Revelation 10:5-7 Then the angel I had seen standing on the sea and on the land raised his right hand to heaven. 6 And he swore by him who lives for ever and ever, who created the heavens and all that is in them, the earth and all that is in it, and the sea and all that is in it, and said, “There will be no more delay! 7 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.”
As the angel stretches his hand to heaven, he proclaims that the time has come. Angels are messengers. Raising a hand could be taken as a way to get attention, to make a vow, a sign of triumph and victory. There is a sense of all of this here. The significant statement that grabs my attention in these verses is “the mystery of God will be accomplished.” What is this mystery? The key is its connection to the prophets. This is not an enigmatic statement. In the biblical context, especially the New Testament, the meaning is clear. The mystery is the gospel of Jesus Christ, God’s plan for eternity before the universe was created. Angel is announcing the coming again of Jesus Christ which will complete God’s plan of redemption and close this present evil age. This is the “Day of the Lord” that God’s people have been looking forward to since the days of the Old Testament prophets.
We get to participate in this mystery now in part but will someday experience it in fullness. The mystery we now experience is “Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27). Our hope will one day be completed when Jesus comes again. This mystery is experienced now through the indwelling Holy Spirit who connects us to this coming kingdom. John’s vision here confirms many passages from the Bible. This vision is good news for those who have been longing for this day.
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