Thoughts about a forthcoming Apocalypse have influenced filmmakers for years and captivated audiences. Apocalyptic end of life scenarios played out before our eyes can trigger reactive fear, self-protectiveness, defensiveness, isolationism and hoarding of any resources we deem indispensable should the worst happen.
If we seek a biblical perspective on it we begin to glimpse light at the end of an extremely dark tunnel. The four horsemen of the Apocalypse are mentioned in the book of Revelation. A grim and dismal future is predicted for mankind, with suffering, hardship and death. But that is not the end of the story, it is more of a warning.
Because Jesus is waiting to rescue us. He will come again and return to earth. There will be a battle to end all battles and He will be victorious. Death and sickness, famine and disease will be gloriously defeated forevermore.
Why it is relevant now
Although the Apocalypse might seem a rather strange or morbid topic to introduce in the second month of a new year, it is relevant. Because each new year may start with raised hopes, fresh goals and optimism, but it can quickly descend into disappointment, defeat and despair.
Times are turbulent, political situations are volatile and many are worried and scared. We all need a Saviour more than ever. Our hearts may quake at the thought of worsening times ahead, but those who trust in Christ can rest secure in every way.
God is going to rescue His people. He will come physically to earth like He did before. Only not as a helpless baby but as risen Lord, Saviour and King of kings. And as the glorified Christ who sits at the Father’s right hand. Full of power and might, wisdom and strength.
The 4 Horsemen of the Apocalypse
Horsemen
Coming on the clouds,
brandishing their weapons before them,
unbent, unbowed
because now is the time
as their horror unfurls,
to wreak havoc on the world.
Only one lets
his trident slide sneakily behind him
to indicate his
sneering nonchalance, his seeming
mastery over death and the grave.
His skeletal frame
is rigid with intent, as morbidity rises
to greet mankind
at a stroke, with a touch and a trample
from his horse.
All bear arms
against the earth, against our hope
of reprieve,
bringing war, conquest
and pestilence,
none wanting to concede.
And yet
their very drivenness is caused
by an awareness
that their time is short,
their days are numbered,
the world will be woken from its slumber.
Another rider
waits patiently in heaven’s wings,
ready to outwit their evil schemes
and call a halt
to violence, sickness, wars,
to all that his gentle soul deplores.
The scrolls are sealed
for now, but their imminent breaking
open will reveal
how earth will receive her dues,
alongside God’s grace,
his loving mercy and recompense.
© joylenton
This poem is based on the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse painting by Albrecht Dürer. Image courtesy of wikipedia.org.
How we wait
How do we wait for the Second Coming of Christ and maintain our faith during the fiery trials that mount up? I think it’s like the book of Romans suggests here:
“Don’t burn out; keep yourselves fueled and aflame. Be alert servants of the Master, cheerfully expectant. Don’t quit in hard times; pray all the harder. Help needy Christians; be inventive in hospitality.” – Romans 12: 11-13 The Message
Waiting for our lives to improve involves hope and faith and our active engagement to help make it happen. Our waiting for the Second Coming of Christ also needs to be faith filled, hopeful and prayerful rather than alarmist and fearful. Because waiting on God is not a passive thing but an active, eager expectation, fuelled by hope and faith.
We can rest assured that God is coming to redeem, rescue and restore. Therefore our role in all of this is to keep the faith, be unafraid and stay alert for signs of change.
How hard is it for you to wait for things?
What helps you to stay in faith while you wait?
Words of Joy 
This is a solemn post but still filled with hope, Joy.
This verse of your poem especially encourages me:
“Another rider
waits patiently in heaven’s wings,
ready to outwit their evil schemes
and call a halt
to violence, sickness, wars,
to all that his gentle soul deplores.”
Also – “We can rest assured that God is coming to redeem, rescue and restore.” Yes! I feel like that dog waiting in eager expectation for his Master to come and take him home forever. 🙂
Love and blessings of strength and peace to you!
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You’re right, Trudy, this is quite solemn and not a crowd-pleasing post at all. God often gives me the awkward topics to explore! 😏 But I am grateful for the way you have noticed how hope is still a major part of it all. And it’s good to hear you have been encouraged here too. We do resemble the faithful hound looking expectantly out of the window, and we’re also eager, hope-filled brides awaiting our groom, who is Christ, as we are joyfully desirous of His coming. May that hope sustain us when life gets grim! Love, hugs and blessings of joy in the waiting to you, dear friend! xo
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Yes, we are to wait expectantly and to keep living for Him as we wait using our talents to reach others and to encourage others. We know who wins the battle, though we don’t know the time or place. But God does and that’s all that matters. We can trust in His perfect timing. In the meantime we can continue pursuing what He has called us to. Blessings and love to you, dear Joy! xoxo
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Gayl, I love the thought of our intentional waiting on and waiting for God involving actively pursuing “what He has called us to.” It’s a variant of the adage of faith being like a slow walk in the dark, with just enough light to see the steps ahead, one by one, but remaining confident because of Whose hand we hold as we venture forth. Blessings and love to you too, dear friend! xoxo 💜
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Dear Joy,
Thank you for being willing to address hard topics! I am amazed that even the people who have nothing to do with God’s Word can sense that this world cannot continue on it’s present course much longer! HE will come and make things right. Oh, how my heart aches to see Him, and to know that His justice and mercy is finally fulfilled. I love the expression of that in this stanza:
“Another rider
waits patiently in heaven’s wings,
ready to outwit their evil schemes
and call a halt
to violence, sickness, wars,
to all that his gentle soul deplores.”
May I offer my heart to Him, ever more fully, to wait with His patience and to keep loving those who are stuck in those places of injustice. Thank you Dear Friend, for stirring my heart today! Love & Hugs to you. xoxo
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Dear Bettie, I do so with willingness but also with trepidation in my heart! Because it’s not easy tackling the less popular themes. I do believe you’re right in saying how attuned people are to end times scenarios, even if they might not view it from a Christian perspective. My heart aches to see Christ face to face and longs for the world to be put to rights. Though there is likely to be much testing, trials and suffering before that happens. I’m glad the poem had an uplifting final stanza to save it from being all doom and gloom! And I share your heart yearnings to be more open, patient, loving and compassionate while we wait for His return. Bless you, dear friend, for sparing precious energy to comment here, and for always seeing the light among the hard and dark. Sending love, hugs and ongoing prayers for deeper levels of recovery and healing. xoxo 💜
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