Rev. 11.  There is a great deal of variety in the interpretation of the symbols presented in this chapter, but  its interpretation is clear enough that we can derive comfort.  As believers witness to the truth of the gospel, we should expect both miraculous protection and demonic opposition. We prophesy clothed in sackcloth.  There will be a time when the witness will be all but snuffed out, but the church will revive. The second coming of our Lord will be a time of triumph for us, but a time of terror and wrath for unbelievers. Christ will reign over the kingdoms of the world. The dead will be judged, the saints rewarded, the destroyers destroyed.

LORD, keep us ever aware of our future, so that we do not despair as we prophesy in sackcloth.