As each seal is broken, so a part of the scroll is unrolled to be revealed. The Lamb is worthy to break the seals and, as He does so, the drama of that part of history-to-come is acted out in John's vision. The narrative under the first seal is shown as a white horse and warmongering rider bent on conquest. That might be a military aggressor but, as the white horse in Revelation 19:11 is ridden by Jesus Christ, the horseman is likely to be an impostor-saviour proclaiming peace, but who is militantly anti-Christ and determined to conquer (2 Thessalonians 2:9-12).

When the Lamb snaps open the second seal, the seraphic creature in heaven's throne room utters the command for another horse to emerge into the vision, with its rider. The horse is coloured red like fire to indicate furious intent: the horseman is divinely empowered to disturb peace, create confusion and excite the people of the world to make war with each other (Matthew 24:6-7). The rider is given a large sword to reek havoc with nations and societies, having no respect for anybody except for himself. This belligerent leader, or amalgam of leaders, is given destructive capability.

Like the enemies of Israel, who were tolerated by God to attack His rebellious people, so these authorities are still under God's hand to achieve His purpose (Habakkuk 1:5-11). Of course, God eventually also judged the proud-hearted Babylonians (Habakkuk 2:2-20) for their evil actions against Israel – but He promised to restore His people who were penitent. We also see that principle worked out in Job 1:1-2:10. Satan presents himself before the Lord requesting permission to incite Job into cursing God because of his sufferings, and the encouragement of his wife (Job 2:7-10). In the end, Job was blessed as he endured the suffering, set aside his pride and submitted himself to God (Job 42:1-17).

What is the church to make of wars and rumours of wars? First, we should not fear that things are out of God's control (Matthew 24:4-8). It is an evidence that the Lord of creation is allowing the world to be shaken so that people will turn to Him, and the church is refined. The pseudo peace which enables family life and economic prosperity is only a matter of agreed convenience for each society. But it is exceptionally fragile, as the 200+ million dead through conflict and oppression over the past 100 years have proved. Lying under the surface, the virus of sin has the dormant seeds of temporal societal destruction, as well as personal eternal judgement. It only takes one or two strong minded individuals to plunge a nation or the world into war. When all is calm, it is easy to fool ourselves that the future is secure and we can do as we please. But when trouble comes, even the unbeliever understands how evil, wickedness is. Satan's mask of smiling indulgence slips, and people cry out to the living God for salvation. Concluding this series of visions there is a final conflict with Satan which sees him totally vanquished (Revelation 20:10). The whole book is moving towards that end: in the meantime, the world and the church will see that they have no resources to manage wickedness, and wise people will humbly seek Jesus, His mercy and His grace (1 Peter 1:6-7).