The answer is: He ate it

Rev 10 vs 10

In Revelation 10:10, we find a fascinating moment where the apostle John reports that he ate a little book handed to him by an angel, which tasted like honey in his mouth but turned bitter in his stomach. This vivid imagery can represent much about the nature of wisdom and prophetic revelation. Just as John literally consumes the book, we are reminded that we must also ingest and assimilate the spiritual insights offered to us. Sweet truths can often accompany challenging realities!

In the broader context of Revelation, John's interaction with the little book reflects a common biblical theme: the mingling of joy and sorrow in the prophetic experience. Think about it! Many of the great prophets, like Ezekiel, had similar encounters where they, too, were commanded to eat scrolls with powerful contents and initially appealing flavors, leading them ultimately to hard truths.

Interestingly, the honey evokes memories of the land of milk and honey—a symbol of abundance in Scripture, notably in Exodus. This connection urges us to consider that, although prophetic messages can enlighten us with their sweetness, they may also call for profound adjustment or action in our lives, leading to bitterness due to the weight of implications.

Moreover, this episode speaks to an accessibility and duality in spirituality—embracing truth may sometimes lead us through a journey of discomfort before revealing the fullness of understanding. So next time you nibble on your own “little book,” recall this experience and embrace both the sweet and the bitter as necessary parts of the learning process!