Saved by the Resurrection of Jesus 1 Peter 3:21

Peter the apostle used the example of Noah and the ark to demonstrate the “long-suffering” nature of God to offer “salvation” to mankind. In chapter three and verse twenty-one of his letter, Peter shared how “Noah's ark” is a “pattern” of how people are to be “saved by the resurrection of Jesus” through “baptism” today where we read:

The like figure whereunto even baptism does also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:

The verse begins, “The like figure whereunto even baptism does also now save us...” Peter began with the words, “The like figure” or “a thing formed after some pattern, resembles another or is its counterpart” “whereunto” which means “” “even baptism” or “immersion or submersion which was commanded by Christ, by which one after confessing his sins and professing his faith in Christ, having been born again by the Holy Spirit unto a new life which identifies publicly with the fellowship of Christ and the church” “does also now” which refers to “at this time, the present time and now” “save us” or “keep safe and sound, to rescue from danger or destruction”. Whereas the ark for Noah and his family, the symbol of “baptism” declares our salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.

The verse goes on to say, “(not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,)” Peter added a specific explanation to this “baptism” as he wrote parenthetically, “not the putting away” or “putting off or laying aside” “of the filth” which means “dirt and depravity” “of the flesh” which refers to “the soft substance of the living body, which covers the bones and is permeated with blood”, “but” which means “moreover, nevertheless and nonetheless” and is a disassociation conjunction which means what is about to be written takes precedence over what was previously stated “the answer” or “craving and intense desire and seeking” “of a good” which means “useful, salutary, agreeable, joyful and happy” “conscience” or “the soul as distinguishing between what is morally good and bad, prompting to do the former and shun the latter, commending one, condemning the other” “toward God” which refers to “the Godhead bodily and trinity which is comprised of God the Father, Christ the Son and the Holy Spirit”. The “baptism” of which Peter wrote was not simply being immersed in water but rather satisfying the desire for an inward establishing of a relationship with God.

Finally the verse says, “by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:” Peter ended this verse with the words, “by the resurrection” which refers to “through the rising from the dead” “of Jesus” whose name means “Jehovah is Salvation” and is “the Son of God, the Savior of mankind and God incarnate” “Christ” or “the anointed one and Messiah”. The only reason a person has access to God Almighty is through “the resurrection of Jesus Christ” His Son. This “baptism” is the only way people can be “right with God”.

When we meditate upon Peter's words, we begin to understand the narrowness and pointedness of “the baptism” which is “by” Jesus' “resurrection”. There was only one ark upon which man could be “saved” from the flood, and there is only one “baptism” which can save people from their sins. May the Lord Jesus through His Holy Spirit help us to understand how exclusive is His salvation plan.

Next time Peter shares how Jesus has “gone into heaven”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

In the Days of Noah 1 Peter 3:20

Peter the apostle told the “scattered” Christians that “Christ suffered once for sins” so that He might “bring us to God”. He also declared that Jesus “went and preached unto the spirits in prison”, and in chapter three and verse twenty of his letter, Peter likened Jesus' suffering to “the long-suffering of God” “in the days of Noah” where we read:

Which sometime were disobedient, when once the long-suffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.

The verse begins, “Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah,...” Peter began with the words, “Which sometime” or “once, formerly, aforetime or at some time” “were disobedient” which means “not allowing one's self to be persuaded, refusing, withholding belief and obedience, unbelieving and not complying with”, “when once” or “whenever or as long as” “the long-suffering” or “patience, endurance, constancy, steadfastness, perseverance and slowness in avenging wrongs” “of God” which refers to “the Godhead bodily and trinity which is comprised of God the Father, Christ the Son and the Holy Spirit” “waited in” or “tarried, looked for, expected and awaited” “the days” which refers to “used of the natural day, or the interval between sunrise and sunset, as distinguished from and contrasted with the night, and the time in general” “of Noah” whose name means “rest” and was “the tenth in descent from Adam, second father of the human family”. During the days of Noah, God was patiently waiting for people to turn from their wicked ways unto Him.

The verse goes on to say, “...while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.” Peter went on to say, “while the ark” which refers to “Noah's vessel built in the form of a wooden chest or box” “was a preparing” or “furnishing, equipping, preparing and making ready”, “wherein” which means “into, unto, to, towards and among” “few” or “little, small, light and slight”, “that is” which means “which is to say”, “eight souls” or “eight people who have the vital force which animates the body and shows itself in breathing” “were saved” which means “preserved from danger, brought safely through and kept from perishing” “by water” or “the waters of the deluge”. God was waiting patiently for people to turn to Him, and yet, only “eight souls” were “saved” from the destruction of the flood waters.

