In what ways can you "prophesy" as the witnesses do in Revelation 11:3? The Pattern Set by the Two Witnesses “ ‘And I will grant my two witnesses authority to prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth.’ ” (Revelation 11:3) The two witnesses stand as literal figures in a future tribulation, yet their ministry models timeless principles of prophetic witness: clear authority from God, perseverance over a defined season, and humility signified by sackcloth. Prophecy Defined: Speaking God’s Revealed Word • In Scripture, to prophesy means to speak forth what God has revealed, whether that involves future events or present exhortation. • 1 Corinthians 14:3 clarifies the goal: “The one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouragement, and comfort.” • Acts 2:17 shows the Spirit empowering believers to prophesy in the last days, anchoring this gift firmly in the church age. Biblical Foundations for New-Covenant Prophesying • Joel 2:28–29 fulfilled in Acts 2:17–18—sons, daughters, young, and old all speaking by the Spirit. • Romans 12:6—prophecy exercised “in proportion to our faith.” • 1 Peter 4:11—speak “as one speaking the very words of God,” always with dependence on divine grace. • Revelation 19:10—the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy; authentic prophetic ministry centers on Christ. Practical Ways You Can Prophesy Today • Proclaim the gospel plainly, declaring the death and resurrection of Christ as God’s ultimate message of salvation. • Share Spirit-prompted words of encouragement, consolation, or exhortation that align with Scripture. • Read and expound Scripture publicly, trusting the Spirit to apply specific passages to present needs. • Write or speak biblical truths in letters, texts, posts, or conversations, bringing light where confusion reigns. • Intercede with prophetic insight—praying revealed promises over people and situations. • Model repentance and humility, wearing metaphorical “sackcloth” that keeps the focus on God, not self. • Stand for truth in the public square, even when unpopular, echoing the witnesses’ fearless clarity. Character Qualities That Support Prophetic Witness • Reliance on the Holy Spirit (Zechariah 4:6). • Saturation in Scripture so that every word spoken is filtered through God’s written Word (Psalm 119:11). • Boldness coupled with love (Ephesians 4:15). • Perseverance during opposition (James 5:10). • Humility, knowing authority comes from God alone (Micah 6:8). Guarding the Message • Test every impression against the Bible (1 John 4:1). • Seek confirmation through mature believers (Proverbs 11:14). • Refuse any spotlight that detracts from Christ’s glory (John 3:30). Encouragement from Revelation 11 God always preserves a prophetic voice on earth. The same Spirit who empowers the two witnesses empowers believers today to speak life-giving truth. Stay faithful, stay scriptural, and let the “testimony of Jesus” resound through every word and action. |
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