Read the Modern Pastor’s Version

When the Lamb opened the first seal, I saw a vision. One of the four living creatures with voices like thunder cried out, "Come and see!" A majestic white horse emerged, ridden by its rider, who held a bow in his hand. A crown was given to him, and he set off to conquer and subdue all.

As the Lamb opened the second seal, I heard another creature say, "Come." A fiery red horse appeared, and its rider received power to take peace from the earth. Conflict and violence erupted as he rode forth.

When the Lamb opened the third seal, I saw a black horse with a balance in its rider's hand. He measured out rations of wheat for one day's work and barley for the same amount. A voice echoed through the midst of the living creatures, warning against harming the precious oil and wine – essential provisions that sustained life.

With the fourth seal, a pale horse appeared, ridden by Death himself. Hades followed close behind, given authority over a quarter of the earth to spread terror with sword, famine, death, and wild beasts. The impact was devastating.

Under the altar, I saw the souls of those who had been martyred for their faithfulness to God's word and their testimony. They cried out in anguish, "How long, O Lord, holy and true, will you not judge and avenge our blood on those who live on earth?" They were clothed in white robes, told to rest a little while longer until their fellow servants and brothers finished their course.

As the Lamb opened the sixth seal, a massive earthquake shook the foundations of the earth. The sun turned dark as sackcloth, and the moon became a deep crimson. The stars fell from heaven like unripe figs torn from a tree by a fierce gust of wind.

The very fabric of creation was unraveling – mountains shifted, and islands were displaced from their places. The leaders of the world, along with mighty warriors, wealthy individuals, and all people great or small, sought refuge in caves and rocks of the mountains. They cried out to these hiding places, "Fall on us and hide us from the face of him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb!" For the great day of his judgment had finally come – who could stand against it?