September 27 | 1 Peter 1:10-12
DAILY READING
REFLECTION
Angels and Salvation
By Elaine Pierce
Even angels long to look into these things (I Peter 1:12).
Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation? (Hebrews 1:14)
Angels are mentioned in at least 100 verses in scripture. Nowhere, however, are they pictured playing harps, dressed in radiant white robes, while floating on clouds. But they are real, and God has commanded them to watch over us. And yes, some angels have disobeyed God and joined Satan and they have been cast out of heaven as fallen angels.
What were angels longing to understand? Angels have no need of salvation because they have not sinned. They have never been separated from God, so they don't comprehend the sweetness of forgiveness. Yes, they protect us, they serve God wherever he sends them, but they don't experience life the way we do. And yet they - and the prophets of old - long to understand salvation and God's plan for the people he created, a plan to give us a future and a hope.
We don't worship angels: we worship God who empowers them. We can be glad for their presence, but our focus is on God and the gift of salvation he freely bestows on us. Take in these words in the book of Revelation and ponder what it will be like when Jesus returns:
Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. In a loud voice they sang:
"Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!" (Revelation 5:11-12).
Meditate on that picture, and rejoice that the angels long to understand that which you have been freely given - new life for all, eternity!
PRAYER
Lord, I am humbled by the gift of salvation. Thank you and help me each day to serve you with joy and gladness. Amen.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
ELAINE PIERCE
It is a delight and joy to write Sunday's UALC Blog post. I have been a UALC member for 20+ years and I value our community of believers. I draw strength from God's Word, and it is my hope that you join me in seeking to grow closer to Him as we read, study, and pray together. I've been married to Gene for 47 years, and we have four grown children and nine grandchildren. It is an exciting time to be alive, and I count it all joy to serve him, even in the midst of challenges. To God be the glory, for the great things he is doing!
Beautiful strong devotional Elaine. Thank you. Our small group is reading Billy Graham's book "Angels" and I'm looking forward to sharing this with them!