You seem to be assuming that great tribulation refers to a world wide event and that the elect = the church.
Jesus had just predicted the destruction of the temple and persecution of the disciples. How do you know that he was talking about the end of the world and persecution of ALL believers?
He is talking to the disciples; "there will be wars, rumours of wars, earthquakes "etc. THEN (verse 9) - ie after they have heard of rumours of wars, experienced earthquakes and famine (there was a famine during the time of Claudius, predicted by Agabus in Acts 11:27-28) - they (the disciples) would be handed over to be persecuted - and they were.
I just don't see how this relates to us now, and Obama's visit to Israel in particular. I guess we'll find out by next weekend, but I am still preparing to celebrate Easter this year, (and Christmas.)
The first four seals were sent out in the 1st century against Jerusalem.
They are described as God's four dreadful judgments. (Ezek 14:21)
They are described as riders/horsemen - they continuously ride since they were sent out. (Rev 6/Zech 6)
They are described as "the four spirits of the heavens that go forth from standing before the Lord of all the earth". (Zech 6)
Just before Jesus went to the cross and then ascended, took the scroll and start opening the seals, He said this:
Jhn 12:31 Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out.
The first four seals brought judgment on this world, the last three seals will drive the devil out.
Zech 6:And I turned, and lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and, behold, there came four chariots out from between two mountains; and the mountains were mountains of brass. 2 In the first chariot were red horses; and in the second chariot black horses;
3 And in the third chariot white horses; and in the fourth chariot grisled and bay horses.
4 Then I answered and said unto the angel that talked with me, What are these, my lord?
5 And the angel answered and said unto me, These are the four spirits of the heavens, which go forth from standing before the Lord of all the earth.
6 The black horses which are therein go forth into the north country; and the white go forth after them; and the grisled go forth toward the south country.
7 And the bay went forth, and sought to go that they might walk to and fro through the earth: and he said, Get you hence, walk to and fro through the earth. So they walked to and fro through the earth.
8 Then cried he upon me, and spake unto me, saying, Behold, these that go toward the north country have quieted my spirit in the north country.
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