The Four Horsemen- Rev. 6:1-8

So far in our journey through the book of Revelation we’ve taken a look at the preface in chapter 1, the proclamations to the seven churches in chapters 2-3, and witnessed a problem and the corresponding solution in chapters 4-5. Today we open a new chapter and a new major section of John’s apocalypse. With the seven-sealed scroll firmly in the Lamb’s grasp, the program of God’s future judgment can be revealed. Today we are going to witness the breaking of the first four seals and, as a result, come face-to-face with the infamous four horseman and the beginning of God’s judgment on the earth in Revelation 6:1-8.

a. The White Horse-6:1-2

The opening phrase of chapter 6--“Then I saw”—successfully ushers the reader into the next major section of the Book of Revelation, the process that will instigate God’s judgment on an unbelieving and sinful world. This process includes the wrath that God unleashes on the earth during a future seven-year period of tribulation that, as far as Revelation is willing to describe it, begins right here with the opening of the first seal.

The only one worthy to open this seven-sealed document (the title deed to the universe) is the humblest and most glorious Lamb introduced in chapter 5—“The I saw when the Lamb broke one of the seals” (6:1a). If the earth was created and gifted to the Son at creation (Col. 1:16) and then saved by the Son’s activity in his first coming (John 3:16-17), certainly Jesus is the only one worthy to inherit the new earth after purging it with judgment. These judgments come as the seals of this document are opened one at a time. After breaking the first of these John “heard one of the four living creatures saying as with a voice of thunder, ‘Come’” (6:1). Osborne is right to point out how involved these four living creatures are in the book of Revelation. Throughout the revelation, these creatures are shown leading worship (4:8-9; 5:8-10, 14; 19:4), surrounding the throne (4:6; 5:6, 11; 7:11; 14:3), and implementing judgments (6:1, 3, 5, 6, 7; 15:7) (Osborne, Revelation, 275). Here, in 5:1-8, the four creatures introduce the four horsemen, subtly suggesting that even as the Lamb executes the judgment by breaking the seals, the program of judgment is being determined by the throne room of heaven. The severity of the coming judgment is foreshadowed by the thunderous voice that calls forth for each of these horses with a booming “Come!” (6:1, 3, 5, 7).

The theme of sensory overload continues as after first “hearing” the commanding voice say “Come!” John then sees the first horse and its rider—“I looked, and behold, a white horse…” (6:2a).  The imagery of the four horsemen is similar to what is found in Zechariah 1:7-11 and 6:1-8. There, the symbolism of the colors is not as clear as it is here in Revelation. Also, In Zechariah, the horses (red, black, white, and dappled gray) pull chariots and are sent to patrol the earth and promote peace and rest. However, in Revelation the release of these horses brings disaster. This is not without precedent as horses are often associated with conquest and war (see Job 39:19-25; Ps. 76:5-6; Prov. 21:31). However, what is peculiar about this first horse is that that theme of war and destruction is hidden behind a white façade.

The unusual nature of this first horse is accentuated by the description of its rider—“And he who sat on it had a bow; and a crown was given to him, and he went out conquering and to conquer” (6:2b). Though there are many interpretations offered for this first horse, these can be divided into two general categories: positive and negative. Those who take a positive view (Considine, Bachmann, Herzer) cite the following evidences for their position: First, this white horse may be an allusion to Ps. 45:3-5 where the rider is an Israelite king who defeats his enemies with arrows. Second, in Revelation 19:11-16, Christ who has diadems on his head, rides on a white horse and defeats his opponents. Third, in Revelation 14:14, a scene of judgment is introduced by Christ, sitting on a “white cloud,” wearing a “golden crown on his head,” carrying a weapon in his hand. Fourth, Christ is shown to conquer elsewhere in the book. Fifth, “white” is used without exception elsewhere in Revelation (14times) to describe something positive (i.e. holiness of God, saints, Christ, etc.). And sixth, the first horsemen is different from the others in a positive sense because there is no clear woe linked with him (Beale, Revelation, 375). These evidences for a Christ-like figure are not without merit, nor are they totally misplaced. However, a better case can be made for a Christ-like imposter—i.e. the Antichrist.

Those who support this view recognize the following: First, the language of “conquering” is used elsewhere of the beast oppressing the saints (see 11:7; 13:7). Second, in Zechariah 1:8-15 (a background text for Revelation 6), the horses are identified together as being the same in nature. It would follow then that if the other three horses are negative, so too must this first one be. Third, Revelation 12-13 describes Satan and his legions’ ability to imitate Christ’s appearance. Fourth, there are copious prophecies foretelling the presence of “false Christs and false prophets” who will “mislead” (Mark 13:5-6; Mat. 25:4-5; Luke 21:8). Fifth, Christ is already in this passage opening the seals. For these and other reasons Thomas concludes “if the first rider is not the Messiah, then, he must be someone resembling the Messiah…a counterfeit Christ…The book is full of satanic imitations of Christ and His conquest…this rider is one of them” (Thomas, Revelation, 422).

