The Warrior-King Triumphs at Armageddon - The One Called "Faithful and True"

The One Called "Faithful and True"

Jehovah calls forth a sword.  Who is it that wields this sword?  Returning to Revelation, we find the answer in still another thrilling vision.  Before John's eyes the heavens open to reveal something truly awe inspiring-Jesus Christ himself in battle array!  John tells us: "And I saw the heaven opened, and, look!  A white horse.  And the one seated upon it is called Faithful and True, and he judges and carries on war in righteousness.  His eyes are fiery flame, and upon his head are many diadems." -Revelation 190:11, 12a.

As in the earlier vision of the four horsemen, this "white horse" is a fitting symbol of righteous warfare.  (Revelation 6:2)  And who of God's sons could be more righteous than this mighty Warrior?  Being "called Faithful and True," he must be "the faithful and true witness,"  Jesus Christ.  (Revelation 3:14)  he makes war in 0rder to execute Jehovah's righteous judgments.  Thus, he is acting in his capacity as Jehovah's  appointed Judge, the "Mighty God."  (Isaiah 9:6)  his eyes are fear inspiring, like "a fiery flame," looking to the coming fiery destruction of his foes.

John's description continues:  "He has a name written that no one knows but he himself." (Revelation 19:12b) The Bible already speaks of God's Son by names such as Jesus, Immanuel, and Michael.  But this unstated "name" appears to stand for the position and privileges that Jesus enjoys during the Lord's day.  (Compare Revelation 2:17.) Isaiah, describing Jesus since 1914, says: "His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince Peace."  (Isaiah 9:6) The apostle Paul associated Jesus' name with His very high privileges of service when he wrote:  "God exalted [Jesus] to a superior position and kindly gave him the name that is above every other name, so that in the name of Jesus every knee should bend. -Philippians 2:9, 10.

Jesus' privileges are unique. Apart from Jehovah himself, only Jesus can comprehend what it means to hold such a high position.  (Compare Matthew 11:27) Therefore, of all God's creatures, only Jesus can fully appreciate this name.  Nevertheless, Jesus does include his bride in some of his  privileges.  So  he makes this promise: "The one that conquerors . . .I will write upon him . . .that new name of mine." -Revelation 3:12.

John adds: "And he is arrayed with an outer garment sprinkled with blood, and the name he is called is "The Word of God." (Revelation 19:13) Whose "blood" is this? it could be Jesus' lifeblood, shed for the sake of mankind.  (Revelation 1:5)  But, in this context, it more likely refers to the blood of his enemies that is spilled  when Jehovah's judgments are executed upon them.  We are reminded of the earlier vision in which the vine of the earth is reaped and trodden in the great winepress of the anger of God until the blood reaches "as high up as the bridles of the horses" -signifying a great victory over God's enemies.  (Revelation 14:18-20)  Likewise, the blood sprinkled  on Jesus' outer garments confirms that his victory is decisive and complete.  (Compare Isaiah  63:1-6)  Now John again speaks of Jesus ' being called by a name.  This time it is a widely known name-"The Word of God" -identifying this Warrior-King as Jehovah's Chief Spokesman and Champ of truth. -John 1:1; Revelation 1:1.

Next time: The Warrior-King Triumphs at Armageddon- Jesus' Fellow Warriors

From the Book of Revelation