June 2: TRUST HIS TIMING

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. Revelation 5:8

Note the spontaneous worship of those present at the sight of the Lamb of God as He took the sealed scroll. Later chapters will reveal the contents of the scroll, but the guarantee of the divine plan is assured in the taking of the scroll by the Savior. This is a celebration!

A brief review of the happenings thus far: Jesus encouraged the last-day church, which is nearly engulfed by the world, to overcome; for even the detestable state of lukewarmness is not out of Salvation’s reach. The reward for overcoming the enemy’s concentration of final attempts to submerge the church in worldliness and error is a place with Me [Jesus!] on the throne of God (3:21). Hear Him say: “I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward.” (Genesis 15:1)

The first item that drew John’s eye upon being lifted into the heavenly vision was the throne itself… and then the One [who] sat on the throne (4:2). No attempt was made by John to describe God the Father in any human form, for the majesty of His splendor eludes any human language or expression! The terms that he chose to use were borrowed from descriptive words for the beauty and brilliant radiance of precious gemstones (4:3).

Another significant lesson is intended by chapter four’s emphasis on the heavenly throne, and that is to contrast it with Satan’s throne (2:13; 13:2) and all of the suffering in the world as a direct result of his usurped authority.

The phrase each having a harp (or lyre) is a reference to the making of beautiful music by created beings because of the sure hope of the ultimate victory of good over evil. Those of us still living on the earth are invited to soar above the clouds through worship of our God and Savior through the harmonious strains of music directed heavenward.

God collects our prayers. Those in attendance had golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. This illustration hearkens back to the Old Testament tabernacle. Beloved, never hesitate to go directly to the Lord in prayer. Look to Him for your every need. And it is always appropriate to plead with Him on behalf of others. I have seen prayers answered for me in recent years that were prayed by my dear grandmother while she was still alive. Pray your prayers! The simplest prayer from the heart of one who looks to God is a treasure to Him. We are to trust Him for His perfect timing while seeking to honor Him wholeheartedly. His Spirit is sent (5:6) to guide us in all aspects of life, including our prayers!

For we are saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance. Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings that cannot be uttered. Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God. Romans 8:24-27