What do we most commonly pray for when friends or family are going on vacation? Is it not rest and refreshment? You may wonder what rest and refreshment have to do with the 6th chapter of Revelation. If you have just gone away to read the chapter you may still be wondering if you got caught up with the striking imagery John presents: the opening of seals, living creatures with loud voices, the four horses with riders, scenes of death, famine, pestilence, winds and earthquakes, and the terror of the impending wrath of the Lamb. In short we see the consequence of human sin and depravity, the remnant rubble of our rebellion against God. In the middle of this picture John also sees “the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the witness they had borne. (verse 9)” What does he hear from the voices of the martyrs? He hears the kind of lament often found on the tongues of the weary and the oppressed: ‘how long Lord?’ “They cried with a loud voice, ‘O Sovereign Lord, holy and true, how long before you will judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?” They address the Lord as their sovereign, reigning King – and rightfully so. Is this how we approach the Lord when we hurt; either for our own circumstances, or on behalf of others and their suffering? Do we understand that God’s sovereign rule is not merely due to his power, but also his wisdom?
Consider God’s response to their unified cry: “Then they were each given a white robe and told to rest a little longer, until the number of their fellow servants and their brothers should be complete, who were to be killed as they themselves had been. (v11)” Can you imagine? Not only have they paid the ultimate price in this life by dying a martyr’s death; not only do they continue to see the effects of human sin; but they are told others will come to the same fate – seemingly by divine destiny as the words number and complete imply. And these are not mere acquaintances – they are referred to warmly as fellow servants and brothers. In the middle of this these dear saints are called to rest. The fullest translation of the original word implies refreshment as well. The same root word is used elsewhere in the New Testament:
Come to me, all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (Matt. 11:28)
They refreshed my spirit as well as yours. (1 Corinthians 16:18)
Refresh my heart in Christ. (Philemon 20)
They may rest from their labours. (Revelation 14:13)
If we truly live and love and engage with the world around us – we will suffer. It is easy to feel rested and refreshed from a good vacation. How about the rest and refreshment God has for us even when we are in the midst of disappointment, trial, and pain. Although it sounds strange, we know it is not easy to trade bitterness and vengeance for rest, peace, and refreshment. But we also know it is possible, for God asks this of these dear saints, and he asks it of us: “Come to me, all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” He would not require it of us if he did not also enable us. As Linda and I are away resting and refreshing I pray that you would also find rest, regardless of circumstances, in the sovereign will and wisdom of God.
Much love,
Pastor Gary
