Scripture Text: Revelation 6:12-17
And they said to the mountains and to the rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of the One seated on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb, because the great day of Their wrath has come! And who is able to stand?”
Revelation 6:16-17 (HCSB)
Giuseppe Verdi’s great work Messa da Requiem is a brooding memorial to a poet and writer whom Verdi admired. One of its most famous sections is the “Dies Irae,” which means “Day of Wrath.” During this section trumpets surround the stage, signifying the call to judgment, and the chorus almost shouts: “Day of wrath, that day earth will be in ashes.” The somber tone of Verdi’s work might make contemporary churchgoers uncomfortable. In a culture in which the church tries hard to make people feel comfortable, the notion of divine wrath seems out of place.
God’s wrath is the focus of the sixth seal. As the Lamb breaks the seal, a series of cataclysmic events unfold. A great earthquake rumbles. The sun turns black and the moon turns red. Stars fall from the sky “as figs drop from a fig tree when shaken by a strong wind” (v. 13). The heavens recede and every mountain and island is shaken. All creation is coming undone.
Is this symbolic language or a description of real events? Some try to link this description to natural or human causes, perhaps a large asteroid or a nuclear holocaust. The text suggests that the events are real but that the cause is supernatural rather than natural. And those who try to find a place of refuge will say: “Fall on us and hide us from the face of him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! For the great day of their wrath has come, and who can withstand it?” This is only the beginning. The events that will soon follow will prove the truth of what the author of the book of Hebrews: “It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.”
Reflect
1. How do you cope with feelings of injustice or unfairness in your own life?
2. In times of hardship or suffering, what gives you the strength to endure and persevere?
3. Reflecting on the concept of redemption and justice, is there a particular aspect of your life that you would like to see transformed or made right?
Remember
To the believers-followers of Christ, take a moment to reflect on the sixth seal in Revelation, which symbolizes the Day of the Lord. It's like a cosmic display of God's powerful judgment, with all those disturbances. As you think about it, cultivate a deep and reverent fear of God, recognizing both His mercy and justice. Jesus plays a dual role here - as the Lamb who saves and the righteous Judge. When you hear the call for repentance, take it seriously and commit to Christ more deeply. And don't forget to trust in God's complete control and find comfort in His big plan for redemption. Let this reflection guide you on a humble and faithful journey with God.
Read
Psalm 2:9-12; Psalm 110:5-6; Matthew 24:3-14; Colossians 3:6; Hebrews 10:31;
Pray
Dear Heavenly Father,
As we bow in Your presence, as I take a moment to reflect of the awaited Day of the Lord, recognizing the cosmic disturbances as expressions of Your transformative judgment, and foster in me a deep and reverent fear of You, acknowledging both Your mercy and justice.
Lord Jesus, my Savior and righteous Judge, I humbly come before You. I hear Your call for repentance, and today, I respond earnestly, seeking forgiveness and a renewed commitment to follow You more closely.
In the midst of life's disturbances, I trust in Your sovereignty, finding comfort in Your grand plan for redemption. I ask that You guide me on a humble and faithful journey with You. Grant me the strength to stay committed, the wisdom to discern Your will, and the grace to grow in my faith.
In Your name, I pray. Amen.
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