Living in Mystery
12/10/25 Bible Thought (Revelation 10)
The end of time is held in the hands of God and is likewise planned by Him.
One of the consistently comforting truths found within Revelation is that God is the One behind the scenes orchestrating everything. He has a perfect plan of how it will all unfold as He issues disclosures of what is to come, and a promise that He will bring creation to its intended completion.
A Look at Revelation 10
In Revelation 10, we are introduced to a mighty angel with a little scroll.
Scholars debate the significance of the little scroll and whether it’s the same scroll as the seven-sealed one that has been the focus of chapters five through eight, or another. Regardless of its identity, keeping with the scheme of Revelation, it’s clearly understood to contain something that is to come. Something that is likewise sovereignly decreed by God.
As this remains a mystery, there is another mystery. With the angel’s coming, there is the sounding of seven thunders with a message—presumably of coming judgment—that John is forbidden to tell (Rev. 10:4).
Revelation isn’t intended to be an exhaustive depiction of the end. Certainly, there is much more that could’ve been communicated that wasn’t.
However, the mystery of Revelation shouldn’t draw us to fear, doubt, or dismay—but worship.
A book that is hard for human beings to understand was written under divine inspiration and in accordance with divine foreknowledge. The understanding that God is in control of events that are too much for us to comprehend should draw us to trust Him.
That said, we will see again and again that this book contains the fulfillment of God’s prophetic plans. The mighty angel would cry out that there was to be no more delay as regards the end, but that it would come shortly with the sounding of the seventh trumpet (Rev. 10:6-7).
At that moment, “the mystery of God would be fulfilled, just as he announced to his servants the prophets” (Rev. 10:7).
Just as Jesus Christ was once the mystery of God revealed (Col. 1:26-27; 2:2), God’s plans for the end will be revealed in His timing in His way.
Bringing it Home
The question in the meantime is one of trust. When we don’t know exactly what the future will hold, will we trust the One who holds the future in His hands?
Throughout the pages of Scripture, we see that God is both sovereign and good. This should relax our desire to know and understand everything, for He has proven over the course of human history that He is worthy of our trust.
Challenge for Today:
Am I comfortable living with mystery?