Then there was given me a measuring rod like a staff; and someone said, “Get up and measure the temple of God and the altar, and those who worship in it. Leave out the court which is outside the temple and do not measure it, for it has been given to the nations; and they will tread under foot the holy city for forty-two months. Revelation 11:1-2

What is John measuring here? Could this be the prophecy of the 3^rd Temple to be built in Jerusalem? Or could this be “New Jerusalem” that will be coming down from Heaven?  The same vision  is also confirmed by prophets Ezekiel and Zechariah

So He brought me there; and behold, there was a man whose appearance was like the appearance of bronze, with a line of flax and a measuring rod in his hand; and he was standing in the gateway. Ezekiel 40:3

Then I lifted up my eyes and looked, and behold, there was a man with a measuring line in his hand. Zechariah 2:1

And I will grant authority to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for twelve hundred and sixty 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 wants to harm them, fire flows out of their mouth and devours their enemies; so if anyone wants to harm them, he must be killed in this way. These have the power to shut up the sky, so that rain will not 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 plague, as often as they desire. Revelation 11:3-6

Who are the 2 Witnesses? Many have speculated who they are, I believe it will be Moses and Elijah. Why? Because Moses represents The Law and Elijah represents the prophets. This is why Jesus met them at the transfiguration

Notice the symbolism of the 2 Lampstands or 2 Olive Trees, they are filled with Oil, Oil is always symbolic for the Holy Spirit. These men will preach the Word of God to the entire world before the final Woe or 7^th Trumpet is sounded

And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him. Matthew 17:3

When they have finished their testimony, the beast that comes up out of the abyss will make war with them, and overcome them and kill them. And their dead bodies will lie in the street of the great city which mystically is called Sodom and Egypt, where also their Lord was crucified. Those from the peoples and tribes and tongues and nations will look at their dead bodies for three and a half days, and will not permit their dead bodies to be laid in a tomb. And those who dwell on the earth will rejoice over them and celebrate; and they will send gifts to one another, because these two prophets tormented those who dwell on the earth. Revelation 11:7-10

The Anti-Christ will eventually kill the 2 witnesses and the wicked who are left in the world will celebrate. There dead bodies will lay in the streets for 3 and half days. But how does the entire world view their dead bodies? Today this is simple, with smart phones and social media, just more proof we are living in the last days. There dead bodies will be streamed live to everyone’s phone while the wicked rejoice and celebrate

As Daniel prophesied , during the End Times Knowledge will Increase, we are seeing this today with technology and social media

“But as for you, Daniel, conceal these words and seal up the book until the end of time; many will go back and forth, and knowledge will increase.” Daniel 12:4

But after the three and a half days, the breath of life from God came into them, and they stood on their feet; and great fear fell upon those who were watching them. And they heard a loud voice from heaven saying to them, “Come up here.” Then they went up into heaven in the cloud, and their enemies watched them. Revelation 11:11-12

The 2 Witnesses are then “resurrected” after 3 and half days of death. Imagine watching this live on your smart phone. Breaking News 2 prophets killed have now come back to life! And then there were ascended back to the Father! What a powerful scene, surely everyone left on Earth will be terrified and should be!

When He had said these things, He cried out with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come forth.” John 11:43

And in 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. The second woe is past; behold, the third woe is coming quickly Revelation 11:13-14

Notice after this massive earthquake that killed thousands of people, the wicked on the Earth have now given Glory to God! Again people would ask, why would God do these judgements? Because its saving souls! Many people have hardened their hearts so much, that it will take a natural disaster for them to repent

The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9

Then the seventh angel sounded; 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 will reign forever and ever.” Revelation 11:15

What a wonderful announcement by God! The Kingdom of the world now belongs to God again, evil will be completely purged and eliminated. The setting up for the New Heavens and Earth is coming!

Arise, O God, judge the earth! For it is You who possesses all the nations. Psalm 82:8

And the twenty-four elders, who sit on their thrones before God, fell on their faces and worshiped God, saying, “We give You thanks, O Lord God, the Almighty, who are and who were, because You have taken Your great power and have begun to reign. Revelation 11:16-17

And the worship service continues, notice it says “You (God) have begun to reign” Meaning evil is finally being abolished from the Earth. Anyone who wants to continue to live in Sin will not be doing so in Gods Kingdom

If you have died with Christ to the elementary principles of the world, why, as if you were living in the world, do you submit yourself to decrees, such as, Colossians 2:20

“And the nations were enraged, and Your wrath came, and the time came for the dead to be judged, and the time to reward Your bond-servants the prophets and the saints and those who fear Your name, the small and the great, and to destroy those who destroy the earth.” Revelation 11:18

Jesus is setting up his “Great White Throne of Judgement” which will be talked about in a later chapter. Stay tuned! Also its mentioned how its time to reward all those who served God throughout the years! This often a topic misunderstood, yes we cant earn our salvation however we should be working for the Lord to spread his Kingdom.

“For to everyone who has, more shall be given, and he will have an abundance; but from the one who does not have, even what he does have shall be taken away. Matthew 25:29

And the temple of God which is in heaven was opened; and the ark of His covenant appeared in His temple, and there were flashes of lightning and sounds and peals of thunder and an earthquake and a great hailstorm. Revelation 11:19

The Temple of God in Heaven has been revealed, what does this mean? We are drawing closer to the time when Heaven and Earth come together to form the new Paradise or Kingdom. The Ark of Covenant is his Law. Gods Law still rules in the minds and hearts of all those who will be in Gods Kingdom! The Awesomeness of God and his Kingdom cant even be fully described, the power and majesty!

THIS IS THE COVENANT THAT I WILL MAKE WITH THEM AFTER THOSE DAYS, SAYS THE LORD: I WILL PUT MY LAWS UPON THEIR HEART, AND ON THEIR MIND I WILL WRITE THEM,” He then says, Hebrews 10:16