“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?”
(Revelation 6:10)
Throughout history, faithful followers of Christ have endured hatred, ridicule, slander, injustice, and persecution. Many have given their lives for the testimony of Jesus. Others have endured years of reproach, false accusation, and cruel treatment because they would not abandon their allegiance to their Savior. And none of these sufferings have escaped the notice of God.
In this vision in Revelation 6 we see the souls of the martyrs crying before the throne of God, making an appeal to divine justice.[1] They call upon the Lord, “holy and true,” acknowledging that all judgment belongs to Him.
Throughout Scripture, God demonstrates His concern for His people. The cries of Abel’s blood rose from the ground. The Lord heard Israel’s groaning in Egypt. The prayers of the afflicted ascend continually before His throne. The Lord is patient, but His patience should never be mistaken for indifference. His justice moves according to His perfect timing.
So we need not try to defend ourselves against accusation or seek vengeance for wrongs done against us for the Lord Himself is our defender. He sees what others do not see. He knows motives, words, and actions with perfect clarity. Because He judges righteously, we can entrust our cause to Him.
And we take hope in the reality that, though evil may appear strong for a season, the Lamb who was slain now rules from heaven. In His sovereign timing, every wrong ever committed in the world will be addressed. Every injustice will be answered. Every tear of God’s people will be accounted for. The Lord’s holiness guarantees that evil will not triumph forever, and His truthfulness guarantees that every promise He has made will be fulfilled.
Let us therefore give thanks that our God is both merciful and just. He does not forget His people. He does not ignore their prayers. He does not abandon their cause. The cry of the saints reaches heaven, and the Judge of all the earth will do right.
Contemplations:
- Remembering God’s Perfect Justice. I see situations where wrong seems to prosper and righteousness appears to suffer. This passage reminds me that my perspective is limited, but God’s is not. He sees every detail and misses nothing. When I am tempted to become discouraged by the apparent success of evil, I must remember that the Lord’s justice is neither absent nor delayed beyond His perfect purpose.
- Trusting God With My Cause. My tendency is to want to defend myself, answer every accusation, and correct every misunderstanding. Yet this passage teaches me to place my cause in God’s hands. He knows the truth better than I do, and He is able to vindicate His people in ways that bring Him glory. My responsibility is faithfulness; judgment belongs to Him.
- Guarding My Own Speech. As I consider the sins described in this passage, I am reminded how easily the tongue can become an instrument of harm. Careless words, unfair criticism, and harsh judgments can wound others deeply. I want my speech to reflect the grace and truth of Christ rather than the spirit of accusation that characterizes the world.
- Rejoicing In Christ’s Final Victory. The cries of the saints are not unanswered cries. The risen Christ reigns over all things and will bring history to its appointed conclusion. This gives me confidence when circumstances seem uncertain. The kingdom of God cannot fail. Every promise will stand. Every enemy of Christ will be subdued beneath His feet.
Prayer (Thanksgiving):
Gracious Father, You are holy and true in all Your ways. Your judgments are perfect, Your wisdom is flawless, and Your knowledge is complete. Nothing escapes Your sight, and nothing occurs outside Your sovereign rule.
Thank You that You are the defender of Your people. When we are misunderstood, falsely accused, or treated unjustly, You remain our refuge and strong tower. You know every burden carried by Your children, and You remember every tear shed in faithfulness to Christ.
Justice ultimately rests in Your hands and not in ours. Because You judge righteously, I do not need to live with bitterness or seek personal revenge. You free me from that burden by assuring me that You will do what is right in Your perfect time.
Thank You for the example of the saints who endured suffering while remaining steadfast in their devotion to You. Their perseverance encourages me to remain faithful, even when obedience is costly or misunderstood.
Most of all, thank You for the Lord Jesus, who suffered unjustly, yet entrusted Himself to the Father. Through His death and resurrection, He secured victory over sin, death, and every enemy of His people. Because He reigns, I have confidence that evil will not have the final word.
Strengthen my faith to trust Your purposes. Guard my tongue from sinful speech. Keep my heart from bitterness and resentment. Help me live with confidence in Your justice and gratitude for Your unfailing care.
In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Further Scripture References:
Zech 1:12; Luke 18:7; Psalm 79:10; Rev. 19:2
[1] Robert Bolton, Instructions for a Right Comforting Afflicted Consciences, (London: Imprinted by Felix Kyngston for Thomas Weaver, and are to be sold at his shop at the great north door of Saint Paul’s Church, 1631), 58-60.
