This chapter of Revelation is a beautiful picture of Christ’s triumph over evil. It is also our future triumph too. Just as we share in the injustices and sufferings of Christ on this Earth, we will share in the glory and joy of His victory and eternal reign.
The chapter begins with threefold Hallelujahs.
What is being celebrated? The end of the reign of evil and its influence on mankind. God avenges every wrong ever committed against His people, His children....against you and I.
“for true and just are his judgments. He has condemned the great prostitute who corrupted the earth by her adulteries. He has avenged on her the blood of his servants.”” (v2)
What else is being celebrated? Our reunion with the lover of our soul, the wedding supper of the Lamb “Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear.” (Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of God’s holy people.)” (v7-8)
John is privileged to give us a preview of things to come, and most importantly, the perspective of the spiritual battle that wages and will eventually be won.
“But now a door was opened in heaven and John saw the scene as God sees it. He looked upon it from heaven’s point of view and saw the conflict between good and evil, between Christ and Satan, between truth and error”. (Spurgeon )
It will be a glorious day when Jesus, who was rejected, scorned, tortured, and brutally executed returns as the rider on a white horse. In Ancient Rome, a white horse would carry a victorious general in a victory procession. “I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and wages war.” (v11)
Jesus returns as Judge and the Battle of Armageddon will be a just war.
“Because He is faithful He must discharge His office as judge, not shrinking from the administration of discipline or punishment where it is needed. Because He is true He cannot alter the standards of God which condemn sin. Favoritism and laxity cannot be found in Him, for He is the perfect administrator of justice in a world where injustice has long since reigned. . . . The meekness of Calvary and the sternness of Armageddon may seem inconsistent, but wherever sin exists, they may both be found. (Merrill Tenney)
In all of his glory and majesty, note what He is wearing: “He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God.” (v13) Oh, the precious cleansing blood of the once slain Lamb of God. Spurgeon reminds us of the significance of this: “though He rides the white horse, He has never stripped off the bloody shirt in which He won our redemption. He looks like a Lamb that has been slain and still wears His priesthood. Whenever He goes out to conquer, it is with this harness on, this vesture dipped in blood. Oh, preach Him, you His servants. Preach Him in His blood-red vesture. You shall never see souls saved if you portray Him in any other kind of coat.”
He carries a weapon but notice that it comes from his mouth. “Coming out of his mouth is a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. “He will rule them with an iron scepter.” He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty.” (v15) The weapon against evil is the Word of God. “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12)
We all must be accountable for the loyalties of our hearts. We accept Christ as Lord or we reject Christ as Lord. We are invited to the Wedding Supper of the Lamb or we are separated from God and Heaven for all of eternity. But, no matter our choice. God’s Word, God’s Truth, God’s Justice, God’s love reigns over all.
“On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: king of kings and lord of lords.” (v16)