THE MIGHTY ANGEL AND THE LITTLE BOOK

REV. 10

Lesson 13

Introduction: As our study in the Revelation of Jesus Christ has progressed, we have been introduced to a series of judgments leading up to the reign of Christ as the Messiah of Israel. The terrible toll on a Christ rejecting world has left one half the world’s population dead.  As we closed our study in Revelation 9, we noted the terrible wickedness of the human heart refusing to repent. This has served to remind us of the corruptness of the human heart in its rebellion against God.  The fact is Jer. 17:9 will be true until eternity begins.  In the next few chapters, we have a section we would call parenthetical.  I think the best way to explain this is like a map with overlays.  Each adds its own dimensions, so we are going to look at some of the details which will be found taking place during the tribulation.  We will be looking at six or so principle characters who hold a prominent role during this period of history.

         I.      The mighty Angel (Vs 1-7)

a.       A mighty, powerful angel descends from heaven.

1.        Some have felt this is the Lord Jesus.

2.        I really think this is a holy Angel of God to whom much power has been given.

a)  In chapter 5 we see Christ as the Lamb with a seven-sealed book in His hand.

b)  In this chapter the book is already opened and is called a little book.  And its contents are not revealed.

3.        Nowhere do we see Christ coming to earth in Revelation until Revelation 19.

4.       There are many angels in Revelation made ministers of God both for punishment of the wicked and protection of the righteous.

5.       As we consider this angel’s description, no wonder some of God’s servants bowed down before them.

6.       They were quickly told to stand on their feet, for angels are fellow servants.

7.       His right foot upon the sea and the left upon the earth denote authority.

8.        What is to take place has the whole earth in view.

b.       The loud voice and seven thunders (Vs. 3, 4)

1.       From Ps. 29:3-5 we learn this scene is a repeat.

a)   God does speak in a small voice.

b)  Other times with great power and loudness.

2.        John is not permitted to write what he hears.

a)  This teaches us God has secrets, which He sees fit not to reveal to man.

b)  Some of the details of the tribulation period have been withheld by God.

c.        The end of the age is announced. (Vs 5-7)

1.       In the term, “time should be no longer,” the correct translation is “should no longer be delayed.”

2.       The mystery of God is to be unfolded which is the fulfillment of many Old Testament passages.

a)  They speak of Christ as Messiah and establishment of God’s kingdom on earth.

b) The Passover like our communion has 3 parts.

1)       Look back – Jews to deliverance from Egypt – Christians to deliverance from sin.

2)       Christ is the Lamb that was slain – blood on doorpost – to pass over – Blood of Christ our deliverance.

3)       Looking ahead – Next year in Jerusalem Jews - until He comes, Christians

d.       Those revealed truths that up until this time we have not understood

1.        Why Satan has been allowed to be free so long to pursue the righteous

2.        Why God has permitted some of His own to suffer so

3.        Why evil seemingly prospers and good has been trodden under foot

e.        Now all the Old and New Testament prophecies are about to be fulfilled with no further delays.

       II.      The little book or scroll (Vs 8-11)

a.        The command to get the Book (Vs 8)

1.       From this we learn that the Book wasn’t sealed as in Prov. 5.

2.        Notice the angel is seen standing on the sea and earth.

b.       John prays and gets the Book (Vs 9)

1.        He then is told to eat the Book, which is sweet in the mouth but bitter to the belly.

2.        By eating the Book we take in its contents.

3.       To help us understand this, let us go to the Old Testament. (Ez 3:1-4, Jer. 15:16-18, Ps. 119:103)

c.        The fulfillment of the promise (Vs 10,11)

1.        We can think of the bitterness in that John was on Patmos for the gospel’s sake.

a)  Faithfulness to the Word of God can and does cause bitter experiences.

b)  Bitterness can also be seen in the judgments, which are revealed.

2.        Even in the mist of trial, John enjoyed the sweetness of fellowship with God.

a)  To live with inner assurance that He will never leave us or forsake us

b) In the place of heartache and bitter experience, one can know the sweetness of God’s sustaining Word.

c)  In separation of family and friends, God is there.

3.        The greatness of the task is indicated in verse 11.

a) The scope of what John is revealing goes beyond the empire or world, as John knew it.

b) This covers the whole of mankind, and God chose John to be the bearer of the message. 

This message John brings to us by the ministry of the Holy Spirit prepares us for what is ahead.