“ things into which angels long to look”–1 Peter 1:12
Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
We really don’t know much about those creatures which the Word of God calls “ angels.” Australian theologian Dr. Graham Cole notes that the term angels “broadly considered covers all sorts of spiritual beings, from seraphim to archangels to Satan to demons” ( Against the Darkness, 31). And because the Bible supplies us with precious little information about these spiritual creatures, we need to consider them (and draw our conclusions about them) with a great degree of humility.
From Genesis to Revelation, we find angels mentioned over 80 times, sprinkled here and there in the unfolding drama of redemption as it flows from creation to consummation. Of course, we do know that there are elect angels and fallen angels (see 1 Tim. 5:21). There are those angels who rebelled with Satan against God, and those that did not.
I’ve often wondered what it must be like for those “ elect angels” (which Paul mentions to Timothy, 1 Tim. 5:21). Imagine what they see, what they experience, what they hear, and what they know! I am especially curious about those angelic creatures depicted so strangely in Isaiah 6. There, they are called the “ Seraphim” (6:2), and they minister to the Lord in His heavenly temple. Their appearance is, in a word, rather bizarre! They have six wings each; two shielding their faces, two covering their feet, and two with which they fly.
All of this makes Peter’s passing comment so startling! If you take time to read 1 Peter 1:1-11 you’ll discover that the context of this claim about the angels is a description of the glory of our salvation, which our Savior has accomplished for us in His magnificent grace.
Peter summarizes our salvation in verses 3-4 as, “ a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,” and as receiving “ an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven.”
Now, it is precisely into this salvation that the angles of God “ long to look”!
So, let’s think for a moment or two about what this claim by the Apostle Peter really means in practical terms.
It means that even the “ elect angels” . . .
Are not made in the image and likeness of God.
They are not loved by our Father like we are.
They know nothing of God’s infinite mercy and amazing grace.
Christ’s blood was not shed for them to accomplish their full forgiveness and everlasting redemption.
They have no experiential knowledge of being born again.
They cannot pray “ Our Father in Heaven,” and they have no experience with answered prayer (Matt. 6:9).
They have no ‘personal’ relationship with our Father in heaven.
They are not led daily in the “ paths of righteousness” (Ps. 23:3).
They are not filled with the Holy Spirit.
They cannot cry out “ Abba! Father!” (Rom. 8:14).
They have no Intercessor and Great High Priest representing them before the Father.
They do not experience the eternal hope we possess in Christ.
They are not blessed with the “ peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension” (Phil. 4:7).
They are not destined to be “ conformed to the image” of God’s Son (Rom. 8:29).
And if we had time, we could add many other things to this list.
But now we can at least begin to understand why Peter made such a statement. The angles of heaven have nothing on us!
I believe Peter reveals what is, perhaps, the most significant difference between us and the angels, at least in terms of our daily lives. In 1 Peter 1:8 he tells us that right now, even in this life, with all of its perplexities, temptations, trials, and sorrows (1:6-7), we have a privilege that no angel could ever know. Even now, we “ greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory”!
Imagine that! The angles who serve our Great King are looking at us now and marveling that we, redeemed sinners, have such an incalculable, unimaginable joy at our disposal! It is a joy that leads to rejoicing at all times, in all places, and in all circumstances! It is a joy that only the Bride of Christ may share, the very joy of our Savior Himself!
On this new Monday I pray that you will outdo the angels and further stoke their curiosity! I pray that our Lord’s joy will fill your hearts, and that as the heavenly hosts witness the drama of our redemption unfolding, that they will join us in giving praise to God for such a great salvation!
I love you so dearly!
Mike
PS: Thank you for praying for us while we were away on vacation. The Lord blessed us with a special time of refreshment. I am also very grateful for Rev. Jim Daughtry and Rev. Dieter Paulson who preached in my absence.