Hope - Revelation 7

The purpose of Revelation 7 was to fill the faithful with courage to endure the sufferings which were about to strike the earth.  In the previous chapter the believers, who were already martyred for their faith, cried out to God asking, “How long until you judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?” (6:10). God answers that question by the opening of the six seals which lock tight the revelation of God’s plan for the earth.  The first four seals show God positioning His instruments in place to execute His judgment on the wicked.  Then in the sixth seal the fearful judgment of God is pictured.  All of creation turns against the wicked— both great and small.  

Chapter 6 ends with a desperate question from the wicked, “The great day of His wrath has come, and who is able to stand?” (6:17). They can’t envision anyone surviving in the face of God’s judgment.

Chapter 7 answers that question, “Who is able to stand?” with the confident answer, “God’s people will!”

Up until this point the story of Revelation has been running at a fever pitch.  The story line has been one of war, famine, poverty, death, and destruction.  The faithful believer reading this Revelation might wonder, “How will I survive?”  So, the story of Revelation pauses to put a hand on the shoulder of the godly reader to say, “You will be alright, so stay faithful!”  

The scene opens with a picture of four angels standing at the four corners of the earth holding back the wind.  These angels represent the four horsemen of the first four seals (The four horsemen imagery is taken from Zechariah 1 and 6 where they are also called, “the four winds of heaven” (Zech 6:5).  God has sent out His instruments of judgment.  They are positioned such that no one will be able to withstand them (“four corners” = surrounded; “the wind” = unstoppable).  All things are ready for the pouring out of God’s wrath.

Yet, God restrains His angels from acting.  They are pictured as “holding the four winds…so that the wind should not blow.”  Another angel arises to tell the four angels of God’s wrath to “not harm the earth … until” (7:3). It is clear that God’s plan for judgment is in place, but it is being restrained for now.  

Note: “The earth” is mostly used in Revelation to describe the wicked.  “The sea” describes the tumultuous nature of nations.  “The trees” may describe the mighty men among the wicked.  In other words, all of the wicked structure on earth from top to bottom would be affected by God’s coming judgment.  

“A multitude cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb” (Revelation 7:9, 10). The stabilizing anchor of the soul is hope (Heb. 6:19). When men have no hope of life after death, they are left to flounder in this world without purpose and they face death without peace. Every living person ought to conduct himself so that he can join the heavenly chorus. It is spiritually fatal to turn away from the salvation God has provided.

Harry Boer drew from this vision a significant meaning for today when he wrote:

In all the concern for security that surrounds us, there is a form of security that one hears little about. It is the security of our relationship to God. Yet it is the greatest of all securities, for it alone is a security that will continue, and what it guards is the best and deepest thing in life. Jesus said, "What will it profit a man if he gains the whole world but loses his own soul?" Again and again the Bible warns us to seek the things of primary worth and make them our greatest interest. Therefore we must first seek the kingdom of God and its righteousness, and all these other things will find their proper place.

In chapter 5 we read of the Lamb taking the sealed scroll from the One on the throne (5:7). Chapter 6 opens with the Lamb breaking the seals. When the first four seals are broken we see 4 horses carrying riders (6:1-8). The images of horses takes us back to the prophecy of Zechariah (Zech. 1:8-10; 6:1-7). However there are some differences between the horses of Zechariah’s prophecy, and the horses read of here in Revelation. Zechariahs’ pulled chariots; Revelation’s had riders. Zechariah’s brought a report; Revelation’s brought destruction. There’s also a difference in colors described. The colors of the horses in Revelation seem to correspond to the destruction they bring. 

The four horses could represent 1 of 2 thoughts. Some see these four as representing the struggle of God’s people on earth. As the gospel went forth (perhaps pictured by the 1^st horse and rider) it brought pain and suffering upon God’s people. This view summarizes the visions this way: 

§  1 – Triumph – The victorious gospel going forth into the world  

§  2 – Turmoil – as typified in war with the slaughter of many innocents (especially Christians) 

§  3 – Trial – such as economic hardship on those not slaughtered (especially Christians) 

§  4 – Tribulation – experienced throughout the world, climaxed by death from many unnatural causes (for both Christians and non-Christians) 

The other way of interpreting these four are God’s judgment upon the wicked who persecute His people (specifically at this time – Rome). Each horse and rider represent a different tool God will wield in judgment upon the earth. 

Things take an interesting shift when the 5^th seal is broken. Saints who have been martyred are crying for God’s action – for His vengeance upon the enemy (v. 9-10). They’re crying for justice. They’re looking for God’s response to the suffering they’ve experienced. His answer: it won’t be very long (v. 11). 

