Martyrs and Mayhem on Mother Earth!
The Book that Promises a Blessing
A study of the book of Revelation
by Pastor Frank Rice
Revelation 6:9-17
If you’re like me, you detest the above way of referring to the planet on which we live! But there are multitudes that use that phrase and are not about to change. Mother Earth communicates, intentionally or unintentionally, a rejection of the Creator and His ownership of the planet. For those of us who embrace creationism, the earth belongs to God and we’re temporary squatters who are accountable to Him. That’s the rub! We are obligated to live in the light of His authority and expectations. And we’ll answer for how we respond/react to Him and His authority!
I. The Lamb Is the One Who Initiates God’s Judgments (vv. 1-8!
v The Lamb opens the first of seven seals symbolizing a false and forced peace on the earth (vv. 1-2). It’s important to remember; judgments are systematic, calculated, controlled, and authorized by Him.
v The Lamb opens the second seal symbolizing anarchy, war, and terrorism (vv. 3-4). Power is granted to take peace from the earth.
v The Lamb opens the third seal symbolizing world-wide famine and global economic collapse (vv. 5-6).
v The Lamb opens the fourth seal symbolizing death and the destruction of human life via a variety of means (vv. 7-8).
v At this point, millions have been removed by Christ’s 2nd coming and then by The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.
II. The Lamb Breaks the 5th Seal to Introduce the Martyrs (Vv. 9-11)!
v The series of horsemen is concluded and a sobering heavenly scene is revealed (v. 9). We’re told what John saw in heaven.
1. The first four seals seem to have occurred during the initial years of the tribulation period. Civilization is in confusion!
2. Christians had been abruptly and secretly removed from the earth but their witness had remained. Many undecided had been left behind and realized the truth of the second coming.
3. Because of their affiliation with the “opposition” and refusal to back down on their newfound awareness (faith), they were executed. We’re not told if this is governmental or otherwise.
4. The crime for which they’re killed was dedication to believe, live out, and maintain a testimony to the Word of God. We must distinguish between what’s known & what’s supposed. Some have made themselves look very foolish and damaged the integrity and reputation of scripture by insisting on their own fanciful prognostications!
v These who had suffered martyrdom cried out for an answer to the timing of retribution for those who had dispatched them (v. 10). The title “Sovereign Lord” implies ownership, the absolute authority, and power of God!
1. They knew that it was just a matter of time until the Lord would repay those who had brutalized them.
2. They knew that God’s character demanded retribution; He was in charge of judging & avenging what these hateful murderers had done to them. He is holy and true.
3. “They stand before the righteous Judge presenting their case for judgment against their persecutors, much like Jesus... (1 Peter 2:23).” (Osborne)
4. “The question here is not whether God will judge the transgressors but how soon.” (Osborne)
5. Those who’d inflicted punishment on them were still alive on Planet Earth. This truth has significant implications.
v These who had suffered martyrdom were given assurance (v. 11).
1. Each of them was given a long white robe symbolizing God’s approval and their own purity / innocence and nobility.
2. They’re also told to wait until this phase of God’s program is finished. The term “completed” may mean “until their fellow servants complete their course.” (Johnson)
3. [Are we saying that God waits and watches while His people are martyred?! The answer is obvious.]
4. Those who’ve heard the gospel and not rejected it prior to the seals will have an opportunity to respond positively, at a price.
III. The Lamb Breaks the 6th Seal to Introduce Mayhem (Vv. 12-17)!
v The action back on Earth resumes with unimaginable, catastrophic cosmic disturbances following a monster earthquake (vv. 12-14).
1. The sun becomes frighteningly black! This is the language of appearance.
2. The moon becomes terrifyingly red!
3. The stars (meteors?) fall shockingly to the earth!
4. The sky rolls up like a scroll being closed!
5. Every mountain and island is dislodged from its moorings! By this time, all earth-dwellers know with Whom they’re dealing!
v Those who dwell on the earth react to the cosmic disturbance, but not in a commendable way (vv. 15-17).
1. They had ignored and taunted God, His Word, His prophets, His preachers, and His people (2 Peter 3)!
2. They now recognize the fact that they are dealing with Him whom they had mocked and marginalized. “God will vindicate His suffering saints (vv. 9-11) and make the world recognize the Creator they have spurned (vv. 12-17).” (Keener)
3. Every person from the political and economically powerful to the downtrodden and disadvantaged was terrified! “No marks of social distinction will exempt anyone from judgment.” (Keener)
4. They ran for cover and cried out for escape from the wrath of God and the Lamb (v. 17)! The “wrath of the Lamb” is a striking, unnerving, and terrifying image, like grandma yelling angrily! They were well-aware that their time was up. They realized they didn’t have a chance!
5. “God who has always been characterized by grace in creation and the Lamb who has always been characterized by grace in redemption are suddenly depicted in their eternal anger against all that is sinful and evil.” (Patterson)
6. “The wrath of God and the Lamb has come down on the earth-dwellers for their rebellion against God and their cruelty to His people.” (Osborne)
7. Jesus had warned of rejecting the Son and experiencing the wrath of God (John 3:36).
Far too often, “Christians are complacent, satisfied with their own conversion and ‘personal growth.’” (Keener)
You may want to revisit 2 Peter 3:11…