“The angel was holding a small scroll open in his hand…” (Revelation 10:2 NCV).
A contemporary equivalent of this “small scroll” would be a booklet, or similar type of diminutive written work. Although we can speculate on the contents of this scroll, one thing is certain: it is a message that comes from God. We should also notice how this angel holds this scroll: it is “…open in his hand.” So even though we are not alerted to the contents of this book, the symbolic imagery of an open scroll tells us that God is open to sharing His Word with us.
The fact that this angel “…planted his right foot on the sea and his left foot on the land” (NIV) is also more significant than it may appear. While many terrible things are yet to come in the book of Revelation, this marks the beginning of the end of the enemy’s reign upon the world. Much like soldier who recaptures a land area that was taken by a hostile force, this angel has “planted his foot” and reclaimed the sea and the land of this planet for God.
“Then he shouted in a loud voice like a lion roaring, and when he shouted, the seven thunders sounded their voices. When the seven thunders spoke, I was preparing to write, but just then I heard a voice from heaven say, ‘Seal up what the seven thunders spoke and do not write it down'” (Revelation 10:3-4).
This seems unusual; why would our author reference this sequence of events if he was forbidden to write about what he heard? We can address this question in two ways. First, this passage reminds us that God may not reveal every aspect of His plan for us. In other words, it is God’s prerogative to withhold certain information from us if He chooses to do so.
Next, God may elect to reveal certain things to some individuals, but withhold such information from others as He sees fit. John, the author of Revelation, serves as a case in point. John knew exactly what these seven thunders said, for he was prepared to record it. But in this instance, God chose to reveal that information to John exclusively and not to anyone else. This tells us that there are certain things that God may choose to keep to Himself, or share with others on a case-by-case basis.
Finally, in a general sense, John’s experience should remind us of the need to exercise discretion in sharing the information we receive. That does not obligate us to remain silent in matters that are illegal, immoral, or unethical, but it should prompt us to be discriminating when it comes to disclosing what we learn. For example, this should inspire us to think carefully before we publicize the faults, idiosyncrasies, and shortcomings of others, especially those within the family of God. As Jesus Himself reminded us, “Treat others as you want them to treat you” (Matthew 7:12 CEV).