Revelation10:5-7 - Then
the mighty angel standing on the sea and land lifted his right hand to heaven and
swore by him who lives forever and ever, who created heaven and everything in
it and the earth and all that it contains and the sea and its inhabitants, that
there should be no more delay, but that when the
seventh angel blew his trumpet, then God’s veiled plan—mysterious through the
ages ever since it was announced by his servants the prophets—would be
fulfilled.
John saw another angel come down from heaven with a small scroll
in his hand. When he spoke the thunder answered with words John was not allowed
to reveal. What he was allowed to write was the words of the angel that the
time of final judgement should begin…that God’s complete plan for the world as
we know it should be revealed in its entirety.
John was told to swallow the scroll….perhaps to keep the
secret until that day comes. Matthew
24:36 and Mark 13:32 both record the same words…. “But
about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the
Son, but only the Father.” John was simply given a charge to prophesy of
this time to the ones that he would meet…people….nations…tribes…and kings.
We don’t have to prophesy. We have John’s words…and Jesus’ words from
our Bible to use to remind ourselves of this time. Our job is to share its
coming with those around us. We can remind believers that a day of final
judgment is coming …in case they need to repent of any backsliding. We can also warn those who don’t believe at
all ….in case God can use something we say to soften their hearts enough to
believe.
The time is closer than it has ever
been. Many believe it is just around the corner. I am sure that John felt the
urgency of the message he had been given to share as soon as he woke from his
vision. I admit that the events that are unfolding in our world lead me to
think it is very close indeed. I needed the reminder to feel the importance of
sharing God’s love as much as possible… to feel the urgency of what is coming
as if it could happen even as I write these words.
Father…thank you for the reminder that
the final days are coming. Forgive me for not feeling the urgency of sharing
your love to all those I meet. Help me to be more aware of the ones around me
and take the time to share you with more and more people every day. Amen.
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