A reflection on Revelation 6:1 – 11:14
As He faced crucifixion, Jesus shared with His disciples His joyful, unshakable confidence in the Father (John 13 – 16). Here in Revelation 6:1 – 11:14, He portrays the same confidence through a panoramic tapestry of judgment and salvation.
In Revelation 6 He rolls out the judgments of the first six seals. He climaxes the account with the sobering question, “The great day of the wrath of God and the Lamb has come, and who can stand?” (Revelation 6:17, para.).
He answers that question in chapter 7 by giving us two visions of the Church during those dark days. Both the Church on earth (7:1-8) and the Church in heaven (7:9-17) are absolutely secure under the care and protection of Almighty God.
Revelation 8 – 9 resumes God’s awesome judgments, which are growing ever more intense. He is calling unbelievers to repentance through afflictions that are increasingly severe. But where is the Church in that disintegrating world? Revelation 10:1 – 11:14 gives the answer: the Church is faithfully witnessing to God’s unchanging truth. We are joyfully glorifying Him, even in the darkest times and places.
Thus the broad canvas of Revelation lays out the same truth that Jesus spoke to His disciples as He faced death:
- Even in the most severe persecution, we are absolutely secure in the Father.
- Even the deepest sorrow cannot take away our joy and peace in Christ.
- Eternal gain continues through all earthly loss.
- “In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33, NASB).
Child of God, in life and death, sickness and sorrow, pain and persecution, you have nothing to fear. Not today. Not ever! Thanks be to God!
Listen and sing:
Hymn: Father, in This Suffering
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