The Blessed Righteous

03
Mar

1 Peter 3:12 – For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.

He was born not only to his mom and dad but to his doting grandma, proud grandpa, aunts and uncles who would spoil him bad. He was the first born of the family in his generation. Even before he needed anything, it was made available and more. To the family, he was the best gift from God. They loved and cherished him, he was under constant supervision. There was never a moment where he was left alone. The family was attentive to this needs and wants. They went to great lengths to ensure his safety and comfort. Nothing was too expensive or far-fetched for him. You must think – Wow, what a blessed child!

Well, so are YOU!!!

2 Corinthians 5:21 says – For he (God, the Father) hath made him (Jesus Christ) to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. What does this mean? When we accept Jesus as our Lord and Saviour, His blood makes us, automatically, righteous. When we reconcile ourselves to God, we become righteous. Thus, the text before us today befits us. He dotes over us like that newborn kid.

This is what David wrote in Psalms 34:12-16. He actually starts by defining the righteous – “Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days, keep your tongue from evil and your lips from telling lies. Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.” Followed by, “The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are attentive to their cry; but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil, to blot out their name from the earth.”

Peter cites David’s words after declaring that Christians must not try to “even the score,” when insulted or treated with evil intent. Instead, we must give a blessing in exchange. Peter shows how this is to our benefit. Those who want to love life and see good days refuse to use words to harm even those who have harmed them and, instead, turn from evil and do good; searching for and chasing peace (1 Peter 3:9-11).

God does not simply ignore the hurtful actions of those who bring suffering to His people. His face is against the evil ones. Justice will come (Romans 12:19).