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Spend Time with God EVERY Day
- Thread starter Simon Peter
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Astonished at the Faith of Men
by SWhitton
Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."
John 20:29(NIV)
A full history of angels is somewhat of a mystery. But it’s clear there was an angelic war in heaven, a rebellion against God led by Satan; a war which Satan lost. Satan, and apparently one third (yes one third!) of the angels that joined him in the revolt, lost their place in heaven and were hurled to earth. (see Rev.12:4,7-9)
The details of the judgment of these fallen angels is harder to piece together; hell is certainly mentioned. But whatever the extent of their current misery, it’s clear that they’re under God’s judgment, and the future doesn’t look good for them.
This series of unprecedented events must have caused spectacular commotion among the angels, on the winning and losing side. It’s easy to imagine discussions about God’s justice and the severity of His judgment. The fallen angels in particular must have made accusations that they were dealt with harshly.
With this backdrop, God, in His wisdom, wove into His plan the creation of mankind. The human saga playing out in full view of the angelic ‘watchers’ [1]. The angels have seen it all, the fall of man, the corruption and violence, their destruction, their suffering, but through all the trials there was always a faithful remnant.
6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.
7 These have come so that your faith-- of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire-- may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.
8 Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy,
9 for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
1 Pet 1:6-9 (NIV)
Unlike the angels, you have not seen God, yet you love Him and believe in Him. What must the angels think as they witness the faith of men?
Perhaps you are trying to exercise faith in some area of your life. Don’t despise the weakness of your faith. It may be small, but God is impressed by even a mustard seed’s worth of faith.
Thank God for the faith He has given you. Pray that your faith will astonish those who witness it, and that it will result in praise, glory and honour when Jesus Christ is revealed.
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Footnote:
[1] ANGEL: `ir, `irim, "watcher," "watchers" (Dan 4:13,17,23) International Standard Bible Encyclopaedia, Electronic Database Copyright (C) 1996 by Biblesoft
Copyright: SWhitton ©2006-2007 www.spiritsword.org
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Thank you so much for your daily posts. I do read them and so many are just what I need or bring to mind what I need. I don't post saying thanks for every one but do want you to know I do read them, as I am sure many others do also. God bless you much...
-Peace-
-Peace-
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