Revelation_6

ScriptureRevelation 6:15-17¹⁵ Then the kings of the earth, the princes, the generals, the rich, the mighty, and everyone else, both slave and free, hid in caves and among the rocks of the mountains. ¹⁶ They called to the mountains and the rocks, “Fall on us and hide us^[f] from the face of him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! ¹⁷ For the great day of their^[g]wrath has come, and who can withstand it?”Observation

In Revelation 5:1, it reads “Then I saw in the right hand of him who sat on the throne a scroll with writing on both sides and sealed with seven seals.”

 

Now, Chapter 6 is the opening of the seals – 1st-4th (vs 1-8), 5^th (9-11), then the 6^th (12-17).

I had challenges pulling anything out of the actual scripture but the commentary was helpful to me in getting a sense of what was meant by all this…When the sixth seal was opened, there was a great earthquake. The foundations of churches and states would be terribly shaken. Such bold figurative descriptions of great changes abound in the prophecies of Scripture; for these events are emblems, and declare the end of the world and the day of judgment. Dread and terror would seize on all sorts of men. Neither grandeur, riches, valour, nor strength, can support men at that time. They would be glad to be no more seen; yea, to have no longer any being. Though Christ be a Lamb, he can be angry, and the wrath of the Lamb is exceedingly dreadful; for if the Redeemer himself, who appeases the wrath of God, be our enemy, where shall we find a friend to plead for us? As men have their day of opportunity, and their seasons of grace, so God has his day of righteous wrath. It seems that the overthrow of the paganism of the Roman empire is here meant. The idolaters are described as hiding themselves in their dens and secret caves, and vainly seeking to escape ruin. In such a day, when the signs of the times show those who believe in God's word, that the King of kings is approaching, Christians are called to a decided course, and to a bold confession of Christ and his truth before their fellowmen. Whatever they may have to endure, the short contempt of man is to be borne, rather than that shame which is everlasting. [Source: http://www.christianity.com/bible/commentary.php?com=mhc&b=66&c=6]UnderstandingChristians are called to a decided course, and to a bold confession of Christ and his truth before their fellowmen. Whatever they may have to endure, the short contempt of man is to be borne, rather than that shame which is everlasting.

As I shared yesterday, my faith has been tested recently; but I’m reminded that I am called to a “decided course…a bold

confession.”  That the “contempt” is short, but the impact everlasting.  So I get to choose.  To allow the temporary circumstances of today shape my confession – whether changing it or making it bolder or quieter.  But, in choosing, it’s important to remember the consequences have potential to affect other people’s eternity. 

 

If I believe I’m called to be God’s hands and feet in the world, that I’m made for missions and to be used by God to “go” [Matthew 28:19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit], how I choose to walk forward from this moment will affect something greater, something larger than just me. 

Life ApplicationGod, thank you for making yourself real to me, even in my doubt.  Thank you for reminding me that you see me, know me and love me…that you’ve called me to do great things in your name.  Embolden my confession, give me strength, build my faith…all that you may be glorified.  Help me to see the ways I can be your hands and feet in the world today and set right in my mind where you would have me go from here.  Thank you for the family that you’ve placed me in.  Bless those who have prayed for me and loved on me, even as I’ve tried to isolate.  May their investment be returned ten-fold.  And help me to keep my eyes open to see where I can invest in those who may be struggling as well.  In your name, I pray. Amen!- ReiTo check out the discussion or to join in click here.