Last time, we heard about a silence in heaven and how it plays a role in the preparations for God’s judgment. Trumpets are given to angels. These trumpets will be blown as an announcement of the judgments.
But more happens during the silence in heaven. We learn this from verses 3-5a. In verse 3a, it says, “And another angel came and stood at the altar.” Another angel appears. He stands beside the altar, which is the altar of burnt offerings. Let us remember that the earthly temple was built according to the pattern in heaven. How can we ever approach God except through the shedding of blood? Therefore, this altar points to Christ's work on earth. He is the Lamb of God who died for the sins of the world. He offered that sacrifice to His Father. The heavenly altar of burnt offering points to that.
We then read, “having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense.” That angel has a censer in his hand. It is a type of pan. In the Old Testament, priests used it to bring glowing coals from the altar of burnt offerings to the altar of incense, so that the incense would produce a wonderful aroma. The altar of incense was located in the Holy Place, just in front of the curtain behind which the ark was kept. This was the place where God dwelled. Therefore, this incense was a form of glorifying God, which was pleasing to Him. We observe a similar event happening in Revelation 8. The angel takes the censer and incense he receives to the throne of the LORD and places it there, so that it will disperse a wonderful fragrance around the throne.
We then read, “that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne.” The angel places the prayers of the saints (all the saints!) before the throne, along with this incense. The prayers of the saints are mixed with this incense and thus come before God's throne. Why are the prayers mixed with the incense? Well, the prayers of the saints are always imperfect, but they are combined with fragrant incense and are thereby purified, cleansed, and refined. Everything points to Christ's work and His righteousness and holiness that are imputed to us, and His Spirit who prays with and for the saints.
Next time, God willing, I will share more about the prayers. For now, consider the activity in heaven and how everything is centered on earth, God’s work. And at the heart of it is Christ’s atoning work. What a precious thought!