AN OPENED THIRD SEAL. The seal of hunger and famine. Rev. 6:5 Note the condition of those under famine. Skin black, hot {feverish from famine}, or shriveled, all because of the terrible famine. Lam. 5:10 If there is a sequence in the opening of the seals it would appear to be fourteen years. Nineteen hundred – Revival. Nineteen fourteen — war. Nineteen twenty-eight, great depression, hunger. Famine and hunger persist even until today. Many nations of the world are in a famine situation. Jesus stated that this too would be a last day sign. Mark 13:8 There is a period of time between the loosing of the seals and consequential events and the complete fulfillment of the seals all occurrences which will cover a span of years. For example, these seals are unquestionably unsealed and the powers and forces unleashed by them will increase consistently until their climax. War and famine are compatriots, one creating the other.
FOOD AND WATER RATIONED. The scales in the hands of the rider denote the fact that these necessitates of life will be in short supply. Rev. 6:5 Here is Seattle, noted for its rain, we were asked to conserve on water last year. Consequently, water rates went up and instead of going down, now that there is sufficient water, the price is going up. Why? Because the water utility did not make enough money last year so suffered a loss that must now be made up. The same with electricity. Rising prices create financial difficulties. Which in turn, leave less money for the purchase of food. It is indeed, a vicious circle. Certain areas of our world are already living under such circumstances. Countries and organizations are seeking to alleviate the suffering of these countries but there never seems to be enough. Both the measurement and cost factors can cause a situation leading up to a famine that can have an effect on both the poor and the rich. If the supply is not there, it cannot be purchased. A days wages is depicted as being necessary to purchase food sufficient to feed a family. Wheat, was the leading food for those who had the funds with which to purchase it. Barley the food of the poor. Rev. 6:6 There are other prophetic statements that foretell the development of this kind of a situation. The supply was to cease, causing ration to take place in Jerusalem. They were to sparingly eat their bread with anxiety and drink rationed water with despair. Eze. 4:16 If they disobeyed the Lord, their bread supply was to be cut off and even that which they ate did not satisfy. Lev. 26:26 Not a pleasant out look for his world. In the midst of this catastrophe there is a special work of the Lord for His people. The black horse plague will not be allowed to touch the oil and the wine. The oil, the Spirit filled. The wine, those filled with the joy of the Lord. Elijah, in famine was fed in a very special way. 1 Ki. 17:4 He went to the East, toward the sun rising in accordance with the Word of the Lord, to the East side of Jordan. To Cherith, meaning a cut or a covenant. The Lord kept covenant with him. 1 Ki. 17:15 He hid himself in a ravine, where the ravens, commanded by the Lord brought him food, twice a day. 1 Ki. 17:6