23 Then he turned to his disciples and said privately, "Blessed are the eyes that see what you see. 24 For I tell you that many prophets and kings wanted to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it."
My friends, Jesus has a word for us today! Like the disciples He spoke privately to, He speaks a blessing to us. Peter gives us a bit more insight into Jesus’ words: 10 Concerning this salvation, the prophets, who spoke of the grace that was to come to you, searched intently and with the greatest care, 11 trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow. 12 It was revealed to them 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. 1 Peter 1:10-12 (NIV)
The prophets searched their own Spirit-guided writings intently and with great care desiring to grasp and fully comprehend the sufferings of the Messiah and the glories that would follow. This gives us a practical illustration of the doctrine of the inspiration of Scripture. The prophets themselves were left scratching their heads over their own words. Peter later tells us: 20 Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet's own interpretation. 21 For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. 2 Peter 1:19-21 (NIV)
How blessed we are to see and hear these truths as even their own writers did not fully comprehend them – as Peter states, “even angels long to look into these things”. How often we flippantly handle such precious treasure! When Jesus calls His disciples (which would include us) “blessed”, He describes a life which shares in the life of God, and one that is being favorably affected and influenced by God. It also describes a life in which the hand of God is at work directing all his affairs for a divine purpose and thus such a person lives coram Deo, before the face of God. Imagine, all the affairs of our lives directed towards a divine purpose. This gives me hope that God will make “beauty out of ashes” from even my poor choices as I repent and bring them to the cross. The prophet Jeremiah’s words ring true: 11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. 14 I will be found by you," declares the LORD, "and will bring you back from captivity. Jer 29:11-14 (NIV)
His desire is for us to be set free from the sin that entangles and to make up for the years the locusts have eaten during our captivities of slavery to sin. I love the quote by John Bunyan: “Sin is the dare of God’s justice, the rape of His mercy, the jeer of His patience, the slight of His power, and the contempt of His love.” It is no wonder that Peter follows 1 Peter 1:10-12 with the following passage: 13 Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. 14 As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. 15 But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 16 for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy." 1 Peter 1:13-16 (NIV)
Because of His great mercy towards us, the pursuit of holiness is the logical and acceptable way of life for the believer. Paul also echo’s this same theme in Romans 12:1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship. 2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:1-2 (NIV)
This does not mean “perfect” for all of us have sinned and fall short of God’s glory, what it does mean is separated from ordinary or common usage and devoted to God. Something holy is that which has been brought into relationship with God and designated by Him as having a sacred purpose or special significance to Him. How precious that God would look upon us with such “special significance”. 14 May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer. Psalms 19:14 (NIV)