11/28/Su – Opening the Seals

NT: “Then I saw the Lamb open one of the seven seals, and I heard one of the four living creatures say with a voice like thunder, “Come!” I looked, and there was a white horse. Its rider held a bow; a crown was given to him, and he went out as a conqueror in order to conquer. When he opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature say, “Come!” Then another horse went out, a fiery red one, and its rider was allowed to take peace from the earth, so that people would slaughter one another. And a large sword was given to him. When he opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, “Come!” And I looked, and there was a black horse. Its rider held a set of scales in his hand. Then I heard something like a voice among the four living creatures say, “A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius, but do not harm the oil and the wine.” When he opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature say, “Come!” And I looked, and there was a pale green horse. Its rider was named Death, and Hades was following after him. They were given authority over a fourth of the earth, to kill by the sword, by famine, by plague, and by the wild animals of the earth.” (‭‭Revelation‬ ‭6:1-8‬ ‭CSB)

Some biblical scholars believe, and I agree with them, that tribulation began the moment Christ ascended into heaven. Christ went away to prepare a place for His bride, and He will return again. When Christ returned to heaven, took the scroll and seated himself at the right hand of God the father, the preparation for His return began – and it will continue until the day He returns. Before Jesus began ministering during His first appearance, John the Baptist prepared the way. As John the Baptist went about the countryside of Judea, he called people to repentance out of Isaiah 40:3-4.

As each seal of the scroll is removed and we get closer and closer to Christ’s return, the earth is shaken: wars and rumors of war, hatred and murder, lack, famine, plague and death. All bring people to their knees, as they either cry out to God for salvation or shake their fists at Him in arrogant rebellion – drawing the line between the righteous and unrighteous deeper and more clear. When Christ does return, those who are His will remain faithful to Him through it all.

Psalms: “It is like the dew of Hermon falling on the mountains of Zion. For there the Lord has appointed the blessing — life forevermore.” (‭‭Psalms‬ ‭133:3‬ ‭CSB)

Unity among God’s people not only aligns them under Christ’s anointing, it also brings vibrant life and commanded blessing. Mt Hermon is the tallest mountain in the area, standing over 9,000 feet above sea level. As the dry desert heat causes water vapor to rise up the slopes of Mt Hermon, the cooler temperatures at the top of the mountain cause the vapor to condensate and descend the mountain in the cool if the night in the form of dew. From what I have read, the dew saturates everything, creating a vibrant, verdant, and fruitful area of land that is full of life. When we dwell together in unity, we can be vibrant, fruitful, life-giving people in the midst of a dry and barren desert.

Prayer: Lord, I thank You, that no matter how difficult things may be come, I can remain full of life and blessing as I remain faithful to Your word, will and ways, and remain unified with Your redeemed people. Help me to remain in community, and remain faithful to Your word until the end. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.