Tag: fifth seal
How Long, Sovereign Lord?
Scripture reading for December 7th: Revelation 6, Psalm 94, Proverbs 27
Revelation 6: 9-11 “When He opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the Word of God and for the witness they had borne. They cried out with a loud voice, “O Sovereign Lord, holy and true, how long before You will judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?” Then they were each given a white robe and told to rest a little longer, until the number of their fellow servants and their brothers should be complete, who were to be killed as they themselves had been killed.”
As John witnessed the Lamb opening the seven seals, he saw a multitude of souls under the altar, all in heaven through martyrdom. They were calling out to the Sovereign Lord, asking “how long” before the judgment and avenging of their shed blood. At this, John saw them given white robes and instructions to rest a while longer. This indicated that there were others that would die as martyrs and join them, also robed in the white of Christ’s righteousness. After the full number of those witnesses would arrive at the altar, then the judgment would come on those on earth. The Lord is truly a ‘Stronghold’ and ‘Rock of Refuge’ for His people and the wicked will be wiped out by their own wickedness.
Psalm 94:22-23 “But the Lord has become my Stronghold, and my God the Rock of my refuge. He will bring back on them their iniquity and wipe them out for their wickedness; the Lord our God will wipe them out.”
Prayer: Father God, thank You that You are a Refuge for Your people, not only in this life, but for all eternity. Thank You for the promised justice for those of Your people who were mistreated and killed for their testimony of Jesus Christ. Through Your Word, we have a vision of what is to come. Use me to share Your Word of protection for believers and the judgment of the wicked as a warning and encouragement.
Proverbs 27:20 “Sheol and Abaddon are never satisfied, and never satisfied are the eyes of man.”
“Sovereign Lord, How Long?”
Scripture reading for December 7th: Revelation 6
Key Scriptures for over-comers: Revelation 6:9-11 “When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain because the word of God and the testimony they had maintained. They called out in a loud voice, “How long, Sovereign Lord, holy and true, until You judge the inhabitants of the earth and avenge our blood?” Then each of them were given a white robe and they were told to wait a little longer, until the number of their fellow servants and brothers who were to be killed as they had been was completed.”
John had watched the Lamb on the throne open the seven sealed scroll he had been given. The fifth seal brought a revelation of souls under the altar who had been slain on earth for their testimony of Jesus. These souls were alive and calling out to God: “How long will it be until you judge the earth and avenge our blood?” They were told to wait until the full number of martyrs would be killed on earth!
Observations for over-comers: Jesus Christ, our “Over-comer”, revealed that there would be martyrs on earth during the last days but He would bring justice! “The righteous will be glad when they are avenged, when they bathe their feet in the blood of the wicked. Then men will say, “Surely the righteous still are rewarded; surely there is a God who judges the earth.” (Psalm 58:10-11)
“How Long?”
Scripture reading for December 15th: Revelation 6:1-17
Waiting is difficult for most of us here on earth. Jesus told us that His coming would be sudden and unexpected by the world, like a thief in the night. (Matthew 24: 43-44) Peter told us that the last days would bring scoffers, mocking the fact that Jesus had not returned yet. (2nd Peter 3:3-4) But John saw another group that were waiting in heaven!
As he watched the Lamb open the first of seven seals, one of the living creatures called out in a loud voice, “Come!” Immediately a white horse and it’s rider with a bow appeared. As the Lamb opened the second seal, a second fiery red horse appeared with a rider who was given power to take peace from men on earth and make them kill each other. The third seal opened brought another black horse. It’s rider was holding a pair of scales in its hand. This rider would bring famine to the land. The fourth seal and living creature summoned a pale horse! It’s rider was named ‘Death’, and ‘Hades’ was following close behind him. They were given power over a fourth of the earth. Tough times were coming! (Revelation 6:1-8)
“When He (the Lamb)opened the fifth seal, I (John) saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God and the testimony they had maintained. They called out in a loud voice, “How long, Sovereign Lord, holy and true, until You judge the inhabitants of the earth and avenge our blood?” Then each of them was given a white robe, and they were told to wait a little longer, until the number of their fellow servants and brothers who were to be killed as they had been was completed.” (Revelation 6:9-11)
Even in heaven there was the need for patient endurance! John saw many souls there waiting for the Lord to take vengeance on those on earth who had murdered them. These were waiting under the altar and calling out to the Lamb. God’s answer was further patience and a word that even more would be killed and join them while they waited! John’s vision and this record of waiting in heaven ought to inspire us to be faithful and true while we wait for our Lord from heaven. We do not know the day or hour, but His coming is soon and sure!