When the fifth seal is opened, John sees the souls of martyrs beneath the altar. Throughout the visions of Revelation, at key points, we will see people praying. The prayers of the martyrs here represent the prayers of the persecuted Christians for final vindication and justice. They are given white robes, symbolising salvation and immortality. Their prayers are then followed by the opening of the sixth seal which instigates the downfall of all worldly powers. This is symbolised by the earthquake, the solar eclipse, the moon turning to blood and stars falling to earth. Isaiah used the same symbolism to describe the fall of Babylon (Isaiah 13:10). The sequence therefore shows that the divine judgements described here in this dramatic way are brought about in response to the prayers of God’s people. We will see the same theme further on. It is an important element of the message of Revelation. And that message is this: though you feel that God’s church is being defeated, keep praying, because, through the prayers of God’s people, the powers of this world will be brought down. Don’t ever underestimate the power of prayer. When you pray for God’s Kingdom to come, you are praying in harmony with the court of heaven. Such intercession lifts us up out of the chaos of this world and places our vision with that of John in the heavenly places. So, lift up your head and recognise what is unfolding in the world. God is at work and God’s purpose will prevail. Keep on praying and don’t give up.
Pray for God’s Kingdom to come.
Read Revelation 6:9-16 and Luke 18:1-8.
