Monday, 19th May 2025
Alex Buabeng-Korsah
TOPIC: THE RIDER ON THE BLACK HORSE
THEME SCRIPTURE: “A measure of wheat for a denarius, and three measures of barley for a denarius." (Revelation 6:6)
PREPARATORY QUESTIONS:
- What is the assignment of the black horse rider?
When the disciples had inquired of Him regarding signs of His coming and of the end of the age, Jesus’ third sign He gave was this: “There shall be famines”. When the third seal was broken by the Lion of the tribe of Judah, John saw a black horse and its rider galloping with a pair of balances in his hand (Rev. 6:5). The black horse is followed by an instruction which says, “A measure of wheat for a denarius, and three measures of barley for a denarius." The black horse's scales tip violently in our time. UN reports warn that climate change could reduce global crop yields by 30% by 2050, whilst 2.4 billion people already face water scarcity. Jesus foretold these "famines in various places"—not as random disasters but as birth pangs signalling His return.
Gradually, the world is gravitating towards the fulfilment of this prophecy, and it is the condition of man’s heart that will hasten this fulfilment. Whilst the world obsesses over supply chains, Scripture exposes the heart issue: greed. John Chrysostom's ancient indictment still stings: "Not sharing our wealth is theft from the poor." When droughts parch farmlands and food prices soar, will we clutch our resources or emulate the Macedonian churches who "gave beyond their means" (2 Corinthians 8:3)?
The rate at which human greed is soaring is fearful. However, amid warnings of famine, Christ declares: "I am the bread of life" (John 6:35). The Early Church Father Ignatius wrote, "Break the bread of Christ with the hungry - this is medicine for immortality."
How are we to respond to this coming scarcity, beloved?
First, we are to repent of waste. As climate patterns shift, reduce consumption (John 6:12). Fast more, pray more and eat less. Additionally, let’s prepare wisely. Store earthly food moderately, heavenly treasure abundantly (Matthew 6:20)
To the fearful: “Your heavenly Father knows your needs (Matthew 6:32). Trust the One who fed Israel with manna for 40 years.” To the wayward: “Your soul hungers more than your body. "Come to Me," Jesus pleads, "and you will never thirst" (John 6:35).
Precious one, "Let us not love with words but with actions" (1 John 3:18). The black horse rides, but our Storehouse never empties. The Lamb's feast is coming, but today He asks: "Who is sharing the meal of the gospel with the hungry?"
FURTHER READING – Revelation 6
Call to Salvation: Today is your day if you have not received salvation by turning over your life to Jesus Christ. Click here to do so.
QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU MEDITATE ON THE WORD:
- Are you sharing the meal of the gospel with the hungry?
PRAYER
Lord of the Harvest, forgive our wastefulness. Make us conduits of Your provision in this hungry world. Keep our eyes on the Coming Banquet, in Jesus’ precious name. Maranatha, come soon. Amen.
One-Year Bible Reading Plan
1 Corinthians 3;1 Samuel 24-25; Psalm 134
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