Scripture: The angel whom I saw standing on the sea and on the land raised up his hand to heaven and swore by Him who lives forever and ever, who created heaven and the things that are in it, the earth and the things that are in it, and the sea and the things that are in it, that there should be delay no longer, but in the days of the sounding of the seventh angel, when he is about to sound, the mystery of God would be finished, as He declared to His servants the prophets. Revelation 10:5-7
Observation: A mighty angel appears. It has a face like the sun, bright burning feet, and stands astride both the earth and the seas ... and it swears in the name of the Lord. This serious oath and declaration is that all the mystery of God, as revealed to the prophets, is about to be finished with the seventh trumpet blast.
The mystery remaining, then, is understanding everything that has been revealed to the prophets, so we can know what is being completed. It would seem that, beyond the prophetic words that pertained to Israel over its history and were already completed, the other major insight is about the life, death, works, message, and ultimate redemptive mission of Messiah.
If this is true, there is an exciting and fearful message from this angel, which is likely why it was necessary for such a dramatic proclamation that included swearing in the name of the Lord that it is true ... the "Christian era" is about to end, and with it the promise that redemption by faith. Anyone who has believed is saved, but anyone who has not, that covering of Jesus is ending and no longer available. This interpretation seems consistent with the conclusion of the action at the sixth trumpet that immediately preceded this angel, which ended with the specific detail that those who survived did not repent (v9:20-21).
Application: As the scenes of Revelation occur in both a physical and spiritual way, it is unclear if those on earth can perceive the events as described. Assuming we cannot, this means that there will come a time when the Book of Life is closed, and no more names are written in it, and ... we may not be entirely certain when that will occur. One day, while the world is undergoing strife, hardship, natural disasters, and deaths by plague and war, heaven will declare that the time of redemption through faith is complete.
The good news is that there are still people repenting, and thus this day may be approaching but is not yet here. This places an urgency on our message to others, however. There will be a time where redemption as we know it is unavailable, and everyone else will have to find another way to work out their destiny with God.
Revelation is so hard to understand that I am uncertain of this interpretation. However, that does not change the right attitude of urgency to reach others in the name of Jesus now. For everyone, their time will run out, be it at the seventh trumpet blast, or death.
Prayer: Lord, may my attitude be always on helping others discover the truth about Jesus Christ as their savior, and in accepting the free gift of grace, love, and salvation you offer. Regardless the urgency, this is a daily mission I will pursue. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment