The Beginning of the End (Revelation 10)
- Pastor Bob and Janet
- Jan 7, 2018
- 3 min read
Doomsday writers and producers have created media that is predominately bizarre and often grotesque. Aliens, radiation, asteroids, and the ever popular zombie apocalypse have been the culprits of their imagined end of the world. Many doomsday "scientists" have predicted when the world will end, but obviously, they all have been wrong. The Bible not only outlines how the world as we know it will end, but also when the world will end. Matthew 24:14 states, "This Gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come." No guessing, no pontificating; only precise, explicit revelation. When the Gospel has been taken to every people group, Jesus will return, and the end will come. Our investigation reveals what happens between now and the day of Christ's return. Revelation 10 outlines the beginning of the end.
I. The Solemn Pledge
Chapter 10 opens with a vivid description of a splendid angel holding an open book in his hand. The angel is clothed with a cloud, perhaps to mute the magnificent glory of heaven that humans would be unable to comprehend. He is holding in his hand an open book; a book no longer closed, indicating that God's plan for the end is about to be fulfilled. This angel has one foot on the land, and one foot on the sea. He is in total control of the events that are happening. He lifts his hand to swear an oath- a solemn pledge that there will be time no longer for delay. The speedy execution of God's plan outlined in this book is now imminent. The mystery of God is about to be finished. That's the end, but before the end comes, every nation will have the chance to hear the Gospel; the good news of salvation. How close are we to that time? Who knows? However, we do know that many more people need to hear the good news of the Gospel. Currently, the fastest growing religion is no religion at all. The majority do not believe that the Bible is true. They do not believe that there is absolute truth and a standard of right and wrong. They do not believe that Jesus is the only way to salvation, and that he will return to earth. The work of believers is unfinished. We are the method by which the multitudes who come to the Lord will hear the Gospel. The solemn pledge is that the end will come, but we have work to do in the meantime.
II. The Powerful Command
The voice of heaven tells John to take the book from the angel. The angel instructs John to eat the book. He also warns John that the book will be sweet as honey in the mouth, but it will make the stomach bitter. To the believer, the Word of God is as sweet as honey with the writings of God's unconditional love for us, his promises, and his instruction. At the same time, God's word can be bitter with its warnings and consequences of sin. The point is for us to internalize every word of it, to believe it all, and to follow it until the end. We are called to know the word and to live it out day by day. Finally, the last sentence can't be passed over. We are called to prophesy again; to prophesy over and over. Do not cease telling the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Know the Word and share the Word. Then the end will come. Amen.
"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you shall be my witnesses, both in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth." Acts 1:8
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