When we think through these words of Peter, we see the comparison of the “long-suffering” of God for the salvation of people in Noah's day to Jesus' patient “suffering” for people today. Jesus desires all people to be saved, and He willingly “suffered” death on the cross as “the just” for the “unjust”. Now, it is the responsibility of people to respond to His “suffering”. Patiently He waits, and if we have not received this precious gift, let us make Him wait no more.

Next time Peter shares about “baptism” which is “the answer of a good conscience toward God”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Preached to the Spirits in Prison 1 Peter 3:19

Peter the apostle declared, “Christ also has once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God” as He used Jesus for an example of “suffering”, and in chapter three and verse nineteen of his letter, Peter told the “scattered” Christians that He “preached unto the spirits in prison” after He died where we read:

By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison;

The verse begins, “By which also he went and preached...” Peter began with the words, “By which” or “with and in whom” “also” or “and, even and indeed” “he went” which refers to Jesus “leading, carrying over and transferring” “and preached” which means “heralded, published, proclaimed openly”. Peter told the Christians, that while Jesus was dead, He went and “preached” or published and proclaimed.

The verse continues, “... unto the spirits in prison;” Peter added, “unto the spirits” which refers to “the vital principal by which the body is animated” “in prison” or “the place where captives are kept”. The “spirits” of whom Peter writes are those who had already died while believing in God. People like, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and more were among those who lived in “paradise” which was like a place of captivity. Jesus went to share with them the salvation plan which He fulfilled by dying on the cross.

When we think through these words of Peter, we must marvel at the awesome plan of God. Jesus said to the thief on the cross, “this day shall you be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43), and “paradise” was where believers in God who died went before Jesus died on the cross and rose again from the grave. It was to these people Jesus went and preached the “gospel” or “good news” of God's salvation for man. May the Lord Jesus teach us the value He placed upon those who believed before Jesus appeared and even though they had not seen.

Next time Peter uses the example of “Noah” to share with the Christians, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Christ Once Suffered for Sins 1 Peter 3:18

Peter the apostle told the “scattered” Christians it “is better” for them “if the will of God be so”, that they “suffer for well doing, than for evil doing”, and in chapter three and verse eighteen he gave the example of how “Christ once suffered for sins” where we read:

For Christ also has once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God,

being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:

The verse begins, “For Christ also has once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust,...” Peter began with the word, “For” which means “because and since” “Christ” which refers to “the anointed one, Messiah and the Son of God” “also has once suffered” or “one time and for all was affected or had been affected, felt, had a sensible experience and underwent” “for sins” which means “missing the mark, to err, be mistaken and wander from the path of uprightness, honor and the law of God”, “the just” or “righteous, observing divine laws, virtuous and keeping the commands of God” “for the unjust” which refers to “one who violates or has violated justice, unrighteous, sinful, deceitful and deals fraudulently with others”. Jesus Christ, “the just”, became the ultimate example as He “suffered” once and only once for the errors of everyone who are known as “the unjust”.

The verse goes on to say, “...that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:” Peter added, “that he might bring us” which refers to “Peter and the scattered Christians being drawn, led and summoned” “to God” who is “the Godhead bodily and trinity which is comprised of God the Father, Christ the Son and the Holy Spirit”, “being put to death” which means “made to die, destroyed and rendered extinct” “in the flesh” or “the soft substance of the living body which covers the bones and is permeated with blood”, “but” which is a disassociation conjunction that means what is about to be written takes precedence over that which was previously stated, “moreover, notwithstanding and nevertheless”, “quickened” or “produced alive, begat, aroused, invigorated and restored to life” “by the Spirit” which refers to “the third person of the triune God, the Holy Spirit, coequal and coeternal with the Father and the Son”. The reason Jesus “suffered” was so He might draw and lead us to God by His “death in the flesh” and being raised to life again “by the Spirit”.

When we meditate upon Peter's words, we see the ultimate example of one who suffered for “well doing”, “Jesus”. The remarkable thing was for whom He was “put to death”, for “the unjust”, of whom we are. Peter wanted the “scattered” Christians to follow Jesus' example who gave His life to save us from our “sins”. Though He was perfectly holy and without blame whatsoever, He gave His life on the cross to “bring us to God”. May the Lord Jesus help us understand the extent He “suffered” that we might have fellowship with God.

Next time Peter tells the Christians how Jesus “went and preached unto the spirits in prison”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Better to Suffer for Well-Doing 1 Peter 3:17

Peter the apostle told the “scattered” Christians they should have a “good conscience” so those who “speak evil” of them “may be ashamed that falsely accuse” their “good” manner of living “in Christ”. In chapter three and verse seventeen of his letter, Peter told the Christians “it is better to suffer for well doing” where we read:

For it is better, if the will of God be so, that you suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.

