The Two Witnesses

Then I was given a measuring reed like a rod, with these words: "go and measure God's sanctuary and the altar, and count those who worship there. But exclude the courtyard outside the sanctuary.don't measure it, because it is given to the nations (or Gentiles) and they will trample the holy city for 42 months. 

I will empower my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for 1,260 days (3 1/2 years) dressed in sackcloth. These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands that stand before The Lord of the earth. If anyone wants to harm them, fire comes from their mouths and consumes their enemies; if anyone wants to harm them they must be killed in this way. These men have the power to close up the sky so that it does not rain during the days of their prophesy. They also have the power over the waters to turn them into blood and to strike the earth with every plague whenever they want.

Revelation 11:1-6

In the above image the temple could be rebuilt and replace 'The Dome of the Rock' the Muslim temple situated where the original temple stood, built in the 7th century. I could imagine to do such a thing would cause fierce opposition and much warfare.

Perhaps the temple seen by John was the temple he knew and has since been destroyed by the Roman Empire. Yet many scholars believe that the temple will be rebuilt, there is much talk about such a re-construction.

The two witnesses are situated in the Temple area. The Jews understand these types as their history speaks of Elijah and Elisha, to name two. Elijah took on the prophets of Baal and saw fire come from heaven and consume his offering. He also commanded there be no rain and it did not rain for three years.

Personally I believe these two will be from the Jewish nation. They will know Christ and speak about Him. This is how the Jewish people in the end times will hear the gospel and see it performed with signs they recognise. It is fitting that they are established at the temple, they cannot be harmed or moved. Imagine the dilemma they will cause, the controversy. They will be newsworthy subjects and the whole world will see and hear.

The two olive trees and two lamp stands could represent the nature of what these two bring. Olive branches in that they preach Christ who is our peace and lamp stands who is the light of the world.

In amidst all the destruction the gospel is heard, one last time. Amen!