It is indicative of the times we live in that many bemoan the course which humanity seems intent on following. While not intending to trivialize legitimate concerns it is an unfortunate fact that, as King Solomon reminds us in Ecclesiastics, "there is nothing new under the sun". The fact of the matter is that humanity is moving down a well traveled road. The fact that "we never learn from history" is, unfortunately, part of that same road. Christianity has not found itself immune, and its practitioners also travel this road. It is not a great stretch of comprehension to find this pattern expounded upon throughout the bible. A particularly vivid example is found in the description of "The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypses" in the sixth chapter of the Apostle Johns Revelation.
In the description of the first rider in 6:2, John provides us with four descriptive elements; a white horse, a bow, a crown, and conquest. One finds these elements all present in the early church. The color white suggests purity and righteousness. A white horse also suggests dedication. The bow is not a weapon of direct engagement, like the sword. This suggests a different approach to the goal. A crown suggests the receipt of authority to be used in the pursuit of the goal. Conquest suggests overcoming obstacles while reaching the goal. Applying this model to the apostolic church of the first century, there is a group receiving a divine message and directed to spread the message to all humanity. Additionally, they must follow some rather unusual requirements, mandating a different approach to the task.
The second horseman in 6:4 is described as riding a red horse, having the power to take peace and cause men to destroy each other. rider was given a sword. Here, red suggests both blood and fire. The sword represents the more traditional direct mode of conflict. As the Apostle Paul warns in many of his epistles, there are influences, internal and external, seeking to corrupt and control the growing church. Leaving theological arguments aside, as the church became more influential, becoming a church leader could be viewed as an advantageous goal, for purely personal reasons. And historically, we see the church drift away from its original teachings, the incorporation of increasing amounts of pagan tradition and symbols, and an increasingly more worldly and aggressive stance.
The third horseman in 6:5 is described as riding a black horse and holding a balance. The black horse is indicative of death, both physically and spiritually. The balance represents the life of the church caught in a balancing act between the worldly and the spiritual. And as the church continues to drift away from its origins, we see it becoming a worldly political entity, ruthlessly wielding its political power. The manifestation of this can be clearly seen in the crusades, the inquisition, and the forced conversion of millions.
Finally, in 6:8, we have the pale horse, ridden by death and followed by Hell. Pale is not specifically a color, but it is a powerful symbol of whatever is left over. In this case, it is what remains after spiritual death.
It would be inappropriate to overlook the many revivals that have occurred in the past, and continue to occur today. There will always be a core of faithful believers seeking to do Gods will. Just as there will always be those who use faith solely as a vehicle for personal advancement.
Do not confuse the generic use of the word church. It is not a reference to the true church, but rather what the world views as the church. And realize that humanity follows the course it must follow. In the sixth chapter of the gospel of Matthew, we can read the words of Jesus concerning the end times. Much of what you see around you was foretold 2000 years ago. Remember, when you watch the news or read the paper that these things must occur. Do not be distressed by them, but rather look towards the reward that comes to the faithful.
Last update : Tuesday, 30 October 2007
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