9 And when the Lamb opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the testimony they had upheld.

10 And they cried out in a loud voice, “How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge those who dwell upon the earth and avenge our blood?”

— Revelation 6:9-10

For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand.

— 2 Timothy 4:6

And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.

— Revelation 12:11

… Also I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for the testimony of Jesus and for the word of God, … They came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.

— Revelation 20:4b

Thoughts on Today’s Reading

Grace and mercy from the Lord Jesus to you.

When the Lamb opened the first four seals on the scroll of God’s plan, the preaching of Christ’s gospel, wars, famines and death started being released into the world. Then the opening of the fifth seal changes the scene. John saw an altar and under it many martyrs who sacrificed their lives because of their testimony for Christ cried out in a loud voice, “How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge those who dwell upon the earth and avenge our blood?” These devout believers refused to renounce Christ or worship a human ruler or false god despite pressure and even brutal force. They stood immovably strong out of love for and loyalty to their Redeemer, who died for them.

The martyrs whom John saw under the altar, though murdered, are seen here as very much alive. Their position under the altar could depict their own sacrifice, as their own lives were “poured out” as drink offerings on the sacrifice and service of their faith in the Lord Jesus. This scene could also illustrate the eternal security of God’s people, who find refuge in Jesus’ sacrifice. Because of Jesus’ death and resurrection, those who trust Him will have life in Christ’s resurrection even when they die.