March 16, 2008
Revelations 5:8
Now when He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and 24 elders fell down before the Lamb, each having a harp and golden bowls full of incense, which are prayers of the saints.
I love this prelude to the worship of Christ, the only one who is able to open the scroll or even loosen one of its seals. I can only faintly imagine the elders as the fall down in acknowledgement of Christ’s divine presence and character. In this passage, we are watching the heavenly scene of corporate worship as these elders worship with their physical stature (bowing or falling down), their music (the harp), and hearts (prayers). I like to think our earthly corporate worship services at church are a small glimpse of the heavenly worship. It seems though that those golden bowls full of incense are what seem to be most precious. I think when he describes these bowls of incense, he uses gold as it represents purity or sincerity - that which is without any impurity. The incense of course is a picture of the prayers rising to heaven. I love to watch the incense smoke curls as it rises to the top of a room, the scent lingering in the air so the incense too is a beautiful picture to me. The prayers of the saints together are born out of the Lord’s character within them. Born to rise into the presence of the LORD God with an aroma that would be sweeter than honey. John Macarthur describes the prayers in these bowls as “all the prayers that have been prayed about the ultimate final redemption.” How often do we pray for this final redemptive work when all the saints that are to be saved, will be saved! How this verse makes me want to pray and praise even as it makes the elders in Revelations 5 pray in the verses following this eight verse. In bringing out this golden bowl of incense, it seems to be saying that the saint’s redemptive prayers are finally going to be answered in full. I pray often, but I am convicted this day of how little I pray for the salvation of the saints. Lord God, I thank you for redeeming me to God by your precious atoning blood. What precious blood is the blood that was slain! Lord, I pray for that day when you will have shown us that you have truly redeemed those out of every tribe, tongue, people, and nation. The redemptive work has already been completed on the cross, Lord, but we look forward to the day when you shall bring all these saints together! O Lord, our Father, to think that in that day of ultimate final redemption You will make us as kings and priests to God and that we will reign with You on earth! That such a thing should happen to any of Your saints is humbling, indeed. O Lord God, I see daily that this world has become so full of destruction and chaos. Bring forth that day when all tears will be wiped away and we will worship You in Your full glory. I pray that those in our families who do not know you will stand beside us on that day too. You are more than mighty to bring such a thing to pass! I thank You Lord Jesus, that someday You, the Lamb shall open the scrolls and start Your redemptive purpose. You alone are surely worthy to receive all the glory and honor! Help us Lord to live daily in acknowledgement of Your imminent return! Amen.
Revelations 5:8
Now when He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and 24 elders fell down before the Lamb, each having a harp and golden bowls full of incense, which are prayers of the saints.
I love this prelude to the worship of Christ, the only one who is able to open the scroll or even loosen one of its seals. I can only faintly imagine the elders as the fall down in acknowledgement of Christ’s divine presence and character. In this passage, we are watching the heavenly scene of corporate worship as these elders worship with their physical stature (bowing or falling down), their music (the harp), and hearts (prayers). I like to think our earthly corporate worship services at church are a small glimpse of the heavenly worship. It seems though that those golden bowls full of incense are what seem to be most precious. I think when he describes these bowls of incense, he uses gold as it represents purity or sincerity - that which is without any impurity. The incense of course is a picture of the prayers rising to heaven. I love to watch the incense smoke curls as it rises to the top of a room, the scent lingering in the air so the incense too is a beautiful picture to me. The prayers of the saints together are born out of the Lord’s character within them. Born to rise into the presence of the LORD God with an aroma that would be sweeter than honey. John Macarthur describes the prayers in these bowls as “all the prayers that have been prayed about the ultimate final redemption.” How often do we pray for this final redemptive work when all the saints that are to be saved, will be saved! How this verse makes me want to pray and praise even as it makes the elders in Revelations 5 pray in the verses following this eight verse. In bringing out this golden bowl of incense, it seems to be saying that the saint’s redemptive prayers are finally going to be answered in full. I pray often, but I am convicted this day of how little I pray for the salvation of the saints. Lord God, I thank you for redeeming me to God by your precious atoning blood. What precious blood is the blood that was slain! Lord, I pray for that day when you will have shown us that you have truly redeemed those out of every tribe, tongue, people, and nation. The redemptive work has already been completed on the cross, Lord, but we look forward to the day when you shall bring all these saints together! O Lord, our Father, to think that in that day of ultimate final redemption You will make us as kings and priests to God and that we will reign with You on earth! That such a thing should happen to any of Your saints is humbling, indeed. O Lord God, I see daily that this world has become so full of destruction and chaos. Bring forth that day when all tears will be wiped away and we will worship You in Your full glory. I pray that those in our families who do not know you will stand beside us on that day too. You are more than mighty to bring such a thing to pass! I thank You Lord Jesus, that someday You, the Lamb shall open the scrolls and start Your redemptive purpose. You alone are surely worthy to receive all the glory and honor! Help us Lord to live daily in acknowledgement of Your imminent return! Amen.
