SCRIPTURE: Revelation 6:1-17
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
My first thought is that this vision refers to specific events, but another way to look at it is that it describes overall themes/patterns unfolding in history, a general summary of the unfolding of events that follow Jesus’ placement on the highest throne. The patterns include rising political powers, wars, famine and poverty, death and destruction, the suffering of believers and ultimately the ‘crash’ of the universe.
In other words, this is what history will look like after Jesus takes the throne, and believers will have to wait for the final judgment, when all things will finally be put straight. The universe under sinful domination is unraveling, but the ruling Lamb is at work through this, preparing for the final restoration.
History is not out of control, it is unfolding according to the Master’s plan. Things look evil, and we must endure much hardship, but take heart, Jesus IS Lord and all things are working out for ultimate salvation.
In the meantime, our job is not just to wait, but to join with the Lord in gathering those still to be rescued. Our job is to enter this violent, broken world, like Jesus did, and make disciples, ie people who surrender to Jesus as Lord and Saviour. The world is not saved by politics, war, capitalism, communism, democracy, education, but by Christ-followers doing what Jesus did, entering the world and showing them the way of love.
PRAYER:
Lord, too often we are more impressed by the powers and pleasures of this world, that we lose sight of the fact that this world is, according to Your purpose, unraveling towards destruction. Help us to join You in living for God, for good, and for the lost, to show them the way. Amen.
The riders are bearers of judgement and not salvation. Yet all is under God’s control. It was the Lamb who opened the seals. The first was given a crown. The second was given power to take peace. The third was given scales for judgement and the fourth was given power over a quarter of the earth. The four horsemen were given power. It is God who is in control. No matter what happens, God is seated on the throne. He is in control. It is the Lamb which opens the seals. And although all these calamities will occur, I must remember that I serve a sovereign, awesome, mighty God.
Help me Lord this day to live for You. May all what I do, be done in Your name. May I surrender all knowing that You are my All in All as I continue to work in Your presence doing what You desire me to do.
Precious Lord, take my hand,
Lead me on, let me stand,
I am tired, I am weak, I am worn;
Through the storm, through the night,
Lead me on to the light: