Sermon Summary: The Mighty Angel and the Little Scroll
Revelation 10:1–11
Main Idea:
In the pause between the sixth and seventh trumpet judgments, John sees a mighty angel and receives a personal, powerful commissioning. The message is clear: God is still in control, His plan is unfolding on time, and His Word must be proclaimed—even when it is both sweet and bitter.
1. The Conductor Is Still in Control
Like an orchestra warming up, the world often feels chaotic and disordered. But Revelation 10 reminds us:
God is the conductor.
He has not lost control. The chaos is only the prelude to His final, harmonious movement.
Before the seventh trumpet sounds, God pauses to remind His people of His sovereign authority and purpose.
2. A Mighty Angel Steps Forward (vv. 1–3)
“Then I saw another mighty angel coming down from heaven…”
This angel is:
- Clothed in a cloud (a symbol of God’s presence)
- With a rainbow over his head (symbolizing God’s covenant mercy)
- Face like the sun, legs like fire pillars (glory and holiness)
- One foot on the sea, one on the land (symbolizing God’s authority over the whole earth)
- With a voice like a lion’s roar (conveying divine power and urgency)
- Holding a little scroll—open in his hand, ready to be given
Though some believe this figure could be Jesus, John calls him “another mighty angel”—likely a powerful messenger sent from God, not Christ Himself.
3. Seven Thunders—And a Sealed Message (v. 4)
“Seal up what the seven thunders have said…”
John hears a message from the seven thunders (likely divine revelation) but is told not to write it down.
Even in a book of revelation, some mysteries remain hidden.
God reveals much—but not all.
4. No More Delay—The Mystery of God Fulfilled (vv. 5–7)
“There would be no more delay…”
The angel raises his hand and swears an oath:
- Time is up. The seventh trumpet is about to sound.
- The mystery of God will be fulfilled—God’s final plan of judgment and redemption is near.
What is “the mystery”?
- Likely refers to the culmination of God’s plan:
- Judging sin
- Defeating Satan
- Saving a people from every nation through Jesus Christ
5. John Eats the Scroll—Sweet and Bitter (vv. 8–10)
“Take and eat it; it will make your stomach bitter, but in your mouth it will be sweet as honey.”
Like the prophet Ezekiel, John is told to eat the scroll.
- Sweet in the mouth: God’s Word is good, true, and full of hope
- Bitter in the stomach: The reality of coming judgment is grievous
The Word must be received personally—and then proclaimed faithfully.
6. A Renewed Commission to Prophesy (v. 11)
“You must again prophesy about many peoples and nations and languages and kings.”
John is recommissioned.
The message of Revelation is not just for him—it must be declared to the world.
God’s people are called to proclaim both the sweetness of salvation and the bitterness of judgment.
7. Application: Order in the Chaos
The world feels chaotic, but Revelation 10 reminds us:
- God’s hand is still on the baton.
- The “noise” has a purpose.
- The final movement is coming—and it will be glorious.
Each tick of the clock brings us closer to the end of the age.
The sweet truth of salvation and the bitter reality of judgment must both be shared.
Key Takeaway:
God is sovereign.
His purposes are on schedule.
And He has given His people a message to proclaim—sweet with hope, but bitter with warning.
Ask yourself:
- Am I listening to the Conductor’s timing—or lost in the noise of the world?
- Have I received God’s Word fully—both the comfort and the challenge?
- Will I be faithful to share His message with others before the final trumpet sounds?
“The end is near.” That’s not a punchline—it’s a promise. And those who trust in Jesus will sing a forever song of praise when He comes.
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