Reading: Revelation 6:5-6

Enter the black horse. This black horse clearly represents famine. Because they’re charging a full day’s wage for a small amount of food. Here’s what Jesus says about it in Matthew 24: For nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom and there will be famines in various places.

Now. Verse 6 has something interesting happening that I think applies to us. John says, “And I heard what seemed to be a voice in the midst of the four living creatures saying, ‘a quart of wheat for a denarius and three quarts of barley for a denarius and do not harm the oil and the wine.’” Which. Why’s the voice say that? Because this rider is meant to take from the world what people actually need (wheat and barley) and leave for them the luxuries that they don’t need (oil and wine).

And you can see this all over America. We live in a world of luxury while people ignore necessity. Our culture has tricked us into eating crap food—and made it more expensive for you to eat good food, that your body needs. Which is why nearly 50% of Americans are considered obese. Plus. This isn’t just talking about food. This rider has set up a famine of our souls. Where we’ve traded what we do need, for what we don’t need, to have fullness of life. Which is why antidepressants are now one of the most prescribed medications in all of the world.

So. Because of this black horse, we are starving for meaning and purpose; and people are desperate trying to discover their destiny—while simultaneously living in the richest country in the history of humankind. And we have more things to distract us. And people have 500 channels on their TV and still they say, “There’s nothing to watch.” Because there’s a famine in our souls.

So this angst that we all feel, is the rider on the black horse. Offering you nothing you need, but all the luxury you want. Little to no family. Few real friends. No real community. Certainly no Christ. Just a cog in an economic engine. And. No wonder we’re despairing. No wonder we’re so prone to anxiety and fear and depression. Our souls are famished. This is why I’m so passionate about you getting into a small group. Because you need community. And the idea that you don’t is a lie. “It is not good for man to be alone.” People say, “Well, pastor…we’re just too busy.” No. You’re proving my point. Luxury over necessity.

I mean. I get it. I coach basketball, my wife coaches basketball. We’re sports people. But I’m telling you, the most important thing (to you) should not be your kids’ stats or their splits, it should be your kids’ souls. And the best gift you can give your children, is a mom and dad who love each other, who talk about the bible with other people; who are seen praying together. I mean. What’s God say way back in the OT? Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.

So. Is there a way to live for God, and do other things? Absolutely. But it’s going to require something the black horse is trying to trample on, which is: intentionality.

With Gratitude,

pLJ