Voice of the Martyrs

As I read through Revelation again, the thing that strikes me is the role that the martyrs play in the book.  I am sure that I have read through the book of Revelation at least two dozen times in my life, yet in all of those readings I don't think I have ever noticed how crucial the martyrs are to the story.  I'm sure that commentaries that I have read have mentioned the role of the martyrs in the book, but it never stuck for some reason.  This time, though, I see how absolutely central the martyrs are to the events that unfold in this book.  Revelation 16 is another example.  In verses 5-6, the angel who pours out the third bowl says: "You are just in these judgments, you who are and who were, the Holy One,
because you have so judged;for they have shed the blood of your saints and prophets, and you have given them blood to drink as they deserve.”  When the angel turns the waters to blood by pouring out the third bowl, he says that God's punishment upon the world is just because God is giving the world what they have given the martyrs.  As the world spilled the martyr's blood, God is giving the world blood to drink.  The reason for God's great wrath is not merely that He has been sinned against.  It is instead that the world has sinned against His people, persecuting them and putting them to death.  It is the death of the martyrs that has moved God to such terrible judgment and vengeance. 

The opening chapters of Revelation make clear that many of the seven churches were suffering (or had suffered) persecution when John wrote to them.  To them, Revelation had to be an encouraging book.  In the future events revealed by John, they see that God has not forgotten their sacrifice.  They receive special heavenly reward, and their deaths are avenged in a way that shows how upset God is at their treatment.  Though Christians have died, the last word remains with God and His Church.  Revelation is certainly a great book for the church today, especially in the many places where it is being persecuted.  It is a strong reminder that every sacrifice for Jesus will be repaid.