13 dec 2023
And when he had opened the second seal, I heard the second beast say, Come and see. And there went out another horse that was red: and power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword.
Revelation 6:3-4
Shalom friends,
This week we arrive at the rider on the second horse, which was red.
There are two words for the Greek word 'sword'. One is 'romphia'and describes a large sword used in battle. This is the kind of weapon that protudes from the mouth of Jesus as He comes to strike down the nations.
And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.
Revelation 19:15
The second word is 'machaira', which describes a short sword or dagger. Rather than being used in major battles, it was employed in close-contact violence ans assassinations. This short sword is what the rider on the red horse is carrying in Revelation 6.
The Greek word for great (sword) here is 'megas'. The weapon wielded by this horseman was great in its power.
The rider on the red horse will not herald so much World War III, given the weapon this rider carries, which represents a short sword, or dagger. This is an easy weapon to carry in everyday life. This second judgment will cause division and civil unrest. The phrase "that they should kill one another" reflects a very individual tone of the verse the "to take peace from the earth". Peace will disappear everywhere. Not only between nations, but also within cities, neighbourhoods and homes. People can and will no longer trust each other because anyone who encounters another person can kill the other just like that. There is a complete lawlessness emerging; a demonic control. A terrible scenario if we think about this carefully.
I want to end with the encouraging words from Apostle Paul to the Roman church congregation to the glorify our Prince of Peace:
And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
Romans 16:20
Awaiting His soon returning,
Natasja
AWAITING HIS SOON RETURN
