“Now I watched when the Lamb opened one of the seven seals, and I heard one of the four living creatures say with a voice like thunder, “Come!”” (Revelation 6:1, ESV). These events are not simply events of the future or events described for some great event of tribulation. No, these events are occuring as I write. I believe that for the following reasons:
1. There is a direct correlation between these events in Revelation 6 as in Jesus' teaching of the Mount of Olivet (Matt. 24–25, Mark 13; Luke 21). At that time Jesus was not describing events that were at the end. He was describing events between His first and second coming that had to take place “. . . These are but the beginning of the birth pains.” (Mark 13:8, ESV)
2. There is also a contextual bridge between Chapter 5 and 6 of Revelation. Previously the Lamb was given the scroll at His ascension and now He opens the seals. He has started opening the Seals and is opening the Seals!
3. The most obvious background is Zechariah 6:1–8 (cf. also Zechariah 1:8–15). Remember the cryptic language of Revelation relates to other Old Testament prophecies which the reader would be aware of. So just as Zechariah depicted the horseman representing God's nations of justice on Israel, these horseman represent God's judgement of all nations, but also His protection and vindication of His Church. In the midst of all these natural, political and religious disasters, God is on the throne.
4. The Seals of Revelation 6 encompass all the Last Days. Notice as the Sixth Seal is opened that the events unfolding are described by John as “the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?”” (Revelation 6:17b, ESV).
5. "Rev. 6:1–8 is intended to show that Christ rules over such an apparently chaotic world and that suffering does not occur indiscriminately or by chance." [1]
These four horsemen are symbols of events that have and will take place up to the coming of Christ. Again the overall point of Revelation is to show that Jesus Christ reigns. He is sovereign and He is in control.
Father it not only proves Scripturally accurate to describe these events in the here and now; it also brings us great comfort. You have a plan to protect Your Church. Your people are sealed. Your Son does reign -- and there are no accidents. Lord as I even hear the hoofbeats today, may it bring this certain knowledge: Our God reigns. Comfort and add grace to Your Church around the world that is suffering today. Amen!
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1. Beale, G. K. (1999). The book of Revelation: A commentary on the Greek text. New International Greek Testament Commentary (370). Grand Rapids, MI; Carlisle, Cumbria: W.B. Eerdmans; Paternoster Press.
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