Begin with two minutes of silence and stillness before God.

As we continue in the book of Revelation, chapter 6 opens with the Lamb, Jesus, breaking the first of seven seals on the scroll, and with each seal, something is unleashed on the earth: conquest, war, famine, death, martyrdom, cosmic chaos. These aren’t just random disasters; they are part of God’s divine plan unfolding through judgment, allowing evil to run its course but ultimately pointing to justice and redemption. 

It’s a scary chapter that disrupts the idea of a tame or comfortable God. We are confronted with a Holy Judge who doesn’t ignore injustice, suffering, or rebellion. He responds. And as each seal is broken, the illusion of human control is stripped away. The powerful are terrified—the earth trembles.                                                                                                    

In recent years, we’ve seen the world shaken, literally and figuratively. From global pandemics to wars breaking out across regions once considered stable, to economic collapse and natural disasters! It can feel like the very foundations are crumbling, and security seems to be an illusion. Honestly, this mirrors what we see in Revelation 6. Humanity builds kingdoms, but none can withstand the breaking of the seals. What can we do? 

Check where your hope is anchored. 

• Are you relying on political stability, financial security, or your own strength to carry you through hard times? Revelation 6 reminds us that these things will fail. Our hope must be in Chris, the Lamb who opens the scroll, the One in control of history. 

Live with urgency, compassion, and on mission. 

• The judgment in Revelation 6 is real. Many around us are spiritually unprepared. Rather than becoming fatalistic or fearful, let this chapter stir an urgency within us to share the Good News of Jesus and live faithfully, knowing time is short. 

Don’t be surprised by suffering; instead, be prepared for it by knowing the King. 

• Christians are not exempt from hardship (see the martyrs under the altar in verses 9–11). When trials come, try not to ask, “Why me?” but instead ask God to give us the strength to ask, “How can I glorify Him in this?” 

Stay ready and alert, making the most of our days! 

• Jesus spoke of His return often, urging us to keep watch. Revelation 6 is a wake-up call. Are we spiritually awake, or sleepwalking through life? Remember what we said in one of the previous devotions, “we are closer today to the return of Jesus than ever before”.    

Though Revelation 6 brings somber truth, it also brings hope. The Lamb is the one breaking the seals. The one who was slain is also the one who reigns. The chaos isn’t random; it’s overseen by the One who loves us, who gave Himself for us. 

Remember: When the world shakes, God doesn’t! 

Take two minutes to reflect in silence.

Reflection:

Use the S.O.A.P. Method to study God’s Word.

• SCRIPTURE: What stands out to you in today’s passage?
• OBSERVATION: What is this text saying? What is the context? How does it fit with the verses before and after it? Are there any commands, instructions, or promises?
• APPLICATION: How can you apply this verse to your life? What does this mean today? What is God saying to you?
• PRAYER: Respond to the passage in prayer. Ask God to help you apply this truth to your life and spend some time listening to what He may be telling you.

James Weekly Verse Challenge:

Want to go beyond just reading God's Word? Want to take action? As we study the Book of James in the "Faith That Works" message series, we encourage you to do more than read the theme verse. Each week, we challenge you to memorize the verse and put it into action. Beginning Monday, October 6, we will text the weekly verse on a downloadable wallpaper on Monday mornings. Download the mobile wallpaper to your phone and memorize the weekly verse as you strive to live it daily. 

Text "JAMES" to 601-299-4493 to receive each week's theme verse.