1 Peter 3:12 (NIV)
“For the eyes of the LORD are on the righteous and His ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the LORD is against those who do evil.”
The “eyes of the LORD” speaks of GOD’s careful oversight of His people. The LORD especially watches out for His own. He will never fail the righteous. And His Ears are attentive to their Prayers.
Believers are called to do what is right, and that in doing so one may receive/inherit a blessing. The meaning here is that the LORD is watching over His own people. He is the One who protects them and favors them because of their conduct. To have the eyes of the LORD upon you is to receive His blessings. Peter next says, “And His ears are attentive to their prayers.” Again, it is a note of divine blessing. When one prays, it is in anticipation of having his prayers heard and responded to. The ears of the LORD hear, and in hearing, He returns with His blessing upon the person who has conducted his affairs in righteousness as prescribed by the Word. Now, to contrast that favorable state, Peter finishes his quote with, “But the face of the LORD is against those who do evil.” Sin blocks GOD’s blessings. The corrupt, evil, wicked person cannot expect favor of GOD. Here the difference is between either favor or disfavor. GOD’s perfect and pure righteousness is against the disobedient. We see how Peter admonishes his readers. The resulting blessing for being obedient, is a set standard of the LORD. It is how the LORD works at all times as His eyes winnow out the evil from the good –“For the eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, And His ears are open to their prayers; But the face of the LORD is against those who do evil.” It’s as clear as crystal.
What about the unrighteous?
Unfortunately for humanity, the Bible says, “There is no one righteous, not even one;…” Understanding where righteousness comes from is then a really important matter. All people are born into the stream of humanity from one common ancestor, Adam. We have all, therefore, inherited his fallen state and lack any righteousness of our own. Therefore, any righteousness in a person is an imputed righteousness – something credited by GOD. Under what circumstances is a person credited with righteousness then? The answer, throughout the Bible, is that righteousness is credited because of properly placed faith. It is faith in GOD’s sovereign workings in humanity by which we are credited with His righteousness. Slowly, throughout history, GOD worked toward the coming Messiah. And at just the right time, JESUS came. It is by faith in Him and what He has done for us that we are imputed righteousness. Once this is secured, the LORD is attentive to our prayers. When we call out to GOD in the name of JESUS, we satisfy the requirement GOD has chosen for restoration. Unfortunately for humanity, this leaves all people who fail to call on JESUS without a Mediator. In this case, the face of the LORD is against them. Here it says, “…those who do evil.” By default, all people outside of JESUS are in this category. There can be no restoration until the sin problem is dealt with first.
If you would love life and see good days, then get right with JESUS! All else will be in its proper place once this is accomplished. Righteousness matters to GOD. It should also matter to us, His followers.
Prayer:
ABBA GOD, You haven’t made it hard for us to be reconciled to You. However, You have made it a narrow path and a limited choice. Thank You that there is the choice though. By faith in CHRIST JESUS, we are again restored to a right relationship with you. Now, O LORD, hear our prayers and respond to our needs according to Your great wisdom. May we always desire, hunger and thirst for Your righteousness. This we pray in JESUS’ Holy Name. Amen.
Enjoying His Favor,
Pastor Wally & Sister Mattie