The Mighty Messenger
Notes
Transcript
Handout
Wow! We have been studying the Revelation of Jesus Christ.
We have Identified Jesus Christ as
The First and the Last / The Living One:
He shares the eternity of God, was dead on a cross, and now lives forevermore.
Holder of Keys:
He holds the keys of Death and Hades, proving absolute authority over mortality.
The Ruler of the Kings of the Earth:
Established as supreme over earthly powers from chapter 1.
The Lion of the Tribe of Judah and the Root of David:
Proclaimed in chapter 5 as the triumphant victor who conquered.
The Lamb as Though It Had Been Slain:
In chapter 5, the center of heaven's throne room is a bleeding yet standing Lamb, receiving the exact same worship, praise, and eternal honor as God the Father.
In Chapters 4–9 we Discover His Role in the Cosmic Order
The Sovereign Revealer:
He actively inspects, praises, warns, and guides the seven earthly churches (chapters 2–3).
The Worthy Redeemer:
He alone is able to take the scroll from the right hand of God and break its seals, unlocking the future and the execution of justice on earth (chapter 5–6). [1]
The Object of Wrath:
In chapter 6, rebellious humanity hides from "the wrath of the Lamb," showing that the gentle Savior is also the ultimate judge.
In chapter 6, we discovered the Lamb opening the 7 seals of the Scroll of Redemption.
In chapter 7, we discovered a Parenthetical showing God’s grace and mercy be delivered between the 6th and 7th seal where 144,000 Jews were sealed with the mark of God.
and we discovered a Multitude of Martyrs saved during the Opening of the 6 seals, dressed in white robes standing before the throne of God, crying, “Salvation belongs to our God”, serving God night and day while Jesus Christ provides for their hunger, thirst, the shade from the scorching sun and heat for the cold nights. God will wipe away their tears.
In chapter 8, Jesus opens the 7th seal unleashing the 6 of the 7 trumpets to be sounded.
The first 4 Trumpets were directed at the natural earth.
Trumpet 1 Sounded - Hail, Fire, and Brimstone fell from the heavens and destroyed 1/3 of the trees and all of the grass upon earth.
Trumpet 2 Sounded - A great mountain was hurled into the sea that turned 1/3 of the water to blood, destroying 1/3 of the creatures of the sea and 1/3 of the ships.
Trumpet 3 Sounded - A great Star called Wormwood or Bitterness fell into the fresh water making it bitter and poisoned, killing many that drank from it.
Trumpet 4 Sounded - 1/3 of the Heavenly Bodies were darkened. 1/3 of the sun, 1/3 of the moon, 1/3 of the stars, and 1/3 of the day was shortened and 1/3 of the night was lengthened.
Before the 5th Trumpet could sound, an angel of God flew across the sky issuing 3 Woes that would correspond with the last 3 trumpets, which will be directed against man himself, with all the power and evil of the demonic hell, itself.
Trumpet 5 Sounded - and demonic locusts were released from a special prison in the bottomless pit.
Trumpet 6 Sounded - 4 Angels from chained in the Great River Euphrates was released leading an army of 200 million horseman with death coming from the fire, smoke, and brimstone that was issued from their mouth. Each horse had multiple tails with heads of serpents the struck mankind causing harm.
After 7 acts of judgment and 6 acts of wrath, man is even more hardened to worship anything other than God. Life has been completely devalued, sorceries (pharmaceuticals) have destroyed the will of the people freeing their minds to be more open to the wiles of Satan and the Antichrist. Fornication is rampant as man no longer recognizes the institution of marriage and become as animals, taking anything and everything their evil, wicked heart desires.
WOW! Isn’t this a wonderful picture. Absolutely not. However, this is the reality of a world doing what is right in their own eyes with no restraint from the Holy Spirit and no illumination or preservation from the church.
I am glad that The Revelation of Jesus Christ does not end here where it appears as hell is winning and the whole world has become totally corrupt. However, it does not end and as we continue reading and studying, Jesus Christ will be victorious, Israel’s Kingdom will be established, and Jesus Christ will sit on the throne as their King of kings and Lord of lords.
Now, that we are caught up in our study, we discover this morning another Parenthetical in Revelation 10-11:14, just like happened between the 6th and 7th seal.
Ed Vallowe describes these parenthetical’s as “a mighty river, stops are made at intervals to describe the tributaries which make up the river. They are parts of the whole but must be described separately.”
During the 1st Parenthetical the emphasis was upon the sealing of 144,000 witnesses and their impact. In this parenthetical, we will discover the death, resurrection, and translation of 2 specific witnesses, their description, and the effects of their messages.
These parenthetical’s are here to remind us of the grace and mercy of God the Father.
I believe this parenthetical, the longest of Revelation marks the middle point of the Tribulation period. I believe this parenthetical leads up to the event in Daniel 9:27 when the Beast, the Antichrist, breaks his covenant with Israel and reveals himself in his Satanic fury.
We have this alluded to in the 6th trumpet when man is worshipping devils, idols of gold, silver, brass, stone, and wood that can not see, hear, nor walk.
