Revelation 6 reminds me of the South Fork Dam. It was created to make an exclusive hunting and fishing lake for the wealthiest families in America. It held back enough water to make a boater’s paradise. In May of 1889, after days of rain, the Dam broke, spilling 20 million tons of water onto the town of Johnstown, PA. More than 2,200 people died because few listened to the inspectors’ warnings. Today’s lesson is to diligently watch for signs. John continues his observation of the throne in heaven: “I watched as the Lamb opened the first of seven seals.” Each seal seems to release a judgement that God has been restraining for a time. John describes what is sometimes called the four horsemen of the apocalypse. First, he sees “a white horse! Its rider held a bow, and he was given a crown, and he rode out as a conqueror bent on conquest.” The image is of an imitator of righteousness, given power through deception. Perhaps a dictator that skillfully manipulates through promises of peace. John observed: “the Lamb opened the second seal… Then another horse came out, a fiery red one. Its rider was given power to take peace from the earth… To him was given a large sword.” Peace is not the natural inclination of mankind. Once this restraint is removed, all hell breaks out. “When the Lamb opened the third seal… before me was a black horse! Its rider was holding a pair of scales in his hand.” The picture is of economic collapse and famine caused by political strife. This is closely followed by death: “the Lamb opened the fourth seal… a pale horse! Its rider was named Death, and Hades was following close behind him.” John adds that a fourth of the world population is killed: “by sword, famine and plague, and by the wild beasts.” Are you seeing any cracks?
Next, John describes opening “the fifth seal”: “I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God and the testimony they had maintained.” We are quick to condemn those that have wronged us, conveniently forgetting how patient God was toward us. They cry out: “How long, Sovereign Lord… until You judge… and avenge our blood?” Each was “given a white robe” and told “wait a little longer, until the full number of their fellow servants… were killed.” I believe that God’s mercy is beyond measure. He holds back judgement to allow every last person to repent. Some will refuse to heed the warnings.
When He opened the “sixth seal” catastrophe ensues. Massive volcanic activity darkens the sky creating a thick worldwide haze. There was “a great earthquake. The sun turned black… moon turned blood red… the stars in the sky fell to earth… The heavens receded… every mountain and island was removed from its place.” John seems to be describing the perspective of someone looking up from earth. Seismic activity on a scale unseen since the earth was formed. No one can escape: “the kings… the princes, the generals, the rich, the mighty… both slave and free, hid in caves.” They beg for mountains to crush them to escape “from the wrath of the Lamb.” The wrath of the Lamb is an almost impossible image. It would be like saying the wrath of the gentle sailboat. Today we relax in the sun. We see storm clouds in the distance, but don’t think they will harm us. We believe we are safe. John describes “the great day of His wrath” asking all who will listen: “who can withstand it?” In Philippians 2 the apostle Paul describes the humility of Christ, exhorting believers to be a living reminder that Christ is Lord to a “warped and crooked generation”. In the last days: “at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord.” Friend, are you seeing any signs?
Next, John describes opening “the fifth seal”: “I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God and the testimony they had maintained.” We are quick to condemn those that have wronged us, conveniently forgetting how patient God was toward us. They cry out: “How long, Sovereign Lord… until You judge… and avenge our blood?” Each was “given a white robe” and told “wait a little longer, until the full number of their fellow servants… were killed.” I believe that God’s mercy is beyond measure. He holds back judgement to allow every last person to repent. Some will refuse to heed the warnings.
When He opened the “sixth seal” catastrophe ensues. Massive volcanic activity darkens the sky creating a thick worldwide haze. There was “a great earthquake. The sun turned black… moon turned blood red… the stars in the sky fell to earth… The heavens receded… every mountain and island was removed from its place.” John seems to be describing the perspective of someone looking up from earth. Seismic activity on a scale unseen since the earth was formed. No one can escape: “the kings… the princes, the generals, the rich, the mighty… both slave and free, hid in caves.” They beg for mountains to crush them to escape “from the wrath of the Lamb.” The wrath of the Lamb is an almost impossible image. It would be like saying the wrath of the gentle sailboat. Today we relax in the sun. We see storm clouds in the distance, but don’t think they will harm us. We believe we are safe. John describes “the great day of His wrath” asking all who will listen: “who can withstand it?” In Philippians 2 the apostle Paul describes the humility of Christ, exhorting believers to be a living reminder that Christ is Lord to a “warped and crooked generation”. In the last days: “at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord.” Friend, are you seeing any signs?