Revelation 6, 7: The Third Facet

Week 5, Monday: The Rider on the white horse
Let’s review: Our study began with John’s vision of Christ, exalted in glory – and therefore, in a sense, “timeless” – and standing in the midst of the candlesticks representing the Church – and so, in time. From the midst of that vision Jesus commanded seven timeless messages to seven particular, “in time”, churches. Immediately thereafter John was introduced to a vision of worship in heaven, focused on the Lamb Who is worthy to open the mysterious scroll of God – a “timeless” scenario if ever there was one.

Now, in Revelation 6 and 7, we turn to the third “facet” of the Bride’s engagement ring. Here again we are advised of things both timeless and in time – things that must always be the case, and matters that are actually occurring in time at all times. And this exciting vision opens with the Centerpiece of worship becoming the Centerpiece of cosmic history.

This time, however, He's not coming as a Lamb.

Read Revelation 6

Meditate on Revelation 6.1, 2
1.      The Lamb opens a seal so that the words written upon it are exposed. A “living creature” with “a voice like thunder” invites us to have a look at what the scroll reveals. We recall that the living creatures represent creation in service to God (cf. Ps. 119.89-91). Is there instruction for us here concerning how the “two books” of revelation – creation and Scripture – work together?

2.      Commentators differ on the identify of the Rider on the white horse. In Revelation Jesus will draw on previous Biblical images for His message, both to bring to a denouement all the revelation of Scripture, and to aid us in understanding His message throughout. Meditate on Psalm 45.6, Zech. 10.3-5, and Zech. 9.13. How do such passages teach us to think about this Rider, His horse, and His weaponry? Does the “crown” the Rider wears help us in establishing His identity? How about Revelation 19.11-16?

3.      The Rider goes forth “conquering and to conquer.” This is the same word (Greek: niko) that Jesus used in addressing the 7 churches in Asia Minor (you might need to do a quick review of Revelation 2 and 3). This choice of words is deliberate, because we have already received some idea concerning what this “overcoming” or “conquering” might entail. Review Revelation 2.7, 11, 17, 26 and Revelation 3.5, 12, 21. What does this “conquering” or “overcoming” entail?

4.       In a single sentence, summarize what the Lord promises those who join Him in His work of “overcoming” or “conquering.” Should we think of this work in military or political terms, or is a spiritual analogy suggested (cf. Eph. 6.10-20)? Explain.

5.      The Rider on the white horse is conquering continuously. He has come in His Kingdom, as He declared during His incarnation, and that Kingdom is growing and overcoming and will continue to do so throughout the course of history (cf. Dan. 2.44, 45; Is. 9.6, 7). Complete the following sentence: “Jesus rides forth day by day, conquering and overcoming, and I…”

My Reflection
What would you point to in your life to indicate that you ride out daily with the Lord Jesus, conquering and to conquer? Where do you need to improve in this calling to “overcome”?

The Glory of God
The story of the Bible and of human history – all history – is the story of the Rider on the white horse. He comes forth as and according to the Word of God, and all creation witnesses to the fact that He is the Centerpiece of all time. We need the Lamb of God to open the scroll of His story to us, and we need to “get up under Him” as He rides forth conquering and to conquer. How should this lead us to think about the rest of the book of Revelation?

Glory to Glory
What does it take to go forth with the Lord as He overcomes with and blesses His people? Can we expect to do this apart from His Word? Apart from prayer? By ourselves? Explain.

Memorize
Our memory verses for this week are Revelation 6.1, 2. Write these verses on an index card, using your preferred translation of the Bible. Carry this with you throughout the week, and spend some time each day working to memorize this passage. Why do you think these would be especially important verses to have in mind each day?

Closing Prayer
The Lord shall send the rod of Your strength out of Zion.
Rule in the midst of Your enemies!
Your people shall be volunteers
In the day of Your power;
In the beauties of holiness, from the womb of the morning,
You have the dew of Your youth.

Psalm 110.2, 3

T. M. Moore

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The book of Revelation is the culminating episode in the story of God’s covenant. To learn more about that covenant, and to discover the way it integrates all of Scripture into the Gospel of Jesus Christ, order a copy of T. M.’s book, I Will Be Your God, by clicking here.

Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.