The verse begins, “For it is better, if the will of God be so,...” Peter began with the word, “For” which means “as, because, even, indeed, no doubt, seeing then, therefore and verily” “it is better” or “more useful, serviceable, advantageous and excellent”, “if the will” which means “whether the choice, inclination, desire and pleasure of what one wishes, commands, precepts or has determined shall be done” “of God” which refers to “the Godhead bodily and trinity which is comprised by God the Father, Christ the Son and the Holy Spirit” “be so” or “will, have in mind, intend, be resolved, determined, purpose, wish and take delight and pleasure in”. Peter notes the “betterment” “if” which means “whether or when” it is the “will of God” to be for Christians.

The verse continues, “...that you suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.” Peter added, “that you suffer” which means “to be affected or have been affected, to feel, have a sensible experience and to undergo” “for well doing” or “doing good, helping, doing a favor for, benefitting and profiting someone”, “than” or “rather than or saving than” “for evil doing” which means “doing harm, wrong and bad doing”. Peter's idea pointed to the times when the Christians might “suffer” for doing “good things” rather than “suffering” for doing bad.

When we consider these words of Peter, we may find them challenging at the least. Let's face it, it doesn't feel good to “suffer” especially when we “suffer” for doing good things. Peter's comparison was “suffering” for “good” versus “suffering” for “bad”, and should we find ourselves “suffering” for “well doing”, let us remember the Lord Jesus “suffered” for doing the most “good” anyone will ever do when He died upon the cross for our sins. May we learn to emulate Jesus for the manner in which He “suffered” for us.

Next time Peter tells the Christians how “Christ suffered once”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

False Accusers of Living in Christ 1 Peter 3:16

Peter the apostle told the “scattered” Christians they were to “sanctify the Lord God in” their “hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asks” them “a reason of the hope that is in” them. In chapter three and verse sixteen of his letter, Peter told the Christians the way to live before “false accusers” where we read:

Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.

The verse begins, “Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers,...” Peter began with the word “having” which means “to have and to hold in hand or wearing, having possession of the mind, holding fast, comprised, involved, to regard or consider and hold as” “a good” or “useful, salutary, pleasant, agreeable, joyful, happy, excellent, distinguished, upright and honorable” “conscience” which means “the soul as distinguishing between what is morally good and bad, prompting to do the former and shun the latter, commending one and condemning the other”; “that” or “in order that”, “whereas they speak evil of you” which in Greek is “en hos katalaleō hymōn hōs” or “in times when they slander, criminate or traduce the scattered Christians” “as of evildoers” which refers to “malefactors, criminals and bad-doers”. Peter's idea was for the Christians to live in a “good” way when people “slander and incriminate” them.

The verse continues, “...they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.” Peter added, “they may be ashamed” or “dishonored, disgraced and put to shame” “that falsely accuse” which means “insult, treat abusively, use despitefully, revile and threaten” “your good” or “useful, salutary, pleasant, agreeable, joyful, happy, excellent, distinguished, upright and honorable” “conversation” which means “manner of life, conduct, behavior and deportment” “in Christ” which refers to “the anointed one, the Messiah and the Son of God”. The result of the Christians living in a “good” manner would be for others who “insult them and treat them abusively” to “be dishonored and disgraced” because they do.

When we meditate upon Peter's words, we are reminded that he shared this before in chapter two and verse twelve where he wrote, “having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.” Peter knew the way Christians live speaks volumes over what they often say. “Evildoers” are going to be in the world, and people are going to “falsely accuse” we who follow Jesus Christ, and when they do we are to have a manner of living that makes them “ashamed” for it. May the Lord Jesus by His Holy Spirit help us to live as Peter has instructed.

Next time Peter tells the Christians “it is better to suffer for well doing”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

The Thief in the Big Red Suit

Who be this one that takes my space

who claims for his my presents placed

twas not his funds that bought these things

nor he who shopped them home to bring

Not one present did he encase

nor bow nor tape put he in place

nor ornament upon the tree

unpack the lights that we did string

Yet here he takes credit from me

and more than this would take from He

whose very being came from He

that made all men who are to be

The Savior Lord of all mankind

this robbing one attempts to bind

the hearts of those with Christ in mind

upstaged by him thus so sublime

His big red suit and belly bulged

cancerous pipe and laugh divulged

his big black belt and boots to match

with white trimmed suit and dangling sach'

