Sometimes Truth Is Not what We Want

Sometimes truth is not what we want.  In Revelation 10 John is given a little scroll to eat.  It was sweet in his mouth, but turned his stomach sour (Rev 10:9-11).  The little scroll contained truth and was the basis for future prophecy.  But the sweet truth somehow turned sour.

The taste buds are on our tongue.  We can enjoy the food we eat. After the initial sense of taste fades, our stomach begins digesting the food.  During digestion, stomach acid breaks the food down into smaller pieces (particles) the body can begin to use.

As we digest truth on a daily basis, it may not be as sweet as we imagined at first.  In the parable of the seed, time brought hardship to the Word that was growing in the hearts of men.  Some that had received the Word with joy ended up forsaking it when testing came to them (Lk 8:13). The Word of God, or truth, was only sweet at first, but became sour to them as they lived their lives.

Back to Revelation . . . John was shown the future of the Church, which held the Bride of Christ and her marriage to the Lamb.  But he came to understand that her preparation was hard; the Bride had to make herself ready (Rev 19:7) by overcoming many things, and by enduring trials.

Earthly weddings take much preparation.  The bride takes great care in choosing the perfect dress and looking beautiful for her new husband.  The spiritual wedding between the Lamb of God and His Bride also takes preparation.  The Bride wears find linen, “clean and bright.” She represents the people of God who are clothed in righteous acts (Rev 19:8).

In digesting the truth of the marriage of God’s Son to His people, perhaps the particles most useful to the body lack sweetness. These particles contain our sanctification.  The preparation of the Christian involves a life of death to self, and of sacrifice of our lives to this world.  As we live these truthes out, they can bring bitterness. Yet for those who look forward to being united with the One they love, it is a hope worth enduring.

Many have preached about God’s love and salvation for us without speaking about the preparation of the Bride.  After all, sometimes truth is not what we want.  Sweet sermons taste good . . . but a wise man will break it down into what is good for the body of Christ . . . what prepares our soul for an eternity with our Lord. The trials and tribulations needed for the Bride to be prepared are as important as the salvation message is for the unsaved.  Amen.