“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
December 29, 2023
The Christmas season traditionally is a celebration of the first coming of Jesus Christ, Israel’s Messiah and Savior of the world. But when do we celebrate the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. Well, of course, He has not come yet. However, there is some mischief at work in Satan’s world. The message of the cross is unpopular because it says we do not have the capacity to atone for guilt. Something is wrong with us and we can’t do anything about it apart from God. The message of the Second Coming of Christ is unpopular because it asserts that we do not have the capacity to set our world in order. The trumpet call of the last book of the Bible is that Jesus is coming back, and it won’t be anything like His coming the first time. The climax of history will be the advent of the Warrior-King descending to do battle against the beast, Satan, and His kingdom. In an attempt to discredit this truth, words like symbols and apocalyptic language are misused to blur the meaning of the coming rider on the white horse. As someone has wisely said, “symbols are used to throw a lot of truth at us quickly.” The words “Faithful and True” are highlighted to emphasize that divine judgment is coming. Jesus Christ is coming to keep His promises. Our world is in a sinful mess. God is not taken into account and evil struts across the stage of history. Do not despair, dear Christian. Those who know their God live hopefully, not helplessly.
H
“With regard to our Lord’s return, we emphasize preparation without expectation. Of course all too generally nothing is said of His return at all. Bringing in the Kingdom is preached, but not bringing back the King.”
Vance Havner