Thursday, December 08, 2022

"Bent on Conquest"

Revelation 6.2 NIV

“I looked and there before me was a white horse! Its rider held a bow, and he was given a crown, and he rode out as a conqueror bent on conquest.”

The rider of the white horse had a singular mission… conquest! He was a conqueror and he “rode out” like one. The NAS version of the Bible translates it this way:

“…he went out conquering,
and to conquer.”

For the white horse rider, conquest was a present and future reality. He conquered and  would continue his conquest. According to the Bible, I too am a conqueror.

“Yet in all these things 
we are more than conquerors through 
Him who loved us.”
Romans 8.37 NKJV

I am preparing for battle to…
  • make a living
  • expand my ministry
  • manage my business 
  • manage my finances
  • manage my-self
  • be an example of Jesus
  • care for the needy
  • hear the Spirit
  • obey the Spirit
  • love God
  • love difficult people
  • maintain a positive mental outlook
  • perform with efficiency
  • work hard
  • resist temptation
  • grieve well the loss of my wife
  • care for my dear children and grandchildren
  • hold my head high and do whatever’s next
My demons are many, but my God is great, and “I am more than a conqueror through Him who loved me.” I am a conqueror so I should act like one. Life is not perfect; but life is good and the future is bright. There are battles to fight, but I can win the day. I am a warrior in Christ’s army and “can do all things through Him who strengthens me” (Philippians 4.13 NASB).

My “white horse” is parked in the garage. I will soon leave the comfort of my home, start her up, and drive somewhere “as a conqueror bent on conquest.”

____________________

The beautiful painting of horses rearing is "Untitled Work No. 0810" by Polish painter, Tomasz Rut (1961- ).

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Yes, we are called to be a witness in every aspect of our lives. Just as you suggest in your list of daily activities. It is easy to be a witness (conqueror) on Sunday morning while in worship. The real question is, what happens to my faith and my witness when I leave the parking lot and pull into the AM-PM Mart just off the church campus. How do I conduct myself and how do I behave to the guy pumping my gas or the girl behind the counter who's taking my $1.79 for that necessary 32 ounce diet pop?

Speaking of that gal behind the counter, I've actually gotten to know her a bit as my caffeine addiction guides me in her direction each week. These people that we rub elbows with each day are exactly that, people who have lives, hopes and dreams. I think we sometimes forget that in our mad dash from point A to point B. I think we sometimes view these people as simply worker bees who have no purpose or direction in life other than to serve us. As it turns out, that gal behind the counter works 8 hour shifts on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday so she can finance her dream. She is currently enrolled at Portland State and working on her masters degree in Criminology.

There is however one question that I have not yet asked her. How does she view us? She knows who we are. She gets a "rush" of us just before 9:00 AM, again at about 10:30 and once more just after 12:00 noon. So who are these church people? Who are these "Christians?" Are we treating her with the kindness that is so deserving of anyone made in the image and likeness of God? This week I think I'll ask her exactly that.

-----CMM

davescriven said...

I will be eager to hear what she says to your question.