Theological Commentary: Click Here
Revelation
10 is an odd little chapter. This
chapter interrupts the seven trumpets. In
the chapter, we hear that a great message is given but the message mustn’t be
recorded. We also hear that John must
eat a scroll that is both sweet and bitter.
Focus on the
scroll. I think that the core message of this chapter
is here. Walking with God has its bitter
and sweet moments. It is sweet to know
truth, yet at the same time it is bitter to live in a world that doesn’t care
about truth. It is sweet to be in
relationship with God, but the necessary daily sacrifice of our human flesh can
be a bitter process. Even our salvation
is bittersweet. It is sweet to know that
we are saved by grace, but it is bitter to realize that Jesus had to die for us
to know relationship with God. Life is
often bittersweet because of our humanity.
This segues into
Revelation 11 fairly well. Life is
bittersweet because of our rebellion.
Chapter 11 reminds us about the testimony of the witnesses. They can consume those who oppress them until
the beast rises to make final war against them.
In spite of the beast and his apparent victory, the witnesses live
again. We end this chapter on a final
note of victory. God wins. This is the message of the seventh
trumpet. God wins. His is the kingdom. His witnesses can be killed, but not
separated from God.
This message
is a message of triumph. As bittersweet as
life may be, we cannot be separated from God.
His witnesses may be ignored, mocked, or even consumed by the world. Yet, His witnesses cannot be separated from Him. No matter what the world throws at the Lord’s
witnesses, in the end they will rise and participate in the worship of God.
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