How can believers today find encouragement from the ascension in Revelation 11:12? Setting the Scene • Revelation 11 describes two literal witnesses who preach, are slain by the beast, and after three-and-a-half days are raised and “went up into heaven in a cloud, as their enemies watched them” (Revelation 11:12). • Their public ascension takes place midway through earth’s darkest hour, yet heaven’s voice and power prevail. The Ascension of the Two Witnesses – The Text “And the two witnesses heard a loud voice from heaven saying to them, ‘Come up here!’ And they went up into heaven in a cloud, as their enemies watched them.” (Revelation 11:12) Reasons for Encouragement Today • God’s final word is victory, not defeat – The world gloats over the witnesses’ deaths (11:10), yet the same Lord who raised them calls them upward. – Believers see that apparent losses are temporary; God always writes the last line. • Public vindication is certain – The ascension happens “as their enemies watched.” No whisper-quiet rescue—God honors faithful service openly (cf. Psalm 23:5). – Our obedience may be ridiculed now, but the Lord promises open acknowledgment (Luke 12:8). • A preview of our own catching-up – The language echoes Jesus’ ascension (Acts 1:9) and anticipates ours: “we… will be caught up… in the clouds” (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17). – The same cloud that received the witnesses will one day receive every believer. • Assurance of resurrection power – Their lifeless bodies rise because “the breath of life from God entered them” (Revelation 11:11). – That identical Spirit guarantees our bodily resurrection (Romans 8:11). • Proof that God’s timetable is perfect – Three-and-a-half days may feel delayed, yet it fulfills precise prophecy (cf. Daniel 7:25; 12:7). – Encouragement: the Lord is never late with our deliverance (2 Peter 3:9). Linked Promises across Scripture • John 14:3 — Christ prepares a place and personally returns: “I will come back and welcome you into My presence.” • 1 Corinthians 15:52 — At the last trumpet “the dead will be raised imperishable.” • Revelation 12:5 — The male child “was caught up to God and to His throne,” another reminder that God rescues at the critical moment. Living in Light of the Ascension • Stand firm—hostility cannot cancel God’s plan. • Speak boldly—witnesses fulfilled their mission before departure; so can we (Acts 1:8). • Look upward—anticipate Christ’s call “Come up here!” and let that hope purify daily choices (1 John 3:3). Summary of Hope The ascension of the two witnesses is more than a dramatic prophecy scene; it is a divine pledge. What God did for them He will do for all who trust Him: raise, vindicate, and escort us into His presence, right on time and in full view of every watching eye. |
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