AN ANGEL WITH A LITTLE SCROLL
Revelation 10:1-11
Then I was told, “You must prophesy again about many peoples, nations, languages and kings.” (11)
chapter 10
1. Then I saw another mighty angel coming down from heaven. He was robed in a cloud, with a rainbow above his head; his face was like the sun, and his legs were like fiery pillars.
2. He was holding a little scroll, which lay open in his hand. He planted his right foot on the sea and his left foot on the land,
3. and he gave a loud shout like the roar of a lion. When he shouted, the voices of the seven thunders spoke.
4. And when the seven thunders spoke, I was about to write; but I heard a voice from heaven say, "Seal up what the seven thunders have said and do not write it down."
5. Then the angel I had seen standing on the sea and on the land raised his right hand to heaven.
6. And he swore by him who lives for ever and ever, who created the heavens and all that is in them, the earth and all that is in it, and the sea and all that is in it, and said, "There will be no more delay!
7. But in the days when the seventh angel is about to sound his trumpet, the mystery of God will be accomplished, just as he announced to his servants the prophets."
8. Then the voice that I had heard from heaven spoke to me once more: "Go, take the scroll that lies open in the hand of the angel who is standing on the sea and on the land."
9. So I went to the angel and asked him to give me the little scroll. He said to me, "Take it and eat it. It will turn your stomach sour, but ’in your mouth it will be as sweet as honey.’"
10. I took the little scroll from the angel’s hand and ate it. It tasted as sweet as honey in my mouth, but when I had eaten it, my stomach turned sour.
11. Then I was told, "You must prophesy again about many peoples, nations, languages and kings."
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
1. Another mighty angel came down from heaven robed in a cloud, a rainbow above his head. He planted one foot on the land with the other on the sea. His legs were like fiery pillars, and his voice was like that of seven thunders. In his hand, he was carrying a little scroll. The scroll represents the word of God and his revelation to all people. The appearance of the mighty angel was awesome in every way. The scroll implies he had a message to proclaim, but initially John was told not to write down those words—their message was sealed up.
2. Eventually the angel solemnly gave John a mission. He was told to eat the little scroll. When he did, it was sweet to taste but sour to his stomach. He was told that he must prophesy against many peoples, nations, languages, and kings. As servants of God'sword, we must first "eat" God'sword. God'sword is truth; it must be our truth. The word comes to us as the truth, and therefore it is sweet. But the word of God also exposes sin, which is uncomfortable for sinners. God’s word is universal. Its scope is for all people. God’s mission for John was for all nations.
Prayer: Lord, your word is truth. Help me to digest your word and proclaim it to all people.
One Word: You must prophesy