Heaven opened
Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. Revelation 19:11
Here we go! Here in chapter 19 is the climax of the entire book of Revelation. At least it is for me. When I first read this passage, I was frightened at the idea of Jesus coming back to take over. Of course, I was only twelve at the time and could not comprehend how awesome and great that day is going to be.
There is so much detail in these next verses, so I want to go through them slowly to unpack much of the scene when the world is finally ruled in justice and righteousness. I listed out the details to start because when I read through the passage again, I missed many points because it all ran together. Some of the descriptive language got lost in the many elements of this event. The list is:
- Heaven opened
- A white horse is released
- The Rider is Faithful and True
- He Judges in righteousness
- He makes war
- His eyes like a flame of fire
- He wears many crowns on His head
- He has a name written that no one knows except Him
- He is clothed with a robe dipped in blood
- His name is called the Word of God
- The armies in heaven followed Him on white horses
- They are clothed in fine linen white and clean
- A sharp sword goes out of His mouth to strike the nations
- He will rule with a rod of iron
- He treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of God Almighty
- On His robe and thigh, a name is written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS
Today I want to focus on verses 11-12. These verses are all about the rider that is released when heaven is opened. But wait! What does that even mean? Can you comprehend heaven opening? I have never seen that happen before, so I can imagine what it may look like. The clouds parting? A portal opens from one dimension to the earth realm? A bright light shining down from the sky like a spotlight on the main event? Truly, you can let your creative images run wild and still not be able to grasp this concept of Heaven opening. A picture that will solidify for all people on earth that there is a God and now He is here for all to see. But for those who have gathered to meet Him at that time, it will not be a good day.
Now, out of that open gateway, a white horse leads a multitude of white horses with the armies of heaven deployed, riding on those white horses. On that leading mount is our glorified Lord and Savior. His white horse indicates purity, victory and righteousness. The rider is Faithful and True. Those descriptive words are capitalized implying that they are not descriptions of Who He is at all, but rather names that He is known by. These names tell all people the unwavering trustworthiness and integrity of King Jesus. Those here in the world will know that He is here to make war and to take back what has been stolen from Him with the wrath and fierceness of almighty God.
Some personal features of His appearance include: eyes like a flame of fire and on His head not just one crown but many crowns. Another picture that I cannot fully understand. It does say that His eyes are like a flame of fire, they are not actually burning fire. It is an imagery showing that with His eyes He has the ability to see all hearts and judge them with the purifying flame that burns off all the chaff and impurities to examine what is left to be tried in the great time of judgement. We know that His judgments are perfect and fair, and we have confidence that ultimate justice will be served. Finally, the wrongs of this world will be righted by His perfect and just hand.
As I try to picture wearing many crowns, I can see crowns of all kinds stacked on top of one another settled on the Kings head to display His majesty. However, at a closer look, these crowns represent His complete and ultimate authority and dominion over all the nations of the world and creation.
The last point I want to highlight today is His name, which only He knows. I cannot tell you what it is because only He knows it. This secret name opens up our understanding to the depth and mystery of His divine and perfect nature. As the Word of God, He is the ultimate revelation of God’s truth and love to all people, and it reminds us of His unending, unchangeable rule and the security we have under His kingship. There is no end to His greatness, goodness and love!
Today I want to encourage you that while these details are a lot to consider and grasp in our understanding, ultimately, they remind us that we can trust in His faithfulness in every circumstance of life. We rely on Jesus, the Faithful and True One, to lead us today and every day with integrity and truth. His faithfulness is a constant source of strength, encouragement and His empowering grace. I also encourage you to remember to hope in His Justice, knowing that Jesus judges with perfect justice even in the face of injustice and suffering that we see in the world today. His Judgement will prevail once and for all. Lastly take comfort in knowing that He, the Lord of all has established His throne in heavens and His kingdom rules over all. So, remember that our lives are under the care of the king of kings and the Lord of lords and He has given us His peace and comfort in the Holy Spirit until we ride back with Him on that great day of victory.
Today’s scripture reading: Revelation 19:11-12
11 Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war.
12 His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself.
The Daily Dose 