Chapter Sixteen - Four Horsemen at the Gallop!

IN THIS day of crisis, are we are intensely interested in  "the things that must shortly take place"?  Surely, we are, for we ourselves are involved!  So let us now accompany John as Jesus proceeds too open that intriguing scroll. Remarkably, John does not have  to read it.  Why not? Because its contents are conveyed to him "in signs" by a series of dynamic, action-packed scenes.-Revelation 1:1, 10. 

Listen to John as Jesus opens the first seal of the scroll:  "And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seven seals, and I heard one of the four living creatures say with a voice as of thunder:  'Come!' "  (Revelation 6:1)  This is the voice of the first cherub.  Its lionlike appearance would suggest to John that Jehovah's organization will act with courage in executing His righteous judgments. And to whom is that command addressed?  It could not be John, for John has already been invited to share in these prophetic scenes.  (Revelation 4:1) That "voice as of thunder" is calling forth other participants in the first of a series of four rousing episodes.  

The White Horse and Its Illustrious Rider

John, and with him the zealous John class and companions of today, is privileged to see a fast-moving drama!  John  says: "And I saw, and look!  a white horse; and the one seated upon it has bow; and a crown was given him, and he went forth conquering and to complete his conquest."  (Revelation 6:2)   Yes, in answer to that thunderous "Come!" A white horse often symbolizes warfare.   (Psalm 20:7; Proverbs 21:31; Isaiah 31:1)  This horse, likely a beautiful stallion, gleams with a whiteness that indicates unblemished holiness.  (Compare Revelation 1:14; 4:4; 7:9; 20:11) How appropriate this is, for it portrays warfare that is clean and righteous in Jehovah's holy eyes! -See also Revelation 19:11, 14.  

Who is the Rider of this horse?  He has a bow, an offensive weapon of war, but he is seen wearing  crown. The only righteous ones seem wearing crowns during the Lord's day are Jesus and the class represented by the 24 elders .   (Daniel 7:13, 14, 27; Luke 1:31-33; Revelation 4:4, 10; 14:14)  It is unlikely that a member of the group of 24 elders would be pictured as receiving a crown on his own merit.  Hence, this lone horseman must be Jesus Christ and no other.  John see him inn heaven at the historic moment in 1914 when Jehovah declares, "I, even I, have installed my king," and tells him that this is for the purpose "that I may give nations as your inheritance." (Psalm 2:6-8)   Thus, in opening the first seal Jesus reveals how he himself, as the new crowned King, sallies forth to war at God's appointed time. 

The scene harmonizes beautifully with Psalm 45:4-7, addressed to the King enthroned by Jehovah;  "And in your splendor go on to success; ride  in the cause of truth and humility and righteousness, and your right hand will instruct you  in fear-inspiring things.  Your arrows are sharp-under you peoples keep falling-in the heart of the enemies of the king.  God is your throne to time indefinite, even forever; the scepter of your kingship is a scepter of uprightness and you hate wickedness.  That is why God, your God has anointed  you with the oil of exultation more than your partners."   Being familiar with that prophetic description,  John would appreciate that it applies to Jesus' activity as King. -Compare Hebrews 1:1, 2, 8, 9. 

Next time: Chapter Sixteen -Four Horsemen at the Gallop! - Going Forth Conquering

From the book of Revelation