And when the seven thunders spoke, I was about to write; but I heard a voice from heaven say, “Seal up what the seven thunders have said and do not write it down.” Revelation 10:4, NIV
John, the author of Revelation, had been instructed by an angel to preserve in writing everything he saw and heard. Those who read its message and believe it are called blessed. But John did not write everything revealed to him that day. He knows what the seven thunders said, but we don’t.
The written word is powerful. Spoken words can be denied. Written words are proof of what was spoken. Once something is preserved in writing, it almost becomes an uncontrollable living thing that will live longer than its author. Thoughts and ideas written hundreds, even thousands of years ago are still alive today because someone wrote them down. Write something on the internet, and whether it is true or false, you’re proud of it or ashamed of it, erasing it is impossible.
John was obediently writing everything shared with him when he was abruptly interrupted: “Do not write it down.” Everything God shares with us should not be preserved in writing. As writers we need to handle our words with care. Words can heal, but they can also wound. Words can comfort, but they can also discourage. We must choose our words carefully and wisely.
Heavenly Father:
Please give us an ear to hear your instructions to write and when not to write. Amen.
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