While people are saying, “There is peace and security,” then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.

— 1 Thessalonians 5:3

25 “And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves,

26 people fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world. For the powers of the heavens will be shaken.

— Luke 21:25-26

But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty.

— 2 Timothy 3:1

Children, it is the last hour, and as you have heard that antichrist is coming, so now many antichrists have come. Therefore we know that it is the last hour.

— 1 John 2:18

Thoughts on Today’s Reading

Grace, peace and joy from the Lord Jesus to you abundantly.

As John’s heavenly vision unfolds, the worthy Lamb begins to open seals of God’s scroll. The first four seals unleash the four horsemen of the Apocalypse, underscoring the horror of conflict that permeates history and awaits humanity at the end of the age. Hostility against Christians and the Bible will increase. As the fifth seal opened, John saw the souls of martyrs under the altar pleading that their sacrificial suffering be avenged. The sixth seal unleashed cataclysmic catastrophes as creation crumbled, and yet proud people refused to seek refuge in Christ.

God will intervene in history, using nations and nature to bring His judgment. Just as sin has permeated every part of the world, God’s judgment will overpower every corner of the earth. However God’s people, saved through faith in His Son, are secure now and forever in His sovereign care, even if they are martyred for their faith. God is the one in control of everything. His judgment, though thorough and severe, are bounded by His love, immense mercy and tender care.