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Like the ash overhanging Europe these first four seals impact the everyday life of every human being on the face of the earth. The events which they symbolize are world wide in their scope and in some fashion will have a bearing on every country in the world. The third seal is one which has become very familiar to most people. It is a sign of the effect of the lack of food, due to high costs and natural disasters, such as floods, unusual weather conditions and whatever else might take place that would have an effect on the availability of food. The book of Lamentations gives reference to black as a result of famine. Lam. 5:10 With modern day trade and transportation a disaster which destroys food stuff, fruits and vegetables has a resounding consequence in many other countries. The result of crop failures and disasters are no longer local but at times world wide. Rev. 6:5
While the whole of Johns vision is serious, there are two things which he mentions that make this seal extremely critical. The balances that were in the hand of the rider indicate the weighing and the measurement of food. These things happen and many times the general public does not observe what has taken place. The excuse for prices being raised was the high cost of transportation but when the price of fuel went down other prices remained at their same level or on occasion went even higher. Another factor which is very obvious but an attempt has been made to hide what has taken place, and that is, the package contents have been lowered, while the boxes or packaging have remained the same size. Weights have changed and will continue to change under the impact of this seal.
The second thing that is outstanding about this seal is the cost factor. The price of about a quart of wheat would be equal to a days pay. Wheat was the staple of those with money, while barley was cheaper and the amount was three times that of wheat, it still required a days wage. Be certain that the price of food can only go in one direction. Rev. 6:6 What we used to pay for a large box of fruit or vegetables we now pay for just one item of a fruit or a vegetable. This seal is in its fulfillment today.
A direct and powerful command is given to make certain that the oil and the wine are not hurt in all this which takes place as we approach the time of the end. The oil is typical of the anointing of the Holy Spirit and becomes more valuable as the days go by. The wine is a type of the joy of the Lord which is found in the anointing of the Holy Spirit. This divine protection is not limited to this one seal but He will watch over His own under all circumstances. The anointing of the Spirit is the secret place of the Most High. Ps. 91:1 May we learn to place the proper value on the baptism of the blessed Holy Spirit.