Rev. 5:8,9 – Now when He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each having a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. And they sang a new song…
All of the activity on earth described in Revelations is about to begin, as always everything flows out of heaven. Here we see a very important point to take note of, the fulfillment of everything in this scroll is deeply connected to the worship and prayers of the believers. John made reference to the harp and bowl that each one of the twenty four elders possessed. These are the stored up prayers and worship of the believers on earth for the 2000 years of the church age, these prayers were inspired by the Holy Spirit and are connected to everything that will happen at the end of the age. The harvest of the earth at the end of the age is the result of these prayers. The judgement of God on the sinfulness of man is also God’s justice being distributed in response to the prayer and worship. Our ministry to the Lord as priests of God carries more influence than we can know. The Last days will reveal that for sure. Here is a quote from the NCCS about this passage.
“Then, echoing Psalm 141:2 (“may my prayer be set before you like incense”), they are described as holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of God’s people. These final words should not be treated as a kind of throwaway clause; rather once more they remind John’s readers that the prayers offered in light of their present suffering are being heard in heaven.”
Here is a comment from the Believer’s Bible Commentary.
“As soon as the Lamb took the judgment roll out of the right hand of God the Father, the living creatures and elders prostrated themselves before the Lamb. Each had a harp and golden bowls full of incense, representing the prayers of the saints, probably the prayers of martyrs crying to God to avenge their blood (6:10).”
It’s easy to think our prayer is not effecting anything, especially when the answers are delayed. From this passage I have a feeling that some of your prayers and worship are being held until just the right moment; when things begin to happen it will all happen fast.
1 thought on “WHEN HE HAD TAKEN THE SCROLL…”
I thank you Lord for Your Faithfulness. You are always listening to our prayers. You hear our cry of our hearts. May my ears be a tune to your voice, my eyes always see your goodness in my life and others, snd my mind be cleanse by your word of truth. I pray for the salvation of the ones you have placed in the season of my life that they can experience these things also.