We’ve been studying
recently in Revelation the worthiness of the Lamb, Jesus, to open the 7 seals
of the scroll. What’s in the scroll, though, and what are the seven seals?
Revelation chapter 6 begins to describe each seal as it is opened. Each seal
seems to reveal preliminary events leading up to the culmination of God’s plan
for redemption and justice.
Revelation 6:3-4
& 7-8 3 When the Lamb opened the second seal, I heard
the second living creature say,
“Come!” 4 Then another horse came out, a fiery red one. Its rider was given power to take peace from the earth and to make people kill each other. To him was given a large
sword….
7 When the Lamb opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of
the fourth living creature say,
“Come!” 8 I looked, and there before me was a pale horse! Its rider was named Death, and Hades was following close behind him. They were given power over a
fourth of the earth to kill by sword, famine and plague, and by the wild beasts
of the earth.
God only allows
this fourth rider power over ¼ of the earth. He doesn’t let the rider wipe out
everyone and everything. I think this indicates how patient God is. Even though
God is just and sovereign, He is also slow to anger and abounding in love. As
each seal is opened, only part of God’s wrath is unleashed. Each seal or event
could be seen as warning signs of worse judgment to come. God holds back the
full force of His wrath and continues to give people additional opportunities
to recognize God, repent of their sins, and turn to Him.
How are you and I
comforted, knowing all power on earth is subject to God’s timing and control?
Alice
