December 17, 2024 - Revelation 11

John was given a measuring rod and told to measure the temple.  Some see this as a reference to a future rebuilding of the temple.  But the question arises:  Why in the world would one wish to rebuild the temple and reinstitute the offerings there?  Jesus has entered the heavenly holy of holies and offered himself as one sacrifice for all time:  “He entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption” (Hebrews 9:12).  Rather, this appears to be a measurement, a numbering, of the people of God, that is, those who “worship there” (11:1). Only these are numbered whereas those outside are not counted among God’s people (11:2).  The two witnesses affirm these things and speak of matters yet to occur.  In the midst of terrible judgments, the scenario will be:  “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” (11:18).  Makes me think of the psalmists who, over and over again, testified about God’s protection from evil.  Makes me think of Isaiah and the prophets who gave God’s assurance:  “Fear not, for I am with you”  (Isaiah 43:5).  Christians might disagree about the interpretation of details in Revelation but on this all can agree:  God is our refuge and help.  We can rest in him.

Rejoice, the Lord is King . . .

His kingdom cannot fail,

He rules o'er earth and heav’n;

The keys of death and hell

Are to our Jesus givn:

Lift up your heart,

Lift up your voice!

Rejoice, again I say, rejoice!

Rejoice in glorious hope!

Our Lord and judge shall come

And take His servants up

To their eternal home:

Lift up your heart,

Lift up your voice!

Rejoice, again I say, rejoice!   -- Charles Wesley (1744)