Seven Symbols in the Sixth Seal

"And I looked when He broke the sixth seal, and there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth made of hair, and the whole moon became like blood; and the stars of the sky fell to the earth, as a fig tree casts its unripe figs when shaken by a great wind.

"And the sky was split apart like a scroll when it is rolled up; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places.  And the kings of the earth and the great men and the commanders and the rich and the strong and every slave and free man, hid themselves in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains;

"and they said to the mountains and to the rocks, 'Fall on us and hide us from the presence of Him who sits on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb; for the great day of their wrath has come; and who is able to stand?'" Revelation 6:12-17

Seven symbols are used to describe the punishment that the poet, John perceives will com to those who attempt to exercise power without regard to God's almighty will.  

• 1.   Earthquake - the collapse of all man-made power structures
• 2.   Blackened sun - darkness suffered by all who seek a source of enlightenment other than God's self-revelation in Christ
• 3.   Blood moon - when people attempt to organise time and festivals and cults without reference to God's revealed will.
• 4.   Falling stars - demons were imagined as fallen angels which were cast from heaven where they work to disrupt
• 5.   Rolled-up sky - here the sky vanishes to symbolise that God is all seeing and that we are all open to God's judgment
• 6.   Moving Mountains - during disasters people often flee to high places for protection but there is nowhere to run from God's judgment
• 7.   Islands gone - as with mountains in John's time, people thought of islands as protected and therefore safe and secure.

Part 2 on this passage tomorrow.

Take care with love, especially His!  Your servant and friend in Christ, who prays for you each morning, Darlene

URGENT PRAYER REQUESTS?

NEW PRAYER REQUEST

• ·        Paul - they postponed Paul's interview.  Please give him strength and patience and the ability to focus.  He has not worked since 2012.
• ·        BG is having new symptoms as well as his blinding headaches.   He will have a series of tests to identify the source.  The earliest these were able to be scheduled was 18 and 22 of this month.  Please pray for their wisdom and compassion.
• ·        Sergio had a job interview last week, but no news yet on the result.  He is in Mexico City and the work there, for graphic designers, is rare. 
• ·        Adrian - needs help from the local social agency to find proper assisted living so he can rest and have his little companion dog, Toby. No feedback on his treatment of 27 January.  Pray he drives safely for himself and others.  His patience is deteriorating.
• ·        Hans is improving and will be at the clinic till 23 February.  He will return home to wait for a time to return to a new clinic (which could take up to 6 months).  Pray his healing continues and that he finds Christian companions and leaders wherever he is.
• ·        There is no news as to when the project I've been engaged with since November will re-begin (or if it will).  The Lord knows how fragile my funds are and His timing will be right.  Pray I will wait patiently and without stressing.

PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING?

• ·        Raven - they've found no signs of new cancer and changed her meds which are a great relief from the 2.5 years of yukky chemo.
• ·        Fion:  Parents settled now but Fion misses them.  He is working far too many hours.  Pray the organisation he works with will improve conditions for him.
• ·        TG now back at work since the industrial accident that burned his lungs so badly.
• ·        Pray for Shan and Gemma as they plan the details of their wedding.  May they stay ever close to His leading.

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS

• ·        My brother, Tim, with COPD (Cardio-Obstructive Pulmonary Artery Disease), that he has patience and wisdom to help him manage his health and the limitations to his breathing. 
• ·        David R has had another stroke that has caused the complete loss of vision in his left eye. 
• ·        David's daughter Heidi has been working for Macys for over three years and they are closing her store.  Pray she finds something even better.
• ·        Please pray for Rik, a good friend who has been diagnosed with Lyme's Disease and is undergoing very expensive, long-distance treatment to restore his health.
• ·        Adrian asks:  Pray for my friend, Chester with pancreatic cancer - for energy, strength and resolve as he deals with a worldly system that continues to abuse him; and that someone will come share Christ with him soon.

ONGOING PRAYER

• ·        For Fred as he deals with life without his beloved wife, especially at this time of year when memories are so precious.  Please pray for the recognition of how his life will be fulfilled now.
• ·        Shan needs clarity of purpose and direction for his ministry.
• ·        Pray for Toron who at 18 is needing encouragement, care and direction.
• ·        Keep praying for the two unsaved women in Jo's Bible class:  Angie and Liz.
• ·        There has been no update to numerous follow-ups regarding Wezley an 18-year old who lost her way.  The Lord knows where she is, just keep praying for her that she turns to Him.
• ·        Bettina for additional strength and wisdom.

FOR THOSE IN FULL TIME SERVICE

• ·        Audley and Beverly (stroke survivor) for help with their situation and his return to ministry.
• ·        Stu and Jo and their grown children, Laura and Jason - a family serving in full-time ministry in New Zealand.  Keep them strong, healthy and resolute. 
• ·        Isaias and Judith in the Philippines. Pray our Father continues to keep them strong and safe and that they find balance.  They give so much to so many for so little.  Take a moment to learn more about their tireless ministry:  Go to:  http://www.afciworld.org  Look for "Nations" then click "Philippines".
• ·        Please pray for my good friend, JB, that our loving Father provides him with ample opportunity to continue his ministry.
• ·        Buddy and Susan Smith and Kevin and Sandy Currell need your prayers for their ministries in Australia.
• ·        The Catholic Church and the new Pope need your prayers that he will always put Jesus first in all his decisions.

PRAY FOR THE WORLD

• ·        That the Lord's hand is dramatically apparent in the lives of all who receive and read these devotions.  That His mighty works will be worked out in each life for His purposes and glory in surprising and wonderful ways!
• ·        For Christ-centred, Bible-based revival in the USA and religious freedom for Christians wherever they may be.
• ·        NEW European Migrant Situation Update - a prayer for the migrants, but also for the European states, who are working to adjust to the situation.  New in Cologne.
• ·        Pray for the many individuals in Singapore, China, Russia, India and Alaska who are regularly reading the WeakDay Devotion on-line.  The blog seems to be gathering an audience in unexpected and mysterious geographic locations.

SOMETHING NEW FOR PRAYER WARRIORS

• ·        Elaine and Jim, wonderful friends of mine in Hong Kong have begun an online church with a special prayer room that is open 24/7.  There are a small army of dedicated prayer warriors waiting to pray with you.  Please pray for them and go here to learn more:  Https://www.thelittlechurchworld.org/prayer-room

ADDITIONAL PRAYER REQUESTS

• ·        Deepak needs to have his tireless work efforts bear fruit as he continues to develop his business. 
• ·        Elina needs clarity of purpose for her life and relationships.
• ·        Jen needs the watchful care of the Lord in her life.
• ·        Linda and Ian, Rob and his daughter, Reg, Annette and Lyle, Carla and Paul, Jeff and Rachael and their wonderful families.  Grateful thanks for their practical support and encouragement over many years.