The Red Rider’s Permit

Are we living in the days of the rider on a red horse, that John, the beloved, wrote of in Revelation? I don’t know, but look at what John said…

” Out came another horse, bright red. It’s rider was permitted to take peace from the earth, so that the people should slay one another…”

Revelation 6:4 ESV

Whether we are or not, it certainly appears that permission has been granted for peace to be taken from the earth. From the war in Ukraine, Covid mandates, rising drug addictions, mental health issues and political infighting, peace is being taken from the earth. Peace is being taken from hearts and minds. Peace has been permitted to be taken.

Probably, even within your heart or the heart of a loved one, you’ve seen a wearing away of peace and a rise in anxiety, fear, depression and pending doom.

But today, I am here to remind you of what Jesus has given to you– in spite of what the red rider has been permitted to take.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”

John 14:27 ESV

Read that again, in another translation –

” I leave the gift of peace with you – my peace. Not the kind of fragile peace given by the world, but my perfect peace. Don’t yield to fear or be troubled in your hearts – instead, be courageous!”

John 14:27 TPT

When Jesus came to Earth, He came as the Prince of Peace, Isaiah 9:6 tells us. That means He is the “Captain, Commander, General & Governor of Peace. He alone is the leader with immediate authority over everything, and He alone is the leading priest, above all others.” (That’s actually what “prince” means in the Hebrew there.) In fact, isn’t that what the angels proclaimed at His birth? “Peace on Earth, good will to all men.”?

Additionally, to encourage you if you’ve found yourself dealing with fear, worry, concern & lack of peace… remember after Jesus raised back to life, and He went to find his 12, make that 11, “mighty disciples”, they were hiding in fear behind bolted doors and in denial of what Mary had told them about the empty tomb.

It was to THOSE mighty disciples that Jesus appeared and said,

“Peace to you!”

Luke 24:36

Or as John puts it –

“Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” When He had said this He showed them His hands and his side…. then He said to them again, “Peace be with you”.

John 20:18-21 ESV

Here they were, totally engulfed in fear, anxiety, worry and even unbelief, and Jesus walks through the walls to tell them AGAIN, “Peace be with you.”.

Their peace had been taken. Their peace had been stolen. Their peace had been taken away when they saw Jesus crucified and buried. That’s why He showed them His scars and reaffirmed His offer of peace to them.

My friend, in these days, when our peace is being stolen, may I remind you of these profound promises?

• “In me you will have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
• “Peace from God our Father.” Rom. 1:7
• “For the Kingdom of God is righteousness, PEACE, and joy in the Holy Spirit.” Rom. 14:17
• “The God of hope will fill you with peace…” Rom. 15:13
• “The God of peace will be with you.” Rom. 15:33
• “The God of peace will soon crush Satan…” Rom. 16:20
• “God is not the God of confusion, but a God of peace.” 1 Cor. 14:33
• Peace is a fruit of the Spirit. Gal. 5:22
• “He is our peace who has broken down every wall.” Eph. 2:14-18
• “The peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds.” Phil. 4:7
• “The peace of God will rule in your hearts…” Col. 3:20
• “Seek peace and pursue it.” 2 Pet. 3:11
• “grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and Jesus.” 2 Pet. 1:2

You see, scripture is full of reminders to us who become anxious and alarmed, that as we adjust our focus to God and His kingdom, where Jesus reigns as the Prince of Peace, we find our internal storms calming. Just like when Jesus told the storm on the sea – he says to our mental storm – “Peace be still”. And guess what? It has to obey Him, cuz He has all power and authority. He’s the Commander, and His peace surpasses our understanding.

The reality of Jesus’ peace for us becomes evident when we realize that although we live in this earthly kingdom with wars and other robbers of peace, we belong to another, eternal kingdom that is very much real. Our focus has to stay on the Prince of the Heavenly Kingdom – Jesus, and not the rider on a red horse with his permit, for he has only limited permissions.

Our Jesus, who is Faithful and True, the King of Kings, will come again on a horse, as well, and the kingdom of this world will become the Kingdom of our Lord, and of His Christ, and He will reign forever and ever. Revelation 11:15

The red rider may have permits to take your peace, but he needs your permission too, and you do not have to give it to him because Jesus has given you His peace.

Shalom,

Debbie