How Long Indeed? (Revelation 6:9-17)

Pastor Bob and Janet
Nov 21, 2017
3 min read

Have you ever wondered why it seems that evil people not only get away with their evil deeds, but they sometimes even flourish? Evil deeds have penetrated all aspects of society: government, sports, entertainment, media, and even religion. Why did the Holocaust happen? Why does ISIS continue to terrorize the innocent? How long is God going to allow such suffering at the hands of evil? This question is prompted and answered in Revelation 6:9-17. Revelation 6 reveals that Christians who were martyred for their faith have a significant role in the heavenly realm.

I. Presence of Martyrs

Most people think that the worst thing that could happen to them is to die. However, that should not be true for believers. Believers die the only death they will ever die the minute they give themselves to Christ. In Galatians 2, Paul recounts how a person who places his faith in Christ has been crucified with him. The believer no longer lives, but Christ lives within him. In the light of this truth, death should not be a big deal to a believer. The later part of Revelation 6 paints a heavenly scene of those who had been martyred during the Tribulation because of the faithfulness of their testimony. The slain were calling out to the Lord, asking him how long will it be until he judges the wicked and avenges the blood of the innocent. It appears that the ones that were slain for their faith are anxiously doubting that evil will be held accountable.

II. Patience of the Father

The Lord hears the cries of the slain, and he promptly and tenderly answers. First, the slain are given a white robe and told to wait a little longer. As humans, many of us know the comfort of resting in a robe. What security and relaxation such an act brings! God lovingly reassures that he is in control, and that the time of reckoning has not yet come. God knows personally every person who will be martyred for the faith, and heaven must wait until the full number have been slain. Secondly, no event is haphazard for the Lord. His plan is appropriate and timely. When we question the justice of God in judging the wicked, our confidence should be based on this passage of scripture. Yes, God's justice will be completed, but in God's perfect timing. It is up to us to learn how to rest in God's sovereignty. Additionally, while we rest, we must be about taking the Gospel to the ends of the earth. I've met many people who consider that task a risky business. What they do not realize is that sharing the Gospel, even in uncomfortable or risky situations, is the most fulfilling task they will ever do. When believers are too afraid to go, they have forgotten about the white robe and the rest. They've forgotten about God's dominion and his sovereignty. We confidently can do things for God that some would consider risky. Why? We can because we've not chosen to be anxious or afraid. We have chosen to believe God is in control, and Heaven is worth the price. Fear is Satan's greatest tool. He wants believers to be crippled by anxiety and fear so that the Gospel won't be taken to the ends of the earth.

III. Power of the Father

The last scene of Revelation 6 shows tremendous terror on earth. Nature will be in chaos. At this time, there will be a great earthquake, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will become as red as blood. Stars will fall from the sky, and fruit will fall from the tree when blown by a light wind. The heavens will receded and mountains and islands will be displaced. The end of the chapter reveals the absolute fear of those in power on earth. Up until this time, they've enjoyed their power on earth, but now they've been exposed for who they really are. Their rebellion against Christ has made them fearful because they know their destination is hell. The time has come for evil to pay the ultimate price. From these vivid scenes that are to come, we must understand that God is in control of everything on earth, and additionally, he is in control of every believer's life. When we question, and when we fear, we must trust. Picture yourself resting in a comfortable robe tucked under the alter of God Almighty. In the end, the Father, in his patience, will wrap his arms around you, and you will be home with him. Amen.