26 December | EVERYONE
"I saw still another mighty angel coming down from heaven, clothed with a cloud. And a rainbow was on his head, his face was like the sun, and his feet like pillars of fire. He had a little book open in his hand. And he set his right foot on the sea and his left foot on the land" Revelation 10: 1,2
Man cannot see God physically without running the risk of dying. Isaiah had a vision of the divine throne and cried out in anguish, “Woe is me, for I am undone! Because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King" (Isaiah 6:5). However, John had several visions in which he beheld Jesus. Today's text recalls one of them.
That glorious being, the apostle says, "He had a little book open in his hand." The account goes on to say that John was commanded to eat the booklet; and when he did, it tasted first sweet and then bitter (Revelation 10:9-10). The act of eating, in the Bible, describes the acceptance of a message in order to proclaim it. This is what Jeremiah says: “Your words were found, and I ate them, and Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart” (15:16). Upon receiving the message, people are often amazed; but when they proclaim it, they sometimes find it bitter. Many resist and reject it.
John represents the remnant church, sent to proclaim the everlasting gospel. The context shows that the vision points to a bitter experience: Based on Daniel's prophecies—the Millerites thought that Christ would return in 1844. That message tasted sweet to them at first. But when Christ did not return as they expected, they experienced a bitter disappointment and consulted the Scriptures for a clearer understanding. Despite the disappointment, the angel said to John, "You must prophesy again about many peoples, nations, tongues, and kings” (Revelation 10:11).
This indication announces that in the last days there will be a people who will arise to proclaim the message of the Second Coming in connection with the prophecies of Daniel and Revelation.
Take Action
If you already know Jesus, you surely want His return and would like to share the good news with others. Meditate on the Word every day and strengthen your connection with Jesus so that, seeing Him in you, those people will also long for His return.