Series: Rebuild The Gates [#8]
THE HORSE GATE
Nehemiah 3:28
Introduction:
As we look at the last 3 gates that were rebuilt by Nehemiah, I want us to realize that there is dual application. At each of these gates, there is an immediate application and then there is a prophetic application.
Nehemiah 3:28
This was the gate where the Kings of Israel would pass with their chariots and horses as they went to and from the palace. When they left the city to do battle, they would ride out at the head of the army. When the battle was over, and the victory was won they would come back in through the Horse Gate either riding in the victor’s chariot or riding on a white charger to signify that they were the conqueror of their enemies.
We need to realize that as Christians, we are in...
1. God’s Army.
When you read about horses in the Bible, they represent 2 attributes in the Christian life:
* Discipline.
James 3:3
Like it or not, believe it or not, you are a soldier in the Lord’s Army and He is preparing you for battle through discipline. Our continual exercise in studying His Word, prayer, and serving the Lord, is all a part of our disciplinary training. Just as a natural army must remove the individual thinking and instill a team spirit, Jesus has to teach us to be a part of His team, for none of us can stand alone against Satan.
A good soldier must be disciplined. If we are not prepared for battle, when the battle comes we will be in trouble. This passage in James is talking about the control that the tongue has over our bodies. We know that as Christians, we win in the end; but how about now? How do we have victory in our lives everyday? We don’t have to wait to go to Heaven to have victory.
God gives us all that we need to be victorious, but He also allows us to make choices. You choose whether or not you sin. You choose what comes out of your mouth. By the way, what comes out of your mouth is an indicator of the condition of your heart. Do you want to be victorious? James gives us the keys to victory, and it is found in discipline.
James 4:7-10
* Here are the keys to victory:
* Submit to God.
* Resist the devil.
* Go to God.
* Wash your hands and purify your hearts.
* Grieve, mourn, and wail.
* Humble yourselves before the Lord.
The second attribute is…
* Warfare.
Ephesians 6:10-18
The Horse Gate reminds us that we are in a spiritual warfare.
We need to realize that as Christians…
2. Jesus is coming again.
A 2nd view of the Horse Gate is that it also reminds us of the Second Coming of Jesus.
Revelation 19:11
Spiritual warfare is a requirement of every Christian because we are all in a battle against the powers of darkness. That warfare requires discipline, and when we have fought a good fight and kept the faith; then we shall go to be with the Lord in the air. Then there will come a day when we shall all return to this earth with Jesus in the lead. We will all be riding white horses as we follow the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords into one final battle against the devil.
Conclusion:
The Horse Gate should serve as a reminder to stay close to God and obedient to his Word. Discipline, both spiritually and fleshly, are necessary and discipline in these areas of life is lacking in the Church of today.
How is Jesus going to find you when He comes back?
