The Other Four Horsemen

Scripture: Zechariah 1:15 – “…I am extremely angry with the nations that are at ease, for while I was only a little angry, they made the disaster worse.” (NRSVUE)

I think that even people who have never cracked open a bible know about the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse from the Revelation to John. They ride on white, red, black, and pale green horses, symbolizing conquest, strife, famine, and death. They are figures of terror, representing suffering and upheaval which must occur before God restores justice and peace at the end of time. Very metal.

But they are not the only set of four horsemen in the Bible. Another quartet appear in the Book of Zechariah. Like Revelation, Zechariah is a book filled with elaborate visions. The first vision that Zechariah has in his book is given a very specific date, which translates roughly to February 15, 519 BC. This was a time of peace when the Near East was dominated by the powerful King Darius I of Persia. The Persians had allowed the Jews to return from exile to rebuild their lives in Jerusalem, and indeed, in 519 plans were underway to begin building a new Temple to the Lord.

Sounds great, right? Zechariah is not so sure. In his vision, he sees four horsemen on a tranquil night in a grove of myrtle trees. They report to angel that “the whole earth remains at peace.” But this does not please God. Because this peace is not based on freedom and prosperity, but simply a lack of conflict. It is not a golden age, but a time of complacency. God’s anger was kindled against the powerful because they were not doing enough for justice.

For the Persians and probably to most of Jews, a lack of conflict was enough. When we are overwhelmed by all the craziness in our lives, whether it is national and global conflict or just struggles with our jobs, our families, and our emotions, sometimes quiet is all we want. It’s what we feel we need to survive. But surviving is not thriving, and God wishes for all people to find not only peace, but justice and happiness in their lives. Zechariah’s vision reminds us that God wants more for us, sometimes more than we can imagine. Often more than we are willing to work for.

What about you? If you are at rope’s end with all the uncertainty in your life, pray for quiet, for God to be your refuge, and for the ability to face tomorrow without fear. But if you are in a place of quiet, ask yourself if that is enough. Is there more you can be, and more you can do? Are there others whose lives are full of chaos that you can help by reaching out to demonstrate love and work towards justice? Peace without justice is not peace, but rather a quiet before a terrible storm. Zechariah’s horsemen are peaceful now, but they are ready to ride into battle just like the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. True peace, true justice, and true joy come through loving God and loving your neighbor more than you love quiet.

Prayer: Lord, when I am lost in the storms of life, show me a way forward, not just so I can survive, but so I might thrive in your love. Amen.