“I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse whose rider is called Faithful and True. … On his robe … he has this name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.”
Revelation 19:11, 16
Many of us try to keep Jesus in the manger. He’s so cute and cuddly there with the animals nearby and Mary and Joseph looking on. We’d rather not in our minds allow Him to grow up. Surely this sweet little child would never bring judgment on anyone!
Revelation 19 powerfully describes Jesus’ return to earth with Him riding on a white horse and with His robe dipped in blood, eyes flaming, mouth holding a sword. All of this is to “strike down the nations and rule them with an iron scepter” (v. 15). It’s really quite graphic. But none of this sounds much like the innocent baby lying in a manger, does it?
We have to understand that Jesus grew up, died, rose from the grave, and promised to come again one day. When He does, He will proclaim Himself King of kings and Lord of lords. Though He is the wondrous infant in Mary’s arms, He also is the returning Conqueror, the Ruler of the universe, and the Defender of our souls. He gave Himself fully for us; we can give our whole hearts unreservedly to Him.
Revelation 19 powerfully describes Jesus’ return to earth with Him riding on a white horse and with His robe dipped in blood, eyes flaming, mouth holding a sword. All of this is to “strike down the nations and rule them with an iron scepter” (v. 15). It’s really quite graphic. But none of this sounds much like the innocent baby lying in a manger, does it?
We have to understand that Jesus grew up, died, rose from the grave, and promised to come again one day. When He does, He will proclaim Himself King of kings and Lord of lords. Though He is the wondrous infant in Mary’s arms, He also is the returning Conqueror, the Ruler of the universe, and the Defender of our souls. He gave Himself fully for us; we can give our whole hearts unreservedly to Him.
Scripture Focus
Revelation 19:13-16
Insight
“Once in our world, a Stable had something in it that was bigger than our whole world.” (C.S. Lewis, The Last Battle, 1956)
Bible In A Year
- Malachi 1-4
- Proverbs 31
- Revelation 20-22
