In the opening sermon of our new series through Revelation 6-16, we looked at Revelation 6 to see Jesus’ sovereignty and rule as He unseals the scroll to reveal what must take place between His first and second coming. As John watches the Lamb unseal the first four seals, he is shown four horsemen who carry out God’s judgement. While these riders bring severe consequences and chaos to the world, we also see God’s sovereignty in limiting and restraining evil, for sin and death do not have free rein to destroy all. The fifth and sixth seals demonstrate Christ’s sovereignty during persecution and the execution of His justice. These cosmic events of God’s judgement and wrath will strike real fear into His enemies, and Jesus will avenge those who have given their lives for the Gospel. Having seen the heavenly view of Christ’s sovereignty amid the chaos on earth, let us persevere in trusting Jesus, the Lamb who was slain. Suffering for the Gospel will one day end; let us wait patiently and be comforted by Christ’s perfect justice. Evil will not have the last say, bloodshed will not go unpunished; may we be faithful witnesses whose lives and longing hasten the day of His return.
