When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the witness they had borne.
Revelation 6:9
Of all the unusual and fearful visions of the Apocalypse, this aspect described in John’s vision of the opening of the fifth seal is both terrifying and remarkably tender. It opens my eyes and warms my heart.
It is terrifying in that the very souls of martyrs in heaven still cry out for God to avenge their murders. It is tender because their souls are under the heavenly altar, as the blood of a precious sacrifice would gather, known by God and close to Him. Each martyred soul is given a white robe, encouraged to rest in God’s presence just a bit longer, and promised a future in which their prayers will be answered once the last martyr has borne witness. (Revelation 6:11)
And their numbers still grow. Every month around the world roughly 255 Christians are killed, with an estimated 215 million Christians worldwide living under high levels of official persecution (source: https://www.opendoorsusa.org/christian-persecution/). These souls under God’s altar still cry out as our world still hates Christ and His followers. The blood of martyrs still waters the church as the gospel rolls forward.
God,
Encourage my persecuted brothers and sisters worldwide to hold on just a little longer. May they feel the warmth of Your grace and Your tender love for them, Lord Jesus.
Amen
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