12 I watched as he opened the sixth seal. There was a great earthquake. The sun turned black like sackcloth made of goat hair, the whole moon turned blood red, 13 and the stars in the sky fell to earth, as figs drop from a fig tree when shaken by a strong wind. 14 The heavens receded like a scroll being rolled up, and every mountain and island was removed from its place.
15 Then the kings of the earth, the princes, the generals, the rich, the mighty, and everyone else, both slave and free, hid in caves and among the rocks of the mountains. 16 They called to the mountains and the rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! 17 For the great day of their wrath has come, and who can withstand it?”
Revelation 6:12-17
A great earthquake ushers in the sixth seal. There are earthquakes mentioned in Revelation five times; however, I think there will be three earthquakes in the time of the end because some of the various passages are describing the same event. I believe this earthquake is the final one that causes the earth to reel to and fro like a drunkard. This earthquake is so mighty that Isaiah says it splits the earth asunder. Isaiah 24:19-22 I can not even imagine this type of devastation, much less describe the cause of the earthquake or its effect upon the planet. According to the visions that Isaiah saw regarding the falling stars and the dark sun, the earth will be shaken out of its place. Isaiah 13:9-13
We consider our planet to be unshakable. Many men and women of science declare that the earth has been in its place for billions of years creating a false sense of security among the inhabitants in this grand place. It has been God's great mercy that as we explore, we learn more about our planet than we think we know. God reveals to us the fragility of our dwelling place hoping to help us understand that He is the one that created it and holds it all together. Colossians 1:16-17
The sixth seal describes what is commonly known as the Day of the Lord. The Day of the Lord is also known as the Day of Atonement. Many prophets saw this day in vision and described the massive destruction that occurs at the coming of Jesus. Isaiah 13:9-10; Ezekiel 32:7-8; Joel 3:14-16; 2 Peter 3:10-13; Matthew 24:29-32; Mark 13:24-27; Luke 21:25-28 Why would He destroy the planet that He created? The foundation of the planet began rocking with decay when Adam and Eve's faith in the word of God began to erode by the lies of Satan. Time is the enemy of a planet that is ravaged by sin. Just through the passing of time, all things begin to crumble. Our planet deteriorates as it passes through the eras. However, the greatest reason God will destroy this planet has to do with those that dwell here.
God gave us a place to live with the right to reign, but we gave away the right of ownership and became temporary dwellers; therefore, we mistreat our home as if it belongs to another. The greed of humanity is destroying our planet making it an unfit dwelling for man and beast. Who is to blame for the condition of the planet? Every single inhabitant upon the face of earth leaves a footprint; no one is blameless. I have both good and bad news for the final generation. God will make all things new, but before doing so, He will destroy the works of man's hands. He will not recreate in the midst of man's mess. Therefore, the planet and all its works must be burned up including the heavens. Beyond the stratosphere our garbage of old satellites and other space debris circle the earth. This is continuing to become more problematic as we travel in space and has the potential to threaten parts of our planet. Is there a solution? Yes, the Creator God.
The sixth seal describes the coming of Jesus from the sinner's perspective. We witness in these words the absolute terror that will besiege the enemies of God at His coming. They did not fall on The Rock so they beg the rocks to fall on them. 1 Corinthians 10:4 Jesus is the rock of our salvation. There is an ancient Jewish saying: “If a stone falls on a clay pot, woe to the pot! And if the pot falls on the stone, woe to the pot!” Jesus refers to himself as the stone when he says, “He who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces, but he on whom it falls will be crushed”. Matthew 21:44 You will be broken when the rock of offense causes you to stumble and you fall upon it. However, if you will fall and break upon the rock, Jesus will make you whole. If you wait until He returns, it will be too late and The Rock will fall and crush you. Today is the day of salvation.
There are many beautiful homes in this world that have great attraction for us. There is nothing like coming home unless it is coming home to a multi-room mansion complete with maid service. With a home like that, who would greatly desire a place in the kingdom? It is difficult for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of Heaven because a man of plenty does not long for the fulfillment of God's promises. Luke 18:18-30 I don't currently live in a mansion, but I love coming home to my humble abode. I have to remind myself not to love the things I have been blessed with too much because all the houses in this world have been built on shifting sand. Matthew 7:24-29 Jesus has prepared me a place in a distant land that is built on the solid rock. I will go there someday. It will be a great blessing if God removes the things of this world in order to give me a desire for the kingdom. The Days of Awe will serve God's purpose in this matter. He is willing to go this great length during the Days of Awe so I will be prepared to meet my King on the Day of Atonement.
