I know that my redeemer lives and that he shall stand in the latter day upon the earth. I know, like Job, that I shall see him for myself. And though, like Job’s, my skin is shriveled and wasted, and my body now isn’t much to boast about, I know that like Job and poor doubting Thomas, in my flesh I shall see my Lord. And I shall see the wounds he received in the house of his friends, and perhaps even the stripes by which I was healed.
When I lie and ponder, often I see a man riding a white horse. Not a little cubby foal of an ass now, but a great white horse like the Caesars used to ride in triumph when the Revelation was written. Let’s bring it up to date. I see him flying the presidential jet.
Jesus Christ, the conqueror on the white horse, we are told has four names. He is called Faithful and True. His name is the Word of God. On his robe and on his thigh are written the name “King of Kings and Lord of Lords.” And then, mysteriously, he has a name written on him that no man knows but he himself. Of course, I cannot hope to guess such a name, but I am sure it is full of meaning.
Yes, I often think of that horse and rider. His own robe is stained with blood, but following him are armies, also riding on white horses, dressed in fine linen, starched and white—the faith of the saints which has been counted for righteousness.
The spirit through John quotes Psalm 2. The rider is the Son of God, resplendent in glory, an unerring judge, a just and merciful ruler, the invincible sovereign of the whole earth. Gone will be the Stalins and Pol Pots and every proud and petty tyrant. My King will rule from Zion in righteousness. The poor and needy, the despised and humble ones who have been my loving friends for half a hundred years will then be honored — to my great joy — in a world where there will be no place for the arrogant. As my Bible namesake sang: The Mighty One has done great things for me; holy is His Name.
Yes, I often think of that Man riding his white horse. “With justice he judges.” I have done many vain and foolish things in my life, but I know him in whom I have believed, and sixty years ago I gave my life to him and I believe his promise that he will never leave or forsake me. I was busy in his household until this infirmity closed in upon me, and I am sure he will not forget.
I cannot grasp eternity. Not now. But if I do experience it, it will only be through the mercy of Jesus my Lord.
As I took the emblems today, in my imagination I did see Jesus as he will be when he comes in his glory. When John heard the Lion of Judah roar, he turned and was amazed to see a Lamb! Although in the plenitude of his power, king of the world, Jesus’ glory will be all-surpassing, yet somehow he will, to his redeemed, always be the Lamb of God taking away the sin of the world. Then I will have a much stronger voice. And I will want to sing with every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, singing, To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power for ever and ever! Amen!
The Origin of the Organic World – Part One