Read Revelation 5:1-6:17.

In Revelation, we see the perfect judgment of sin and evil at the end of history. God’s judgment comes in groups of seven (the number of perfection), and make no mistake, this judgment will be complete and terrible.

Because the Lamb redeemed the title deed to Earth from the grasp of Satan by His death and resurrection, He alone is worthy to open the scroll and its seals (see Revelation 5). As He opens the first of the seven seals, we are shown the darkest period of human history ever. The first seal sets in motion the Great Tribulation and looses the rider on a white horse, symbolizing the promise of false peace, for the Antichrist will pose as a man of peace. The next three seals bring a red horse, representing war; a black horse, representing economic collapse, famine, riots, and disorder; and a pale horse, representing death.

At the fifth seal, the martyrs cry out for the Lord to avenge, and God tells them to wait just a bit longer (see Revelation 6:10-11). At the breaking of the sixth seal, an unparalleled earthquake shakes the earth. But even then, people will not cry out for mercy or forgiveness. They will be looking for a place to hide (see vv. 15-17).

Between the sixth and seventh seals is an interlude in which the faithful who remain on earth are sealed. None of God’s elect will be lost. Then the seventh seal is opened, and seven angels with seven trumpets prepare to sound them—each a judgment to fall on the earth. To reassure us, John is instructed to measure the temple, which means to place boundaries around the elect of God; Satan cannot touch us. Finally, the seventh trumpet sounds, celebrating victory in heaven. Though the end hasn’t yet come, the kingdom of the world has changed hands, returning to its rightful owner (see Revelation 11:15-18).

Now, do the catastrophic events of Revelation frighten me? Absolutely not. As these events draw near, I personally become more thrilled to make every minute of my life count in preparation for that great day. Far from being afraid, Jesus encourages, “When these things begin to take place, stand up, lift up your heads because your redemption draws near” (Luke 21:28). God’s message here and now for every believer in Jesus Christ is “Take heart! You are destined for glory.”

Prayer: Lord, empower me to remember I am destined for glory as I face trials on this earth. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“And they sang a new song, saying: ‘You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth’” (Revelation 5:9-10).

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