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 to preserve in writing for the church everything that he heard and saw. We have Revelation in the Bible today because he obeyed. Revelation is different from every other book in the Bible because it promises a blessing to everyone who reads it and takes its message to heart.
The written word is powerful. Spoken words can be denied but written words cannot. 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 should NOT be preserved in writing. As writers we need to handle our words with care. Our words can heal but they can also wound. Words can comfort but they can also discourage. We must choose our words carefully and wisely.
Please give us an ear to hear your instructions to write and when not to write. Amen.