# 43 2021 Dev. Revelation 6:2. The Horsemen! Read all of chapter six first. The purpose of these devotionals is to draw closer to God and grow spiritually by applying His Word to our daily living. All passages are taken from the NIV.
Revelation 6:2 “I looked, and there before me was a white horse! Its rider held a bow, and he was given a crown, and he rode out as a conqueror bent on conquest.”
Intro. This vision that John sees is put into the words of men so that those who believe will understand by the power of the Holy Spirit. What is being described here is from eternity to eternity. God, who is outside of time, operates in the eternal present, represents to us what is about to happen in time, as long as time lasts.
Rev. 6 is a description of the first six seals of the scroll. What is being described here is from the beginning of time up to today and into the end of time. These events are not at a particular time but a culmination of all time, past, present and future. While Revelation is often seen as Christian tribulation in terms of events occurring at three different times; pre-tribulation, mid-tribulation, or post-tribulation, as well as pre-rapture or post rapture. The fact is that tribulation has been part of human history from the beginning but increases in the last days. While on earth, Jesus said: “we are in the last days.”
The lamb opens the first seal and one of the four living creatures calls forth a white horse. The rider held a bow and was given a crown, “he rode out as a conqueror bent on conquest.” While the functions of rider two, three and four are obvious there is much controversy over the first rider. Who is he? In my tradition he is the Christ, while many passages point to Him Psalm 45:3-5 is convincing: “3 Gird your sword on your side, you mighty one; clothe yourself with splendor and majesty 4 In your majesty ride forth victoriously in the cause of truth, humility and justice; let your right hand achieve awesome deeds 5 Let your sharp arrows pierce the hearts of the king’s enemies; let the nations fall beneath your feet.” It is also obvious that horsemen two, three and four are subject to Him (Zac. 1:8-11).
The second seal is opened and a red horse is called forth, he removes peace from the earth resulting in much killing.
The third seal is opened and a black horse is called forth, the rider is holding scales and he causes mush economic hardship. Horses two and three are the metaphors causing persecution to believers and the church. Persecution starting with Cain has always been part of the sinful world but has been increasing to the point where we have two hundred million people living under persecution today.
The fourth seal is opened and a pale horse is called forth the “rider was named Death and Hades was following close behind him.” Not specific, general, war, illness, famine, poverty, injustice. This will affect a quarter of the population.
The fifth seal reveals the souls under the alter, slain because of the Word of God and their witness to the Word. They cried out: how long Lord before you avenge our blood. What is symbolized in seals 1-5 has been going on in varying intensity, slowly increasing leading up to the last day. Jesus gives us a summary of the last days in Matt. 24. What is important to remember is that Our God reigns, He is in control!
The sixth seal reveals the great day of the Lord, Judgment Day. We here are given a symbolic picture of the terrors of the day of the Lord. The judgment is still to come but followers of Jesus will not be judged, Jesus has taken our punishment to the cross. Jesus says: “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Amen and Amen!
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Heavenhigh 