I. A Mighty Angel
A. The Angel V. 1
1. Chapters 10 & 11 seem to be interludes, pauses in the action.
a. Chapter 9 included many horrific and worldwide judgments.
b. More judgements are coming, but we have a brief respite.
c. This interlude lasts until Chapter 11, verse 15.
d. These interludes have been moments when the judgment of God is temporarily suspended, but always usher in stronger judgments.
2. Some say that this angel was Jesus, others say that it was Michael the Archangel.
3. We can’t be sure of his identity, but we can be sure of the following:
a. He was mighty and he had authority. He was magnificent in his appearance.
b. He brought a message from God, and came to give instructions to John.
B. A Little Book & A Loud Cry Vs. 2-7
1. V. 2- He had a little book. Probably not the scroll from chapter 5. The contents are hidden
a. Some suggest that this little book contains what was told to Daniel the prophet.
b. Daniel 12:4, 8-9 4 “But you, Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book until the time of the end; many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase.” 8 Although I heard, I did not understand. Then I said, “My lord, what shall be the end of these things?” 9 And he said, “Go your way, Daniel, for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end.
2. V. 2- He straddles the oceans and the land. This seems to be a posture of dominance, authority, and ruler-ship over land and sea. His posture represents his authority.
a. The early Christian faith and movement were seen as small and insignificant.
b. This angel is about to make a proclamation about the righteous judgment of God. He appears as one who is huge, and rises far above humanity. He towers over men.
3. V. 3- He roared like a lion. This causes many to believe that this angel is actually Jesus.
a. See Revelation 5:5-6a
4. Vs. 3, 4- The angel’s roar caused seven thunders to sound. Some kind of seven part message was communicated when the angel roared. It was understandable to John.
a. John had been told to write things down up to this point, but now is told not to.
b. We study the Bible to understand the things of God, but God withholds some truths.
c. This is often a point of disapproval by some people.
i. Instead of believing what is clearly revealed regarding God, they reject life with God because of what is not revealed.
ii. Imagine expectant parents before ultrasounds. Not knowing gender, but excited
iii. We accept many things without knowing the totality of the information.
iv. If we will not surrender to God unless we understand everything, and have all the answers we want, then we are actually and perhaps unknowingly insisting on having that is completely manageable by us, and on the same level as us.
v. Deuteronomy 29:29 The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but those things which are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law.
vi. Far more important to believe what is revealed, and to wait for further revelation.
5. Another consideration is that we ought not proceed with dates and certainties when God has withheld some information.
6. Vs. 5-7 The Angel’s Roar- A Solemn Statement With Hand Raised
a. The angel informs John that God’s judgment is now going to continue, and not be delayed. There have been interludes, but now things will proceed without delay.
b. In Revelation 6:9-11, The souls who had been martyred asked a question. It seems that this (10:7) is the answer to their question.
Revelation 6:9-11 (NKJV) When He opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the testimony which they held. 10 And they cried with a loud voice, saying, “How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?” 11 Then a white robe was given to each of them; and it was said to them that they should rest a little while longer, until both the number of their fellow servants and their brethren, who would be killed as they were, was completed.
c. Mystery- In the Bible, a mystery is something hidden, but eventually revealed.
d. V. 7- This “mystery” which is about to be fully understood, has already been declared to the prophets of God, presumably in the Old Testament. Prophecy is like a mosaic
that increasingly comes into focus as the pieces are properly assembled.
e. Example- Psalm 22:14,16,18 I am poured out like water, And all My bones are out of joint; My heart is like wax; It has melted within Me. 16 …They pierced My hands and My feet; 18 They divide My garments among them, And for My clothing they cast lots.
i. Written by King David, 750 years prior to the invention of crucifixion.
ii. After the crucifixion of Jesus, Psalm 22 made perfect sense. Mystery revealed.
7. What is this mystery? We are not told, but…
a. In keeping in line with the trajectory and theme of Revelation, it probably has to do with the revealing of the victory of Jesus Christ over evil.
b. It probably also has to do with the judgments of God upon the ungodly.
c. It must include the salvation of the Believers.
d. How is God going to accomplish these things? We are partly told, but some of that is hidden from us.
e. Leon Morris- The oath is made very solemn by its prolonged reference to God. The angel singles out his eternity and his activities in creation. This brings out the point that what follows is not some panic device to which a surprised deity must resort in reaction to unexpected machinations of evil men and evil spirits. He is supreme over time and over creation. He fulfils what he plans.
C. The Command To John 10:8-11
1. V. 8- John is commanded to take the little book. (step 1)
2. Vs. 9, 10- He obeys, and then receives further instruction. (step 2)
a. Eat it, it will taste sweet like honey, but be bitter in your stomach.
b. John obeyed, and it was as the angel predicted.
c. The prophets Jeremiah and Ezekiel were also both told to eat God’s word, and that it would taste like honey, but there was no bitterness. (Jeremiah 15; Ezekiel 3)
d. John is called to announce the holy wrath of God which has come and will come upon sinful man.
i. The sweet part of it is that God is holy, pure, without fault, morally perfect, loving.
ii. The bitter part is that John also has to announce the God must judge sin, and this is bitter to John.
e. Application for us- It is indeed a bittersweet thing to share the fullness of the Gospel.
i. It is sweet to tell people that God loves them unconditionally, and that Christ died for their sins.
ii. It is bitter to tell them that God will judge them unless they repent. Heartbreaking.
3. V. 11- John now receives further instructions, and is told to prophesy again. (step 3)