March 20: OPEN FOR ALL TO HEAR
And he said to me, “Do not seal the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is at hand.” Revelation 22:10
Some seven hundred years earlier, the prophet Daniel experienced visions pertaining to the time of the end. In stark contrast with today’s verse, he was divinely instructed with these words: But you, Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book until the time of the end; many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase . . . for you shall rest, and will arise to your inheritance at the end of the days. (Daniel 12:4,13).
John, on the other hand, was basically told to share the words of the prophecy of [Revelation] with anyone and everyone who would listen. Even though the Romans still wielded political power and dominion over the people of God at the time of John’s writing, individual Romans – along with Jews and other Gentiles – were coming to Christ, finding salvation in Him.
The command “Do not seal the words of the prophecy of this book” has one intriguing exception in John’s panoramic vision experience. It is found in chapter 10, where John is told: “Seal up the things which the seven thunders uttered, and do not write them.” (v.4) We are never informed what the seven thunders uttered, but, rather than speculate, we can learn from this incidence that our God has revealed everything that is necessary to fully prepare His people to stand (6:17) throughout the severe testing and tribulation of the days just before Christ’s return.
It is interesting and highly significant that in this same chapter of Revelation (chapter 10) that which had been shut up…and sealed in Daniel’s day is open (v.2) for us to understand. While it is a joy – as sweet as honey – to gain this understanding, sharing it with others carries the likely possibility of bitter experiences (vv.9&10). This is of course due to rejection of the message and criticism of the messenger, along with varying degrees of persecution. Nevertheless, the divine plan is for everyone to be provided with the opportunity to hear and accept the good news of God’s love and salvation that the message contains, for the time is at hand. From the time that Revelation was given to John to share, its prophecies have been unfolding one-after-another. Daniel’s visions bring clarity to John’s and have well-pertained to these last two thousand years, accompanied with numerous foreshadowings in the Old Testament. We are speedily approaching the culmination of the history of fallen humans. Christ will return to take His people to the place He has prepared (see John 14:2-3). Be comforted beloved, so that you can boldly proclaim His soon coming, even as you pray for hearts to be open to receive the best news that can be told or heard!
“If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also. He who hates Me hates My Father also . . . but this happened that the word might be fulfilled which is written in their law: ‘They hated Me without a cause.’” John 15:18,20,23,25
For further study: Deuteronomy 18:19; Psalm 69:4; 119:86; Acts 3:22-23; 4:29; Ephesians 6:11-20