“It shall make thy belly bitter, but it shall be in thy mouth sweet as honey.” Verse 9, last part.
7. What does the apostle say of his experience in this matter?
“And I took the little book out of the angel's hand, and ate it up; and it was in my mouth sweet as honey: and as soon as I had eaten it, my belly was bitter.” Verse 10.
Note.—In this is most strikingly foretold the experience of those who proclaimed the advent and judgment-hour message of 1843-44. Joyous in the hope that Christ was coming then, like the early disciples regarding His first advent (Luke 24:21; Acts 1:6, 7), they were bitterly disappointed, and found that there was still a work on earth for them to do, as did the early disciples following the crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension of Christ.
8. What words of the angel to John show that both literal and probationary time were to continue yet for a time, and that God had a still further message for the world?
“And he said unto me, Thou must prophesy again before many peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings.” Verse 11.
Note.—The message of Revelation 10 is the same as that of Rev. 14:6, 7; and the later messages of Rev. 14:8-12 answer to the instruction, “Thou must prophesy again,” of Rev. 10:11. But all are last-day messages, and indicate that the end of all things is near at hand.
How long, O Lord our Saviour,
Wilt Thou remain away?