Revelation, Part 1: 7 Seals
I watched as the Lamb opened the first of the seven seals.
Revelation 6:1
Christ was given authority by the Father over Heaven and Earth; therefore, He is worthy to open the scroll. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” (Matthew 28:18) The seals, trumpets, and bowls are sent from the hand of God to purify Christians and to bring lost souls to Christ. This summary of the explanation of the seals, trumpets, and bowls is taken from the 2015 book, “Revelation – A Shorter Commentary” by G.K Beale with David H Campbell.
The seals, trumpets, and bowls are visions given to John. The seals begin to take place when Christ arose and will continue until the Lord returns. The first four seals are prophesied in Ezekiel 14:12-21 (sword, famine, wild beasts, and plaque) and prophesied by Jesus in Matthew 24: 6-28 (war, famine, and persecution). The seals, trumpets, and bowls are executed by Satan under the limitations set by Christ
First Seal – I looked, and before me was a white horse! Its rider held a bow, and was given a crown, and he rode out as conqueror bent on conquest. (Revelation 6:2) The rider is a satanic force that is against God’s people by using deception and persecution. Satan’s deception is illustrated by the white horse and the crown. And the great dragon was thrown down, the serpent of old who is called the devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him. (Revelation 12:9) The next three seals reveal more detail for the first horseman.
Second Seal – Then another horse came out, a fiery red one. Its rider was given power to take peace from the earth and to make men slay one another. To him was given a large sword. (Revelation 6:4) Satan stirs up strife causing warfare between nations and the persecution of believers. Jesus said: Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. (Matthew 10:34) People that believe Satan’s lies are the ones that persecute Christians. They will put you out of the synagogue; in fact, the time is coming when anyone who kills you will think they are offering a service to God. (John 16:2)
Third Seal – I looked, and there before me was a black horse. Its rider was holding a pair of scales in his hand. Then I heard what sounded like a voice among the four living creatures say, “A quart of wheat for a day’s wages, and three quarts of barley for a day’s wages, and do damage the oil or the wine.” (Revelation 6: 5-6) The scales and cost represent food shortage. The oil and wine represent luxury and would not be available except for the very wealthy.
Fourth Seal – I looked and there before me was a pale horse! Its rider was named Death and Hades was following close behind. They were given power over a fourth of the earth to kill by sword, famine, and plaque, and by the wild beasts of the earth. (Revelation 6:8) The number four represent completeness and a fourth of the earth implies that over time war, famine, and plaque will appear in parts of the world. Hades, or the grave, follows death. The vision of the wild beasts represents evil kingdoms that war against Christians.
Today pray for those suffering from lack of food, those suffering from Covid-19, for God’s people, and for those whose are persecuting Christians that they might know God’s Truth. We are in spiritual war and God is in control, so pray.
Prayer: Lord, I pray for all your people, that you protect their souls for eternity and give them courage. I also pray for our enemies that they might come to know your Truth because I have seen our enemies find the Truth and become strong Christians. In Jesus’ name, Amen