Even the prophets, who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours, carefully researched and investigated this salvation. They tried to find out what era or specific time the Spirit of the Messiah in them kept referring to when he predicted the sufferings of the Messiah and the glories that would follow. -1 Peter 1:10-11 ISV
The role of the Holy Spirit in history is a fascinating study. These verses speak of the Spirit in the prophets moving them to speak of events that were many years in their future. It makes sense when we remember that God exists eternally in the past, present and future. As such the prophets could hear the Spirit speak of the future in their present day.
These verses remind me of what Jesus said to Nicodemus. He was amazed that a Jewish teacher did not understand the idea of being spiritually born. In saying this, he was indicating that people before that time had experienced a spiritual birth. A reading of the Old Testament bears this idea out when we read about prophets who were born again.
Fill me again sweet Spirit of the Messiah. That I might speak your words and do your will.
... this devotion is part of an ongoing series on the epistles of Peter.