Revelation 10:1
Then I saw another mighty angel coming down from heaven, wrapped in a cloud, with a rainbow over his head, and his face was like the sun, and his legs like pillars of fire.
Observe firstly that the identity of this “mighty angel” is not spelt out directly. However, we know from the description in Rev 1:16 that this is no ordinary messenger, but our Lord, Jesus Christ Himself.
Observe secondly that He is wrapped up in a cloud. That means His glory is concealed so that it does not manifest in full. Beloved, at times God masks His power and glory for our protection. During His first Advent, Christ’s glory was masked by the form of a servant and the likeness of men (Phi 2:7).
Even in our world today, the glory of God is very real, but it is shrouded in nature. In fact, the whole earth is full of His glory (Isa 6:3). Scripture also says, “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities-His eternal power and divine nature-have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse” (Rom 1:20).
Every human on earth carries the likeness of God. Every blade of grass, flower in the field and bird in the air is a testimony to God’s power and glory. The problem is not our physical blindness, but our spiritual incomprehension. May the Spirit enlighten the eyes of our hearts (Ep 1:17)!
In our services today, Christ’s presence is very real, but it is often camouflaged. Does He not promise in Matthew 18:20 that whenever we gather in His name, He is present with us? Like the disciples on the Road to Emmaus, may our eyes be opened to know Him (Lu 24:31). We can’t afford to take His presence for granted, beloved, even when it is shrouded in simplicity.
Pastor Josh