When he opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, “Come!” And I looked, and behold, a black horse! And its rider had a pair of scales in his hand. 6 And I heard what seemed to be a voice in the midst of the four living creatures, saying, “A quart[a] of wheat for a denarius,[b] and three quarts of barley for a denarius, and do not harm the oil and wine!”
Revelation 6:5-6 ESV
[a] Revelation 6:6 Greek choinix, a dry measure equal to about a quart
[b]Revelation 6:6 A denarius was a day's wage for a laborer
In this passage, the market forces of price (which is based on supply and demand) were determined by what took place in the spiritual realm. What manifests in the natural realm (which we observe with our five senses) follows what first takes place in the spiritual realm.
Note how even the specific prices of goods were determined by what was first declared in the spiritual realm. As far as supply and demand are concerned, note how certain goods (the oil and wine) did not see a decrease in supply compared to other goods due to how authority operated in the spiritual (heavenly) realms.
How should this revelation change our outlook on economic forces? If economic forces come into effect from preceding spiritual forces, then does it not sound pragmatic to understand the spiritual realm (how heaven and its King operates)? c.f. Isaiah 61:6; Matthew 6:19-34; Colossians 3:1-3; Revelation 5:1ff.
If we look at the preceding chapter in Revelation 5, we see that the only Person in the spiritual heavenly realm worthy to open the scroll which spelled out the direction of the economy was Jesus Christ. Those spirits who influence economic changes are ultimately subservient to the authority of Jesus Christ (Philippians 2:9-11; Colossians 2:8-10). The heart of the King is moved to action to accomplish His will through the prayers of His citizens (Revelation 1:5-6; 5:8-9; Philippians 3:20f; Matthew 6:9-10).
Do we worry about the economy or market forces (macroeconomics)?
Or how we will make ends meet in our daily lives (microeconomics)?
If we are in right relationship with the King of the spiritual realm--the Lamb who was slain, to whom all authority in heaven and on earth has been given, who is worthy to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing--we can know that this King loves us and wants to take care of us. c.f. Revelation 5:12; Matthew 28:18.
If you would like to know this King personally, I share good news about how you can receive Him into your life here.
