Glory to Gold

1 Peter 1:12 It was revealed to the prophets 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.
 
DEAR Christian, do you serve a future generation of Jesus’ church? This was the role of the prophets. From Noah to Abraham to Moses and on to the final prophetic Word from John the Baptist, all prophets served their current generation and the future church. They obeyed God to proclaim his Word. His Word was preserved in their lifetime, so the gospel message would go to the next generation. The prophets revealed God’s plans and promises now fulfilled in the gospel.
   As a member of Jesus’ church, your role is the same. You are to reveal  and treasure God’s Word, so it remains sacred for the current and future generations. Study the Bible and honor Spirit-inspired sermons to look into – to examine and know – the great truths God offers you. Rejoice God has fulfilled his prophetic Word through Jesus Christ. Live in faith he will fulfill his future promises.
   You will not be alone in your joy. Peter says the angels long to look into these things. In other words, the angels treasure the gospel’s fulfillment. They eagerly awaited God’s promise to save the world. The angels knew God would gather the Jews and Gentiles together, so mankind would be saved through Jesus. Luke 2:10-12 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”
   Yes, glory to God. The Savior has come. The angels now savor God’s favor of salvation upon the world. They gaze upon the gospel in wonder and joy. People who once were God’s enemies are gathered into God’s church. Joy to the world!
   Do you treasure the gospel? Do you long to look into the things of God through reading the Bible and listening to Spirit-inspired sermons? Are you excited God continues to fulfill his plan to draw the nations to salvation in Jesus Christ? Peter encouraged the persecuted church to joyfully treasure the knowledge God had given to them. They were highly favored!
   This holds true for us. Amid persecutions globally today and even within our culture that continually criticizes and ridicules the church, it is easy for us to become discouraged. We might even see our knowledge of God’s Word as a threat to relationships with friends and family.
   But God wants you to cherish his Word, to daily look into the things he has fulfilled. And why wouldn’t we do so? After all his gospel is why you can happily say, “Glory to God in the Highest.”