I saw the heaven opened, and behold, a white horse, and he who sat on it is called Faithful and True. In righteousness he judges and makes war. Revelation 19:11 WEB
Chapter nineteen of the Book of Revelations begins with John’s prophetic vision of the condemnation of the wicked worldly religion of Babylon. In this, John hears a great multitude of heavenly voices praising God for his judgment of Babylon and for avenging the blood of his servants. These praises culminate in the announcement of the wedding feast of the Lamb and the return of Jesus Christ.
Verse eleven initiates John’s description of the second coming of Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior is seen sitting upon a white horse. During the ministry of Christ he promised to return for his faithful. Jesus said in John 14:2-3, “In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. KJV”
Vengeance Belongs to the Lord
Upon his return,John’s prophecy calls Christ by the name “Faithful and True.” Previously in Revelation 3:14, scripture refers to Jesus as the “faithful and true witness.” Faithful and true to his word, Jesus begins his return to earth with the armies of heaven. As we read in Deuteronomy 32:25, “It is mine to avenge; I will repay. In due time their foot will slip; their day of disaster is near and their doom rushes upon them. NIV”
John’s prophetic vision predicts Jesus faithfully returning in righteousness to make war on the enemies of God, avenging the blood of the martyrs and judging unrepentant sinners. The white horse symbolizes Christ’s victory over sin, death, and the evil forces that oppose the will of God. In Roman times, victorious generals rode white horses in their victory parades. Likewise, Jesus as King of Kings and Lord of Lords returns already having triumphed over sin to throw the beast and false prophet into the lake of fire destroying all who follow the beast in rebellion to God.
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for the hope we receive from your holy word. Thank you for the faithful and true witness that is your Son and my Savior, Jesus Christ. Guide me to do your will as I wait patiently for the return of Christ. Prepare me now for an eternity in heaven with you. In Jesus name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: Exceedingly Abundantly Above