This horse and its rider is not the same horse and rider that will bring about total victory for God’s people in Revelation 19. That horse is ridden by Christ who is armed with a sword in his mouth and absolute authority to bring about eternal peace. The white horse of Revelation 6 is ridden by a man with a bow and authority is “given to him to conquer.” He is a coming imposter working on the earth to consolidate power under his evil reign.

b. The Red Horse-6:3-4

Now that this is established, the other three horsemen to follow can be understood as joining the white horse and his activities under the same program of coming destruction. There is, in fact a natural progression that can be witnessed in what horses emerge and in what order. Each of these horsemen and their colored steeds is introduced in the same way —“when He broke the second seal, I heard the second living creature saying, ‘Come’” (6:3).

Following this repetitive introduction, “another, a red horse, went out” (6:4). The original language describes this horse as “fiery red” and employs the same word used later of the dragon in Revelation 12. In both contexts, the color symbolizes the scope and acuity of bloodshed that will be unleased upon the earth in this future tribulation period. Such perilous slaughter is probably what Jesus foreshadowed in his Olivet discourse in Matthew 24.

Matthew 24:6-8-“You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains.” (see also Mark 13:7-8).

Even then, Jesus reveals that his disciples would hear of wars and rumors of wars “but the end is still to come.” This suggests that they (or who they represent) would not see/experience such wars themselves. By the time Revelation 6:4 comes to pass, these rumors are coming to pass and the “end” has arrived—that is the end for the world that deserves this judgment. There is little evidence to suggest that the church, as it exists today, is enduring this.  

The nature of the judgement brought on by this second horse is revealed in the remainder of verse 4—“and to him who sat on it, it was granted to take peace from the earth, and that men would slay one another; and a great sword was given to him…” (6:4b). It is important to recognize that as was the case with the first horse, the authority/power this red horseman possesses has been given to him. In other words, neither he nor his fellow horsemen are ultimately in control. Instead, the one on the throne has determined their use during this period and the Lamb is the superior agent unleashing these players onto the world’s stage.

Given his description, this horseman symbolizes the coming wars that will no doubt accompany the consolidation of power that takes place under the conquering white horseman (the Antichrist). As peace is taken, men are depicted as slaying each other (“slaughtering”), and a sword is given to this red horseman, there are few other things this red steed and its rider could represent.

The sword that is given to the red horseman appears to be based on Ezekiel 21:9-15, 21 (see also Ezekiel 14), where a sword is present and is used to judge both Israel and the nations. While this might suggest the presence of God’s people on the earth during the activity of this second horseman, consider that those left on the earth at this point most likely include the lost and a mostly unsaved Israel has largely, up to this point, denied the divinity of Christ. Israel has a future and at this point in the tribulation, many Jews are left on the earth during the tribulation that will face this judgment head on. Some will turn to Christ in salvation during this period, but still others will remain in unbelief, incurring God’s wrath along with the rest of an unbelieving world.

c. The Black Horse-6:5-6

 “When He broke the third seal, I heard the living creature saying, ‘Come’” (6:5a). Like clockwork and in perfect parallelism the chaos unleashed on the earth continues as the Lamb calmly and 

deliberately breaks open the third seal.

This time, John says, “I looked, and behold, a black horse,…” (6:5b). Following the deceitful promise of peace and consolidation of power in the world (the white horseman) to the bloody wars that are sure to accompany conquests that centralize power under a single world ruler (the red horse) comes a black horse and an unusual rider carrying “a pair of scales in his hand” (6:6a). The scales carried by the rider appear to be a reference to Daniel 5:27 where during a decadent feast Belshazzar sees mysterious writing on the wall. Daniel’s interpretation reads of the mysterious lettering reads, “you have been weighed on the scales and found wanting.” Thereafter a greedy, idolatrous, and proud ruler meets his humiliating end in a single night. Here, the comment of the scales betrays the natural consequence of war on global food prices and markets.

John continues saying, “and I heard something like a voice in the center of the four living creatures saying, ‘A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius; and do not damage the oil and the wine,’…” (6:6). A similar phenomena is described in Ezekiel 4:16—“They will dole out bread by weight. You will eat, but you will not be satisfied.” Balances, in fact, were typically used by merchants in the ancient world to weigh large quantities of coins, metal, and items such as spices (see also Lev. 26:26; John 19:39) (Wilson, Revelation ZIBBC, 289). Here, a voice from the center of the four living creatures (perhaps the One who sits on the throne), states that the price of typical staples would be significantly inflated. Wheat and barley were commonplace in the Roman empire. In fact, portions of these provisions were distributed to the city’s poor to garner political support (ancient hand-outs). While the poor ate barely (as it was cheaper) the wealthy consumed wheat-based products. A “denarius” was the average days’ wage for a laborer and a quart of wheat was enough food for one person for a day. Three quarts of barley were barely enough for a small family. These “famine prices” for food were about ten to twelve times the going rate for the same quantities of food in John’s day (Osborne, Revelation, 280). Therefore, whenever this prophecy is fulfilled, a man’s entire daily earnings will barely be enough to feed himself and/or family.

