Scripture
Revelation 8:4-5: – and the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, rose before God from the hand of the angel. Then the angel took the censer and filled it with fire from the altar and threw it on the earth, and there were peals of thunder, rumblings, flashes of lightning, and an earthquake.
Observation–
The prayers of God’s people (the saints) are an offering to God that He hears. God hears the prayer of His people and acts to deliver them similar to the cry for rescue in Exodus. The angel throws fire on the earth and thus begins God’s final Judgement.
Application –
God is a just and holy God and he created us in His image to know and honor Him. From the Garden forward, we have turned our backs to God and sinned against Him. A just and holy God can’t tolerate sin. In his grace, God sent Jesus to pay for our sin so we can repent and have a relationship with the Father. There is but one way to the Father, through the son. I must remember the gospel daily and know that God loved me so much that He saved me and hears our prayers. Jesus is returning and God will have a final day of judgement for those that don’t know Him. This is eternity in Hell separated from God.
Prayer –
Father,
Thank you for sending Jesus to save us from death. Thank you for hearing and acting on our prayers. Let the Spirit guide me to live with a sense of urgency for those who are lost facing judgement and an eternity in Hell.