Our Prayers are as Incense

 

Our Bible study began with a mention of the furniture in the Tent Tabernacle.  All this was a representation of Christ Jesus and a reflection of our worship of today.  From my notes I present an edited lesson.

Revelations 8:1-5  And when he had opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven about the space of half an hour.  And I saw the seven angels which stood before God; and to them were given seven trumpets.  And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne.  And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel's hand.  And the angel took the censer, and filled it with fire of the altar, and cast it into the earth: and there were voices, and thundering, and lightning, and an earthquake.

The prayers of the Saints were added to the incense; you might ask Why?

Through out history God talks about His people.  At creation, He met with Adam and Eve in the evening and walked and talked with them.

It is incredibly important to God to listen; to process the petition and participate.  He has the ability to fellowship with his creation and there is now free access to fellowship with our creator 24/7 in the Holy of Holies.

Song of Solomon 1:3 - - Thy name is as ointment poured forth - -This is an allegory of marriage and the Church and the fragrance of the Church.  We are a sweet savor onto God.

II Corinthians 2:15  For we are unto God a sweet savor of Christ, in them that are saved,

Jesus was made a little lower than the angels; coming to earth in human form to live among us and experience all that mankind endures.  He overcame all even death.

Hebrews 2:9- But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honor; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.

As we search the scriptures, we see confirmation to all that we believe.  There is a reflection of  submission rather than rebellion.  Not an attitude of selfishness saying, “I want to do what I want.”  “It is my body and it is my right.”  Sins are committed in the name of inconvenience.   Let us be lovers and not haters.

See how precious we are to God and how He desires our fellowship.

Ephesians 6:18-20  Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;  And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,  For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

Regardless of how you feel “personally,” we must love and care for people and watch our reaction when we are faced with something we do not agree with.

In this world there are terrible situations that create “deep grief” that can be carried for years causing dreadful scares in the mind and emotions.

Forgiveness is necessary, but speak in “love,” for many of these do NOT know Jesus.

We can pray for the sick and afflicted.  And if they are a Christian their prayers mingle with ours.  Our prayers are as incense. 

Psalms 141:2-3  Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.  Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.

There was silence in Heaven for half an hour, and fire from the altar was cast down to the earth to burn.  Revelations 8:3  And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne.