NOTE: “Chapter 7 dealt parenthetically with the 144,000 and the many martyrs, without advancing chronologically the events of the Great Tribulation. Similarly 10:1-11:14 give additional information as a background to the seal, trumpet, and bowl judgments.”*

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1. Trust in God’s Timing: A mighty angel swears by the Lord that “there will be no more delay” (vv.5-6). We often misunderstand God’s timing, the martyrs question about the avenging of their blood (Rev. 6:10), people at Peter’s time doubt about the delay of Christ’s return; however, God has His own timing and His perfect plan. In what way(s) have you been doubting about God’s timing? Reflect upon your past experiences; at a hindsight, could you gain better insights on why God “delayed”? Try writing down these reflections and thank God for how perfect His plans are.

2. Delight in God’s Words: John is instructed to take the little scroll (God’s revelation) and eat it, and it is as sweet as honey (v.9; cf. Ps. 119:103 — “How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!”). God’s words are good and are beneficial to us (cf. 2 Tim. 3:16-17). Evaluate your devotional life and see in what way(s) that you could rearrange your daily schedule, so that you could have more quality time for God and His words.

3. Submit to God’s Instructions: Though the little scroll is sweet in John’s mouth, his stomach turns bitter; it symbolizes the bitterness of God’s judgement. There are times that God’s words may not be pleasing to us, as His words teach, rebuke, correct and train us (2 Tim. 3:16). Take some time to reflect to see if any of God’s words may seem “bitter” to you (i.e. offensive, irritating, annoying, difficult to obey, etc.). Why? Pray for an obedient heart that you would follow His words whether bitter or sweet.

4. Your own insight: (fill in yourself)

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Meditation and Application:

Meditate on the above questions along with the necessary actions. Focus on finding ways to improve your devotional life.

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*The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures by Dallas Seminary Faculty.