We will discover next week, in Revelation 11:3 that the 2 witnesses will minister during the first three and one-half years.
3 And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth.
The Jewish remnant will be fleeing to the wilderness where God will protect them the last 3 1/2 years.
6 And the woman [Israel] fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days.
14 And to the woman [Israel] were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time [3 1/2 years], from the face of the serpent.
In Rev 13:5, Satan is cast to earth
5 And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months [3 1/2 years].
Jerusalem will be trodden down of the Gentiles for 3 1/2 years.
2 But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months [3 1/2 years].
If a mid tribulation rapture happens at the last trump, the 7th trump, then the church would have already gone through the 6 seals that man recognized as the wrath of the Lamb.
17 For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?
The church would also be here during the first 6 trumpets, with an angel warning giving the warning of wrath to the inhabiters upon the earth.
13 And I beheld, and heard an angel flying through the midst of heaven, saying with a loud voice, Woe, woe, woe, to the inhabiters of the earth by reason of the other voices of the trumpet of the three angels, which are yet to sound!
After the 7 trumpet sounds, the 7 vials of God’s wrath will be completed upon the earth.
The stages of wrath, the beginning 7 seals, the releasing of the demonic forces 7 trumpets, and the completion of wrath 7 vials.
Let me remind you of 1 Thess 5:9
9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,
Beginning in the parenthetical this morning, we are introduced to 3 Personalities, Just like the parenthetical between the 6th and 7th seal introduced the personalities of the 144,000 sealed witnessing Jews, and the multitude of martyrs before the throne of God.
The personalities we are going to discover are a Mighty Angel in chapter 10 and next 2 Witnesses in chapter 11.
1 And I saw another mighty angel come down from heaven, clothed with a cloud: and a rainbow was upon his head, and his face was as it were the sun, and his feet as pillars of fire:
Notice first of all,
The Mighty Messenger
The Mighty Messenger
Now, I am not going to be very popular this morning as we address this mighty messenger but I believe I will be logical and biblical.
Who this is Not?
Who this is Not?
Let me begin by my unpopular statement, “This is not a Theophany of Jesus Christ.”
In studying the book of the Revelation of Jesus Christ, we have identified Jesus Christ as the Lamb opening the seals of the scroll.
Even though there are some words that link to some references of Jesus Christ, I do not believe they give us enough support.
We have seen many different angels in performing acts on behalf of God the Father.
1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John:
20 The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.
2 And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?
This is not Jesus Christ but a strong angel looking for Jesus Christ.
1 And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree.
2 And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea,
2 And I saw the seven angels which stood before God; and to them were given seven trumpets.
3 And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne.
4 And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel’s hand.
In Revelation 9:11
11 And they had a king over them, which is the angel of the bottomless pit, whose name in the Hebrew tongue is Abaddon, but in the Greek tongue hath his name Apollyon.
Here we see a demonic, unholy angel/messenger.
Then, we come to Rev 10:1
1 And I saw another mighty angel come down from heaven, clothed with a cloud: and a rainbow was upon his head, and his face was as it were the sun, and his feet as pillars of fire:
None of the angels mentioned in the book of Revelation so far are or refer to Jesus Christ. I believe the description of the angel is there to show us that this is a Holy Angel from God.
As a matter of fact, look at Rev 10:6
6 And sware by him that liveth for ever and ever, who created heaven, and the things that therein are, and the earth, and the things that therein are, and the sea, and the things which are therein, that there should be time no longer:
16 For by him [Jesus Christ] were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
Ok, I hope we are tracking so far.
Now that we have eliminated this as being Jesus Christ, who could it be and for that, I want to be factual and biblical.
Who this is!:
Who this is!:
When we study the chronological events of the world given to us be the Prophet Daniel, we discover in Daniel 2, 5 Great nations. Babylon, Persia, Greece, Rome, and the 5th Kingdom God’s kingdom. The first 4 kingdoms have been fulfilled.
In Daniel chapter 7, we are introduced to a little horn that will subdue 3 kings
24 And the ten horns out of this kingdom [Rome] are ten kings that shall arise: and another shall rise after them; and he shall be diverse from the first, and he shall subdue three kings.
25 And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time. [3 1/2 years]
In Daniel 9:24-27 we discover the foundation, backbone of the prophecy of the 7 year tribulation period.
24 Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy.
25 Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times.
26 And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined.
27 And he [ the little horn, the antichrist, the beast] shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured [the 7 vials] upon the desolate.
Then, we come to Daniel 12, the last chapter of Daniel.
1 And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.
Now, at what time?
35 And some of them of understanding shall fall, to try them, and to purge, and to make them white, even to the time of the end: because it is yet for a time appointed.
36 And the king [the little horn, the antichrist, the beast] shall do according to his will; and he shall exalt himself, and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak marvellous things against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the indignation be accomplished: for that that is determined shall be done.
Now, let me briefly remind you of last week,
15 And the four angels were loosed, which were prepared for an hour, and a day, and a month, and a year, for to slay the third part of men.
This is an appointed time. This is as the Antichrist is claiming to be god and being worshipped along with idols and images of him.
