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In the midst of the seal judgments, we find a hint that the political climate on the earth has turned viciously against the followers of Jesus. I believe that the individuals referred to in these verses are people who have come to Christ after the rapture of the Church, but regardless of your view of the timing of these things, it is clear that there is savage persecution happening.

When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God and the testimony they had maintained. They called out in a loud voice, “How long, Sovereign Lord, holy and true, until you judge the inhabitants of the earth and avenge our blood?” Then each of them was given a white robe, and they were told to wait a little longer, until the number of their fellow servants and brothers who were to be killed as they had been was completed.

Revelation 6:9-11

Thoughts to ponder as we consider these sobering verses:

1. Persecution is a reality, and we need to wake up and be aware of it! At this point in time it will reach unprecedented levels, but even today persecution is rampant around our globe. If you are unfamiliar with the ministry of Voice of the Martyrs, the people behind this organization work tirelessly to raise awareness about real suffering that our brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ around the world face on a daily basis. I’d urge you to spend some time on their website, request a free copy of the book Tortured for Christ, and perhaps consider getting involved in their action pack ministry or in any number of other ways. You can also follow them on twitter for frequent updates – @VOM_USA.

2. Even as we become more aware of persecution and actively seek to pray and support the suffering body of Christ in tangible ways, we must know this: God is sovereign over everything, even the persecution of His saints. His timing and plan are beyond what we can comprehend. Even as we cry out, “How long, O Lord,” we can rest in the fact that He will judge sin, His plan will prevail, and everything is firmly within His control.

3. These individuals had been killed “because of the word of God and the testimony they had maintained.” If you were dragged into court today, accused of being a follower of Jesus Christ… would the jury have convincing enough evidence to convict you? Has your faithfulness to the Word of God and your testimony as a follower of Jesus been so obvious and compelling that your sentence would be swift?

I am deeply grateful for the freedom we have in our country and for the relative lack of suffering for our faith. But is the thought of denying or failing to live faithfully for my Lord much more horrifying than the thought of real persecution?

May we love Him more than we love our very lives.