Fear not
Navigating through Tribulation
There are many different thoughts on the book of Revelation. What day and age is this for? Who is this written to? Will I suffer this tribulation? Will the church be here for the tribulation? And I myself have been asking these questions and navigating what the Book of Revelation looks like for the church.
The past several days, we have seen an elevated threat in our society. We are on the brink of war, we are in an election year and division is running wild. We are seeing a level of godlessness that I have yet to see in my time on earth. We are on the edge of financial collapse. We can look at these things and think that the world has gone wild, and we can fear the future. Regardless of where you land in your view is on the Book of Revelation, I want to give us some hope today.
The past several days, we have seen an elevated threat in our society. We are on the brink of war, we are in an election year and division is running wild. We are seeing a level of godlessness that I have yet to see in my time on earth. We are on the edge of financial collapse. We can look at these things and think that the world has gone wild, and we can fear the future. Regardless of where you land in your view is on the Book of Revelation, I want to give us some hope today.
In Revelation, John tells us that he is a partner in the tribulation (Revelation 1:9). Tribulation is something that should be expected throughout the entire church age. In Revelation 1:19, Jesus tells John, 19 "Write therefore the things that you have seen, those that are and those that are to take place after this." Which means, that he wants him to write the vision Christ is about to give him, write to the 7 churches and the things that are to follow soon after. I believe that these tribulations are not just tribulations that are to come right before Christ is to come, but tribulations that the church will face throughout its entire age. Reading the book of Revelation in this view can help the church navigate through suffering and it can give us great hope! In Revelation 6, there are 4 seals that are open, and 4 horsemen arrive on the scene. These 4 horsemen give us a picture at the tribulation we are to face:
The First Seal: The White Horse
Revelation 6:1-2 introduces the first horseman:
"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!' And I looked, and behold, a white horse! And its rider had a bow, and a crown was given to him, and he came out conquering, and to conquer."
The rider on the white horse represents persecution. The rider represent a false Christ. One that is anti-christ (remember John tells us in 1 John 2:18, that there are many anti-christ). This is one that represents his "own way" to salvation, one that persecutes christians.
The Second Seal: The Red Horse
Revelation 6:3-4 describes the second horseman:
"When he opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature say, 'Come!' And out came another horse, bright red. Its rider was permitted to take peace from the earth, so that people should slay one another, and he was given a great sword."
The red horse symbolizes war and bloodshed. This horseman represents the escalation of conflict, resulting in widespread violence and strife.
The Third Seal: The Black Horse
Revelation 6:5-6 reveals the third horseman:
"When he opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, 'Come!' And I looked, and behold, a black horse! And its rider had a pair of scales in his hand. And I heard what seemed to be a voice in the midst of the four living creatures, saying, 'A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius, and do not harm the oil and wine!'"
The black horse represents famine and economic hardship. The scales indicate a time of scarcity, where basic necessities become expensive and hard to come by.
The Fourth Seal: The Pale Horse
Revelation 6:7-8 introduces the fourth horseman:
"When he opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature say, 'Come!' And I looked, and behold, a pale horse! And its rider's name was Death, and Hades followed him. And they were given authority over a fourth of the earth, to kill with sword and with famine and with pestilence and by wild beasts of the earth."
The pale horse, symbolizing death, brings a culmination of the previous calamities—war, famine, and plague—resulting in widespread death.
Do these sound familiar to you today? Here is some hope in the middle of tribulation:
Living as Followers of Christ During Tribulation
1. Trust in God’s Sovereignty
Amidst these troubling visions, it’s essential to remember that the Lamb—Jesus Christ—is the one who opens the seals. This signifies that He is in control of history and its unfolding events. Psalm 46:10 encourages us, “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”
2. Remain Faithful and Persevere
Tribulation tests our faith and endurance. Revelation 14:12 calls us to perseverance: “Here is a call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus.” We are to remain steadfast, holding firmly to our faith and the teachings of Christ.