20 And the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues yet repented not of the works of their hands, that they should not worship devils, and idols of gold, and silver, and brass, and stone, and of wood: which neither can see, nor hear, nor walk:
Now, let’s go back to Daniel 11:38
38 But in his [ the little horn, the antichrist, the beast[ estate shall he honour the God of forces: and a god whom his fathers knew not shall he honour with gold, and silver, and with precious stones, and pleasant things.
39 Thus shall he do in the most strong holds with a strange god, whom he shall acknowledge and increase with glory: and he shall cause them to rule over many, and shall divide the land for gain.
45 And he ]the little horn, the antichrist, the beast ] shall plant the tabernacles of his palace between the seas in the glorious holy mountain; yet he shall come to his end, and none shall help him.
1 And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.
Jump to Daniel 12:4
4 But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.
5 Then I Daniel looked, and, behold, there stood other two, the one on this side of the bank of the river, and the other on that side of the bank of the river.
6 And one said to the man clothed in linen, which was upon the waters of the river, How long shall it be to the end of these wonders?
7 And I heard the man [Michael] clothed in linen, which was upon the waters of the river, when he held up his right hand and his left hand unto heaven, and sware by him that liveth for ever that it shall be for a time, times, and an half; and when he shall have accomplished to scatter the power of the holy people, all these things shall be finished.
8 And I heard, but I understood not: then said I, O my Lord, what shall be the end of these things?
9 And he said, Go thy way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end.
10 Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand.
11 And from the time that the daily sacrifice shall be taken away, and the abomination that maketh desolate set up, there shall be a thousand two hundred and ninety days. [3 1/2 years]
12 Blessed is he that waiteth, and cometh to the thousand three hundred and five and thirty days.
13 But go thou thy way till the end be: for thou shalt rest, and stand in thy lot at the end of the days.
Now, we must hurry!
Michael’s Calling:
Michael’s Calling:
1 And I saw another mighty angel come down from heaven, clothed with a cloud: and a rainbow was upon his head, and his face was as it were the sun, and his feet as pillars of fire:
2 And he had in his hand a little book open: and he set his right foot upon the sea, and his left foot on the earth,
Remember, Daniel 12 Michael was the one upon the waters. He was the one who took the closed book to be revealed in the end.
In Rev 5:1-2
1 And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals.
2 And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?
Remember, we talked about the strong angel being the Angel Gabriel. Gabriel is always delivering God’s messages.
16 And I heard a man’s voice between the banks of Ulai, which called, and said, Gabriel, make this man to understand the vision.
21 Yea, whiles I was speaking in prayer, even the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, being caused to fly swiftly, touched me about the time of the evening oblation.
and delivered the foundation prophesy of the Tribulation period.
19 And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings.
26 And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,
Gabriel is the Messenger of God.
Michael is the Defender of God.
9 Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.
7 And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels,
Michael’s Clothing:
Michael’s Clothing:
1 And I saw another mighty angel come down from heaven, clothed with a cloud: and a rainbow was upon his head, and his face was as it were the sun, and his feet as pillars of fire:
His Clothing Reveals the Majesty of God:
His Clothing Reveals the Majesty of God:
“Clothed with a cloud” - not an ordinary cloud like a cirrus or stratus cloud, but rather the cloud of the Shekinah glory and splendor of God’s majesty.
10 And it came to pass, as Aaron spake unto the whole congregation of the children of Israel, that they looked toward the wilderness, and, behold, the glory of the Lord appeared in the cloud.
His Clothing Reveals the Mercy of God:
His Clothing Reveals the Mercy of God:
“…and a rainbow was on his head.”
The rainbow is God’s symbol for 2 truths.
God is faithful and true to His Word. He is the God of Covenant.
God is also a God of Mercy. Israel will see the mercy and salvation of the Lord.
Michael’s Countenance:
Michael’s Countenance:
“…and his face as it were the sun”
The magnificent holy brightness of God’s glory radiates just as it shined from the face of Moses when he descended from the mountain of God. Ex 34:29
29 And it came to pass, when Moses came down from mount Sinai with the two tables of testimony in Moses’ hand, when he came down from the mount, that Moses wist not that the skin of his face shone while he talked with him.
Michael’s Control:
Michael’s Control:
“…his feet as pillars of fire.”
All enemies will be crushed under the feet of God’s judgment, no king, no person, no dictator or demon will withstand the coming judgment and conquest of the Lord God and Christ.
24 Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.
25 For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet.
Michael is called to announce and set in motion the event of the Lord’s sovereign conquest of this earth.
This morning, you have to recognize that this earth is not your earth, but rather it is God’s earth that He placed you here to enjoy and steward.
Psalm 23 explains that Jesus is our shepherd as we go through this earth. However, Psalm 24 shows His future.
1 The earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof; The world, and they that dwell therein.
You have been given the gift today of God’s grace.
God has brought you here this morning to be warned.
Now is the day of salvation.
Now is the day to avoid the wrath of God.
The only question is, will you receive the gift and take advantage of this opportunity.
