Chapter Twenty-Four/A Sweet-and-Bitter Message - Contiue

Who is this "strong angel"? It is evidently the glorified Jesus Christ in another role. He is arrayed with a cloud of invisibility, which reminds us of John's earlier word about Jesus: "Look! He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, and those who pierced him." (Revelation 1:7; compare Matthew 17:2-5) The rainbow upon his head reminds us of John's earlier vision of Jehovah's throne, with "it rainbow like and emerald in appearance." (Revelation 4:3; compare Ezekiel 11:28) That rainbow suggested the serenity and peace surrounding God's throne. In the same way, the rainbow on the angel's head would identify him as a special peace messenger, Jehovah's foretold "Prince of Peace." - ISAIAH 9:6, 7.

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 sun 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 whom Jehovah has given "all authority . . . in heaven and on earth." - MATTHEW 28:18; REVELATION 1:14, 15.

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