Christ on a white horse
January 10, 2023
Commentary
This begins with the angel refusing to accept John’s worship because only God is worthy of worship (v. 10). Like John it would be easy for us to get caught up in all that is happening, but we must keep Jesus as the central focus of God’s revelation and His redemptive plan as revealed to us by the prophets. We must remember that the main theme is the ultimate victory of Jesus Christ over evil. John now sees the heavens opened and the Son of God descending to earth (v. 11). He is on a white horse, which symbolizes victory and triumph. His eyes were as a flame of fire which speaks of the discerning quality of His judgment (v. 12). On his head were many crowns, indicating his absolute authority. His army that is with Him is apparently composed of the saints of the ages. These are described as riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean (v. 14).
Jesus appears this time not as a lamb but as a warrior and king to execute judgment (v. 15). Contrast this with His ride into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday (Matt. 21:1-11). Jesus first coming brought forgiveness, but His second coming will bring judgment. Keep in mind that most of the world has been worshiping the beast, the antichrist whom they believed had all power and authority. Then suddenly out of heaven Christ comes riding in, as “KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS” with His mighty army of the redeemed (v. 16). He comes as a conquering Christ and defeats all His enemies.
Application
One of the best ways to get rid of discouragement is to remember that Christ is coming again. For me the most thrilling, glorious truth in all the world is the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.
Revelation 19:10– 16 (NET)
10 So I threw myself down at his feet to worship him, but he said, “Do not do this! I am only a fellow servant with you and your brothers and sisters who hold to the testimony about Jesus. Worship God, for the testimony about Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.”
11 Then I saw heaven opened and here came a white horse! The one riding it was called “Faithful” and “True,” and with justice he judges and goes to war. 12 His eyes are like a fiery flame and there are many diadem crowns on his head. He has a name written that no one knows except himself. 13 He is dressed in clothing dipped in blood, and he is called the Word of God. 14 The armies that are in heaven, dressed in white, clean, fine linen, were following him on white horses. 15 From his mouth extends a sharp sword, so that with it he can strike the nations. He will rule them with an iron rod, and he stomps the winepress of the furious wrath of God, the All-Powerful. 16 He has a name written on his clothing and on his thigh: “King of kings and Lord of lords.”
Illustration: 23 of the 27 NT books refer to the 2nd coming
Both the Old and New Testaments are filled with promises of the Second Coming of Christ. There are 1,845 references to it in the Old Testament, and a total of 17 Old Testament books give it prominence. Of the 260 chapters in the entire New Testament, there are 318 references to the Second Coming, or one out of 30 verses. Twenty-three of the 27 New Testament books refer to this great event. The 4 missing books include 3 which are letters written to individuals on a particular subject, and the fourth is Galatians which implies Christ’s coming again. For every prophecy on the First Coming of Christ, there are 8 on Christ’s Second Coming. (Encyclopedia of Illustrations #6283).