Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems, and he has a name written that no one knows but himself. He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God. And the armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, were following him on white horses. From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords. Revelation 19:11-16, English Standard Version)

Until recently I have understood this passage to be a vision of Christ’s return to earth with his saints. Now, I’m not so sure. I think most would agree that Jesus intended for his followers who read or heard this vision to identify with the armies following the rider on the white horse. Now, here’s the question? Did Jesus mean for his followers to see this as a description of their return to earth with him in their resurrection bodies? Or, did Jesus mean for them to visualize themselves riding with him in the first century wreaking havoc on principalities and powers? Hint: What are the armies wearing?

More about this in the next post.