UPDATED - REVELATION CONDENSED - CHAPTERS 15-16

Revelation 15 – Preparation for the Last 7 Plagues

This chapter opens with preparations being made in heaven to pour out the final 7 judgments that represent the fullness of God’s wrath.   John sees gathered together on the sea of glass in front of the throne those that have “gotten victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name.”  These are the martyrs from the tribulation period.  They have been given harps and are singing the song of Moses and the song of the Lamb in praise of His great and mighty works of righteousness.  Jesus is acknowledged as the “King of saints.”  He is also acknowledged as the only holy One deserving of the worship of the nations.  

Next, John sees the temple open; again, it is specifically identified as the temple where “the place that houses the Decalogue” (from the Greek) or “the ark of the covenant” is located.  This time seven angels emerge, clothed in white linen and having gold belts around their breast. They have been given the responsibility of dispensing the last 7 plagues which are mixed with the wrath of God that is given to them in vials by one of the living creatures.  Point is made that the temple fills with smoke from the glory and power of God and that no man is able to enter the temple until these last seven plagues have accomplished their purposes.

I hadn’t thought of this before, but because of the priestly clothing I can’t help but want to make a connection with priests.  I am reminded that we are declared to be a royal priesthood.  It’s interesting that specific point is made that no “man” is allowed to enter the temple until the judgments are over.  Could this be a reference to seven chosen men from the church, the royal priesthood, that serve as God’s angels (messengers or servants) in the dispensation of these last plagues?

Revelation 16 – The Final 7 Plagues

At this point John hears a voice from the temple instructing the 7 angels to go and pour out “the vials of the wrath of God upon the earth.”  

1. The first angel pours out his plague upon the earth, and all those who have the mark of the beast and worship his image develop evil, diseased sores.
2. The second angel pours his vial upon the sea, and the water thickens like the blood of a dead man; every living soul in the seas dies.
3. The third angel pours his vial upon the rivers and springs, and they turn to blood.  At this point the angel of the waters speaks up regarding the righteousness of God in dispensing this judgment since evil men were responsible for shedding the blood of the saints and prophets. 
4. When the fourth angel pours out his vial on the sun, he is given power to scorch all men with fire and heat (the ultimate in global warming).  The response of evil men—to blaspheme God [whom they know is causing these judgments] rather than repent.
5. The fifth angel pours his vial on the throne and kingdom of the Antichrist.  His kingdom is thrown into complete darkness and men gnaw their tongues in pain and blaspheme the God of heaven because of their pains and sores.  They still refuse to repent.
6. The sixth angel pours his vial upon the great river Euphrates.  Its waters dry up and prepare the way for the kings of the east.  At this point John sees 3 unclean spirits like frogs emerge from the mouths of the dragon, beast/Antichrist and false prophet.  We are specifically told that they are “spirits of devils” that are sent to the kings of the earth and the world populous to work miracles and gather them together to “the battle of the great day of God Almighty.”  The place of gathering—Armageddon.  In verse 15 God again gives a word of encouragement to believers to remain faithful and spiritually alert because the LORD’s coming is very soon.
7. Finally, the 7^th and last plague is poured out into the air.  I think this is significant since Satan is acknowledged as the “prince of the power of the air.”  (Ephesians 2:2)  As with the 7^th seal and 7^th trumpet, those on planet earth hear voices and thunders, see lightnings, and experience an earthquake—this one described as the greatest earthquake ever to happen on planet earth since man has lived here.  The wording definitely gives food for thought regarding events on planet earth before man was created, and in my mind a possible direct relation to the fall of Lucifer and 1/3 of the angels.  This earthquake causes Jerusalem to divide into three parts and destroys many of the major cities of the nations.  In fact, every island and mountain disappears.  The memory of Babylon and the false gods and teachings that emerged from her provoke God’s wrath to its fullest.  We are told that 90 lb. hailstones fall from the sky and give rise to further blasphemy from the mouths of men.  It seems impossible that there are people who live through these devastating judgments.

I think it is important to note that the previous seal and trumpet judgments were more limited in scope.  The vial judgments have worldwide impact.  

