Concerning this salvation, the prophets, who spoke of the grace that was to come to you, searched intently and with the greatest care, trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of the Messiah and the glories that would follow. It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you, when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things. 1 Peter 1:10-12 [NIV]
Whenever I get a new book I do something really pedantic. I read the contents, preface and the foreword. I love historical novels, so I’ll read the cast of characters at the front (the more characters in a novel the better!). And I’ll read the dedication. Often the author says for whom the book is written. Authors can remain strangely anonymous in their books, and so it’s a tantalising glimpse at someone I’m eager to find out more about.
Imagine opening a book, even the world’s most popular book, and seeing in the dedication at the front your own name. For my friend… With affection. Now as Christians of course we know that the Bible was inspired by the Spirit for us. It’s God’s communication to us. We know it’s written for us and speaks to us. But the amazing truth comes to light in these verses that the authors of the Old Testament by the Spirit knew that they weren’t writing for themselves, but for a generation to come, “you”.
As those who have trusted in Jesus we are in the position of the greatest privilege. Our world suffers from over-entitlement – a lot of people think they have a right to more than they do! The cult of celebrity (even, or especially, of Christian celebrity) grows the desire we have to be special out of control. The truth is that we are special, entirely unique and loved by God, but also absolutely normal and ordinary, just one of 7 billion. The Bible teaches us not to think of ourselves more highly than we should (Romans 12:3), while also recognising that we are in the position of the most enormous privilege. God’s entire plan for human history is being fulfilled in our lives. Our coming to faith, our receiving new life is part of “the glories that would follow” the suffering of the Messiah (v.11). All the prophets looked for this (v.10-11), the angels long to understand it (v.12), but it is us who experience God’s desire for the human race – knowing himself through Jesus’ cross and resurrection.
Read the passage again. Slowly. What else is God saying to you through these words?
Thank God for the position of privilege you find yourself in. Ask that you would enjoy it today.
Maybe you’ve enjoyed the slow, sipping, savouring read of 1 Peter 1:1-12 during this week. You may want to take this method of reading with you to other parts of the Bible. Ask God to keep your palate fresh every day, and enjoy the flavours!!
Olly Mears
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