June 8: ROYALTY
And I looked, and behold, a white horse. He who sat on it had a bow; and a crown was given to him and he went out conquering and to conquer. Revelation 6:2
Upon opening the first seal, Jesus is revealing the purity and power with which the gospel message exploded upon the battlefield that is our world. The horse is not a new representation of God’s people. For the LORD of hosts will visit His flock, the house of Judah, and will make them as His royal horse in the battle (Zechariah 10:3b).
The early church came onto the scene with tremendous vigor, as the book of Acts so beautifully describes. In the first letter of Jesus to the churches, Jesus praises them for their perseverance. They had not allowed the resistance, or push-back, intended by the enemy to tire them: “you have labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary” (Revelation 2:3).
The battle is spiritual in the war between Christ and Satan. The gospel message indeed has the powerful effect of conquering and to conquer. The Good News of Christ has a way of arresting the attention of a listener. To be told that your sinful past has been forgiven through the Lord’s willing death in your place launches a new start and a new life! Yes, this is a conquering message. But, as each of us has seen (or will see), the old temptations, as well as new ones, tend to leap onto this new path out of nowhere! And there are other sinful tendencies yet to conquer. All glory to our Savior, for He knows that we need a living faith. The faith that He has for us to gain is a conquering faith that continues to conquer. This white horse still rides onto the battlefield daily, and will continue to ride over the earth, and over our lives, until Jesus returns.
The rider on the horse is Jesus in the form of His people.* To go out onto the battlefield sharing the Good News of Christ is even more than His mercy and provision of forgiveness for your past. It is about the amazing power that is readily provided—as we continue on the path of life. This power is called grace, and it is given as we need it.
There is something else about the horse’s rider: a crown was given to him. Jesus bestows royalty upon His obedient followers (Revelation 1:6). Royalty is always by birth. “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (John 3:3) This crown upon the head symbolizes a new, cleansed way of thinking.
As the opening of the first seal reveals the activity of the early church, spreading the gospel in its purity, and in its power, let us reflect upon the very first threat to the church: “you have left your first love. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent…repent.” (Revelation 2:4-5) Oh, beloved! Do not allow the enemy to steal away your love for Jesus, your royal status! You are equipped with all that you need to do battle. But apart from loving Him, your work on the battlefield will conquer nothing. He reminds us:
“If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples. As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love.” John 15:7-9
*(see Acts 9:4)