Thoughts

Setting the Scene

In chapter 5, the book with the seven seals is introduced. No one in heaven or on the earth was able to open the book or look into it. And John wept. But then one of the elders told him to stop weeping because the Lion from the tribe of Judah (who is Jesus) was able.

And then in chapter 6, the first six seals are opened. Only one seal remained.

But in chapter 7, there was an interlude, and 144,000 from the twelve tribes were sealed as the bond-servants of God. And a great multitude from all over the earth began to cry with a loud voice, praising God and the Lamb.

Chapter 8

Now in chapter 8, try to picture the scene in your mind's eye. There is a great multitude of people in Heaven before the throne. Some are those who have believed in Jesus, 144,000 of them are from the 12 tribes of Israel, there is a multitude of angels, and there is the Lamb, the Son of God sitting at the right hand of God, who is at the center of it all.

And then, the seventh seal is opened. Everyone has been waiting for this moment. Everyone is focused on the Book. The seal is opened…and there was silence for half and hour. For 30 minutes, everyone was still. Waiting. What will happen with the breaking of the seventh seal? But before anything happens, there is silence.

Try listening to silence for just 15 seconds.

Imagine 30 minutes. is 120 times as long. Can you imagine a scene like that, with all of those beings, possibly millions, and there is….silence?

There was such anticipation and wonder at what the breaking of the seventh seal would bring.

After the Silence

And the next thing that happens at the end of the 30 minute silence brings a powerful message.

After the silence, at the peak of anticipation, when you know all eyes were on the throne, an angel came and stood at the altar with incense. And the prayers of the believers, along with the incense went up before God out of the angel’s hand.

Prayer's Impact

Do you think prayer is important? Do you think God pays attention? Absolutely! Imagine the focus of all of Heaven here! Every eye is observing the scene here at the altar. No one knows what the breaking of the seventh seal will bring, and they are all watching closely. And a very special angel brings your prayers and mine and lifts them up to God at this eternally important time in history.

It is the prayers of God's people that precede the final moments of the history of this world. T. F. Torrance, the 20th century Scottish theologian said, “More potent, more powerful than all the dark and mighty powers let loose in the world, more powerful than anything else, is the power of prayer set ablaze by the fire of God and cast upon the earth.”

Do you think your prayers aren't important to God? From what we've seen here, I would say that God considers prayer as vitally important.

Today's Bible Translation

Bible translation used in today's episode: Ch. 7-9 NASB, Ch. 10-11 WEB

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