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There is something powerful about the Word of God. It can meet us exactly where we are, and give us exactly what we need. John is handed a little book, a message from God. The angel tells him to eat it. At first, it tastes sweet, just like honey. That’s how God’s Word often feels when it first touches our ears. It comforts us, inspires us, lifts us, and reminds us who God is. The promises are sweet. The encouragement is sweet. The revelation is sweet. But then John says something honest. Once he swallowed it, once it settled, once it got down to the deep places of his heart, it became bitter. Not because the Word was bad, but because it was true. You see, God’s Word is very easy to receive, but sometimes hard to process.
It means the Word can be sweet to the soul, while challenging to the heart. It’s like sitting in church and hearing a sermon that blesses you, while it convicts you at the same time. It’s sweet going down, but tough to digest. God will give you a Word that feels great when you hear it, but challenges you when you live it. The same Word that comforts us can also correct us. God’s Word tells us to forgive, when we would rather hold on to the hurt. It tells us to love, when we would rather walk away. It tells us to humble ourselves, when our pride wants to be recognized. It tells us to examine our hearts, when we want to point fingers at someone else. Here is the Good News: God’s correction is not God’s rejection.
He’ll speak something that excites your spirit but stretches your character. Revelation 10 reminds us that God’s truth isn’t just meant to be tasted–it is meant to be absorbed. When it settles it may confront our habits,our comfort zones, our assumptions, and most often our plans. Revelation 10:9 teaches us that we need the whole Word of God. The promises that encourage us. The commands that guide us. The comfort that strengthens us. And the correction that transforms us. Because the Word of God may not always be easy, it is always good.
So, today don’t ask God for a Word that makes you feel good. Ask Him for a Word that will make you better. Consequently, a bitter Word today can produce a better life tomorrow, while it is leading you closer to God. That’s how transformation works. The sweetness draws you in and the bitterness grows you up. To God be all the Glory. Amen.
Pastor Andrea (Rev. Andie))
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