UPDATED - REVELATION CONDENSED - CHAPTER 14

Revelation 14 – The Gospel Declared Throughout the World and Babylon’s Destruction Soon to Follow

John is now given a 4^th vision before the narrative on judgment is continued.  He sees a Lamb (Jesus) standing on Mt. Zion [I believe in heaven] with the 144,000 Jewish believers who were sealed with the Father’s name.  Some believe that this is a different group; I see no basis for differentiating this group from those previously identified as having been sealed from the 12 tribes of Israel (cf chapter 7).  He hears a voice from heaven (that resembles other scriptural descriptions of the voice of God) accompanied by a group of singers who are also playing harps.  They are singing a new song before the throne [in heaven], and point is made that no man can learn that song but the 144,00 who were redeemed from earth.  They are further identified as virgins (not defiled with women) and as those that “follow the Lamb wherever He goes.”  They are the firstfruits of God’s harvest of the redeemed Jewish tribulation saints.  This is a Jewish group being described with reference to Jewish festivals that I believe is a specific reference to the believing remnant of Israel/Jews that will result from the judgment fires of the 70^th week of Daniel.  They are described as speaking truth without deceit and without fault, as righteous.  This is true of every believer that inherits heaven.  We have been imputed His righteousness and will no longer be influenced by the sin nature.  I can’t wait!

It seems to me that since the 144,000 are seen in heaven, their ministry ended in conjunction with the ministry of the two witnesses.  They probably died as martyrs when Satan turned his attention to the Jewish saints on earth after being thwarted in his effort to destroy the remnant that God is protecting in the wilderness.  Or maybe they were snatched away in similar manner to the raptured church. 

John’s attention is now drawn to another angel flying in the heavens preaching the everlasting gospel to all those living on planet earth.  This fulfills God’s promise that the gospel would be carried all over the world:  “And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.”

His message, “Fear God, and give glory to Him; for the hour of His judgment is come:  and worship Him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.”  The wording is confusing as to whether this is the message of the gospel or in addition to the gospel as we know it.  I tend to think it is in addition to.  I know that the two witnesses and the 144,000 were declaring the whole truth.  God never changes and His truth never changes.  It is obvious to me that the gospel as we know it has been revealed in increments throughout history according to God’s purposes.  The acceptable response has always been to have faith in God’s provision.  I know that God is righteous and He alone is qualified to judge the response of each individual to the revelation given him.

John now sees another angel declaring another message:  “Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.”   I have heard it taught that the Bible is a tale of two cities—Jerusalem and Babylon.  Jerusalem is recognized as the city of God, and Babylon as the city of false gods.  This announcement has a two-fold application (is fallen, is fallen), to the destruction of the false gods and their teachings that originated from there beginning with Nimrod and to the destruction of the city itself as predicted in the prophecies of Isaiah and Jeremiah in particular.  This is yet to occur according to the specifics of the prophecies.  

Is. 13:19 And Babylon, the glory of kingdoms, the beauty of the Chaldees’ excellency, shall be as when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah.

Jer. 50:13 Because of the wrath of the LORD it shall not be inhabited, but it shall be wholly desolate: every one that goeth by Babylon shall be astonished, and hiss at all her plagues.

Jer. 51:37 And Babylon shall become heaps, a dwellingplace for dragons, an astonishment, and an hissing, without an inhabitant.

A third angel follows this one with yet another message; he warns that anyone who worships the beast and his image and receives the mark in his forehead or hand will suffer the full measure of God’s wrath.  He/she will be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of Jesus and the holy angels.  This torment will continue forever; they will have no rest day or night.  

I know that there are many who just don’t believe that hell, a place of eternal torment, is a real place.  They just can’t seem to reconcile a loving God as consigning someone to eternal torment.  They focus on the love of God to the exclusion of His righteousness and holiness.  I personally don’t think He would have sent His Son to suffer on the cross for our sins to provide for our salvation if there was nothing to save us from.  The cross was not a simple work of obedience for the Son of God; He had to suffer a break in fellowship with the Father for the first and only time of His being.  This was suffering far beyond anything that we can imagine.  His love caused Him to send His Son; His righteousness and holiness require that He condemn those who refuse His provision.  The truth is, however, that they condemn themselves by choosing to reject God’s gift of salvation as provided by His Son.