Who down my chimney like a thief

avoids alarms for he'll be brief

twinkles his nose for this he's learned

to take my credit for things unearned

Chastise him sore for his theft's trace

my child's love deeply misplaced

who lavish him instead of me

who's hard work gave presents to be

So down the chimney thief will slide

to find my fire lit inside

with red hot pokers prepped to grind

those piercing brands to his behind

And up he'll shoot with raging shout

with rapid pace will he go out

n'er more return and take my place

nor Jesus in this home erase

For one is God and dare none more

espec'lly porky thieves adored

who wrestle from the thoughts of men

Jesus the Christ who saves from sin

Ready to Give an Answer 1 Peter 3:15

Peter the apostle asked the “scattered” Christian “who can harm you”, and then gave a condition “if you be followers of that which is good”. He added, “But and if” they “suffer for righteousness' sake, happy” are they, and they did not need to be “afraid of their terror, neither be troubled” by those who opposed them. In chapter three and verse fifteen of his letter, Peter told them to “be ready always to give an answer to every man” for “the hope that is in” them where we read:

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asks you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

The verse begins, “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts:” Peter began with the word, “But” which means “moreover, nevertheless and notwithstanding” and is a disassociation conjunction that means what is about to be written takes precedence over what was just stated “sanctify” or “to separate from profane things and dedicate to God, consecrate and dedicate things and people to God” “the Lord” which refers to “he to whom a person or thing belongs, about which he has power of deciding; master and the title give to God the Messiah” “God” who is “the Godhead bodily and trinity comprised of God the Father, Christ the Son and the Holy Spirit” “in your hearts” which means “the soul or mind, as it is the fountain and seat of the thoughts, passions, desires, appetites, affections, purposes, endeavors”. Rather than being afraid or troubled by those who opposed them, the “scattered” Christians were to separate themselves from “profane” things and be dedicated to God.

The verse goes on to say, “and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asks you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:” Peter continued, “and be ready” or “prepared, opportune and seasonable ” “always” which means “perpetually, incessantly, invariably and at any and every time” “to give an answer” which means “verbal defense, reasoned statement or argument” “to every man” which refers to “each, every, any, all, the whole and everyone” “that asks you” or “begs, calls for, craves, desires and requires” “a reason” which means “word, uttered by a living voice, or that which embodies a conception or idea” “of the hope” or “expectation and faith” “that is in you” or “within, with and by the scattered Christians” “with meekness” which means “mildness of disposition and gentleness of spirit” “and fear” or “dread, terror and reverence”. Peter wanted the Christians to not only “sanctify” themselves “by the Lord God in their hearts”, but also to be prepared to give people “an answer” with “mildness of disposition” and “reverence” of the “reason” they believed in following the Lord.

When we consider Peter's idea contained within this verse, we understand him to mean we are to react to those who oppose us with an attitude of readiness and preparation to give them the reason we believe and act in the manner we do. We must remember “to answer” them in “meekness” or “gentleness of spirit” “and fear” or “dread and reverence”. May the Lord Jesus remind us to be “sanctified” to Him, keep ourselves from the evil in this world, and be prepared “to answer” everyone who wonders why we live and believe in Him.

Next time Peter tells the Christians about “having a good conscience”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Abandoned Christmas

One thought upon the Christmas scene

where baby born who'd be our king

set manger lay for all to see

this one from whom salvation brings

Yet not all will celebrate

this baby born to seal our fate

from sin's death sum He to erase

for those who yield His saving grace

Alas among those living now

be salty ones with wrinkled brows

whose time worn limbs and shattered souls

been stripped of all their yuletide roles

No tree they'll have, nor lighted frame

nor present 'neath, t'will be their aim

a Christmas song will they not sing

tis all a farce, a humbug thing

Alone, abandoned recluse scenes

for none doth vis' nor give them ring

rejected friends, fam'ly and foe

for them tis best to be alone

But how says we did this fate come

these mis'ry ones who cast so glum

with memories haunting present dreams

forgotten loves and shielded schemes

Their family past unknown today

unkempt to guard love's shielded way

refuge with beasts who comfort souls

curmudgeon ones been brought so low

Their guarded heart from prev'ous pain

doth have no room for this mundane

who shield in 'nane activity

love's risk for them tis never free

So rush the time that sorrow flees

by ticking clock the present scene

as time watched by doth slowly go

Till Christmas pass it's time of woe

Perhaps through verse, poetic phrase

as star shone bright on manger scene

abandoned ones on Christmas day

the Savior's love extends thy way

The Innkeeper

A wandering pair

set course one day

to find their home

for census pay

A place of refuge

for baby born

One who'd be King

from God was sworn

To innkeeper knocked

who had no room

rejected pair

now filled with gloom

“I'm busy, angry

let me be

I have no room

within for thee”

