- A Sharp Contrast

I have cited these often expressed hopes because they are in sharp contrast to what we see concerning the four horsemen of the Revelation. In doing so, I abandon any lingering hope of popularity, for what I see is counter to our natural desires for peace, tranquility and unity. But I am committed to the truth, whether or not it is popular. And the truth is that all of these human hopes we have reviewed are vain hopes. This world is not going to get better under human government.

Likely you know someone who is terminally ill. If you learn of even slight improvement in the person’s condition, you are glad. But in your heart of hearts you know the change is temporary. Death is only a matter of time. In the case of our world, it received a mortal wound some six millenniums ago. A preacher here and there may say, “I think I see a little improvement.” But this is a sinful and rebellious world. Its long list of ailments and ills will not fade away. The longer -term prognosis has not changed. The world is not going to heal itself. In this section of the Revelation there is a noticeable sense of heavenly excitement. There is intense interest, eager expectation and ecstatic worship as the Lion of the tribe of Judah steps forward. The One who has conquered as the Lamb of God steps forward to receive the seven -sealed scroll, a written document that is best understood as the accredited title deed to this earth.

There is a burst of acclamation around the heavenly throne as every voice sings:

Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain,
to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength
and honor and glory and praise! (Revelation 5:12)

Then John heard the most unusual sound of all: the voices of “every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea singing, To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb/be praise and honor and glory and power,/for ever and ever! (Revelation 5:13)
And he adds, “The four living creatures said, ‘Amen,’ and the elders fell down and worshiped.”