So far, as the Lamb has opened the seals, John sees a drama in his vision representing the narrative of the part of the scroll that is uncovered. The first scene was of an impostor-saviour who is determined to conquer the world. The second scene is of global conflict in which peace is destroyed and nations rise against each other in barbarous warmongering. The third seal is different. As before, one of the seraphs ordered another horse to gallop into view: but this time the animal is black. Its rider holds a pair of weighing scales like a merchant in the market.

This time, the meaning is not conflict but scarcity of food and economic inflation. Eating bread by weight was a feature of food shortage. In Leviticus 26:26 and Ezekiel 4:16 God promised that if His people turned away from Him then their bread supply would be rationed by weight. With rationing comes a black market economy in which goods are greatly increased in price – ten times the usual price in this predictive drama.

There is some sparing of the oil and wine, indicating that growing conditions for the grain were bad but for the olive trees and vineyards were good. At this stage in the sequence of prophetic destruction, conflict and shortages, the suffering is not total. God is displaying His mercy. And yet dark forces are at work, disturbing peace and prosperity. Inflation, that key indicator of economic stability, keeps on increasing. Of course, it is the poorest people who are affected first, as the rich try to protect their assets. And yet the poor have least difficulty in crying out to the Lord for help.

The apocalyptic scenarios that have been uncovered so far, are all known to us – at least in part. They are each a reminder that power-lust, corruption and greed are like rock-splitting tree roots which are ready to shake the foundations of our society. As wickedness and evil come to the surface, initially it is tolerated and even applauded … until it becomes clear that society cannot sustain their continual attacks. Like 'wars and rumours of wars' in Matthew 24:6, we should not fear but recognise that they are the beginnings of 'birth pains' which will increase until Christ Jesus returns (Matthew 24:8). And yet the symptoms of economic instability and inflation also remind us not to put our hope in uncertain riches, but to trust in the Lord (1 Timothy 6:17). At the same time the mercy of God to the poor, who are caught up in the increasing economic mess, is also our responsibility. Proverbs 14:31 says, "He who oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honours God." Even in the dark days before the return of Jesus, His people can and must display the redemptive kindness of their Saviour in sharing with those who cannot provide for themselves, especially food for their families (Hebrews 13:16).