Something from ... Gottesdienst re: The horsemen of the Apocalypse and the Chaos in the World

Here is a brief article which addresses the chaos in our world from a Scriptural standpoint.  The reference is to the destruction which is caused by the four horsemen sent out by God in St. John's Revelation.  Each rider brought different kinds of suffering.  We see the fulfillment appear right before our eyes.

This destruction and chaos are sent by God so that people will repent of their sins and return to the Lord who alone can provide healing, relief, and recovery.  Sadly, the world goes merrily on, lamenting the loss of wealth, health, and blissful ignorance.  Instead, it lashes out in anger and willful ignorance of their sins.

Meanwhile, the Church prays and commits itself to the Lord.  Even though we also suffer in hard times, we know that the Lord still holds us in his favor for the sake of Jesus Christ whose name we bear, in whose name we worship, and upon whose name we call in the day of trouble.

Lord, have mercy, and use the chaos to bring people to repent.

From Gottesdienst: The Horsemen Are Riding — Gottesdienst

Now I watched when the Lamb opened one of the seven seals, and I heard one of the four living creatures say with a voice like thunder, “Come!” And I looked, and behold, a white horse! And its rider had a bow, and a crown was given to him, and he came out conquering, and to conquer.

When he opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature say, “Come!” And out came another horse, bright red. Its rider was permitted to take peace from the earth, so that people should slay one another, and he was given a great sword.

When he opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, “Come!” And I looked, and behold, a black horse! And its rider had a pair of scales in his hand. And I heard what seemed to be 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 wine!”

When he opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature say, “Come!” And I looked, and behold, a pale horse! And its rider's name was Death, and Hades followed him. And they were given authority over a fourth of the earth, to kill with sword and with famine and with pestilence and by wild beasts of the earth. (Revelation 6:1-8)