened in heaven, and the ark of His covenant was seen in His temple. And there were lightnings, noises, thunderings, an earthquake, and great hail.
(Revelation 11:1-19 NKJV)

The Ark of the Covenant was made by God's direction to Moses, it went before the Israelites to seek out a place where they could rest as they wandered in the wilderness.  David brought the ark to Jerusalem.  The Philistines tried to steal the ark but this awful plague came out so they took it back to Israel : )  The ark disappeared after the destruction of the first temple. ( Zondervan, The New Compact Bible Dictionary)

This description comes from the Book of Hebrews in the Bible:

3 and behind the second veil, the part of the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of All, 4 which had the golden censer and the ark of the covenant overlaid on all sides with gold, in which were the golden pot that had the manna, Aaron's rod that budded, and the tablets of the covenant; 5 and above it were the cherubim of glory overshadowing the mercy seat.  
(Hebrews 9:3-5 NKJV)

I remember seeing the Ark of the Covenant in the, "Indiana Jones," movies as well.  A lot of us are intrigued by it.  When we get to the New Jerusalem we'll see it in person.  If I wasn't so afraid of spiders, I'd love archaeology : )

Dear Heavenly Father,
I thank You for the hope we have in the Bible.  Help us always remember to hug the ones we love and also to remember to get to Church.  Sometimes it's too easy to stay home.  Forgive me and my husband.  Your Word, Your love it's all too awesome to let slide.  Father I pray for wisdom with the Eboli virus from Liberia.  Please help doctors find ways to cure this epidemic.  I pray You will help our President understand what the military is.  Protect them from assignments that are not meant for their training.  Please bless Ukraine.  Protect the Kurds and Turkey.  Help us to be candles in this present darkness.
In Jesus Name, Amen.

This song is from Matt Maher, Hold us together (link)

New Jerusalem

Here's the description of the New Jerusalem in the book of Revelation.  This is the vision recorded by the Apostle John.  There is a lot of symbolism in the book- it's called, "apocalyptic" or prophetic literature.   Last year I read through Revelation. I really enjoyed it.  But I recommend a good handbook for some of the symbols.  The description of the New Jerusalem is pretty straight forward.

Revelation 21

The reference to bride symbolizes purity, cleanliness.  The first temple was made by man for God to dwell in, the new Jerusalem will be made by God for man to dwell with Him.  Permanent!
1 Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. 2 Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, "Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. 4 And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away."

Don't know about you, but I think we could all use a new place.  A place we can't mess up or sin in.
5 Then He who sat on the throne said, "Behold, I make all things new." And He said to me, "Write, for these words are true and faithful."

Remember the apple?  I know it was Eve that took the first bite.  We will receive freely in the new Jerusalem if we thirst for God.  For those who don't... the lake of fire.
6 And He said to me, "It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts. 7 He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son. 8 But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death."

In previous chapters of Revelation, John saw seven angels with plagues to be spread on the earth.
9 Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls filled with the seven last plagues came to me and talked with me, saying, "Come, I will show you the bride, the Lamb's wife."  10 And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me the great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, 11 having the glory of God. Her light was like a most precious stone, like a jasper stone, clear as crystal. 12 Also she had a great and high wall with twelve gates, and twelve angels at the gates, and names written on them, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel: 13 three gates on the east, three gates on the north, three gates on the south, and three gates on the west.

There's a few things I can't draw as an artist, God and the New Jerusalem.  I simply couldn't do them justice.  But I was intrigued by the colors of the gems so I looked them up.  Jasper is brick red, gold will be like clear glass, sapphire is dark blue, chalcedony has various colors, emerald is deep green, sardonyx is white and brown, sardius is dark orange brown, crysolite is yellowish brown, beryl is deep red, topaz can have several variations, chrysoprase is apple green, jacinth is orange, and amethyst is purple.  It sounds beautiful! 

Here's a very rough draft of the colors.  I changed the opacity so it
it would look a bit translucent.  Just wanted to have an idea.
Also my color choices may be a bit off : )
In other words- God's will be awesome!

14 Now the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. 15 And he who talked with me had a gold reed to measure the city, its gates, and its wall. 16 The city is laid out as a square; its length is as great as its breadth. And he measured the city with the reed: twelve thousand furlongs. Its length, breadth, and height are equal. 17 Then he measured its wall: one hundred and forty-four cubits, according to the measure of a man, that is, of an angel. 18 The construction of its wall was of jasper; and the city was pure gold, like clear glass. 19 The foundations of the wall of the city were adorned with all kinds of precious stones: the first foundation was jasper, the second sapphire, the third chalcedony, the fourth emerald, 20 the fifth sardonyx, the sixth sardius, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst. 21 The twelve gates were twelve pearls: each individual gate was of one pearl. And the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass.

