Revelation 19:11-16: a reflection

11I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse, and he who sat on it is called Faithful and True. In righteousness he judges and makes war. 12His eyes are a flame of fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has names written and a name written which no one knows but he himself. 13He is clothed in a garment sprinkled with blood. His name is called “The Word of God.” 14The armies which are in heaven, clothed in white, pure, fine linen, followed him on white horses. 15Out of his mouth proceeds a sharp, double-edged sword that with it he should strike the nations. He will rule them with an iron rod. He treads the wine press of the fierceness of the wrath of God, the Almighty. 16He has on his garment and on his thigh a name written, “KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.”

John's vision reaches a climactic moment: heaven opens, and a rider appears on a white horse, called Faithful and True, who judges and makes war in righteousness. His eyes are like flames of fire, on his head are many crowns, and he is called the Word of God. From his mouth comes a sharp sword to strike the nations, and on his robe and thigh is written a name: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS. It is a vision of the returning Christ in majesty and triumph, the sovereign King coming to reign.

Notice the names given to the returning Christ: Faithful and True, the Word of God, King of kings and Lord of lords. He is Faithful and True, utterly reliable, keeping every promise; he is sovereign over all rulers and powers, King of kings, Lord of lords, none above him. This is the Christ who was once crucified in weakness, now revealed in the majesty of his reign, coming in triumph and righteousness.

That vision fills us with both hope and reverence. Hope, because the Christ who reigns is Faithful and True, who will keep every promise and set all things right, and who is sovereign over every power that now seems to rule; King of kings, none can finally stand against him. And reverence, because this is the majestic, triumphant Lord before whom every knee will bow. When the world seems ruled by other powers, when you wonder whether Christ truly reigns, lift your eyes to this vision: the Faithful and True, King of kings and Lord of lords, coming in triumph. He reigns, he is faithful, and he will come. Worship the King who is sovereign over all, and take hope that the Faithful and True holds the final victory.

Lord Jesus, John saw you coming as the rider called Faithful and True, the Word of God, KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS, sovereign over all, coming in triumph and righteousness. Fill me with hope and reverence. Thank you that you are Faithful and True, who will keep every promise and set all things right, and that you are sovereign over every power that now seems to rule; none can finally stand against you. When the world seems ruled by other powers, when I wonder whether you truly reign, lift my eyes to this vision of your majesty and triumph. You reign, you are faithful, and you will come. Help me worship you, the King who is sovereign over all, and take hope that you, the Faithful and True, hold the final victory. King of kings, be exalted; I bow before you.