Tuesday, February 27, 2024

Under the Alter

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.  Revelation 6:9

 As I get older each year, I consider that the day is getting closer to when my work here in this world will be over.  Not that I expect it any time soon, I just know that I am getting closer each day to the time of departure.  Don’t get me wrong, I am looking forward to that day, but I do want to complete the purpose I was given life in this world.  Both my husband’s and my parents have passed, and we recognize that our generation is next and want to make sure to live each day to the fullest until we are called home to be with our family in heaven.

As I think about that time, I am so thankful for the promise that Jesus made right before going to the cross in John chapter 14.  He said:  “In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.”  He has promised that He is preparing a place for me, even a mansion if the translation is correct?  Whatever place He is preparing, I know it is a good place and one that is perfectly suited for me.  He has designed it with the way He created me in mind.  I know I will love my dwelling place when I am there with my Father and my Savior.

In today’s reading, the Lamb of God Who took away the sin of the world and is the only One worthy to open the scroll and break the seals on the scroll, opens the fifth seal.  Instead of another special agent being released into the earth, the scene takes place right there in heaven, at the alter, before the throne of God.  John reports that he saw souls under the alter.  Those who had been slain for the Word of God and the testimony which they held on to until death.  This picture always seemed strange to me.  Why were they under the alter and why did they have to wait there for the others who would be killed like they were?

That’s when I remembered the words of Jesus that He is preparing a place for the church, His bride.  However, after the bride is taken out of the earth, that preparation is over.  These that are saved during this tribulation time do not have a place prepared for their souls until their bodies join them.  I have added a picture today of the souls under the altar.  Of course, it is not a real picture but something someone made from what they thought John might have been seeing.  It helps me to imagine the scene and when I look at it, it reminds me of a gateway through which these souls will enter into heaven.   This is only my imagination, and it may be totally off, but it is a good depiction of what it could look like when the time comes.

These souls are crying out to God to avenge their blood and He hears them and comforts them with white robes of righteousness and rest. Then God assures them that He will avenge them after the rest join them.

Today I want to encourage you as you navigate the challenges and trials of this world to draw strength from the example of the faithful martyrs in Revelations 6, who remained steadfast in their faith even to death.  Take comfort in the assurance that just as God will bring justice and victory to them, He will also do for you today.  Remain committed in your faith, knowing that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.  Take heart in the promises of Jesus who said He is getting a place ready for you and when it is your time to go, know that you will love that place far more than anywhere you have lived in this world.

Today’s scripture reading: Revelation 6:9-11

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.