Joel 2:1 Blow the trumpet in Zion,
And sound an alarm in My holy mountain!
Let all the inhabitants of the land tremble;
For the day of the LORD is coming,
For it is at hand:
2 A day of darkness and gloominess,
A day of clouds and thick darkness,
Like the morning clouds spread over the mountains.
A people come, great and strong,
The like of whom has never been;
Nor will there ever be any such after them,
Even for many successive generations.
3 A fire devours before them,
And behind them a flame burns;
The land is like the Garden of Eden before them,
And behind them a desolate wilderness;
Surely nothing shall escape them.
4 Their appearance is like the appearance of horses;
And like swift steeds, so they run.
The horse and their riders are symbolic of those who do battle and their horses are known as “war” horses. Jesus is depicted as leading the army while riding a white horse. The first four seals are represented as four horsemen. A battle is conducted for taking possession of land and/or resource. It is about overcoming and conquering whatever is currently occupying or possessing our land.
The first seal was opened or loosed in Revelation 6:
First Seal: The Conqueror
1 Now I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals; and I heard one of the four living creatures saying with a loud voice like thunder, “Come!”
2 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.
The four living creatures represent the ruling aspect of the Throne whereas the twenty-four elders represent the priesthood ministry. The ruling ministration of the Spirit of power and authority broadcast in a Voice of Thunder in an emphatic manner- “Come!”
This is a lone horseman with a crown and it surely represents Jesus who later is found riding the same white horse leading an army of saints. He appears first as the “Alpha” described in John 1:1 and in Revelation 19 as the Omega with the Sons of Love in full battle array following Him wherever HE goes:
Rev 14:4 These are the ones who follow the Lamb wherever He goes. These were redeemed from among men, being firstfruits to God and to the Lamb.
Recall previous writings where we are told many are called but few are chosen. The ones chosen have been faithful to the revelation of the Sons of GOD and have set aside every hindrance that would take their focus away from fully maturing as a Son. They are further described in Revelation 17:14-
“These will make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for He is Lord of lords and King of kings; and those who are with Him are called, chosen, and faithful.”
The first seal refers to a revealing or revelation of the Book of Life. The flesh must be overcome with purity, Divine Holiness, and righteousness. A cleansing must occur to remove spot and wrinkle. It is all out war with the flesh, the carnal nature of man. The illumination of Jesus Christ brings forth a white light, the fullness of the rainbow. Our lights must shine forth and not be hindered by the flesh. Both the bow and the sword represent the Word OF FATHER and assure swift victory.
The battleground is in us, not in some distant valley for all to observe via satellite. ‘Christ in us’ will be victorious over all that would easily beset us. He is the lone rider on the white horse Who will conquer the land in us and will claim the land and resources as inheritance to be used as His Body as He mounts the final battle to bring forth glory unto all the earth. Every enemy within us who would promote “antichrist” and raise itself up in opposition will be overcome. Every enemy within you must be conquered before you can be qualified to ride with Christ in His Army. Just consider how Saul of Tarsus was conquered in order to become Paul! Jesus conquered death and hell and sees no issue in conquering those inhabitants in your Promised Land.
John heard the command “Come!”. It was not directed to him but a proclamation he heard for the Rider to come forth and conquer our land. I also say “Come!” The result- we will be strengthened with all might according to His riches in Glory. We will be fruitful in every good work and we will walk in the fullness of joy and life more abundantly.
As we say in the Southwest… Let’s ride!