This chapter introduces us to the middle of the tribulation period. According to (Dan. 9:27), this is the time the Beast breaks his covenant with Israel and reveals himself in his Satanic fury. Note also that the two witnesses minister during the first 3 1/2 years (11:3); the Jewish remnant is protected by God during the last 3 1/2 years (12:6,14); the Beast has worldwide authority the last 3 1/2 years (13:5); Satan is cast to earth for 3 1/2 years of awful persecution against believers (12:12); and Jerusalem is trodden down of the Gentiles for, 3 1/2 years (11:2). We have here a parenthesis between the sixth and the seventh trumpets (10:1-11: 14). The seventh trumpet will introduce the seven vials of the wrath of God, and the last 31/2 years of tribulation ("the wrath of God") gets underway.

I. THE APPEARANCE OF THE ANGEL (10:1-4)

This heavenly messenger is most likely Jesus Christ, the Angel of the Lord. John had seen a "strong angel" back in (5:2); now he sees "another mighty angel." The symbols used here take us back to the description of the glorified Christ in 1:12-16. The cloud and rainbow refer to (1:16); the feet of fire to (1:15); the face as the sun to (1:16). The voice like the lion certainly refers to (5:5); see also (Hos. 11:10; Joel 3:16). This is not a voice of gracious invitation; it is a voice announcing judgment is coming. Perhaps the best evidence that this angel is Christ is in (11:3), where He says, "I will give power unto my two witnesses. . ." So, here is Christ, the Angel of the Lord, coming to announce that God is about to work speedily and finish His purposes.

The little book is in contrast to the scroll of (5:1). This is little, that one is larger. This scroll is open; the one in (5:1) was sealed. We see from (10:9-11) that this is a book of prophecy; (vs. 7) makes it clear that the contents of the book was declared by the prophets. Since the Old Testament Prophets did not deal with Church truths, these prophecies must relate to Israel, the Jews, and Jerusalem; and that is exactly what we find in chapters 11 and following. Perhaps this book is the sealed message of (Dan. 12:4,9); it is now opened to be fulfilled.

The Lord claims, as it were, all of the earth and seas, by standing on the land and the sea. Read (Josh. 1:1-3). We do not know what He said, nor what the thunders uttered (see I Sam. 7:10 and Ps. 29). It is useless to speculate. John is told to seal up (not reveal) the words of the thunders; this is the only sealed thing in Revelation. This vision of Christ makes it clear that He is in control, and that He will fulfill God's purpose and claim His inheritance.

II. THE ANNOUNCEMENT FROM THE ANGEL (5-7)

This is a solemn scene as Christ lifts His hand and affirms that there will be delay (not "time") no longer. The souls under the altar had asked, "How long?" (6:10-11); and the answer is now given: there is to be delay no longer! Men ask today, "Where is the promise of His coming? Why isn't God doing something?" (2 Pet. 3). This period of delay is man's opportunity for salvation! God will finish His program. The term "mystery" means a hidden truth of God. Mortal man cannot understand why there is sin and suffering in the world, and why honest saints suffer while the rebellious sinners go free. God will straighten these things out and complete His program, you can be sure. (Note 11 :18) especially and take comfort!

Some think that the "mystery of God" is the contents of the little book. Perhaps it is. This much we know: God is in control of history and will ultimately see to it that right triumphs over wrong.

 

III. THE APPROPRIATION OF THE BOOK (10:8-11)

It is not enough for John to see this book in Christ's hand or even to know what it contains. He must appropriate it, make it a part of the inner man. (Read Ezek. 2-3 and Jer. 15:16 for similar events). The Word of God is our food (Matt. 4:4; Ps. 119:103); we must take it in and assimilate it before it can do us any good. Far too many Christians read the Bible, or perhaps even study it; but few memorize the Word and digest it inwardly through the power of the Spirit of God.

The eating of the little book had a twofold effect on John. it was sweet to his taste, but bitter in his belly. Here is the two-edged sword of the Word (Heb. 4:12). We enjoy the blessings of the Word, but we must also feel the burdens of the Word. John was blessed to know that God would fulfill His Word; but there was bitterness as he realized the sufferings that would take place during the next 3 1/2 years of tribulation.

The receiving inwardly of the Word prepared John for his continued ministry as a prophet. What a lesson for us as witnesses! How tragic it is when we try to serve the Lord and speak for Him, without first taking time to appropriate His Word. Only that which is a part of us inwardly can ever be shared with others. How important it is for the saint to take time to read the Word and inwardly digest it.