Beginning Of Sorrows: Part 1 – The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse:

THE FOUR HORSEMEN OF THE APOCALYPSE 

On Sunday September 11, 2011 we looked at the need for America and the world to repent and to turn to God.  On the 10^th anniversary of the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and the failed attempt on the Whitehouse; we discussed this event in relationship to a Divine wakeup call from God and as a possible beginning of the  signs of the events that will precede the second coming of Jesus Christ.   

We briefly touched on Matthew chapter 24; where Jesus’ disciples asked Him about the “End Time.”  They had actually asked Him about the “End of the world.”   The Greek word for “world,” is actually “aeon;” which means age.  They were asking about the end of the age, not the end of civilization, man or the end of the physical planet earth.

In this blog today, we are going to look at a parallel prophecy of the same events as recorded by John in the Book of Revelation.  The prophecy is common referred to as; “The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.” 

An Apocalypse (Greek: ἀποκάλυψις apokálypsis; "lifting of the veil" or "revelation") is a disclosure of something hidden from the majority of mankind in an era dominated by falsehood and misconception, i.e. the veil to be lifted. The Apocalypse of John (GreekἈποκάλυψις Ἰωάννου) is the Book of Revelation, the last book of the New Testament. By extension, apocalypse can refer to any End Time scenario, or to the end of the world in general.

Though this prophecy is placed six chapters into the book, it actually sets the stage for the entire book which is about the “End Time,” and the fulfillment of all things and the completion of God’s plan. 

In my opinion and please note that this is my conjecture; the completion of God’s plan will actually be a beginning of implementing the plan throughout the universe; thus beautifying all celestial bodies and being the means by which the Kingdom of God will ever expand.

Revelation 6:2-8 KJV And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer.  (3)  And when he had opened the second seal, I heard the second beast say, Come and see.  (4)  And there went out another horse that was red: and power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword.  (5)  And when he had opened the third seal, I heard the third beast say, Come and see. And I beheld, and lo a black horse; and he that sat on him had a pair of balances in his hand.  (6)  And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts say, A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny; and see thou hurt not the oil and the wine.  (7)  And when he had opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth beast say, Come and see.  (8)  And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth.

The correlation between Matthew 24 and Revelation 6 is very clear.

White Horse – FALSE CHRISTS – Take heed that no man deceive you.  (5)  For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.

Red Horse – WAR – (6) And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.  (7)  For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom:

Black Horse – FAMINE – (7B) And there shall be famines,

Pale Horse – PESTILENCE – and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. 

PESTILENCE – 1 : a contagious or infectious epidemic disease that is virulent and devastating;  especially   : BUBONIC PLAGUE 2 : something that is destructive or pernicious.  [ Merriam Webster Collegiate Dictionary ].  Some of the massive natural disasters over the past ten years; the Indian Ocean Earthquake on 12/26/2004 and resulting Tsunami in South East Asia; Hurricane Katrina 2005 (New Orleans); Earthquake in Haiti 2010 and other disasters were followed by PESTILENCE, which also can occur in war torn areas as well. 

Matthew 24:3-8 KJV And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?  (4)  And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.  (5)  For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.  (6)  And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.  (7)  For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.  (8)  All these are the beginning of sorrows.

The time of sorrows will begin with the events symbolized by the Four Horsemen Of The Apocalypse; and will continue into the time of the Great Tribulation which will be announced by angelic trumpet blasts that will culminate with the return of Jesus Christ.

For the wicked of the world; the “End Time” will be one of great dread; in fact people will seek death and not find it!  The wicked and unbelievers will be subjected to damnation and hell fire!  There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth!

Revelation 6:15-17 KJV And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains;  (16)  And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb:  (17)  For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?

Revelation 9:6 KJV And in those days shall men seek death, and shall not find it; and shall desire to die, and death shall flee from them.

For the righteous in Christ, the “End Time” is welcomed!  It will bring the rapture (the first resurrection to eternal life) and the marriage supper of the LAMB.  You can be a part of those who will be blessed at His coming; but you must take responsibility now to prepare.  Are you a Christian in name only; or have you been diligently about your Heavenly Father’s business?  You were bought at baptism with the precious blood of Jesus Christ.  How are you living?  Do you know your Bible; the WORD of God?  Can you prove; with the Bible that you have Eternal life in Christ?  Have you taken all of the steps to ensure your salvation?

The Kingdom of God lives; really lives in the true followers of Jesus Christ.  They are apostolic in their living; that means that they have answered the call to be sent forth and to share the Gospel in their world; the community around them.  Now is the time for revival; first in your own life and then in the church as a whole!  Examine your spiritual walk with the LORD.