I think what really stuck out to me today was when the angel told John to eat the scroll. I may have even laughed out loud at just picturing that happening. Thoughts of using an excuse like “the dog ate my homework” flitted through my mind. The thought of actually eating it was a bit surprising to me. But Ezekiel was told to eat a scroll when he was being called and commissioned in Chapters 2 and 3 of the book of Ezekiel.
But what does that say to us? To truly take something in, all the way in, we need to digest it. We devour a whole plate of food, or an ice cream cone covered in chocolate sauce and sprinkles. It is definitely sweet going down. But what happens when it gets into our stomachs? Have you ever overeaten and then felt miserable afterwards? That’s what I imagine John was feeling after eating the scroll.
But his reason for feeling queasy was not because of what he ate but why he ate. He had just eaten God’s message to the people. He had ingested it so it was then embodied in his soul. The words he had to proclaim were not easy, feel good words. His message would not necessarily be popular with the people. He was going to make enemies perhaps. Yet he was called to tell. “You must prophesy again about many peoples, nations, languages, and kings.”
John had no choice. He was to proclaim the message from God. The sooner he released the words the sooner he would feel better. This passage gives us a whole new perspective on “devouring” a good book, or “consuming” some great content. It’s language we use. When we have such passion over what we are reading or listening to, we are likely to share it, tell others about it. That is precisely what John was called to do.
There are some other interesting things that John experienced in today’s reading. Aren’t you just a little bit curious about what the seven thunders said? We also noticed another “interlude” between the sixth and seventh trumpet, just like we experienced between the sixth and seventh scroll. Interesting.
How are you doing so far with Revelation? I’m enjoying this walk through. We are in interesting times. Many people I talk to think we are in the “end times.” I certainly am not one to try and speculate. If it is God’s plan, then yes, we are. I’d rather spend my time being prepared whether we are or not.
There is much work to be done. There are many people living in fear right now. Is that because they are so far from God they cannot feel his peace? I don’t want to leave the world any sooner than I have to either. God has given me a job to do, and I want to make sure I see it to completion. He continues to give me new assignments. I eagerly await his next one and clarity on the ones I’m in the midst of.
Take some time today to think through how you are being used by God to prepare others for the end times, no matter when they happen. Whether we see the final judgment in our lifetime or not, I want to be purposeful in helping others repent and return to God. I want to devour God’s word and then make it relevant for those who read my reflections.
What are you devouring today?
Let’s pray. Lord, I thank you for the access you have given me to your Word. Thank you for how you fill me, encourage me, and speak to my heart. I pray that you will use my words and my meditations to reach those in need. Use me to proclaim your truth. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
