The Wrath of the Lamb (Revelation 6:1-17)
Call to Hear
If you have your Bible’s go ahead and open them to Revelation 6, that’s where we’ll be today. The title of today’s message is The Wrath of the Lamb.If you’re a fan of Beyoncé then you’ve probably already heard about the 4 horsemen of the apocalypse.I first became aware of the connection to each other after watching pastor and podcaster Allen Parr’s Youtube reaction to her album, which he calls “satanic.[i] Newsweek also did a piece on the subject, pointing out that
“In July 2020, Beyoncé sat atop a white horse in the Black Is King movie and in August 2022 she posed with a black horse for Harper's Bazaar. While last week (July 2022) she graced the cover of British Vogue on a red horse, then finally the holographic horse on the Renaissance cover was unveiled last week”.[ii]
As you might imagine, the reactions are all over the place on this.Before we dive in too deep, let’s quickly remind ourselves how we got to chapter 6 of this Revelation.John is in the Spirit (Rev. 4:2) bearing witness to what has been revealed to him from the throne room of God (Rev. 4-5). With this being the third major shift in the revelation he is writing about “things which will take place after this” (Rev. 1-3). Just as a side note, there are a lot of competing and contrasting opinions and thoughts about who and what the contents of the broken seals refer to. Even among the most well-educated on the subject there is much debate about the meaning. With that in mind, I want us to take a look at this chapter from a bird’s-eye view so that we are not bogged down with trying to interpret these images with pinpoint accuracy, but rather gleaning the useful encouragement needed for our daily walk, much like the seven churches of Revelation 2 & 3 might have done in order to endure until the end as overcomers. Time nor intelligence allows us to unpack every detail of this chapter. For a slightly deeper look into these things you should join us on Wednesday mornings at 6:30am during our Promise Keepers Men’s Bible study or at 6pm where pastor Mike teaches on the same subject in his class.Robert Mounce says that anyone who approaches Revelation with a “sympathetic imagination are most apt to understand its true meaning”.[iii]The last time that I spoke we looked at Revelation 5 and in that chapter an APB was put out for someone worthy to open the seals and read the scroll in the right hand of the One seated on the throne. After combing through all of creation, Jesus steps forth as the Only One Worthy. John told us that the scroll was completely covered with writing and today, we get to find out what the contents of that scroll are.But before we do, let me pray.
The 4 Horsemen (Rev. 6:1-8)
Let’s begin by reading 6:1-8.Revelation 6:1–8 (NKJV)1 Now I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals; and I heard one of the four living creatures saying with a voice like thunder, “Come and see.” 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.3 When He opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature saying, “Come and see.” 4 Another horse, fiery red, went out. And it was granted to the one who sat on it to take peace from the earth, and that people should kill one another; and there was given to him a great sword.5 When He opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, “Come and see.” So I looked, and behold, a black horse, and he who sat on it had a pair of scales in his hand. 6 And I heard a voice in the midst of the four living creatures saying, “A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius; and do not harm the oil and the wine.”7 When He opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature saying, “Come and see.” 8 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.Chapter 6 opens with the Worthy One, the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, who appeared as a Lamb slain standing in victory breaking the seven seals one by one. The first four seals reveals to us different colored horses each with a rider who brings trouble, devastation and death upon the earth. Alan F. Johnson, professor of Bible and Theology at Wheaton College, (Billy Graham’s alma mater) believes that “the first four seals (four horsemen), then, represents conflict directed at Christians to test them and to sift out false disciples”.[iv]These riders and their horses seem to parallel OT prophesy from Ezekiel 14:12-23 and Zechariah 1:7-17; 6:1-8.In Ezekiel 14:12-23 God promises severe judgment upon the land of Jerusalem because of her “persistent unfaithfulness” (12). God says that not even Noah, Daniel or Job could deliver a single soul besides themselves once God’s judgment comes down (20).Listen to Ezek. 14:21
21 For thus says the Lord God: “How much more it shall be when I send My four severe judgments on Jerusalem—the sword and famine and wild beasts and pestilence—to cut off man and beast from it?
