Dig Deeper:
REMEMBER THE SETTING: In chapters 4-5, John is experiencing the throne room of God, which is at the center of all things. The 24 elders, representing His Church through all the ages are present, as are 'four living creatures,' standing ready to carry out God's will in all four directions. The air is full of anticipation as a scroll, sealed by seven seals, containing the will of God for the full salvation of His people is in the right hand of God. The only one worthy enough to open the seals is a Lion-Lamb, looking as if it had been slain.
Today, in chapter six, we witness six of the seven seals being opened.
THE FOUR HORSEMEN OF THE APOCALYPSE:
White horse: given a crown and rides out "bent on conquest." This horseman may symbolize Christ, or it may symbolize a deceiver. I know this is confusing, but this is Revelation, so you have to get somewhat comfortable with being confused.
Fiery red horse: its rider is given power to take peace from the earth & make people kill each other.
Black horse: brings famine to the working class, but the rich (oil & wine) are preserved.
Pale horse: Ridden by death, with Hades following close behind. They were given power to kill 25% of the earth.
THE HORSEMEN ARE UNDER ORDERS: These horsemen were given the powers of destruction they had. They are part of God's plan! The final rider, on the pale horse ridden by 'Death' and trailed closely by 'Hades' "were given power over a fourth of the earth to kill (v8)." It's hard to wrap our heads around the fact that God gives this awful authority, but on the other hand, it shows that even in the midst of the chaos we live in, God remains in control.
BEING BURIED ALIVE IS THE BETTER OPTION: It shows the tremendous fear instilled by the holiness of God and the Day of the Lord (v15-17) that the mighty kings of the earth would rather be buried by rocks than be exposed to "the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb!"
Follow the AAA Prayer Pattern:
ACKNOWLEDGE WHO GOD IS: Almighty God, ruler of all things, in control of all that happens
ALIGN YOUR LIFE WITH GOD'S WILL: Ask for the patience and understanding to realize God is always in control, even when things seem their darkest.
ASK GOD FOR WHAT YOU NEED:
