A Message To The Miserable

INTRODUCTION

For the past two weeks we’ve been studying the trumpet judgments in the book of Revelation with a series entitled “Scorched Earth.” A scorched earth military strategy is one wherein you completely destroy any asset or resource that might be useful to an enemy in mounting a counter offensive.

In the last two weeks we’ve seen the Lord go “scorched earth” on his creation. This even was prophesied about in the OT as the “The Day of the Lord.”

The past two weeks have been very difficult. It’s been hard as a preacher to study, develop and preach these sermons. The topics are not “feel good” or “encouraging.”

They have been messages that sound the alarm. They have warned about the dangers of unrepentant rebellion against God.

It’s important we hear those kinds of Words from time to time so that we don’t confuse God’s patience in delaying judgment for his indifference towards our sin.

Today we chart a different course. Today we’re going to hear a message of hope. A message to the miserable. God is going to remind his people of certain promises that they must never forget - especially when life has made them miserable!

Context to the Text:

Before we read our text it’s important you get the context. If you remember from a few months back we looked at the overall structure of the book of the Revelation.

You have an exalted vision of Christ in Revelation 1.

You have Jesus’ Words to his Church in Revelation 2-3.

John is swept up to heaven to capture of vision of Heavenly Worship in Revelation 4-5.

In Revelation 4 we see a picture of God on the throne, descriptions of his majesty and might.

In Revelation 5 the camera zooms in on a scroll & the lamb. The scroll, we said, contained the future plans of God for redeeming the world. Nobody was found worthy to open it except Jesus: the lion and the lamb.

Then in Revelation 6 we see the seals begin to break.

Catastrophes break out on the earth in seals 1-6. Promises of peace and prosperity manifest as poverty, war, famines and death. There will be a great falling away of “believers” and the greatest persecution of Christians that the world has ever seen.

The sequence of these seal judgments are 4 + 1 + 1 (Four horsemen followed by the cry of the martyrs and cosmic signs and wonders.)

You would expect to see the seventh seal in Revelation 7 but instead we see a pause or an interlude followed by the 7th seal in Revelation 8:1.

In this pause we see 144K Jews sealed with the mark of God. We said this was a remnant of Israel who would be protected by God during the Great Tribulation. (It could just as easily be a reference to the Church (Jew and Gentile - the true Israel of God)

After that we saw a countless multitude surrounding the throne in heaven from every tribe tongue and nation. We said this might be a picture of the church, resurrected and raptured out of the earth before the Day of God’s Wrath.

In Revelation 8 we see the Day of the Lord finally arrive. The trumpet judgments are unleashed on the earth.

Like the seven seals. The trumpet judgments are broken up into groups. 4 + 1 + 1. (Four creation judgments / demonic horde, invincible army)

Between the sixth and seventh seal there was a pause. (Rev 7) Between the sixth and seventh trumpet there is also a pause. That pause is where we’re at today.

Our text today is Revelation 10 and it provides a Pause/Interlude in the narrative until the 7th trumpet in Revelation 11:15.

The Purpose of the “Pause”

Like the pause in Revelation 7, this pause gives us new information about the trumpet judgments but it gives it from a different perspective. Think of it as filling in some details from a heavenly perspective so we get the full picture.

In Revelation 7 we saw that even in the midst of tribulation God’s servants would be protected. (144K and the vast multitude coming out of the Great Tribulation.)

That pause was a reminder that God is faithful even in the darkest night. Today’s pause does something similar.

The Pause of Revelation 10

Our world is so broken & messed up. It’s only natural to be discouraged by what you see. It feels like things are beyond repair. Even if God wanted to fix it, why would he?

Have you ever been there? A hopelessness because of the brokenness in our world? As a pastor my heart breaks over some of the things I see.

Put yourself in the shoes of the people in Revelation 8-9. They’ve lived through the 7 seals. They’ve survived six of the seven trumpet judgments.

