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Rider on a White Horse

“Jesus said to His pardners, ‘Let’s saddle up and ride back to where Lazarus’s family is”John 11:7 (“The Gospel of John Cowboy Style”).


Did Jesus ride a horse? No! Not really. I periodically had Jesus and His disciples riding horses in the writing of “The Gospel of John Cowboy Style” just as a fanciful way to keep the translation cowboy Style.

Scripture does, however, record at least one time when Jesus rode on a donkey. It was the occasion of Jesus’ Triumphal Entry into the city of Jerusalem when He rode on the foal of a donkey. But as any cowboy knows and will tell you that riding a donkey’s colt is a far cry from riding a horse.

But, that’s not all of the story. The Bible says there will come a time when Jesus will ride on the back of a horse; and not just any horse, but a very special horse. Look at how the Apostle John describes it . . .

“And I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse, and He who sat on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and wages war” (Revelation 19:11).

Why a white horse? Well, a white horse is symbolic of victory. You see, when Jesus comes again, He will come as a victor conquering and to conquer. The first time He came, He was abused by His enemies, spat upon and crucified. Not the second! When Jesus comes again, He will come as “KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS” (Revelation 19:16b).

When Jesus comes again, He will right all wrongs. He will defeat all enemies and put Satan, sin and all evil in their place, in the lake of fire forever and forever.

And by-the-way, Scripture tells us that Christ is not the only one who will be mounted on a white horse, but His heavenly army as well . . .

“And the armies which are in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, were following Him on white horses” (Revelation 19:14).

How about it? Y’all ready to saddle up and ride the trail with Jesus? You may have dreamed of one day riding a powerful white charger trained for battle. Well, that day will come if you will join up with Jesus by trusting Him by faith as your personal Lord and Savior.

“And I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse, and He who sat on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and wages war” (Revelation 19:11).

Author: Mel Hooten

Pastor Mel Hooten has 45 years’ experience in Christian ministry. Since retiring from serving as a traditional church pastor in 2008, God has led him back to his roots to carry the gospel of Jesus Christ into the world of ranchers, rodeo riders, cowboys and cowgirls who often do not feel comfortable in traditional church. Folks who love western heritage, county music, working with livestock, or cowboys at heart who prefer a simple down-to-earth approach to life; these are those to whom Mel seeks out. Pastor Mel has served as a church planter for the Western Heritage division of Texas Baptists to start the Cowboy Church of Tarrant County near Fort Worth, Texas. Currently Mel wants to continue to bring good news to those who seek the truth and make available his Bible messages, devotionals, and lessons for those who preach and teach. Mel brings a simple gospel message with a western flair. In addition, God uses him to teach practical ways to ride the range with Jesus every day. The trails of life will bring us to rivers that must be crossed and steep hills we can’t climb alone. With Jesus, we can weather the storms and ride through the valleys. He will give guidance and provisions when we get bucked off. Indeed, there is a trail that leads home. Mel’s mission is to help every person he encounters to find it. Mel and his wife, Karen, currently live in Aubrey, Texas. They like to travel in their RV and enjoy the great outdoors with their grandchildren. They are available for ministry wherever God leads them.