Revelation 8:3-5 And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given to him much incense… I. THE ANGEL AND THE ALTAR. It is the altar that stood in the holy place that is here referred to in the third verse, not the brazen altar; it is the golden altar, the altar of incense; the altar of prayer and praise; the altar at which the priests ministered, and where also blood was sprinkled. In what respects it differed from the mercy-seat (at the place of prayer) does not quite appear. At this altar all who are God's priests, all His royal priesthood, officiate. Here specially they stand, as pleaders with God, as intercessors on behalf of His own or against His enemies. To this altar the angel comes (not one of the seven), and here he takes his stand for a special purpose. II. THE ANGEL AND THE CENSER. He comes to act as priest; a priestly messenger from God. III. THE ANGEL AND THE INCENSE. It is no empty censer that he holds; it is not for show that he waves it. Incense is there; incense not his, but supplied by another, though by whom is not said. "There was given him." It is much incense, or, literally, "many incenses," out of which were to come innumerable wreaths of fragrant smoke. IV. THE ANGEL AND THE FIRE. The angel having emptied the censer of its incense, fills it with fire; the pouring out of the one from the censer being the signal for the coming in of the other into that vessel from which the incense had been poured out. 1. Prayer remains often long unanswered. The reasons for the long delay are often far beyond our reach; but in the end they will be found infinitely wise and gracious. 2. Prayer is not lost. It lies on "the golden altar which is before the throne." We lay each petition there, as we say, "for Christ's sake." 3. Prayer will be answered. Delay will only add to the fulness of the answer, and increase our joy when it comes. And it will come. He is faithful that promised. He cannot deny Himself. 4. The answer will come in connection with Christ's surpassing excellence. His fragrance is to be cast upon these long-lying prayers, that seem without life or motion, and they shall arise. 5. Prayer is often answered in ways we little thought of. (H. Bonar, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: 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. |
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