How long, O Lord?

Revelation 6:10

And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?

The mighty scene that has been opened for our viewing is that of the souls under the altar of Heaven. Who are these souls? They are the martyrs, whose blood has been spilt over the course of the ages “for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held” (verse 9). They cry out in anguish, “How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?” No doubt, you and I can understand the feelings of such a group of martyrs who are awaiting God’s judgment on a world that despised them and despised their Savior. It seems unfair! There seems to be no justice! There seems to be an imbalance of the scales! How long, O Lord?

Have you ever asked the Lord this same question, or a similar one? How long, O Lord, will all things be unfair? How long will there be no equity? Why are we experiencing such things? Why is it unfair? How long, O Lord? Will you ever balance the scales? Will you ever make up for the wrongs? Will you ever avenge those who have been wronged? If this verse teaches us anything, it teaches us that He will, without a doubt or speculation, make all things right. For He is holy and true! He is just! He is righteous! He is perfect! He will avenge. For “vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.” It is His jurisdiction, not our own. It is His promise, not our responsibility. It is His immutable law, not our concern. For, you see, we have no power to right the wrongs. We have no power to give proper retribution. We have no knowledge, ability, understanding, or prowess to bring to pass the vengeance that will come one day. He will repay! He will take care of it! He will balance the scales! He will make it all right!

But, my dear friend, there are some words of consolation here given to the beloved martyrs that can also serve as divine comfort for us. For the Lord answers their plea! And He is answering your plea today! Have you heard nothing from the Lord in response to your beseeching inquiry? That is because the Lord has already responded. He has already given an answer. Listen to Him now! “And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled” (verse 11). For a little season! The injustice is momentary! The unfairness is transitory! It is earthly, but not heavenly! It is temporal but not eternal. It is real but not forever. For it is said that they should rest. How would they rest? They would have solace of mind and repose of heart by resting in a just God. And, dear friend, I exhort you today, rest in a just God. Rest in a loving God. Rest in an all-wise God, a fair God, and a perfect God. For it is only for a little season! Because other things still have to be done. Others of His servants the prophets must also be martyred. Other injustices have yet to be fulfilled. God’s judgment will come, but not yet. For if it come now, it will exclude some that still need justice. Just wait! It will come! But only in His time. For there is much more to be fulfilled.

Let us look to the Lord today, and His holy justice. Let us trust in His holiness and in His truth. He will make it right. He will avenge. He will make the crooked ways straight, and the rough places plain. And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together. The Lord is holy and true. Rest for a little season, until all in God’s perfect time and according to His wondrous ways shall be fulfilled.

“Dear Father, we thank Thee that Thou art holy and true. And that Thou wilt avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth. And furthermore, you will make all things right that are wrong, and will make plain the counsels of the hearts. You will even out the justice of things. We thank you for this. And, therefore, we trust completely in Thee. We rest fully in your goodness, righteousness, holiness, and truth. Help us never to doubt you again. Help us never to wander from our rest again. Thank you for reminding us of this powerful and eternal truth. In Christ Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.”