August 6: BECOMING PART OF THE VISION
Then the voice which I heard from heaven spoke to me again and said, “Go, take the little book which is open in the hand of the angel who stands on the sea and on the earth.” Revelation 10:8
This verse takes us back to the throne room scene where Jesus came and took the scroll out of the right hand of Him who sat on the throne (5:7). This, Jesus did voluntarily—of His own free will. The same voice that commanded John not to write what the seven thunders uttered (10:4) now gives a different command. It becomes apparent that the information of the seven thunders is not yet relevant regarding what John will be told to share with the world, whereas the contents of the little book is. None of us are forced to obey the commands of God. But, as we will see, John chooses to obey the command to take the little book.
This is an interesting turn of events. Up until now, John has been a fairly passive observer of the visions shown to him. In obeying this command from heaven, he actually enters into the vision and becomes part of it. This interaction is more than just the speaking that occurred earlier (7:13-17). By this we are made aware of God’s desire to reveal things in Daniel heretofore not understood. But once God makes something clear, we are to act; to take possession of it!
The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but those things which are revealed belong to us and our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law. Deuteronomy 29:29
Jesus came to show us how personal is the love of God. This aspect of His character should not be mysterious to us. It is incredible that the religious leaders of Jesus’s day knew so little of God’s character. By their own choice, they did not take possession of the messianic prophecies of Scripture and therefore did not recognize Him, even as He spoke with them personally. Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s promises to, for, and about Israel. He demonstrated in the flesh how to be a prevailer with God — ISRAEL! — over sin. He said, “I spoke openly to the world. I always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where the Jews always meet, and in secret I have said nothing.” (John 18:20)
The Lord leaves the decision to become part of His vision—or not—up to each of us. For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope… Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come. (Romans 15:4, 1 Corinthians 10:11)
Paul addressed the church in Corinth: to those who are … called to be saints (1 Corinthians 1:2). Why not thank Him right now for His vision and forethought. He is able to see what you and I can become. He is able to transport all who are willing from the vision.…to the reality!
For if there is first a willing mind, it is accepted according to what one has, and not according to what one does not have. 2 Corinthians 8:12
Therefore take heed how you hear. For whoever has, to him more will be given; and whoever does not have, even what he seems to have will be taken from him. Luke 8:18