REVELATION 6:1-8
As we begin to unravel the mystery of the revelation, it is important to note that the value of the revelation depends greatly on how it is approached. If one sees it merely as symbolic of general (yet great) tribulation that will accompany the end times, then one will primarily gain a greater appreciation of the severity of the end times. But as has been said earlier, the approach I am taking is one that understands the revelation as describing literal events (albeit highly symbolic). The value in this approach is perhaps a greater appreciation of not only the severity of God’s wrath, but also a greater appreciation of God’s sovereign control and plan for mankind and the universe; indeed, God has every detail already worked out. Granted the interpretation of the specific events is nearly impossible to nail down, yet I believe that as the events begin to unfold before our very eyes, the fog of the revelation will begin to clear.
Related to this, though, there is something that has been nagging me. It has to do with our understanding that the church will be raptured prior to the events that take place in these upcoming chapters. Why give us this revelation if we won’t be here to see it unfold? And if we are raptured before the warnings are fully apparent, who is this revelation really written to? The answer lies in the fact that while these dreadful images act as a warning to those in unbelief (or those whose belief is questionable – e.g. the church at Laodicea), they are also intended to give hope to those who believe. God has given us a glimpse into the future to reveal that evil will not gain the upper hand, but will be dealt with in a most terrific way. There is a way that seems right to man, but in the end it leads to death (Prov. 14:12). Evil is a serious matters that must and will be dealt with. We can be certain that all things that stand against Christ and our life in Him will be brought into submission to Him. For at the name of Jesus, every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Phil. 2:10-11)
Knowing this, just knowing the things to come even though we may be absent, can bring a great deal of comfort in the present. Just as a father or a mother would find great comfort in the present if they knew with certainty that their son or daughter would have a prodigious future, so also we can live in comfort knowing with certainty that the future is a good one where evil is no longer permitted to continue.
When looking at the revelation, the events to come will lead to the fall of evil. There will be critical events in the tribulation period that will ultimately reveal whose power will prevail. Let us rest in the knowledge that Christ and His goodness will prevail despite this present darkness.
If you have time today, read the week’s entire passage (Revelation 6:1-8) and also Matthew 24:4-31. There is a remarkable similarity to the description and order of the seals in Rev. 6 to the end time events described by Jesus in Matthew’s gospel. I will make further note of these similarities as we go through the individual seals in the coming days. For now, note the degree of certainty with which these events are foretold. What do they say to you about God?
