What this blog is about and what I hope it does...

I hope this will be a simple fun tool for us to grow in our understanding and surrender to God through the Bible as we connect over the web. Reading the Bible is both simple and difficult. What could be easier than opening a book and reading? Yet we've all done that and wondered what sections of the Bible mean? What's with the book of Leviticus? What is Revelation really about? Is the Song of Songs about marital love or is it supposed to be more 'spiritual' than that?

So, my intent is for this blog to be a tool that helps us in our faith. A forum for better understanding. An honest place of sharing that nurtures us as we follow Jesus together.

(There are a few resources I have included under "PAGES" that may be a helpful start, especially to those newer to reading the Bible. It's located just below this and to the right. Also included is a READING OUTLINE. If you miss a day, go on to the next rather than trying to catch up.)

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9.27.2010

1 Peter 1:10-12

1 Peter 1:10-12

The Spirit of Christ had given the prophets insight that what they preached pointed ahead. Not only that, but that insight was/is of service to Christians because it connects all God has done in the OT with what God did in Christ and the message(s) of the NT. The work/mission of God had not ended with the prophets. Something that Jews and Christians Jews especially needed to hear. Something you and I need to hear. Something angels wish they could 'look into.'

Here are a few OT and NT reference that suggest this whole idea was not terribly uncommon.

Habakkuk 2:2-3
2 Then the LORD replied: "Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald [b] may run with it. 3 For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it [c] will certainly come and will not delay.

Matthew 13:16-17
16But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear. 17For I tell you the truth, many prophets and righteous men longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.

Acts 8:30-32
30Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. "Do you understand what you are reading?" Philip asked. 31"How can I," he said, "unless someone explains it to me?" So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. 32The eunuch was reading this passage of Scripture: "He was led like a sheep to the slaughter, and as a lamb before the shearer is silent, so he did not open his mouth.

The note about Angels serves to remind us of the greatness of the Gospel we have heard! I know we sometimes nod off or daydream during a Scripture reading or a sermon, and I understand. But this news, all of it, of what God has done coming to a world-changing high-point in Jesus and it's FOR us, is astonishing! Even angels are fascinated with all this, and it is carried forward by simple, ordinary preachers who preach the message by the Holy Spirit.
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3 comments:

  1. MattSeptember 27, 2010 at 12:07 PM

    So, Dave asks a necessary question, once we have an idea of what these three verses are about...
    what does it mean, or what is the significance this text for us?

    Reading these verses in the context of 1:1-12, here are some of my thoughts: (1) v. 5 reminds us we are being guarded for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time - this salvation is huge in scope, including time that reaches back to the prophets - this keeps our vision big and wide rather than how I often see it (little and narrow, which means I pretty much tend to see within the bounds of my own 40 years, my own family, my own finances and struggles and hopes), so I/we need to be reminded this gospel is big...bigger than we thought; (2) the readers (us too) are 'chosen/elect' and yet exiles, 'accoring to God's foreknowledge...this lines up with the prophets who were often out of place and ridiculed precisely because they were chosen and faithful...this would be something Peter's readers :) needed to hear; (3) there is a connection between prophets and preachers who proclaim God's salvation which ought to move us to praise (even angels wish they were in on it!) much like Peter was moved to praise (v. 3) even though there is suffering; (4) the trials now can function in a purifying way by testing and trying our faith/trust/faithfulness; (5) it nurtures our confidence because even when we are weak, when the world seems powerful in all the wrong ways, our 'inheritance' is not something the world can touch...God is guarding it, as is true for the prophets; (5) lastly, it reminds us that our contribution in the life we live is probably for someone else's benefit, much like the prophet's ministry and insight was for our benefit.

    Other thoughts...

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  2. Dave WybleSeptember 27, 2010 at 3:42 PM

    OK, I think I am closer. The OT pointing to the NT, and making sure we all realize that's what is happening. And it is important to know that we are going to have to continue the work of the prophets. Are there still modern prophets? I think so, but regardless we have work to do along those lines. And it won't be easy, as we are possibly called to foreign lands or at best subject to mockery.

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  3. DocSeptember 28, 2010 at 11:19 AM

    Yup , I feel better about those verses, too .

    BTW , just got my NIV OT and NT CDs OK through the USPS .

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