It’s interesting to note that the saints on earth are encouraged to stay faithful and obedient in light of these announcements.  Yes, they have more testing and trouble to endure, but their eternal victory is certain.  Some will yet experience deliverance through death, but their works will produce fruit and will not go unrewarded.  

John’s attention is now directed to one “like the Son of man” [Jesus] sitting on a white cloud, wearing a golden crown and holding a sharp sickle [a harvesting instrument].  Another angel/messenger emerges from the heavenly temple and announces that the time has come for Him to reap His harvest.  This can be confusing because it’s easy to try to connect this harvest with the one about which the Lord told His disciples.

John 4:34-36 Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.  Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.  And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together.

Jesus’ discourse with His disciples was in reference to a harvest of fruit that resulted in eternal life.  In this section of Revelation the harvest is one of judgment using a sharp sickle.  Another angel holding a sharp sickle comes out of the temple and is joined by another angel who comes from out of the altar.  This last angel is identified as having power over fire.  He joins in the harvest of those on earth that are destined for the winepress of God’s wrath.  I think the LORD’s words as recorded in Matthew and Mark are helpful in understanding these verses and identifying this as the harvest of the tares.

Matt. 13:36-43 Then Jesus sent the multitude away, and went into the house: and his disciples came unto him, saying, Declare unto us the parable of the tares of the field. He answered and said unto them, He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man; The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one; The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels.  As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world. The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.

Matt. 13:49-50 So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just, And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.

The winepress of God’s wrath is identified as “without the city,” and I believe is a reference to the final battle of Armageddon outside the city of Jerusalem.  Point is made that the battle will be very violent and bloody.

UPDATED - REVELATION CONDENSED - CHAPTER 13

Revelation 13 – Introducing the Antichrist and the False Prophet

John is now shown a different event.  He is positioned at the seashore and sees a beast come up out of the sea that has 7 heads and 10 horns; each horn has a crown, and each head is named a blasphemous name.  John describes the beast as looking like a leopard, having the feet of a bear and the mouth of a lion.  Point is made that the beast gets his power and authority from the dragon, already identified as Satan.  Without going into specifics, the beast seems to be connected to the beasts seen by Daniel in his vision (chapter 7).  This beast is a composite of the beast/dragon described in Daniel 7, Revelation 12 and the opening verses of this chapter. 

Another interesting verse that makes connection here is found in Isaiah.

Isaiah 27:1 In that day the LORD with his sore and great and strong sword shall punish leviathan the piercing serpent, even leviathan that crooked serpent; and he shall slay the dragon that is in the sea.

In Revelation 13:1 it is the beast that rises from the sea, and in the verse in Isaiah it is the dragon that is in the sea.  I think they are so intertwined with one another, that it is hard to distinguish them.  The beast, the Antichrist, is dependent upon the dragon, Satan (cf 12:9), for his power and authority.  When Satan is thrown out of heaven in the middle of the tribulation, I believe he indwells the Antichrist.  They are two independent beings and will meet their own judgment at different times, but they operate in the tribulation as an inseparable unit.  The Antichrist has completely sold his soul to the devil.

Next John sees that one of the heads of the beast seems to have suffered a fatal wound, but the wound is healed to the amazement of all on earth.  Verse 12 indicates that the wound was inflicted upon the Antichrist, the ruler of this ten-horned kingdom, the final form of the fourth kingdom foretold in Nebuchadnezzar’s dream in Daniel 2 and the last of the seven kingdoms represented by the heads of the beast as identified in Revelation 17:9-10  This causes people to worship the beast and Satan, whom they seem to recognize as the one empowering the beast.  They are convinced that the beast has no equal among men.  They also seem to be convinced that he is invincible.  John hears the beast speak with great blasphemy against God, His temple and those that dwell in heaven.  Point is made that his power would be limited to a 42-month period of time.  

