October 21, 2022

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. So I went to the angel and said to him, “Give me the little book.” And he said to me, “Take it and eat it; and it will make your stomach bitter, but it will be as sweet as honey in your mouth.” Revelation 10:8-9

There are often “contradictory” experiences associated with gaining the knowledge of God. The truth of His word can affect us in powerful ways. He is building our faith, and the whole purpose of faith is to make the object of that faith, namely the Lord Jesus, His heavenly Father, and His Holy Spirit more real to you than the chair you are sitting in. We are taught very well about the idea of God, but there is something supernatural about internalizing (eating) His word that puts our entire being in a right and teachable relationship with Him. One of the things we must learn in order to make a safe journey across this fallen world is this: the life of faith is not about the emotional enjoyment of blessings. Yes, there will be blessings for which we are truly grateful. But the faith that He desires us to have will be a tested and tried faith when the blessings are not visible. Has God’s truth which you joyfully received ever left you with a bitter stomach?

Then I took the little book out of the angel’s hand and ate it, and it was as sweet as honey in my mouth. But when I had eaten it, my stomach became bitter. And he said to me, “You must prophesy again about many peoples, nations, tongues, and kings.” vv. 10-11

A full understanding of Daniel’s little book shines a bright light upon the last-day message contained in Revelation. There is a wholeness and a wholesomeness about the everlasting gospel message (14:6-7). In this everlasting gospel is the power to change the eternal destiny of people, all of whom are under a death sentence. We are living in the time of the end, and must harness every opportunity to prophesy again to the world. As conditions around the world worsen, many will become more open to the reality of the message of salvation. But regardless of the reception of the message, we are to share it. Both Jeremiah and Ezekiel had the experience of proclaiming a God-given message to a rebellious people.

Your words were found, and I ate them. And Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart; . . . I am in derision daily; Everyone mocks me. Jeremiah 15:16, 20:7

And He said to me, “Son of man, feed your belly and fill your stomach with this scroll that I give you.” So I ate, and it was in my mouth like honey in sweetness. Ezekiel 3:3

Both prophets experienced bitterness after speaking the words of God. Should we be surprised if we are derided and ridiculed for sharing truth? Our oneness with Jesus will equip us to maintain a gracious countenance.

“And go, get to the captives, to the children of your people, and speak to them and tell them, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD,’ whether they hear, or whether they refuse. Ezekiel 3:11