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Today is July 17th, and today's passage comes from Revelation chapter 10, verses 1 through 11. Let's take a look at this passage together. So between the 6th and the 7th trumpet, John sees another powerful vision, a mighty angel descending from heaven, wrapped in a cloud, with a rainbow over his head, and legs like pillars like fire. Now this angel, likely representing Christ himself, or at least sent directly with Christ's authority, holds a little scroll open in his hand. His appearance echoes descriptions of divine majesty, such as in Revelation 1, verses 13 through 16, Exodus 19, or Ezekiel chapter 1. This is why I say that this angel is likely a representation of Christ Himself. And the majestic appearance signals ahead what will follow is of utmost significance. Now the angel uh places one foot on the sea and one on the land. Sea and the land. What does it symbolize? It symbolizes global authority. He stands on both land and uh the ocean. He calls out with a loud voice, like a roaring lion, verse 3. And when he cries out, the seven thunders respond. But John is told to seal up what they said and not write it down. What's going on? This is a reminder to us that God's purposes are not always fully revealed to us. Not everything in an apocalyptic vision is meant to be explained. So the angel declares now where there would be no more delay in verse 6. The mystery of God will be fulfilled, and just as God promised through the prophets, John is commanded to take and eat the scroll. The image is that the word of God, revelation of God, uh it's sweet in his mouth, but bitter in his stomach. And this is symbolic of God's word being both joyful and painful. John must continue to prophesy, speaking God's truth to nations, even when it is costly. Um yeah, that's chapter ten. Uh so let's uh dive a little bit deeper into the passages. Uh who is God in this passage? Um God is sovereign over all creation, including time. Uh He reveals mysteries at His appointed time, and He holds history in His hand and directs it to its appointed end. His promises, delivered through the prophets, are certain and nearing completion, as we see in verse 7. God governs the sea and the land and the thunder and angels. God's word is both disclosed and sometimes hidden, uh, reminding us that we're not meant to know everything but to trust in the one who is the truth and the way and the life. God reveals Himself, uh, His will and His plans through His Word. Uh the open scroll in His hand is not sealed, shot. Um, and we've seen that in Revelation 5, it was shot, but here it's accessible. It is given to John to eat, internalize, and embody it, so that um John might proclaim it to the world. And likewise, God feeds his servants with his word today, then sends us out with uh the word. We are to internalize it, we are to embody it, and we are to proclaim it. And even if the message is difficult or painful uh for the listener to hear and for the speaker to speak. What is our guilt in this passage? We often want just the revelation without the submission. We hunger for divine insight, but resist the obedience that it demands. Like those who chase prophecy uh for curiosity's sake, to know better, to know more, uh, or to control. Uh often we long to hear the seven thunders, but merely to just satisfy our desires for knowledge, not necessarily for uh obedience to unto God's glory. So today's passage shows that God says to seal it up. Uh so we are to humble ourselves before the word of God uh so that we may not only have the revelation but also a desire to be obedient even when it's not convenient for us. We are also guilty of wanting the sweetness of the word without its bitterness. We may love to receive the words of comfort, and and yet we shrink back from the hard truths that require us to view ourselves. We avoid topics like judgment, suffering, and the cost of faithful witness. The book of Revelation models the saints' burden, which is to consume the word fully and declare it, even when it makes our stomachs turn. And how does the grace shine? Grace shines in the open scroll, and it contrasts to the sealed scroll of chapter five. This one is opened and offered freely to John. The word of God is not locked away, but made available to his servants. God's truth feeds our souls, sweet to the taste, and sustains us even in bitter trials. Grace also shines in the commissioning of the prophet. John is told to prophesy again, and God does not abandon his people to confusion or silence. God speaks and he sends. The message may be difficult, but it is necessary, and God strengthens his messengers for the task. Ultimately, grace is found in the fulfillment of God's mystery. Verse 7, his plan of redemption revealed in Christ Jesus. What was once hidden is now being made known to all nations. The delay is nearly over. Christ's kingdom is breaking in, and what has begun will be completed in his day. So, dearly beloved, as we look forward to the second coming of Christ, may we be faithful to his word, not just the comforting words, but also convicting words. And may we be faithful unto the Lord today and tomorrow, so that we may be found good and faithful, servants of Christ on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. May God be with you this day and forevermore. Amen.