Intermission

688.  "Intermission"
February 8, 2013
Revelation 10-Part 12
And they said to me, "You must prophesy again concerning many peoples and nations and tongues and kings."  Revelation 10:11 NAS

LET IT GLOW

A much welcomed intermission was given during the play of Fiddler on the Roof. (I think the movie last 4 hours.) It was a special evening when our daughter and her husband took us country folk to the big city to see it in a grandeur of the theater. The live orchestra and singers/actors were fantastic, but after sitting for almost two hours, my body had needs to be met. We found our way to the huge facilities and met those needs, talked about the play, and returned for the last part of the play. It was an exquisite event that I shall never forget.
Anyway, as I was saying, an intermission allows people to pause, recall what has happened, and prepare for what is to come. Having seen the movie a few times, we knew how the story turned out-the Jewish man's daughters got married, some to non-Jewish men.
So it is with the book of Revelation, we know how it ends-Jesus and His followers win and Satan and his followers loose.

Swindoll describes the series of sevens with interludes:
1st 6 seals-Rev. 6:1-17,
 
    1st interlude-Rev. 7:1-17,
    7th seal-Rev. 8:1,

        1st 6 trumpets-Rev. 8:2-9:21,

               2nd interlude-Rev. 10:1-11:14
               7th trumpet-Rev. 11:15-19.

The first interlude between the sixth and seventh seals revealed two groups of redeemed believers who will be saved during the tribulation (ch.7). This second interlude interrupts the sequence between the 6th and 7th trumpets. In this interlude, we see a change of emphasis from the outpouring of wrath on unbelievers to the consolation and encouragement of believers. At the same time, the apostle John is recommissioned for the second half of his prophetic role. (Swindoll)

Sometimes we just need a break, whether it comes in the form of a vacation, a weekend trip, or a night out. Often, the stress and pressure of my situation tries to get the better of me, so some sort of get-a-way is needful. A drive in the country works wonders and the scenery refreshes the mind and soul.

Alan Carr explains, "God is describing a break in the action of the Tribulation as He takes care of some heavenly business."

John MacArthur says, "God's intention is to encourage and comfort His people in the midst of the fury and to remind them that He is still sovereign, that He remembers His people, and that they will ultimately be victorious."

I must say, we have taken in quite a lot in these first 9 chapters. Thank you for sticking with me. I think with this intermission, we need a break, could go get a cup of  hot tea and a cookie, before we plunge into the second part. Perhaps you have some comments to add to the post.

LET IT GROW

This is not one of the seven angels responsible for sounding the trumpets, but one of the highest ranking in heaven, filled with splendor, greatness, and strength. Some say it is Jesus, some say not.

Well, John is given a strange but significant assignment: take the book from the hand of the strong angel and eat it (verse 8-9).  He was warned of the bitter-sweet it would produce. John's mission was broader than Ezekiel's mission, which was to warn Israel of judgment. John was to proclaim the mystery of God to many peoples and nations and tongues and kings. (verse 11).
Just like John, we have roles to play in God's ultimate plan. Each of us has been given a crucial mission to share the good news of salvation with the world (Matt. 28:19-20). We must first internalize the message, allowing it to become a part of our own lives. We are to communicate the message of a righteous Redeemer of Jesus Christ who paid the complete penalty for us and saves us when we simply trust in Him. (Swindoll)

Am I going as an ambassador for Christ in my world at this time? Are you? Have I accepted God's commission on my life? Have you?

LET IT GO

Trust God in His sovereignty to run things as He wishes and has planned, in His time.

Pray for the lost to believe in Jesus as Savior.

Be an ambassador for Christ in my world today.