“And after three days and a half the Spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them.”
(Revelation 11:11)
The timeless truths of the Gospel serve as an unbreakable link between the pages of time and eternity. Those ministers of the Gospel whom God chooses to proclaim this “good news” in every generation, regardless of their origin or audience, are bound together in a single, enduring mission. As Isaiah 52:7–8 proclaims, “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news … who says to Zion, ‘Your God reigns’ … for eye to eye they see the return of the Lord to Zion.”
The early ministers of New England provide a clear and stirring example of this Gospel unity. Though they were not all alike in method or temperament, they were of one heart in their doctrinal commitment. These men were not governed by the desire to appease man but were constrained by the fear of the Lord and the power of His truth. Any external pressure or cultural resistance only deepened their resolve to teach and live out the Word of God.
As long as this world remains, the kingdom of Christ will meet resistance. Psalm 2:2 reminds us, “The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed.” And Luke 19:14 echoes the same: “We will not have this man to reign over us.” Yet the sure promise of Scripture is that even in the face of opposition—even unto death—the Lord will vindicate His people. Revelation 11:11 vividly displays this: “And after three days and a half the Spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet.” Death will never silence the witness of Christ. His truth endures, and His kingdom is unshakable.
John Flavel offers this beautiful insight: “As it’s said of the two witnesses in Rev. 11:11, who lay dead in a civil sense three days and a half, that the Spirit of life from God entered into them; so it is here in a spiritual sense, the spirit of life from God enters into the dead, carnal heart: it’s all by way of supernatural infusion.”[1] The power of the Gospel does not rely on man—it is God’s Spirit who gives life. Where there is death, God brings resurrection. Where there is decay, God brings renewal. It is His work from beginning to end.
Our calling as believers is to continue in this same spirit. The mission has not changed. We are to declare the good news of Christ crucified and risen, seeking the salvation of souls above all else. Ministers and Christians alike must live out the Gospel in word and deed, ensuring the church remains faithful in her doctrine, humble in her leadership, and pure in her witness.
As we walk forward, our confidence rests not in ourselves but in the God who cannot fail. His Spirit brings life. His Gospel cannot be overthrown. His kingdom shall reign.
Contemplation:
- Unified in Mission. Reflecting on Romans 10:15, I am reminded of the importance of unity in the church’s mission. The early ministers of New England, despite their differences, came together for a greater cause. In today’s divisive times, it is good to consider how we can draw inspiration from their unity and apply it in our lives.
- The Path of Humility. Psalm 25:9 resonates deeply with me. It speaks of the Lord teaching the humble. I often wonder, in our search for knowledge and understanding, have we forgotten the virtue of humility? For true wisdom comes not just from learning more about God but also from a humble submission to His will.
- Christ’s Kingdom. The opposition to Christ’s rule, both visible and invisible, is evident. Yet, as Revelation 11:11 stresses, after the period of suffering comes the reign of power. I love to meditate on this passage, drawing strength from the promise of Christ’s eventual and ultimate victory.
- Leadership and Trust. The responsibility of leadership is immense. As I consider 1 Peter 5:3, I realize the importance of leaders being models of Christ’s teachings. It’s a sobering thought that our actions can influence many, and so I pray for the wisdom to lead in a manner that’s pleasing to God.
Prayer (Thanksgiving):
Gracious Lord, I thank You for the eternal power and glory of the Gospel. You are the God who breathes life into the dead, who raises up witnesses when the world seeks to silence them, and who strengthens Your church through every season of trial. I praise You that the Gospel is not bound by time or culture or man’s limitations, but is alive—powered by Your Spirit, anchored in Your truth, and sealed by Your promise. You have not left Yourself without witness in this world, and I am blessed to live in the light of that everlasting truth.
Thank You for those who came before—men and women who carried the Gospel with faithfulness, who endured scorn for the sake of Christ, and who stood firm in Your Word. Thank You for the beauty of their obedience and the fruit of their labor. Thank You for the early ministers who gave themselves wholly to Your work, and for their unity in mission. Though they faced trials and division, they held fast to the Gospel, and through them You advanced Your kingdom.
Lord, I thank You that this same Spirit of life from You is at work today. You have not left us to ourselves. You breathe life into our witness, courage into our souls, and steadfastness into our steps. Thank You for the church—for the fellowship of believers, for the means of grace, for the preached Word, and for the joy of walking in Your truth with others who love You.
Thank You for the promise that even when all seems lost, Your Spirit will raise up what man cannot restore. Thank You that after affliction comes power, after darkness comes light, after silence comes a testimony that shakes the world. You are always at work. You are always faithful.
Thank You that I can be part of this Gospel mission—not because of anything in me, but because of Your sovereign grace. Thank You for entrusting this treasure to jars of clay. May I never take lightly the privilege of carrying Your Word. And let my heart give thanks every day that You have called me out of death into life, and into the service of an eternal Gospel that shall never fail.
In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Further Scripture References for Revelation 11:11:
Ezek. 37:5; Gen. 2:7; Rom. 8:2; Rev. 11:9.
[1] John Flavel, The Method of Grace, (London: M. White, for Francis Tyton .., 1681), 96.
