The Martyrs' Cry

Scripture Text: Revelation 6:9-11

Then I saw the Lamb open one of the seven a seals, and I heard one of the four living creatures say with a voice like thunder, “Come! ”

Revelation 6:1 (HCSB)

A popular saying goes, “I don’t get mad; I get even.” The desire for payback is understandable. In its righteous form, it reflects a longing for justice. When the fifth seal is broken, the martyrs cry from under the altar: “How long, Sovereign Lord, holy and true, until you judge the inhabitants of the earth and avenge our blood?” (v. 10). No one reproves them for this sentiment. Just the opposite—each one is given a white robe and told to wait until the full number of their companions have been killed.

The appearance of the martyrs in heaven reminds us that God’s people are often affected by the collateral damage of divine judgment. This was certainly true in the Old Testament. When a famine came because of Israel’s sin, the godly went hungry along with the ungodly. When Israel was taken into captivity by the Babylonians, the righteous were carried off along with the wicked. When God works out His plan in the Last Days, some who follow the Lamb will suffer. When the martyrs die, the sinful world loses—not only because God will call to account those who killed them but also the world loses the possibility of blessing from their presence.

Psalm 116:15 says, “The death of His faithful ones is valuable in the LORD’s sight.” If this is true of death in general, how much more true of those whose lives are taken because of their testimony for Jesus Christ? God does not treat the death of the martyrs lightly. In John’s vision they are accorded a place of special honor. Their location under the altar signals the fact that God regards their death as a kind of offering. Just as the blood of the sacrifice was poured out before God, so too was their blood shed.

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, this passage becomes a beacon, urging us to cling to our faith with unwavering determination despite life's trials. The poignant inquiry of "how long?" resonates with our struggles, pushing us to trust in God's timing and cultivate patience, confident that He comprehends our challenges. The assurance that God hears the cries of His faithful ones becomes a source of comfort, instilling the belief that, in His perfect way and timing, justice will prevail and bring resolution to our struggles. Let us persevere, holding onto the promise that God sees, understands, and responds to our journey with grace and ultimate justice.

Read

Psalm 116; Luke 18:7-8; Romans 12:19; 2 Thessalonians 1:5-8

Pray

Dear Heavenly Father, in moments of questioning and longing for justice, I turn my heart to You, echoing the cries of the souls under the altar. In the midst of my own struggles and uncertainties, grant me the strength to persevere in faith, just as those souls held onto their unwavering belief in You. Help me to trust in Your perfect timing, especially when I find myself asking, "How long?" May I find solace in the assurance that You hear my cries, understand my struggles, and will bring about justice in Your divine plan. Grant me patience to await Your response and confidence that, in due time, Your justice will prevail. Thank You for being a God who sees, cares, and walks with me through every challenge. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.