The breaking of the fifth
seal reveals where the souls of the martyrs went. Verse 9 tells us that they
are underneath the altar. These are the souls of those who stood firm for the
Word of God and stayed true to their testimony as believers of the Messiah. They
were those who show faith in the Lamb. From natural perspective, many would
have given up but they refused to deny their Messiah. They were the wiser one
for they have received their reward of eternal rest. What they experienced
could not be considered tragedies but meaningful sacrifices. They have found
favor with God despite being rejected by the earth. What this scene tells us is
that truth can never stay neutral, we either identify with the martyrs or with
the rest of humanity.
These martyrs
continually cried out loudly, “How
long, O Lord, holy and true, will You refrain from judging and avenging our blood on those who dwell on the earth?” They were not requesting for revenge. They have no selfish and malicious
desire to see those who brought about their death to suffer. Their request came
from hearts full of faith and trust in a God who is just and faithful. They
were in reality more concerned for God’s name to be honored, as one who judges
rightly and justly. Here the Lord God Almighty shows that His plans will not be
short-circuited, but rather it will be brought into its total fruition. What they were calling for was not
just vengeance, but a desire to see the world brought back into balance, and
that their martyrdom be revealed as unfair and unjustified. A just God cannot allow violence against the faithful to prevail. Each of
the martyrs is given a white robe, indicating both purity and victory.
They were also told to rest which is a sign of divine favor. In their
pleading, they asked how long before their martyrdom will be avenged. It was
told to them that it would take a little while longer. There are many more who
will have to suffer the same martyrdom as them. That’s because the plan of God
is not completed yet. God is just. So however we may feel unjustified, remember
He said, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay it.” At the right moment, He will
execute His judgement. He is always on time. We don’t have to remind God. He
knows best. Just trust Him!
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