Then each of them was given a white robe and told to rest a little while longer until the full number of their fellow servants, their brothers, were killed, just as they had been killed.

— Revelation 6:11

God made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.

— 2 Corinthians 5:21

Instead, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the desires of the flesh.

— Romans 13:14

Then Jesus told His disciples, “If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me.

— Matthew 16:24

10 I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to Him in His death,

11 that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.

— Philippians 3:10-11

But rejoice that you share in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed at the revelation of His glory.

— 1 Peter 4:13

Thoughts on Today’s Reading

Grace and mercy from the Lord Jesus to you.

The martyrs seen at the opening of the fifth seal receive white robes as evidence of their victory, purity, and righteousness before the Judge of the whole earth. A Christian’s victory comes through faith in Christ. Christ’s people are declared righteous because He is righteous. Jesus took every believer’s sin upon Himself on the cross, paying their death penalty. Those who put their faith in Christ face no condemnation before His Father in heaven. God’s Spirit lives within each believer, who is clothed in Christ Himself. The white robes represent the cleansing that took place on the cross and the purity of the redeemed.

The martyrs seen at the fifth seal cry out a pressing plea: “How long…do You not judge and avenge our blood…?” They are told to “wait a little longer.” For what are they to wait? God will delay His judgment “until the full number of their fellow servants” are killed just as they have been. God allows His people to suffer as part of their union with Christ. To be united with Chris involves sharing in His suffering. We believers participate in His sufferings now, but one day God’s people will be glorified with Him and experience overflowing joy! Hallelujah! Praise the Lord!