October 2, 2022
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
The seven seals, seven trumpets, and seven letters of Revelation depict a sequence of events from the ascension of Jesus until His return. Let us look carefully at the opening of the first seal by Jesus, who is worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals (5:9a). He is showing to us in the first seal the pure Gospel going out into the world. There is supernatural power in the Good News from heaven to lead fallen mankind heavenward. Those who accept it are enabled to have a conquering faith. This “conquering” that occurs is the conquering, or overcoming, of our own sin. The forgiveness for our sinful past was provided for when Jesus was slain, and [He] redeemed us to God by [His] blood Out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation (5:9b), giving us a springboard to begin anew; a clean slate. We are born again! With our past forgiven, our future suddenly looks entirely different from before . . .
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17
As we learn to see ourselves in the light of the Gospel, we enter into a process of cleansing of old habits and ways of thinking that are out of line with God’s will. The Gospel that went forth in conquering power has an additional, continuing dimension: to conquer.
Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation. 2 Corinthians 5:18
Even though we have yet to be perfect, God’s perfect word teaches that His followers are given the ministry of reconciliation. What a privilege! Paul reminds us of this as he speaks of his own experience:
Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13-14
Beloved, your day-by-day decisions determine the direction of your life and also spill over into the lives of others. Pray continually as you go, listen for the leading of the Holy Spirit, search His word daily, and press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call . . . . eternal life!