1 Peter 1:20,21
“For He was foreknown before the foundation of the world, but has appeared in these last times for the sake of you who through Him are believers in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.”
“He was foreknown before the foundation of the world”. Peter is telling us that Jesus is important. We know through the scriptures that He is God. When He was born, the heavenly hosts came and proclaimed His birth. When He was baptized, God said in Matthew 3:17, “This is My beloved son, in whom I am well pleased.” He healed diseases and cast out demons. By this He restored lives once thought as hopeless and gave health to those that were suffering. He was the champion of the underclass.
The people were hoping that He would also be a political messiah that would overthrow Rome. He had the hopes of the commoners and the zealots.
He showed up many times in the Old Testament. He visited Abraham, Daniel and others. He was treated as someone of the greatest importance.
What makes His importance so contrasting was the purpose of His visit. Peter says He “appeared in these last times for the sake of you”. He came to die for our sins. This was not His job and it was a lowly task. It’s like and important visitor who gets up and does the dishes. Everyone feels uncomfortable. Another comparison is when celebraties show up to visit patients in hospitals. The videos go viral and the patients are beside themselves. That’s only a glimpse of what’s actual.
The angels were very interested and mystified at Jesus’ mission. Back in verse 12, it says, “It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves, but you, in these things which now have been announced to you through those who preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven– things into which angels long to look.” They are amazed at what God is doing and even more amazed at who is doing it, Jesus.
Back to the task. It was only Jesus who could save us. It had to be Him. Philippians 2:6-8 says, “Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!” It says that “He made Himself nothing”. Another translation says “He emptied Himself”.
Another marvel is that the task He did was our responsibility. We did wrong and would should deal with it ourselves. Parents use as teachable moments. “I’m sorry junior, but you spent all your money. You can’t afford to do…” Those are important times. We should have to pay for our mistakes. When it comes to sin, we can’t pay for it and have hope. Eternal separation is the cost. Much of the Old Testament rituals and rites were to illustrate the great cost of cleansing sin.
Another marvel is that the task He did was our responsibility. We did wrong and would should deal with it ourselves. Parents use as teachable moments. “I’m sorry junior, but you spent all your money. You can’t afford to do…” Those are important times. We should have to pay for our mistakes. When it comes to sin, we can’t pay for it and have hope. Eternal separation is the cost. Much of the Old Testament rituals and rites were to illustrate the great cost of cleansing sin.
We are so indebted. We should be so grateful. Lord, help us to have a greater awareness of who You are and what You have done. Let the gratitude be full. Thank You for Your great sacrifice.