We're on Earth for an Angelic Audience

Remember the Hunger Games? In this best-selling novel and box office phenomenon, a power-intoxicated capitol parades teenage tributes from each of twelve districts to participate in its annual Hunger Games, the government’s cruel response to a failed revolution. Only one tribute wins; only the winner comes out of the bloodied arena alive. The entire country watches: the people in the districts by force; the people in the capitol for pure pleasure and entertainment.In closing our series on why we’re here on earth, I bring you the Glory Games, based on the all-time, best-selling book: the Bible. In it, an all-powerful, all-present, all-knowing, loving, and just God creates humans to reign and rule over the works of His hands and to bring Him glory.The rebellion: Adam and Eve’s decision to eat from one forbidden tree in the Garden of Eden.The consequence for all mankind: eternal separation from God.The game? Well, it’s not a game, really. Not at all.It’s an offer.A free gift: salvation and eternal life to those who believe in Jesus name.The arena: Earth.The audience?This is where when we learn why the arena isn’t heaven! The reason we have to do this earth thing, as my daughter calls it, with its pain, loss, and suffering:…to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places, according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him (Ephesians 3:10-12, emphasis mine).It has to be earth because the audience is in the heavenly places!!! Tweet this! Albert Barnes says, “It was intended to show to other intelligent beings the glory of the Divine perfections, and to make manifestations of the Divine character which could be perceived nowhere else” (www.preceptaustin.org, Ephesians 3 commentary). He continues, “Hence the universe was created, and man was made upon the earth, not merely to illustrate the Divine perfections in the work of creation, but in a still more illustrious manner in the work of redemption. And hence the deep interest which the angelic hosts have ever evinced in the salvation of man.”According to Ron Daniel, “For ages, the gospel was largely hidden from angels and demons in the spiritual realm. But now it is being made known to them by the church!” (www.preceptaustin.org, Ephesians 3:1-13 commentary).Speaking about prophets, I Peter 1:12 explains, “It was revealed that, not to themselves, but to us they were ministering the things which now have been reported to you through those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven; things which angels desire to look into.”Daniels concludes, “Angels longed to look into these things, and now they watch the church on earth to learn them. That is so profoundly amazing!”I agree!Lord, make Your manifold wisdom manifest in heavenly places through us as we become more wholly Yours today.Want to read the other blogs in this series? See:

Why Does God Have Us Do Earth, Anyway?

We're on Earth Because God Needs Us Here

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