In John’s vision of Revelation 6:2, John tells us that he was shown a white horse and the rider of this horse carried a bow, but he does not give us any details about the arrows for this bow. So what kind of bow is this without arrows? Clearly it’s not a weapon that the rider held, but a bow as for a gift.
John continues by telling us that the rider was given a crown. Where else in the Bible can we find mention of a crown? Everywhere, from beginning to end – from Genesis to Revelation – but let’s choose just one to look at,
2 Timothy 2:5 (NIV)
Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor's crown except by competing according to the rules.
The crown the rider was given was the victor’s crown, for Revelation 6:2 ends with …He rode out to defeat the enemy and win the victory.
Friends, the rider on the white horse in Revelation 6:2 is Jesus Christ. Jesus competed according to the rules – the instruction of the Holy Spirit and the will of the Father. Through His obedience “to the rules” Jesus defeated the enemy and gained the victory over sin and death on our behalf.
Jesus paid the price for our salvation by sacrificing His Life. Now we can lay claim to this wonderful Gift. Jesus wears the crown of victory and we too can receive the victor’s crown by competing according to the rules. And, when we do, we will take hold of a bow and a crown and spread the Good News of Salvation.
Amen †
A Bow and A Crown ©2014 Shelley Johnson 22-May-14
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