The World

Revelation 6:1-8

John’s vision of four horses and their riders represents several destructive world powers. The white horse whose rider carries a bow symbolizes war and conquest. The red horse with a sword bearing rider represents violence and slaughter. Economic imbalance and social disfunction are represented by the black horse and its rider with a scale. Finally, a pale green horse carries the rider, Death, and his friend, the Grave. Obviously, the effects of sin and evil in our world are terrible.

Questions for further thought:
1. How have these symbols been manifested repeatedly throughout historical and current events?

2. How does this passage remind us to put all our hope in our Lord alone?

Challenge: Go back and read the previous chapter in Revelation (chapter 5). Consider why the Lamb is the only one worthy to open the scroll. How does this intense heavenly worship of Jesus inspire your own worship?