Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of God’s people. Revelation 5:8b (Revelation 8-13)
The prayers of the faithful play a significant role in outcome. In addition to 5:8, 8:3 tells of a wonderful aroma, our prayers, pleasing to God. John sees these prayers as a treasure in Heaven and he watches as God brings the answer to petitions.
John is shown a picture of God preparing Heaven and earth for final judgement. God’s people are represented as a woman with a crown of stars who gives birth to a Son who rules all nations, but Satan rises in opposition with political oppression followed by all out war and religious persecution. When destruction from outside doesn’t bring an end to God’s people, false prophets, also called false lambs, begin tearing apart The Church from within. With the powers of Heaven doing battle for good, Satan fails.
We struggle with what Satan is, and the pain and sorrow in which he delights, but it is of great importance for us to recognize what he is NOT! John’s vision has a great deal to do with this understanding. Satan is not a god, certainly not The God! He has no power of all-knowing, all-presence, all-being. He fears the name of Christ and knows his doom is inevitable.
God protects and cares for His own. The prayers of the Saints have worked! They are the most valuable asset we have. When you think your prayers haven’t been heard or honored, remember, they have not been stored in the dusty archives of Heaven, but are an active part of worship here and beyond, today and for all eternity. Pray Saint Pray!!!!
Love,
Gretchen