Scripture: When the Lamb opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour. Then I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and seven trumpets were given to them. And another angel came and stood at the altar with a golden censer, and he was given much incense to offer with the prayers of all the saints on the golden altar before the throne, and the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, rose before God from the hand of the angel. Then the angel took the censer and filled it with fire from the altar and threw it on the earth, and there were peals of thunder, rumblings, flashes of lightning, and an earthquake.
Revelation 8:1-5 ESV [Click here to read the entire chapter.]
Observation: Recapping Friday’s Daily Focus, John witnesses an innumerable multitude from every nation standing before the throne and the Lamb with palm branches in hands, shouting, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” (v.10) Simultaneously, all the angels prostrate before the throne and worship God, saying, “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen.” (v.12) At this point, an elder questions John regarding the identity of those clothed in white robes. John respectfully defers to the angel, who explains they persevered through the “great tribulation” and resultantly washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb, which whitened them. Therefore, they continuously serve God before his throne, and God shelters them with his presence. Hence, they never suffer for sustenance or lack energy, for the Lamb will be their shepherd, guiding them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away their tears.
Today’s reading continues the divine revelation of our Triune God with the opening of the seventh seal and the prayers of the saints in preparation for the seven trumpets of judgment. As expected, the Lamb opens the seventh seal, followed by a half-hour of observed silence. At this point, John sees seven angels standing before God, each receiving a trumpet. An eighth angel approaches the golden altar before the throne with a golden censer filled with much incense representing the prayers of the saints. The wafting smoke (prayers) rises before God. Lastly, the angel fills the now-empty censer with fire and hurls it to earth, which provokes thundering lightning and an earthquake.
Takeaway: After the long interlude of worship, it is time to open the seventh seal that will precipitate the seven trumpets of judgment against rebellious humankind. It is a solemn moment in history that marks the beginning of the end of our sin-marred world and, hence, warrants an extended interruption of worship to hear the cries of the saints. It may also signify a kind of Sabbath pause before the great work of cleansing and making all things new. However, most scholars surmise that the silence is the calm before this horrific storm of God’s wrath on earth. Still, there’s no reason to rule out that the extended silence encompasses all three elements.
Regardless of the basis for the silence, the focus of this passage is prayer for judgment. The saints plead for righteous judgment. God hears their prayers, and the angel acts on God’s behalf and initiates God’s response. Indeed, we see a basis for associating incense with prayer in a psalm of David, where he asks the Lord to give an ear to his voice: “Let my prayer be counted as incense before you, and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice!” (Psalm 141:2 ESV)
But what are we to make of prayers for judgment? There are numerous examples in the Old Testament, including fourteen imprecatory psalms (Psalms 7, 35, 55, 58, 59, 69, 79, 83, 109, and 137). And we see Jesus pray for judgment as his woes against cities and religious leaders who reject his Gospel imply. But are such prayers devoid of mercy? No. Jesus explains to the man born blind after generating his vision, “For judgment I came into this world, that those who do not see may see, and those who see may become blind” (John 9:39 ESV). Our Triune God’s judgment intends to open our eyes to our sinful ways and provoke repentance. Still, whether ancient Israel, the people at the end of the age, or each of us, if we fail to heed the fallout of our sins, judgment will reach its fulfillment in us.
Our takeaway? Offer the incense of our heartfelt prayers of confession and pleas for forgiveness. Then, trust that God hears our prayers and prioritizes our words of contrition and repentance. Jesus illustrates this reality in his parable of the lost sheep. The shepherd leaves behind the ninety-nine to find and return the one lost sheep and rejoices when he recovers it. And heaven’s response? In Jesus’ words, “Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance” (Luke 15:7 ESV). Lastly, these comforting words should also spark us to pray for mercy when pleading to God to judge those who have sinned against us. As the Parable of the Unmerciful Servant (Matthew 18:21-35) reveals, it will not go well for us if we withhold mercy.
Prayer: Father God, we thank you for your Son, who always prayed according to your will and continues to pray for us from his heavenly office (Romans 8:24). We also thank you for your Holy Spirit, who intercedes for us, even when words escape us (Romans 8:26-27). Still, we confess we have short memories and fail to remember the outpouring of your grace and mercy when we have sinned. So please convict us when we pray for judgment on those who persecute us (Matthew 5:44) so that we might remember to ask you to impart your mercy on them and lead them to repentance and restoration. Amen.
Rev. Gordon Green, M.Div., M.A. Counseling
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