As for the final comment made in connection to the black horsemen—“do not damage the oil and the wine”—some have suggested that it mirrors an edict first given by the Roman Emperor Domitian during the time of this writing (mid-90s AD). In AD 92 Domitian issued an edict that half of the vineyards in the provinces should be cut down. The previous harvest had produced an abundance of wine but a lack of wheat, so the order was issued to correct a perceived imbalance in production (Wilson, Revelation ZIBBC, 290). Together with what has already been said about the wheat and barley, this black horse symbolizes a coming famine and global food crisis following wars that accompany a swift consolidation of power.

d. The Ashen Horse-6:7-8

As with the previous three so goes the introduction of the fourth and final horseman—“When the Lamb broke the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature saying, ‘Come’” (6:7).

The fourth horse that John beholds is “an ashen horse” (6:8a). Some translations read “pale green.” What he symbolizes is crystallized in the name and entourage that accompanies him—“and he who sat on it had the name Death and Hades was following with him,…” (6:8a). Death and hell are personified as forces unleashed upon the earth following after this yellowish-green decaying horse. The imagery of “following behind” pictures Hades on foot gathering up the corpses left by pestilence and death as they strike victim after victim during the tribulation (Obsborne, Revelation, 282).

Hades has a lot of collecting to do considering what John describes in verse 8—“Authority was given to them over a fourth of the earth, to kill with sword and with famine and with pestilence and by the wild beasts of the earth,…”. Notice once again that authority is being given to these characters to perform these activities; they do not possess this authority in and of themselves. That said, once empowered to enact their terror, they succeed in bringing about the kinds of conditions that kill one fourth of the earth’s population. The geo-political maneuvering, war, and social-economic stressors symbolized by the first three horses no doubt will contribute in large part to this onslaught of death. This final rider, in a way, summarizes the first three, and calls the result of all that has been unleashed up to this point “death” (Beale, Revelation, 383). However, the fourth horseman adds an additional cause of death—pestilence. Fatal diseases, perhaps brought about in part because of the implications of war and poor food supply, will be rampant on the planet, leading to huge losses of life. Even wild beasts join in on the destruction of human life.

You might already be asking yourself, can it get any worse? The short answer is yes. With every passing program of plagues (later witnessed in the trumpets and bowls) the judgment and subsequent destruction grows more and more acute. You might also be wondering, am I, a Christian, going to be enduring these dark days ahead? Clues in this passage and earlier in the book of Revelation seem to suggest that the church as it exists today is not physically present on the earth (see also 1 Thess. 4). While an unbelieving Israel and the rest of the lost world are found among the casualties listed in this and other passages, the people of God (24 elders surrounding the throne) are in the heavens awaiting the marriage supper of the Lamb (see Revelation 19). What transpires in Revelation 6-18 appears to serve two purposes: 1) It is God’s judgement of unbelieving world and 2) it is a final call to God’s old-covenant people to return to him in both an existential and spiritual way before the end.

So What?

A couple of takeaways to leave with after witnessing these four horsemen unleashed on the earth. First, God takes his judgment of a wicked an unbelieving world seriously. Second, regardless of how terrifying things look on the earth, even in the end, God is on the throne and the world’s powers are merely his pawns executing his will on the world’s stage. Take heart in this—your God will soundly punish the wrong and unbelieving ways of this fallen planet. Take comfort in this—our God is mightier than the foes we face in this or in any age.

Crystal Spring ON MISSION Pt. 5: INVEST

Over the last couple of weeks we’ve been discussing our mission as a church—to Know Christ, Grow in Christ and Show Christ to others. We’ve also begun discussing how we might accomplish the last piece of this mission more effectively—showing Christ. Last week we looked at how important it is to identify those around us who are in need of Jesus Christ. This week, we are going to delineate how we are to INVEST in those we’ve identified so as to bring them one step closer to a saving relationship with the Lord. Investments are an important topic. Whether it is a farmer investing in a crop, or a family investing in their future, investments require know-how and effort if they are to pay off. It takes the right people doing the right thing in order for something small to grow into something big. The kingdom of God is no different.

The church can stand to learn a lot about how to invest in God’s mission from 1 Corinthians 3:6-9. As an investor himself, Paul identifies much concerning how to make strategic investments and how to partner with God in the process that is already unfolding. In this passage we are going to ask and answer four questions concerning the investments that showing Christ adequately requires.

I. QUESTION #1: WHAT ARE THE ROLES?-3:6

Corinth was a city situated on the narrow neck of land between two bodies of water. This placement made this city an economic stronghold. Merchants and sailors frequented this area as major trade routes passed through this land. This also made the city diverse in its religious scope. However, to “Corinthianize” was a popular Greek idiom for “go to the devil.” Aside from the negative connotations that surround the people of this land, it was incredibly populous and wealthy. Paul had started the church at Corinth with many difficulties (1 Cor. 2:3). Originally, his preaching did not set well with the Jews and after his eighteen month tenure there, Paul established a Christian church. Sometime after Paul left Corinth and Apollos arrived. Although his message did not differ in substance from Paul’s, the teaching styles of these two were exceedingly different.  The immediate occasion of this letter to Corinth was another letter Paul had received from the Corinthians Church, for which a reply was necessary. Paul was distressed because although Corinth was in the world, the world had entered the church. This is why he deals with grave evils and divisions for nearly half of the book. After dealing with these matters, Paul turns to the matters mentioned in the letter written to him, questions about marriage and celibacy, about food offered to idols, probably also about public worship and spiritual gifts. Paul’s purpose was three-fold. First, he wrote to set right the problems that the church was experiencing. Second, he wrote to answer questions from the church. Third, he wrote to give doctrinal teaching, particularly on the resurrection. Leading up to 3:6-8, Paul has greeted the church and begun to address the many problems this church faced. One of these problems was a failure to realize who does what in the evangelism process. In 3:6-9, Paul addresses this issues and answers the question “how do we invest wisely in the process of showing Christ to the world in need?” 

