JESUS RETURNS 

by Tammy Phillips
November 20, 2021

 “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.” (Revelation 19:11 NKJV)

What a scene!  All of earth has been waiting for this climax!  Jesus’ return to earth!

Jesus originally came to earth to make love.  Since Jesus’ death on the cross, we have been in the age of grace.  When we get to heaven,  wouldn’t you love to know how many times Jesus called us to surrender all.  I know the number would probably be greater than the days of our lives. Actually, I am sure I  would not want to know, nor would it matter, in the loving face of our Savior.  Revelation 19 is what the earth has been groaning  for and we have been waiting for, the return of Jesus to earth.  Humanity has been given every chance to surrender to Him.  In 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 the Lord came and gathered His bride in love in the sky, but in Revelation 19, He comes to earth in judgment and to make war.

He is “called Faithful and True.”  He is trustworthy. He is our confidence. He is True.  He is not hidden nor concealed.  He is revealed and He alone is the Real Thing.  We see in Revelation 19 that Jesus keeps His word and returns to earth.  A glorious picture is painted of Him in the following verses…

“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.” (Revelation 19:12 NKJV)

“A fire has its own character, both captivating and sedating, drawing people near to watch the dance of its flames as it gives out its warmth.  Jesus’ eyes were compelling, irresistible, riveting, and gripping.”- Rick Renner(https://renner.org/article/his-eyes-were-as-a-flame-of-fire/) Fire also symbolizes purification and judgment in the Bible.  We have the choice to surrender to the purification process in Him or one day experience His judgment.  Again, the choice is ours.  

“He [was] clothed with a robe dipped in blood… (Revelation 19:13 NKJV)

I do not know if Jesus’ clothes are red from His own blood,  from stomping evil grapes or both.  Either way, He is taken care of business.

“Why [is] Your apparel red, And Your garments like one who treads in the winepress? ‘I have trodden the winepress alone, And from the peoples no one [was] with Me. For I have trodden them in My anger and trampled them in My fury; Their blood is sprinkled upon My garments, And I have stained all My robes. For the day of vengeance [is] in My heart, And the year of My redeemed has come.” (Isaiah 63:2-4 NKJV)

“…and his name is called The Word of God.” (Revelation 19:13 KJV)

Jesus is revealed so many different ways in Revelation 19 that it is impossible to grasp the magnitude of all that He is.  I love John’s word painting of Him.  It is just so hard to fathom.  He is the Word of God.  “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the “Word was God” (John 1:1 KJV).   The Word is alive, creative, and powerful. He is the building block of all things, from beginning to end.

“And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses.” (Revelation 19:14 NKJV)

In our focus verse we saw Jesus returning on a white horse.  Here “the armies of heaven” are pictured following Him on white horses. You and I are included in this army as followers Christ!  (Revelation 17:14,  Jude 14-16)  He is the Lord of the Armies!  “In Biblical times – especially among Israel – most soldiers were foot soldiers. To have a horse in battle was a significant advantage. A horse spoke of honor, of power, and of speed.” -David Gusik (BLB Rev. 19 Commentary) Jesus returns on a white horse for battle, and we do, too!  He also dresses us in white for battle.  I believe He  has it taken care of. 

“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.” (Revelation 19:15 NKJV)

 When a band of 600-1000 Romans attempted to arrest Jesus in the garden, He dropped them to the ground with three words, “I am He.” (John 18:4-6) He needs no other sword than His Word and neither do we.  The war will not last very long.  All He has to do is speak and evil will be obliterated. Can’t wait to hear what He says!  He also makes another statement…

“And He has on [His] robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.” (Revelation 19:16 NKJV)

What a statement! I love that branding was an original God idea.   Jesus does not come back wearing Nike, Adidas, nor Under Armor.  He wears His own exclusive brand boldly written: “KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.”  What a smack in the face to the thugs left on earth! He returns declaring who He is and who they are not!

Picture this.   Revelation 19:17-20 concludes with an angel standing on the sun calling all birds to come and eat supper. The Lord is serving up kings, captains, might men, and all the marked people as dinner for the birds.  John saw the beast, the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against Jesus and His army.  Then…the beast and false prophet who deceived people into the mark, were captured and cast alive into the lake of fire!

“And the rest were killed with the sword which proceeded from the mouth of Him who sat on the horse. And all the birds were filled with their flesh.” (Revelation 19:21 NKJV). Jesus has the last WORD for sure.

I enCOURAGE you join the army of God. If you haven’t chosen, Jesus as your Savior and Lord choose Him. Invite Him into your life.  If you have already decided to follow Christ, choose His will and way in all things.  Follow Him into His Word. Spend time with Him and get to know your soon and coming King more intimately.  Love Him with all your heart.  Keep His commands as a good soldier in the Kingdom. Choose Him always.  He always chooses you!  THE KING is coming!

PS…where is the Dragon?