Sin and depravity have reached the absolute maximum heights.

The world is disintegrating under demonic deception and torment.

Political forces and global conflict have killed billions and billions of people.

Sin and brokenness and death have reached proportions never before imagined in human history.

In the midst of all of this darkness John sees a vision that reminds him “God is still in control and you can take comfort in his faithfulness to keep his promise.”

Today’s pause reminds us that even in the fire of judgment and suffering -and great brokenness - God is faithful to his promise and you can always trust His Word.

I want to show you that from Revelation 10. In our text we see a mighty messenger offer up FOUR messages for miserable people. Each message is important for us to hear and remember so we can bring glory to God in our pain.

AN UNUSUAL MESSENGER:

Let’s start by reading the all 11 verses because they present several interpretive challenges that need to be addressed before we can drill home our points of application.

Revelation 10 (CSB)

1 Then I saw another mighty angel coming down from heaven, wrapped in a cloud, with a rainbow over his head. His face was like the sun, his legs were like pillars of fire, 2 and he held a little scroll opened in his hand. He put his right foot on the sea, his left on the land, 3 and he called out with a loud voice like a roaring lion. When he cried out, the seven thunders raised their voices. 4 And when the seven thunders spoke, I was about to write, but I heard a voice from heaven, saying, “Seal up what the seven thunders said, and do not write it down!”

5 Then the angel that I had seen standing on the sea and on the land raised his right hand to heaven. 6 He swore by the one who lives forever and ever, who created heaven and what is in it, the earth and what is in it, and the sea and what is in it, “There will no longer be a delay, 7 but in the days when the seventh angel will blow his trumpet, then the mystery of God will be completed, as he announced to his servants the prophets.”

8 Then the voice that I heard from heaven spoke to me again and said, “Go, take the scroll that lies open in the hand of the angel who is standing on the sea and on the land.”

9 So I went to the angel and asked him to give me the little scroll. He said to me, “Take and eat it; it will be bitter in your stomach, but it will be as sweet as honey in your mouth.”

10 Then I took the little scroll from the angel’s hand and ate it. It was as sweet as honey in my mouth, but when I ate it, my stomach became bitter. 11 And they said to me, “You must prophesy again about many peoples, nations, languages, and kings.”

A Scholarly Debate

The first thing we need to settle is the identity of this mighty angel. There have been scholars debating this issue for many years and we’re not going to settle it today. (It’s like several “in house” debates - we’re not going to break fellowship over it!)

The text describes this figure as a strong or powerful angel.

The same designation was used of a “mighty angel” in Revelation 5:2. That one asks the question “Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll?”

The other one is mentioned in Revelation 18:21 and describes the destruction of Mystery Babylon.

Are those angels what we see here in Revelation 10? Or is it an angel like the ones blowing the seven trumpets? Or is it something else all together?

The debate about this angel is whether it is just AN angel of the Lord (like many others we see in the book of Revelation) or THE angel of the Lord.

An Angel or THE Angel of the Lord

The reason some think this is a reference to Jesus is because Jesus is referred to as THE angel of the Lord several times in the OT (theophany: Gen 22:11; Exo 3).

The language used to describe the angel in Rev 10 is similar to the kind of language used to describe Jesus elsewhere in the book of Revelation.

Rainbow around his head - Cf. Rainbow around the throne in Rev 4:3. It’s symbolic of God’s promise from Genesis 9:11-15.

He is wrapped in a clouds - Jesus comes “on the clouds” Rev 1:7.

His face was like the sun, legs like pillars of fire - cf Jesus’ description in Rev 1:14-15.

He has an open scroll in his hand and who else would be worthy to hold the scroll if it’s the one mentioned in Rev 5 if not Jesus and him alone?

His voice roars like a lion (often used to describe the voice of God in the OT). Same is true of the seven thunders (Psalm 29; John 12:27-31)

Others say “No this can’t be Jesus. This is just a reference to another “mighty angel” and he has features that are similar to that of Jesus.

They would point out that the world “other” means other from the same kind. (Grk “allos”)

They would say the other references to a “mighty angel” clearly aren’t Christ so why would this one be him?

They would say even though Jesus is described as an “angel” in the OT, John is always careful to give Jesus an unmistakable title in the book of Revelation.

This angel makes an oath to heaven… that seems an odd thing for Christ to do.

That this angel has features similar to the description of Christ in Rev 1 isn’t surprising. Many angels are described with such majestic language in the OT (cf Satan in Ezek 28:11-19)

So which is it? Is it Christ or a mighty angel with features similar to Christ?!

I wrestled with this question a good many hours and I tend to think it’s probably just another mighty angel but it also makes sense to see it as Christ himself. It preaches better if this is a reference to Christ!

The point is - if an angel of God is this majestic and powerful then how much more worthy is Jesus deserving of our worship?!

The main focus of the text isn’t on the identity of the messenger but the message that he gives.

GOD’S WORD IS SURE

That leads us to the first truth we need to remember. God’s Word is SURE. Build your life upon his promise.

The inclusion of a rainbow around the head of this mighty angels harkens back to God’s covenant with Noah in Genesis 9:13-16

Genesis 9:13–16 (CSB)

13 I have placed my bow in the clouds, and it will be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth. 14 Whenever I form clouds over the earth and the bow appears in the clouds, 15 I will remember my covenant between me and you and all the living creatures: water will never again become a flood to destroy every creature. 16 The bow will be in the clouds, and I will look at it and remember the permanent covenant between God and all the living creatures on earth.”

What a powerful reminder that even in the storms of life - even as God’s judgment rains down upon the earth - his people can look up to the clouds and be reminded that He has made a covenant promise that he will never break.

So remember that the next time you’re overwhelmed with life. God’s promises are true and He will fulfill every promise that he has ever given. Take it to the bank!

The Promises of Revelation 10 .

Now the specific promise in Revelation 10 seems to be related to what’s contained in this scroll.

If this scroll is the same scroll from Revelation 5 (which I think that it is) then the promise has to do with the restoration all things when Christ comes again.

This is the very promise that John is reminded of in Revelation 10:5-7.

Revelation 10:5–7 (CSB)

5 Then the angel that I had seen standing on the sea and on the land raised his right hand to heaven. 6 He swore by the one who lives forever and ever, who created heaven and what is in it, the earth and what is in it, and the sea and what is in it, “There will no longer be a delay, 7 but in the days when the seventh angel will blow his trumpet, then the mystery of God will be completed, as he announced to his servants the prophets.”

I don’t know about what you’re going through or what promise of God you need to be reminded of on a day like today - but know this.

This broken world will one day be restored! Theres coming a day when this sinful, broken planet is going to be redeemed and renewed. All things new.

God is faithful to keep his promise.

Injustices will be made just.

Darkness will be overcome by light.

The broken things will be put back together.

Sadness will be swallowed up by joy.

And because he’s going to do it for all creation on that day - he has all the power to do that same thing in your particular situation today.

A loveless marriage can find love again.

A prodigal son/daughter can come home.

That sinful act can be forgiven. That shame can be washed away.

If God says it you can believe it and that settles it.

The Word of God is SURE. God will always keep his PROMISE. Worship him because he is worthy of our worship.

THE WORD OF GOD IS STRONG

The second truth we need to remember. God’s Word is STRONG. Live your life as if that’s true.

In Revelation 10:2-3 John says of this mighty angel - whoever He is - that

Revelation 10:2–3 (CSB)

And he held a little scroll open in his hand. He put his right foot on the sea, his left on the land, 3 and he called out with a loud voice like a roaring lion. When he cried out, the seven thunders raised their voices.

The first picture we get is that of the angel standing.

