24 December | EVERYONE
"Now I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals; and I heard one of the four living creatures saying with a voice like thunder, ‘Come and see.’ And I looked, and behold, a white horse. He who sat on it had a bow; and a crown was given to him, and he went out conquering and to conquer." Revelation 6: 1,2
The moment is decisive. Living beings suspend their breath because of the solemnity that takes hold of the universe. In the midst of the immensity, they see a throne and, sitting on it, a mysterious being with a book in His right hand, written inside and out (Revelation 5:1). The book is sealed with seven seals, but suddenly four horses of different colors parade and their riders announce death, blood, sword, famine, and pestilence—a cocktail of terror that breeds fear and leads to despair.
What is behind those mysterious horses and their riders? To understand this prophecy, it is necessary to remember that there is a cosmic conflict that began in heaven and moved to Earth. Throughout history, God’s enemy has tried to attract the worship of people to himself; and at the same time, he has tried to distort the Word of God. To achieve these two objectives, he uses all possible means: He deceives, seduces, lies, conceals, disguises; and when that does not work for him, he persecutes, uses violence, kills, and destroys.
Many interpreters consider the four horsemen of Revelation to be bearers of divine judgments. Movies have been made that portray these characters as avengers who bring misfortune to Earth. But this prophecy shows how Christians reacted to the onslaught of the enemy in different periods of history. When each seal is opened, the diabolical attacks and the response of the church are exposed.
Satan seeks to lead God's children to rebellion and death, and to cause humans to disregard God's Word. He never stops attacking. Sometimes he achieved his goal, but there was always a group of faithful people to God and His teachings.
Take Action
When you read passages of Revelation, like today's verse, stop and meditate that Jesus is depicted as "the Lamb," a meek figure, if ever there was one, in sharp contrast to the aggressiveness of the devil. What does this tell you?