From Revelation 17-19

The forces of heaven had just won a decisive victory against the great Prostitute, the Beast and Babylon (Rev 17.1-18.24). Following the victory they celebrate in Heaven (Rev 19.1-6) and prepare for a marriage. The Lamb is the Bridegroom, the Bride is the church. The church is presented before the Lamb clothed in righteous deeds. Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper (Rev 19.6-10). Today’s passage is about Spiritual war.

This post is part of my bible in a year series.

Passage and Comments

Following this the scene changes abruptly to a man on a white horse.

11 Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. 12 His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems, and he has a name written that no one knows but himself. 13 He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God. (Rev 19.11-13)

Jesus is given a few titles in this passage.

Faithful and True. Faithful. I normally associate with the Lord’s promises. He is faithful in fulfilling them. But the Lord is always faithful to himself and to his people as well.

True. God epitomises the truth. Let God be true and everyone a liar.

In righteousness he judges and makes war. One of the primary patterns associated with ‘righteousness’ in the Old Testament is where God is king. In righteousness he judges, in righteousness he saves his people, in righteousness he punishes the wicked and in righteousness he cares for the poor and needy. Jesus is the king, in righteousness he makes war on the forces of evil.

The blood on his robe is either his own or that of his enemies. The context suggests it is the blood of his enemies. However it could be both. We know that through Jesus’ death he became victorious over his enemies. John calls him the word of God. Recall his Gospel (Jn 1.1-18).

14 And the armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, were following him on white horses. 15 From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. 16 On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords. (Rev 19.14-16)

Jesus has armies, but he doesn’t need them. They are clothed in fine linen, white and pure. This signifies how God has transformed their character and behaviour.

The Word of God speaks and his words are weapons.

He only speaks and his enemies are defeated. He brings about the wrath of God Almighty. He is rightly named King of Kings, Lord of Lords because their is none above him.

For Believers

This scene should be fairly encouraging for believers. Jesus is not presented at this point in time as a meek Lamb. Rather a powerful and mighty King.

God’s people are those who stand with him as part of his armies. But our king doesn’t need us to fight his battles. He can fight alone, with his speech he can defeat his enemies.

Ultimately, whatever forces are aligned against God, they will be defeated by the rider named Faithful and True. Its only a matter of time.

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