His right foot is on the sea and the other is on the land. Some go over the top in trying to identify what the sea represents and what the land represents. I don’t think that’s necessary. It’s just a picture of God’s sovereignty over ALL creation.

Everywhere there’s not land there’s water and everywhere there’s not water there’s land. The earth is the LORD’S and the fullness thereof.

I believe this is meant to communicate the sovereignty, power, strength and might of the Lord.

The second picture is that of a roaring lion.

I don’t know if you’ve ever heard a Lion roar but it’s a really compelling sound! I remember when we went to Tanzania we went to a wildlife reserve and some of the Lions were within hearing distance of our dwelling. It is a chilling sound.

They don’t call them the king of the jungle for nothing. It’s a sound that represents sovereignty and power, strength and might.

Who’s voice is this? If this mighty angel is Christ himself then it is the words of Christ - roaring like a lion. If it’s a mighty angel it is still loud and compelling words and they solicit a response from God himself.

That’s the final picture and it’s of seven thunders.

Seven is a number of completion we know and the picture of thunder has been used throughout this book to convey the idea of God’s sovereignty in judgment, power strength and might.

Have you ever heard thunder when it’s right over the top of you? Not the lightening and thunder that miles away that’s pretty to look at and easy on the ears. I’m talking being “thunderstruck!”

All of this imagery just amplifies the idea that God’s Word is STRONG. It’s powerful. It’s effective. It is sufficient to meet our every need.

Weak Preaching Leads to Weak Christians

I’ve been thinking about this as it relates to preaching. How many sermon have you listened to that just fell flat? (hopefully not many from this pulpit!) There was not STRENGTH to the preaching because there was no conviction in the strength of God’s Word.

Where are the people who believe like Luther that God’s Word is like a Lion. You don’t have to defend a Lion. All you need to do is let it out of its cage!

Oh that God would raise up a generation of men (and women) that believe God’s Word is STRONG and sufficient to meet our every need.

When you believe God’s Word is strong then you’ll start to live as if that’s true. When you live as if God’s Word is strong then you’ll see God’s faithfulness displayed in your life over and over and over again. The reliability of his Word will be proven over and over and over again.

GOD’S WORD(S) ARE SOMETIMES SEALED:

The next truth we need to be reminded is this. Certain word(s) of God are sealed. You can trust God with your unanswered questions.

Revelation 10:4 (CSB)

4 And when the seven thunders spoke, I was about to write, but I heard a voice from heaven, saying, “Seal up what the seven thunders said, and do not write it down!”

This always struck me as interesting. Early on John is commanded to write down everything that he sees and that those who read what he writes are inviting a blessing into their life.

Yet - when it comes to these particular words revealed by God John is told “don’t write that down… seal it up for later...”

Daniel And His Sealed Words

There is an OT parallel of this in the book of Daniel.

He, like John, was given the privilege of seeing the future and writing down what he saw for the benefit of God’s people. But he was shown certain things that had to be sealed until the proper time. (Daniel 8:26; 12:4, 9)

Daniel 8:26 (CSB)

26 The vision of the evenings and the mornings

that has been told is true.

Now you are to seal up the vision

because it refers to many days in the future.”

Daniel 12:4 (CSB)

4 “But you, Daniel, keep these words secret and seal the book until the time of the end. Many will roam about, and knowledge will increase.”

John is here having the same experience as Daniel. In both cases the angel’s oath relates to the timing of the coming fulfillment of God’s Revelation.

Resting With Unanswered Questions

There are times when it may feel like you don’t know what you need to know or that God may be keeping “secrets” from you. That might be true. There are certain things God chooses to seal for reasons that are known only to God. It is his prerogative.

The secret things belong to the Lord but the things that have been revealed belong to us!

Rest in what you DO know instead of worrying about what you can’t know.

God will reveal what needs to be revealed when the time is right to do so. Sometimes he is strategically silent for reasons we simply aren’t in a position to understand.

This is counter intuitive to rest in God when your world is falling apart and you don’t know how to fix it but that’s the logic of the kingdom!

