Revelation 10:9 (NLT) paints a spiritual yet unforgettable image, combining two things; something very common with something seemingly impossible: “So I went to the angel and told him to give me the small scroll. “Yes, take it and eat it,” he said. “It will be sweet as honey in your mouth, but it will turn sour in your stomach!” Eating is necessary to sustain human life; it’s something all of us have to do, and it comes very naturally to us. But eating a book is another story.
In the Book of Revelation, the Apostle John is taken up to heaven in the Spirit. There, he receives out-of-the-box visions and prophecies from the Lord that are absolutely mind-blowing. What’s most incredible is that he is instructed to write down what he is experiencing and seeing so that everyone living afterward will know the Father’s heart and the boundless strength of His power. It’s like watching an epic movie, as he is taken from scene to scene while God’s prophecy unfolds.
In Revelation 10:9, the scroll undoubtedly represents God’s matchless Word, and John is instructed to request the scroll from the angel holding it. The angel then tells him to eat it, saying it will be as sweet as honey to the taste. This reminds of us the truth written in Psalm 34:8 (NLT), “Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!” A person can read all about a delicious meal, but nothing beats tasting it. This verse invites us not only to hear about our God’s sweetness but to experience and truly savor it for ourselves.Like God, His Word, the Bible, isn’t just a book; it’s life to us! It’s like that irresistible dessert that you can’t help but go back for seconds. Psalm 119:103 (NLT) says, “How sweet your words taste to me; they are sweeter than honey.” Honey is a universal symbol of sweetness, and God’s Word is sweeter, so we’re in for a continuous treat.
Going back to Revelation 10:9, John savors the sweetness of God’s Word, but then it turns sour in his stomach. So, before we get carried away on the sweetness, we must also recognize that our God is a Righteous Judge. He will judge the sins of the unrighteous, and His righteous wrath will bring the sour. Proverbs 11:21 (NLT) states, “Evil people will surely be punished, but the children of the godly will go free.” This means that while we enjoy the benefit of our Heavenly Father’s sweet promises, there’s a righteous side to God that demands accountability. It’s like having a fantastic dessert followed by a reality check—you can’t have one without the other!
God’s judgments flow from His perfect justice. Psalm 9:7-8 (NLT) tells us, “But the Lord reigns forever, executing judgment from his throne. He will judge the world with justice and rule the nations with fairness.” We might love the sweet parts, but we must also recognize that His Word calls us to live in a way that reflects His righteousness.
The Bible says in Hebrews 4:12 )NLT)“For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.” This powerful imagery illustrates how God’s Word penetrates deep within us, revealing truths we might prefer to keep hidden. Being a mature Christian requires that we listen to and accept reproof and correction. The sourness we sometimes feel comes from the conviction we experience when our sin is exposed. It’s a necessary discomfort that nudges us toward growth and transformation. As Jesus reminds us in Luke 8:17, everything we do in the dark will come to light.
However, we should remember that God’s Word isn’t meant to make us feel small, incompetent, or insignificant. Instead, it teaches us about the glory and greatness of God and our overwhelming potential in Christ. It helps us become the greatest image of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, that we can be.
So, how do we balance this sweet and sour truth? The answer lies in embracing both aspects of God’s character. His Word is a guide that teaches us how to navigate life with wisdom and integrity. James 1:22 (NLT) encourages us, “But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.” This lets us know that we can’t just listen, we have to act on what it says.
Building our lives upon God’s Word means savoring its sweetness while acknowledging the sour moments of correction and judgment. It’s in this balance that we find true growth—like a well-crafted dish where sweet and sour flavors come together to create something extraordinary.
In the end, the “Sweet and Sour Truth” of Scripture reminds us that God’s Word is both a comforting balm and a guiding light. It nourishes our souls while keeping us accountable, leading us toward a life that reflects His goodness. Taking in all of God’s Word is the best thing we can do for our lives, prompting us to embrace both sides, the sweet and sour; His sweet promises as well as the necessary accountability and correction. It’s a sweet and sour blend that enriches our journey of faith with rewards and keeps us continually on the straight and narrow path of God’s righteousness. ■
Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.
“Sweet and Sour Truth”, written by KLizzie, edited by Reverend Fran Mack, for Sundie Morning Sistas ©2024. All rights reserved. All done to the glory of God through Jesus Christ, our Lord! SMS is dedicated to inspiring and encouraging Christian Women through the Word of God.