Since we are often in a continuing section of 1 Peter I will highlight the new stuff here.
We continue with 1 Peter 1:10-12 Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied of the grace that was to be yours made careful search and inquiry, inquiring about the person or time that the Spirit of Christ within them indicated when it testified in advance to the sufferings destined for Christ and the subsequent glory. It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in regard to the things that have now been announced to you through those who brought you good news by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven - things into which angels long to look.
Before Jesus as the Christ of God was living among God's people there was already a witness so that people might know this Christ who would be in the middle of things. The Spirit of Christ is the fullness of God - the healing presence of God - the salvation of God - alive among us. We see that in Jesus. Those to whom this letter is being sent (even us today) are to hear that God's unfolding saving grace has some long legs to it. And then - in Jesus - boom - God's Reigning power becomes utterly common among us. The 'truly human one' (the son of man) is revealed and the way of salvation (healing) of all things becomes concrete and available for all. I find this section to bring some good news to all of us. I particularly like the note at the end that the "angels" long to look at this glory. This is a glory - a life - a calling reserved for humanity. Humanity that exhibits the fullness of God's power is one that comes by way of this great gift called the Holy Spirit. The same Spirit that moved Jesus into the very heart of the promise of Messiah. Connection: Through us the Spirit makes the brilliance of the Christ known to the world. Yes it is in the shape of Jesus. And yes, it is also in the shape of the followers of Jesus no matter where they live and no matter what are the conditions under which they must live and let the Christ shine through. In the middle of what is so common, O God, your Spirit keeps pulling us. We need to be pulled and encouraged to let your light shine. Amen |
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