TIMES OF TESTING

Times of testing for the whole earth   (from Rev. 3:8-11)

To the faithful church in Philadelphia:

   I have set an open door before you

and no one can slam it shut.

You didn't deny Me when times were rough.

    Because you kept My Word, I'll keep you safe

  in the time of testing that will be here soon.

Every man, woman, and child will be put to the test.

    I the Lord am on My way; I'll be there soon.

Hold a tight grip on what you have

so no one distracts you and steals your crown.

 

        1. The present distress. 

      Men may revert to the law of the jungle from time to time. But history shows that the church survives.  Times of testing were already under way in NT times.  Some thought that Jesus would come again in just a few days or weeks.  The world was involved in war.  Society seemed to be falling apart.  Times were much like the judgment that came in Noah's flood.  Human relationships were being strained by the circumstances.  Such things as being Jews or Gentiles, being slaves or freemen, were unimportant in view of what was taking place.  Even marriage was an added distraction.  Yet Paul's advice was to remain as they were (1 Cor. 7:17-24).

        “But this I say, brethren, the time is short, so that from now on, even those who have wives should be as though they had none, those who weep, as though they did not weep, those who rejoice as though they did not rejoice, those who buy as though they did not possess, and those who use this world, as not misusing it. For the form of this world is passing away.“  1 Cor. 7:29-32

        Repent!  All people are to be judged by their reaction to the disasters which afflict the world.  God wants everyone to repent and believe Him.  But as the plagues on Egypt were resisted by Pharaoh, some will not turn to God.   Rev. 9:20-21

        2. Four Horsemen.  Rev. 6:1-13    We find a grim picture of man's inhumanity to man: chaos, oppression, bloodshed and death.  It is right to cry out for mercy from "the wrath of the Lamb."  God is love - but if we prefer hate, we pay the price.  God has set up this world to do just that.  God's love is "tough love" - intended to test us and bring us to Him.  It is The Lamb who rips open the seven seals.

        a) white horse - conquest.  This is still a vision.  This rider symbolizes Christ.  He has conquered death and the grave.  He continues to be active through The Spirit until the end.

        note Matt. 10:16-31.  “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves.  Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. . . And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake.  But he who endures to the end will be saved.”

        b) red horse - war    The sword is a sacrificial knife.

        compare Psalm 46:6-10.  “The nations raged, the kingdoms were moved; He uttered His voice, the earth melted. ...Come, behold the works of the LORD, Who has made desolations in the earth.”

        c) black horse - famine   “A quart of wheat for a day’s wages, or three quarts of barley.”

        compare Jeremiah 24:9-10. “I will deliver them to trouble into all the kingdoms of the earth, for their harm, to be a reproach and a byword, a taunt and a curse, in all places where I shall drive them.  And I will send the sword, the famine, and the pestilence among them, till they are consumed from the land that I gave them and their fathers.”

        d) pale horse - death   “To kill by war, famine, disease, wild animals.”

        compare Job 10:20-22.  “Are not my days few?  Cease!  Leave me alone, that I may take a little comfort, Before I go to the place from which I shall not return, To the land of darkness and the shadow of death.” 

        3. Hide us!     The kings of the earth, its famous people, the military leaders, hide in caves or behind rocks on the mountains.  They hide with the rich and powerful, the slaves and free people.  "Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb!"  Rev. 6:16

        4. Christ is Risen!  "Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last.  I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore.  Amen.  And I have the keys of Hades and of Death."  Rev. 1:17-18

        5. Christ the Conqueror!  "Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse.  And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war."  Rev. 19:11

        Lives have been changed!  Fear cannot destroy hope!  New light shines in dark places!  Christian men & women battle ignorance and injustice!  Christ is LORD!