As I watched, the Lamb broke the first of the seven seals on the scroll. Then I heard one of the four living beings say with a voice like thunder, “Come!” I looked up and saw a white horse standing there. Its rider carried a bow, and a crown was placed on his head. He rode out to win many battles and gain the victory. Rev 6:1-2 New Living Translation

As I’ve said in an earlier study, Revelation is a book of visions and strong Christians have held different opinions on what each vision represents and their meaning. But we must never be like two dogs growling so much at each other over a bone that they don't notice a stray dog pinching the bone! Today's two verses are a good example.

John was terribly distressed when no-one in heaven or on earth was good enough to open the seven seals of the scroll that was in God's hands. Then one of the twenty-four elders in heaven said to John: “Stop weeping! Look, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the heir to David’s throne, has won the victory. He is worthy to open the scroll and its seven seals.” (Revelation 5:4-5) This “Lion of the tribe of Judah” was obviously Jesus, but He is represented in the vision by a lamb. As the first seal was broken John saw a crowned rider on a white horse riding forth to conquer. What's the first thought that comes to you as to who or what this rider and horse represents?

Some suggest it represents conquering kings and rulers throughout history. Some might say it represents a conquering ruler who will come in the last days of this world. But many Christians believe that the conquering rider on the white horse represents Jesus Himself and the ultimate success of the gospel. A reason for that view is that in the only other place in Revelation where a conquering rider on a white horse is mentioned, it obviously speaks of Christ. It's in Revelation 19:11-16 and John says:

“I saw heaven opened, and a white horse was standing there. Its rider was named Faithful and True, for he judges fairly and wages a righteous war. His eyes were like flames of fire, and on his head were many crowns. A name was written on him that no one understood except himself. He wore a robe dipped in blood, and his title was the Word of God. The armies of heaven, dressed in the finest of pure white linen, followed him on white horses. From his mouth came a sharp sword to strike down the nations. He will rule them with an iron rod. He will release the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty, like juice flowing from a wine-press. On his robe at his thigh was written this title: King of all kings and Lord of all lords.”

Now whichever of these explanations we think fits best, there's an underlying theme which is true for all of us. The vision showed someone with a crown who conquers. That implies there were enemies, and battles to be fought. Notice too that in Revelation 19 the armies of heaven were also on white horses like their leader. In Ephesians 6:10-12 the apostle Paul says to Christians: “Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armour so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.”

At the end of the day there are just two kingdoms. A kingdom that the prince of this world (Satan) set up which filled the world with darkness ever since Adam's time – and the Kingdom of Heaven, in which Jesus Christ is King. Through the gospel this Kingdom has spread to all nations. We need to be clear to which Kingdom we belong and if Jesus Christ is truly Lord of our life. But we mustn't be too quick with our answer because, as we'll see when the Lamb breaks the next seals, being a Christian is not a bed of roses. There are spiritual battles and hard times we will face. But we do have a King who has conquered. Hallelujah.