Revelation 10:1-11
Purpose: To show that the messages of mercy and judgment are often mixed together.
Aim: I want the listener to hold on to hope in the midst of any trial.
INTRODUCTION: Today we are going to take a step back in our study of Revelation. We have seen the judgments revealed in the seven seals of the book that only Jesus was able and worthy to open.
Earlier we saw a pause in God’s judgments between the sixth and seventh seal. In chapters 10 and 11 (through verse 13) we see a pause between the sixth and seventh trumpets. These pauses in God’s judgments prove that God’s judgments have been carefully planned which reassures believers that the Judge is in complete control. It also shows God’s care and concern for His followers even while God is pouring out His wrath on the unsaved.
This second pause in God’s judgments, which comes somewhere in the middle of the seven years of tribulation, includes:
Chapters 10-11a The Jewish nation is judged
Chapter 17 The one-world religion is judged
Chapter18 The one-world economy is judged
Let’s review some of the events that happened up to this point. At the beginning of the Tribulation Period Israel makes a treaty with the Antichrist to insure their safety. Daniel records it this way: Daniel 9:27 "And he will make a firm covenant with the many for one week, but in the middle of the week he will put a stop to sacrifice and grain offering; and on the wing of abominations will come one who makes desolate, even until a complete destruction, one that is decreed, is poured out on the one who makes desolate."(NAU)
The Antichrist allows the Temple to be rebuilt (if it isn’t already) and gives religious freedom to the Jews. The two witnesses preach freely and there are 144,000 other Jewish preachers who have the same freedom. But then, suddenly, the Antichrist breaks the treaty, he kills the two witnesses, and takes over the Temple worship.
Paul describes that for us in 2 Thessalonians 2:1-4 Now we request you, brethren, with regard to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, that you not be quickly shaken from your composure or be disturbed either by a spirit or a message or a letter as if from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come. Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, displaying himself as being God. (NAU)
In the pause that we see in today’s text, God is declaring His ultimate and complete victory even before it happens.
REVIEW:
1:1-20 I. John’s Vision of the Past "the things which you have seen"
2:1-5:14 II. Christ’s Vision of the Present "the things which are"
Ch.6-22 III. John’s Vision of the Future "things which will take places"
6-7; 12-14 A. Satan’s war against God’s creation: the first six seals
8-11; 13:11-18; 15-18 B. The wrath of God: the seventh seal
1. The preparation for God’s wrath
2. The desolation through God’s wrath
The Disaster The Trumpets The Bowls
(Heaven’s view) (Earth’s view)
The bombarding storm 1/3 of vegetation burned Sores on man
The boiling sea 1/3 of fish & ships destroyed Men on the ocean die
The blazing sky 1/3 of water becomes bitter Water becomes blood
The blackened sky 1/3 of light is gone Men are burned
The buzzing locusts Hell’s darkness Government’s darkness
The burning army 1/3 killed by Satan’s armies Earth’s armies
The broken earth Storms, quakes, hail Quakes, hail
13:11-18 3. The object of God’s wrath
Vs.11a a. The false prophet appears religious "like a lamb"
Vs.11b-12 b. The false prophet has great influence "spoke as a dragon"
Vs.13 c. The false prophet is powerful "performs great signs"
Vs.14a d. The false prophet is misleading "he deceives"
Vs.14b-15 e. The false prophet promotes false worship "worship the image"
Vs.16-17 f. The false prophet restricts freedom "no one will be able to buy or to sell"
Vs.18 g. The false prophet exalts man "number is that of a man"
LESSON:
10, 11a, 17-18 4. The victory of God’s wrath
We learned earlier that believers were anxious to see God glorified and justice restored in Revelation 6:11 And there was given to each of them a white robe; and they were told that they should rest for a little while longer, until the number of their fellow servants and their brethren who were to be killed even as they had been, would be completed also. (NAU)
When we get to verse six of today’s text we see the promise that their wait is over.
10:1-11 a. God’s declares victory
1-4 (1) Persecution is certain "strong angel"
Vs.1a ANOTHER STRONG ANGEL The first strong angel we saw was in Revelation 5:2 And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, "Who is worthy to open the book and to break its seals?" (NAU) The word ANOTHER means "another of the same kind" so this angel is not Jesus Christ.
Vs.1b CLOUD is often used to refer to God’s glory and presence. A cloud led Israel in the wilderness. Exodus 16:10 It came about as Aaron spoke to the whole congregation of the sons of Israel, that they looked toward the wilderness, and behold, the glory of the Lord appeared in the cloud. (NAU)
A cloud covered Mt. Sinai when Moses was receiving the Ten Commandments. Exodus 19:9 The Lord said to Moses, "Behold, I will come to you in a thick cloud, so that the people may hear when I speak with you and may also believe in you forever." .... (NAU)
A cloud received Jesus back to heaven. Acts 1:9 And after He had said these things, He was lifted up while they were looking on, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. (NAU)
Jesus will return to earth in a cloud. Revelation 1:7 Behold, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him; and all the tribes of the earth will mourn over Him. So it is to be. Amen. (NAU)
Vs.1c RAINBOW reminds us of God’s promise to never destroy the earth by water. God always keeps His promises.
