Rev. 6:1-8; Psalm 40:11-17

Revelation chapters 6-19 describe a period which is yet to come, and it will come in the last days. It is called the Tribulation. It is prophesied in the Old Testament and in other places in the New Testament besides Revelation. It is described in Revelation in 3 parts:
    1.  The first 3 and 1/2 years;  chapters 6-9
    2.  The middle period;  chapters 10-14
    3.  The last 3 and 1/2 years; chapters 15-19

As we study through these chapters, remember that John wrote to encourage God's people and not to discourage or scare us. We will learn about the great conflict between God and Satan and how it will all turn out. These solemn prophecies should encourage us to reach out to others about the Good News of salvation.

We believe according to 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 and other places in the Bible, that we as believers will NOT be here on earth at the time of the Tribulation. If we are alive on this earth at that time, we will be caught away into heaven.

Revelation 6:1-8
If you will remember at the beginning of Revelation 5, God held in His right hand, the scroll sealed with 7 seals. These seals represent judgement that is to come in the end times. The Lamb (Jesus) opens the seals.

In these 8 verses we meet the 4 horsemen.

• 1st seal--white horse. The rider held a bow and was given a crown, and "he rode out as a conqueror bent on conquest." This likely represents the coming of the Anti-christ who will come as a conqueror while offering peace.  vv. 1-2 He is a great deceiver who at first will be received as a great peaceful leader who will solve the world's problems. Note the bow in his hand which warns of violence to come.
• 2nd seal--fiery red horse. This represents violence, war (men will kill one another), bloodshed, and death. Instead of an empty bow, we see a sword. vv. 3-4 
• 3rd seal--black horse. This one represents famine. The scales were used to measure out grain. One quart of wheat would be a day's wages and would be only enough to feed one person, and 3 quarts of barley would barely feed a small family. During the tribulation, masses of people will be at the point of starvation. The Anti-christ will gain more power over the people by promising to feed them. vv. 5-6 
• 4th seal--pale horse. The pale horse represents death. "Its rider was named Death, and Hades was following close behind him. They were given power over a fourth of the earth to kill by sword, famine and plague, and by the wild beasts of the earth." vv. 7-8 These are fearful words indeed. During times of war (sword), people often suffer terribly from starvation, disease, and even wild animals. Death claims the body, and Hades claims the lost soul.

I remind you that it's the Lamb (Jesus) who is opening the seals. We know that He is in control, and that God will accomplish His eternal purposes.

Psalm 40:11-17
I will pick out a few verses for us to meditate on; these should bring encouragement!

"Do not withhold your mercy from me, O Lord; may your love and your truth always protect me."  
v. 11

"But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who love your salvation always say, 'The Lord be exalted!'" v. 16

"Yet I am poor and needy; may the Lord think of me. You are my help and my deliverer; O my God, do not delay." v. 17