There is reason to hope even as we move into birth pains of the ending of human history as we know it.  As these seals are broken and judgments unleased let us remember who is holding the scroll.  Not a prophet or president, not Caesar or Satan…. But the Lamb!  Also, God’s persecuted church (7:1-8) is God’s sealed church (7:3)  And God’s worshiping church (7:9-17) is God’s triumphant church.  Chapter 6 asks the question “Who can stand?” (6:17)  Chapter 7 answers that question:  By God’s grace, we, His church, will.