No More Delay
BRD REFLECTIONS
Revelation 10 and Psalm 132 (NIV)
(Alice Ling, Companions in Christ Facilitator, Discipleship & Nurture)
READ:
Revelation 10 and Psalm 132 (NIV)
OBSERVE:
Revelation 10 comes after the sounding of the sixth of seven trumpets in Revelation 9. Instead of the seventh trumpet, there is an interlude with the arrival of another mighty angel coming down from heaven. This angel was robed in a cloud, with a rainbow above his head and his face like the sun. His legs which were like fiery pillars were planted on the sea and on the land. The identity of the angel is not made known but this angel has surely come from the presence of God – his countenance is radiant like the sun and his standing position shows he has complete authority over both sea and land. In addition, the sign of the rainbow reminds me of God’s promise to man.
The angel had a little book open in his hand. The contents of this book are not made known to us. What the seven thunders uttered is also not made known to us as John was given instructions not to write them down. The mysteries of God would only be revealed to man at the appropriate time. The angel then raised up his hand to heaven and swore that there should be no more delay as the end is definitely set in motion. The end is certainly near but this interlude before the sounding of the seventh trumpet is God showing compassion to allow humankind more time to repent. This is so much in line with God’s merciful nature which He has demonstrated time and time again.
John was instructed to take the little book from the angel and was asked to eat it. After he had eaten it, John was to prophesy about many peoples, nations, tongues, and kings. The feeding of the word of God is necessary before John could proclaim it. The word of God is sweet as honey (Psalm 119:103) but it turned bitter in John’s stomach. God’s word is sweet as it tells of His love and mercy but it can be bitter as it also reveals God’s wrath and justice.
APPLY:
God has repeatedly sent His message of mercy to His people. He had sent His Son to redeem us. In this Advent season, I am reminded of how the world had waited for the prophesied Messiah who came that very first Christmas. Now we await Christ’s return as King. Christ is coming again, very soon. The end is set in motion. Am I ready for His coming? Have I shared with others God’s mercy and the news of His coming again? Do I sense the urgency? Do I sense the clock ticking as there is no more delay?
DO:
I have to be bold and courageous and pray for the opportune time to share the good news of God’s redemption plan with my family and friends.
I have to “eat”, chew on, and digest the Scripture, to allow God’s Word to teach, rebuke, correct, and train me in righteousness, so that I can be complete and equipped for every good work (2 Tim 3:16-17). I must devote time to read and meditate on God’s Word and be obedient to do His bidding.
PRAY:
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word which endures forever, and for reminding me that the end is set in motion as recorded in Your Word. Help me to feel Your heartbeat, to sense the urgency to share the good news of Your redemption plan, and to be obedient in knowing that there is to be “no more delay”. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