Indeed it wasn’t. The 6^th seal is broken and we read of a great scene of judgment on the earth – earthquake, sun darkened, falling of stars, the sky splitting apart. God heard, and God answered. Notice the question asked in v. 17, “who is able to stand?” Who can withstand the judgment of God? Who can hide from His hand? The answer is obvious – none. 

Chapter 6 is a helpful reminder for Christians then and today – God knows our suffering. God hears our prayers. And God will answer in His time. Will God judge the wicked? Will God deliver the righteous? Will God answer the cries of His people? Yes – in His time. We sing the words, “He makes all things beautiful in His time.” Don’t give up on God. Place your trust in the King on the throne, and trust that His answer, and His timing is best. 

“Wonderful God, what a blessing and privilege to call on Your name. You hear our prayers. You see our tears. You know what’s happening in our lives – nothing escapes your notice. Thank you for this powerful reminder today of your justice and compassion. I trust Your judgment. I trust in Your words. And I trust in Your timing. I look to You as my Rock, my Fortress, my Strong-tower, my Strength and my Shield. Help me to wait on You. Help me to realize that Your will, Your answer, and Your timetable is always best – oh King of my life.”   

The Throne - Revelation 4-5

The book of Revelation begins with the words, “The Revelation Of Jesus Christ.”  The book was given to allow God’s people to look behind the scenes.  They were going through terrible persecution for their faith.  Did God know?  Was He planning to do something about it?  

John responds, “Yes, God knows, and He is going to do something about your situation soon.”  That news gave theseChristians great comfort. And, it gives us great comfort to know that our God knows about our needs and is working to bring about His will. 

In chapter one, the introduction, we see a glorified picture of Jesus in heaven.  Then Jesus writes to the seven church words of warning and comfort in which He urges them to be faithful in the midst of their trials—that was chapter 2-3.  

Now in chapters four and five, God calls us to consider the situation in heaven.  We have a glorious picture of God the Father, and Jesus, the Lamb of God in Heaven.  There is a great contrast between chapters one through three and chapters four through five.  In chapter one, John is on the desolate island of Patmos, suffering.  In chapters four through five, heaven is filled with glory.  In chapters two through three, there is great confusion on earth, both within and outside the church.  In chapters four through five, there is order and purity in heaven.

Chapters four through five describe the throne scene in heaven, but they emphasize different truths about it.  Chapter four emphasizes that God is on the throne and reigning over His creation. Chapter five emphasizes that Jesus is the Lamb of God who has redeemed His people.  Put together, God cares about what is going on because we are His creation and we are His redeemed people.  He made us and redeemed us.

This emphasis is seen in the hymns in each section.  Revelation 4:11 says God ought to be praised because He, “created all things.”  Then the hymn of chapter five says Jesus ought to be praised because He “redeemed us to God” (Rev. 5:9-10).  Chapter four shows God’s control over the old creation, our physical life.  Chapter five shows Jesus in control over the new creation, our spiritual life.  

Chapter four is about God the Father.  Chapter five is about God the Son.  Both chapters are written to increase our faith in Them.  

The main message and overall purpose of chapters four through five is to show us that God is in control. He is not withdrawn from the world, nor unaware of His people’s plight.  He knows, He is working, and He will work all things out according to His righteous purpose—because He is in control.

7 Letters to 7 Churches

Do you get a lot of mail? Do you get letters from family, friends? Typically what fills my mailbox is bills and ads. Imagine with me – today Rickie goes outside to the mailbox outside of the church building, and in our mailbox is a letter addressed to the church at Campbell Road – a letter written from Jesus. In the letter He shares with us what He sees in this church – the things done well, the areas of weakness, the encouragement for the future. What would His letter say? 

In Revelation 2-3, Jesus has a message for each of the 7 churches of Asia (1:4, 11). Each of the 7 letters follows a certain pattern: 

§  Identification – Jesus gives a description of Himself (2:1, 8, 12, 18; 3:1, 7, 14). Many of the descriptions are echoes of what we read in chapter 1. 

§  Approval – Each church except Laodicea is commended for some good (2:2-3, 6, 9, 13, 19; 3:4, 8, 10). 

§  Disapproval – Each church except Smyrna and Philadelphia have things Jesus rebukes them for (2:4, 14-15, 20; 3:1, 15-17)

§  Direction – Christ calls the churches to either future faithfulness, or to repentance from their sins (2:5, 10, 16, 25; 3:3, 11, 18-19). 

