Tuesday May 21st, 2019 Revelation 10:1-11
So I went to the angel and told him to give me the little scroll; and he said to me, "Take it, and eat; it will be bitter to your stomach, but sweet as honey in your mouth." (verse 9)
We’ve heard an invitation before to eat, that is, to devour, a scroll. It was issued to Ezekiel before he was to go out to share God’s word with the people. While it would be sweet to the prophet (affirming his thoughts), it would be bitter news for the people of God. Scripture says that the people of Israel didn’t want to listen to him.
Readings from Revelation have had wide interpretations. Luther’s introduction to the book of Revelation makes clear his more modest ones, guiding us toward our own times.
God’s grace is sweet only to those knowing their need for it. It is always bitter, however, to those opposing a love willing to break all the rules to reach its object.
Healing Lord, may I taste the sweetness of your love. May the bitterness of my stomach and cares only for my own betterment give way more easily to your grace. Amen. — EB
Contributed by Take and eat
We've heard an invitation before to eat, that is, to devour, a scroll. It was issued to Ezekiel before he was to go out to share God's word with the people. While it would be sweet to the prophet (affirming his thoughts), it would be bitter news for the people of God. Scripture says that the people of Israel didn't want to listen to him.
Readings from Revelation have had wide interpretations. Luther's introduction to the book of Revelation makes clear his more modest ones, guiding us toward our own times.
God's grace is sweet only to those knowing their need for it. It is always bitter, however, to those opposing a love willing to break all the rules to reach its object.
