In the time in which the seventh trumpet will sound – not, therefore, at the moment the seventh trumpet will sound, the proclamation of the Kingdom and its realisation take place over a short period, and include among other things the seven bowls that lead directly to the fall of Babylon.1 The mystery that was proclaimed to the prophets – God’s plan of salvation – will then be completed. That mystery was revealed to Daniel, the prophet, when he was given the interpretation of Nebuchadnezzar’s dream.2 Satan will be crushed underfoot,3 and the work of redemption will be completed.4
The voice John now hears is the voice of the One who had forbidden him to write down what the seven thunderbolts had said5 Is this the voice of the Lord Himself?6 The voice says that he is to take the book – or the “scroll”. This time the diminutive is not used in the Greek; but it will be again be used, shortly, in verses 9 and 10. John is to take from the hand of the Angel, the book that is laying open in the Angel’s hand.
Does this refer to the scroll that the Lamb accepted from the hand of the One who is sitting on the throne?7 That is not very likely, because that scroll contains the completion of world history, with all the final trials, tribulations and judgements that the Father has placed into the Son’s hands. John cannot take over that roll that only the Son can fulfil!
Does it refer to the message of that scroll, i.e. that Christ is the One to whom all power in Heaven and on earth has been given, and is that why the diminutive form is used, signifying the shortened summary of the great scroll, which John has to impart prophetically and the Church throughout all the centuries with him? Is it the entire Book of Revelation itself? That would be repetition, because he had already been given the task of writing everything down, and of sending it to the seven churches, right at the beginning.8
Does it refer to a special message that he, John, is to make his own, so that he will be able to preach it in person, during his lifetime? This will certainly be the case too, because generally speaking, learning and understanding God’s Word does not remain without consequences. It is not a personal cerebral exercise for personal enrichment. Yes, that too. But what should happen is that upon receiving God’s message, you should pass it on and share it with others. We are supposed to be a city on a hill and a light on the candlestick9 in words and deeds. We also then become ‘salt’. Salt makes our food tasty. Salt protects from decay. But salt also is painful in open wounds! It is putting the finger on the sore spot! Such prophetic testimony is not always received gladly by other people! We are in good company however, and we are called ‘blessed’! “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in Heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”10
• Certainly, “the Lord does nothing without revealing His counsel to His servants, the prophets,” says Amos 3:7. The Lion has roared – who would not fear? The Lord has spoken – who would not prophesy?
• God does nothing without giving preliminary knowledge and warning, through His Word, to His servants, through the prophets, so that we are prepared when these things comes to pass, in order that we are able to take the proper measures in time and are not be taken by surprise as by a thief. “For you yourselves know full well that the ‘Day of the Lord’ will come just like a thief in the night. While they are saying, “Peace and safety!” then destruction will come upon them suddenly like labor pains upon a woman with child, and they will not escape.
• But you, brethren, are not in darkness, that the day would overtake you like a thief; for you are all sons of light and sons of day. We are not of night nor of darkness; so then let us not sleep as others do, but let us be alert and sober.”11
Bible References:
1.Revelation 16:1-21 2.Daniel 2:29-30 3.Romans 16:20 4.Romans 16:25-26 5.Revelation 10:4 6.Comp. John 12:28 7.Revelation 5:7 8.Revelation 1:11,19 9.Matthew 5:13-16 10.Matthew 5:11-12 11.1 Thessalonians 5:1-11