Vs.1c FACE LIKE THE SUN Revelation 1:16 ...His face was like the sun shining in its strength. (NAU)
Vs.1d FEET LIKE PILLARS OF FIRE Revelation 1:15 His feet were like burnished bronze, when it has been made to glow in a furnace ... (NAU)
Vs.2a LITTLE BOOK WAS OPEN God wanted John to see what was in the book.
Vs.2b SEA...LAND This position shows the angels authority over the world. The Antichrist came out of the sea and the false prophet came out of the earth. This angel shows authority over both.
Vs.3 LOUD VOICE...LION ROAR Satan roars like a lion in order to scare us. Jesus roars as the "lion of the tribe of Judah" in order to announce victory. Psalm 29:3 The voice of the Lord is upon the waters; The God of glory thunders, The Lord is over many waters. (NAU)
The heart of every Christian longs for Christ to come in all of His power and glory. When the New Testament opens, we find John the Baptist preaching, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand" (Mtt. 3:2). Later, when John was imprisoned, Jesus too preached, "the gospel of the kingdom of God" (Mark 1:14). During this time of Jesus’ early ministry while his disciples had no understanding of His destiny on the cross, they too announced, "The kingdom of heaven is at hand" (Mtt. 10:7). Jesus taught us to pray, Matthew 6:10 ’Your kingdom come. Your will be done, On earth as it is in heaven. (NAU)
Vs.4 SEAL UP After John reads about the seven peals of thunder he isn’t allowed to tell us what he read. Why? We aren’t told. Maybe the seven thunders describe the persecutions the believers would endure during the last half of the Tribulation period. Sometimes God withholds knowledge of the future so we will trust Him one day at a time.
The Bible tells us over and over that persecution is certain. Persecution proves that we belong to Christ. Matthew 5:10 "Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (NAU)
Persecutors are often sincere. John 16:1-2 "These things I have spoken to you so that you may be kept from stumbling. "They will make you outcasts from the synagogue, but an hour is coming for everyone who kills you to think that he is offering service to God. (NAU)
Persecution often comes from those we live closest to. Luke 12:51-53 "Do you suppose that I came to grant peace on earth? I tell you, no, but rather division; for from now on five members in one household will be divided, three against two and two against three. "They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law." (NAU)
As we brace ourselves for the certainty of persecution, we need to keep in mind that:
Vs.5-7 (2) Victory is near "delay no longer"
The Lord made a promise to David. When speaking of David’s son Solomon God said, 2 Samuel 7:14-16 "I will be a father to him and he will be a son to Me; when he commits iniquity, I will correct him with the rod of men and the strokes of the sons of men, but My lovingkindness shall not depart from him, as I took it away from Saul, whom I removed from before you. "Your house and your kingdom shall endure before Me forever; your throne shall be established forever." ’ " (NAU)
Now the angel is declaring that there will be no more delay in fulfilling this promise. But, let’s remember that judgment delayed is an act of mercy. 2 Peter 3:3-9 Know this first of all, that in the last days mockers will come with their mocking, following after their own lusts, and saying, "Where is the promise of His coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all continues just as it was from the beginning of creation." For when they maintain this, it escapes their notice that by the word of God the heavens existed long ago and the earth was formed out of water and by water, through which the world at that time was destroyed, being flooded with water. But by His word the present heavens and earth are being reserved for fire, kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men. But do not let this one fact escape your notice, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day. The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance. (NAU)
But, victory is promised to God’s followers. Psalm 34:7 The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him, And rescues them. (NAU) Psalm 37:5 Commit your way to the Lord, Trust also in Him, and He will do it. (NAU)
Rest in the fact that Jesus owns every aspect of our faith. Hebrews 12:2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (NAU)
As we struggle with persecution and trials we can always know that the Lord WILL come and make everything right. Psalm 130:6 My soul waits for the Lord More than the watchmen for the morning; Indeed, more than the watchmen for the morning. (NAU)
There is cloud, though, with this silver lining.
Vs.8-11 (3) Victory is sweet and sour "sweet...bitter"
Vs.8-9 The coming of Christ is sweet to believers, but it also means that Christ’s offer of forgiveness is no longer open.