The conduct of the Corinthians was unbecoming of Christians. They had, as Paul discusses in verse 1-5 of this chapter, proved themselves to be juvenile in their spiritual understanding and as ignorant as babies in their ways. This ignorance led to jealous rivalries and misplaced loyalties. Some pledged allegiance to Paul and others to Apollos. In response to this, Paul calls them “mere men.” So, in an effort to set them straight, Paul breaks down these divisions by addressing where loyalty should truly lie.

Paul begins this passage by first humbling himself and calling himself a “servant” (cf. 3:5). Then, Paul takes it a step further and   compares himself to a plow boy.  Immediately, Paul identifies with a humble character in this agricultural metaphor. In fact, this metaphor may have offended some of the listeners who held people in Paul’s position to high esteem. That said, Paul understood that even he served as a planter—someone who makes a small but important investment in the lives of those around him.

If Paul was the plow boy, Apollos was the water-boy. Again, Apollos was another teacher that had ministered both in Corinth and in Ephesus at the time of Paul. Although his message coincided with Paul’s, their respective styles of teaching were very different from each other. Even still, the image of a planter and waterer makes several key points that help the church in Corinth and our today understand how we ought to investing in the showing Christ process. First, the labor of one without the other would be useless. Planters need waterers and waterers have to have seed to water upon. Both are required for the one goal of yielding a crop. This means that showing Christ is not a solo endeavor—it is a team investment. Second, a rivalry between a planter and a waterer is absurd. No farmer ponders whose job is more important, they are simply concerned about receiving a harvest.

Two roles are exposed in the process of showing Christ (two ways to invest in an effort to show Christ)—a planter and a waterer. There are those who initially engage people with the truth of God (either through an act of service or word of encouragement or invitation for coffee, etc.) and there are those whom God uses pour into these investments with consistent installment of time, attention, and love.

However, the most important lesson from this simple metaphor is that God alone is responsible for producing the harvest. Planters merely scatter seed. Waterers simply keep the ground wet. But the miracle of growth is performed by God alone.

II. QUESTION #2: WHAT IS THE RESULT?-3:7

The next thing that Paul answers for his audience is “What is the result?” However, before he offers the answer to this inquiry, he reminds them that God is ultimately in control of the process—“So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything.” At the end of the day, it is about God, not who plants or who waters. Paul takes this to its extreme by saying that compared to what God does to cause the growth, the one who plants and the one who water is nothing!

I love to listen to good music. When we consider genius composers like Mozart and Beethoven, or modern composers like John Williams and others, do we ever concern ourselves with the paper they write the notes on or the ink with which they pen the beautiful harmonies and phrases of music that leave us breathless, NO! In the same way, planters and waterers are nothing compared to the miracle of seeing a plant grow. However, without Paper or ink, music would not be written and without planting and watering, the miracle of Evangelism will not take place.

Before we get lost in the metaphor here let me bring us back to the text. Paul is talking about the miracle of showing Christ well. Both Paul and Apollos played a role in God’s ministry and evangelism—they were tools in the process.  But they weren’t anything compared to God who was the one who reaps the harvest of souls and grows His church. The same is true today. Paul’s desire is to show that in the process of investing in evangelism, we play an intricate role, and yet, at the end of the day, God is the winner of souls. For whatever reason, he has given us a piece of the action. We get to be plow boys and girls and water boys/girls in our world today!

III. QUESTION #3: HOW DOES THIS HAPPEN?-3:8

In the face of the divisions that unfortunately plagued the church in Corinth, Paul speaks unity. While many sided with the Paul camp or the Apollos camp, Paul ruins the debate by saying, “you know, we are all equally invested in this process,” “now he who plants and he who waters are one” (3:8). They were one in several ways. One in purpose (showing Christ) one in rank (no one above another) and one in loyalty (to God). The same is true of the church today. We are one in our effort to reach this world for Christ.  

While unity joins everyone together, Paul also states “but each will receive his own reward according to his own labor” (3:8). Laborers are paid for their backbreaking work in the field and so will those who are working to spread the seed of the gospel in this world. Also, according to this verse, you are not rewarded based on commission. God rewards based on faithfulness, “according to his own labor.” Unlike a stock broker who is paid to the degree that he earns or the farmer who is compensated for the yield of his crop, the believer is rewarded for the effort he/she puts to the task of investing in the process of showing Christ irrespective of results! Likewise, believers are not judged in comparison to others around you, “to his own labor.”

Sometimes, I struggle with comparing myself to others, even in the ministry. I find myself striving hard to be like so-and-so or as educated as this person/ successful in ministry as this or that church. This is wicked! Paul communicates here that God is concerned with you doing what you do faithfully. Not how much you have done compared to Billy Graham, Charles Spurgeon, or even the Apostle Paul.

