Jacob's Trouble

Chapter Ten Great Tribulation The Two Witnesses

Eliyahu calculated that it had been three and one-half years since the tribulation began. He called Joseph to his residence in Petra to talk about the future. Joseph walked into the room with a concerned look on his face.

Joseph began, "Eliyahu, I'm worried about my mother. I know I should be trusting in the Lord but after a while all this stuff overwhelms me."

"That's understandable, my friend. Before we talk let's pray. We will pray for the journey that we are all on and for your mother and your family."

Eliyahu reached his hand out to Joseph and put it on his shoulder. Then he prayed, "Dear God, the road we are traveling and have traveled has been a difficult one these last three-plus years. But you have called Joseph, and I, here for a greater purpose than what most realize. Give him strength and give me strength. Give me insight and give him insight. We need you more than ever to finish this course. Also, we are asking right now for Mary. She is also going through a tough stretch in her long life. Give her strength and health to finish the race until you come back. Amen."

Joseph inserted, "Wow, that was powerful. I could feel Yoshua's presence in the room. I know Mom will be all right and make it until Yoshua returns."

"Now, my beloved assistant, we have plenty to do as we stand halfway through Jacob's Trouble. The two witnesses are right now down in Jerusalem prophesying, but soon they will slaughter them, and they will leave their bodies in the streets for the birds to devour."

Joseph spoke, "According to my studies, under the Antichrist, the wickedness of man has reached its peak, and it is met with God's wrath against sin. The seventh trumpet in Revelation 16:1-21 calls forth the seven bowl judgments."

"Yes, and the evil one will begin planning his great battle with our Messiah. The mark of the beast is being administered to thousands as we speak. We must keep preaching the truth in the countryside all over Isreal and more. The sealed ones throughout the world are also on alert, but this is our corner of the world to evangelize. Do we have several teams heading out today for Jericho and Bethlehem?"

Joseph shook his head in the affirmative and began, "Eli is leading a team to Bethlehem since he is familiar with that area. Eleazar has twenty or so people traveling up to Jericho. We've prayed over those teams already and they should be leaving soon."

"I know you have already done this, but we need to admonish them to be very careful because Gutierrez has been sending squads out to murder Jews by the dozens. Make sure each group has sealed ones with them."

"No problem. They are probably on their way now."

Eliyahu continued, "Joseph, when you and I met at Bethany three years ago, did you know that we would become such close friends? That the Holy Spirit would use you as a witness of God's grace, mercy, and love to countless numbers of Gentiles and Jews? Has the Lord shown you anything in regard to Israel during this period?"

"God's Word says that even before the abomination of desolation occurs, our efforts are directed towards bringing glory to God and blessing those who are searching for Him. Our first goal is to build more faith in our Jewish brothers and sisters who believe in Yoshua. The plan that God has laid out for Israel does not include destruction. They have been persecuted by the enemies of God, including our own government, throughout history. However, once Messiah comes, he will rule with fairness and justice over his chosen people."

"You're right. The Word states that God promises that those who humble themselves and repent will receive mercy. Now that we are approaching the end of days let's pray for wisdom and guidance in accomplishing the tasks that the Lord has given us."