November 9: GOLDEN BOWLS AND PRECIOUS PRAYERS
Then one of the four living creatures gave to the seven angels seven golden bowls full of the wrath of God who lives forever and ever. Revelation 15:7
Let us look back at previously mentioned golden bowls. At the newly resurrected Savior’s inauguration ceremony, the twenty-four elders were present and in possession of golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints (5:8). It is deeply touching that they, as representatives of their redeemed brothers and sisters (v.9), would personally hold these as they anticipated that moment when the Lamb would take possession of the sealed scroll. With this in mind, the upcoming dispensing of the seven last plagues reveals a direct connection between God’s righteous judgments and the prayers of the saints. Note that in between the inauguration and the last plagues are the trumpet judgments; partial judgments mingled with mercy and redemptive in nature (see 8:5). The prayers of the saints are very precious to our God, and throughout the trumpet judgments were taken into account. Of special note is that the sounding of the last trumpet judgment coincides with the beginning of the final plagues which will fall very rapidly. Compare these three verses: 10:7; 11:15; 15:6-7.
As we continue in chapters 15 through 18, it is helpful to see that these chapters build upon chapters 12 through 14. In chapter 12, the central theme focuses on the efforts of the dragon to destroy the New Testament church. Chapter 13 reveals the rage of nations and exposes their plots (Psalm 2:1-3). Chapter 14 turns directly to God’s response to the anger of nations, including one final, life-saving message called the everlasting gospel (v.6). The second of three parts to the message points to the confusing conglomeration of religious ideas, dubbed Babylon, as fallen, fallen (v.8). While this worldwide religious system has proven itself to be unredeemable, as foreshadowed long ago (see Isaiah 13:19; 21:9; Jeremiah 51:9,31,33,51-58), the message is one of salvation for all who choose to come out of that system (18:4) and become true servants of Christ.
God’s people can joyfully look forward to a greater understanding — soon! — of His divine rule. His government is one of completeness and perfection. The four living creatures that surround His throne must be very magnificent and imposing. They are very likely an exalted type of angel with highly specialized responsibilities. Though they seem quite difficult to describe, they are undoubtedly very beautiful. Isaiah and Ezekiel both experienced visions of them (see Isaiah 6:1,6 & Ezekiel 1:5-25), and their descriptions are astonishing. Isaiah immediately launched a confession of his foul mouth, including himself in the sins of his people (Isaiah 6:5) and Ezekiel took in as much of the sight as he could stand, and then fell flat on his face (Ezekiel 1:28). In today’s verse, one of these living creatures is in charge of giving out the seven golden bowls full of the wrath of God. For all the joy that the four living creatures have experienced in the presence of God, this is a solemn assignment. Fortunately, it is a task that will never have to be repeated.
Our mighty and loving God has many descriptive names that are intended to reveal His various character traits. Here, he is the One who lives forever and ever. Is it possible to even begin to describe the graciousness He possesses in desiring to secure everlasting life for His people? The gift of eternal life is far beyond the best that we can imagine! The joys of it will never get old. His people will never get old.
…eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality… Romans 2:7