The four horsemen of the apocalypse ride, and the world hides from the wrath of the Lamb. Who can stand? Daniel R. Hyde on the seven seals of Revelation 6–7 and the 144,000.

A door standing open in heaven, and behind it a throne that does not move while the churches below are in chaos. Then a scroll sealed with seven seals that no one in heaven or on earth is worthy to open, and John weeps loudly. Then the Lion of the tribe of Judah appears as a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain. "Worthy is the Lamb who was slain." The plan of the ages is in worthy hands. Weep no more, and worship.

Seven letters to seven churches, each meant for all of them, and for us. To congregations under pressure, from persecuted Smyrna to self-satisfied Laodicea, the living Jesus says three things. He knows us, even our little power. He calls us to repent of drifting, compromise, and comfort. And he makes us conquerors by his own victory: “The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered.” He is knocking. Open the door.

Old, alone, and banished to Patmos, John asks what his churches under pressure are asking: is Jesus really Lord? Can he protect his people? Revelation answers with a person, not a puzzle. The living Jesus has freed us from our sins by his blood, he is coming with the clouds, and he walks among his churches now. "I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades." Look at him, and fear not.