In Revelation 6, Jesus Christ opens the first four seals on the scroll, and the Four Horsemen are introduced. Our fascination with these four has been depicted in art since the beginning of Christian history. Even secular artists have picked up the theme. The Four Horsemen represent devastating events that will happen, and the entire world will be affected.
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The first seal is opened and the White
Horseman rides forth. He wears a crown and is intent on conquering, so that he
might prevail.
·
The second seal is opened and the Red Horseman rides forth. This Red
Horseman represents increased violence and murder.
·
The third seal is opened and the Black Horseman rides forth. This
Black Horseman represents food shortages and inflation.
·
The fourth seal is opened and the Pale Horseman (or Green Horseman) rides out to slay 1/4
of the inhabitants of the earth, by sword, famine, plague and wild beasts.
The horses are as significant as their riders: these Four
Horsemen all seem to be events rather than specific
people. Also, the Four Horsemen ride out in a specific sequence. They
don’t ride out together, they appear one after another. The White Horseman
rides first.
There is one very significant factor that must be considered
as we review the book of Revelation: the Jews are back in their land. From
the year 70 A.D. until 1948, this was the one prophecy that seemed impossible
and could never be fulfilled. How could a nation wander the earth for nearly
2000 years and come together again, in their original land, with their culture,
language and religion intact? Statistically and in many other ways, this was impossible.
EZEKIEL 37.14 I will put my Spirit in
you and you will live, and I will settle you in your own land. Then you will
know that I the LORD have spoken, and I have done it, declares the LORD. -NIV
New International Version
There are multiple Bible prophecies which state that, in order for Christ to return, Israel has to be in their land, and they have to control Jerusalem, and they must accept Jesus as their Messiah.
Christians in centuries past tried to work around these problems, as they
earnestly hoped for the Lord's return. But the time wasn’t right because
prophecies concerning the Jews were nowhere close to fulfillment.
Then Israel became a nation on May 14, 1948. And, the
Jews gained control of Jerusalem in June of 1967, during the Six Days War.
Against all possible odds, the nation of Israel was raised from ashes and dry
bones. Not only did they rise, but they have survived and thrived with the help
of God. And, prophecy tells us that the Jews will accept their Messiah during
the days of the Tribulation.
Because the Jews are in their land, we can resist all doubts.
The Jews are proof that God's timetable is unstoppable, and God is bringing the
earth to its predicted conclusion. Therefore, as the events of the Four
Horsemen unfold before our eyes, we should understand the times that we
are living in.
IMAGE CREDIT: The Four Horsemen, by Russian artist Viktor Mikhaylovich Vasnetsov, 1848-1926.