Revelation 10
After six trumpets, we come to an interlude that continues through Revelation 11:14.
Did you hear that?
John is still digesting what he has seen and heard regarding the first six trumpets when another angel comes down out of heaven. Clearly, this is an important angel with something vital to communicate. He cries out with a strong voice, similar to a lion’s roar, and then seven peals of thunder speak. John dutifully begins to write the thunders’ message when he is told, “Seal up what the thunders said and do not write them.”
Now, this is a mystery worth investigating. Right? Wrong. God said to seal it up, so we should let it be sealed up. Besides, what is said next truly is mind-boggling.
- How is God identified? Him who lives forever and ever.
- What has God done? Â Created heaven, the earth and the sea and all the things in them.
- What has this eternal, overwhelmingly powerful God told this angel to say? There will be no more delay and the mystery of God will be finished as the Seventh Trumpet is about to sound!
Does the word mystery ring a bell? It should. Paul describes it in Colossians 1:27 as “Christ in you, the hope of glory.” Elsewhere, the word is used to describe what Jesus gave to the apostles, how Israel will be brought back to their Savior, how it is possible for Gentiles to be saved, how lawlessness works, and so on. In every case, mystery refers to something that God, and God alone, reveals to his people.
When we describe Jesus as God’s final revelation to man, we’re not kidding. This letter, the revelation of Jesus Christ, is, from beginning to end, about our glorious, victorious, reigning Savior.
Bitter Sweet
The chapter ends with John being told to eat the little book held by the angel. It tastes sweet in his mouth, but sours his stomach. The words of the thunders truly have been hidden.
But fear not, John is told that he must prophesy again regarding peoples, nations, languages and kings. God is not done revealing Jesus just yet.
Revelation for You
How do you cope with the hidden things of God?
What is the only reasonable alternative to speculating about mysteries not revealed?
Trust my loving God no matter what it appears to be in front of me, that is what belief is, it is trust, just as Christ trusted, when he never the less Father your will not mine. So do we trust Father or not?