Considering how fully The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse capture our attention, it's all too easy to forget that they belong to a larger vision where John watches the Lamb break open seven seals on a scroll he took from God. A scroll that only the Lamb in all of creation is worthy to open (see Rev. 5:4-5).
We must keep reminding ourselves that Jesus is only worthy because he didn't forsake his nonviolent lifestyle or teaching when faced with his own death, but willingly died at the behest of human empire rather than pick up a sword and win peace through violence. The Lamb's resurrection is vindication of his counter-cultural commitment to nonviolent love, even at the expense of his own life.
Jesus' character does not suddenly change between his death and resurrection, the Gospels and Revelation, his first coming and his second, or even between Revelation 5 and 6. When we read about the four horses and their riders (see Rev. 6:1-8), or about judgement or vengeance (see Rev. 6:10), or about the wrath of the Lamb (see Rev. 6:16-17) we must hold this in contention with whom we know Jesus to be.
