When the fifth seal is opened we find martyrs in the throne of God who are given a white robe, indicating that they have been forgiven any sins they may have committed, and they are calling for revenge on the ones who killed them. They are told to wait until a specific number have been martyred but not given any indication what that number is.

Let’s first think about what this might have meant to the people living at the time John wrote this letter. These people could certainly face death because of their faith and wouldn’t it have been a comfort to believe that if they died they would go directly to heaven and not have to wait in Hades. The natural human response would have been to want revenge on those who were persecuting the church. So, John is writing a letter of comfort to those who are suffering for their faith at this time.

What does this mean for the rest of history? Does it mean that people who die for their faith today will go directly to heaven? Does it mean we are justified in wanting revenge on people harm us? I think that it does mean that martyrs will be taken to heaven even today. I don’t think we should be asking for revenge. Jesus, at the cross, said forgive them for they know not what they do. I think we should have the same attitude. I think about Jonah not wanting to go to Nineveh because he doesn’t want God to forgive the people of Nineveh because they are enemies of Israel. I don’t think we should be like Jonah but should be looking for ways to help everyone find a path to God’s forgiving love.

There is also a message in the opening of this seal that a certain number of people will be martyred before the final judgment. This shows that there is an end to things as we know them but the time is known only to God.

When the fourth seal is opened in the throne room of God a pale horse (death) is released. We remember this is the Lamb reveling things that are part of human history. Wars, famine, plagues, and wild beasts which are capable of killing people will be with us until Christ returns. John isn’t telling the people of his time these things so that they will despair but so that when these things happen they can know that God is aware. Hades follows death closely so that the people who die have a place to wait until the final judgment and an opportunity after the final judgment to share in paradise. I know that there are places in the Bible that indicate when someone dies they go directly to heaven and there are places that indicate a waiting for the return of Christ. The important thing is the end result. If people are waiting is a sleep like state time is meaningless. Revelation seems to indicate that martyrs go directly to heaven while others may have to wait but we don’t really know and any waiting is insignificant compared to eternity. This pale horse which is released only has power over a limited portion of the people of the earth (1/4). That gives others a time to repent before their death and judgment.

The opening of the third Seal shows that scarcity and famine will always be part of human existence. The black horse represents famine and the scales scarcity of food. A quart of wheat and a quart of barley would be one day’s subsistence. Not hurting the oil or wine indicates that the rich will not be hurt by these shortages. Does that sound familiar even today?

There’s enough food in the world to feed everyone but why doesn’t it happen? The most obvious answer is greed, people not willing to share what they have with those who need. But, as we know, it’s not that simple. There are people, who have, willing to share with those who don’t but how do you do it without some who already have plenty taking what you’re trying to get to those who don’t have. It’s not just the producers trying to get all they can from what they produce but non-producers trying to get rich off someone else’s work. Yes, there is greed but there are also those who want to use their positions as distributors of food and other resources as a source of power or control over the people in need.

Then there are those who could work for a living but don’t or won’t because it’s easier to get something for free or without any effort. This I fear is being perpetuated by our society where everyone gets a trophy in youth sports and children are allowed to progress through our schools without having to pass tests to show they are ready for the next grade.

All this being said, Revelation indicates that all these problems exist because there is evil in our world. Evil that causes greed, laziness, lust for power, etc. etc. etc... Revelation tells us that one day God will establish a new earth where no evil exists and there will be plenty for all.

When Seal 2 is opened a rider on a fiery red horse is released with a rider who is given the implements of war (a sword) and the power to take peace from the earth. Is the Lamb releasing this rider causing war to be released on earth? I think we need to remember that the opening of the scrolls is only revealing human history not creating it.  There is war because there is evil and greed in the world. I have to admit that I really struggle when I see things like the recent terrorist bombing in Norway, the drug killings in Mexico, wars in many countries and the evil that people and do to other people. I ask God why this has to happen and when will it end. The only consolation I can take is that God is in control and someday I’ll be with Christ in paradise. This is the same consolation that John (the writer of Revelation) wanted to give the people going through struggles at the time of the writing. I struggle because I don’t understand why things have to be this difficult and physically and emotionally painful. Of course I don’t understand why Christ had to go through such a painful passion and death to pay for the sins of the world either.  I guess I’ll just have to trust God.