It is revealed to John that this beast, the Antichrist, would be allowed to make war with and conquer the saints, those who have placed their faith in the Son of God.  It is then revealed that all who live on planet earth whose names are not written in the “book of life of the Lamb” will worship the beast.  Verse 8 very clearly states that the sacrifice of Jesus was part of God’s plan since the foundation of the world; it was not an event that God had to plan in response to the success of Satan in tempting man to sin and reject God’s authority.  God knew what would happen before creating a thing and already had a plan in place for man’s redemption.

Next John sees another beast appear, this time coming out of the earth; this beast has two horns like a lamb and speaks like a dragon.  The two horns are indicative of limited power and authority.  I think the language is significant here.  Jesus has consistently been referred to as “the Lamb” in this book, and Satan has been identified as the dragon.  This beast, often called the false prophet, looks like a lamb and speaks like a dragon.  In other words, he gives the appearance of a spiritual leader, but speaks blasphemy.  This beast is also empowered by Satan to perform wonders; he publicly calls down fire from heaven in imitation of the prophet of Elijah.  It is actually the decision of this beast to make every person on earth worship the first beast, the Antichrist.  This indicates that this beast is the second in command to the first one.  Verse 12 indicates that the wounded head of the first beast represented the Antichrist, which seems to indicate that he will mimic the death and resurrection of Jesus.   The people on earth are deceived because of the miracles he does.  However, his ability to perform miracles seems to require the presence of the first beast.

This is very thought-provoking to me; it brings to mind the words of the Lord Jesus.

John 5:43 I am come in my Father’s name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive.

Jesus was rejected in spite of His miracles, yet the Antichrist will be believed because of the lying wonders performed by this beast.  

This 2^nd beast will have an image/idol built of the Antichrist that will seem to have a life of its own; it will be able to speak.  Those that refuse to worship it will be put to death. 

Every person on earth, no matter their station in life, will be required to receive a mark in their right hand or forehead to be able to buy or sell anything.  Again, considering today’s verichip technology, this no longer sounds impossible, but quite feasible.  This mark is to be either the name or number of the name of the beast.  Since the New Testament was written in Greek, I wouldn’t be surprised if this number corresponds to the name of the beast in Greek.  John then tells us that the number of the beast is the same as the number for man—666.  Although many have tried to identify the Antichrist by assigning number values to names of prominent political leaders, I personally don’t believe that is possible.  Scripture states that the Antichrist won’t be revealed until the restrainer [whom I believe to be the Holy Spirit] is removed [I believe through the rapture of the church].  I believe this information is given for the benefit of the people who are living during that time.

 

UPDATED - REVELATION CONDENSED - CHAPTERS 11-12

Revelation 11 – Two Powerful Witnesses

This is a continuation of John’s experience in the previous chapter.  John is given a measuring rod to measure the temple of God, the altar, and those that worship there.  He is specifically instructed to leave out the court of the Gentiles.  He is then told that Jerusalem will be under the authority of the Gentiles for 42 months. This is another indication to me that the LORD’s focus during this 70^th week is on the Jewish people and the city of Jerusalem (again as was foretold to Daniel).

Point is made that the LORD will send two witnesses clothed in sackcloth to testify of His truth for 1,260 days.  They will be supernaturally protected from the attempts of men to kill them.  Anyone who tries to hurt them will be destroyed when they breathe fire (the Greek specifies literally or figuratively) out of their mouths.  They will also have the ability to prevent it from raining, to turn water into blood, and to send plagues among the nations during the days of their ministry as they so choose.  Because of the prophecy of Malachi (chapter 4), most identify one of the witnesses as Elijah.  Some speculate that the second will be Enoch since he never experienced physical death, which is unique to him and Elijah.  Others speculate that the other witness could be Zerubbabel based on the prophecy of Haggai.  I tend to agree with those that believe that the other witness will be Moses because the powers demonstrated by these two men are very similar to those that Moses and Elijah demonstrated during their time as prophets and because of their appearance together at the transfiguration.  The truth is that the identities of the messengers are not what is important; it is their ministry and service to God and the declaration of His message that are important.

