Revelation 06: God is in Control
In the sixth chapter of the book of Revelation, the narrative continues from the previous chapter where Jesus is unsealing the deed scroll to reclaim the Earth. As He does, judgement is falling upon those who live on the Earth who are enemies of God. Let’s read and see how God’s position in Heaven is not affected by those on Earth. However, when God decrees something in Heaven, Earth begins to change.
Text: Revelation 06 (click to expand)
The Lamb Breaks the First Six Seals
As I watched, the Lamb broke the first of the seven seals on the scroll. Then I heard one of the four living beings say with a voice like thunder, “Come!” 2 I looked up and saw a white horse standing there. Its rider carried a bow, and a crown was placed on his head. He rode out to win many battles and gain the victory.
3 When the Lamb broke the second seal, I heard the second living being say, “Come!” 4 Then another horse appeared, a red one. Its rider was given a mighty sword and the authority to take peace from the earth. And there was war and slaughter everywhere.
5 When the Lamb broke the third seal, I heard the third living being say, “Come!” I looked up and saw a black horse, and its rider was holding a pair of scales in his hand. 6 And I heard a voice from among the four living beings say, “A loaf of wheat bread or three loaves of barley will cost a day’s pay. And don’t waste the olive oil and wine.”
7 When the Lamb broke the fourth seal, I heard the fourth living being say, “Come!” 8 I looked up and saw a horse whose color was pale green. Its rider was named Death, and his companion was the Grave. These two were given authority over one-fourth of the earth, to kill with the sword and famine and disease and wild animals.
9 When the Lamb broke the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of all who had been martyred for the word of God and for being faithful in their testimony. 10 They shouted to the Lord and said, “O Sovereign Lord, holy and true, how long before you judge the people who belong to this world and avenge our blood for what they have done to us?” 11 Then a white robe was given to each of them. And they were told to rest a little longer until the full number of their brothers and sisters—their fellow servants of Jesus who were to be martyred—had joined them.
12 I watched as the Lamb broke the sixth seal, and there was a great earthquake. The sun became as dark as black cloth, and the moon became as red as blood. 13 Then the stars of the sky fell to the earth like green figs falling from a tree shaken by a strong wind. 14 The sky was rolled up like a scroll, and all of the mountains and islands were moved from their places.
15 Then everyone—the kings of the earth, the rulers, the generals, the wealthy, the powerful, and every slave and free person—all hid themselves in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains. 16 And they cried to the mountains and the rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of the one who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb. 17 For the great day of their wrath has come, and who is able to survive?”
Chapter Overview and Summary.
The sixth chapter of the book of Revelation begins us show the reader the dichotomy of two realities. Jesus is in control in Heaven while judgment is happening on Earth. This would have been encouraging to the early churches because of all the persecution and temptations they were witnessing. During their lifetimes, they had witnessed the destructions of the Temple, the slaughter of Christians, the martyrdom of the apostles, and much more. This chapter reminds them that, while devastation is happening on Earth, God still reigns in Heaven. He will bring judgment on all those who have caused the suffering of His people on His timetable.
SOAP Bible Study.
Title: All Things Belong to the World
Scripture- (Revelation 6:1) “As I watched, the Lamb broke the first of the seven seals on the scroll. Then I heard one of the four living beings say with a voice like thunder, “Come!”
Observation- The early church was suffering under persecution by the Romans. They likely felt so little compared to the power of the Romans government. Revelation encourages them that, while it looks one way on Earth, it is very different in Heaven. Jesus is truly in charge and will redeem all things. In that culture, a deed to land was sealed with seven seals. Opening the seals was the final part of the process of taking possession of the land. Jesus had already paid the price. Now, He is taking possession of the land. Jesus is truly King over all.
Application- Do not allow your heart to be troubled when you see one perspective on Earth. Realize the King is on the Throne and is reigning even now.
Prayer- Thank You for being greater than any fear.
Reflection Questions.
- Have you ever thought about how God reigns supreme even when chaos is happening on Earth?
- Have you ever considered that Jesus did not just save all of us, He owns all the world?
- Do you think you could have been able to write all this down the way John did?
- How does this chapter help you see that Jesus “is in control?”
- Based on this chapter, what next step do you need to take?
Additional Resources.
- (Video) Smith, Dr. Paul. Revelation 6 – The Four Horsemen. YouTube video, 58:10. Oct 15, 2021. (Link)
- (Book) Aune, David E. Word Biblical Commentary: Revelation 6–16. Waco: Word Books, 1998.
- (Article) Guzik, David. “Revelation 6 – Seal Judgments.” Enduring Word Bible Commentary. (Link)
- (Article) “Revelation 6 Commentary.” Precept Austin. (Link
- (Article) “Revelation 6 – BibleHub Commentary.” (Link)
- (Video) Nolan, Allen. Revelation 6: Seal Judgments. YouTube video, 55:00. May 10, 2024. (Link)
