Day 244/260: Read Revelation 6

Revelation 6 begins the opening of the seven seals. Keep in mind the symbolic nature of the language; this is not describing the events of the end of the world. The things described here have already come to pass; they were “at hand” at the time of John’s writing.

The fifth seal depicts the cries of the martyrs, “the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the testimony which they held.” They were crying for justice, and comforted “that they should rest a little while longer.”

Sometimes, bad things happen to good people. Sometimes, justice is delayed. God tells us to persevere. The impenitent will be punished in the end.

“Since it is a righteous thing with God to repay with tribulation those who trouble you, and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power.” (2 Thessalonians 1:6-9)

Memory (Fill in the blanks)

Revelation 4:11. “You are worthy, O Lord, to receive ____________ and honor and ____________; for You ____________ all things, and by Your will they exist and were ____________.”

Pray

Pray for patience in the face of persecution, and for the strength to be kind to those who are unkind toward you.