Revelation 9:11-12; Resurrected and Raptured (1)

Revelation 11:11-12 And after three days and an half the Spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them. 12 And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them. 

Some may wonder why the two witnesses were not permitted to preach after their resurrection. But signs and wonders do not make the gospel believable, because “If they [unbelievers] hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.” (Luke 16:31). After hearing the teaching and observing the miraculous ministry of the Son of God, unbelievers rejected and killed Him.

Their ministry completed, the two ascended with the whole world watching up to God’s glorious presence, where they no doubt heard Him say, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant: … enter thou into the joy of thy lord.” (Matt. 25:21).

 MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1999). Revelation 1–11 (p. 305). Chicago: Moody Press.

We are reminded our Lord’s word to His disciples on facing persecution – Matthew 10:28 And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

The Apostle Paul was ready to meet his Lord at the close of his ministry – 2 Timothy 4:6-8 For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. 

He was looking forward to meet his Lord and His blessings.

What a day of rejoicing that will be!

The enemies had no power to further any more evil against them. Even death was conquered and the world witnessed the reality of the gospel in God’s call from heaven to bring His servants home in glory!

The words of Robert Murray Mc’Cheyne for our encouragement to persevere in service.

When this passing world is done,
when has sunk yon glaring sun,
when we stand with Christ on high
looking o’er life’s history,
then, Lord, shall I fully know,
not till then, how much I owe.