Fill the Altar Bowl!

“And between the throne and the four living creatures and among the elders I saw a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain, with seven horns and with seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth.  And he went and took the scroll from the right hand of him who was seated on the throne. And when he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each holding a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. And they sang a new song, saying,

‘Worthy are you to take the scroll
    and to open its seals,
for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God
    from every tribe and language and people and nation,
and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God,
    and they shall reign on the earth.’

“Then I looked, and I heard around the throne and the living creatures and the elders the voice of many angels, numbering myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, saying with a loud voice, 

‘Worthy is the Lamb who was slain,
to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might
and honor and glory and blessing!’

“And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying, 

‘To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb
be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!’

“And the four living creatures said, ‘Amen!’ and the elders fell down and worshiped.” Revelation 5:6-14

“And another angel came and stood at the altar with a golden censer, and he was given much incense to offer with the prayers of all the saints on the golden altar before the throne, and the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, rose before God from the hand of the angel.” Revelation 8:3-4

This mysterious and glorious picture of the throne of the Lamb shines forth in a unison of praise. Elders, living creatures and myriads of angels surround the Worthy One, with new and ongoing songs of honor and blessing to the divine and majestic Regent. Bowls full of prayers- the hopes and fears and longings and praises of numerable saints through the ages- are offered at the altar. Their pleasing aroma satisfies the One who satisfied our redemption and satisfies the human heart and personality. He who sits on the throne victorious is rightful owner of honor and power.

Filling moments with praise gives days of vision and joy. Yielding to Christ’s rightful place in and over us enriches the meaning of every pursuit.

Would we approach the throne? Would we set aside the sideways glance at differences to gaze at the Holy One, slain for us and all our pettiness, and lift high His might and worth? Would we bring a new song of gratitude and trust, awakened insight and fresh praises for all He is and has done? Would we join the worship of thousands times ten thousands in exalting the only true King of kings and Lord of lords? (Revelation 19:16)

Lord, may I boldly set aside lesser occupations to worship You as the only Sovereign, whose honor and eternal dominion are worthy of my praise, and life. (1 Timothy 5:15-16)