The sufferings of Jesus Christ and the glory that followed had been known before they happened. They had been revealed to the prophets by the pre-existent Christ. These prophets spent their entire ministries listening, studying Scriptures and searching the depths of their soul for the revelations of this suffering and glory. Yet Peter knew they had seen even further than the Messiah. They had revelation of the salvation that is ours.
Peter wrote to his generation who were suffering for their faith and said ‘they saw what you are going through’ and ‘this suffering’ is ‘that which was spoken of’. It is part of the foreseen salvation. Having spoken of their salvation …
“Concerning this salvation, the prophets, who spoke of the grace that was to come to you, searched intently and with the greatest care, trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of the Messiah and the glories that would follow. 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)
The prophets spoke to people in their generation and to us.
The prophets suffered but didn’t experience the glory that was to come.
The prophets spoke of the Messiah’s suffering and future glory.
The prophets spoke of the salvation that the message of the Messiah would bring.
The prophets had the Law but they longed to see the Grace.
What does this mean?
When you are struggling through your circumstance it is hard to understand what the purpose is? It sometimes seems meaningless, unfair and the questions are many.
Your salvation contains suffering and glory, it is founded on Jesus Christ, prophesied beforehand and only known to the saved. Not even angels can understand this and they do try.
In your suffering there is glory. A cursory look through the Bible and you see this message constantly. Suffering doesn’t stand alone for the saved it contains honour, worth, value, praise, His presence and ultimately heaven!
Missions Paul 