1. The great angel with a little scroll (1-7)

John saw another mighty angel from heaven with a similar glory of Jesus. He was holding a little scroll, which lay open for all in his hand. The angel swore by God who lives forever, who created the heavens and the earth and all in them and announced, "There will be no more delay!" God's promises and purpose would be accomplished including his final judgment and eternal salvation. He showed an example of gospel preachers to be bold, loud, open, clear and majestic.

2. Sweet and sour scroll (8-11)

The angel urged John to take and eat the little scroll. The taste was sweet like honey for his mouth but sour in his stomach. Eating the word of God opens our spiritual eyes and comforts us with his forgiveness of our sins and hope of eternal life. However, when we want to digest it deeply and live as the word tells, we see it is sour. It requires our humble repentance and full submission, denying all our wills to take up the cross of mission. To preach the news of salvation is sweet but to pronounce the message of judgment is sour. We must enjoy the sweet and sour word!