March 3, 2023 Devotional
1 Peter 1:12
It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in the things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look.
Angels have been showcased in Hollywood, in sports teams, and even as a common Christmas tree topper. Let’s face it. We have all seen ornate depictions of angelic beings with wings and a halo. Why are so many people fascinated by the thought of angels yet completely and utterly indignant toward God?
For, what must be understood of angels, is that they are messengers of God. Even as believers, we tend to be so curious and interested in hearing about these angelic beings. This is ironic, considering Peter tells us in the passage before us that angels long to look to us. To humans, who deserve damnation and hell, yet have been redeemed by the blood of a lamb without blemish (1 Peter 1:17-19). Peter is explaining here how the prophets of old were not proclaiming what they proclaimed for themselves but for the ones that were to come. You see, the prophets of old looked into the things of God and yearned for understanding. They proclaimed what was revealed to them, namely that a Messiah would come to suffer and redeem the children of Israel. Come He did, and He suffered in ways we could never contemplate or imagine. This suffering, the horrendously agonizing hours spent on that cross, was all done so that we may know God. So that we may be filled with the love and grace that could only flow from a tattered and wounded Savior. This is what angels long to look into. You see, no redemption is afforded to the angels (Hebrews 2:16). Redemption has come by One alone, and He took the form of a man to redeem man from his wicked ways.
May we, the very ones who can sing a sweet song of redemption, take note also of the angels’ gaze. May we truly see how great a gift has been bestowed to us. May we seek to use the opportunities our culture presents to us by engaging in conversations about angels with people, pointing them to the true concerns of these wonderous beings.