IV. QUESTION #4: WHY IS THIS THE CASE?-3:9

In order to bring the concept of investing in evangelism home, Paul reminds them that they are fellow workers with God. The church at Corinth, Apollos, Paul, and all other believers were “fellow workers.” Often times the church fails to realize how profound this is. God has included us in the process of growing his church! He has placed a glorious responsibility upon us to be His planters, His waterers, His investors! The profundity of why God would include imperfect and selfish men in a process so great is mind-blowing.

However, it is less inconceivable when we realize that we are the product of this process. We too are a field that God has harvested sometime in the past. The field belongs to Him, He owns it. And at one point in time a man named troy McDaniel, a children’s pastor planted a seed. A couple of parents watered on that soil, and when the time was right, I was ripe for the picking. I don’t care if you’re John Piper, Charles Stanley, Adrian Rodgers, or sitting in this room today. You were a product of this process. And what is awesome is that after having been reaped as a harvest, we are now employed as workers in His field, doing our job to plant and water in order that God can supernaturally reap the next harvest of souls.

So What?

What about your investment? Are you fulfilling your role as a planter/waterer in God’s fields that are ripe for harvest? What is resulting from your life’s work? Are you even concerned about the field to which you were called? How about this question: if everyone invested in the process of showing Christ to the degree that you do, what could the church expect to yield? We have been given a high calling, not just to identify those who need the Lord, but to invest in their lives so as to introduce them to Him.  We are God’s appointed workers, laboring in HIs field. We must no thwart our responsibility to be about the task at hand. However, we must also remember that God is the sovereign owner of the field, and we is the only one capable of saving anyone. He is the power behind the miracle, not us. We just get to be a part of the process.  So how can you plant this week? How can you water on that which has already been planted?  How might you chose to invest? 

The Great Campaign Wk 3: Showing up and Showing Christ

As we have observed over the last couple of weeks, knowing one’s candidate and growing more familiar with his/her platform is absolutely essential to any campaign. The same is true for the ongoing mission of God that we are called to as believers (to know and grow in Christ). However, these two elements to the campaign make very little difference to the world if/when people fail to keep the third and final part of the mission—Showing Christ to others.

In every presidential campaign, there are opportunities for candidates to show what they bring to the table. Whether in stump speeches, press conferences, or especially in the debates, the candidate must show well in order to convince others to join his/her efforts. This is where our analogy between our campaign and political campaigns breaks down, for, in the mission we are called to, God has asked us to do His bidding! We are the ones who have been asked to stump on Christ’s behalf, present His case, and, when necessary, make a defense for HIs record and the future hope that He promises. What an awesome responsibility!

Therefore, in an effort to demonstrate how we can successfully accomplish this third and final element of our ongoing movement, we are going to take a look at one of Paul’s many encouragements to the church of Colossae in Colossians 4:2-6. Colossae was a thriving city 100 miles east of Ephesus. Although Colossae’s population was primarily Gentile, there was a large Jewish settlement there. Colossae’s mixed population of Jews and Gentiles manifested itself both in the composition of the church and in the heresy that plagued it, which contained elements of both Jewish legalism, pagan mysticism, and early Gnosticism.  After Paul greets the church at the beginning of this letter, he thanks them for their service and prays that the church will grow in wisdom, especially concerning what they know about the person of Christ. Next, Paul begins to describe Christ as the head of the church, Redeemer, Reconciler, and Sacrifice. After defending Christ’s personhood, Paul delves into the implications that go along with a sophisticated Christology. He shows how believers ought to join His campaign over inferior movement connected to the flesh and this world. Finally, toward the end of this rally, Paul begins to give encouragements to the church. Three of these commands are presented in chapter 4 verses 2-6. All of them, interestingly enough, identify how to campaign well for Jesus by showing Christ to a world that desperately needs him.

I. COMMAND #1: PRAY PURPOSEFULLY-4:2-4

As Paul draws his letter to a close, he calls upon the church in Colossae to first devote themselves to prayer (with consistent and constant intensity with the possible implication of difficulty), “devote yourselves to prayer” (4:2a). In light of all that Paul has taught in the beginning of his letter, Paul’s first encouragement to the church is to commit themselves to a life of fervent prayer. Why? Because showing Christ to others is predicated on one’s prayer life. One’s ability to demonstrate Christ to others is in direct proportion to his/her personal prayer life.  

The Colossians were instructed to pray in a specific manner, with “alertness” or “watchfulness” and “with an attitude of thanksgiving,” (4:2b).  Although prayers do require the individual to be awake, when Paul says “keeping alert,” he is talking about praying with an acute awareness of whatever affects the spread of the gospel. This becomes exceedingly obvious as Paul will soon

Notice also that prayer is supposed to take place in the context of thanksgiving (1 Thess. 5:17). Thankfulness provides the proper context for good praying. No one depended on this context of thanksgiving more than Paul whose own circumstances were often anything but something for which to be thankful—he was writing this from a prison cell for crying out loud! However, to ensure a proper perspective in the midst of tribulation, Paul both modeled and urged that prayer be offered in an attitude of thanks. This kind of prayer sees clearly the obstacles and difficulties but recognizes that in spite of all of them, God is able to work.

