Jesus, our Heavenly Commander in whom we have our victory
The manner in which we are going to expose Jesus in today’s message is different from the manner in which we have done it over the past 30 days. For the last 30 days we have exposed Him in people and symbols and events recorded in the Old Testament, but today as a conclusion to our study on Exposing Jesus, we will be exposing Jesus’ character as we read about Him in the battle of Armageddon in Revelation 19.
“Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself. He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses. Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.” (Revelation 19:11-16, NKJV)
Let’s unpack our Heavenly Commander in Jesus one piece at a time.
Jesus is our heavenly Commander. His empire and throne is situated in heaven and the power and authority with which He operates are divine in nature. He is described as sitting on a white horse. What do we know about a white horse? White speaks of righteousness, purity and holiness. A horse is always referred to in the Bible in connection with warlike operations. A horse is further a symbol of strength, might, or force. The white horse referred to in Revelations 19 symbolises the clean, righteous warfare under Jesus Christ’s direction.
Jesus has no uncertainty about the victory in which He and His followers walk. He sits on a white horse as He is about to enter the battle. This speaks of Him resting in the certainty of the victory He already has and will claim.
He is called Faithful and True, which speaks of His character. He is faithful, even unto death and that we know because His death is the reason we have life, and in abundance, today.
His words never fail. Whatever He says will come to pass (Isaiah 55:11).
He is righteous in everything He does, in the manner He treats His followers as well as in the battles He engages in.
His sphere of impact is immeasurable and stretches beyond our understanding. He does not only wear one crown, but many, as He is the King of king and the Lord of lords.
He wears a robe made of blood that reminds us of His blood that was shed once at the cross so that we can forever walk in the victory He obtained for us over the enemy. His blood symbolizes our redemption and victory over darkness. His blood is His armor which is the same armor we are to wear today and no dart of the enemy can come through the blood of Jesus.
His name: the Word of God, a name that no one fully knows or understands but what we do know is that Jesus was the Word and the Word was God and became flesh for our sake, but nothing could touch or defile His perfections which are incomprehensible (John 1:1-4).
Jesus is not a leader of few but of many. The heavenly army He leads is made up of many armies. The heavenly creatures—angels and saints follow Him and resembles Him in their fine white linen clothing, reflecting His righteousness for all to see.
The weapons of His warfare are worth noting. A sharp sword (His Word) proceeds from His mouth, with which He destroys the nations. His Word will be executed that will bring a final end to His enemies, who will be put into the wine-press of the wrath of God, to be trodden under foot by Him.
As believers in Christ we are sharing in the victory of Christ. We are protected and covered by His blood forever. Do not neglect the privileges we have in Christ’s blood. Continue to declare it over yourself, your family and everything you have because as you declare Jesus’ blood over your life, you are standing on the victory you have in Him.
I hope that the last 31 days have been as insightful to you as it has been for me. I encourage you to go and search for Jesus. He will continue to amaze you. Your hunger for Him will be met.
Maretha Retief
Illustration by Jeanne de Villiers