God’s Word is often compared to food. MILK 1 Peter 2:2 like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation, (NAU)
MEAT 1 Corinthians 3:1-2 And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual men, but as to men of flesh, as to infants in Christ. I gave you milk to drink, not solid food; for you were not yet able to receive it. Indeed, even now you are not yet able, (NAU)
HONEY Psalm 119:103 How sweet are Your words to my taste! Yes, sweeter than honey to my mouth! (NAU) Psalm 19:10 They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb. (NAU)
Both Jeremiah and Ezekiel were also told to eat the Word. But, the Word also brings bitterness. James 5:1 Come now, you rich, weep and howl for your miseries which are coming upon you. (NAU) Jeremiah 9:1 Oh that my head were waters And my eyes a fountain of tears, That I might weep day and night For the slain of the daughter of my people! (NAU)
Vs.10 It was Luther who described our Christian message as "the message of Law and Gospel." Even in the message of forgiveness is the implication of guilt and judgment.[1]
"For the believer, it is sweet to read of God’s determination to glorify His Son where He was once crucified. It is sweet to read of the triumph of God over Satan and all his hosts. It is sweet to read of the time when the wrongs of earth will all be made right. But there is bitterness also connected with the study of prophecy. There is the bitterness of self-judgment which the prophetic Scriptures produce. There is the bitterness of viewing the judgments which must soon fall on apostate Judaism and Christendom. And there is the bitterness of contemplating the eternal doom of all who reject the Savior." [2]
How many here have relatives who do not know Christ? What is going to happen to them if they don’t turn to Christ? For you, Christ’s return will be bitter-sweet.
"It should bless our hearts to see people turn to Christ, but it should also break our hearts when they turn away. George Whitfield often had to stop preaching because he broke into tears. When someone suggested that he should control himself more he said, ’How can I help weeping for people when they won’t weep from themselves? Every time I preach I wonder if someone is hearing the gospel for the last time." [3]
CONCLUSION: You must die to live; take up your cross daily in order to follow Christ; give in order to receive; all those who live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. The bitter and the sweet are realities when you put your faith in Christ.
Sandra’s life had been easy, like a spring breeze. She married a man she loved, they lived in a nice home, and then they were going to have a son. But in the 4th month of her pregnancy, a car accident stole her peace. During the following Thanksgiving week she would have delivered a son, but now her arms and heart were empty. She barely made it to the florists to pick up a Thanksgiving flower arrangement for her church.
Thanksgiving? Thankful for what? She wondered. For a careless driver whose truck was hardly scratched when he rear-ended her? For an airbag that saved her life but took the life of her child?
"Good afternoon, can I help you?" The shop clerk startled her.
"I ... I need an arrangement," stammered Sandra.
"For Thanksgiving? Do you want beautiful, or would you like what I call the Thanksgiving
"Special?" asked the shop clerk.
"What do you mean?" Sandra asked.
"I’m convinced flowers tell stories," she continued. "Are you looking for something that conveys ’gratitude’ this Thanksgiving?"
"Not exactly!" Sandra blurted out. "In the last five months, everything that could go wrong has gone wrong."
The shop clerk said, "I have the perfect arrangement for you."She disappeared into the back and came back out with a large bouquet of roses, only these roses had all of the flowers cut off, leaving only the thorny stems.
"What kind of flower arrangement is that? Do you expect me to pay for this?" Sandra said.
"Not unless you decide you want to. But first hear me out. Several years ago I lost my husband, and for the first time in my life, I spent the holidays alone. I had no children, no husband, no family nearby, and too great a debt to allow any travel."
"So what did you do?" asked Sandra.
"I learned to be thankful for thorns," answered the clerk quietly. "I’ve always thanked God for good things in life and never asked Him why those good things happened to me. But when bad stuff hit, boy did I ever ask! It took time for me to learn that dark times are part of God’s plan for my life. My experience has shown me that thorns make roses more precious. Remember, it was a crown of thorns that Jesus wore so we might know His love."
Tears rolled down Sandra’s cheeks. For the first time since the accident, she loosened her grip on resentment. "I’ll take those twelve long-stemmed thorns, please. What do I owe you?"
"Nothing but a promise to allow God to heal your heart. The first year’s arrangement is always on me." When Sandra got home she read the card:
"My God, I have never thanked You for my thorns. I have thanked You a thousand times for my roses, but never once for my thorns. Teach me the glory of the cross I bear; teach me the value of my thorns. Show me that I have climbed closer to You along the path of pain. Show me that, through my tears, the colors of Your rainbow shine much more brilliant."
No pain, no palm; no thorns, no throne; no gall, no glory; no cross, no crown.- William Penn
[1]Palmer, E. F., & Ogilvie, L. J. (1982). Vol. 35: The Preacher’s Commentary Series, Volume 35 : 1, 2 & 3 John / Revelation. Formerly The Communicator’s Commentary. The Preacher’s Commentary series (183). Nashville, Tennessee: Thomas Nelson Inc.
[2]MacDonald, W., & Farstad, A. (1997, c1995). Believer’s Bible Commentary : Old and New Testaments (Re 10:10). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
[3]“From Suffering to Singing” by Bob Marcaurelle. Page 28
