Now I watched when the Lamb opened one of the seven seals, and I heard oneof the four living creatures say with a voice like thunder, “Come!” And I looked, and behold, a white horse! And its rider had a bow, and a crown was given to him, and he came out conquering, and to conquer. (Revelation 6:1-2 ESV).
The mention of thunder shows that God wants our attention. As the first seal is opened, we see a white horse, and its rider is determined to succeed in his mission. Soon we will also see three other powerful horsemen determined to win, but this first one is different. He is the only one introduced with a “voice like thunder.”
The color of the white horse stands for restoration and renewal, being made clean and given new life. This horseman’s mission is to restore God’s creation, and he is also given a crown. If you are familiar with the story of Jesus’ life and mission, you will recognize this first horseman. This is Jesus Christ, the one whom God “crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death… for everyone” (Hebrews 2:9).
This horseman is on a mission, “as a conqueror bent on conquest.” And he comes into the story again later (cf. Revelation 19:11-16). At this point, though, we are invited to picture him at the cutting edge of God’s mission of salvation and restoration. While it causes awe and wonder, for the child of God it should bring a great sense of relief. The end is near, and all is about to be restored to the great glory God intended from the beginning. We may be closer to this day than any might imagine! Be ready!