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Insight #98 — Angels Curious about Prophetic Fulfillment

Inasmuch as you asked to receive these Insights, you likely believe that Bible prophecy is no minor issue. You are right. The Bible is filled with prophecy. Even the angels of God are interested in prophetic themes. At least they were; and so I would suppose they still are. They looked down on earth and wanted to know what the Lord God was doing to fulfill prophecy.

When the prophets of old predicted the future, they did not even know what they were talking about. Nor did the angels. But both wanted to know. Listen to Peter: “Of which salvation the prophets have inquired… searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow.” Peter goes on the explain that the prophets did not prophesy for their own benefit, but rather “unto us they did minister the things.” Then he ends by remarking, “which things the angels desire to look into” (1 Peter 1:10-12).

The prophets were interested in the “what” and the “time” of their predictions; but they died centuries before Christ came. The angels, on the other hand, had the advantage of hearing the prophecies when they were given and then being present to look down on earth as they were being fulfilled.

The prophets inquired and searched for understanding. The angels, with desire, looked on as God unfolded His predicted plans. Neither prophets nor angels fully understand prophecies before they are fulfilled. Neither can we. But, like prophets and angels, we can inquire, search, and desire to look into the “what” and the “time,” in expectation of the fulfillment. And, once fulfilled, we can marvel at the work of God.