Only when the ministry of the two witnesses has been completed will the beast that ascended from the bottomless pit be able to kill them.  Their deaths will be celebrated as their bodies are left lying in the streets of Jerusalem.  The nations will be so happy that people will send presents to one another in celebration of the deaths of the prophets.  After lying in the streets for 3.5 days, God raises them back to life, causing great fear among men.  They then ascend to heaven in the sight of their enemies.  As referenced earlier, this resurrection is accompanied by another earthquake that destroys a tenth of Jerusalem and results in the death of 7,000 men.  This scares the believing remnant of Jews, and they respond by giving glory to God.  

At this point the 2d woe, or 6^th trumpet is declared past.  This clarifies to me that the witnesses were serving during the first half of the 7-year tribulation period since their death comes at the midpoint.  It also fits in with the events John will be shown in the next chapter regarding Satan being cast out of heaven and given 3.5 years to wreak havoc.

Finally, the seventh angel blows his trumpet and John hears great voices in heaven declaring that Jesus will soon establish His kingdom.  John then sees the 24 elders again fall on their faces in worship of God and recognition that it is time for the dead to be judged, the saints rewarded and those who are destroying the earth to be destroyed (Satan and his followers).  It’s interesting to note that the elders are talking about the prophets, saints and those that fear God’s name in reference to a category of beings different from themselves.  This is just another verse that makes me think these elders could be the angels/watchers referred to in Daniel.

Next, John sees the temple in heaven open, revealing the ark of the covenant to be inside.  I personally think this is “the ark of the covenant,” though many would argue that it is just the original from which the earthly ark was fashioned.  My understanding is that the ark represented the throne of God and was distinct in that regard from other items associated with the earthly temple.  God’s throne in heaven is very different.  Only the future will tell.

Again, as with the 7^th seal, those on planet earth hear voices and thunder, see lightning, and experience an earthquake—this time accompanied by great hail.

Revelation 12 – A Historical Perspective with Future Significance

Again, John’s attention is directed away from the judgments to observe another vision.  He sees a great wonder in heaven—a pregnant woman clothed with the sun and wearing a crown of 12 stars who is about to give birth.  This chapter is full of imagery, but scripture usually explains scripture.  I believe this is a picture of the nation of Israel as descended from Jacob through his 12 sons, similar to what Joseph saw represented in a dream (Genesis 37).  

Another wonder appears in the heaven—a great red dragon that has 7 heads with crowns and 10 horns.  This dragon uses his tail to throw 1/3 of the stars of heaven to the earth.  I think this is a picture of the rebellion of Lucifer and the angels that chose to follow him in rebellion.  The dragon is then pictured ready to devour the child to whom the woman gives birth.  

Point is made that the woman births a man child that is destined to rule the nations with complete power and authority, and He is safely caught up to God and His throne.  This is obviously a picture of the birth of Jesus and His ascension to the throne of the Father after dying as our sacrifice for sin and conquering death through His resurrection. 

John then sees the woman [Israel] flee into the wilderness to a place that God has prepared to protect and nourish her for 1,260 days, or 3.5 years.  Many speculate from clues in scripture that this place of protection is Petra, Jordan.

The next thing John sees is a war in heaven between Michael and his angels and the dragon and his angels.  The dragon and his angels are defeated and thrown out of heaven to earth.  The identity of the dragon is specific—“that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world.”  

At this point John hears a voice in heaven declaring that salvation and deliverance is about to come through Jesus and the establishment of His kingdom. Satan, the accuser of the saints, has been banished forever from heaven, and only has a short while remaining to wreak his destruction.  Point is made that the saints have overcome him by the “blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony”—even though many died because of that testimony.  He declares that this is a time for those who dwell in the heavens to rejoice.  For those who live on planet earth, however, the opposite is true.  Satan has been banished to earth and is very angry; he is very aware that his time is short.

The first thing he does is to begin persecuting the nation of Israel.  Many of the people of Israel are taken to the place in the wilderness in which God will protect and provide for them during the 3.5 years that Satan is in control.  Again, I am reminded that Satan has supernatural powers.  John sees him send a flood to destroy the people as they flee, but God causes the earth to open up and swallow the flood.  Whether this is a real flood or not, I don’t know.  The point is that Satan will unsuccessfully try to destroy the remnant that God is protecting.