In his commentary on Revelation, Leon Morris points out that,
“The first four seals form a unity. They show us the self-defeating character of sin. When the spirit of self-aggrandizement and conquest is abroad, all God needs to do is to let events take their course and sinners will inevitably be punished”.[v]
The apostle Paul would most-likely agree with Morris. Paul says in his letter to the church in Rome, that God will turn the wick over to themselves in order that they might be consumed by their own sinful desires (Romans 1:24-28).On November 10, 1948, WWII General Omar N. Bradley stated this in his Armistice Day Address:
WITH the monstrous weapons man already has, humanity is in danger of being trapped in this world by its moral adolescents. Our knowledge of science has clearly outstripped our capacity to control it. We have many men of science; too few men of God. We have grasped the mystery of the atom and rejected the Sermon on the Mount. Man is stumbling blindly through a spiritual darkness while toying with the precarious secrets of life and death. The world has achieved brilliance without wisdom, power without conscience. Ours is a world of nuclear giants and ethical infants. We know more about war than we know about peace, more about killing than we know about living.This is our twentieth century’s claim to distinction and to progress.[vi]
In my study of these first four seals, I have noticed a few things that help me to better understand how this might have encouraged the original seven churches to whom John records the Lord’s words and how this can encourage us today.3 out of 4 riders are given something that enables them to accomplish what they have set out to do and a limitation is placed upon one of the riders.WHITE horse & rider: has bow (no arrows); given a crown (???????? (stephanos)). Several Bible readers and commentators see a connection to Jesus here.[vii] Many believe this rider to be Jesus bringing forth the gospel. Still, others think that this is none other than the AntiChrist.Now, I could be wrong, but when we compare Jesus to this rider I can see no similarities other than the color of the horse and the crown.Look at Revelation 19:11-16 because this is where the major comparison comes from.
11 Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war.12 His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself.13 He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. 14 And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses. 15 Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. 16 And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS
In chapter 6, the rider has a bow with no arrows and he is given a crown. In chapter 19 Jesus has, not one crown, but many crowns (??????? (diad?ma)) and instead of a bow He has a sharp sword coming from His mouth.Before His crucifixion , Jesus is given the same type of crown that the rider of the white horse wears (Matt. 27:29). The one that our Lord wore, the crown of thorns, was used to mock Him to say that He really was no king. Could it be that the crown given to the rider of the white horse is also one of mockery proving that he is no real conqueror?Warren Wiersbe is right, “We would expect the Antichrist, whether this is him or not, to resemble the Christ, because Antichrist is Satan’s great imitation!”[viii]RED horse & rider: granted to take peace. Peace which many believe was falsely promised by the rider on the white horse. The rider is also given a sword ( ??????? (machaira)). When compared to Jesus in Rev. 19 who has a sharp sword (??????? (rhomphaia)) coming from His mouth we can see a difference. “His sword is not the large two-edged sword (see v. 8) but the dagger used in hand-to-hand combat”.[ix] The rhomphaia [4501] is a long sword of order and justice. The macharia is something like a dagger a used for assassination, uprising, and warfare.[x]BLACK horse & Rider: given nothing; However, what he/she is allowed to do has a boundary. A limit is set on wheat and barley and this person is restricted from harming oil & wine, which may have been used medicinally.PALE horse & Rider: given power to kill with sword, hunger, death/plague, beasts.As we look at each of these riders we can see a progression. False peace leads to war leads to price hikes for goods and famine leads to total anarchy.The word “given” and the boundary set around the one rider says to me that Someone else is running the show. Again, Leon Morris says that
“God is in control of the whole process and God is concerned for his people. So, though apocalyptic judgments be loosed against all mankind, believers included, God’s people need never be dismayed. They will be preserved no matter what the tribulation”.[xi]
You see, Paul wrote to the church in Thessalonica that 1 Thess. 5:9-11
9 For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him. 11 Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.
Voice of the Martyrs (Rev. 6:9-11)
This leads us to the 5th & 6th seals to be broken. What is revealed to John in verses 1-8 takes place upon the earth, but what is revealed in verses 9-17 is happening in heaven.Revelation 6:9–11 (NKJV)
9 When He opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the testimony which they held. 10 And they cried with a loud voice, saying, “How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?” 11 Then a white robe was given to each of them; and it was said to them that they should rest a little while longer, until both the number of their fellow servants and their brethren, who would be killed as they were, was completed.
These few verses are sobering. When the Lamb breaks the 5th seal John sees martyrs (witnesses) who willingly gave up their lives for the sake of the Gospel looking for God to judge those who killed them. How long Lord?!! How long will you allow your people to suffer?! Why aren’t you doing something ?!!Have you ever felt like that? Like you’re suffering and no one is there to help? Like evil and ungodly people just get to have their way in the world with no consequences? How long Lord?! When are you going to step in?! We’re all waiting for an end to our suffering in this world, but it most-likely will not happen in the way we think.The Jews of Jesus’ day also felt that way. Remember Luke 19:11 just before Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection,
11 Now as they heard these things, He spoke another parable, because He was near Jerusalem and because they thought the kingdom of God would appear immediately.
Or what about in Acts 1:6 after His resurrection.
6 Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, “Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?”
