Moses and Elijah

Moses and Elijah

Two figures who appear with Jesus on Mt. Tabor during the Transfiguration.  Perhaps the same two who are figured in Revelation, although not by name.  “I will commission my two witnesses to prophesy for those twelve hundred and sixty days, wearing sackcloth.”  (Rev. 11: 3).  The twelve hundred and sixty days is 3.5 years, half of the 7 year tribulation of the church.

Some say that the two lamp stands of Revelation are Enoch and Elijah since both never had to suffer death.  “When Enoch was sixty-five years old, he became the father of Methuselah.  Enoch lived three hundred years after the birth of Methuselah, and he had other sons and daughters.  The whole lifetime of Enoch was three hundred and sixty-five years.  Then Enoch walked with God, and was no longer here, for God took him.”  (Gen. 5: 21 - 24).  

“When they had crossed over, Elijah said to Elisha, ask for whatever I may do for you, before I am taken from you,  Elisha answered, may I receive a double portion of your spirit.  You have asked something that is not easy,” he replied.  “Still, if you see me taken up from you, your wish will be granted; otherwise not.”  “As they walked on conversing, a flaming chariot and flaming horses came between them, and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind.”  (2 Kings 2: 9 -11).

Of course, these are signs that as both men are taken to heaven without tasting death might be status enough to believe they are the two lamp stands mentioned.  However, both Moses and Elijah were the figures whom stood with Jesus during the Transfiguration conversing with the Lord regarding His Passion which was only a short period before his entry into Jerusalem.  

There are two essential elements regarding Jesus, his upcoming passion and the tribulation of the church.  One incident occurs right before the beginning of the payment for our debt, Golgotha, and the second is the beginning of payment for the debt that sinners who refuse to accept God and the attempt to forgive those who will taste his wrath.  One is victory for believers, one is not.

Ralph B. Hathaway, scenes of coming attractions for Christians.