December 15
Micah 1:1-4:13 | PS 134:1-3 | Prov 30:1-4 | Rev 6:1-17
How many died in the attack in Israel on October 7? Around 1400. How many died on 9/11? Around 3000. How many died in World War 1? Around 20 million (8.5 million soldiers, 13 million civilians). How many died in World War 2? Around 60 million (20 million soldiers, 40 million civilians). What is our current world population? Around 8 billion. So, when we read in Revelation 6:8, as a result of the first four seal judgments which are represented by the four riders of the apocalypse, "So I looked, and behold, a pale horse. And the name of him who sat on it was Death, and Hades followed with him. And power was given to them over a fourth of the earth, to kill with sword, with hunger, with death, and by the beasts of the earth.", realize this means that in this rather short period of time, within the first 3.5 years of the 7 year tribulation, that these events will result in the death of 2 billion people (most believe the trumpet judgments also occur in the first half as well which will result in even more carnage). Though the numbers of the two most recent attacks are much smaller than those of the previous world wars, we know how deeply this has affected us. Just ponder for a moment what 2 billion deaths will mean?
So many fear this book (the book of Revelation). But this book means "to reveal, to unveil, to disclose". God is not trying to scare us, but to reveal to us what this phase of history will look like. To understand where we are now and what will trigger these future events, we get a good picture in Daniel 9:24-27. This prophecy centers on the Jewish people and the city of Jerusalem. Currently we are in the pause of this prophecy, which is "the time of the Gentiles". The word church does not appear anywhere between Revelation 3 (the message to the churches) and the end of the book. The church is gone, raptured when these events take place, in heaven. We read in Daniel 9:27, "Then he shall confirm a covenant with many for one week; But in the middle of the week He shall bring an end to sacrifice and offering...". This "he" is the first rider of the apocalypse, the future Antichrist, that we read about in Revelation 6:2, "And I looked, and behold, a white horse. He who sat on it had a bow; and a crown was given to him, and he went out conquering and to conquer." This period begins when the Antichrist makes a covenant with the Jewish people, promising peace and security, allowing them to build their temple, etc. But this covenant will be broken half way through this seven year period when he sets himself up to be worshiped in the temple and aggressively goes after those who refuse to follow him. Though there will be tremendous carnage, this will be a time that the Jewish people will come to faith in Messiah Jesus like never before, and recognize Him for who He is.
Interestingly, we read that the rich will not be hurt as bad as most people (and realize rich is not what most now deem rich) based on the lack of harm to the oil and wine in Revelation 6:6, which are items of luxury, as opposed to the wheat and barley which are necessities. Many feel they will somehow avoid these catastrophes, but we read in Revelation 6:15-17, "And the kings of the earth, the great men, the rich men, the commanders, the mighty men, every slave and every free man, hid themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the mountains, and said to the mountains and rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! For the great day of His wrath has come, and who is able to stand?”" One must realize that John was given visions at the time of Jesus, which he put into writing without any 21st century construct. Were these hiding places bunkers? Possibly, as so many in power feel they will weather the coming storms, but they cannot hide. As we continue through this book, one must ask themselves where they will be. Will they be among the carnage? Will they try to hide from the judgment? I would much rather skip this portion altogether, having been raptured prior to these events. How about you? The Book of Revelation is a great message for believers in Jesus, because God wins, and those who have placed their trust in Him win as well, as we enjoy heaven as the earth and its inhabitants are receiving His wrath and being judged. Though many will be saved during this period of history, consider the cost in delaying your decision. Accept His offer today. Become His child, and heir to the Kingdom, where there is no fear, for whether in death or life, in times of calm or storm, we can trust in the knowledge that we are in His hands and nothing can ever separate us from Him (Romans 8:35-39).
Messages from Pastor Lloyd Pulley: