1Peter 1

“Things in which angels long to look.” This phrase appears in 1 Peter 1:12, and it really stuck out to me. I used to think if I were in the presence of God, nothing would be able to draw my attention from Him. But then I read verses 3-12 again and I realized their attention was not draw from God, but towards God.

Peter, in chapter 1 of his first letter to the churches of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia opens with a word of encouragement. That word is “hope”. Peter explains that our hope is, or should, be rooted on an inheritance that will never run out or fade, and on our eternal salvation. More importantly though, is the understanding that God provides this hope ultimately through the resurrection of Jesus. Without Jesus, there is no such hope. And because of Jesus, we can be assured that we can stand firmly on our hope, especially when life’s circumstances seem to become unbearable. It’s actually those trials that God uses to grow us in our faith in Him.

Those that have served in the military my remember going through the gas chamber. For those that have not had the pleasure, I will try to briefly explain. As part of training against chemical and biological warfare, soldiers are made to enter into a small room filled with tear gas while wearing their gas mask and gloves. Once inside they are instructed to take a deep breath, close their eyes and lift the lower half of the mask up past their nose. After a few seconds they return the mask and begin the process of clearing out their mask of any gas that may have been trapped inside. Once they feel comfortable they have thoroughly cleared their mask, they open their eyes and take a deep breath. If done correctly, then everything is fine. But if not, then they would typically find themselves running for the door with all sorts of glands in their face working in overdrive. The point of this exercise is to not only teach the soldiers how to properly use their equipment, but it also shows that the equipment will work. So it helps build confidence that the tool will work when you need it. This is how I understand verses 6 & 7.

When things start getting tough and uncertain, we should lean on the faith and hope of better things eternally because it was provided by and made secure by God. As we practice that we experience God working amazingly in our lives. It blessing may not be materially, but it will definitely grow us to a sense of peace, instead of defeat. All of these trials should be viewed as a way for us to grow closer to God. Then when we realize that its all from God for that purpose we will respond like Peter did at the beginning of verse 3.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!

So this is what the angels long to see or witness. They want to see how those that have rebelled against God suddenly become enamored with God so much that they turn from warring against the Creator of all things towards loving Him so deeply they are compelled to follow after Him. The former enemies of God now want to share the good news so that others can experience His love and grace and mercy.

According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead…” – v3.

Father, I thank you and praise you for your great mercy in providing a way for us to know you and love you. I thank you that you have not left us in our sin, but have given us a way to spend all eternity with you through the life, death and resurrection of your Son, my Lord, Jesus Christ. Please continue to give us hearts that long to know you more and live boldly and courageously for your glory. And let those that do not know you, or have rejected you realize that you are far more merciful and worthy of our worship and our lives. It’s in the beautiful and power name of our Lord and all-sufficient name, Jesus Christ, I pray.

Marty Pina | Elder

Marty and Cecily began attending Hutto Bible Church in August of 2008. They both began living out their faith in 2003 while attending Gateway Community Church in Austin. They were married there in 2004. Marty serves in children's ministry, as a small group leader, small group coordinator and as a shepherd. Cecily has served as a C-group leader in student ministry in the past. She currently serves on the worship team and co-leads a small group and co-shepherds with Marty. Marty is currently employed as a network engineer for Time Warner Cable. Cecily is a medical billing software trainer for Brightree. They have two daughters, Alexis and Zoe.