I wrote a post awhile ago about Biblical Prophecy (link). It's very encouraging for times like this. Jesus is explaining things in Matthew 24. Feel free to refer to it. The book of Revelation is written in symbols. It's hard to figure out the exact meaning. And all through it there are warnings that no one knows when Jesus will return, except Him. When things go really bad in the world (like terrorism) a lot of us think, "Oh wow is this the end?"
This is top secret information God holds. These verses describe the events that will take place. Sometimes I think, "Now would be a really good time Jesus! Ready when You are!" Other times I think, "There's so much to do still." Actually that's why I wanted to make sure Revelation is on the web, just in case someone needs to understand after the second coming of Christ.
Ok so here's where Revelation gets a bit scary. It's believed the Church won't be on earth at this time. God won't unleash His wrath on those who are His bride, the Church. I've read these verses many times and never really associated it with the end times. I found the notes on this from Chuck Smith's Blue Letter Bible notes (link).
Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. (Ephesians 5:25-27)Here's what I was taught in College and Church. There are 3 theories on the rapture (when Christians rise to Heaven leaving those who don't believe behind):
- pre-millenial, we will rapture (go to Heaven) before the end of the world.
- post-millenial, we will rapture after the end of the world.
- pan-millenial, no one knows for sure, it will all pan out in the end. Trust God.
Chapter 6
First Seal: The Conqueror
1 Now I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals; and I heard one of the four living creatures saying with a voice like thunder, “Come and see.” 2 And I looked, and behold, a white horse. He who sat on it had a bow; and a crown was given to him, and he went out conquering and to conquer.
This is beautiful imagery. Jesus rides out on a white horse, wearing a golden crown and carrying a bow. His purpose is to conquer evil, set captives free, give life. It could also symbolize the beginning of the Antichrist who will come when the world is in trouble. The Antichrist will claim that he is the Savior of the world. At first, he will seem so wonderful. Then things will take a very dark change.
Second Seal: Conflict on Earth
3 When He opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature saying, “Come and see.” 4 Another horse, fiery red, went out. And it was granted to the one who sat on it to take peace from the earth, and that people should kill one another; and there was given to him a great sword.
The second horseman is on a fiery red horse. This usually signifies extreme anger and wrath. This horseman will take the earth's peace. He will unleash pure evil. Terrorists will destroy themselves. Evil will devour itself.
Third Seal: Scarcity on Earth
5 When He opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, “Come and see.” So I looked, and behold, a black horse, and he who sat on it had a pair of scales in his hand. 6 And I heard a voice in the midst of the four living creatures saying, “A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius; and do not harm the oil and the wine.”
Black usually symbolizes darkness, and death. Scales symbolize equality and also disparity or inequality. In Bible times people would put false weights on a scale to cheat others out of money. To me this describes stealing from others, inflation, despair. People having wine instead of food to forget the reality.
Fourth Seal: Widespread Death on Earth
7 When He opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature saying, “Come and see.” 8 So I looked, and behold, a pale horse. And the name of him who sat on it was Death, and Hades followed with him. And power was given to them over a fourth of the earth, to kill with sword, with hunger, with death, and by the beasts of the earth."
Yikes! The fourth horseman is called, "Death." Hades follows after him. These verses say 1/4 of the world will die. There have been several plagues, famines, aids, all sorts of disease throughout history. Many times people have died and people have worked hard to find cures. To me, it sounds like at this time people will be sick, deprived and evil. Many will die.
Fifth Seal: The Cry of the Martyrs
9 When He opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the testimony which they held. 10 And they cried with a loud voice, saying, “How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?” 11 Then a white robe was given to each of them; and it was said to them that they should rest a little while longer, until both the number of their fellow servants and their brethren, who would be killed as they were, was completed.
The Martyrs are those who died in the name of Christ who refuse to take the mark of the beast. I think of the disciples, those who died because of their faith. The rapture of martyrs from this time forward will be included here. It won't just be the early Saints, all who die on earth.
Sixth Seal: Cosmic Disturbances
12 I looked when He opened the sixth seal, and behold, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became like blood. 13 And the stars of heaven fell to the earth, as a fig tree drops its late figs when it is shaken by a mighty wind. 14 Then the sky receded as a scroll when it is rolled up, and every mountain and island was moved out of its place. 15 And the kings of the earth, the great men, the rich men, the commanders, the mighty men, every slave and every free man, hid themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the mountains, 16 and said to the mountains and rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! 17 For the great day of His wrath has come, and who is able to stand.
This seal describes what environmentalists try to claim. The earth will be completely changed. This isn't like a hurricane, it's much bigger. We don't know where the illustration begins and where the facts end in these verses. This year there was a blood moon in the sky. It's a special astronomical event that usually blesses Israel in some way. The moon appears as red as blood.
(Revelation 6:1-17 NKJV)
This is crazy. I lived in California as a young girl and am blown away by all the weather there. I never saw this before. We were told California would fall in the ocean but this?
Dear Heavenly Father,
I lift up the nations to You and California. I pray for Your protection for the innocents in harms way. Father I pray you will give our country wisdom in choosing presidents in the future. Help us to see clearly what our role is and elect officials that are qualified. I pray that You will guide our President. Open his ears to hear our people. And where he is unable to understand, help others rise up to guide. Thank You for all that is good and holy, help us count our blessings on the good days : ) I pray for Ukraine and Israel that You will bless and keep them. Bless us with unity and strength.
Our Father in heaven,
Reveal who you are.
10 Set the world right;
Do what's best––
as above, so below.
11 Keep us alive with three square meals.
12 Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others.
13 Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil.
You're in charge!
You can do anything you want!
You're ablaze in beauty!
Yes. Yes. Yes .
(Matthew 6:9-13 Message)
In Jesus Name, Amen.
This song is from, "Sidewalk Prophets," with sign language : ) "Keep making me (link)"
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