Revelation 19:11-16

Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war.  His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems, and he has a name written that no one knows but himself.  He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God.  And the armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, were following him on white horses.  From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty.  On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords.

The moment of history that we are all awaiting is described in this passage.  The injustice, immorality, and idolatry that has marked the history of this world from the time of the fall of man is coming to and end.  God’s delay in assuming direct command over the affairs of this world is over.  King Jesus is coming to assume His rightful place ruling and reigning on the earth.

THE IDENTITY OF THE KING: Now John sees Jesus sitting on a white horse.  This is not the same image of Antichrist that we saw appearing on a white horse at the beginning of the tribulation.  This is Christ who is called Faithful and True.  The Antichrist came promising peace but delivered war.  Christ comes in righteous judgment to make war on all who have rebelled against God in all generations.  He comes in glory as the King of kings and Lord of lords.  He is the Lamb of God who paid the price for our sin and demonstrates this by the blood in which His robe has been dipped.  He is the perfect revelation of God so is called the Word of God.  He is the Word made flesh.

THE COMUNITY OF THE KING: Jesus is not returning to the earth as He came the first time.  He is not coming alone as a baby born in a stable.  He is coming as the mighty King with the hosts of heaven joining Him on white horses and dressed in white linen.  Believers from generations who have been purified by placing their faith in Christ are the community of saints that now return with Christ to rule and reign with Him.  We will be part of this community and what an amazing experience this will be.

THE ABILITY OF THE KING: The armies of the world have amassed to war against one another for power and control on the earth.  However, when they see Christ being revealed from the heavens, they untie to go to war against Him.  He spoke the world into existence and now by the sword coming from His mouth the armies of the world are destroyed.  He will reign on this earth with a rod of iron that nobody will be able to rebel against.  God’s wrath on sin will be poured out and He will reign on the earth forever and ever.

APPLICATION: The revelation of Christ will be unmistakable, don’t fall for false claims of those who have no fear of the Lord.  Look forward to the glorious day when we will appear with Jesus in the clouds.  Know that He will judge the earth and His wrath will pour out on all sinners who have rejected Christ.  Worship Jesus as King of kings and Lord of lords.