“Take and eat it…” – Revelation 10:9 

Scripture reading: Revelation 10:8-11; Ezekiel 2:1-3:15

I once stood waiting for an elevator, with my Bible in my hand. The man standing next to me, noticing it, broke the silence to say, “Have you ever cut yourself on that thing?” When my mind caught up to his clever wit I smiled and said, “More times than I can count!”

In Revelation 10, John is being called to again prophesy about peoples, nations, tongues and kings (v. 11). But before this call is renewed, he is commanded to take the book from the hand of the angel and eat it. It would be sweet to his mouth but bitter to his stomach.

The prophets were called to eat God’s word before they brought it to others, and we must do the same. We will soon see God’s witnesses, and see that this is nothing less than the confessing church in the world. How do we maintain that distinctive edge which allows us to see the lies of the enemy and proclaim the truth of God? We must learn what it is to eat the Word.

This practice is not always easy. God’s Word is sweet to the mouth, assuring us of God’s love and mercy in Christ, but it can be bitter; we can cut ourselves as God’s Word brings conviction.  Whatever the result, our task doesn’t change. As God’s people living in the last times, we must know where the source of strength lies, and we must eat the Word.

Suggestions for prayer

Lord, help me to love Your Word and study it daily.

Pastor Greg Bylsma is a graduate of Mid-America Reformed Seminary, and he is currently serving at the Living Water Reformed Church in Brantford, Ontario. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com.