Prayer:
Heavenly Father, at times, I act as though reading Your word is like eating Brussels sprouts. Forgive me and help me to acquire a taste for the sweetness of Scripture. As I consume it, I pray it will become a vital part of me changing me into the likeness of Jesus and bringing forth fruit that is pleasing to You. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Introduction:
Plum pudding, visions of sugar plums, and gingerbread houses mark the season. During this time of festivities, sweet treats abound. They seem to appear out of nowhere and follow us everywhere. Those of us with an insatiable sweet tooth find it difficult to resist and often live to regret our weakness. Bloating and nausea damps the day. Later, we attempt to rectify the situation with New Year’s resolutions bent on being broken at the first opportunity.
Do you think we’d eat those pastries if our hostesses cautioned us with a sign that read: this will taste sweet, but causes nausea. Honestly, I have my doubts if it would stop some of us, including me.
Even though preceded by a warning, John the Revelator had no problem with eating the book handed to him by the Mighty Angel.
The Lesson:
Verse 1: This angel pictures another aspect of Jesus.
1. Robed in a cloud: And [Jesus] was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light. (Matthew 17:2). A symbol of glory, the cloud conceals Jesus’ true appearance, which is too awesome for mortal eyes to behold. Remember, Jesus ascended on a cloud and promised to return the same way (Acts 1:9-11).
2. A rainbow above His head: Ezekiel 1:26-28 describes a similar vision of our Lord. The rainbow suggests that Jesus is always mindful of His covenant with His people.
3. His face like the sun: John remarked about Jesus appearance similarly in Revelation 1:13-16. Nothing is hidden from His light. His radiance will illuminate every detail of our lives.
4. His legs like burning pillars: This signifies the purity and perfection of His ways.
Verse 2: (A) He held a small open book
1. The book is most-likely the same book referred to in Revelation chapter 5 that only the Lamb of God was worthy to open.
(B) The angel’s right foot rested on the sea and his left foot rested on the land.
1. Shows His absolute sovereignty over all matters on earth: In his hand are the deep places of the earth: the strength of the hills is his also. The sea is his, and he made it: and his hands formed the dry land (Psalm 95:5). Also see Matthew 28:18.
2. This is an ancient Roman custom signifying triumph and possession of the entire territory.
Verse 3: Like a roaring lion, He cries out echoed by seven thunders.
1. First seven seals, then seven trumpets, and now seven thunders
2. To anyone who has heard a lion roar in the wild, the sound of it petrifies the soul.
3. Psalm 29 reveals the power of God’s voice: a. powerful; b. majestic; c. breaks the cedars in pieces; d. strikes with flashes of lightning; e. shakes the desert; f. twists the oaks; g. strips the forests bare.
Verse 4: God commanded John to seal the seven thunders.
1. God also told Daniel not to record all he saw and heard from the Lord.
(Daniel 8:26, 12:4, 9). Deuteronomy 29:29: The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of this law. And Paul informed his readers: Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. (I Corinthians 13:12). Some of God’s mysteries are too awesome and fearful for human minds to comprehend. We can trust that whatever God revealed to Daniel and John He had good reason to conceal.
Verses 5—7: The Mighty Angel raised his right hand to heaven and swore an oath.
Verse 8—11: God commands John to take the book and the Angel tells him to eat it.
1. Before John could reveal the Revelation committed to him, he had to take it in himself, digest it, and allow it to become part of him.
2. Feasting on the Scripture is truly a bitter/sweet experience. Parts of it lift us to higher ground in particular the good news of salvation. Other passages shed light on areas that are despicable at best—the sure and coming judgment and the chastisement of unconfessed sin.
3. Making the Word of God a daily meal is sweet. Trying to share what we have learned can be very bitter. Those who are of the world hate Jesus, His gospel, and His servants.
Conclusion and Challenge:
Several years ago, my dog chewed up my Bible. I jokingly suggested that she might be a prophet since she literally ate the Word of God.
That incident and my analogy of it made people laugh, but devouring Scripture is a serious matter. As the season for resolutions approaches, let us make a commitment to consume God’s word with enthusiasm and expectation. If we allow it to penetrate our souls and become as much a part of us as physical food, it will enable us to become effectual witnesses for Him.
Prayer Requests:
Rachel, Christmas programs, The Brown family, Albert, Darlene, Nancy, Gloria and family, Glen, Trista, Pastor Maloney, Ken, Bud, Shelia, Amber, Shirley & Ryan, Gary, Jo, Barb, Bob, Melinda & Barry and family, Phyllis and husband, Don, John, Ray, Conner, Elizabeth, Mary, Irene, salvation for unsaved, April, Tony and Kathy, Carl and Thelma, Ann, Pauline, revival—In our hearts, in our churches, and in our communities, cancer victims, our Bible Study, special unspoken needs, and remember me, Brenda Hendricks.
Praise Report:
Wayne and April are expecting their first baby April 2007. Congratulations.
Shirley’s surgery went well and the doctors believe they got all the cancer cells.
Jace came through his surgery with positive results again.
Ruth is mending from her surgery and everything looks good for her.
I had the great pleasure of hearing the testimony of one of my loved ones who is now saved. WOO HOO!! God is so good—always, all ways.
We are looking forward to your praise reports. Please keep us informed so we can share the wonderful grace of Jesus.
Next Weeks Study:
Our next Bible Study is January 10, 2007. Read Chapter 11, The Temple Two Witnesses and The Seventh Trumpet.
Invitation:
Although we have not chosen to be, we are all born into sin because of the fall of man. It sounds hopeless and unfair. Nevertheless, in His infinite wisdom and abundant love, God has provided a choice for us. We can choose to repent of our sinful nature and believe in Jesus Christ. He is faithful and will cleanse us from sin and give us His Holy Spirit to equip us to live for Him. If you’ve made your choice to repent and believe in Jesus, we’d like to hear about it.
If you are free in Christ Jesus, pray for those who remain captive. Tell others, Christians as well as non-believers, what Jesus has done for you. Your testimony will benefit them and help you to strengthen your confidence in Christ’s work in your life and in the future.
If you’d like to participate in our Bible Study, please contact us with your comments, questions, and prayer requests at twosmallfish@verizon.net. Be sure to put today’s Bible study in the subject line or I may delete it unopened.
A special reminder: to find out what other readers have to say check out the comment page.
May God grant you safety, reassurance of His love, and the revelation of Jesus Christ,
See you in a twinkling,
Brenda Hendricks.
You turned
my mourning into dancing
You stripped me of my sorrow and clothed me with your joy
I cannot be silent, I will sing Your praises forever. Psalms 30:11&12
(paraphrased by me)
