Originally published by Wandaalger.me.
I wrote an article several years ago about the Song of the Lamb from Revelation 4 and 5 and the power released when the saints declare the holiness of our God. As I was studying this heavenly activity, I suddenly saw a connection with government and praying for our leaders. In this passage, there is a supernatural chain of events that occur when elders worship. The heavenly host that calls all of creation to bow down before a Holy God only comes AFTER the elders bow down in worship!
And whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to Him who is seated on the throne, who lives forever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall down before Him who is seated on the throne and worship Him who lives forever and ever. They cast their crowns before the throne, saying, “Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created. (Revelation 4:9-11 ESV)
The elders in Revelation represent governing authority in the heavens. I believe they can also represent governing authorities on the earth – both in the Church as well as Christian leaders in the government. If we are to reflect God’s will “on earth as it is in heaven” there is a pattern here to learn from. According to this picture, the elders are responding to the four living creatures who sit right next to the throne. The elders’ close proximity to the throne and to the activities of heaven COMPEL them to respond in worship by throwing down their crowns in order to give all glory to the King on His 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. (Revelation 5:8-10)
Notice that the elders respond to the sacrifice of the Lamb and His sole right to secure salvation and rule from the heavens. Notice, also, that they are “holding a harp,” representing their life of worship. The golden bowls of incense are the prayers of the saints. I believe this indicates the call upon governing leaders on the earth to live a life of worship and prayer if they are to rightly discern the activities of heaven. If they do, and willingly lay down their crowns and personal glory, a chain reaction of events will occur in the heavens!
What happened after this declaration in verses 8-10 reveals the result of the elder’s actions. Myriads of angels joined in the chorus and called every created thing to bow down and worship the Holy One who lives forever! This includes every demon from hell! This pattern of worship will result in demons submitting to the throne and losing their ground! Principalities will have to bow! Territorial spirits will have to submit! This kind of worship, led by the four living creatures and elders, triggers an avalanche of power from the throne to defeat and unseat every other god and power that has set itself up against the throne of God!
As if to bring it full circle, the chapter concludes with the elders responding by giving all praise and honor to the Lord for causing this to happen. And the four living creatures said, “Amen!” and the elders fell down and worshiped. (Revelation 5:14)
We need to pray for our governing leaders and those in positions of spiritual authority. We need to pray that they would stay in close proximity to the throne of God through their worship and prayers. We must pray that their hearts would be hungry and their spirits stirred to WATCH and LISTEN to the instructions coming from the throne and then respond accordingly.
We must pray that our gifted and charismatic leaders would not fall prey to taking the glory unto themselves, but gladly throw their crowns before the Lamb. Let us pray that they use their God-given authority wisely and humbly, willingly surrendering it all for the sake of The One who laid down His life so that all would have access to His throne.
Two Free Prayer Guides:
Praying for Oneness of Heart and Mind in the Church
Praying the Fear of the Lord on our Leaders
Originally published by Wandaalger.me.
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