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].       Shabbat Shalom.  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 [the LORD] 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).

Takeaway?

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, despite the chaos and horror in this world, we know how this story ends, right?

Think More About It

How do you seek peace and righteousness where you are?

Until tomorrow, may we seek peace and righteousness where we are.

Praying for Israel

Though an army camp besieges me, my heart will not fear.
Though war breaks out against me, even then will I be confident.
One thing have I asked of ADONAI,
that will I seek:
to dwell in the House of ADONAI
all the days of my life,
to behold the beauty of ADONAI,
and to meditate in His Temple. Psalm 27:3-4, TLV

*Sigh*  Some passages just say it all, don’t they. Join me in praying? Amen. Shabbat Shalom and God bless.