Come and See
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.” Revelation 6:1
Here we go! Chapter six is where Revelation shifts from heavenly worship and celebrating to interaction with earth. The Lamb of God begins opening the seals on the scroll that only He is worthy to open. This has been a struggle for me in the past as I have read these verses many times. I wondered how these things that seem so terrible could come from heaven and from the good God and Father that has always been so kind and gentle with me.
However, after writing each day leading up to this chapter that I finally realized, these terrible things that are coming out of the scroll as it is being opened are the answers to the prayers that are being lifted up by God’s people that are still in the world. Even though the church, the body of believers had been taken out of the earth at this point in the future, those that are left behind in the world are still being saved and coming to salvation. Unfortunately, they are facing very treacherous times and crying out to God for help. As we read about the seals on the scroll being broken, John is invited to come closer and see what is about to take place. Horse and riders that are being released into the earth. These are special forces that have been held in reserve for the time that is coming in the world. These weapons that God has created for this special purpose are released to fight against God’s enemies to fight against the plans that the powers on earth are trying to set up.
My heart has changed, and I no longer feel afraid as I read these verses. I now realize that God has weapons in heaven that He has not released yet, and they are far more fierce than any evil we have ever seen in the world before. Satan’s tactics to take over the world again are no match for the power that the Lamb of God is now releasing in this chapter. These secret weapons are being released against God’s enemies, not those who are trusting in Him.
When the first seal was broken, John saw riding on a white horse, wearing a crown and carrying a bow. This rider did not have any arrows, indicating that he was not released to kill. The white horse is a sign of strength and hope for those who are in the world and the rider’s crown is authority to bring that hope to all believers. This rider is conquering without force and without destruction. He is getting through to the believers that they have been heard and God is on their side.
We can be encouraged through this passage even today. Even though we are reading about a future event, it is comforting to know that God will be actively involved against the trouble that is coming on the earth. That He has prepared forces, heavenly battalion to carry answers to those who are calling on Him just like He does for us today. God is not suddenly going to change who He is when things start going bad, He will be the same loving and protecting God then as He is right here and now. I think the biggest encouragement that this gives me is that God is still engaged in what is going on in the world during the time of tribulation. It is still His-Story! He hasn’t shut the door of heaven and said “They are on their on now.” He shows up greater than ever and He will be rescuing people on a greater level than ever before. I am beginning to see that the book of Revelation is revealing to God’s people that He is so much bigger and greater than we have imagined in the past. He reveals His secret weapons that will be release at the end to finally put His enemy away for good!
So, remember today that no matter what trials or tribulations you are facing, take comfort in knowing that God is only a prayer away and His purposes will prevail when you call on Him. Draw strength from the Lamb who has conquered sin and death, standing firm in your faith and trusting in His unfailing love. Find hope and assurance in His victory. Thank you, Father, that you are the same great God and Father, yesterday, today and forever!
Today’s scripture reading: Revelation 6:1-4
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.
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 Daily Dose 