The construction of these two verses may suggest a three-fold pattern in prayer life. First, an individual prays fervently, second, an individual watches or waits for a response, “keeping alert in it,” and third, the individual responds with thanksgiving upon answered prayer. The first requires obedience, as a believer takes on the command to pray. The second requires faith as the believer anxiously awaits the fulfillment of the answer, and third, it requires praise and adoration to God for having answered the prayer offered. While the world sleeps in their disbelief and ignorance, Paul calls Christians to keep awake and devoted to regular and steady prayer.  Our campaign cannot be caught without a strong connection to the candidate!

In repeating the word “prayer” in verse 3, Paul emphasizes its importance, “praying at the same time for us as well” (4:3). In the spirit of being devotedly specific in their prayer lives, Paul gives them some specific requests of his.

First, Paul requested that the church in Colossae pray for an open door for the gospel, “that God will open up to us a door for the word so that we may speak for the mystery of Christ for which I have been imprisoned…” (4:3). Paul always looked for ways to communicate the gospel of Jesus Christ. No one had better skills to turn any situation into an opportunity for witnessing. His success was, in part due to the many prayers offered on his behalf for wisdom and opportunity. You want to spread the opportunity to spread the gospel successfully? Pray for it! That is what Paul did and look how God used him! Paul instructs the Colossians to pray that he would find an open door. The apostle lived for such opportunities and realized that God alone provided these divine appointments, often, in response to the prayers offered.

However, What is this mystery Paul is sharing? The answer is found in Colossians 1:26-27 which says “ the mystery which has been hidden from the past ages and generations, but has now been manifested to His saints, to whom God willed to make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” The substance of Paul’s message, the mystery that he longed more than anything to solve for people was that by grace through faith, anyone can have Christ in them, the hope of glory. This was the kernel of truth that Paul hoped to share with those who were lost. This is the campaign slogan of the saints!

Paul’s second request was that he may proclaim the gospel as he should, “That I may make it clear in the way I ought to speak” (4:4). Paul not only looked for new doors to walk through but he also looked for ways to make the gospel known. He did not pray for a specific method of spreading the gospel, but for the wisdom to know what to say in specific situations, all the while doing justice to the gospel.

In this first command given in this passage, Paul reveals that to show Christ adequately, one must adopt a dynamic prayer life which includes: praying for the lost, praying for opportunities to share Christ with the lost, and praying for wisdom so that the sharing done may be appropriate and winsome. However, prayers are only the first step in campaigning well for Jesus.

II. COMMAND #2: ACT ACCORDINGLY-4:5

Paul’s second command is to live out the gist of what they are praying, “conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders” (4:5a). The Colossians were to ensure that their lives, speech, and appearance reflected Christ in them (the mystery in them). To “conduct yourselves with wisdom” means to follow Christ as God’s pattern for full and authentic living. Paul knew all too well the importance of giving the world no reason to criticize the behavior of Christians. Blameless living alongside a dynamic prayer life are two cornerstones of a good witness. Why?

A blameless walk naturally affords a believer the ability to make the most of every opportunity given to him/her to show Christ, “making the most of the opportunity” (4:5b). Just as presidential candidates are believed to score points among independents by acting “presidential” Christians “make the most” of their witness to the lost of this world when they conduct themselves with wisdom, love, and righteousness.  The word for “making the most” insinuates that every opportunity you have to spread the seed or water on planted ground needs to be snapped up, lest it be lost to something or someone else.  

As a campaign nears the end of its season, it is an all-out blitz for airtime, votes, and turnout. Every committed volunteer and staff member works with increased urgency so that every vote that can be retrieved will be retrieved, lest it be granted to the opposing campaign.  The same must be true of the opportunities we have for our superior campaign, for, we don’t just have votes on the line and four years of implications on the line, people’s eternal lives are at stake, and the opposing campaign of sin and this world would love to add to its ranks.

You may say to yourself, “Well, I have very little if any opportunities to share the gospel.” However, the very fact that you are left on this earth and here today suggests that your opportunities have not run out. (Perhaps you do not recognize the myriad of opportunities around you or aren’t being given more explicit opportunities because you have failed to pray for them). Time itself is an opportunity to seize for the kingdom of God. What are you going to do with it? Decide today to snap it up for all its worth for the glory of God. The time is near! Jesus could return at any moment!

Matthew 24:36ff- ³⁶ “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone. ³⁷ For the coming of the Son of Man will be just like the days of Noah. ³⁸ For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, ³⁹ and they did not understand until the flood came and took them all away; so will the coming of the Son of Man be. ⁴⁰ Then there will be two men in the field; one will be taken and one will be left. ⁴¹ Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken and one will be left.⁴² “Therefore be on the alert, for you do not know which day your Lord is coming. ⁴³ But be sure of this, that if the head of the house had known at what time of the night the thief was coming, he would have been on the alert and would not have allowed his house to be broken into. ⁴⁴ For this reason you also must be ready; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not think He will.”

One way to be ready is to be about the campaign we are called to by praying for an opportunity to share the gospel and ceasing every opportunity to make the most of it by acting accordingly.

