Read Revelation 8:1-5.
We now come to the seven trumpets. These follow the seven seals with the exception that the seventh seal contains the content or activities of the seven trumpets. The seventh seal bringing the greatest catastrophe upon the earth, the seven trumpets represent the fullest outpouring of God’s wrath. As you will see in the coming days, to be alive on earth at this time will be nearly unbearable. I am thankful that God is my Protector and Salvation…
The coming quake of wrath is begun with silence. I can imagine the seventh seal being opened, and a great gasp sounding from the heavenlies as the forthcoming wrath is revealed but not yet executed. I imagine the gasp is followed with an awe of silence.
During this silence, an interesting transition takes place. Incense and the prayers of the saints are gathered together with hot coals on the altar and are presented before God as the smoke rises to Him. The censer (or fire pan) that once contained the hot coals for the altar is then filled with the contents of the altar — prayer, incense, and hot coals – and is hurled to the earth which is said to bring “thunder, rumblings, flashes of lightning, and an earthquake.” Now think about that for a moment. Our prayers aren’t being thrown to the earth because they are ineffective or worthless. Indeed, they are precious, so much so that God’s response to them is partly His motivation for executing His wrath. He loves His children so much; He hears our prayers; He responds with love that says He will not allow evil to continue to affect us. Our prayers go before God’s work like a banner with our names written upon it. Not only do our prayers reflect our allegiance to God, but they reflect God’s allegiance and commitment to us.
Today’s passage is a good reminder that while our prayers aren’t always answered right away, the wait is not a reflection of His commitment to us. God is always committed to us, and He often holds off on our prayers until He is ready. It is not always an easy thing to wait – sometimes we may even think He is deaf to our prayers – but today’s passage tells me that when people are praying during the most difficult time in the world’s history, God will store up those prayers for a future time when vindication and final peace will be accomplished. So let us not grow weary in our prayers. What may seem like useless prayers now may one day be revealed as a warehouse for God’s glory and vindication.