While We’re Down Here Living Life, What Are the Angels Doing?

(1 Peter 1:1-12) 

After getting her hair done and browsing every aisle in the grocery store, Mom opts to sit out this last errand in the car. 

I don’t mind. I know how she likes her sub. 

Extra lettuce, extra onion.

The sub shop is empty.

Except for the sandwich maker behind the counter wearing a nametag: Judy.

I follow her along on my side of the prep area as she assembles the sandwich until we meet at the end of the counter.

Which I figure will be the end of our encounter.

Only it’s not.

Instead, Judy sighs hard.

Not in a good way.

“It’s been a day,” she sighs hard again. 

“Coupons came out yesterday. The line has been out the door.  And my helper didn’t show up. Like I said, it’s been a day.”

“May I pray for you?”

Another hard sigh.

Too late I notice her deer-in-headlights expression.

She’s a little startled to discover I mean an on-the-spot prayer. Oh well.

I’ve barely said Amen when Judy picks up where she left off. 

Rehashing the stresses of coupon day, the line out the door, manning the shop with no help, and her feelings about all of it. 

Nothing has changed. 

Mental note here to pray again for Judy today. 

Silently.

Honestly, I’m a little relieved to walk out of there. 

And leave Judy behind.

As it turns out, though, I don’t leave her behind.

Instead I’m about to see us both in a whole new light . . . 

I open to Peter’s first letter to the early Christians.

Where a verse I’ve breezed over in the past captures my attention.

A verse about what, while we’re busy living life down here, the angels are doing.

Peter wraps up his explanation of the mysteries of salvation and God’s transforming influence on the souls of the faithful with this astonishing tidbit:

 Into these things, the angels long to look!

(v.12 AMPC)

This look, parakuptó, is no casual glance.

It’s a bending forward, stooping down, curious inspection.

Of us.

I’d assumed angels were up to speed on salvation, how it works, and how it changes the believer.

Peter says no.

Angels are enthusiastic spectators of our actions and attitudes.

Intently watching the mysteries of God playing out in our souls.

Famous theologian Charles Spurgeon challenges the believer:

“Be not oblivious of the operations of God in your own souls! 

The angels desire to look into these things. 

Do you look into them?”  

Hmmm. 

I reflect on my encounter with Judy.

What was going on in my soul?

At first I felt compassion.

But by the time we reached the register, I was relieved to walk away.

From Judy’s bad mood.

I’m not proud of that. 

Because, embarrassingly, I’m really no different.

In fact, more often than not, I am Judy.

Ignoring the companionship of God.

Disregarding His power to work in whatever threatens to overwhelm me.

Choosing, instead, to feel alone and be overwhelmed.

Or in a bad mood.

Sorry, Judy, for thinking it was just you.

And maybe judging you for it.

Spurgeon challenges us to look where angels long to look.

Into our souls.

For where God is working.

And where more work is needed.

I’m pretty sure I’m keeping the angels busy.

What about you?

See you in a couple weeks.

Love,