In Revelation 6:15-17 John records for us the responses of those in the world system who survive the sixth seal.
There are three things I notice about their reaction:
•The first thing to note is that every class of people are equally affected by these catastrophes and in turn react the same to them. How ironic it is that the world will finally unite without any class distinctions and it is in judgment as they say together, “who is able to stand?” (Verse 17)
•The second thing is that their reaction is consistent to how all of mankind has reacted towards God since the fall. Back in Gen. 3:8 we saw Adam and Eve seek to hide themselves from the presence of God and here we see those in the world doing the same. Oh to God that instead of hiding under the rock from the presence of God they would instead fall upon the Rock and become broken! (Matt. 21:42-44)
•Thirdly, notice that their fear is based upon escaping the wrath due them instead of coming to the Lord. The foolishness of a hardened heart as it knows it can not stand and yet is unwilling to kneel, thus can only run away and wish for death thinking this will hide them from the presence of God.
Finally look at the words ,“hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb!” Mankind has no doubt as to whom this wrath is coming from nor the reason for it. The wrath proceeds from the “Lamb”, the Lamb? Not the Lion but the Lamb which is to say that those in the world will fully understand the sacrifice of Jesus and would rather run from His love and grace and into His wrath. How about our hearts? Are we running from His love our towards it?