Finally Just Giving Up

Scripture: When they finish their testimony, the beast that ascends out of the bottomless pit will make war against them, overcome them, and kill them. Revelation 11:7

Observation: In the vision about the "two witnesses", the author sees them prophesy under divine protection for 3.5 years, including the ability to bring about all kinds of plagues upon mankind. When this testimony is finished, they will be killed, and their death celebrated.

In this, we see the fact that even supernatural prophesy does not convince people to believe in the Lord and in Jesus. But we also see an end ... a time when such efforts are concluded. Even these two individuals, whom it is said have all authority and themselves stand in the presence of God, cannot bring about repentance of the world.

Application: How greatly does this apply to me, that even in my faith there are elements of my life from which I struggle to repent. I do wrong, get angry, and sin daily. I read the bible, pray for guidance, worship, lean into God's love ... then ignore his teaching, display anger and contempt toward others, sin in all manner, and generally behave just as the rest of the world does.

It is no wonder the Lord will eventually give up on mankind, as we are so flawed that even in our love of God and belief in Jesus, we cannot obey his commands, precepts, laws, and instructions. Perhaps his love surpasses this and he does not truly "give up" on us ... but we know there will come this time when, at the very least, his efforts and the testimony of his prophets will be finished.

Prayer: My Lord and my God, please forgive me for my weakness and my failure. There are better people than I, that is for certain, for I am so poor in spirit. I desire to be stronger and more obedient, but that which I hate I continue to do. I am truly sorry for my sins, and desire to repent. May I receive the strength of the Holy Spirit to guide me in this every day. Amen.