Revelation 6:1-17

Y’all knew this chapter was coming, didn’t you? Seals, horses, and devastation – oh my.

Remember – the scroll from the previous chapter was sealed with seven seals. In this chapter, six of them are opened.

👉 Seal One:

• revealed a white horse [don’t be fooled by the white horse – the following verses make it clear that this rider leaves war and devastation in his wake]

• rider had a bow and was given a crown

• came out conquering and to conquer

👉 Seal Two:

• revealed a bright red horse [this rider doesn’t bring anything – but he takes peace from the earth]

• rider permitted to take peace from the earth

• rider was given a great sword

👉 Seal Three:

• revealed a black horse

• rider held a pair of scales [this rider holds a pair of scales to show that food and resources must be weighed and rationed – indicating a time of scarcity]

👉 Seal Four:

• revealed a pale horse

• rider’s name was Death

• given authority over 1/4 of the earth [Jesus spoke of this time in Matthew 24:21]

👉 Seal Five:

• reveals, under the altar, the souls of those slain for their testimony

• the souls cry “how long”

• the souls are given white robes and told to rest until the number of those slain was complete

👉 Seal Six:

• a preview of the the destruction of the first heaven and earth

Oh, it’s getting good now.

👉 If you’re reading along – tag me on your post or story – I’d love to see your insights!

#revelation #biblejournaling #biblestudy #bible #biblejournalingcommunity #biblejournalinglife #biblejournal #biblejournalingbrasil #god #christian #christianauthors #christianblogger #biblestudytips

Revelation 5:1-14

A scroll is introduced into this heavenly scene.

👉 The scroll:

• in the right hand of God (v 1)

• written on front and back (v 1)

• sealed with seven seals (v 1)

• someone had to be “worthy” to open it (v 2)

• no one in heaven, on earth, or under the earth was found worthy (v 3)

• John was upset at the thought of no one being able to open it (v 4)

• an elder tells John that there is One able to open it (v 5)

👉 The One:

• the lion from the tribe of Judah (v 5)

• the root of David (v 5)

• conqueror (v 5)

• lamb slain (v 6)

• ransomed people for God with his blood (v 9)

• worthy of power, wealth, wisdom, might, honor, glory, and blessing (v 12)

• angels, creatures, and elders all worship (v 13-14)

👉 each elder held a bowl full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints (v 8 )

• the prayers of the saints are sweet [like incense – read psalm 141:2]

• the prayers of the saints are precious [kept in a golden bowl]

You are loved!

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Revelation 4:1-11

Now, it’s getting exciting, y’all. We get a glimpse into heaven. ♥️

👉 Heaven:

• a throne stood in heaven with one seated on the throne (v 2) [God’s presence, authority, and reign]

• he who sat on the throne had the appearance of jasper and carnelian (v 3)

• around the throne was a rainbow with the appearance of an emerald (v 3) [a reminder of God’s covenant with man]

• around the throne were 24 thrones and seated on them were 24 elders with white robes and crowns (v 4) [ 12 tribes of Israel + 12 apostles]

• lightening and thunder from the throne (v 5)

• before the throne: seven torches of fire [the Holy Spirit] and a sea of glass like crystal (v 5-6)

• on each side of the throne: four creatures full of eyes in front and behind (v 6)

• four creatures: lion, ox, man, eagle (v 7)

• four creatures: six wings, full of eyes, always praising (v 8 )

• when the creatures worship, the elders fall down and cast their crowns before the throne (v 9-11)

👉 Heaven is filled with ceaseless praise.

“Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come.” (v 8 )

“Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.” (v 11)

I love that the creatures, the cherubim, the elders – are all unified in their praise of the only One worthy. No divisions or denominations. No self promotion or self righteousness. All have a singular focus.

Won’t it be beautiful?

#revelation #heaven #biblejournaling #biblestudy #bible #biblejournalingcommunity #biblejournalinglife #biblejournal #biblejournalingbrasil #god #christian #christianauthors #christianblogger #biblestudytips

Revelation 3:14-22

Unlike the church in Smyrna – which appeared poor but Jesus called rich – the church in Laodicea…

viewed themselves as :
• rich
• prosperous
• self sufficient

but Jesus called them:
• wretched
• pitiable
• poor
• blind
• naked

I am struck by how important it is to have a proper view of ourselves – to see ourselves through Jesus’ eyes – through a gospel lens.

👉 What looks like wealth to the world may just be worthless to the Lord.

Jesus’ critique of the church was that they were lukewarm.

There are benefits to hot and cold water. Hot is useful for cooking, bathing, etc. Cold is refreshing on a hot day.

But lukewarm? Serves no purpose. And the Lord said, “I will spit you out of my mouth.”

A church can’t be lukewarm. It can’t just exist. It can’t just go through the motions. And it certainly can’t buy into the world’s version of what constitutes rich or prosperous.

Lord, help us to see things the way you see them.

#revelation #biblejournaling #biblestudy #bible #biblejournalingcommunity #biblejournalinglife #biblejournal #biblejournalingbrasil #god #christian #christianauthors #christianblogger #biblestudytips

Revelation 3:1-6

From the outside, the church at Sardis seemed to be just fine. They were busy with the business of doing church and they had a reputation for being alive and well.
But the Lord, who searches hearts and minds declared it dead.

It reminded me of a similar condemnation Jesus gave in Matthew 23:23-28. The scribes and Pharisees were sticklers for the law and, by all appearances, were alive in their faith. Jesus, however, compared them to white washed tombs – beautiful on the outside but filled with death.

👉 Appearances can be be deceiving to the world but not to the Lord.

The good news is that even when things are dead (v 1) and dying (v 2) – Jesus offers hope.

“Repent,” he said. “Wake up.”

👉 Works – no matter how many or how impressive – done solely for appearances and lacking a heart for honoring God and loving others – are deemed incomplete by Jesus (v 2).

No matter how much effort we exerted or money we spent. No matter how much time we gave or accolades we received.

If we got upset because we weren’t the center of attention or someone else got the credit. If we were miffed because we didn’t get our way or have our say. If we forgot Who it was all about anyway.

Jesus says, “Wake up.”

And we must wake up because, if not, judgement will come suddenly and without warning (v 3).

👉 The one who wakes up, overcomes, remains faithful…

• will be clothed in white garments

• will never have their name blotted out of the book of life

• will have his name confessed by Jesus before the Father

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