DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- PRAYER OF THE MARTYRS

DAD'S RAMBLINGS –

PRAYER OF THE MARTYRS

"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 testimony which they held. And they cried with a loud voice, saying, 'How long, Lord, holy and true, until you judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?' Then a white robe was given to each of them; and it was said to them that they should rest a little while longer, until both the number of their fellow servants and they brethren, who would be killed as they were, was completed." (Revelation 6:9-11)

In the midst of all the mayhem that is going on upon earth – war, famine, death, earthquakes – the great day of God's wrath (vs.17), there is this scene in heaven where those who have been slain for their witness to the Gospel of Jesus are wondering how long until they are vindicated and avenged on earth. They are told to have patience – to rest and wait – until the rest of their companions joined them, until their number was complete.

I am not a martyr in this group, but sometimes I echo their question: "How long, O Lord, how long until You judge and avenge those who have been killed for Your name's sake?" I say with the Psalmist David, "My soul is greatly troubled; But You, O LORD – how long?" (Psalm 6:3). In another place, Asaph cried out to God, "O God, how long will the adversary reproach? Will the enemy blaspheme Your name forever?" (Psalm 74:11). And again, "LORD, how long will the wicked triumph?" (Psalm 94:3). Sometimes it seems that this world is getting worse and worse and iniquity abounds. Our souls are distressed by the evil, and we wonder how long God will put up with this nonsense.

God has a plan, and when the time is completed, He will bring His plan to fulfillment. Until then, we need to have patience – to rest in Him and His sovereignty. He is longsuffering and not willing that any should perish, but there will come a time when everything will be brought to completion, and He will reign.

There is a song that says, "O, Lord Jesus, how long, how long, 'til we hear the glad song, Christ returneth, Christ returneth, Hallelujah, Amen." Even so, come quickly.

Love, Dad