There are times when it can be a bit hard to read Revelation due to the intense imagery. Trying to understand the deep meaning, rather than just take it at surface value as a dramatic vision, is good but takes time and commitment. I would encourage each of you to invest some time not only to read the scripture today, but also to open up and review a commentary or two on the subject. It may be good to familiarize yourself with this type resource. It is available online free on a number of sites, including BibleHub.com. Keep in mind, there are a lot of different opinions, and just because the commentaries are there, does not mean they are right. Consider them the thoughts of another who has studied. Compare them. Pray for discernment. I have also found Hank Hanegraaff’s book the Apocalypse Code to be a useful reference for understanding Revelation.
Developing a discipline to set aside and invest more time to study the word of God is important to increasing our knowledge and understanding of Him. We should not simply rely on what pastors say from the pulpit, as they will never cover most of the Bible in detailed study. Just as it is with building human relationships, so too in building relationship with God we must invest time with Him and learn what He thinks and believes and what is important to Him.
The Angel and the Little Book
1I saw another strong angel coming down out of heaven, clothed with a cloud; and the rainbow was upon his head, and his face was like the sun, and his feet like pillars of fire; 2and he had in his hand a little book which was open. He placed his right foot on the sea and his left on the land; 3and he cried out with a loud voice, as when a lion roars; and when he had cried out, the seven peals of thunder uttered their voices. 4When the seven peals of thunder had spoken, I was about to write; and I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Seal up the things which the seven peals of thunder have spoken and do not write them.” 5Then the angel whom I saw standing on the sea and on the land lifted up his right hand to heaven, 6and swore by Him who lives forever and ever, WHO CREATED HEAVEN AND THE THINGS IN IT, AND THE EARTH AND THE THINGS IN IT, AND THE SEA AND THE THINGS IN IT, that there will be delay no longer, 7but in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he is about to sound, then the mystery of God is finished, as He preached to His servants the prophets.
8Then the voice which I heard from heaven, I heard again speaking with me, and saying, “Go, take the book which is open in the hand of the angel who stands on the sea and on the land.” 9So I went to the angel, telling him to give me the little book. And he said to me, “Take it and eat it; it will make your stomach bitter, but in your mouth it will be sweet as honey.” 10I took the little book out of the angel’s hand and ate it, and in my mouth it was sweet as honey; and when I had eaten it, my stomach was made bitter. 11And they said to me, “You must prophesy again concerning many peoples and nations and tongues and kings.”