Revelation of John 10
The Seven ThundersThis section tells about a new vision John receives between the sixth and seventh trumpets. It is a special moment that shows God’s power and mystery. The vision reminds us that God is in control of everything, and sometimes He keeps parts of His plans hidden until the right time. Jesus, or a mighty angel who is very much like Him, appears with great authority, showing that He rules over the whole world.v. 1: John sees another mighty angel coming down from heaven. This angel is described in a way that sounds like Jesus Christ. He is clothed with a cloud, hiding His full glory. There is a rainbow on His head, showing God’s faithfulness to His covenant. His face shines like the sun, full of brilliance and majesty (Revelation 1:16 a), and His feet are like pillars of fire, which means His actions are pure and firm. v. 2: The angel stands with his right foot on the sea and his left foot on the earth. This shows His authority over the whole world. In His hand is a little open book, probably the same book that was once sealed but is now being revealed and fulfilled step by step. v. 3: The angel cries out with a loud voice like a roaring lion (Revelation 10:3 b). When He cries out, seven thunders answer Him. These thunders are seven powerful and serious messages from God. v. 4: John is about to write down what the seven thunders said, but he is told not to reveal it yet (Revelation 10:4 c). Some things God keeps secret until the right time. John wanted to share everything he saw, but God’s timing is perfect. v. 5–7: The mighty angel lifts his hand to heaven and swears by God, who lives forever. He promises that there will be no more delay. When the seventh angel sounds his trumpet, God’s secret plan will finally be completed (Revelation 10:7 d). This could mean that after this, there will be no more waiting for God’s promises—the mystery will be finished, and God’s purposes will become clear. In the end, time as we know it will end, and eternity will begin. – – The Little BookThis section describes a special command given to John about a little book held by the mighty angel. John is told to take the book and eat it, which is a symbol for receiving and understanding God’s message deeply. The experience teaches that God’s word can be both sweet and bitter—exciting to learn, but sometimes hard to accept because of the difficult things it reveals. John’s job is not just to learn for himself, but to share God’s message with others, no matter how hard it may be.v. 8–9: John hears a voice from heaven telling him to go and take the little book from the angel. The angel then tells John to eat the book. This means John must fully accept and understand the message before he can share it. God’s messengers must first take in God’s word themselves before giving it to others. – v. 10: John takes the little book and eats it. At first, it tastes sweet in his mouth, but when he swallows it, it becomes bitter in his stomach (Revelation 10:10 e). This shows that learning about God’s plans can be joyful at first, but when we understand the suffering and judgment involved, it can be painful and sad. This is like what happened to Ezekiel when he ate the scroll (Ezekiel 3:3 f). v. 11: John is told that he must prophesy again about many peoples, nations, languages, and kings. The message is not just for John’s own understanding or feelings, but for the whole world. God’s word must be shared with everyone, even if it is difficult. God’s messengers must deliver the whole message, whether it is pleasant or hard to hear, because it is important for all people and all nations.
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