Introduction: Something unmistakable on the pages of Scripture — something amazing, and comforting, is the knowledge that God has a special love for His people. Our God communicates with us in a way that not only tells us what He is doing but also tells us that we are safe and cared for as He does what He is doing. Revelation chapter 10 is a parenthetical section. Much like what we saw in chapter 7, and what we will see again in very brief form at 16:15. There was a pause following the 6th seal, there is a pause, here, following the 6th trumpet, and there will be a brief pause following the 6th bowl judgment. If we ask what these three interludes have in common, the answer is encouragement — encouragement for the people of God. Amid all the wrath and judgment upon lost humanity, God is encouraging His people that He is in control. His people are not forgotten, and His perfect plans and promises are being fulfilled. This particular interlude lasts from 10:1 to 11:14. It tells us about two things — a strong angel and two witnesses. Let’s be reminded of what we have seen in the trumpet judgments leading up to this section. 1. Hail and fire mixed with blood, the burning of 1/3 of the earth, trees, and green grass (8:7). 2. A great mountain burning with fire thrown into the sea, 1/3 of the sea becomes blood, 1/3 of the creatures in the sea die, 1/3 of the ships destroyed (8:8-9). 3. A great star named wormwood falls on 1/3 of the rivers and springs of water and 1/3 of the water supply turns poisonous (8:10-11). 4. A third of the sun and moon and stars are smitten so that day and night don’t give light for 1/3 of the time they normally would (8:12). 5. Tormenting demons are released into the earth (9:1-12) first woe. 6. Murderous demons are released into the earth (9:13-21) second woe. Now, before the sounding of the 7th trumpet, John has a new vision. I. THE STRONG ANGEL (vs.1-3) The first thing John sees is an angel coming down out of heaven. A. THE IDENTITY OF THE STRONG ANGEL (vs.1) The similarity between the description of this angel and that of Christ earlier in the book (1:13-17) has led some to believe that this is Christ. It is clear, however, that this isn’t Christ. Jesus is never referred to as an angel in the New Testament. John is careful throughout Revelation to identify Jesus with special titles. Jesus is not of the same kind as any angel. The best explanation is that there are ranks and varieties among the angels and there are several strong angels. This angel is distinguished from the ones referred to in 5:2 and 18:21, there is more than one. Gordon Fee — “… before revealing what the angel does, John describes the angel himself, which description has been the cause of trouble for many interpreters, since what is said of the angel’s face and feet clearly pick up on what is said of Christ in 1:15 and 16. This connection with the vision in chapter 1 has caused some to argue that John intended his readers to see Christ himself in this imagery. But that is highly questionable, since it is hardly imaginable that John would have intended Christ in an identification that reads, “another mighty angel.” Rather, what John intends is most likely associative: that this angel who reflects some of Christ’s own glory has come with Christ’s authority.” B. THE DESCRIPTION OF THE STRONG ANGEL (vs.1-3) 1. COMING DOWN OUT OF HEAVEN John’s vantagepoint is now on the earth. The angel’s descent speaks of the origination of his mission and the authority of his mission. 2. CLOTHED WITH A CLOUD The cloud associated with the presence of God. And, in this case, the cloud is also associated with God’s presence in judgment (Revelation 14:14-20) 3. CROWNED WITH A RAINBOW At the same time, there is an indication of God’s faithfulness and mercy. There is a rainbow over the head of this angel.