January 18, Revelation 8
Does prayer make any difference? Does it change anything? Before the sounding trumpets brought death and destruction, John saw an angel offering the prayers of the saints with incense that rose in smoke before God’s throne. When the angel took the fire from the altar and threw it on the earth, the sights and sounds of approaching wrath began.
From the crucible of persecution, the faithful followers of Jesus Christ had been calling out to God. They held onto their faith, and waited for the Lord they believed to be sovereign over all circumstances to act on their behalf. The response of the faithful to the approaching calamity would be quite different from that of the unbelievers. The destruction of the enemies would be the deliverance of the saints. God did not choose to intervene before many suffered and died for their faith, but his intervention was certain. Those who suffered loss, even of life, for his sake were secure and safe with him.
Language seems to strain under the weight of conveying the reality of the spiritual realm to those of us who are living in flesh bodies in a material world. But even if we’re unsure of the specifics, we get the general picture being painted. God’s people are safe and secure. God’s enemies are in really big trouble. This message should instill courage and confidence in those washed in the Lamb’s blood and living under his shepherding. It should strike fear into the hearts of those who have resisted and
rejected him.
Our prayers confessing dependence and reliance upon God are like sweet incense in heaven’s throne room. God is not bothered by his children’s prayers any more than a pleasant aroma annoys us. Conversely, I wonder if our complaints are like some unpleasant odor, and if our ingratitude and prayerless lives rob the Lord of glory and pleasure he is due. Is the angel’s bowl of incense prayers more full because of your prayer life?
From The Abiding Companion: A Friendly Guide for Your Journey Through the New Testament,
Copyright © 2010 by Michael B. McElroy. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Today in God's Word—January 2024
East Tallassee Church of Christ
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