III. COMMAND #3: SPEAK SWEETLY-4:6

Paul’s final command in this passage reflects both the content of words spoken and the manner of speaking any matter, “Let your speech always be with grace as though seasoned with salt…”(4:6a). Here, two statements illustrate the nature of Christian speech, “in grace” and “with salt.” “In grace” may reflect an idiom used in that day which described charm or charisma. However, Paul wants it to mean more than just tactfulness. Ultimately, Paul is trying to get the Colossians to speak with grace as those who live in grace or speak in a distinctly Christian way. While the world slanders and bludgeons people with their sharp rhetoric of negativity and deception, a Christian’s words are to stand in contrast as a presentation given with grace.

1 Peter 3:15-“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”

Salt was used in three different ways in those days. It could preserve a food, sterilize a food, or season a food. Here Paul is talking about the latter. Conversations are to be seasoned in such a way that they bring life and richness. Paul knew that a lengthy and laborious monologue is often useless in evangelism. Rather, Christians are to work at making their witness lively and colorful while at the same time making sure they stay true to the gospel.

This kind of speech is required “so that” as Paul says “you will know how you should respond to each person” (4:6c). Respond to what? Well If verses 4 and 5 are being carried out properly (that is we are engaged in prayer and living rightly), outsiders will begin to ask Christians about their new life and its source. Although many questions are predictable, each questioner is an individual and must be respected, loved, and responded to as such. One technique or approach may not be suitable to each and every person you meet. Instead, each outsider must be given special and customized attention.

So What?

In this passage we’ve observed the unmistakable priority of prayer, the need for an authentic lifestyle, and a proper and gracious presentation. Paul in his encouragements to Colossae desired for that church to join Jesus’ campaign in this way: showing Christ to others. We must also take on the charge in our own lives. We too must devote ourselves to prayer in eager anticipation of an answer for those we know and for this community. We too must strive to live blameless lives in order to provide the kind of example that will make people stop and ask us what is different about ourselves and make the most of every opportunity to share Jesus Christ. Thirdly, we must speak boldly and graciously with those around communicate the flavorful truths of God’s Word. These three commands of Paul are paramount if we are going to adequately show Christ to others around us as individuals and as a church. May we not be caught hesitant are unwilling to make that call, knock on that door, or engage those around us for Jesus. May we instead choose to live with open eyes and ears, aware of those in need around us and dive into their lives with the saving knowledge of Christ. Our campaign depends on it! It is crunch time! His return is near!

Bethany's Birthday!

November 1--- the first day of my favorite month! Not only is this day special to me because it's the first of November.. But it's so special because someone I love SO much was born on this day.
Bethany Singleton is one if my most favorite people on the planet. I can't explain to you how much is in my heart for this girl. I'm getting all teared up as I type this. 

Bethany is almost more like family than a friend. Living only 57 seconds away only helps the idea of us being like sisters.. I remember spending hours at her house doing homework or jumping on the trampoline ( not off of the balcony of course, because that would be dangerous) :) Bethany has always just been there. When I needed someone to put a smile on my face I could count on her. When I needed to just sit on the swing and talk, she was there. When I needed advice or a clever trick on how to "get the boys back" she had the greatest ideas. We learned together, we conspired together, we practically lived together some nights. She's for sure more than a friend... She's family!

Bethany is more generous and loving than I am or sure. I try so hard to give back to The Lord, to give to others and to show others christs love through my generosity... This girl outdoes me times a thousand. Last year I quickly ride up to her house to drop off her christs present.. What was this kid doing??? Packing up cookies and goodies to give to the nurses who worked that Christmas Eve. It's. Standing tradition, one that I had forgotten about.. But not Bethany. She spend her Christmas Eve afternoon delivering cookies to nurses on call and visiting the elderly in the nursing home. What better way to spend a Christmas Eve? What better way to show how much you love Jesus... What better gift to give... That's why she's an inspiration. She enjoys doing things like that. She remembers that it's more important to give than to receive.. And she lives that out-- even at Christmas time! 

Bethany is devoted. Not only is this girl at every church event, but she volunteers at other churches.. She helps out with babysitting, awanas, children activities, decouple ship now events, and is even involved in her prayer group at liberty! I couldn't r more proud of her dedication to learn and serve. She enjoys learning more about The Lord and his word and practices this daily. I could learn from her example for sure

Bethany is funny. I am not kidding when I say she can put a smile on my face instantly when I walk into a room. She is so much like me that with a look I can know what she is thinking... And that always makes me smile! She tells the best stories.. And the craziest things seem to happen to her. She simply has the gift of Making people smile... Of any age at any time.

Bethany is simply the greatest. I can't put into words how much I really love her, I can't come up with enough stories to explain just how awesome she truly is, I can't even show a picture that would describe the way I feel about her... So this will just have to do for now.. Happy birthday Bethany! I pray your day is filled with friendship, family, giving, and time with The Lord! I pray you continue to shine bright for hjm leading others to him by simply being yourself. I pray your day is extra special, because you deserve it! Love you more and more and more. ( and now I have a little one that can admire you just as much as I do!) Can't wait to see the influence you have in her life as well. Happy Birthday! 

Happy Birthday Carrington!