§  Promise – For those who listen to the Lord, who overcome, Jesus gives the promise for a reward to come (2:7, 11, 17, 26-28; 3:5, 12, 20-21). 

While these words were intended for the specific churches at that specific time, we can’t help but see similarities in our times, in our lives. The areas where they struggled are areas we often struggle. The things they were commended for are things that we commend each other for. As with most churches, and most Christians, there are areas of strength and areas of weakness. 

These chapters remind us of some very important truths: 

Christ knows. To each church Jesus said, “I know your deeds.” Nothing remains hidden from God. Who we are, the character of our heart, the sincerity of our walk before Him – He knows it all. 

Satan Works. One name found throughout these letters is Satan (2:10, 13, 24; 3:9). He is crafty. He is evil. He is powerful and effective. His influence can corrupt the church, sometimes from the inside (2:20). Remember this – we have an enemy. He is ruthless and dangerous. He wants your soul. He wants your home – your mate, your children. He wants to corrupt the church. He wants to undo the good that is done. 

We Can Overcome. The one word found in each letter is the word “overcome.”  Troublesome times will come. Temptations will arise. Satan will stop at nothing to win the battle for our souls. But we can overcome. We can endure. We can stand strong. We can remain faithful in difficult times. We can win the battle and be victorious through Christ who gives us the victory (12:11). 

If Christ wrote a letter today – whether to the church I’m a member of, or to me, what would it say? May we seek in all things to be pleasing to Christ, transforming each day more and more to the image of Christ. 

“Wonderful and glorious Christ – You are our Lord and our Savior, our majestic King who stands in the midst of Your churches. You know us better than we know ourselves. You see us for who we are. Thank You for Your patience. For my areas of weakness I ask for your forgiveness and further patience. Help me and mold me into Your image. Thank You for Your words of instruction, rebuke, encouragement and comfort. Help me this day to be more like You. Help me remember the battle being waged daily for my soul. Help me remember I can overcome. In You there is strength. In you there is hope. In you there is victory. All glory to You, the alpha and omega, the head of Your church, the Lord of my life. 

Jesus is introduced as Prince who came to the earth, Ruler, Redeemer who loosed us from our sins by His blood. Revealed by our God who is said to be the Alpha and Omega. This is to people who believe He is the Alpha. He began this process. He is God Who became flesh and came into this world. 

But the thing these people of God want to know is, will He be the Omega. The One who had been there at the beginning will He be there when it is all over? He was there when all this process of creation and redemption began, will He be there when it all ends? 

John tells them, the answer is, “YES!” We too can have confidence because of:

Who He is: Christians were being tempted to renounce their faith in Christ.  They would be pushed to the extreme to deny His name, to destroy their witness in the world.  But their model is of the Lord Jesus Christ Who came to bear witness to the truth (John 18:37), even though it would cost Him His life.  He had the chance before Pilate to just say one word, and He would have spared His life (1 Tim. 6:13).  But Jesus refused to budge one inch from all that the Father had told Him to do.  

What He has done: In short, He redeemed us.  And, notice the progression, “loved us,” “washed us,” and “made us.”  Our salvation initiated in the undeserved love of God for us.  This lead Him to shed His own blood on the cross, which in baptism washes us from our sins.  But then, remarkably He then made us kings and priests of God.  In other words, He left us in the world to have the glorious privilege of serving the purposes of God. Christ has the right to evaluate the church, because He is the one Who loved us, He is the One who saved us, and He is the One Who has left us with work to do.

What He will do: Jesus will be the final judge, and not a soul will escape His sight.  And those who have been keenly anticipating His coming and preparing for His evaluation, it will be a time of glory.  But, for those who have pierced Him, both literally and figuratively, what a day of judgment and mourning that will be.

Revelation for us:

Seeing Christ gives us confidence for living.    I find it interesting that in Scripture the command that most often fell from the lips of the Savior was, “Do not be afraid.”  When you have a clear understanding of who Jesus is, and what He has done for you, and what He will do, and you put your faith in a God like that, there is no need for fear.  And you can have confidence that living for Him is right in any circumstance.  That’s why Jesus could say in Revelation 2:10,“Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Because of who I am, I will give you the crown of life.”  

Seeing Christ makes us consider how we are living.  You see, Jesus is walking among His church not just to comfort it, but to evaluate it.  And that will become clear in the next two chapters.  Jesus has the right to evaluate us, and that should make us stop and consider very carefully how we are living.  For soon He will come again and give a final evaluation that no one will escape.  

 - Rickie