Listen! We Can Hear The Hoof Beats...

Commentary

Jesus has given us great insight into what signs to look for as it pertains to the season of the end of this age. He said we'd see uprisings in the world, wars, rumors of wars, famines, violent earthquakes, plagues, and terrifying sights throughout the world.

You can't deny the increase in frequency and intensity of these things. Some attribute this to being more of an illusion due to worldwide media and the internet giving us instant access to news, and I can understand that thought process. However, it really is painfully obvious that we're seeing a convergence of signs that Jesus told us to watch for.

We're so close to the unfolding of God's final events that we can practically hear the hoofbeats of the four horsemen. In this study, we'll go through the first four seals of Revelation 6 that Jesus will open and examine how our world looks today compared to that time described in Scripture. Please understand that as a believer, you should not be fearful of these things but take joy in the fact that Jesus could be returning soon.

Commentary

There are many opinions on what these events represent. Are they simply the tribulation of man, but more intense than we've seen in quite some time, or are these events part of God's wrath? I believe that the Bible makes it clear to us that these are events relating to God's wrath. Jesus being the one who opens each seal certainly seems to indicate His direct involvement.

We can look back at the time of Israel's and Judah's judgments. Scripture clearly states that it was God who brought the Assyrians and Babylonians into Israel to conquer. He used their evil intentions as a judgment upon the apostate Jews.

With this first seal, I think we're seeing the figure of the final Antichrist or at minimum the spirit of antichrist. Scripture paints a picture of a man who will be viewed as a sort of peacemaker, a messiah figure who Israel will accept. I could see this conquest being low-key, not a violent war-driven conquest at first. The term antichrist means "in place of Christ". We can only speculate as to how exactly this conquest will play out. Only God knows those finer details.

What we see in the world today is many calling for some kind of world governance. Europe seems especially primed for this, but other countries around the world are warming up to the idea. COVID-19 seems to have expedited this desire, as fear has been used to scare people into giving up freedom for "safety".

The books of Daniel and Revelation both tell us about a global empire forming in the last days. One that will have ten rulers for a short time, then the final Antichrist will take it over for the remainder of its existence. Perhaps this rider of conquest is part of that creation of this global empire. Something that seemed impossible only one hundred years ago, but now could be taking shape at this very moment.

Think about the power the United Nations has; maybe they will be part of this new global government formation? It's hard to be dogmatic right now, but at minimum, the conditions are all in place. Never in world history, since the time of the Tower of Babel, has this world been set up for a global ruler like it is now.

Commentary

Following the conquering rider of verses 1 and 2 comes war. This rider doesn't in itself bring war, but only needs to take the little peace that is in place, which is currently preventing the depravity of mankind from leading this world into all-out war. Perhaps the rapture will be the driver for the loss of peace in the world; that thought brings 2 Thessalonians 2:1-8 to mind. Maybe this will be World War III? The large sword seems to indicate mass deaths, which sounds like a world war or a very large regional war.

What we must understand is that this figure of the rider is allowed to take peace. God allows it; there is nothing done that God doesn't do Himself or allow to take place. He is in total control.

Today, we're seeing nothing but saber-rattling in the world and smaller wars in various places. The war in Ukraine has seemingly brought this world closer to world war, the closest it's been since the height of the Cold War. If this separation of East and West continues, it's not hard to imagine that it could lead this world into the fulfillment of these two prophetic verses. Only God knows what this terrible time of war will be and what will cause it. But He wants us to know that regardless of us not knowing the finer details, these events will happen at some point in the future, and that as believers, we should understand that.

The follower of Christ is to be ready. I personally don't believe that born-again believers will be on Earth at this point, but instead, raptured; however, knowing these things can help others come to Jesus. It was prophetic passages like these which God used to lead me to Him.

Commentary

This is the onset of mass famine. The worst famine this world will ever see at such intensity and scale, literally worldwide. One day's wage will be required just to buy the basic staples to make food. The oil and wine might be alluding to the wealthy not being affected by this famine in the same way. They will pay higher prices, but will be able to afford the lavish things, while the ordinary person will not even be able to buy ingredients for making food.

As I write this in September 2023, the economies of the United States, China, and most other countries are teetering. Inflation has erupted, real estate is fairing worse than the 2008 "Great Recession", with some numbers being worse than the Great Depression of the 1930s. Global food prices have risen sharply since 2021, and food insecurity is on the rise around the world. For two years, many economic experts have been predicting a recession. But it seems that the world economy just keeps floating along on a life raft, be it a false life raft.

It's not far-fetched to think that perhaps this will continue for a short time and then lead fully into the time described in this passage. Then again, maybe not yet. What is clear to see is this world has never been positioned for a worldwide economic crisis and famine event like it is now and will continue to be as the world becomes more globalized.

But believer, don't grow fearful or anxious. Jesus has told us that these things must take place. He has you in His hands, and what a wonderful place that is to be!

Commentary

This horseman is given a name, Death. I look at this as being the result of the first 3 horseman. The conquest, war, and famine will take their toll on the world, and it appears here that possibly up to one-fourth of the Earth’s human population will perish as a result. During this time, Death is given the authority over one-fourth, but it does not explicitly say all of those people will be killed. However, the prospect of it is horrifying.

As Jesus said, the 7-year Tribulation period will be the worst time this world has ever seen. This will be God's final call. Those who held out in trusting in Jesus will be given over to horrific events in hopes that in their suffering they will finally turn to Jesus. Many will, but sadly many more will not.

It's not hard to see that this world has grown ripe for God's judgment; it's only a matter of time. I believe that we are so close that we can figuratively hear those hoof beats of these four horsemen.

Now is not a time to be fearful or worrisome, but instead remind ourselves of these words of Jesus: To ensure that we are trusting in Him for salvation, living holy lives with a repentant heart. If you are His, then lift your head high, because your redemption draws near!