I wish my girls would stop growing up, and stop having birthdays… I can’t believe how fast time has gone by.. and I seriously can’t believe how fast this kiddo has grown up. I mean for real. Like right before my eyes. I remember holding her when she was just a little bitty thing, and how she has become a beautiful young lady, and a true friend.You can’t really explain the bond of cousins, unless of course, you have amazing cousins like I do. This girl has been in my life for so long now, that I actually don’t remember life without her. We have had so many good times, and I am so great full that we have had such an awesome relationship all throughout her life. I am so proud of her. Let me just list 16 reasons why I am SO proud to say she is my cousin….

1. She loves Jesus . She shines for him. She tells others about him, she teaches about him, she acts for him, and she does everything she can to bring glory and honor to her Lord. We could all learn a little something from her. She has taught me that even when being silly on stage, you can still shine for Jesus.

2. She adores her friends. She has made lots of friends throughout her life at various places… and she loves them all.

3. Carrington is super close with her family. She is always willing to babysit, or lend a hand to help a family member in need. She loves her brothers and has always been spoiled by them.

4. She will probably be famous one day. Carrington is one of those actors that just draws your eye. I may be saying this because I am related to her, but I do firmly believe that when I am watching one of her plays that my eyes are on her the entire time because I know her… however, I think everyone else is watching her because she is just THAT good!

5. She has such a big heart. She really does love people. She loves to serve, she loves to help, she simply loves.

6. She spends her free time visiting the nursing home, or baking goodies for the elderly, or working with people to do something GREAT for someone else. She is a giver.

7. Carrington is a hard worker. She loves to act, dance, and be silly... but she also does these things with determination that is to be admired. She is great at school, SOOO smart, and so creative. Truly an inspiration.

8. Carrington is super smart. She not only gets good grades, but she also has a good head on her shoulders.

9. She makes wise choices. This is something I try to teach my girls, and my students in my class. Make WISE choices. Choose good friends, choose to do the right thing, choose to stand up for what you believe in, choose to keep your mouth closed, choose to forgive, choose to love. Choices people. Make wise ones.. and she does. So I am proud!

10. She listens. She listens to her elders, which is important, but she also listens to people. She is a great listener if you have a problem or need someone to turn to in a time of need just to listen… this girl is the way to go.

11. She is sweet. It takes a lot to be sweet in this world sometimes… especially when others are not so sweet back to you…and she is, she is just sweet.

12. Carrington is compassionate. She goes on mission trips, she gives to others, and she truly wants to see others come to know the Lord.

13. She knows how to have fun. This is important, and she does it well.

14. She laughs at herself. This is also very important, and she does that well too!

15. She enjoys learning. She likes learning new things, she likes learning in school, and she likes to learn new games.

16. She is striving to be more and more like Jesus daily. That’s what all of us should be doing.. and she does it.

I am proud of her for these reasons and so many more! I hope you have an AWESOME birthday and I hope it is filled with ALL the things you enjoy. I love you Sweet girl.

Happy Birthday Emmy!

Okay... I had all intentions of posting this on your actual birthday sweet Em.. but totally forgot. (Can I still blame things on my Audrey girl?!?) haha. but for real. I love you, and here it is since I wrote it a while ago and forgot to post!

Happy Birthday Emmy! Here are my wishes for you on your special day!

I hope you always remember to keep Jesus first!

This kid inspires me daily to Love Jesus and love my family. She has an amazing relationship with the Lord.. and with her brother that I super admire. I seriously can learn so much from this girl, and I love when we do get to hang out and I can see just how much she loves Jesus, and just how much she loves her family. It really is inspiring.

 I hope you remember to laugh.

I am not kidding when I say that Emmy can make anyone's day better just by her fun loving personality. I love when she sends me a quick text, or when I hear one of her funny explanations for thnigs. I know she has SO many friends because she is so funny and just fun to be around. On your birthday, I hope you have lots of fun, and that it is filled with lots of laughter.

I hope you stay flexible.

This is something I learned so much later in life... and something that Emmy is so good at already. She puts others first and stops at a moments notice to help a friend.. even when she has had other plans. I do think it is important to have plans, but I also think it is important to be flexible. (plus I wanted to use this picture!)

I hope you continue to put others first and support your friends always.

I love how close my girls are. I love that they have been friends since they were itty bitty in sunday school. How awesome is it to have friends like that in life. Its rare, and it shows how tried and true these girls are.... not only to each other, but in life. I am constantly learning this from them, and especially from emmy. She is so supportive of her friends. I seriously hope Audrey learns this from her.

I hope you remember to forgive.

This is a big one, and its hard sometimes, but forgivness is something that is so important... especially since we have been given so much grace.

Last, I hope you remember to love. love others. love deeply. love from the bottom of your heart.

Its so easy to get caught up in loving people so you can get something... but not only does Emmy simply love, she really has one of the biggest hearts.

Happy Birthday Sweet Emmy! I seriously can't thank you enough for the impact you have had on my life, and for the influence I know you will have on my sweet girl. I hope she can learn from you, and that you will have the opportunity to watch her grow and mature like I have had the opportunity to do in your life.

Wow, just  look how far we have come!

LOVE you to the mooon and back. Hope your Birthday is filled with all the things you enjoy my dear!