Revelation 8:1-6

Picking up where we left off in this remarkable scene, we see the effectiveness of the prayers of all the saints in God’s dealings in the world. And second, we see God’s timing, in His mercy, to redeem the world and His people. With each passing second of silence, heaven waits, the angels adjust their trumpets and prepare to give their ear-piercing blast, earth groans under the cruelty and ugliness of rampant rebellion, and we can rest in believing that God’s timing is best. Hang in there, keep waiting just a little while longer!

Revelation 8:1-5

There are two remarkable aspects of this passage in Revelation 8 that have the potential to impact our lives in a marvelous way. First, we see the collected prayers of the saints down through the ages that result in the decisive action of the Lord in the world. And second, we see the timing of God in pouring His concentrated wrath upon the world. Both aspects are incredibly helpful for us to meditate upon.

Revelation 7:9-17

In life, we rarely see the spiritual impact of our daily obedience to God, but in Revelation 7 we are given a glimpse into the results of these 144,000 Jewish evangelists. This reminds us of the invisible impact of our service to God, it shows us that the most important thing is living for Him, and it encourages us that even when we can’t see the effects of our obedience, eternity will tell the full story. And we also have the same comforts offered to these people awaiting us when we get to heaven.