3. Be a Source of Hope and Light
In times of darkness and despair, we are called to be beacons of hope. Matthew 5:16 exhorts us, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Our actions, words, and faith can provide comfort and guidance to those around us.
4. Serve and Support One Another
The early church thrived in the face of persecution by supporting each other. Galatians 6:2 urges us, “Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” In times of trial, our mutual support and love are crucial.
5. Pray Without Ceasing
Prayer is our lifeline to God, especially in tribulation. Philippians 4:6-7 encourages us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
The first four seals of Revelation paint a grim picture of tribulation through persecution (anti-christ), war, famine, and death. However, as followers of Christ, we are called to respond with unwavering faith, hope, and love. By trusting in God’s sovereignty, remaining faithful, shining as lights, supporting one another, and committing to prayer, we can navigate these challenging times with the assurance that God is with us and that His ultimate plan for redemption and restoration will prevail.
The First Seal: The White Horse
Revelation 6:1-2 introduces the first horseman:
"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!' And I looked, and behold, a white horse! And its rider had a bow, and a crown was given to him, and he came out conquering, and to conquer."
The rider on the white horse represents persecution. The rider represent a false Christ. One that is anti-christ (remember John tells us in 1 John 2:18, that there are many anti-christ). This is one that represents his "own way" to salvation, one that persecutes christians.
The Second Seal: The Red Horse
Revelation 6:3-4 describes the second horseman:
"When he opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature say, 'Come!' And out came another horse, bright red. Its rider was permitted to take peace from the earth, so that people should slay one another, and he was given a great sword."
The red horse symbolizes war and bloodshed. This horseman represents the escalation of conflict, resulting in widespread violence and strife.
The Third Seal: The Black Horse
Revelation 6:5-6 reveals the third horseman:
"When he opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, 'Come!' And I looked, and behold, a black horse! And its rider had a pair of scales in his hand. And I heard what seemed to be a voice in the midst of the four living creatures, saying, 'A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius, and do not harm the oil and wine!'"
The black horse represents famine and economic hardship. The scales indicate a time of scarcity, where basic necessities become expensive and hard to come by.
The Fourth Seal: The Pale Horse
Revelation 6:7-8 introduces the fourth horseman:
"When he opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature say, 'Come!' And I looked, and behold, a pale horse! And its rider's name was Death, and Hades followed him. And they were given authority over a fourth of the earth, to kill with sword and with famine and with pestilence and by wild beasts of the earth."
The pale horse, symbolizing death, brings a culmination of the previous calamities—war, famine, and plague—resulting in widespread death.
Do these sound familiar to you today? Here is some hope in the middle of tribulation:
Living as Followers of Christ During Tribulation
1. Trust in God’s Sovereignty
Amidst these troubling visions, it’s essential to remember that the Lamb—Jesus Christ—is the one who opens the seals. This signifies that He is in control of history and its unfolding events. Psalm 46:10 encourages us, “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”
2. Remain Faithful and Persevere
Tribulation tests our faith and endurance. Revelation 14:12 calls us to perseverance: “Here is a call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus.” We are to remain steadfast, holding firmly to our faith and the teachings of Christ.
3. Be a Source of Hope and Light
In times of darkness and despair, we are called to be beacons of hope. Matthew 5:16 exhorts us, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Our actions, words, and faith can provide comfort and guidance to those around us.
4. Serve and Support One Another
The early church thrived in the face of persecution by supporting each other. Galatians 6:2 urges us, “Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” In times of trial, our mutual support and love are crucial.
5. Pray Without Ceasing
Prayer is our lifeline to God, especially in tribulation. Philippians 4:6-7 encourages us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
The first four seals of Revelation paint a grim picture of tribulation through persecution (anti-christ), war, famine, and death. However, as followers of Christ, we are called to respond with unwavering faith, hope, and love. By trusting in God’s sovereignty, remaining faithful, shining as lights, supporting one another, and committing to prayer, we can navigate these challenging times with the assurance that God is with us and that His ultimate plan for redemption and restoration will prevail.
No Comments