The Revelation of Jesus Christ – The Angel and The Scroll – Revelation 10:1-11
by Daniel Burton
Read Revelation 10:1-11
Download Discussions Guide to go through with a friend
God rules over all and we can live our lives displaying the rule and reign of Jesus Christ
Stop for a moment and consider what John has witnessed so far. John has witnessed the throne room of heaven, seen the beginnings of heaven’s collision with earth, and watched as God poured out judgment on the world. He has witnessed natural disasters beyond explanation and seen heavenly creatures roam throughout the earth. With six of the seven trumpets having resounded their blasts, a brief interlude begins resembling the interlude between the breaking of the seven seals. For all of the wonders that John has seen, though, at this point, it is almost as if there is still time and hope for the people of the world.
Yet, the message of God shifts in this chapter as the second woe continues to be poured out on the world. With each passing judgment, seal, and trumpet blast, it becomes more and more evident that creation and time itself are being sacrificed in order for God to save His people. The world is coming to its conclusion and to the point of no return. The word of God is coming in force and in authority to all the world. For the church who receives this letter of the vision given to John, their role in the days to come begins to be spelled out clearly. We see two things throughout this chapter. First, God reigns over all creation proclaiming His word through those whom He sends. Second, we have been given the grace to be transformed by the word of God to be consumed fully by the same grace from God.
The Great Angel and the Seven Thunders
John describes the previous angel in chapter 9 being as being tossed down from heaven to the earth. In chapter 10, the image is decidedly different. This angel comes bearing witness to the greatness and glory of God. As John describes the angelic being, he is almost at a loss for words about what he is seeing. The angel is gigantic with one foot on the land and one foot on the sea signifying dominion over both. The angel speaks with the authority of the one who sent him, roaring as a lion and triggering the seven thunders which he tells John to seal up and not write down. This angel speaks on behalf of the God who rules over all creation and promises no delay. While judgment had been poured out on the earth, the hand of God stayed in order to give people the opportunity to come to Him. All of creation spoke to the presence and rule of God with people given every opportunity to bow before the Lord. Now, there would be no more delay and the return of the Savior would be imminent.
Yet, many get bogged down in the mystery of the seven thunders which the angel commanded John not to record. Various theories arise and people attempt to unlock the mystery without any indication from the scriptures itself. Any statements regarding the contents of the seven thunders can only be conjecture. The angel commands John to not write down the words and John obliges the request. Whatever the contents, though, we can be sure that God’s plans is both infinite and secured. We may not have all of the information, but that does not negate the presence of the God’s sovereign plan. Instead, as members of the body of Christ, we can rest assured that, while we have seen a great deal, the fullness of God’s plan is not yet revealed. We cannot reasonably expect to understand the fullness of an infinite God in our current state. When we behold the angel who stands massively on the sea and land, we can only imagine the greatness of an unrestrained and fully holy God.
Eating The Scroll
The angel from heaven carried with him a small scroll. Referencing it as a little scroll serves to differentiate it from the larger scroll that the lamb of God had opened one seal at a time. While smaller, it still held the words declared by God for the people. The angel gave it to John and a voice from heaven commanded John to eat the scroll completely. Likely, this imagery encourages John to fully consume the words of God as a means of having it sustain him. For the church today, the word of God does the same thing. The word of God should fuel our passions, direct our paths, and sustain our very being. The very idea of fasting is representative of what is going on here. We sacrifice food for the word of God which sustains us greater than food ever could. The word of God is powerful as it bears witness to the creator and King over all creation.
At first taste, the word tastes sweet to the tongue. Yet, in the stomach it grows increasingly bitter. Following the word of God is no easy task and not always enjoyable. Some parts will be sweet and others will be bitter and painful. Sometimes the word of the Lord builds up those who hear it and others it brings painful conviction that stands contrary to our fleshly desires and leads us to places where we are uncomfortable. John would be no stranger to this concept and neither will the church as the Lord continues to bring judgment upon the earth. The word of the Lord guides people to speak to nations, kings, rulers and others who are well above our level and status. This will be scary and difficult for us all but the God we serve is immeasurably more powerful.
In receiving the word of God and allowing it to fully sustain us, we must trace back the message from where it came. First, John received the words through the giant angel whom God gave permission to stand over the earth and the water. The angel stood ruling over all creation. But this reign and the words were given to the angel by the High King of Heaven. The King over all eternity who is seated on the throne gives the words and the messenger. This is ultimately where our authority comes from and the strength we can rest in. When the word of God begins to feel bitter, the church can rest in knowing that it still comes from God. Our job, as God continues to pronounce judgment, remains to stand and proclaim the Gospel with all our might. Everything we do should speak to God’s saving grace and invitation for the world to join us. We have been given a glimpse of the word to come so that we can stand in warning to the world that the Lord’s return is imminent and His calling is persistent as all are welcome to return home.
Discussions Questions
How does John describe the angel and in what ways is this angel different from the angel in chapter 9? What characteristics of God does this angel reveal through His presence?
Following God involves faith and trust even when we don’t have the fullness of information. Do you find this difficult to do? When has it been easy? When has it been difficult?
How devoted to the word of God would you say you are? Do you “consume the word of God” as the source of your sustenance? What would happen if you fully dove in to the word of God?
Where has obeying the word of God been difficult or bitter for you? What made it so difficult?
Why is it important to continue to follow God even when it may be difficult?
How does it sit with you that God may use you to speak to Kings, Rulers, and people above your status? How should you approach these situations?
In what ways does God strengthen you to obey His word? Where can we find strength to follow God?