God is in control of everything. Even the things for which we don’t have good answers. This is why Jesus said - “don’t worry about your life…what you’re going to eat… what you’re going to wear… Your Father knows and he will take care of you.” Rest in him. Trust him with unanswered questions.

GOD’S WORD IS SWEET:

The last thing we need to remember is this. In your suffering God’s Word is sweet. Embrace it and proclaim it, no matter what it costs.

We see this play out in John’s life in verses 8-11.

Revelation 10:8–11 (CSB)

8 Then the voice that I heard from heaven spoke to me again and said, “Go, take the scroll that lies open in the hand of the angel who is standing on the sea and on the land.”

9 So I went to the angel and asked him to give me the little scroll. He said to me, “Take and eat it; it will be bitter in your stomach, but it will be as sweet as honey in your mouth.”

10 Then I took the little scroll from the angel’s hand and ate it. It was as sweet as honey in my mouth, but when I ate it, my stomach became bitter. 11 And they said to me, “You must prophesy again about many peoples, nations, languages, and kings.”

Can you imagine how awkward this must’ve been for John?

Imagine if I invited you over to my house for dinner and presented a beautifully cooked meal. But as you’re taking your first bite I say, “This food is going to taste wonderful in your mouth but later on this evening you’re going to be sleeping on the toilet.”

Not cool! Yet that’s exactly how this angel describes the scroll that’s in his hand. We don’t know exactly what this scroll is. I believe it contains the future plan of God to consummate redemption.

God’s Word is “Bittersweet.”

In that way, the word of God is “bittersweet.”

SWEET: God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son...

SWEET: No matter what you've done, you can be completely forgiven...

SWEET: Your shame was nailed to the cross there is now no condemnation...

SWEET: You have power of God’s Spirit to overcome sin and live a new life in Christ...

SWEET: One day Christ will come again, judge the wicked and restore the creation.

BITTER: Outside of God’s love and grace we are wretched wicked sinners deserving of eternal damnation.

BITTER: The Word that speaks forgiveness is also a Word that exposes the ugliness in the human heart.

BITTER: The Word that saves you is rejected and despised by many...In sharing this Word its going to cost you financially, socially, etc.

BITTER: Though God loves you as you are, even at your best you’re a far cry from what you can/will one day be.

BITTER: Though God’s Word is full of power it is also offensive and will result in persecution and possible death.

It’s sweet to know we are loved by God, protected by God, healed and saved and delivered by God. We will be resurrected and glorified but first we must suffer, sacrifice, persevere and fight. It’s bittersweet.

Even so, John is told to prophesy. We must do the same. We must embrace it and proclaim it no matter what it costs. We must obey the Word of God, no matter the suffering it invites into our life.

Conclusion

These are things we must remember about the Word of God in our suffering. This are truths we must remember about God when life is making us miserable.

His promises are TRUE. Build your life upon his Word. It is SURE.

The Word of God is STRONG. Live your life as if it’s true. How different our lives and church would be if we embraces the sufficiency of God’s Word.

When the Word of God is SEALED and you’re questions go unanswered. Remember that you can rest in certain truths that have been revealed. The secrete things belong to God. What you DO know matters more than what you don’t.

The Word of God is SWEET. It may result in hardship and trial but where else can we go. Jesus has the Words of life. Your suffering in life won’t ultimately lessen because you reject this word.

God’s Word is such a precious gift. Especially in our suffering. As Peter told a group of Christians he was writing to...

1 Peter 1:24–25 (CSB)

24 For

All flesh is like grass,

and all its glory like a flower of the grass.

The grass withers, and the flower falls,

25 but the word of the Lord endures (STANDS) forever.

And this word is the gospel that was proclaimed to you.

The Word of God STANDS forever - and when you build your life on this word. Live your life according to this Word - embrace and proclaim this word regardless the cost - then you too will STAND.