6:1
We now come to the opening of the seven seals. In Revelation there are seven seals, seven trumpets and seven bowls. All are associated with God’s wrath being poured out upon the earth. There are some who see the three sevens as consecutive, but the more likely view seems to be that they are three views of the same event. So there will be some similarities, but also some differences. I think we make a mistake if we try to overinterpret things in Revelation, and are in danger of missing the big picture and real message. Each of the sevens follows a similar pattern of the first four being concerned with the earth, the next two with heaven, and then special treatment of the seventh.
The Lamb opened the first of the seven seals. It is important that the Lamb is involved in opening the seals. First it demonstrates His authority, but it also shows that He is associated with the wrath of God. People don’t like the idea of the wrath of God, and try to make out that Jesus is somehow offers a different picture. Such ideas are unbiblical nonsense. Jesus opening the first seal is followed by one of the living creatures saying in a voice like thunder, “Come!”. The seals and their consequences originate from heaven.
6:2
Next we see the first of the four horsemen of the apocalypse, a white horse. The colours of the four horses more or less match those foretold in Zechariah 6. The horse rides out like a conqueror bent on conquest. We are not told explicitly who the rider is. Some have identified him with Christ, and others with the progress of the gospel. Both of these suggestions seem most unlikely and do not fit with the immediate context at all. I think it is better to see it just as earthly powers going out on conquest. This is something that we see again and again in history. Seemingly powerful nations seek to conquer and dominate. They eventually come to nothing, but in the meantime cause a lot of trouble and suffering. All this is part of God’s plan.
No comments:
Post a Comment