Chapter 41
Albrecht Dürer’s The Four Horsemen is part of his renowned woodcut series The Apocalypse (1498), inspired by the biblical Book of Revelation (6:1–8). In this dramatic artwork, the Four Horsemen symbolise Conquest, War, Famine, and Death, forces of destruction unleashed as divine judgement upon the world. Viewing this piece today reminds me of the daily images of war, famine, chaos, enslavement, and destruction that fill our news feeds.
Dürer’s depiction of the horsemen, with their powerful, galloping figures trampling everything in their path, resonates with the unstoppable forces of turmoil we see around us. Yet, we must remember that these four figures might also represent people in power, those who cause destruction, but also those who can prevent or overcome it. They remind us that even in the face of such evil, there is always the potential for change and restoration.
In contrast, I recently saw an image by Banksy: a young Arab boy and a Jewish boy, together, planting and caring for a tree, nurturing and protecting life amidst a world torn by conflict. This simple yet powerful scene reflects a different vision, one of hope, healing, and shared responsibility.
Our understanding of the world, and the way we respond to the challenges we face, is deeply influenced by the times we live in and the perspective we choose to adopt. Just because we are surrounded by the chaos of wild horsemen wreaking havoc doesn’t mean that this is the only future available to us.
This picture is inspired by the passage in Scripture from Revelation, which has sparked numerous intriguing interpretations among scholars. However, I won’t go into those interpretations here and now. So, in moments of despair, we might ask ourselves: WWJD—What would Jesus do or say? His vision of love, peace, and redemption is always a reminder that there is another way forward.
Jesus might say: “Love your neighbour, forgive others, seek peace, serve selflessly, treat others as you would want to be treated, trust in God’s provision, and don’t worry about tomorrow, live with love, humility, and faith.” All 4 verses of the gospel of Matthew.
In this regard, Jesus’ vision of the future was centred on the Kingdom of God—a new reality marked by justice, peace, love, and righteousness, where humanity would be reconciled with God and one another. He envisioned a time of renewal and restoration, where evil would be overcome, and God would wipe away every tear, making all things new. Jesus also spoke of a day of judgement, where justice would prevail, and His vision included a future of peace, where swords would be turned into ploughshares, symbolising the end of conflict and the beginning of a new time.
As I reflect on the themes of the four horsemen and the power of vision, I invite you to consider your own perspective. What is your vision of the future? Where do you draw your inspiration from in times of uncertainty? In a world filled with chaos and division, what anchors you and gives you hope?
Wishing you a good start to this new week.
Philemon