Jesus, the Lamb, opened the seals of the scroll. After opening the first seal, one of the four living creatures around the throne called out, “Come!” A white horse came forth and its rider was given a crown. He rode out bent on conquest. Some people believe this is Jesus (compare with Rev 19:11) while others see the rider as someone who looks like Jesus but is not—the Antichrist.

With the opening of the next three seals came three more horses. A red horse came forth whose rider was given power to take away peace. This was followed by a black horse whose rider was holding a scale to measure grain in a time of great inflation. Then came a pale horse whose rider was named Death. These horses bring God’s wrath upon the earth against those who killed God’s people (9-10). People who died for their faith cried out for justice, and God gave them justice.

When the sixth seal was opened, a great earthquake came and the sun turned black. This will happen before Jesus returns (Mt 24:29-30). God’s wrath against those who opposed God would be so terrible they would call on mountains to fall on them (Lk 23:30). Who can withstand the day of God’s wrath? Only those whom Jesus has purchased with his blood (5:9).
Application: Father, your judgment and justice is certain. Thank you for the blood of Jesus.
One Word: The day of God’s wrath is coming