The Nature of the Little Book

     Revelation Ch. 10 opens with John seeing another angel who just so happens to have an open book in his hands. The angel cries out with a loud voice, roaring like a lion. This triggers seven “thunders” or declarations. John is about to dutifully record what he hears when he is told from yet another voice from Heaven to “seal up the things which the seven thunders uttered, and do not write them” (Rev. 10:4).
      The angel with the voice of a lion then swears by the Godhead, declaring that now is the appointed time. There can be no delay or timeout.  And he tells us why. For when the 7th trumpet sounds, “the mystery of God shall be finished, as He declared to His servants the prophets” (v. 7).
       End-Time Lesson:  The angel warns John that the contents of the book will make his stomach bitter, but it will be as sweet as honey in his mouth. Since it is God’s will and His perfect justice, it is right and “tasty” for John to speak it forth. But having had the revelation of God’s great love, John can’t help but sense the sad reality of mankind’s stubborn unrepentance. Talk about having mixed emotions!
        In 1 Tim. 2:4, Paul affirms God’s loving will. He desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. Yet we know not all people accept the truth. Not all accept Jesus as the Savior, the only Way, Truth, and Life (John 14:6). God will not override mankind’s will. That would be unjust.  Yet God cannot overlook the consequences of mankind’s decisions either. What is about to unfold is far from pleasant. Yet it is righteous judgments against Satan, his evil ways, and the darkness he has spread as the ruler of this age, a position he has because of mankind’s rejection of God the Father and His Anointed Son.
       The prophet Isaiah warns the people, both in his time and our own time, that they should seek the Lord while He may be found and forsake their wicked ways. The Lord is merciful and will abundantly pardon those who repent and accept Him (Is. 55:6-11).
         Isaiah then goes on to explain how God thinks and His ways. No surprise here, they’re not like mankind’s thoughts and ways. For one thing, their higher, based on God’s absolute, eternal truths. For another, God never goes back on His Word. He doesn’t say one thing and then turn around and do another.  For yet another thing, it ALWAYS comes to pass and fulfill His perfect will. This is what John dutifully records.
        When all is sounded and done, we have this assurance: God’s Word is true and there can be no doubt about it for all eternity.