Chapter 3:
Nation vs. Nation & Aftermath

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Chapter 3: Nation vs. Nation & Aftermath

As you may recall from our previous chapter, this prophetic book explores our current position in relation to the unfolding events foretold in Scripture. Last chapter, we examined verses that indicated our prophetic location and foreshadowed what is to come. Recent events, such as cyber-attacks against military establishments and the theft of sensitive data, allegedly by sovereign nations, are aligning with the signs we discussed.

The climate of aggression is increasing, with provocative actions happening more frequently. Nations are fortifying borders, creating new islands, and forming unexpected alliances through diplomacy. Peace, as we have known it, is in danger (Matthew 24:6-8).

In this chapter, we will delve into the second and third seals from the Book of Revelation, while briefly touching upon the fourth seal as well. When the disciples asked the Lord about the timing of His return, He provided them with a list of signs, which parallel the seven seals in Revelation, leading up to His coming (Matthew 24:3).

While the Lord's response in Matthew offers additional details not mentioned in the seven seals, and vice versa, we can observe the relationship between these prophetic accounts. As we progress through this book, we will explore the signs to watch for, as disciples seeking to understand the future, just as the Lord's followers inquired about these matters (Matthew 24:3).

In the Lord's response recorded in Matthew 24:7, He states, "For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom." What are the parallel verses in the Book of Revelation? If we look at Revelation 6:3-4, we read: "When He opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature saying, 'Come and see.' Another horse, fiery red, went out. And it was granted to the one who sat on it to take peace from the earth, and that people should kill one another; and there was given to him a great sword."

We are discussing a great war where peace will be taken from the earth through instigation of conflict. Consider what brought about World War II - it did not initially involve everyone, but peace had to be taken away first. When that happened, others became involved, even those who initially wanted to remain uninvolved. However, when attacked and their way of life threatened, the purpose of military force comes into play.

Peace will be taken from the earth, and the Lord's words of "nation rising against nation and kingdom against kingdom" (Matthew 24:7) will come to pass. Now, with 21st century weaponry, imagine the widespread destruction, chaos, and calamity that will ensue. Every world system and infrastructure - religious, economic, governmental - will be tremendously fractured. Some places will have no governing structure, reverting to lawlessness reminiscent of the Wild West.

As you can envision, such widespread damage and death will pave the way for the other seals to follow. After peace is taken from the earth by military force and nations rise up against each other, the third seal is unveiled in Revelation 6:5-6.

As we examine the third seal in Revelation 6:5-6, we encounter rich symbolism that requires closer examination:

"When He opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, 'Come and see.' So I looked, and behold, a black horse, and he who sat on it had a pair of scales in his hand. And I heard a voice in the midst of the four living creatures saying, 'A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius; and do not harm the oil and the wine.'"

Let's break down these elements:

• - The Black Horse: This color typically symbolizes famine and scarcity in biblical prophecy.
• - The Scales: The rider holding a pair of scales indicates a time of careful measuring and rationing of food, further emphasizing the scarcity theme.
• - A Denarius: This was a Roman silver coin that typically represented a day's wages for a common laborer. In normal times, a denarius could buy about 8-10 quarts of wheat.
• - The Prices: "A quart of wheat for a denarius" indicates severe inflation. What once bought 8-10 quarts now only purchases one. This represents a roughly tenfold increase in food prices.
• - Wheat and Barley: Wheat was the preferred grain, while barley was considered inferior, often used for animal feed or by the poor. The ratio here (1 quart of wheat = 3 quarts of barley) maintains the typical price relationship between these grains, indicating that the entire food supply is affected. On a spiritual level, this scarcity of bread can be seen as a metaphor for the difficulty in accessing God's Word during this time. Just as Yeshua is the Bread of Life, His teachings and the scriptures may become hard to come by due to intense persecution of believers.
• - Oil and Wine: The command not to harm the oil and wine is particularly significant when viewed through a spiritual lens. While these were indeed staples in ancient diets, they also carry deep spiritual symbolism. The oil often represents the Holy Spirit in Scripture, while the wine can symbolize the blood of Christ. This command, therefore, can be interpreted as a promise that even in times of great tribulation, when physical sustenance and access to Scripture may be scarce, believers will not be cut off from the spiritual nourishment provided by the Holy Spirit and the saving power of Christ's sacrifice.

This detailed prophecy paints a picture of a time of severe distress, both economic and spiritual, following the global conflicts described in the second seal. We see a world where basic survival becomes a daily struggle for many, with a stark divide between the wealthy and the poor becoming even more pronounced.

In our modern context, we can see potential parallels in global economic instabilities, food shortages due to conflicts, supply chain issues, and the growing wealth disparity in many nations. Similarly, we might observe increasing challenges to religious freedom and access to Scripture in various parts of the world. Yet, as believers, we can take comfort in the assurance that God's spiritual provision will not fail, even in the most challenging times.

As we watch these trends develop, we're reminded of the accuracy of biblical prophecy and the importance of being spiritually prepared for the challenging times ahead. This preparation involves not only practical readiness for potential hardships but also a deep reliance on the Holy Spirit and the saving work of Christ, which will remain accessible even when other resources may fail.

The fourth seal carries on the aftermath of war, as the inhabitants of the earth remain in danger even after peace has been taken away. The second seal caused peace to leave, the third seal spoke of economic calamity, and the fourth seal represents the continuation of that lack of peace, with a powerful entity given authority to kill a fourth part of the earth. This entity is called Death, and Hell follows him.

