Revelation 6:1-8
June 19, 2019

• Chts 6-11 are the 7 seals being opened.
• 5:1-8:1 – the seven seals; 8:2-11 – the seventh seal
• 6 judgments, interlude revealing God’s love and mercy for His people, the final infliction/judgment, concluding with Jesus’ return.
• Before Jesus returns, there will be (must be) preparation. Jesus doesn’t come back to correct what has happened, or in spite what is about to happen; rather, these things are written, willed, purposed as God’s plans preceding the return of Jesus and the re-creation of the world. Not only is God/Lamb in control (defense), they are causing this to happen (offense).
• Four Horsemen – Zechariah 6:1-7 – “These are the four spirits of heaven, going out from standing in the presence of the Lord of the whole world.”
• God wills, Jesus enacts, and heaven cries, “Come!” A White Horse – Rider held a bow, is given a crown, and he went out conquering and to conquer (means = ends… single-minded).
• God wills, Jesus enacts, and heaven cries, “Come!” A Red Horse – Rider is given the commission to take peace from the earth causing (God’s intention) men to slay one another; he is given a great sword. (White Horse is external conquest; Red Horse is internal revolution).
• God wills, Jesus enacts, and heaven cries, “Come!” A Black Horse – Rider had a pair of scales. He establishes a famine. Heavenly Voice – “A quart of wheat for a day’s wage.” (would feed one person); “Three quarts of barley for a day’s wage.” (would feed more but is poorer quality). “Do not damage the oil and the wine!” (the wealthy will continue to indulge themselves.
• God wills, Jesus enacts, and heaven cries, “Come!” A Pale Green Horse – Rider is named Death, Hades followed right behind him. Authority was given to Death and Hades over ¼ of the earth to kill in various ways.
• Next week – (5) The martyrs cry out and are comforted; (6) The creation itself is laid bare.
• Take Aways –
• The path forward is impossible for an unbeliever to accept as good news. Conquest, Slaying, Famine, Mass Death.
• This is the way forward, like labor pains.
• God isn’t allowing it; He is causing it.