"And if anyone would harm them, fire pours from their mouth and consumes their foes. If anyone would harm them, this is how he is doomed to be killed. They have the power to shut the sky, that no rain may fall during the days of their prophesying, and they have power over the waters to turn them into blood and to strike the earth with every kind of plague, as often as they desire."
(Revelation 11:5-6)
Verses 5-6 emphasize answered prayer and spiritual power in the face of worldly opposition. The identification with Moses and Elijah reinforces that God works on behalf of the church as He did with them. Fire fell from heaven and devoured the company of soldiers that came to arrest Elijah. He prayed and rain did not fall for three-and-one-half years. Moses and Aaron turned the water of the Nile into blood, and struck Egypt with plagues. Christians must recognize that the call to gospel ministry is not a call to walk in our power or ability. It is a life of dependence upon the Lord. Here is the assurance that the Sovereign Lord answers the prayers of His people in the furtherance of the gospel. Again, the language is not to be taken literally, but rather applied to strengthen our faith and resolve to trust the Lord who has commissioned us as ambassadors of His kingdom, preaching the gospel of repentance to a sinful world.
(Phil A. Newton)
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