REVELATION 19
(Continued)
Revelation 19:11-13 I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and makes war.
(12) His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself.
(13) He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God. [NIV]
John's attention shifts from the scene of massive worship of God in heaven; to a spectacular scene of heaven standing open. A white horse was standing in the midst of the opened heaven, and his rider is called Faithful and True. Jesus had instructed John to write to the church of Laodicea, "These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God's creation." [Rev. 3:14 NIV] The rider on the white horse is Jesus Christ, returning as Triumphant Warrior, Messiah, and King. John stated that the rider will judge justly as he makes war. [Rev. 19:11 NIV]
Jesus stated,...."the Father judges no one, but has entrusted all judgement to the Son...." ".....I judge only as I hear, and my judgement is just, for I seek not to please myself but him who sent me." [John 5:22,30 NIV]
Jesus's eyes are described as flaming fire. Fire is symbolic of judgement. Jesus will see and hear clearly as he judges all according to their works. The works of the godly will result in rewards, and the works of the ungodly result in destruction. On his head will be many crowns, as he will rule the nations. We are told that Jesus will have a name written on him that no one will know, except him. [Rev. 19:12 NIV]
Now throughout the Scriptures we are told of many names, titles, and attributes that have been ascribed to Jesus. In verse 13, the rider on the white horse is identified as having the name "the Word of God." John identified Jesus as "the Word of God." [John 1:1-14] Jesus is depicted wearing a robe that has been dipped in blood. [Rev. 19:13] Isaiah prophesies of the coming day and year of the LORD's judgement and trampling of the nations. The LORD is asked why his garments are so red? The LORD answered that he had trampled the nations in anger and their blood had stained his garment. [Isaiah 63:1-6] Many of the Old Testament Prophets had described the coming day of the LORD's vengence and judgement. This scene depicted by John in Revelation 19:11-13, will occur towards the end of the Tribulation Period.