Under the Altar

Ezekiel 15-16; Psalms 70; Revelation 6 

“When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God and the testimony they had maintained. They called out in a loud voice, ‘How long, Sovereign Lord, holy and true, until you judge the inhabitants of the earth and avenge our blood?’”

Revelation 6:9, 10

Why are the martyrs seen under the altar?

They have offered their lives as living sacrifices to God, and the blood of their sacrifice of service, obedience, and faithfulness to Jesus is precious to the Lord. Living on mission with Jesus the Lamb of God, was more valuable to them than their lives. Their value of the gospel, the Word of God, cost them their lives.

What would we value enough to give our lives for?

The gospel is not just a message we receive with gratitude, it is an example we follow and the most valuable thing we give our lives to. Wherever the gospel is received as a model to follow and not just a message to hear, the Church is boldly witnessing to Jesus’ transforming power, regardless of the cost. The martyrs under the altar are asking, ‘how long?’

Can we hear their voices and testimony?

Will we join them?

“Lord Jesus, you are worthy of my life; I freely give it to you, for your glory.”