A Sweet-and-Bitter Message

 The face of the strong angel was "as the sun."  Earlier, in his vision of Jesus at the divine temple, John had noted that Jesus' countenance was "as the sin when it shines in its power."  (Revelation 1:16)  Jesus, as "the sun of righteousness," shines forth with healing in his wings for the benefit of those who fear Jehovah's name. (Malachi 4:2) Not only the face but also the feet of this angel are glorious "as fiery pillars."  His firm stance is that of the One to hwhom Jehovah has given all authority . . .in heaven and on the earth." -MATTHEW 28:18; REVELATION 1:14, 15.

John observes further:  "And he had in his hand a little scroll opened. And he set his right foot upon the sea, but his left one upon the earth." (Revelation 10:2)  Another scroll?  Yes, but this time it is not sealed.  With John we can expect  soon to see further thrilling disclosures.   First, though, we are given the setting for is to follow.

Let us return to the description of Jesus.  His fiery feet are upon the earth and the sea, over which he now exercises full authority.  It is just as statedin the prophetic psalm: "You [Jehovah]also proceeded to make him [Jesus] a little less godlike ones, and with glory and splendor you then crown him.  You make him dominate over the works of your hands; everything you have put under his feet; small cattle and oxen, all of them, and also the beast of the open field, the birds of heaven and the fish of the sea, anything passing through the paths of the seas." (Psalm 8:508; see also Hebrews 2:5-9.)   This psalm was completely fulfilled in 1914, when Jesus was installed as King of God's Kingdom and the time of the end began.  Thus, what John sees here in vision applies since that year. -  PSALM 110:1-6; ACTS 2:34-36; DANIEL 12:4.

Next time: A Sweet-and-Bitter Message - The Seven Thunders

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