Revelation 5:8-14 – 8 And when he had taken it, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of God’s people. 9 And they sang a new song, saying: “You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people and nation. 10 You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth.” 11 Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. 12 In a loud voice they were saying: “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!” 13 Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, saying: “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!” 14 The four living creatures said, “Amen,” and the elders fell down and worshiped.
“8 And when he had taken it, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of God’s people.” The Lamb of God, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ has stepped forward and received the glory, praise and honor that only God deserves. Him, the Son, being fully God and having suffered, died and been resurrected for our sake, in complete obedience to the Father and guided and empowered by the Holy Spirit, stands alone and is set and ready to open the scroll and break the seals. Celebration in complete abandon to honor the Lamb of God erupts. This is greater than the last second game winning touchdown in the Super Bowl, or the winning shot in the last game of the NBA finals, or the walk off game winning grand slam in game seven of the World Series. The total glee, the shouts of triumph and honor are, and the total giving over to the moment is released by the four living creatures, and the elders. Imagine a person who is watching the Super Bowl, who has never before watched a football game, and comes in to watch the final minute of the game and the winning touchdown. When the touchdown is scored and everybody in the room starts celebrating, he doesn’t know why. He doesn’t know the importance of the moment. He looks around and smiles at their celebration but he himself is not celebrating. He doesn’t understand what was done. He doesn’t understand the victory. So it is that those of us who love and obey the Lord Jesus look for and celebrate this moment when the Lamb of God, who paved the way to heaven for us, steps forward and receives the honor that only He can receive. However, those who have not been washed clean by the blood of Christ, don’t understand, they don’t celebrate. Praise God! Family, we may not be actually present there, but even now we can celebrate the moment that is sure to come, and maybe very soon! Praise, glory and honor to our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ!
Each of the living creatures and the elders held a harp. In this book the harp is an instrument of praise. These were pouring out their hearts, with all they could, in praise and adoration of the Lamb of God. What a sight! What a ripening fruit that is soon to be enjoyed!
Also each of the living creatures and the elders had a golden bowls filled with incense. The incense represents the prayers of God’s people (Psalm 141:2). When incense is lit in a room, the aroma of it fills the room. Each breath in the room is filled with the incense. Here we see the prayers of the saints lifted up to God. He breathes them in and has an answer for each one. The prayers of His people are precious to Him, they are kept in golden bowels. This reminds us that God not only hears all of our prayers, but each one, big and small, is important to Him. We must never forget our prayers, God never does. In faith, we must remember them so that when the prayers we thought were not to be fulfilled, when they are actually fulfilled, then we will give credit to God and thank Him for His goodness and faithfulness. Family, if we are not walking in the Spirit, if our minds are not on God, then we may not give Him credit for the blessings we receive. If we don’t give Him credit, then when we bow our heads in prayer, we will not thank Him. If we don’t remember our prayers, then how will we thank Him for something we have not even given Him credit for? We must see the blessings God sends and give Him full credit for the blessings. God will often use others to bless us, but the blessings originate from God. Let God receive the ultimate praise and glory. Let’s remember our prayers so that God will be thanked. Giving God the credit and having hearts full of thankfulness, will build our faith and bring about the reality of God in our lives. May our hearts be full of praise to God! Praise God who is good to us beyond our comprehension and loves us with a love that is ever-present and eternal! Praise God!
Psalm 150:6 – Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord!
Micah 7:7 – But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.
Micah 6:8 – He has shown You, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of You but to do justly, to love mercy, And to walk humbly with Your God.