What do angels think of us? What do they see when they look at human beings? Does the Bible tell us?
Yes, it does. The Bible tells us that angels look at humans in wonder. “Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours searched and inquired carefully, inquiring what person or time the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating, when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glories. It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves, but you in the things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look” (1 Peter 1:10–12).
The apostle Peter is talking here about the prophets in the Old Testament. Those men, filled with the Spirit of Christ, prophesied about the suffering of Jesus. Peter says, “Look, the Spirit of God revealed to the prophets that they weren’t serving themselves. They were serving you.” That’s us. Brothers and sisters, those of us who believe in Jesus Christ, have received God’s grace under what the Bible calls the New Covenant. Those prophets in the Old Testament, were serving us with those prophecies that they gave.
Then, referring to this, Peter adds, “Things into which angels long to look.”
Now that word look is a strong word in the original language. It means to stoop down and look. Think about rubbernecking. You see something that just catches your attention—maybe something amazing, maybe something beautiful—and you just can’t take your eyes off of it. It seems like Peter is saying that’s what the angels do when see God’s grace and mercy toward us. Jesus Himself said that when one sinner repents and turns to God, it’s as if there’s a celebration in heaven (Luke 15:7). The angels of God throw a party when God gives grace to sinners.
Yes, angels are watching and even serving the people of God. Hebrew 1:14, referring to angels, asks,
“Are they not all ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation?”
They’re not interested in us for our own sakes. They’re not captivated by how you’re going to do your hair today. They’re marveling at the grace of God. They’re captivated by the glory of God in his kindness towards humanity.
This article is part of our Frequently Asked Questions series. Listen to Pastor Adriel answer this question on Core Radio here.
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