Sweet as Honey, Sour to the Stomach

Revelation 10:8–11 (NIV): 8 Then the voice that I had heard from heaven spoke to me once more: “Go, take the scroll that lies open in the hand of the angel who is standing on the sea and on the land.” 9 So I went to the angel and asked him to give me the little scroll. He said to me, “Take it and eat it. It will turn your stomach sour, but in your mouth it will be as sweet as honey.” 10 I took the little scroll from the angel’s hand and ate it. It tasted as sweet as honey in my mouth, but when I had eaten it, my stomach turned sour. 11 Then I was told, “You must prophesy again about many peoples, nations, languages and kings.”

What Does Courageous Discipleship Look Like?

Speaking God's truth often carries both joy and burden. God’s Word is joyful to receive - it’s good, true, and life-giving. Yet it can be painful to digest because it involves hard truths, judgment, rejection, and conviction.

John isn’t just speaking to the early church anymore, this message is meant for the whole world. It anticipates the unfolding of God’s final plan of justice and redemption for all humanity, not just a select group. The true work of a disciple involves love, obedience, and courage - not just proclaiming good news but standing firm in hard truths.

Now Let’s Pray

Dear Heavenly Father thank You for the joyful good news and the hard truths. Remind us that our walk with You is not one sided, but that true discipleship involves deep convictions and refinement. Strengthen us with courage and boldness to stand firm in the Word.

In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.