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4. The Fourth Seal: A Rider on a Pale Horse (Revelation 6:7-8)
REVELATION 6:7-8
7 When he opened the fourth seal, I heard the fourth living creature saying, “Come and see!” 8 And behold, a pale horse, and he who sat on it, his name was Death. Hades followed with him. Authority over one fourth of the earth, to kill with the sword, with famine, with death, and by the wild animals of the earth was given to him.
Whoever reads these verses consciously and visualizes the upcoming catastrophes, gets deeply frightened. The suffering, desperation and dying of one fourth of mankind is inconceivable! Then a transvaluation of values will occur, powers will disappear and currencies will collapse.
Yet the revelation angel comforted John as he ascribed these dreadful events to the order of the Lamb of God. None of the upcoming developments will happen by chance nor will they be a solo attempt of Satan. Each event had to pass the Lamb of God. He assures his followers: "Do not be afraid, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are mine!" (Isaiah 43:1). The Lamb of God rules with authority. His faithfulness has no end.
Death Comes in Person: The name of the fourth rider is mentioned as the only one of the four riders. He is Death in person. He does not appear as a romantic weird ghost, but with all power. He is marching up with all his retinue. He is receiving from the Lamb of God the right, to gather in a large harvest. He is to beat, destroy and sack – those who the Lord permits him. Even Death has to obey the Lamb. Jesus holds the keys of hell and of death. He is the first and the last. He was dead, and behold, he is alive (Revelation 1:17-18).
Who looks at him, who is victor about the Death, will rest assured. The Lamb of God has implanted his own life into his followers. Who believes in him, will live even though he may die. And he who lives in the spirit of Jesus and fastens onto him in his faith, will never die (John 11:25-26). Do you believe this?
PRAYER: Our Father in heaven, every man fears death, but You give us eternal life through faith in Your risen Son. Help us not to fear the slaves of death and their fearful methods, but to hold fast to You and accept the guidance of Your Holy Spirit, who leads us to Your Son, the fountain of eternal life.
QUESTION:
- What is the significance of Death, who comes personally, riding on the fourth horse?