The Explanation

John is watching in heaven. Jesus, the Lamb, holds a scroll with seven seals. One by one He opens them, and every time something happens on earth.

The first seal breaks open. A living creature shouts with a voice like thunder, "Come and see!" A white horse gallops out. Its rider holds a bow, and a crown is placed on his head. He rides out to conquer.

The second seal breaks. A red horse comes out. Its rider is given a great sword. He takes peace away from the earth, so people start fighting each other.

The third seal breaks. A black horse appears. Its rider holds a scale, like the ones used to weigh bread. A voice says wheat and barley have become terribly expensive. Food is running short.

The fourth seal breaks. Now comes a pale, sickly horse. Its rider is named Death, and right behind him walks Hades, the place of the dead. Together they get power over a quarter of the earth. Sword, hunger, sickness, and wild animals follow them.

The fifth seal breaks. John sees something different now. Under the altar are the souls of people who were killed because they loved God and told the truth about Jesus. They cry out loudly, "How long, Master, until you judge the earth and make things right?" Each one is given a white robe. They are told to wait a little longer.

The sixth seal breaks. And now the earth itself begins to shake. A huge earthquake. The sun turns black. The moon turns red like blood. Stars fall from the sky like unripe figs shaken from a tree in a storm wind. The sky rolls up like a scroll. Kings, generals, rich men, and slaves all run to hide in caves. They shout to the mountains, "Fall on us! Hide us from the One on the throne, from the anger of the Lamb!" And they ask, trembling, "who can stand against this?"

What Does This Mean?

This chapter shows that the world is not out of control, even when it feels that way. War, hunger, and death are real and terrible, but they do not ride out on their own. The Lamb opens the seals. Jesus is the one holding the scroll. Even the scariest riders answer to Him.

The Common Thread

The souls under the altar ask a question every hurting person has asked: how long until God makes things right? God does not ignore that cry. He gives them white robes, a sign that He sees them and has not forgotten them. Jesus is called the Lamb here, the same Lamb who died for sinners and rose again. The one who was slain is also the one strong enough to open the scroll and judge the earth. He is not far away. He is right in the middle of the story.

For You

When you see scary news, or hear about war or sickness, you can remember this chapter. It is honest about how hard this world can be. But it is also honest that Jesus is not surprised by any of it. You can bring your own scared feelings to Him in prayer, just like the souls under the altar brought their questions to God.

Talk About It

Which of the four horses would have scared you the most, and why?

Why do you think it helps to know that Jesus is the one holding the scroll?

Praying Together

Lord Jesus, this world can feel scary sometimes. Thank You that You are stronger than war, hunger, and even death. Help us bring our fears to You, and help us trust that You see everything and will one day make all things right. Amen.