March 14, 2022
I looked when He opened the sixth seal, and behold, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became like blood. And the stars of heaven fell to the earth, as a fig tree drops its late figs when it is shaken by a mighty wind. Revelation 6:12-13
The scene of the sixth seal builds upon the fifth. God’s regard for His suffering people is real, and we can be confident His plan is perfect. The four events described above are visible and highly documented signs given as the Dark Ages came to a close.
As a Christian grows in his relationship with God, he sees more of the divine love and patience that led him to repentance in the first place. A growing Christian begins to develop godly attributes while recognizing that divine promises that are as yet unfulfilled are as good as done because of the character and trustworthiness of Jesus, the very image of God. He, in His forbearance, deals with sinful man methodically and with a deliberate “slowness” in order to provide opportunity for conversion. Oh yes, He promises to take vengeance on those who harm His people, but remember that there are those who did indeed cause much harm to God’s people who famously “switched sides.” Paul certainly comes to mind! Their forgiveness was purchased at the cross. All glory to God!
Our verses today refer to literal events in the sky—as real as the rainbow God gave to remind us of His promise not to destroy the earth again by water—graciously provided by God, as a foreshadowing of His judgement to come. The studious Bible reader can see that the workings of God in history agree with His written Word. The earthquake of Lisbon, Portugal on November 1, 1755 goes down in the minds of many Christians as the great earthquake that got the attention of the world like no other. The timing, on “All Saints Day,” certainly suggests that the pagan practice of veneration of— and praying to— the dead has no place in the church. Connected to the “All Saints Day” celebration is the pagan festival the day before called “All Hallows Eve,” better known as “Halloween.”
May 19, 1780 has been called the “dark day in New England.” Theories abound as to its cause, but its result was that many began to study the Bible in search of all the scriptures that describe the return of Jesus. That night there was a full moon as red as blood.
November 13, 1833 is an unforgettable night: a stunning shower of “falling stars” that is still talked about to this day. Though awesome and majestic, this sign in the sky was a gentle and beautiful display of God’s power over His creation. These events are associated with a heightened awareness of our God which resulted in a series of revivals across North America.
The Day of the Lord is nearer now than ever before. Recent blood moons are among many reminders of that fact. It is Christ’s return for His bride that will be the ultimate answer to all the prayers of His suffering and persecuted people represented by the cries from under the altar in the fifth seal scene.
“And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” John 14:3