In Revelation, chapter 5, we learned that the Father gave unto Jesus a book. This is because only the Lamb of God, who was slain, could open the seals therein. It is in chapter 6 that we know more about the seals, of which we learn comes great catastrophes from each one that is read. For this message, we will go through the first four. And so it begins with the 1st seal being opened. “And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see. And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer.” (Revelation 6:1,2) This seal had to do with different wars that have taken place over the centuries since Jesus’s crucifixion and resurrection. It is speaking of the wars we’ve experienced in the last hundred years like World War 1 or 2, that is to be determined. After this, the 2nd seal is opened up. It reads, “and when he had opened the second seal, I heard the second beast say, Come and see. And there went out another horse that was red: and power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword.” (Revelation 6:3,4) This is speaking of the many killings over the centuries, especially to the Jews and Christians alike. Think of the holocaust during World War 2, when all those Jews were killed. Also, the determination of Rome and other people through centuries to stamp out Christianity from the earth.
The 3rd seal is opened up and it is written, “and when he had opened the third seal, I heard the third beast say, Come and see. And I beheld, and lo a black horse; and he that sat on him had a pair of balances in his hand. And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts say, A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny; and see thou hurt not the oil and the wine.” (Revelation 6:5,6) This is speaking of inflation as the scales are balanced. This has happened for centuries, where prices for food, housing, and other things have gone up, even to the point of many people having a hard time buying things. Only selling different items, in these tough times, are worthwhile. This brings us to the 4th seal. It is written, “and when he had opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth beast say, Come and see. And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth.” (Revelation 6:7,8) At this point, much death has taken place. This is because of war, starvation, because of inflated prices, and famines, and diseases, like COVID. Many people over the centuries have died because of war, famine, and disease. Which as of now, the Coronavirus death toll has hit over 4.4 million people as of today. This is just the beginning, as more seals will be opened soon. Amen.
Let us pray:
Oh Lord, help us to stay strong in the faith, no matter what trials we face in life. Many of us have gone through different pandemics, famines, wars, inflation, corruption in the government, and the persecution of the saints. Each one of these things and more can cause a person to drift from the faith and forget You. But I know that no matter how difficult life gets, it will always be worth it when it comes through going through hard times for Your sake. All I ask, God, is that You help me through it. Right now people are struggling because of housing prices, inflation on food and other things, the coronavirus and its effects on us, and many other things. I am grateful that America is not in a war right now, but I do pray for people in Afghanistan, of which the Taliban has taken over. Lead as many people who will trust in You out of this country and into a new land where there is safety. I know that not everybody will be able to escape that land with their life, but in doing so, I pray that people will leave this life in full fellowship with You. If people could just surrender to You, then more people would not worry about tomorrow, for we will be with You in the next. Sickness and lockdowns because of COVID is causing a lot of people to be fearful. May this stop in Your mighty Name, Jesus. Influence more and more believers to get back into church and stop watching it only on TV out of fear. Let us be bold and courageous for Your kingdom. I believe in You. I trust in You. I love You, Lord. Amen.