Further angered at this defeat, Satan goes to make war with the rest of the Jewish people on earth that have chosen to follow God in obedience through faith in Jesus.

 

UPDATED - REVELATION CONDENSED - CHAPTERS 9-10

Revelation 9 – Demon Locusts and Demonic Princes

The trumpet judgments continue.

1. At the blowing of the fifth trumpet a being falls from heaven to earth, and he is given a key to the bottomless pit.  This seems to indicate that this pit is in the center of the earth.  When he opens the pit, the air is filled with smoke; and demon locusts (my label) are released that are only allowed to torment humans.  This torment is inflicted with a sting that is compared to that of a scorpion.  Those who experience this sting will wish they were dead, but God will not allow them to die.  John then attempts to describe the appearance of these locusts.  He compares them to horses prepared for battle wearing crowns like gold with human faces; they have long hair like a woman and teeth comparable to those of a lion.  They appear to be wearing breastplates of iron, and the noise of their wings sounds like many horses running to battle.  The tails with which they inflict their stings are like a scorpion’s, and their attack is allowed to extend over a period of five months.  You see why I call them demon locusts.  These locusts have a king that in Hebrew is called Abaddon, and in Greek is called Appolyon—either Satan or one of his chief lieutenants.  
2. When the sixth angel blows his trumpet, John hears a voice from the golden altar positioned before God in His temple telling the angel with the 6^th trumpet to release the four angels that are bound in the great river Euphrates.  No further information is given to identify these four angels, but they have obviously been confined to this particular area until this moment in time.  I personally believe they are the four demonic princes in control of the nations connected with that river, i.e., probably Iraq, Syria, Turkey and Iran.  We know that there are spiritual forces associated with different nations on planet earth because of the message recorded by the prophet Daniel.

Dan. 10:11-13, 20 And he said unto me, O Daniel, a man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak unto thee, and stand upright: for unto thee am I now sent. And when he had spoken this word unto me, I stood trembling. Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words. But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia….Then said he, Knowest thou wherefore I come unto thee? and now will I return to fight with the prince of Persia: and when I am gone forth, lo, the prince of Grecia shall come.

These angels have one purpose—to kill 1/3 of mankind.  They have an army of 200,000,000 to assist them; I personally believe this army to be controlled by Satan.  John’s description does indicate that he is struggling to explain this army in terms the reader can understand.  Some teachers make comparisons to use of today’s technology, and I don’t discount that this could be a valid conclusion.  

I think the wording of verse 20 is quite interesting, “the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues yet repented not….”  I think this is a clear indication that God’s desire is for these judgments to cause men to repent of their evil deeds and be saved, but they choose not to.

Revelation 10 – A Sweet Taste with a Sickening Aftertaste

Before being shown the 7^th trumpet judgment, John is shown a mighty angel descending from heaven with a cloud; a rainbow is on His head, his face shines like the sun, and his feet are like pillars of fire.  I personally believe that as you continue to follow the narrative, this angel or messenger is identified as Jesus because He refers to the two Hebrew witnesses as “my two witnesses.”  This would not be the first time in scripture that Jesus is referred to as an angel (Genesis 16:10, 22:15-16, Exodus 3:2).  The LORD is holding a book in His hand and is standing with His right foot on the sea and His left foot on the earth.  I think this represents His authority over both.  He then says something that is responded to by the voice of seven thunders (probably God the Father).  For some reason John is instructed not to record what he heard.  

The LORD then lifts His hand to heaven and swears by God that it is time to bring an end to the kingdom of Satan.  The blowing of the 7^th trumpet will represent the beginning of the end.  Point is made that these events will fulfill all that was foretold by His prophets.  John is then instructed (by the voice of God the Father I believe) to take the little book from the Lord Jesus.  When John asks for the book, the Lord instructs him to eat it, but warns him that although it will taste good, it will make him sick to his stomach.  This is obviously a very descriptive way of telling John to read and absorb the contents of the book.  As he does, he will joy in the fact that the kingdom of the enemy will be destroyed, but he will be sickened by the events that will accompany that destruction.