December 2, 2014

THE SECOND CHRISTMAS: HE'S COMING BACK!

Revelation 19:11–21

Matt Wideman
Tuesday's Devo

December 2, 2014

Tuesday's Devo

December 2, 2014

Central Truth

Evil is defeated; all foes are slain! The King is coming! Are we living as though He is?

Key Verse | Revelation 19:11

Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. (Revelation 19:11)

Revelation 19:11–21

The Rider on a White Horse

11 Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. 12 His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems, and he has a name written that no one knows but himself. 13 He is clothed in a robe dipped in 1 19:13 Some manuscripts sprinkled with blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God. 14 And the armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, were following him on white horses. 15 From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule 2 19:15 Greek shepherd them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. 16 On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords.

17 Then I saw an angel standing in the sun, and with a loud voice he called to all the birds that fly directly overhead, “Come, gather for the great supper of God, 18 to eat the flesh of kings, the flesh of captains, the flesh of mighty men, the flesh of horses and their riders, and the flesh of all men, both free and slave, 3 19:18 For the contextual rendering of the Greek word doulos, see Preface both small and great.” 19 And I saw the beast and the kings of the earth with their armies gathered to make war against him who was sitting on the horse and against his army. 20 And the beast was captured, and with it the false prophet who in its presence 4 19:20 Or on its behalf had done the signs by which he deceived those who had received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped its image. These two were thrown alive into the lake of fire that burns with sulfur. 21 And the rest were slain by the sword that came from the mouth of him who was sitting on the horse, and all the birds were gorged with their flesh.

Footnotes

[1] 19:13 Some manuscripts sprinkled with
[2] 19:15 Greek shepherd
[3] 19:18 For the contextual rendering of the Greek word doulos, see Preface
[4] 19:20 Or on its behalf

Dive Deeper | Revelation 19:11–21

Of all the holidays we celebrate, Christmas is perhaps the most accepted by the world. To some, it may appear that we worship a helpless little baby (who doesn't like little babies and gifts?). But the reality is that the first Christmas has no eternal value if the second Christmas is not going to happen. Jesus is coming back! He is going to make all things right and rid the world of all wickedness! There is nothing more precious than a little lamb; there is nothing more terrifying than the wrath of the Lamb. With His eyes aflame, He shall see past all motives and actions into the heart. Let's compare the two comings:

• He came in secret; He is coming, and all will see Him.
• He came in the weakest form of humanity, a baby; He is coming, and no one shall stand against Him.
• He came and rode a donkey; He is coming, riding a white horse.
• He came to save, not to judge (John 12:47); He is coming to judge the world of all unrighteousness.
• He came and wore a crown of thorns; He is coming, wearing many royal crowns.
• He came and was covered in His own blood; He is coming with His robe dipped in the blood of sinners.
• He came and was hanged alone on that cross; He is coming with the armies of heaven.
• He came, and sin was judged on the cross; He is coming, and sinners will be judged by the sword of His mouth.

How God became a man I do not know, but even less do I understand how he could be made sin on our behalf (2 Corinthians 5:21). Love wins; evil doesn't triumph; Jesus is coming back! This changes everything. In a world that too often seems as though evil is triumphing and defeat is all around, I can live as more than a conqueror. Victory is assured! I will ride with Him. Therefore, since I know the outcome, I will go all in, holding nothing back. That's my King. Do you know Him?

Discussion Questions

1. If this battle were to happen today, which side would you be found on? Would you be called son or daughter of the King?

2. He is coming as the Lord of Lords; will He be found as Lord of your life today? What will you do this day in order to live out this truth?

3. What is holding you back from going "all in" for the King?