Image: "I'm Still Here", 2021, Sky scene along Hwy 20, prior to Ashton, ID
Revelation 5:8–10 Now when He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each having a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. 9 And they sang a new song, saying: “You are worthy to take the scroll, And to open its seals; For You were slain, And have redeemed us to God by Your blood Out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation, 10 And have made us kings and priests to our God; And we shall reign on the earth.”
Revelation 6:12–14 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.
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The Revelation given to John is built around groupings of 7. The scroll which the Lamb alone was found worthy to open was sealed with seven seals, each of which, when opened gives insight into the progress of history from the time the Lamb ascended to the throne room of God until God's final judgment brings all time, as we know it, to a close. Thus, I ascribe to what is called the "recapitulation" hermeneutical interpretation of the Revelation. Each of the following cycles (trumpets, etc.) will essentially cover the same span. Thus, starting with chapter 6 we will be given further descriptions of the nature of time as it progresses until, finally, the great consummation which closes the book.
So, what do we see in the remaining verses of chapter 5 and all of chapter six?
Briefly, we see the stated purpose of history stated by all of creation, the angelic beings, and the redeemed people of God expressed in 5: 8-14. The Lamb Who was slain, even our Lord Jesus Christ, is hailed for His completed work of redemption and His ascension to the throne of God. The four living creatures, who represent the span of God's "living" creatures (animals and man) a well as the twenty four elders who represent the fullness of the elect in both the Old and New Testament dispensations, proclaim the surpassing merit of Him who has "redeemed us to God by Your blood." Note the finished work that is proclaimed as well as the transformed reality of those who benefit from this redemption. Out of all the tribes and peoples of the earth, there are those who have been made "kings and priests to our God." This is the reality of their status. But like a crown prince awaiting actual seating on the throne, these proclaim that they "shall reign on the earth."
Here is the great future that provides such a reason for hope and joy. The redeemed of the earth will reign and rule on the earth. We have a glorious future ahead of us on that day when the implicit promise of the Garden of Eden, where man was to exercise dominion on the earth, will be finally accomplished. (5:9-10)
This particular shout of thanksgiving and praise is followed by a general shout of astonished wonder by the innumerable angels surrounding the redeemed host who add their voices in worship. (5:11) Even the dead of earth, buried in both earth and sea will be present in the chorus (5:13)
Thus we see the full range of God's created work as giving thanks for His great salvation. This is the end goal of history. It is why all things were created and it is why we, individually, exist. God's great sovereign rule, exercised through His Son, our Lord, works to this end and will bring about eternal joy and unending worship from all creatures, heavenly or worldly, the living and the dead.
Such a wonderful picture and one that creates intense longing. But we are solemnly taught that this great end of all things is to be progressively attained. The seals must be opened and the contents of creation's history opened to our eyes. The seals are not necessarily intended to convey sequence in actual time but rather further insights of truths that may, and often does, overlap.
Thus, with seal one, we see the history of conquest and domination unleashed as various nations rise up in history to conquer and subjugate peoples. Man will continue to aspire to autonomous rule in the stead of God. This will bring about many things but its inevitable character will be that of "crown-wearing" enforced by force of arms. (6:1-2) Then comes the second seal and we see the passions of violence unleashed and peace taken from the earth. Lawlessness will always be present and in many eras will dominate the scene. (6:3-4) Similarly, we see that history will involve the cruelty of hunger and inflation as corrupt power oppresses those who cannot defend themselves. (6:5-6) There will be widespread death when wars (such as the two world wars) or epidemics reshape entire generations such that huge swaths of the population are killed. (6:7-8) The persecution of the saints will continue and the entire span of time will evoke great longing from the people of God for Him to "come quickly" and bring their suffering to an end. (6:9-11) But, in God's perfect timing, there will come a day when the earth will be shaken and the cosmic balance upset and sinful man, who was responsible for all the sufferings revealed in the first five seals, will be terrified at the approaching judgment they so richly deserve. (6:12-17)
Of particular interest is the absolute statement that this is the day of the "wrath of the Lamb!" (vs. 16) Though He is gentle and mild to those who love Him and keep His commandments, yet we must remember that He is the jealous Lion of Judah who will indeed bring judgment on His foes.
These are scary thoughts but they must be understood through the prior testimony of chapter 5. The wrath of God will never touch the redeemed of the earth. Though we live in the very real manifestation of the 5 seals, where each of the circumstances they proclaim is readily discernable about us, yet, the end result is certain and we have a reason, even now, to fall down and worship Him Who has saved us by His blood.
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