Revelation 10:1-11 (NRSV)
Eating the scroll
And I saw another mighty angel coming down from heaven, wrapped in a cloud, with a rainbow over his head; his face was like the sun, and his legs like pillars of fire. He held a little scroll open in his hand. Setting his right foot on the sea and his left foot on the land, he gave a great shout, like a lion roaring. And when he shouted, the seven thunders sounded. And when the seven thunders had sounded, I was about to write, but I heard a voice from heaven saying, "Seal up what the seven thunders have said, and do not write it down." Then the angel whom I saw standing on the sea and the land
raised his right hand to heaven
and swore by him who lives forever and ever,
who created heaven and what is in it, the earth and what is in it, and the sea and what is in it: "There will be no more delay, but in the days when the seventh angel is to blow his trumpet, the mystery of God will be fulfilled, as he announced to his servants the prophets."
Then the voice that I had heard from heaven spoke to me again, saying, "Go, take the scroll that is open in the hand of the angel who is standing on the sea and on the land." So I went to the angel and told him to give me the little scroll; and he said to me, "Take it, and eat; it will be bitter to your stomach, but sweet as honey in your mouth." So 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.
Then they said to me, "You must prophesy again about many peoples and nations and languages and kings."
Reflection
Eating the scroll
And I saw another mighty angel coming down from heaven, wrapped in a cloud, with a rainbow over his head; his face was like the sun, and his legs like pillars of fire. He held a little scroll open in his hand. Setting his right foot on the sea and his left foot on the land, he gave a great shout, like a lion roaring. And when he shouted, the seven thunders sounded. And when the seven thunders had sounded, I was about to write, but I heard a voice from heaven saying, "Seal up what the seven thunders have said, and do not write it down." Then the angel whom I saw standing on the sea and the land
raised his right hand to heaven
and swore by him who lives forever and ever,
who created heaven and what is in it, the earth and what is in it, and the sea and what is in it: "There will be no more delay, but in the days when the seventh angel is to blow his trumpet, the mystery of God will be fulfilled, as he announced to his servants the prophets."
Then the voice that I had heard from heaven spoke to me again, saying, "Go, take the scroll that is open in the hand of the angel who is standing on the sea and on the land." So I went to the angel and told him to give me the little scroll; and he said to me, "Take it, and eat; it will be bitter to your stomach, but sweet as honey in your mouth." So 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.
Then they said to me, "You must prophesy again about many peoples and nations and languages and kings."
Reflection
You can read and re-read this passage over and over and let the thoughts and images flow. But what came to mind for me this time was the number of people and the number of times that the Israelites and so many others throughout time have had the right foot on the sea and the left foot on the land.
Especially in the stories of the Israelites, every time there was a passing from land to water and water to land, a great change was taking place. There was a great change in their lives and a miracle and a promise in fulfillment. Now here in this vision it seems a great change is about to take place. With God's promise in our hearts and our feet taking the steps in faith, God changes our lives forever. God's Word is always fulfilled. Each step of the way in our changing lives, we must recognize the promise, the blessing, the calling and the action we are to take towards the fulfillment of God's Kingdom.
A great change is to take place and we are called to step out in love and courage to walk in God's promises in faith...today...tomorrow and forever.
Prayer
Lord, I know of my sin and evil thoughts, I need your help and forgiveness. As I step out in belief, lead me and guide me and take me to that promised land. May I be part of your Kingdom in my presence, in my action and in your heart. --- Amen
No comments:
Post a Comment