For the eyes of ADONAI [the LORD] are on the righteous
and His ears open to their prayer,
but the face of ADONAI is against those who do evil. 1 Peter 3:12, TLV
Seek Shalom [Peace]. Dear Peter. Gotta love him. He writes to the believers of Messiah — both Jewish and non-Jewish — to instruct them in how to live within the nations. In verses 10 – 12, he paraphrases Psalm 34.
Keep your tongue from evil,
and your lips from speaking treachery.
Depart from evil and do good.
Seek shalom and pursue it.
The eyes of ADONAI are on the righteous,
and His ears are attentive to their cry. Psalm 34:14-16, TLV
Peter cautions the believers that the Creator of the Universe — our Heavenly Father — sees all. Whether these followers of the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob live in Israel or among the nations, essentially the same “rules” apply. Peter quotes from the Psalms as a reminder that both the Jewish and Gentile believers are equal in their pursuits of sanctification. With the clear understanding that there would be suffering for living a Biblical life (vs. 17), as Jesus suffered for our sins (vs. 18).
Our takeaway? Whether we live in a land of “promise” or in exile — whatever our situation — we are still expected to live a Biblical life, honorably. No excuses. We are to live in unity with one another with the understanding that this unity carries power in Jesus name (John 17:20-21).
So, no matter what circumstances we’re in, we can seek peace and pursue it. Seek righteousness and pursue it. And, our Father will be attentive to our cry. Besides, we know how this story ends, right?
