Revelation 6

The Lamb is worthy to take the scroll and open the seals because He was slain and purchased men from every nation, through His blood, to become priests and be part of God's kingdom.  He and the One who sits on the throne are worthy and blessing, honor, glory and power belong to them.  With that in mind let us step into chapter 6 as the Lamb opens the seals and reveals the things to come...

As the Lamb opens the first 4 seals the living creatures cry out "Come!" and a horse and rider come forth:

First seal - 

*White horse, 

*the rider carries a bow and he is given a crown, 

*he is going out to conquer.

Who is this rider?  No one knows for sure but there are 2 viewpoints that I found (I am sure there are more) .  The first viewpoint is that the rider is Christ.  The second is that the rider is the anti-christ.  I am more apt to believe the second because the rest of the seals deal with the destruction of the earth and the sixth seal specifically talks about the martyrs.  If the seals usher in the great tribulation then it makes sense to me that it would be the anti-christ going out to conquer God's kingdom and His servants.

Second seal -

*Red horse,

*He is given a large sword.*the rider is given authority to take peace from the earth and the result men will slay one another...all we have to do is read the newspaper or watch the news to know that this occurs today but there is also peace between people because not everyone is out murdering their neighbor...we can only imagine what kind of chaos this will be when peace no longer reigns.  God is going to allow the peace to be removed.;

Third seal -

*A black horse,

*the rider has a pair of scales in his hand,

*A voice says, "A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius; and do not damage the oil and the wine."

Most believe this horse indicates famine.  The scales represent the need to carefully measure the food and the prices of the food, which is about 12 times the normal price and seems to indicate the lack.  Many are not sure what it means by "do not damage the oil and wine" but most scholars believe it means that the famine will not be too severe.  From what I read the olive tree and grape vines go deep and it would require a severe drought to harm them. 

Fourth seal - 

*An ashen or pale horse,

*Rider named Death and Hades (Hell or the grave) is following him,

*He is given authority to destroy 1/4 of the population with sword, famine, pestilence and wild beasts

It is no wonder Jesus said that this time of tribulation would be like no other time on earth (Matt. 24:21).  I think the key thing to remember is God is in control.  It may be difficult for us to understand or even comprehend the destruction BUT we can rest assure that He is on the throne.  In the end (or beginning depending on how you view it) the new Heaven and Earth will be our dwelling place!  The Lamb is holding the scroll and opening the seals...

We now leave the images of the horses with the fifth seal.  As the fifth seal is opened John sees an altar and underneath the altar the souls of those who were slain because of the Word of God.  They remained faithful during the time of testing - it may have resulted in their physical death but what an awesome privilege to be able die for the One you believe in. (Phil. 1:29, I Peter 4:16 & 19, Rev. 1:9)  

They cry out with a loud voice - "How long, O Lord, holy and true, will You refrain from judging and avenging our blood on those who dwell on the earth?"  They are given a white robe and told to rest a little longer until the number of their brethren were to be killed.  They may have had to suffer for the name of Christ BUT God would take care of those who had harmed them.  I think we can believe the same thing for ourselves - we may have been mistreated or harmed but God will deal with those who harm us.  I think we need to remember to pray and love our enemies and those who misuse us (Matt. 5:44).

The sixth seal -

When the Lamb broke this seal there was a great earthquake, the sun became black, the whole moon became like blood, and the stars of the sky fell to the earth.  The sky was split open like a scroll; every mountain and island were moved out of their places.  Everyone on earth (kings  and commanders, slaves and free, rich, strong and great hid themselves and said to the mountains and rocks, "Fall on us and hide us from the presence of Him who sits on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb; for the great day of their wrath has come, and who is able to stand?"  It is interesting to note they want to be hidden from the Lord and His wrath.  God is love but He is also Judge.  We can either bow the knee and surrender our lives to His LOVE - putting ourselves in His mighty hand, allowing Him to protect us, guide us, nurture us, change us etc.  Or one day bow the knee but be cast from Him forever (Phil. 2:10)...

If you have never given your life to Christ please consider it today.  We are not promised tomorrow.  God does not want anyone to perish BUT all to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9).  He only asks that you acknowledge that you are a sinner and accept His lordship into your life.  I promise you - you won't regret it.  Will life be a bed of roses or a walk in the park?  No.  But He does promise to walk with us through life's trials and one day He will return for His children.  It is a promise & you can count on God to keep His promises (2 Cor. 1:20)! 

More websites about salvation and the Christian life:

Crosswalk

OnePlace

Of course, I am always here to answer questions and pray for you.  Be sure to stop by next week for chapter 7. 

Have a blessed day

P.S. When the fifth seal was opened we saw those who had given their lives for Christ, if you want to know more about the persecuted church today please visit Voice of the Martyrs or Open Doors.