"And I will give to my two witnesses even that they will prophesy for twelve hundred and sixty days, dressed in sackcloth." These are the two olive trees and the two lamps which stand before the Lord of the earth. Rev. 11:3, 4.
The identity of the two witnesses is one of he most disputed issues in the book of Revelation. But whoever they are, one thing is clear. They represent the message of the gospel, a message that God intends will spread throughout the earth before the end comes (Matt. 24:14; Rev. 11:11, 12; 14:6, 7). John portrays the two witnesses as standing all alone, challenging the wrongs of their day and representing God in the face of great opposition.
We too sometimes find ourselves called to stand alone for God. Such occasions are not pleasant. Most of us prefer to be part of the "in" crowd, to be accepted in a group that believes and lives the way we do. But in hard times that may not be the case. The good news is that, as we make disciples for Jesus, our lonely influence multiplies and helps many others to receive Him in spite of the difficulties that following Christ can bring in this world.
In 1870 a Hindu Chuchra named Charles Ditt converted to Christ. The Chuchras, a subgroup among the untouchables of India, are part of the lowest caste among the Hindus. In places people treat them as of less worth than some animals. Charles Ditt added to his lowly caste position the social stigma of Christianity. Many Indians regard Christian converts as traitors to their country.
Ditt faced considerable persecution as he carried the message of Jesus Christ with him from village to village. In 11 years, however, more than 500 Chuchras became Christians in response to his ministry. By 1900 more than half of his caste had converted to Christ, and by 1915 all but a few hundred members professed the Christian faith. Certainly Ditt no longer stood alone in his relationship with Christ.
In today's world God calls all of us to be witnesses for Jesus Christ. Three out of four people in our world do not believe in Jesus as their personal Savior, and half of the people in the world have yet to hear about Him in a meaningful way. While as individuals we can do little about the billions, we can each reach out to the one or two lost people closest to us. Even then we cannot know ahead of time which one will prove to be a Charles Ditt, someone specially gifted by God to reach large numbers for Christ.
The work of God will be completed under His supervision and in His time. Our personal part is to sense His direction and His call each day.
Lord, lead me to someone who needs You, or direct them to me, today. Touch me with the right words to say. Help me to be alert to recognize that person when he or she comes.
The identity of the two witnesses is one of he most disputed issues in the book of Revelation. But whoever they are, one thing is clear. They represent the message of the gospel, a message that God intends will spread throughout the earth before the end comes (Matt. 24:14; Rev. 11:11, 12; 14:6, 7). John portrays the two witnesses as standing all alone, challenging the wrongs of their day and representing God in the face of great opposition.
We too sometimes find ourselves called to stand alone for God. Such occasions are not pleasant. Most of us prefer to be part of the "in" crowd, to be accepted in a group that believes and lives the way we do. But in hard times that may not be the case. The good news is that, as we make disciples for Jesus, our lonely influence multiplies and helps many others to receive Him in spite of the difficulties that following Christ can bring in this world.
In 1870 a Hindu Chuchra named Charles Ditt converted to Christ. The Chuchras, a subgroup among the untouchables of India, are part of the lowest caste among the Hindus. In places people treat them as of less worth than some animals. Charles Ditt added to his lowly caste position the social stigma of Christianity. Many Indians regard Christian converts as traitors to their country.
Ditt faced considerable persecution as he carried the message of Jesus Christ with him from village to village. In 11 years, however, more than 500 Chuchras became Christians in response to his ministry. By 1900 more than half of his caste had converted to Christ, and by 1915 all but a few hundred members professed the Christian faith. Certainly Ditt no longer stood alone in his relationship with Christ.
In today's world God calls all of us to be witnesses for Jesus Christ. Three out of four people in our world do not believe in Jesus as their personal Savior, and half of the people in the world have yet to hear about Him in a meaningful way. While as individuals we can do little about the billions, we can each reach out to the one or two lost people closest to us. Even then we cannot know ahead of time which one will prove to be a Charles Ditt, someone specially gifted by God to reach large numbers for Christ.
The work of God will be completed under His supervision and in His time. Our personal part is to sense His direction and His call each day.
Lord, lead me to someone who needs You, or direct them to me, today. Touch me with the right words to say. Help me to be alert to recognize that person when he or she comes.
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