This is so cool.  The glory of God will illuminate the city, there won't be a need for the sun and moon.  No night time.  I'm not sure if this means there won't be a moon or sun anymore, or if they will be there just not as important.  One of those things we'll find out in the New Jerusalem.
22 But I saw no temple in it, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. 23 The city had no need of the sun or of the moon to shine in it, for the glory of God illuminated it. The Lamb is its light. 24 And the nations of those who are saved shall walk in its light, and the kings of the earth bring their glory and honor into it.  25 Its gates shall not be shut at all by day (there shall be no night there). 26 And they shall bring the glory and the honor of the nations into it.  27 But there shall by no means enter it anything that defiles, or causes an abomination or a lie, but only those who are written in the Lamb's Book of Life.
NKJV

In the beginning of Revelation, letters were written to seven Churches.  They are like a report card from Jesus, letting them know how they're doing.  Seven is the Heavenly number where six is the number of the beast.  I wanted to include this letter because this is the Church that did the best out of the 7.  Sadly, it's not the Philadelphia next to New Jersey...  It describes what God requires to enter the New Jerusalem.
Revelation 3:7-13

7 "And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write,

'These things says He who is holy, He who is true, "He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens":  8 "I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name. 

As an American Christian (Gentile) I often forget the first Churches were Jews who accepted Jesus as their Savior, their Messiah.  All those folks Jesus talked to and believed in Him were Jewish. I haven't been around many Jews for Jesus.  The paintings I studied in school, show Jesus as a white man with blonde hair.  But He was born through the Jews- the Son of Man was of the lineage of David.  I also forget I'm a Gentile, praise God for Paul's missionary journeys (he set out to convert us- err our ancestors)!  What comes to mind is how much bigger the Church really is than I imagine, it crosses through all time since the beginning, all nations, all races...  New Jersey has all the world religions and races.  People who claim to be Jews but aren't sounds like those who don't worship God yet claim the title, I may be wrong on that.  But this is the first and greatest commandment:

5 You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.
Deuteronomy 6:5 NKJV

9 Indeed I will make those of the synagogue of Satan, who say they are Jews and are not, but lie — indeed I will make them come and worship before your feet, and to know that I have loved you.  10 Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth.  11 Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown.  12 He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God. And I will write on him My new name.

13 "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches."'
NKJV

Matthew 23:37-39
37 "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing!  38 See! Your house is left to you desolate;  39 for I say to you, you shall see Me no more till you say, 'Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!'"
NKJV

We must keep the faith.  Awesome things are in store for all of us who believe in Jesus!
Revelation 16:15
15 "Behold, I am coming as a thief. Blessed is he who watches..."
NKJV

Still praying for peace in Jerusalem.  There's a much bigger picture than I often realize.

Temple beginnings

This Psalm describes the early days of the temple, David's dreams for providing a beautiful place for God to dwell among man.  The pilgrims were so excited traveling to Jerusalem, remembering how it all began!

Psalm 132

David had many afflictions.  Deepest pits of despair and the highest heights of praise.  He was always at war. 
1 Lord, remember David

And all his afflictions; 

2 How he swore to the Lord,

And vowed to the Mighty One of Jacob: 

3 "Surely I will not go into the chamber of my house,

Or go up to the comfort of my bed; 

4 I will not give sleep to my eyes

Or slumber to my eyelids, 

5 Until I find a place for the Lord,

A dwelling place for the Mighty One of Jacob."

David was described as "a man after God's own heart."  (1 Samuel 13:14)  People must have known about David's dream of a Temple for God.   There were no TV's during this time period, stories were spread by word of mouth.  Then one day it was ready.  They heard about it from all over Israel.  Imagine the excitement!  The Ark of the Covenant would have an honored place.  There was such hope for Israel, the priests would be there.

6 Behold, we heard of it in Ephrathah;

We found it in the fields of the woods. 

7 Let us go into His tabernacle;

Let us worship at His footstool. 

8 Arise, O Lord, to Your resting place,

You and the ark of Your strength. 

9 Let Your priests be clothed with righteousness,

And let Your saints shout for joy.

The people honored David.  Even in memory, he is their beloved King. God loved him more.

10 For Your servant David's sake,

Do not turn away the face of Your Anointed.
11 The Lord has sworn in truth to David;

He will not turn from it:

"I will set upon your throne the fruit of your body. 

12 If your sons will keep My covenant

And My testimony which I shall teach them,

Their sons also shall sit upon your throne forevermore."

David's son, "Solomon," sinned.  He wound up marrying 700 wives and had 300 concubines.  His heart was no longer devoted to God but became open to other gods.  The gods of his wives.   Soon after, Israel was split into two kingdoms, Judah and Israel.  They were taken captive by Assyria and Babylonia.

