“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.” – Revelation 19:11

Scripture reading: Revelation 19:11-21

The groom stands in front of the church, anticipating the moment the doors of the church swing open and he sees his bride. And the bride anticipates seeing her groom waiting for her. We anticipate seeing Christ coming, but as heaven opens, we see Him dressed as a warrior, crowned, yet His robes dipped in blood. Behind Him is a whole army, but they are white and pure on their white horses. This is because Christ is the One Who fights our battles and defeats our enemies. He is the word of God that fells our enemies. He is the King of kings and Lord of lords.

In the order of Revelation, the prostitute is destroyed. But before we see the final victory the Spirit reassures us of the destruction of the two beasts, the antichrist and the false prophet, and the dragon. He takes us back briefly to the last battle of Armageddon, when all the world is posed to destroy the church. We anticipate the wedding feast, but first must come a feast of a different sort! Jesus is coming in victorious judgment to make all things new. He does not come with vicious bloodlust, but with justice, as Psalm 96:13 says. No sin goes unpunished, no one will be judged too harshly.

Notice His eyes, like a flame of fire. Nothing is hidden from Him. As Revelation 2:23 says, He “searches out mind and heart” and will “give to each as their works deserve.”

Suggestions for prayer

Ask God for patience as we long for the day of Christ’s appearance as the victorious Lord. Yet ask Him to come, defeat His enemies, establish His Kingdom, and take us home.

Rev. Calvin J. Tuininga was born in Grand Rapids Michigan, but as a PK grew up in different places, mostly in Canada. He served in four churches: Burdett Alberta (CRC), Telkwa, B.C. (CRC), Trinity St. Catharines, Ontario (CRC/URC) and Covenant URC in Pantego, North Carolina. He retired in September 2019, and he and his wife presently reside in Washington, North Carolina. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com.