Revelation - Week 13

Day 1

Souls of the Martyrs

READ

Revelation 6:9-10

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?”

This passage reveals the outcry of those who have died for their faith in Jesus. They had not lived during the Church age or they would have been resurrected as indicated in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. They had been killed earlier in the Tribulation. They cried out to God and wondered how long it would be before He brought judgment on those who had killed them.

REFLECT

Think of those who have given their lives for Jesus during your lifetime. Although perhaps not in your region, you surely have heard about such. Pray for their families.

RESPOND

As you think of sharing what you are learning with a friend, you may not be able to meet personally. In this age of digital technology, use it to contact and encourage others.

Day 2

A White Robe

READ

Revelation 6:11

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.

The martyrs crying out for justice are told to wait longer. There would be others who would die for their faith in Jesus. A white robe was given to these now crying out, representing the righteous acts of saints (see Revelation 19:8). There will be many martyred for their faith during the seven-year Tribulation, and they will join those already martyred.

REFLECT

Think how sad it is for people to lose their lives for the sake of Jesus. Consider also the rewards that will be waiting for them.

RESPOND

While thinking of the future in the passages in Revelation, remind people no one is really certain about tomorrow. Whether one dies from an accident, pandemic, or old age, someday everyone will be in eternity. Urge them to trust in Jesus as Savior before it is eternally too late. Remind them of what 2 Corinthians 6:2 says.

Day 3

A Great Earthquake

READ

Revelation 6:12-14

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.

There is an interesting contrast in this passage. The word the apostle used for “Lamb” referred to a little lamb, yet great eruptions in nature occur as the little lamb opens the sixth seal. The entire world will become aware that severe judgments are coming. Will this cause people to turn to Jesus? The answer is given in the following verses.

REFLECT

Think of the circumstances and people who helped you to see your need to place your trust in Jesus. Share your testimony with others.

RESPOND

As you talk with a friend about these events in Revelation, talk about how the sovereign God of the universe is in complete control of what occurs. See Colossians 1:15-17 that tells about Jesus holding all things together. He is in absolute control of what He created.

Day 4

Hiding in Caves

READ

Revelation 6:15-16

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.”

When circumstances become extremely difficult, will they cause people to turn to Jesus? This passage reveals people would rather have the rocks and mountains crush them to death so they would not have to face the wrath of the Lamb. This also reveals the people do not realize they will still stand before God as their judge.

REFLECT

Do you know of any who think physical death will spare them from meeting God face-to-face? Far worse than physical death is spiritual death.

RESPOND

When the Bible speaks of death it often refers to spiritual death. Romans 6:23 has more than physical death in mind. Physical death is the separation of the soul from the body; spiritual death is the separation of the person from God for eternity.

 Day 5

The Day of Wrath

READ

Revelation 6:17

“17 For the great day of their wrath has come, and who is able to survive?”

Many people welcome talk about the love of God, but they do not want to hear about His wrath. They prefer sermons that emphasize the grace of God and omit any reference to sin and judgment. This setting in Revelation reveals there will come a time when the wrath of God will be poured out on a rebellious God-rejecting world.

REFLECT

Do you understand that although God is long-suffering and wants all to come to Jesus (see 2 Peter 3:9), there will be a time when judgment will come on those who do not (see Revelation 20:11-15)?

RESPOND

Believers in Jesus need to love what God loves and hate what He hates. See Proverbs 6:19 for six things God hates. See also 2 Timothy 4:1-4 where the apostle Paul writes why the gospel should be urgently proclaimed now.