Bible Pathways - Dec. 26, 2007

Revelation 9

In Today's Reading:

Fifth and sixth trumpets; the angel and the little scroll; the two witnesses; the seventh trumpet

A voice from heaven directed the Apostle John: Go and take the little book which is open in the hand of the angel which standeth upon the sea and upon the earth. And I went unto the angel, and said unto him, Give me the little book. And he said unto me, Take it, and eat it up; and it shall make thy belly bitter, but it shall be in thy mouth sweet as honey. And I took the little book out of the angel's hand, and ate it up; and it was in my mouth sweet as honey: and as soon as I had eaten it, my belly was bitter. And he said unto me, Thou must prophesy again before many peoples, and nations (Revelation 10:8-11).

John is first given a little book, symbolic of God's Word. Once it was digested, he was qualified to tell the world that the little book has a message that is exceedingly sweet to those who receive Christ as Savior. Eating all of it speaks of understanding and appropriating all the Scriptures into our lives (compare Ezekiel 2:8-9; 3:1-3).

Jesus then said: I will give power unto My two witnesses (thought by some to be Moses and Elijah returned), and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore (1260) days, clothed in sackcloth (Revelation 11:3). They will face overwhelming opposition. And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them (11:5-8). These two witnesses of Christ cannot be martyred until they have finished their testimony. Then, and only then, the enemies of God shall . . . kill them (11:7).

Regardless of how fearful our future may appear, we can enjoy the peace of God, knowing that everything is under His sovereign control. The seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of His Christ; and He shall reign for ever and ever (Revelation 11:15).

Cross References:

For Revelation 9:2: See Joel 2:10. Revelation 9:4: See Exodus 12:2. Revelation 9:6: Joel 2:4. Revelation 9:7: See Joel 1:6. Revelation 10:6: See Nehemiah 9:6. Revelation 11:4: See Zechariah 4:12,14. Revelation 11:11: See Ezekiel 37:5.

Word Studies:

9:11 Abaddon . . . Apollyon =b> destroyer; 10:6 time no longer =b> no more delay.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for The English International Shortwave Radio Broadcasts sponsored by Dr. John A. Hash • Staff: Clarence Rathbone • Government Official: Sen. Evan Bayh (IN) • Country: Uganda (23 million) in eastern Africa • Major languages: English and Luganda • Religious freedom • 51% Roman Catholic; 30% Protestant; 10% animist; 7% Muslim • Prayer Suggestion: Ask for understanding of the Word of God so you can share it with others (Psalm 119:27).

Memory Verse for the Week: Hebrews 13:21