September 8, 2021
Scripture: And I took the little scroll from the hand of the angel and ate it. It was sweet as honey in my mouth, but when I had eaten it my stomach was made bitter. Revelation 10:10 ESV
Observation: Scholars diverge in opinion regarding this text. One side sees John physically digesting God’s prophecy imprinted on a “little scroll,” while others suggest that it is symbolic of fully comprehending the Lord’s words. Either way, both sides agree on the application: when we receive a prophetic word from God, we accept it with joy because our Creator has spoken directly to our minds and hearts—it is a privilege to be called by the Lord to herald his prophecy. Still, we need to prepare for the pushback. John’s audience would be the many peoples, nations, and kings (verse 11) who would not like his message of imminent destruction if they failed to repent. In short, his call to prophesy was bittersweet.
Takeaway: Whether a counselor, pastor, teacher, or friend, when the Lord has revealed to us his prophetic knowledge, we need to act on it with humility and courage. We need to receive God’s word with a sense of humility, understanding that we are not superior to the message and that we need to heed it as well. And we need to communicate his prophecy with courage, knowing that most people do not respond well to having their sins exposed. It was no different for the Son of God. So why should we, his disciples, have it any easier?
Prayer: Father God, in your mercy, when you grant us your insights, help us respond with a sense of joy of being your voice of prophecy. And help us act on it with humility and courage, following in the footsteps of your Son. Amen.
Rev. Gordon Green, M.Div., M.A. Counseling
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