Angels in Awe: The Story They Longed to Understand

by Bryan Schneider

Biblical angels are nothing like the naked babies in art—these are terrifying beings, messengers of God who often begin with the words, “Do not be afraid.” They are strong, powerful, and mysterious, but even they have their limits. Angels are not all-knowing. Actually, God tells us in 1 Corinthians 6:3 that we will judge the angels. Angels may be extremely powerful, but they are not God.

The last part of 1 Peter 1:12 stopped me dead in my tracks a few weeks ago:

things which angels desire to look into.

The angels intensely desire to παρακυψαι (parakupsai), meaning they yearn to “bend over to look”—as if bending over or even crawling down on their faces just to catch a glimpse of God’s unfolding plan. The angels were intensely interested to know how and when the Christ would come, suffer, and be glorified.

But, that got me on a rabbit trail that I had not anticipated. Peter says the prophets were inquiring and searching carefully. Here's where things get interesting. Repeatedly, the Bible puts the prophets in the same story as the angels. Here are just a few I found interesting. (Feel free to put in the comments more.)

  • Moses and the burning bush. An angel was speaking to him (Exodus 3:2).
  • Moses and the Passover. An angel of death killed the firstborn (Exodus 12).
  • Moses and Mount Sinai receiving the law. Angels were the ones giving God's law (Galatians 3:19 and Acts 7:38).
  • Isaiah prophesies Jerusalem's salvation from Sennacherib. God sends an angel to put to death 185,000 Assyrians (Isaiah 36-37).

Peter tells us these mighty and terrifying beings were extremely curious about one thing: how and in what time the Christ would come.

No wonder it was an angel who delivered the news to Mary in Luke 1.
No wonder the myriads of angels rejoiced before the shepherds in Luke 2.
No wonder the angels rejoice in heaven about the Lamb who was slain in Revelation 5.

Christian, you are so blessed. You were born into an age that the angels had to wait thousands of years to find out. They held their breath for millennia, waiting for the Christ to be revealed. You get to pick up your Bible and read about Jesus. And someday, you'll even get to worship Jesus with the angels in heaven.

You are blessed, Christian.

The prophets longed to know what you know.
The angels intensely desired to know about your salvation.

Don't miss it. All the angels in heaven rejoice when one sinner repents.

Rejoice in Jesus with angels. Worthy is the Lamb.

Imagine the sight—angels who once stood guard at Eden’s gates, prophets who caught glimpses of glory, and you, a redeemed soul, all bowing together in awe before the Lamb. This is the worship you are invited into.

Here's what the angels and the elders are doing in heaven:
11 Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels around the throne, the living creatures, and the elders; and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands, 12 saying with a loud voice:
“Worthy is the Lamb who was slain
To receive power and riches and wisdom,
And strength and honor and glory and blessing!”

Sing His praises sister.

Bask in His glory Brother.