Can you explain Revelation, chapter 10?
Beginning in the eighth chapter of Revelation, we are told of seven ‘trumpet judgments’ that will come upon the earth during the seven year Tribulation Period. Revelation 8:6 says, “And the seven angels which had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound.” Each time a trumpet sounded, a judgment of the Lord fell upon the earth. In chapter eight, there are four trumpet judgments. In chapter nine, there are two trumpet judgments. It’s not until chapter 11: 13-18, that we hear of the seventh trumpet judgment. Chapter 10 through chapter 11:12 is a parenthesis between the sixth and seventh trumpet judgment.
Let’s read Revelation 10:1-4, “And I saw another mighty angel come down from heaven, clothed with a cloud: and a rainbow was upon his head, and his face was as it were the sun, and his feet as pillars of fire: And he had in his hand a little book open: and he set his right foot upon the sea, and his left foot on the earth, And cried with a loud voice, as when a lion roareth: and when he had cried, seven thunders uttered their voices. And when the seven thunders had uttered their voices, I was about to write: and I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Seal up those things which the seven thunders uttered, and write them not.” Who is this ‘mighty angel?’ Many writers identify this angel as being the Lord Himself. He descends from Heaven. He has a rainbow on His head, the rainbow representing God’s covenant with the world. His face was as the sun, indication of unveiled glory. His feet as pillars of fire represent strength and judgment. He stood with His right foot upon the sea and His left foot upon the land, indication worldwide dominance. In His hand He holds a ‘little book’ which is open. In Revelation, chapter five, we see a closed and sealed book. However, this book is open, indicating that it is to be read immediately. When this angel spoke, it was as of a roaring lion, speaking of kingship and power. When he spoke, seven thunders sounded. When John attempted to write down the message of the seven thunders, the angel forbad him.
Let’s read Revelation 10:5-7, “And the angel which I saw stand upon the sea and upon the earth lifted up his hand to heaven, And sware by him that liveth for ever and ever, who created heaven, and the things that therein are, and the earth, and the things that therein are, and the sea, and the things which are therein, that there should be time no longer: But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should be finished, as he hath declared to his servants the prophets.” This angel lifts his hand to heaven and swears by the Great Creator of all things “that there should be time no longer.” It seems that just at this period that the reign of God was to begin upon the earth; but the angel, in this most solemn manner, declares that this was not yet to be, but that it would occur when the seventh angel begins to sound. Then the great “mystery” would be complete, as it had been given to the prophets. While there are several things called ‘mysteries’ in the Word, this mystery is concerning God’s dealing with man through the Gospel. The day of the word of salvation was quickly drawing to an end.
Revelation 10:8-10, “And the voice which I heard from heaven spake unto me again, and said, Go and take the little book which is open in the hand of the angel which standeth upon the sea and upon the earth. And I went unto the angel, and said unto him, Give me the little book. And he said unto me, Take it, and eat it up; and it shall make thy belly bitter, but it shall be in thy mouth sweet as honey. And I took the little book out of the angel’s hand, and ate it up; and it was in my mouth sweet as honey: and as soon as I had eaten it, my belly was bitter.” John was instructed to take this book from the hand of the angel and eat it. It was sweet to the taste, but bitter to the stomach. This is true of the Word of God. Its truths are pleasing to the ear, yet when we take them in to ourselves, there is often bitterness in the face of self-judgment according to God’s Word.
Revelation 10:11, “And he said unto me, Thou must prophesy again before many peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings.” This John does in chapter 11 and continues on through the rest of the Revelation.
My friend, man’s day is about to close. The mystery of God will soon be finished. Where do you stand? Do you know this God that shall judge this sinful world in righteousness? Hebrews 10:31 tells us that, “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” You DO NOT want to be here during this terrible Tribulation Period. You DO NOT want to experience the judgment of God as He judges the world. I encourage you today, to think about the reality of these future events and put your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ today before it is too late and the ‘mystery of God should be finished.’ That day, when the mercy of God is no longer extended to sinful man. (214.10)