January 17: THE FAITHFUL AND TRUE WITNESS
Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. Revelation 19:11
The first ten verses of chapter 19 include a myriad of Alleluias exclaimed by heavenly beings and the redeemed of the earth, in celebration of Babylon’s collapse. John then heard the pronouncement of blessing upon those called to the marriage supper of the Lamb. He was so elated at what he was hearing that the angel gently prompted him: “Write…” (v.9). Following the angel’s rebuke and reminder of exactly Who it is that we are to worship—God!—he made this ten-word statement:
“For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” (v.10)
From this statement we pivot from sounds to an incredible sight: the Savior riding forth on a white horse, symbolizing victory. When the gospel message went out conquering and to conquer (6:2), it was the pure and victorious testimony of Jesus Christ. Now John sees the Lord Himself heading back to the earth to claim His bride! Christ is the Warrior King, the Commander in Chief of the heavenly armies. He is going to face His enemies and to wrap up the final battle in the great war between good and evil. The place where His enemies are gathered is this world (called Armageddon in 16:16).
Sadly, the last-day church is lukewarm (3:16). Jesus obviously saw this coming ahead of time and—praise Him for His patience!—is still willing to work with us. In His letter to Laodicea, He identifies Himself as the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness (3:14). John describes Him as He exits heaven to come for His bride as Faithful and True. This is not meant to be a “warm and fuzzy” pair of details for us to cuddle up with. If we remember the letter written to the last-day church, it should cause us to bolt upright and get serious about the business at hand, which is getting the everlasting gospel (14:6) to every soul.
The essence of our part is to actively maintain a right relationship with the Lord Jesus—to be yoked with Him—in order that His loving discernment can flow through us on a continuing basis for the express purpose of blessing others. Is your love for Him increasing? Or can you detect stagnation in your spiritual life? If the latter, attempts to witness for Christ in your own strength will exhaust you and become a grating source of irritation to those around you, including your fellow believers! This pushes people away and weakens the body of Christ. Do not allow this situation to continue. Get on your knees before Almighty God and ask for His Spirit to lead you through each day. Just before Jesus ascended into heaven, He reminded His disciples to be endued with power from on high (Luke 24:49).
John’s vision of heaven opened should become ours (Revelation 4:1; 11:19; 19:11). It is a fact that in righteousness He judges. May each of us become an empowered agent for righteousness. It is a fact that He makes war against all evil. May each of us be found on the side of righteousness.
“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30