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From ancient times, the horse has been admired for its beauty, strength, and speed. It has been valued on the farm as well as on the battle field. Today, its use is limited to some farming communities, to equestrian sports, and to crowd control by the police. The horse is probably the animal most painted by artists.
In a battle, the horse is only as good as the people putting it to use. Good battle strategy and military might were assets relied upon heavily to secure a victory. Intelligence gathering, geographical terrain, climate, food and water supply, deception, and the psychological state of the enemies were important factors. Yet, harnessing all these by applying the principles in Sun Tze’s “Art of War” would not guarantee victory. The well-known war strategist, Kung Ming, would have assured us that we need “heaven” to be on our side. This truth is expressed in the Bible as follows: “The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but deliverance is of the Lord”1; “A horse is a vain hope for safety; neither shall it deliver any by its great strength.”2
God is the Creator of the universe. God is in control. The fallen angel, Satan, may be a powerful foe, but he is no match for God. Satan instigated the first man and the first woman, Adam and Eve, to sin against God. Ever since that event, known as the Fall, life has not been happy for mankind. War, famine, and death come to man. The Bible represents war by one who rides on a red horse. Famine is represented by one riding on a black horse. Death is represented by one riding on a pale horse. These agents of Satan create havoc and misery on earth.
Our only hope lies in the One who rides on a white horse. “A crown was given to him, and he went out conquering and to conquer.”3 He is none other than the Son of God who has come to this world to save sinners. Yes, Jesus Christ is the Saviour of the world! We have inherited the sinful nature of Adam and Eve, such that we all sin against God in thoughts, words, and deeds. Christ died on the cross as the perfect sacrifice, in the place of those who should die eternally for their sin. He rose from death on the third day, showing that He has accomplished what He came to do. Whoever makes up his mind to turn from sin and follow Jesus Christ is forgiven by God and given eternal life.4
The Spirit of God uses the teaching of the Bible to transform people, so that they willingly abandon their sinful life to follow Jesus Christ. By such peaceful conquest of those who believe, Jesus Christ is doing damage to Satan’s kingdom. It is no wonder that Satan is enraged! It is no wonder that unbelievers are angry at Christians and the church! The day will come when Jesus Christ returns from heaven to utterly destroy those who attack His people. Those aligned with Satan will be cast into hell – “the lake of fire burning with brimstone”.5>
We must quickly come to Jesus Christ in faith. “Do not be like the horse or like the mule, which have no understanding, which must be harnessed with bit and bridle, else they will not come near you.”6
1. Prov. 21:31; 2. Psalm 33:17; 3. Rev. 6:2; 4. John 3:16; 5. Rev. 19:20; 6. Psalm 32:9
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