8th August 2024 – Revelation 19:11-16

11 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. 12 His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems, and he has a name written that no one knows but himself. 13 He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God. 14 And the armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, were following him on white horses. 15 From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the wine press of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. 16 On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords.


The invitation (9) is to the redeemed, and the redeemed are the Bride. There is no contradiction here, only two different images of the same reality (cf 22:9, where the Bride is also the Holy City). It is only here that we are able to see in proper perspective all the grim horror of the previous chapters. All the bitter costliness and persecution involved in the Christian life, and unfolded in Revelation, is true, - but oh! the sweetness and blessedness of being among the number of those called to the marriage supper of the Lamb! These are the two sides - the toils, tears, dangers, and persecutions of the Christian life, and its joys, delights and rewards. So often from the human standpoint, and perhaps inevitably so, we are preoccupied with the dark side of experience, but here the vision gloriously eclipses all else. To see the King in His beauty, and to see Him come thus, King of Kings, and Lord of Lords, the joy or the terror of the universe - joy to those who have owned Him Lord, terror to those who have resisted and refused and opposed His gospel - this is ultimate reality, for weal or woe. The only thing that will matter for anyone, then, will be to have been on His side, and to have His smile of recognition and commendation. Even to read of it is benediction enough, but to participate in this great event, and experience it, defies expression. There is a wonderful passage in Isaiah 25:9 - 'Lo! this is our God, we have waited for Him' - as if to cry: 'We knew it would be wonderful, but this.... It is beyond all imagining, and almost beyond belief.' Such is the great climactic event. And in the meanwhile, it is still the interval, and the blessed invitation goes out calling men to prepare to meet their God. 'O, be swift my soul to answer Him....!'