Zion refers to a hill in Israel- it's where the city of David was built.  Later the region was expanded to include the location of the Temple.

13 For the Lord has chosen Zion;

He has desired it for His dwelling place: 

14 "This is My resting place forever;

Here I will dwell, for I have desired it. 

15 I will abundantly bless her provision;

I will satisfy her poor with bread. 

16 I will also clothe her priests with salvation,

And her saints shall shout aloud for joy. 

17 There I will make the horn of David grow;

I will prepare a lamp for My Anointed. 

18 His enemies I will clothe with shame,

But upon Himself His crown shall flourish."
NKJV

Over time things changed.  God couldn't be present in the temple anymore.  With all of our strengths and creativity as humans- we just can't keep ourselves out of sin.  But God still loves us, His creation.  He never gave up.  A prophecy came through Isaiah.

Isaiah 9:7
7 Of the increase of His government and peace
There will be no end,
Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom,
To order it and establish it with judgment and justice
From that time forward, even forever.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.
NKJV

Jesus came.  What He found wasn't good.  Jerusalem had fallen spiritually.  Soon it would fall literally.
Matt 23:37-39
37 "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing!  38 See! Your house is left to you desolate;  39 for I say to you, you shall see Me no more till you say, 'Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!'"

When Jesus and the disciples  left Jerusalem, Jesus predicted the destruction of the Temple.  In 70 AD, the Romans completely destroyed it- animal sacrifices by the Jewish people stopped.

Matt 24:1-2
24 Then Jesus went out and departed from the temple, and His disciples came up to show Him the buildings of the temple. 2 And Jesus said to them, "Do you not see all these things? Assuredly, I say to you, not one stone shall be left here upon another, that shall not be thrown down."

This looks like the best place to look at the New Jerusalem.  In my next post, I'll take a look at it.  I'm excited!  This verse was written after Jesus' resurrection.
Revelation 22:16
16 "I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star."
NKJV

Jerusalem!

It was a big deal for people to travel to Jerusalem.  They had to travel far from their homes, no cars, planes, or trains.  Psalms 120-134 are thought to be pilgrim songs sung on the way to Jerusalem for the three annual feasts.  This Psalm was written by David.  

We are able to go to our Churches at least once a week, sometimes 3 or more. I found a model of the ancient temple in Jerusalem- Ancient Jerusalem Temple (link).  I love this stuff!  It makes things come to life.

© Karen Kyle Ericson, all rights reserved.

Psalms 122

You can really sense the joy and excitement of these pilgrimages.  They must've met up with old friends and seen family members from all over.  As Christians, we often have a rough time getting to Church, some say the devil tries to keep us in bed.  This is pretty inspiring.  And I do love to worship at Church, it's worth getting out of bed. : )   David dreamed of building God a temple, but because of sin, he had to let his son Solomon build it.

1 When they said, "Let's go to the house of God,"

my heart leaped for joy.

2 And now we're here, O Jerusalem,

inside Jerusalem's walls!

3 Jerusalem, well-built city,

built as a place for worship!

This is referring to the twelve tribes of Israel.  It kind of reminds me of all our denominations.  As long as Jesus is Lord, we are all one body.

4 The city to which the tribes ascend,

all God's tribes go up to worship,

To give thanks to the name of God —

this is what it means to be Israel.

5 Thrones for righteous judgment

are set there, famous David-thrones.

I've had this verse come to mind a lot over the past several months.  Then the news about our country trying to divide Israel came.  Now I understand why the prayer request kept coming.  It's a difficult situation, many of us are very confused.   Israel has been through so much suffering, and they are still God's chosen people- the first fruit.

6 Pray for Jerusalem's peace!

Prosperity to all you Jerusalem-lovers!

I was also a bit confused as to how this verse applies to those of us who have accepted Jesus' sacrifice.  Because when He was crucified the curtain separating man from God was torn.

Matt 27:51
51 Then, behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth quaked, and the rocks were split... 

And our bodies became the temple of the Holy Spirit.
1 Cor 6:19
Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?
NKJV

So I looked it up on a Jews for Jesus web site to get their perspective : )  It turns out that verse 6 of this Psalm, requests all of us to pray for Jerusalem's peace and in return we will receive a blessing.  With the latest news, I pray for peace even if I don't receive a blessing.  Israel is mentioned throughout the Bible, including Revelation.  They still play a key role in Christianity.  On the web site, the author asked us to pray for all Jews everywhere and also Christians.  Actually, I think I'll pray for peace for Muslims too.

These words are so important, even today.  For all the nations.

7 Friendly insiders, get along!

Hostile outsiders, keep your distance!

8 For the sake of my family and friends,

I say it again: live in peace!

9 For the sake of the house of our God, God,

I'll do my very best for you.

THE MESSAGE