NT 260: Part FourSample

The seventh seal is the worst because it releases seven trumpets that are also judgments. But before the judgments, we are told of prayers being offered to God along with incense being burned in a golden incense burner. The first four trumpet judgments are described in this chapter. The first burns one third of the earth; the second makes one-third of the oceans uninhabitable by people and fish; the third makes a third of the drinking water undrinkable; and the fourth removes a third of the light from the sun, moon, and stars.

The contrast between the events in heaven and on earth is extreme. In heaven, prayers are being offered to God mixed with the smell of incense. It’s encouraging to realize how our prayers are valued in heaven. Our quick requests for help are presented to God by angels as a wonderful smelling aroma. God seems to value our prayers more than we do sometimes.