Sweet But Bitter

Aaron Beard

            God’s word is described as being sweet as honey, but yet very bitter.  Christians who have been deserted by family and friends, lost a job, or made relationship altering decisions because of their obedience to the word of God can completely understand this statement.  Obedience to the gospel of Christ means a change in one’s life.  Some of the results of these changes are sweet and enjoyable while others are bitter and hard to swallow. 

            John, while on the isle of Patmos, received a revelation from the Lord.  In it he was told of the destruction of the temple and ultimately the Jewish nation as a result of their rejection of God’s will. John, although he was a Christian, was originally a Jew.  No doubt, these words from the Lord hit him hard.  An angel told John to eat the book (the revelation).  Upon doing so, John wrote, “…it was as sweet as honey in my mouth.  But when I had eaten it, my stomach became bitter” (Revelation 10:10).  It was sweet because the oppression by the Jewish nation would now be over.  It was sweet because Christianity would now stand alone in man’s eyes.  However, it was very bitter because all he loved and knew growing up would be wiped out.

            Have you ever felt the same way about changes you have made or are facing in your own life in obedience to the gospel of Christ?  Jesus knew that discipleship was going to cost greatly those who would follow Him.  Jesus gives some hard to swallow instructions concerning discipleship in Luke 14.  He tells them that they might have to forsake family and that they would have to take up their cross. Jesus then instructs them to count the cost (verse 26-27).  He gives two illustrations to help understand this concept:  one of a man building a tower and another of a king going out to war.  With both cases, the point is that they would have to make sure they have the resources available before taking on the task. This may seem “bitter” but it is not the whole picture of discipleship.

             If one just looks at the “bitterness” found in obeying the gospel, they might come to the conclusion that God is not a fair God.  Why should people be punished for doing what they’re supposed to do?  The fact of the matter is that the bitterness does not even compare to the sweetness that comes with obedience.  To the person who makes sacrifices to obey Him, Jesus says, “he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life” (Mark 10:30).  For the person who has to leave behind family and their religious beliefs, Jesus promises many more family members.  For those who leave behind physical things (jobs, recreations, etc.), Jesus promises more “lands.”  Even more, Jesus promises those who “count the cost” and decide to obey Him eternal life.  This world is temporary, but our spiritual brothers and sisters and the life He gives us is eternal!  This sweetness far surpasses what bitterness one may have to “stomach.”

            John, don’t feel alone in the troubles you faced. Brothers and sisters, don’t feel alone in the sacrifices you have to make.  Jesus’ knows what you are going through and He cares!  There was a time in the life of Jesus when God’s will was bitter and sweet.  As He was staring His the time of His crucifixion face to face, He went up to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray. Speaking to Peter, James, and John, He “began to be sorrowful and very heavy” and said, “My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death…”  (Matthew 26:37-38).  This is why He prayed, “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me…” (Matthew 26:39).

            His sacrifice was not fun by anyone’s standard.  However, Jesus counted the cost and “He humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross” (Philippians 2:8).  While He faced the bitterness of His death, He gained sweet victory.  Ripping control away from Satan, providing remission of sins, and taking the stinger out of death are just a couple of the “sweet victories” won through His death and resurrection. Through His obedience, He suffered separation from the people He greatly loved. On the flip side of the coin, He gained innumerable brothers and sisters by becoming “the firstborn among many brethren” (Romans 8:29).