The Rider

Daily Reading: Revelation 19

Scripture Focus: I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True.  With justice he judges and wages war.  His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns.  He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself.  He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God. (Revelation 19.11-13, NIV)

Devotional Thought: One day heaven will be standing open, and we will see the one who is called Faithful and True.  What will he be like?

With justice he judges and wages war.  Jesus came to earth as a Lamb, sent to offer his life for the salvation of humanity.  At the end, he will come as a Lion, to judge with justice and to wage war.  The one who is called Faithful and True will punish those who have rejected him.  He will forever defeat the twin enemies of sin and death.

He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood.  Earlier in Revelation, John weeps as he witnesses the scroll with seven seals held in the hand of the Lord on his throne.  No one in heaven or Earth is found to be worthy to break the seals or look inside it… except Jesus.  “See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals” (Revelation 5.5, NIV).  In this vision, the Lion appears as a Lamb who has been slain.  Only through his humble submission to the Father, signified by the blood on his robe, would Jesus earn this right and privilege. 

His name is the Word of God.  Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of all of the Law and the Prophets.  The gospel of John begins with a description of who Jesus is:  “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1.1).

Jenny

Prayer: Lord, you are Faithful and True.  Now, I know that by faith, but one day heaven will be open and I will know it by sight for I shall see you!  Help me to be ready for that day and to cry out with the saints, "Hallelujah!"  Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 105.1-6

1 Oh give thanks to the LORD; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples!

2 Sing to him, sing praises to him; tell of all his wondrous works!

3 Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice!

4 Seek the LORD and his strength; seek his presence continually!

5 Remember the wondrous works that he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he uttered,

6 O offspring of Abraham, his servant, children of Jacob, his chosen ones!