Revelation 6
What
is our reaction to the dramatic events of our world? There seems to be a
growing trend toward the histrionic and panic. Every time there is an
opportunity for a panic there is someone who will attempt to capitalize on it.
From the passive media (it can hardly be called the news media) to politicians
to special interest groups to business to individuals wanting to see that
everyone is informed, every event is exploited. But to do that there must be
generated fear, sensationalism, and crisis. Events large and small are
presented as harbingers of doom. A grown man playing a boy’s game takes a knee
during the national anthem and it spells the end of Liberty. Providing plastic
straws with a fast food meal means the ruin of the environment. Nothing is so
trivial as to not be useful for exploitation in one way or the other.
We
see a different picture in Revelation 6. In this chapter we see history, or
should we say historical events, unfolding but we do not see panic or fear. We
see God's plan in the scroll opened up by the Lamb who is worthy to accomplish
God's plan. Note the phrase “it was granted”. Within God's plan there is
permission given for the dramatic events of history. It is important to know
that while men may act and nature may convulse it does so not apart from the
power of God and the Lamb, but by their permission.
We
need to also note the two reactions of people. First is that of the martyrs.
They have suffered the worst in this world for the Lamb. Faced with tumult they
turn to and draw close to God. They do
not see even their own death as something out of control or beyond God’s power
and provision. The second reaction is from kings and rich men, slaves and
freedmen. Without faith these people, who represent all of humanity face the
apparent chaos of the world with a desire to be hidden from God. The world, the
flesh and the powers of darkness are delighted for us to be filled with fear
and panic because from there it is a short trip to wanting to hide from God.
Instead, we must live understanding all events are in His control. He is worthy
to open the seals.
The
saint who is about to give his life for the Name of Christ doesn’t see history
running amok. They see all of history
working out according the plan God has prepared and which the Lamb is bringing
about.
Questions
to ponder
Can
you recall a prediction of gloom that turned out to be nothing after all? What was it?
What was your reaction before, during and after the foretold doom?
No
doubt there are events that rock our lives and our little world, but do we
believe these events catch God by surprise?
If we are under His care do we really need to be disturbed by the events
of history?
