"I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True" (Revelation 19:11a).

As I study heaven I note that no single extended Scripture portion gives us substantial information. Rather we have glimpses of what heaven is like. Today's portion comes from the book of Revelation. It's a tremendous comfort to believers. John had just received a remarkable revelation from an angel and had bowed down to worship the angel when he was firmly rebuked and told to "Worship God".

Then he saw heaven standing open and what did he see? Actually not what we might expect! If the verse was not before me I would expect it to say something to the effect, "Jesus sitting at the right hand of His Father" which is indeed the most common place we see Him after the ascension. But John says he saw a "white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True".  As you read on through the passage this is clearly a vision of Jesus.

Let's examine and receive encouragement from the two titles given to Jesus Christ in the daily passage.

He is called "Faithful". This translates the very common Greek word "pistos", which objectively has the meaning of trustworthiness and reliability. This is one of the great attributes of God found throughout the Scriptures. Believers can join with Jeremiah in declaring, "Great is Thy faithfulness!"

He is called "True". This word denotes real and genuine. It places Him in contrast to the antichrist who is also depicted on a white horse earlier in Revelation 6:2. While on earth Jesus had said in encouraging His disciples, "I am the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6).

Allow me to close with a powerful thought from writer Warren Wiersbe on this portion of Scripture: "This description of Christ is thrilling! He is no longer on a humble donkey, but on a fiery white charger. His eyes are not filled with tears as when He beheld Jerusalem; nor is He wearing a mocking crown of thorns. Instead of being stripped by His enemies, He wears a garment dipped in blood, signifying judgment and victory. When on earth, He was abandoned by His followers; but here the armies of heaven follow Him in conquest. He comes to rule with a rod of iron (Psalm 2). He comes not to bear the wrath of God on the cross, but to tread the winepress of God's wrath at the Battle of Armageddon. He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords!"

Wow, this will sure be a great scene!


Be encouraged today,


Stephen C. Weber

Brooksyne's prayer:  On that great appointed day, Jesus, we will behold You in all of Your glory, power and splendor!  Your appearance will far surpass the glimpse of a superstar, for You know me personally.  You know my deepest wound and my greatest accomplishment.  You know the recurring worries that I've brought to You over and over.  You know my comings and goings.  You are my personal Savior who died that I might live with You throughout all eternity!  You are the King of Kings and Lord of Lords!  Capturing the vision of You as my Faithful and True High Priest riding on a white horse refreshes my spirit and renews my anticipation for that which is yet to come!  Even so, come quickly, Lord Jesus.

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The description of heaven in the latter part of Revelation is astounding.  Brooksyne and I share interests that are mutual and this is periodically expressed in this encouragement series. She enjoys growing flowers and making them into arrangements. I enjoy photography and using the software to enhance the image. Here's a miniarrangement she made of tiny flowers.  The vase is only around two inches tall!
 

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Here's a song I've come across that just really blesses me and reinforces today's message.   Audio (mp3)   Video
These audio and video resources are provided by the Willingdon Church in British Columbia Canada.