The Book of Revelation: Chapter 10

Scripture References:

• Revelation 10 - The mighty angel with the little book
• Revelation 7 - The first interlude in Revelation
• 2 Thessalonians 2 - Paul's prediction about the Antichrist in the temple
• Daniel (various passages) - Prophecies about the end times temple
• Exodus 34:29-35 - Moses' face shining after encountering God
• Ezekiel (various passages) - Nations rising against Israel in the end times

As we continue our journey through the book of Revelation, we find ourselves in the midst of the tribulation period, specifically at the midpoint of those seven difficult years. Chapter 10 serves as a pause in the action, what scholars call the second "interlude" of Revelation, before the final trumpet judgment sounds.

A Change of Scene

One of the first things we notice in Revelation 10 is that John's perspective has changed. Throughout the earlier chapters, John has been viewing events from the throne room of heaven, getting a "bird's eye view" of the unfolding judgments. But now, the text tells us he saw "another mighty angel coming down from heaven." The key phrase is "coming down," indicating that John is now positioned on earth, watching this magnificent being descend.

The Magnificent Messenger

This mighty angel is described with breathtaking imagery that speaks to both judgment and mercy:

• Clothed with a cloud - symbolizing glory, majesty, power, and judgment
• Rainbow on his head - representing God's covenant faithfulness and mercy
• Face like the sun - bright and radiant from being in God's presence (much like Moses when he came down from Mount Sinai)
• Feet like pillars of fire - depicting stability and uncompromising holiness

Some have wondered whether this angel might actually be Jesus Christ Himself, but the text indicates otherwise. In verse 6, we see this angel taking an oath "to God," which suggests this is indeed a created being, a servant and messenger of the Most High.

The sheer size of this angel is staggering. He stands with one foot on the sea and the other on land, reaching high into the sky. This is no ordinary heavenly being, but one of tremendous power and authority.

The Lion's Roar and Seven Thunders

When this mighty angel speaks, his voice is compared to a lion's roar. a terrifying sound designed to capture the attention of the entire world. This cry awakens seven thunders, which begin to speak their own message.

Here we encounter one of the most intriguing mysteries in all of Scripture. John prepares to write down what the seven thunders are saying, but suddenly a voice from heaven commands him: "Seal up the things which the seven thunders uttered, and do not write them."

The suspense is almost overwhelming! What did they say? What crucial information are we missing? Yet this reminds us that there are some secrets that belong to God alone. If He had wanted us to know what the seven thunders proclaimed, He would have allowed John to record it for us.

No More Delay

The mighty angel then raises his hand to heaven and swears a solemn oath by the Creator of all things: "There shall be delay no longer" (verse 6). This is one of the most sobering declarations in all of Scripture.

For centuries, humanity has been living in what we might call "the time of God's delay" (a period of divine patience and mercy where judgment is held back). Even now in the midst of the tribulation's horrors, God continues to offer salvation, but this angel announces that God's patience is drawing to a close.

With only three and a half years remaining in the tribulation period (roughly 1,260 days), the final countdown has begun. The "mystery of God" mentioned in verse 7 refers to His plan of salvation, a mystery that will soon reach its completion.

The Bittersweet Book

In the second half of the chapter, we encounter another fascinating element: the little book in the angel's hand. The angel instructs John to take and eat this book, warning that it will be "sweet as honey in your mouth, but bitter in your stomach."

This isn't meant to be taken literally, of course. Just as we might say we want to "devour" a good book or "digest" important information, John is being told to fully absorb and internalize God's word.

The sweetness represents the wonderful hope contained in God's revelation: the promise of ultimate victory, the rescue of the saints, and the establishment of Christ's kingdom. But the bitterness reflects the harsh reality that more judgment is coming, and many will face eternal separation from God.

As we study Revelation today, we can relate to this bittersweet experience. The book fills us with tremendous hope as believers, knowing we will escape the coming wrath and spend eternity with our Savior. Yet it also contains the sobering reality of what awaits those who reject Christ.

The Call to Proclaim

After John consumes the book, the angel commissions him to "prophesy again about many peoples, nations, tongues, and kings" (verse 11). This command has been remarkably fulfilled; the book of Revelation has been studied and proclaimed across every culture and language around the world.

But the principle extends to us as well. Before we can be effective spokesmen for God, we must first "digest" His word. We must feed on Scripture, know it thoroughly, and allow it to shape our hearts and minds. Only then can we faithfully share God's truth with others.

Living in Light of His Coming

The message of Revelation 10 is not meant to frighten us, but to motivate us. As we see prophetic events aligning around us, from developments in the Middle East to preparations for temple reconstruction, we should not be alarmed but excited. These are signs that our redemption draws near.

The reality that Christ could return at any moment should propel us to action. If we knew He was coming next week, we would make that phone call, share the gospel with our neighbors, and tell everyone we encounter about Jesus. The truth is, He could come tonight.

As we witness biblical prophecy coming to life before our eyes, our response should be like John's in Revelation 22:20: "Even so, come, Lord Jesus!" We're not just studying ancient history; we're reading about our future hope and the blessed assurance that God keeps His promises.

The mystery of God's salvation plan is drawing to its glorious conclusion. Are you ready?

All for Him,

Pastor Dustin