Most trips we must pack for. We take great care as we examine our possessions and determine which ones we will take with us. Packing for the trip to Heaven is very different. You must unpack the things of this world that might hold you down. You can take nothing, but you need nothing. Everything you need and want will be there. All your hopes, dreams and aspirations will be fully filled. Even if the wealthiest of us all could take his most prized possessions, they would pale in comparison to the things God has prepared for those that love Him. 1 Corinthians 2:9 You would toss them into the dumpster at first opportunity.
I'm not suggesting that you do away with your property because I know we have needs as we occupy in this world, and only God knows our individual needs. However, determine today that you will distance yourself emotionally from the things that will never love you back. Today, you should begin investing in people because loved ones are all we can take with us and only if they are persuaded to go. Spend a portion of your resources encouraging God's loved ones to unpack for the ascension. During the Days of Awe, the faith we put in our possessions will be severely challenged. This is the part that makes the Days of Awe so awful. However, the Days of Awe will also allow you the opportunity to put your faith in the one that can save both body and soul making these days awe full.
As you read these passages know that these grand events herald the coming of Jesus in His full wrath which is a strange act for a loving God. Isaiah 28:21 Once the Days of Awe are passed and the trumpets have given the sure and certain sound, the time for mercy will end. The Day of Atonement is here. Every heart has made a choice. There are no more multitudes in the valley of decision. Joel 3:13-16 You failed to make peace with your God so you war against His own. Innocent blood has been shed by your hand. The world has slain the prophets committing the act that is so abominable that it leaves the people of the world desolate of the Holy Spirit. The blood of the innocent ones of all the ages has been crying unto God since Cain slew Able. Revelation 6:9-10 He has been eager to avenge their blood, but not willing that any should perish. Every soul has made their decision; therefore, God closes the door to the mercy seat as Jesus leaves Heaven bound for earth. The earth quakes and the heavens declare signs to the world that indeed, "This is the son of God." Matthew 27:50-54
The stars fall, the sun refuses to shine and the moon turns the color of righteous blood. The heavens part like a scroll and all eyes can see the Lamb coming with the army of Heaven. They also see God sitting on His throne. It is a sight that mere mortals can not behold and live. Many are slain by the righteousness of His presence. This is what He tried to warn us about. He wanted to prepare us to meet Him knowing that the energy radiating from Him will slay us unless we have the garment. There is a garment that will cover us in this day. Isaiah 61:10; Revelation 19:7-8 It is a pure, white wedding garment. Matthew 22:1-14 This garment shields us during God's wrath when we are changed in the moment and the twinkling of the eye. These are the only living ones that survive the presence of God. Immediately following the resurrection, they rightly enter into the kingdom of God prepared for those that love Him. This is your inheritance. Do not forsake it for a bowl of pottage. Genesis 25:29-34 The world continues to travel the wide road, but you should stop and consider the narrow path before it is too late.
Satan will do everything he can to deceive you by making your part in the kingdom seem small and unworthy. He does not want you to see the grandeur of your God because it will set you free. The devil is delusional and believes that he can destroy God and rule the world. He needs slaves in his make-believe world so he desires to keep you in bondage. He will even delude you into thinking He can lead you into a winning war against the Heavenly Ones. It isn't much of a war or even a battle. Satan gathers his army then God sends falling rocks. Revelation 16:16-21; 19:17-21 Many enemies of God have been slain by rocks because even the rocks hear His voice. If you hear His voice today, know that it may be your final opportunity to partake of the best offer ever made to you. Choose life in Christ because He is the only one that can provide abundant life.
We could stop here in our study of the first through the sixth seals, and you would know the entire story of the coming of Christ. However, God wills that we know much more. He includes additional passages because He wants you to know about the rescue and the re-creation. As we continue our study, God has much more to share with us. Our study to this point is far reaching, but our understanding lacks depth. There is more to the story, and He desires to reveal all the details. We will not learn the day and hour because it is not ours to know. However, when rightly understood, the word isn't just a prophetic newspaper reporting current events before they occur; it is also a practical guide regarding endurance while we wait and occupy in this world. You have heard much of the story, but as Paul Harvey would say, "Now for the rest of the story". Watch out for falling rocks as we learn more. . .
