“The Mystery of God”


BIBLE READING: Revelation 10
                                                                                                                                           
                The first six trumpets of John’s vision are said to be warnings of the impending judgement on those unbelieving Jews and the Israelite nation.  However, the seventh trumpet is not a warning at all, but more of an announcement of the completion of God’s revelation.  Revelation 10 refers to this revelation as a “mystery” in Revelation 10.7.  It was a “mystery” in the sense that the preaching of Jesus was greatly misunderstood by the Jews.  It was a “mystery” in the sense that the writings of the Old Testament prophets were misunderstood. Yet now it has been revealed that God’s plan is not just for the Jews but is now available for all nations. This trumpet is the announcement that God’s plan has been put into place and is now a “mystery” that has been revealed.  Paul speaks of it this way in Romans: “Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages but has now been disclosed and through the prophetic writings has been made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith…” (Romans 16:25-26).   However, this isn’t the only time Paul referred to the “mystery” of God’s will (Ephesians 1.9; 34-6,9 and Colossians 1.26.   This seventh trumpet “provides irrefutable evidence of God’s plan in place” (Kenny Barfield p. 280). It is important for us to remember that the average Jew would have been familiar with this type of language as it was used in Daniel.  To further solidify its understanding, they knew that this “mystery” would be revealed during the time of the Roman Empire.  If anything, this should help us appreciate the patience of God as He has completed His plan in vivid detail for the salvation of His believers.

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