January 16, Revelation 6
Even without a guide to apocalyptic code, we know there’s something ominous about all those horses riding out as the seals are broken. Conquest, warfare, famine and death are accompanied by cries from souls of martyrs, earthquakes and falling stars. These images all suggest a general state of mayhem and disruption of order, even if commentators can’t all agree on exactly what the symbols stand for.
The cry coming from beneath the altar grabs my attention. The souls of those who have been slain for the word of God and for the witness they had borne are crying out to God, and their cry is in the form of a question: “How long?” Could the first readers, under attack from fierce
adversaries, relate to such a question? Almost certainly they would have personal knowledge of such martyrs—people from their families and churches who had already been killed for the cause of Christ.
Note how the question is addressed: “O Sovereign Lord.” They knew God was in control. They believed that God saw their distress, and heard their cries. They knew he was both “holy and true.” They staked their confidence in what they knew of his character. And they asked in a loud voice, “How long?” They wondered how long it would be until God would judge and take
vengeance on their murderers.
The crying martyrs were not destroyed or even rebuked for asking a question of God. The shame of their mistreatment at the hands of the enemies was covered with a white robe. They were told to rest until the number was completed that would bring the full wrath of God on their killers.
What strain, pressure and suffering has your confession of Christ brought to your life? I urge you to hold onto your confidence that God is in control, regardless of the adversity you may face for serving him. Don’t be afraid to ask how long it’s going to go on. And trust that whatever God allows is just that—allowed, and wait for him to bring good out of every situation and use it to accomplish his divine purpose.
From The Abiding Companion: A Friendly Guide for Your Journey Through the New Testament,
Copyright © 2010 by Michael B. McElroy. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Today in God's Word—January 2024
East Tallassee Church of Christ
Comments