Students of prophecy have long been intrigued by the subject of the two witnesses. Questions like who, what, where, when, why and how flood into our minds regarding these fascinating human instruments who will be used by God in a dynamic ministry to a spiritually darkened world. All the above-listed questions beg answers! Some elements may be fully understood, while others may not be comprehended until a future moment in God's perfect time of revelation.
What can we know about these two individuals? What do they draw upon to sustain their lonely, but spiritually rewarding mission? Rather than focusing on their personal identities, let's focus on why God has selected two witnesses and what will be offered to them in their moment of greatest need.
As we do, I think you will be encouraged to see how God is faithful to His unchangeable Word. A consistency of purpose and promises underlies God's actions, whether He is dealing with the macroworld of end-time prophecies or our microworld of personal needs in 2008.
Stepping into the scriptural spotlight
The entrance of the two witnesses onto the world stage is found in Revelation 11. It is at the beginning of the Great Tribulation (the fifth seal of Revelation 6) that the biblical spotlight shines on these two individuals. They are also referred to as two olive trees and two lampstands (Revelation 11:4), as well as two prophets (verse 10). Their tasks are truly multidimensional. Just when you think you know their function, it moves into a different sphere. All elements honor the one true God!
