Four Horsemen at the Gallop! - 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 had a 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 charges forth.  In the Bible, the 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; 2o:11.) How appropriate that is, for it portrays warfare that is clean and righteous in Jehovah's holy eyes! - See REVELATION 19:11, 14.

Who is the Rider of this horse?   He has a bow, an offensive weapon of war, but he also is given a crown during the Lord's day are Jesus and the John class represented by the 24 elders.  (Daniel &: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 horsemen must  be Jesus Christ and no other John sees him in heaven at the first 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 newly crowned King, sallies forth to war at God's appointed time.

This 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 people's   keep falling-in the heart of the enemies of the king.  God is your throne to time indefinite. even forever' the scepter of uprightness.  You have loved righteousness and you 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: Four Horsemen at the Gallop! - Going Forth Conquering

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