“As I watched, the Lamb broke the first of the seven seals on the scroll. Then I heard one of the four living beings say with a voice like thunder, “Come!” I looked up and saw a white horse standing there. Its rider carried a bow, and a crown was placed on his head. He rode out to win many battles and gain the victory. When the Lamb broke the second seal, I heard the second living being say, “Come!” Then another horse appeared, a red one. Its rider was given a mighty sword and the authority to take peace from the earth. And there was war and slaughter everywhere. When the Lamb broke the third seal, I heard the third living being say, “Come!” I looked up and saw a black horse, and its rider was holding a pair of scales in his hand. And I heard a voice from among the four living beings say, “A loaf of wheat bread or three loaves of barley will cost a day’s pay. And don’t waste the olive oil and wine.” When the Lamb broke the fourth seal, I heard the fourth living being say, “Come!” I looked up and saw a horse whose color was pale green. Its rider was named Death, and his companion was the Grave. These two were given authority over one-fourth of the earth, to kill with the sword and famine and disease and wild animals.”
Revelation 6:1-8 NLT
Given the praise given at the event of the lamb being found worthy to take the scroll, it is notable what comes from it. Upon opening the scroll, it seems that death and destruction spills out. Yet, this is too flippant a description. In truth, it is justice and judgment. It is an end to the chaos of this life. To those within this life, it can be said that they’re intoxicated by its very presence. The veneer of living hides the truth of its onslaught against God, and therefore the creature made in his image. But outside of space and time, the created moans openly for its end. They long for a satisfying end to a miserable struggle, whether judgment or victory. As the Lamb breaks open the scroll, such an end proceeds. The truth of an unrestrained decay spills forth. War, famine, conquest and death sweep creation without the staying of hand of God to hold them back, and this is worthy to be praised. This quickening can only be performed by one who has proven that he understands its purpose. Imagine if a mere mortal were to open this scroll, or Satan himself? Praise God that it sits in the hands of the one who sacrificed for us and has made us priests in a time where the godless need it the most.
JOSH McGARY.COM 