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.
Revelation 19:11-14 NIV
The book of Revelation was written to a group of churches living amid a culture that was generally antagonistic toward them and their faith. Some of them had remained faithful and were suffering. Others were tempted to compromise in various ways with the surrounding culture. In this book, Jesus addressed each of these churches, encouraging and warning as appropriate. And then, in highly symbolic language, he pulled back the curtain so they could see what was happening in the spiritual realm around them.
The Great Unveiling
The intent of this unveiling is to make clear that what they are facing in this world, while it appears to be strong and dominant, will face God’s judgment in the end. And those who have remained faithful will be victorious. This 19th chapter paints that in two pictures. The first is the marriage feast of the Lamb. This second one pictures Jesus as a rider on a white horse leading his army into battle. The faithful ones are clothed in fine linen and invited to the marriage feast of the Lamb. They will also compose the army that defeats those who have troubled them.
There is much of the symbology of Revelation that I make no claim to understand. But I do find it to be encouraging. Regardless of what I face in this life, if I will be faithful and not compromise my faith, I will be invited to the marriage of the Lamb and to be a part of the army of Jesus, the rider on the white horse. Revelation is a call to be faithful. To endure to the end. And to experience the great salvation of our Lord.