Revelation 6:7-8 states: "When He opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature saying, 'Come and see.' So I looked, and behold, a pale horse. And the name of him who sat on it was Death, and Hades followed with him. And power was given to them over a fourth of the earth, to kill with sword, with hunger, with death, and by the beasts of the earth."

Who is this rider called Death? This figure represents the personification of death itself, given authority to bring widespread destruction. The name "Death" emphasizes the devastating impact this entity will have, as it wields power over a quarter of the earth's population.

This beast, Death, will be given power to reign on the earth, taking lives in a wholesale fashion. He is called Death because the god of this world, the evil one, relishes death and uses it as a tool of fear and control. Moreover, Death is closely associated with practices abhorrent to God, such as necromancy and divination - attempts to communicate with the dead.

An illustrative example of these practices and the power of Death can be found in the story of King Saul. When faced with a critical decision, Saul had a choice to seek God's guidance at Horeb or to consult a witch at Endor. Horeb, also known as Mount Sinai, was a place associated with God's presence and revelation. Instead of choosing this path of righteousness (like Elijah the prophet when he was in need of help), Saul opted for the forbidden practice of necromancy at Endor.

At Endor, Saul encountered a witch with the power of divination, allowing him to interact with the deceased prophet Samuel (1 Samuel 28:7-20). Crucially, the message Saul received was one of death itself: Samuel prophesied that Saul and his sons would die the next day. This prophecy came to pass, demonstrating the grim reality that death often begets more death.

This account not only illustrates the dangerous allure of forbidden practices but also highlights the pervasive power of death in a fallen world. Yet, it's essential to remember that while Death rides as a fearsome figure in Revelation, it is not all-powerful. As Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 15:26, "The last enemy to be destroyed is death." This reminds us that death, despite its current reign, is ultimately an enemy of God destined for destruction.

According to Revelation 13:4, the source of the beast's power is the Dragon himself, who gives the beast his authority. The wicked figure we will witness will have the manifest power of that evil spirit, Satan. This is Death, riding the pale horse, with Hell following him. However, we can take comfort in knowing that Christ's victory over death at the cross and His resurrection guarantee that Death's reign is temporary.

In the aftermath of so much death, the "beasts of the earth" will multiply greatly as their habitats are disturbed, causing them to be among humans more. With widespread hunger and famine, these beasts will look to humans for food.

Moreover, we have the added concern of these beasts potentially being possessed by evil spirits. Remember when the Lord cast out demons from the man in the region of the Gergesenes, and the demons asked to enter a herd of swine? The Lord granted their request, and they went into the swine (Matthew 8:30-32). The point is not that the demons went into the swine, who then drowned, but rather that they can find habitation in animals as well.

During this perilous time, you will encounter beasts that are not mere "dumb" creatures, as portrayed in horror movies foreshadowing these events. Instead, they will manifest as intelligent beings directed by malevolent forces. It will be a terrible period of dealing with war, hunger, disease, pestilence, and beasts guided by dark spiritual influences (Revelation 6:8).

Returning to the verses in Matthew 24, it states: "Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name's sake. And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another" (Matthew 24:9-10).

In the aftermath of war, as efforts are made to reestablish order, you will become a public enemy. Much of the disturbance will be attributed to disciples and those associated with the instigation that led to peace being taken from the earth. Religion and those adhering strongly to the word of God will be seen as liabilities hindering peace.

Individuals will turn against one another, as the new government will encourage such behavior. Matthew 24:11-12 states: "Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold."

Iniquity, or lawlessness, means the transgression of God's law. When it abounds, it signifies the word of God being a fleeting thing. The commandments of God, which stem from love, will be trampled underfoot. As it says, "the love of many will grow cold" because they have thrown aside God's commandments of love (Matthew 24:12).

However, the Lord promises, "But he who endures to the end shall be saved" (Matthew 24:13). These verses from Matthew are leading us to the coming "Solution" - the new government, religion, and economic system that will arise after the great global unrest, preceded by the great falling away mentioned in 2 Thessalonians 2:3.

Those who support God's written Word will be seen as liabilities, not just to the new government but to humanity itself. There will be a great falling away from the faith, as the beast, the false prophet, the harlot Babylonian religious system, and the mark of the beast's new economic system emerge (Revelation 13, 17-18).

In this system, you must take the mark to participate; refusing to do so will make you an enemy (Revelation 13:16-17). This is what lies ahead - "The Solution" that follows the global unrest. In our next chapter, we will discuss the church of Philadelphia. They are the sixth church mentioned in Revelation.

The Lord said to Philadelphia, "Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth" (Revelation 3:10). Clearly, they had not forsaken God's commandments, for the Word states they were "patient in My word and have kept My command" (Revelation 3:8,10). They did not contribute to the love of many growing cold or the rejection of God's instructions in the world.

This human, Satanic "Solution" will be widely accepted, and many will join the bandwagon, especially after witnessing the immense human suffering preceding it. They will mockingly ask, "Where is your God?" (Psalm 79:10). But those who know God's Word and his testimonies will patiently wait, for they know He is coming, and His reign is imminent.

As we've explored the unfolding of the seals and the global turmoil they bring, we now stand at the threshold of a critical juncture in prophetic history. The world, reeling from unprecedented chaos and destruction, will be desperate for answers and stability. This sets the stage for the emergence of a deceptive "Solution" that promises to restore order but actually opposes God's plan. In our next chapter, we'll examine this counterfeit system in detail.