Sermon 175

📖 Sermon 175 — Revelation 6:9–11

Date: 12-23-1951
Text: Revelation 6:9–11
Preacher: G. S. Kok
Subject: How Long, O Master?

INTRODUCTION

We are always conscious of the passing of time, and as believers we invariably face the question of the end of time. We know that time rushes by, that our own end is surely coming closer, and that Judgment Day is also rushing toward us with incredible speed.
For these reasons we continue our series of sermons on the opening of the seven-sealed book, as seen by John in the vision on the Isle of Patmos.
Tonight we hear the cry: How long, O Master, the Holy One and True?

I. BY WHOM THIS QUESTION IS ASKED

A. John sees the altar of burnt offering

1. This altar stood at the entrance of the Tabernacle.
2. Upon it the sacrificial animals were offered.
3. Beneath it the blood of the slaughtered victims flowed.
   Formerly the blood of animals,
   Here, symbolically, the blood of the martyrs.

B. The souls under the altar

1. They are the souls of those who were slaughtered.
2. Slain for the Word of God.
3. Slain for the testimony which they held.
   They were not silent; they bore witness.

II. TO WHOM THE QUESTION IS DIRECTED

A. O Master — the Despotes

1. They had called themselves slaves of the Lord.
2. They had died in His service.
3. He is the One possessing all authority in heaven and on earth.

B. The Holy One and True

1. Absolutely just and righteous.
2. Absolutely faithful.
3. His honor is at stake:
   Their enemies were His enemies.
   Their murder was more an attack upon Him than upon them.
   Why persecutest thou Me?

III. HOW LONG BEFORE WHAT?

A. Before Thou wilt avenge their blood

1. How long before the judgment of the ungodly murderers?
2. How long before the wicked persecutors are punished?
3. How long before this intolerable situation will end — where those who love Thy Word and testimony are slain?

B. Before the final restoration of all things

1. This is not a cry for personal revenge.
   They died as Stephen died, praying for mercy.
2. Their blood cries out for the end of this dreadful state of affairs.
3. They long for the final vindication of God’s righteousness.

IV. THE ANSWER GIVEN

A. They are given white robes

1. Symbol of righteousness and holiness.
2. Symbol of joy.
3. They may rest — without fear, worry, or distress.
4. This granting of white robes occurs:
   Whenever a martyr dies,
   From Abel onward,
   Because every martyr’s death cries out to God for justice.

B. There must be yet a little time

1. They must rest until that time is fulfilled.
2. The number of martyrs must be completed.
   Their number is fixed by divine decree.
   It will be completed for the glory of God.

CONCLUSION

Time rolls on.
The roll of martyrs is still not full, though even today names are added.
The great question for us is this:
Do we so hold fast the Word of God and His testimony that perhaps our names may one day be added?
When that little time is past — and it may be very soon — where will you and I be?