Revelation 6

The Big idea: Judgement will soon come, but we must be patient for justice

v1-8- Ok, the scroll from chapter 5 is about to be opened, and as the first 4 (out of 7) seals are broken, 4 horses appear. But these aren't just any horses, not the usual brown, white, black and grey horses you see, but White, Red, Black and Green. Strange huh! But there is method in the madness, they all symbolize judgement, and each one a different king of judgement.....

White- The military (I think?)

Red- War and bloodshed

Black- famine that follows war

Green- death that follows famine and war

:(

This may all seem a little sad and gloomy, but have no fear, because these are only warnings...for now. You see, verse 4 talks about peace. And there will be complete peace, only when Christ returns. When we see these gloomy things happening, we can trust and know that Jesus' return is coming soon. So It's not all sad!

Application: Rather than being down in the dumps about what is going on in the world at the mo, we can rejoice, knowing that Christ is soon to return and 'sort it all out'.

There is still time for unbelievers to turn to God from their sins. This shows God's mercy in giving people another chance to turn to him before his ultimate judgement. 

v9-11- The altar that John can see represents the sort of altar that would have been found in a temple where animal sacrifices were made. But instead of the animals' blood, it was the souls of martyrs who had died for preaching the good news :( They were told that still, more people would loose their lives for their beliefs.

Application: Being a Christian is never going to be easy, I think we all know that, and we will face tough times and trials, but it is those of us who stand strong and persevere that will receive God's reward of eternal life. 

In verse 10, the martyrs are calling to God to bring justice to the world, but they are told to wait (v11). 

Application: When we ask for justice, we too must be patient. God has his own timetable and he does promise to bring justice, just in his own time.

v12-17- So, the first five seals have been about what's happened in the past and at the moment, but the sixth seal is bringing God's judgement on the persecuting people earlier on. The big question is (v17) ..."For the great day of their wrath has come, and who is able to survive?"....chapter 7 reveals the answer...