Asking for Light, Part 2

Notice the order of the taste: First it was “sweet”; then it was “bitter.” Jesus foretold the Great Disappointment centuries before it happened.

Fascinatingly, He did the same for another group of disciples. All three synoptic Gospels record that Christ laid out in detail for His 12 apostles His own death—as well as His glorious resurrection three days later (Matthew 16:21; 17:22, 23; 20:18, 19; 26:1, 2; Mark 8:31; 9:31; Luke 9:22; 18:31–33).

These prophecies about Christ’s life on earth had been in the Scriptures for hundreds of years (Luke 22:37; John 13:18; 17:12; Acts 1:16). They are widely known by believers today. Yet to the original apostles, it was all but certain that Christ’s first advent would culminate in victorious conquest, with the establishment of an earthly kingdom. They saw in His entrance to Jerusalem the fanfare of a prince before his coronation (Luke 19:37, 38). How sweet were their expectations of glory and honor.

Even in response to Jesus’ predictions of His demise, the apostles blindly competed with one another for the top spot in the empire they envisioned (Matthew 20:21; Mark 9:34; Luke 9:46; 22:24). It was, as with the early Adventists, as though the Messianic prophecies had been sealed to their understanding (Luke 18:34). How much more bitter was their disappointment, their grief, their shock, when Christ was lifted up on a cross instead of a throne.

Both they and the Adventists had their focus squarely set upon Christ on this earth, His earthly kingdom, His return to earth. The work of Christ, however, was “set … on things above” (Colossians 3:2)—His heavenly kingdom, His heavenly sanctuary.

But know that Christ did not forsake them in this darkest hour. Prophecies are given to strengthen our faith through the tough times. Take heart in Christ’s words, “I tell you before it comes, that when it does come to pass, you may believe that I am He” (John 13:19).

Christ Jesus, thank You for being with us even through the most difficult of times and for always giving us hope when all seems hopeless.

For Further Study: Exodus 15:22, 23; Psalm 119:103; John 14:29

Key Bible Texts

And I went unto the angel, and said unto him, Give me the little book. And he said unto me, Take it, and eat it up; and it shall make thy belly bitter, but it shall be in thy mouth sweet as honey. (Revelation 10:9 KJV)