10 This salvation was something even the prophets wanted to know more about when they prophesied about this gracious salvation prepared for you. 11 They wondered what time or situation the Spirit of Christ within them was talking about when he told them in advance about Christ’s suffering and his great glory afterward.
12 They were told that their messages were not for themselves, but for you. And now this Good News has been announced to you by those who preached in the power of the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. It is all so wonderful that even the angels are eagerly watching these things happen.
1 Peter 1:10-12
Dear God, if I’ve ever noticed these verses before I do not remember them. They are totally new to me now, but I love them. I love Peter’s description of the Old Testament Prophets’ confusion and lack of knowledge over the very prophecies Jesus was giving them. How or why would this Christ suffer? That didn’t make sense to them.
Then to say that they were told that the prophecies weren’t for them for for us. For me. What an interesting thing for them to experience. What a disappointing thing for them. What a sad thing for them.
When I sat down here this morning, I was really feeling sorry for myself. In fact, I sat down and tried to think of a passage that would make me feel better, but nothing came to mind. So I went to my standard way of doing by going to Bible Gateway and looking to see their verse of the day. Interestingly, the verse was verse 13, the one right after these three verses. But it starts with the word “so,” and whenever I see that I always go back to look for the context of the “so.” So, I looked back and the preceding verses, and I found this wonderful encouragement through the ignorance and lack of participation in the good things of your plan by the very prophets who were so close to you they spoke your words to the people. Isaiah. Jeremiah. Micah. I could list them all. My point is, although they were prophets, they were not given full understanding. And many of them suffered for your message. So who am I to think I deserve any better.
Father, thank you for these prophets of old. I know they are enjoying their eternity with you right now. I know they love and worship you in this moment. And they are in the midst of your complete joy. I too will one day experience your joy in the afterlife. But in this moment, there are so many things for which I can be and should be grateful. You have given me so much. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. And thank you for answering my heartfelt prayers yesterday. I have more prayers to offer you. You know what they are. I pray them in the silence of my heart right now. I give it all to you.
I pray this in Jesus and with your Holy Spirit,
Amen