Major tech and time difficulties yesterday. My “on the road” computer kept acting up and wouldn’t let me type. Here’s yesterday’s post. Today’s coming later.

Jonah 1-4 Revelation 10

“Then he shouted loudly like the roaring of a lion. And when he shouted, the voices of seven thunders spoke. When the seven thunders spoke, I started to write. But I heard a voice from heaven say, ‘Keep hidden what the seven thunders said, and do not write them down.’” (Revelation 10:3-4 NCV)

John faithfully recorded everything he heard and saw in this revelation from Jesus of what was to come in the future. And so, when the seven thunders spoke, he began to write down what he heard. He was probably startled when he was told not to write down what he heard, but to keep this part of the revelation secret. Reading this should remind us, though, that no matter how accurate anyone’s interpretation of the symbolism in this book may be, they don’t have complete knowledge of how God’s going to take care of His people in the end of times.  We could speculate on what the seven thunders may have said, but all that would be is idle speculation. In the meanwhile, don’t be afraid to ask anyone who sets dates or speaks authoritatively on what the Revelation means, what the seven thunders said. If that question doesn’t humble them, nothing will. Avoid those who can’t be humbled.

As I read this, I was reminded of my first encounter with a chemistry teacher when I was in High School. I had moved in the middle of my sophomore year and was new to the school and the teacher. The chemistry teacher intoned in a deep baritone voice, “I am required to give you fair warning of all tests and quizzed. Therefore, I’m announcing them all right now.” I took out my assignment notebook to write them down. The kid sitting next to me at the lab table chuckled as he told me that I wasn’t going to get any dates. He was announcing them all but not giving dates. Maybe the seven thunders gave a clear prophecy of when the end would occur, and God wasn’t ready for us to know. Probably not. What we do know from this section and from the whole book is that the end will come at God’s desired time and that while He warns us to be ready anytime, we won’t know the exact time until the end occurs. In the meanwhile, we’re called to stay ready for His return at any time.

Lord, there are so many things I don’t know, nor understand, about Your second coming. All I can say for sure is that You will be coming again. While I’m waiting for Your return to earth, keep my heart right with You and let all that I say and do lead others to You.

Scripture taken from the New Century Version®. Copyright © 2005 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.