Beyond the Gospels: Revelation

Today’s Reading: Revelation 10
(Click on the link to read the verses.)

And he said to me, “Take and eat it; it will make your stomach bitter, but in your mouth it will be sweet as honey.”  And I took the little scroll from the hand of the angel and ate it. It was sweet as honey in my mouth, but when I had eaten it my stomach was made bitter.  And I was told, “You must again prophesy about many peoples and nations and languages and kings.–vs.9-11

Scrolls represent God’s Word. The angel had a message for John. A message tasting sweet on the tongue but feeling bitter in the stomach. I wonder how many prophets felt this way about the words God put on their hearts to share with the people. I wonder how many preachers standing in the pulpit with tough words would rather remain nauseous than speak the difficult message.

Speaking tough words, delivering a hard message doesn’t sit well with us. Neither does hearing one. We would rather put a fresh coat of paint over rotten wood than deal with what’s causing the rot. I am learning feasting on God’s Word can be as sweet as honey and other times it leaves me a bit sick at my stomach.

Those are the times I pay close attention to what God is revealing to me… in me. I ask Him to show me the root of my queasiness.

Search me, O God, and know my heart!
    Try me and know my thoughts!
 And see if there be any grievous way in me,
    and lead me in the way everlasting!–Psalm 139:23

I would rather be a bit uncomfortable for a moment as He reveals my grievous ways. For my discomfort leads to His everlasting way.