REVELATION 6 & 7: THE LOVE OF GOD IN SUFFERING

The love of God in suffering is beautifully displayed in Revelation 6 and 7. The suffering church in Revelation needed this vision of Jesus to persevere and have confidence in the mighty King they follow. The path of obedience is death and suffering, but while it appears to abruptly end, a door to eternity with Jesus opens wide.

God will bring justice to those who suffer to the point of death

When He 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 witness they had borne. They cried out with a loud voice, ‘O, Sovereign Lord, holy and true, how long before you will judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?’ Then they were each given a white robe and told to rest a little longer, until the number of their fellow servants and their brothers should be complete, who were to be killed as they themselves had been. (Revelation 6:10, 11)

The book of Revelation allows Christians to catch a glimpse of God's glory (all God is made visible). This portrait fuels us to persevere and have a right understanding of what it means to follow Christ. Our wickedness and rebellion has contributed to this evil world. But Jesus came to make a way back. God will fulfill salvation and judgment, but I see this climax of history as necessary to grasp the extent of our evil hearts and desperate need for Jesus. Now we must cling to Him through suffering to purify our faith and glorify Him. 

These precious ones who were martyred are not forgotten by God. Their deaths were not pointless. God sees them and knows exactly how many will lay down their lives for His name's sake. He will one day avenge this injustice. These martyrs are specifically recognized by God and aware of His sovereignty. Justice will come for these beloved ones of God.

Jesus is the reward for those who hold fast to Him

Therefore they are before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple; and He who sits on the throne will shelter them with His presence. They shall hunger no more, neither thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any scorching heat. For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd, and He will guide them to the springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes. (Revelation 7:15-17)

One day God will fulfill our salvation and bring the final judgment for those who refuse Him. Chapter 6 marks the beginning of this journey. Chapter 7 rewinds back to chapter 6, but allows God to graciously showcase His protection of His people during this intense time. It is costly to follow Jesus, but for those who hold fast to the Lamb they will receive Jesus as their reward. 

Revelation recalibrates my understanding and allows me to see I have been asking the wrong question. I shouldn’t be asking where is the love of God in suffering, but instead why did God love us to save us from suffering at all? The love of God is deeper than the depths of the ocean and wider than the expanding universe.