Revelation_10
Scripture
Revelation 10:10
I took the little book out of the angel’s hand and ate it, and in my mouth it was sweet as honey; and when I had eaten it, my stomach was made bitter.
Observation
In this chapter, John sees a strong angel that comes with a little book. The angel announces what is coming in the near future for those who follow christ, suffering and martyrdom (vs. 6). John is then directed to take the book from the angel and eat it. The book is sweet in his mouth (this is the gospel), but turns bitter in his stomach (this is the reality of suffering for christ). John is then directed to go preach this message of the sweet and bitter.
Understanding
God does not promise that this life will be easy. But he does promise to be our king. And we also know that once we get past this life, our suffering will be gone for eternity.
Life here on earth can be down right scary at times. It seems as though we live in a world convinced that we are all going to die at any second. Take cars for instance, what once was a simple mode of transportation that had four wheels, two bench seats, and could hold from for to twenty people, is now a highly designed piece of equipment with computers and sensors and automatic brakes. Even my airbags have airbags. Everything is regulated in the name of safety.
As a kid I had the belief that everything was going to be alright because God was on my side. He was my safety regulation. But then one day, that bubble of safety is blown apart when life happens. Your parents get divorced, your grandmother has cancer, and there isn’t enough money to make rent at times. On top of all that, God wants us to share his love with the world who doesn’t want to hear it, but needs it so badly. It’s enough to make me want to crawl under a rock for the rest of my life.
Ultimately, I know that someday all of the pain from this life is going to end. I will get to experience being made to feel complete, lacking in nothing, content in God’s presence. God tells us that, until that day, he will be there for us. We will not be overtaken (Isaiah 43:1-2) and we will be given a way out when tempted (I Corinthians 10:13). We just need to hold tight to God in the mean time.
Life application
I need your strength, Jesus, to share Your love.