Is this the time that you’re going to put the smack down on the Romans?We see the same thing in Revelation 6. Are you going to do something now Jesus? Are you going to overthrow our enemies at this time? And Jesus tells them to wait! Hang on for just a little bit longer because there are more who will die like you did. He basically said the exact same thing to the church at Smyrna (Rev. 2:10).Revelation 2:10 (NKJV)
10 Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.
You know, we often say a lot about living for Jesus, but we rarely talk about dying for Him and yet, this seems to be what scripture focuses on more. Yes! Live your live for Jesus, but not so that people can give you a pat on the back and say how kind Christians are, live your life in such a way that by advancing the kingdom of God and proclaiming the truth and love of the Gospel it makes you a target for the enemy!Philippians 1:29 (NKJV)
29 For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake,
They died for testifying that Jesus alone is the Way, the Truth and the Life; that no man comes to the Father except through the Son; that He became sin, not knowing sin, that we, through Him might be made righteous.They died for testifying that Jesus has been given a Name that is above all other names; that through His death, burial, resurrection and ascension He has made fools of the wise in this world and He has towered over the strong through the power of His gospel.We preach to the world that Jesus has lifted us out of the pit of our sinful despair through the demonstration of His love on the cross and those who eagerly await His return will see Him glorified as every knee bows and every tongue confesses Him as Sovereign and Savior!
The Wrath of the Lamb (Rev. 6:12-17)
Now, there are some foolish enough not to belief this, and what we see in verse 12-17 is what I like to call, the epitome of stupidity.Revelation 6:12–17 (NKJV)
12 I looked when He opened the sixth seal, and behold, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became like blood. 13 And the stars of heaven fell to the earth, as a fig tree drops its late figs when it is shaken by a mighty wind. 14 Then the sky receded as a scroll when it is rolled up, and every mountain and island was moved out of its place. 15 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, 16 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! 17 For the great day of His wrath has come, and who is able to stand?”
When the Lamb breaks the 6th seal, the earth quakes, the sun turns black, the moon looks like blood, stars fall from the heavens, the sky rolls back on itself, the mountains and islands are moved out of their places and everybody tries to themselves from the wrath of the Lamb.Here’s what I mean by the epitome of stupidity. Man, in our unregenerate state, is hell-bent on having our own way at all cost. These folks in Revelation 6:12-17 had every opportunity to surrender to the sovereignty of God and yet they refused. They had every opportunity to yield to the love and grace of God, but they resisted. All throughout history God has been and is saying to us today, turn and live!Ezekiel 33:11 (NKJV)
11 Say to them: ‘As I live,’ says the Lord God, ‘I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live. Turn, turn from your evil ways! For why should you die, O house of Israel?’
Instead of submitting to God and being saved, these folks would rather kill themselves.Since you’re here today, or maybe you’ll be listening to this later on Youtube, I want you to know that Jesus is “not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance” and be saved (2 Pt. 3:9).Let me close with this final bit of encouragement from General Bradley, but as way make our way through the pages of Revelation as followers of Christ, we should do so with hope and confidence; not despair. Listen to what he says,
While as a prudent people we must prepare ourselves to encounter what we may be unable to prevent, we nevertheless must never surrender ourselves to the certainty of that encounter.[xii]
General Bradley is talking about hope. Don’t despair because the Day of the Lord is upon us. The wrath of the Lamb is coming, but there is hope for the followers of Christ! We do not have to fear that day because Jesus has paid it all for us!!If you don’t know Him, please do not waste another moment of your time in rebellion today! He loves you and He wants you to know Him!
Cited Sources
[i] MY REACTION to Beyonce's New SATANIC Renaissance Album! (Allen Parr)[ii] Beyoncé's 'Renaissance' Horse Imagery Sparks 'Apocalypse' Theories (newsweek.com)[iii] (Mounce, Revelation, p146)[iv] (The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, p473)[v] Leon Morris, Revelation: An Introduction and Commentary, vol. 20, Tyndale New Testament Commentaries(Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1987), 103.[vi] An Armistice Day Address - CFACT[vii] ([1] M. Robert Mulholland Jr., “Revelation,” in Cornerstone Biblical Commentary: James, 1–2 Peter, Jude,Revelation, ed. Philip W. Comfort, Cornerstone Biblical Commentary (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2011), 471.).[viii] (Wiersbe Commentary, p1053).[ix] (Kendell H. Easley, Revelation, vol. 12, Holman New Testament Commentary (Nashville, TN: Broadman &Holman Publishers, 1998), 107.)[x] (Osborne, Revelation, 278).[xi] (Leon Morris, Revelation: An Introduction and Commentary, vol. 20, Tyndale New Testament Commentaries(Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1987), 103.)[xii] An Armistice Day Address - CFACT