< Back

Read: Revelation 19:11-16
Listen: Revelation 19

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 wages war. Revelation 19:11

The book of Revelation presents Jesus as the ultimate warrior who will return to wage war on evil. This points back to King David and affirms Jesus as the Messiah. David was also a fierce warrior. 1 Samuel 17 recounts the wartime story of a young David who slays Goliath with only a slingshot and stone. As king of Israel, David fought many more battles, delivering his nation again and again. David had to defeat his enemies to experience God’s promised peace. War was necessary for the establishment of his prosperous kingdom.

It can be hard to imagine Jesus as a fierce warrior and easy to dismiss spiritual battles as fantasy. We should not allow ourselves to believe these battles do not exist. A real enemy comes to steal, kill and destroy all that is good (John 10:10). Yet we need not fear. Our warrior king wages battle against disease, addiction, violence and injustice. He fights on our behalf and promises to return one day and make everything new (Revelation 21:5). Until then, he offers peace through his death and resurrection. This peace isn’t free but requires us to surrender our selfish whims and sin to his selfless leadership. We can rest assured that Jesus has already won the ultimate victory. We will one day experience his fully established kingdom on earth.

TODAY: You may have someone in your life who is in the midst of battle and needs the hope of Jesus. Invite them to join you for our Christmas service to hear the good news of Jesus. Visit adabible.org/Christmas for our Christmas service times and locations.

JESUS IN THE OLD TESTAMENT:

Read Micah 4. Highlight anything that points to Jesus. Consider God’s dwelling place of peace (Revelation 21:1-4).