"Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours searched and inquired carefully, inquiring what person or time the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glories. It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in the things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look." - 1 Peter 1:10-12
The Prophets of old served God faithfully, led and inspired by the Holy Spirit to speak, preach and write. They were usually talking about something very real that was happening in their own time: a call for the people to repent; an assurance to them of God’s saving grace and forgiveness; or a warning of judgment about to fall.
As they spoke, they knew that their words had an application far beyond their immediate situation but they didn’t know what that would be. It was a mysterious and humbling experience, bring used by God in this way.
Considering what they went through, the awareness that their work had a significance that reached far beyond their own lives was a source of sustaining strength. It helped them to bear whatever came to them; to keep their eyes on the unknown and glorious future results of their labor.
Peter here calls the Holy Spirit the Spirit of Christ. In other places He’s called the Spirit of God, the Spirit of the Father, the Spirit of Truth, or the Spirit of Life. He was poured out in power on the Apostles and the first Christian congregation in Jerusalem to give them comfort, guidance, wisdom and strength to carry them through their lives.
This same Holy Spirit is the Comforter who dwells in our hearts, guiding us into the understanding of the Words He inspired His Prophets and Apostles to write. Because of His presence in us, our lives too, lived in service to Jesus, have far-teaching, eternal significance far beyond what we see and know.
We don’t know - we can’t even imagine - the far-reaching effect of a life humbly spent in faithful service to Jesus; led, guided and empowered by the Holy Spirit today. We do know that the results will reach far beyond our own little circle in geography and history.
Holy Spirit, Lord of Life, fill my heart and mind today with Your comfort and wisdom. Teach me what I need to know. Reveal Jesus to me as I worship today. Speak in and through me this day to accomplish Your eternal purpose in my life, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Pastor Dan Giles