February 8, 2022
When He opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature saying, “Come and see.” Another horse, fiery red, went out. And it was granted to the one who sat on it to take peace from the earth, and that people should kill one another; and there was given to him a great sword. Revelation 6:3-4
Following the going out of the pure gospel message, symbolized by the rider upon a white horse (v.2), there was a wonderful period of rapid growth for the church. But, in keeping with history’s pattern, the growth of believers with undivided loyalty to God leads to the venomous anger of His sworn enemy. In this setting, the persecution and bloodshed that followed the initial rapid growth of the church during the days of pagan Rome actually brought more growth to the church! The serene peace upon the faces of those who were required to seal their testimony with their own blood was a winsome invitation to many of the very ones who inflicted the horrendous punishments as well as onlookers from near and far. The countenance of radiant peace facilitated an exponential acceleration of growth!
This fiery red horse parallels the tender letter of Jesus to the church at Smyrna in Revelation 2:8-11. In this letter, notice that there is no rebuke. Only commendation and affirmation from our Lord Jesus.
In the last days, as the three angels’ messages of Revelation 14 are beamed around the world and over geographic barriers as if they’re nonexistent, there will be unprecedented growth among Christ-followers. As the enormous counterfeit church unites with the governments of the world, it will appear that they are unstoppable. But in the dark days to come, millions will step into the light of Jesus which will, in effect “dry up” much of the former support of the ‘unholy trinity.’
The encouragement of Jesus to the church at Smyrna means a great deal to anyone who faces persecution as a result of faithfulness to Him.
“Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death. Revelation 2:10-11