THE FOUR HORSEMEN

 

THE FOUR HORSEMEN In Revelation 6, Jesus Christ opens the first four seals on the scroll, and the four Horsemen are introduced. Our fascination with the four Horsemen has been depicted in art since the beginning of Christian history. Even secular artists have picked up the theme. The four Horsemen represent devastating events that will happen, and the entire world will be affected: The first seal is opened and the White Horseman rides forth. He wears a crown and is intent on conquering, so that he might prevail. He initiates a time of great deceptions, which Jesus predicted would be the primary sign of end times. The second seal is opened and the Red Horseman rides forth. He carries a sword. This Red Horseman represents increased violence and murder. The third seal is opened and the Black Horseman rides forth. He carries scales for measuring. This Black Horseman represents food shortages and inflation. The fourth seal is opened and the Pale Horseman (or Green Horseman) rides out to slay 1/4 of the inhabitants of the earth, by sword, famine, plague and wild beasts. The horses are as significant as their riders: these Four Horsemen all seem to be events rather than specific people.  Also, the Four Horsemen ride out in a specific sequence. They don’t ride out together, they appear one after another. The White Horseman rides first. The chapter about the White Horseman is quite long, so most of next week will be devoted to this study, rather than break it up over a month’s time. IMAGE CREDIT: The Four Horsemen, by Russian artist Viktor Mikhaylovich Vasnetsov, 1848-1926.