Day #363 - The Rider on the White Horse
The Presence - A Devotional for living in Thanksgiving, Worship and Wonder
“I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and wages war. His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself. He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God. The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. Coming out of his mouth is a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. “He will rule them with an iron scepter.” He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: king of kings and Lord of Lords.” Revelation 19:11-16 NIV
Have you ever heard a friend go on and on about someone before?
You know, like saying you have to meet this person? Then it can become a situation where this person you have heard so much about has legend like status in your mind. Sometimes we do this with celebrities or famous athletes. But have you ever got to meet one of these living legends in your mind? Whether it was someone you just heard a lot about or someone famous you admired, how did you respond?
When John gets towards the end of Revelation He tells us not about a living legend, but about the living King Jesus Christ and His return. Think about this moment in the future when Jesus comes back on a white horse. He is the One we have heard about our whole lives, the One we read about in the Scriptures and we will no longer wonder what it will be like to meet Him, but we will see Him. I realize this is only for the last generation who gets to live for His return. What a day that will be!
What John describes fills my heart to awe and holy fear. My King is coming back on a white horse. His name is faithful and true. His eyes are like fire. He is leading a heavenly army to victory. He will make all wrong things right.
For me it’s a day to look forward to in wonder and astonishment. For those who oppose our Jesus and resist Him, it will be a terrible day of judgement. “The Presence” of Jesus bodily on the earth again will mean judgment and removal of all evil, sin and ultimately death. He will allow nothing sinful or wrong to remain. He will not come back as an innocent baby but as the glorious Ruler and Judge triumphing over all of His enemies.
His immediate presence on the earth again will mean that His kingdom has fully come and His will as the King of kings and Lord of lords will be done. This day of His return brings His judgment but also the glorious future of humanity who have received Jesus as Lord. I urge anyone who has not received Jesus as Lord to do so before it’s too late upon His return to judge and rule the nations.
My Jesus, King of kings and Lord of lords, let my heart stay ready for Your return and judgment day. I am thrilled to see You again upon the earth, the One my heart loves and fears who is called Faithful and True. There is no one like You! You are worthy of my whole life! I ask that You help me live in preparation for the day You come. In Your mighty name Jesus, amen.