12252006

Revelation 6

In Today's Reading:

The seven seals; 144,000 sealed; the numberless multitude; four trumpets sounded

The exile of John on Patmos and the suffering taking place in Smyrna (Revelation 2:8-10) are examples of the persecution that was intensifying against Christians throughout the Roman Empire then and is in much of the world today.

However, such persecution resulted in one of the greatest promises of the Bible: After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb (Lord Jesus Christ), clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb (7:9-10). In heaven multitudes of overcomers stand in the presence of their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Through the centuries, this revelation has strengthened the faith of many Christians who have faced fierce opposition from a hostile world.

Each generation of believers which has had its heart set upon living for Jesus was always a minority. As Jesus proclaimed: Narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it (Matthew 7:14). Still, however, one day the population of heaven will include a great multitude, which no man could number. Faithful Christians may not have much of earth's pleasures, but earthly life is exceedingly short compared to eternity The trials we face now will seem insignificant compared to the glorious privilege of being in the presence of the King of kings for all eternity.

Thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ (I Corinthians 15:57).

Cross References:

For Revelation 6:12: See Joel 2:31. Revelation 6:13: See Isaiah 34:4.Revelation 6:17: See Joel 2:11. Revelation 7:3: See Ezekiel 9:4. Revelation 7:17: See Ezekiel 34:23.

Word Studies:

6:13 untimely = green, unripe; 6:15 bondman = slave.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for The English International Shortwave Radio Broadcast in honor of Phyllis Wiley's birthday and The Arabic International Shortwave in memory of Greer E. Coursey · Bible Pathway Printer: Ambrose Printing Staff, Nashville TN Government Official: Rep. John Peterson (PA) Country: Antigua and Barbuda (64,000) in the Leeward Islands of the eastern Caribbean Major languages: English and local dialects Religious freedom 83% Protestant; 11% Roman Catholic Prayer Suggestion: Cry out to God daily for mercy (Psalm 86:3).

Memory Verse for the Week: John 13:34