“Now I watched when the Lamb opened one of the seven seals, and I heard one of the four living creatures say with a voice like thunder, ‘Come!’..
“When he opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature say, ‘Come!’ And I looked, and behold, a pale horse! And its rider’s name was Death, and Hades followed him. And they were given authority over a fourth of the earth, to kill with sword and with famine and with pestilence and by wild beasts of the earth.
“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 witness they had borne. They cried out with a loud voice, ‘O Sovereign Lord, holy and true, how long before you will judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?’ Then they were each given a white robe and told to rest a little longer, until the number of their fellow servants and their brothers[c] should be complete, who were to be killed as they themselves had been.” Revelation 6:1,7-11
Transported to heavenly visions while in exile on Patmos, John watches the Lamb unseal the scroll revealing the determined future. The juxtaposition between certain judgment of the wicked and relief and redemption for those slain in Christ is stark. For one, the specter of the pale horse of death and Hades; for the other, bright and certain hope in life awaited fulfillment. For one, rebels meeting their Maker’s horrid punishment; for the other, robes of rest and promise that they’d wait just a little longer for God’s consummation. (Revelation 1:9-10,19)
We are all destined for death. Since Eden that is our certain earthly end, our days here below numbered by our Heavenly Father. And God has also determined eternity thereafter. Are we facing pallid hopelessness in judgment, or bright color-rich everlasting life? Those who believe in Jesus’s life, death, and resurrection in their behalf will be with Him forever in gladness and light. Where do we stand in faith? (Genesis 2:16-17; 3:19; Psalm 139:16; John 3:16; Hebrews 9:27)
Those sealed in Christ need not fear any seal opened. Knowing we are secure in Christ fills us with palpable hope in hard times and perspective in uncertainty and longing. Christ’s robe of grace gives perseverance in temptation and deep peace in pain. We can bear consternation and suffering with soul rest, and agonies of earthly grief with heavenly solace. (Revelation 7:2-3)
What difference is a future of promise making in present circumstances? It should be substantial. How has hope lifted heaviness and depression, or enriched meaning in challenging work and relationships? Where will we apply the balm of ultimate relief to ongoing physical pain or sadness? What scripture memory or practice of thanksgiving could transform current woes and complaints, and make us easier to live with? How can our hope-filled outlook lift another to bring relief and refreshment? What are we doing to share it? (James 1:2-4; Revelation 7:9-17)
Lord, help me live so obviously in Your promise that You are continually exalted and others are drawn to the eternal hope You offer.
As the rain and snow 