Who is the mighty angel that towers over the earth? Why does the scroll he offers taste good, but upsets the stomach? What does all of this have to do with the end? Read on…
With a face that shines like the sun, legs like pillars of fire and a rainbow over his head, it might be easy to confuse this angel with God himself. If angels look like this, can we even begin to imagine God’s glory? My study Bible reminds me that the Hebrews followed a pillar of fire by night as they traveled in the desert. Perhaps the fiery pillar description of an angel’s leg would encourage and embolden the believers of John’s day. It may remind them that God’s people have been through difficult times before and yet have emerged victorious…they will certainly do so again.
The tasty scroll is a message that John is to deliver. It’s a good message, from a loving God…but the world isn’t going to like it, or receive it gladly, which is why the prophet’s stomach turns sour. God already knows that many people of earth will reject his attempt to rescue them from their folly.
Speaking of that, I can’t help but notice that in several places in the next few chapters John relays the message that the people of God should “endure and be faithful” (Rev 13:10). Which seems to imply that Christians are still on the earth, of course if we take Revelation literally there is already a crowd in heaven who came out of the tribulation, which is 3 1/2 years long (42 months). The next chapter will begin talking about that period again…has it already happened, and this simply looking back and adding some details, or should we infer that it hasn’t happened until Chapter 13? I believe Revelation tells the story of the End of Time from several different vantage points, adding details and descriptions each time. I think it might be possible that the seals, trumpets and bowls overlap slightly. I can’t find anyone else who agrees with this idea, so I wouldn’t stake anything on it…
The good news: God’s will is going to be done on the earth, and His purposes are going to be accomplished. Chapter 10 describes the wonder and majesty of the created beings in heaven, and the clear power and authority that God has over all things. On the days when you wonder if God is really in control, or if the wicked will ever have to pay for the terrible things they have done, read verse 7 and know that God is still on the throne, and one day the seventh trumpet will sound and those who have opposed Him will fall.
Praise the Lord!
PR