A White Horse

White horses have long been honored in legend and history, from “Silver” ridden by the Lone Ranger to Blueskin (actually a gray horse) ridden by George Washington during the Revolutionary War. Herodotus, the Greek historian, wrote that white horses were considered sacred animals in the court of Xerxes the Great.

Christ riding on a white horse calls on symbolism already found in Revelation. White symbolized worthiness and victory in the letter to the church of Sardis (Revelation 3:4, 5). And when the first seal is opened, John sees a triumphant white horse. “He who sat on it had a bow; and a crown was given to him, and he went out conquering and to conquer” (6:2).

While Jesus has appeared in Revelation as a “Lamb slain from the foundation of the world” (13:8; see also 5:6, 12), in today’s passage, we see Christ as a warrior coming to deliver His people. This is an aggressive battle to save faithful believers who have been attacked, maligned, and murdered. It is not a war of plunder but one of judgment, for the rider is called “Faithful and True.” Jesus righteously rides forth, not up to heaven but down to earth to gather and receive the elect.

The battle scene is the last and great war of Armageddon, but it is given in more detail. It’s truly a response to the question asked in 13:4: “So they worshiped the dragon who gave authority to the beast; and they worshiped the beast, saying, ‘Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him?’” To fearful followers of the beast, nobody can take down the great dragon, the mighty power on earth. But to the faithful followers of the Lamb, there is One who is not only more powerful than Satan, but who also has the right to crush the serpent’s head (Genesis 3:15).

Jesus is not a mythical prince who heroically rides a white horse in a fairy tale. He is the King of kings who will finally destroy Babylon and deliver His people. Which side of this battle will you be on?

Dear Jesus, I surrender my life to You and choose to loyally stand with the armies of heaven.

For Further Study: Psalm 45:3, 4; Isaiah 13:5; John 5:27

Key Bible Texts

And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. (Revelation 19:11 KJV)