Scripture Text: Revelation 10:1-11
And the angel whom I saw standing on the sea and on the land raised his right hand to heaven and swore by him who lives forever and ever, who created heaven and what is in it, the earth and what is in it, and the sea and what is in it, that there would be no more delay, but that in the days of the trumpet call to be sounded by the seventh angel, the mystery of God would be fulfilled, just as he announced to his servants the prophets.
Revelation 10:5-7 (ESV)
Sometimes it feels as if we spend most of our lives waiting. Couples engaged to be married mark the months until the wedding. Workers wait for the weekend. Schoolchildren long for summer vacation—and once it has begun, parents tick off the days until they can send them back to school.
Heaven experiences the same sense of expectation. Prior to the sounding of the seventh trumpet a mighty angel announces, “There will be no more delay! But in the days when the seventh angel is about to sound his trumpet, the mystery of God will be accomplished, just as he announced to his servants the prophets” (vv. 6–7). The term mystery does not refer to a puzzle but rather to something that had been hidden and is now revealed. The seventh trumpet portends the fulfillment of all that God promised. It will usher in the final events of the tribulation period, which culminate in the establishment of Christ’s kingdom, the final judgment, and the creation of a new heavens and earth.
Notice that even though the angel declares that there will be no more delay, things must still take place before the mystery of God is finally accomplished. The angel is not being contradictory. His declaration is both an indication that the seventh trumpet is the beginning of the end and a reflection of the certainty of the outcome. It is similar to the victory cry that Jesus uttered from the cross when He declared, “It is finished” (John 19:30).
We find the same perspective in Revelation 13:8, which describes Jesus as “the Lamb slain from the creation of the world.” From God’s perspective, the victory is already complete. We are just catching up in time to what God has already accomplished in purpose.
Reflect
1. How do you feel when you have to wait for something exciting? How does knowing God's timing is perfect help you wait patiently?
2. What do you think it means when it says "there will be no more delay"? How can this help you trust that God's promises will come true?
3. Think about watching a movie with a happy ending. How does knowing the ending affect how you feel while watching? How does knowing that God has already won change how you see tough times?
Remember
Even though there may be delays and uncertainties, God's ultimate plan will be fulfilled, God's promises and the assurance that His timing is perfect. Let us be encouraged as believers-followers of Christ to trust in God's sovereignty and to patiently await the fulfillment of His purposes, knowing that victory is already assured through Him.
Read
Daniel 12:5-9; Romans 11:25, 16:25; Ephesians 3:3-9
Pray
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for Your promises and Your perfect timing. Help me to trust in Your plan, even when I face delays and uncertainties. Give me patience as I wait for Your purposes to unfold. Make me find comfort in knowing that my victory is already won through Christ. Guide me to live in faith and obedience, knowing that You are in control of all things. In Jesus name, I pray. Amen.
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