Revelation 9-10

I wonder why the scroll tasted sweet in John’s mouth but turned sour in his stomach? (Rev. 10:10)  What was written on the scroll that could create such a contrast in his life.  The Gospel message is one possibility.  When we hear it we gladly bring it into our lives, but then it begins to work on our flesh and leads us through unpleasant changes.  Like denying self and serving our enemies.  The proclamation of God’s judgment could have been on the scroll as well.  Though Christians long to see God set the world in order (sweetness) we will be sickened to see those whom we know, and maybe love, who have rejected his Gospel invitation (sourness).  Maybe the scroll held words that define God’s holiness.  This is a savory treat for which all believers long to realize, but the reality of that truth will cause us to reel at our own unrighteousness.  There is a day coming when we will finally see, or taste, what is written on that scroll.

Stuart