Reading: Revelation 10:1-11

You’ll recall, one of our rules for interpretation: “The plain thing is the main thing.” And here’s what’s crystal clear about Chapter 10; here’s the entire premise: even when you don’t understand, will you obey? Even when all is not revealed, will you do what God says? Even when God says, “Your tum-tum’s probably not gonna feel the greatest after this.” (verse 9) Will you proceed?

You should. That’s the example we get. Not just here, but over and over in Scripture. What separates all the great examples of faith: Abraham, Isaac, Moses, David, Job—they all believed their job was obedience, God’s job was the outcome.

Which. Again. This was written to 7 actual churches. And what do we know about the 1st century church in Asia Minor? They’re being slaughtered by the thousands. They’re fed to lions. They’re set on fire. They’re persecuted on a level we have no frame of reference for. And they want to know (what we all what to know at one time or another) where is God? Why is this happening? And the message is, “Oh. God is still on the throne. His angel is standing on the sea and on the land. He’s just long-suffering with the world. Not desiring that any should perish, but all would come to repentance.”

So God is telling them, and all who have ears to hear, “Be patient. Persevere. Don’t give up. I’m still in charge. Just because you can’t see anything good doesn’t mean there isn’t any. And above all, be obedient.” Same is true for us today.

Now. There’s a lot of spiritual questions I can’t answer. I don’t know why certain things happen. That’s why it’s called faith. Yet, what they intended for evil, God intended for good. So. All I can do is encourage you to answer this question in your own life, “Does Jesus seem credible? Does Jesus seem trustworthy?” See. John’s told to do something—and he does it. Will you?

Some of you are like, “I would if I knew what I was supposed to do!” Ok. I can help. You want to know God’s will for your life? Easy. Here it is: 1 Thessalonians 5:16 - Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Rejoice always, even in the diagnosis? Well. Always means always. Pray continually. Like. All the time. Give thanks in all, not for all, in all circumstances. “Even when my home’s a wreck? Or my spouse walked out. I got laid off. My child’s gone. The addiction’s taken over.” Well. In that case. See point 2. Pray continually.

With Gratitude,

pLJ