Said innkeeper he

to couple fair

to give this birth

did not know where

Yet stable found

they manger bed

where birth was giv'n

for He instead

The Son of Grace

for all did come

the world to save

from sin's death sum

and to your heart

His knock aloud

yet sometimes faint

for ones not proud

To innkeeper souls

persistent speech

of saving grace

from this great King

“I'm busy, angry

let me be

I have no room

within for thee”

“My life too busy

don't you see

I have no room

for such as He”

“My heart tis full

and left no room

for Him to enter

my life's womb”

Reject Him not

thou innkeeper fair

lest you be left

with sin to bear

With judgment of

eternal doom

for thou who didst

not have Him room

Happy for Suffering 1 Peter 3:14

Peter the apostle asked the “scattered” Christians, “who is he that will harm you, if you be followers of that which is good?”, and in chapter three and verse fourteen of his letter, Peter tells the Christians they are “happy” when they “suffer for righteousness' sake” where we read:

But and if you suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are you:

and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;

The verse begins, “But and if you suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are you:” Peter began with the word, “But” which is a disassociation conjunction that means what is about to be written takes precedence over what was just stated, “moreover, nevertheless and notwithstanding” “and if you” which refers to a conditional position for the “scattered” Christians “suffer” or “to be affected or have been affected, to reel, have a sensible experience, to undergo, feel, have passion and vexation” “for righteousness sake” which means “the condition acceptable to God, integrity, virtue, purity of life, rightness, correctness of thinking, feeling and acting” “happy” or “blessed, fortunate and well” “are you” which again refers to the “scattered” Christians. Though these Christians might face “suffering” because of their “righteous” behavior, they could still be in a “well” state.

The verse goes on to say, “and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;” Peter continued with the phrase, “and be not afraid” which in Greek is “phobeō mē phobeō”or “to put to flight by terrifying, scare away, fear, reverence, venerate and treat with deference or reverential obedience” “of their terror” which means “exceedingly fearful, dreaded and reverenced”, “neither” or “not, in negation and nor” “be troubled” which means “to agitate, cause one inward commotion, take away calmness of mind, disturb equanimity, disquieted and made restless”. The charge to the Christians was not “to be put to flight” by those who might “terrorize” them.

When we think about these words of Peter, we may understand what it means to be “intimidated” by people who make us pay a price for living righteously. Nonetheless, Peter's idea is that we will be “happy” or “blessed, fortunate and well” should we live in a “righteous” manner. Since this verse has such a wonderful promise with it, should we not seek with all our hearts to live in a manner that is “righteous” before God? May the Lord Jesus help us to live as He desires.

Next time Peter tells the Christians to “be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in” them, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Who Will Harm You? 1 Peter 3:13

After telling the “scattered” Christians, “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”, the apostle Peter in chapter three and verse thirteen of his letter ask them, “who will harm you?” where we read:

And who is he that will harm you, if you be followers of that which is good?

The verse begins, “And who is he that will harm you,...” Peter began with the words, “And who” or “also, even, indeed, so then, therefore what person or human being” “is he that will harm” or “oppress, afflict, maltreat, embitter and render evil affected” “you” which refers to the “scattered” Christians. Since the Lord God Almighty is watching over the Christians, Peter's question was who could come against Him?

The verse continues, “...if you be followers of that which is good?” Peter added the word, “if” which is a conditional word that means “in case and provided that” “you be followers” or “imitators” “of that which is good” which means “of good constitution and nature, useful, salutary, pleasant, agreeable, joyful, happy, excellent and distinguished”. In other words, “provided that” people “imitate” “good” things, they will be protected by God.

When we think through these words of Peter, we may wonder at this beautiful promise. Our part is to “imitate” “good”, and we are reminded that Jesus said “there is none good but God”. So, we are to “follow” or “imitate” Him. When we do, His question is, “who will harm you?”. Let us be people who not only know the Lord Jesus and His ways, but “follow” Him closely as well.

Next time Peter shares what happens when we “suffer for righteousness”, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

The Eyes of the Lord 1 Peter 3:12

Peter the apostle desired for the “scattered” Christian to “love life, and see good days”, and this required for them to “keep their tongues from evil”, “their lips from guile”, “eschew evil”, “do good” and “seek peace” and “pursue it”. In chapter three and verse twelve of his letter, Peter shares how the “eyes of the Lord” and “his ears” are toward the “righteous” where we read:

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.

The verse continues, “For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers:” Peter began with the word, “For” which means “because or since” “the eyes” or “vision and sight” “of the Lord” which refers to “he to whom a person or thing belongs, about which he has power of deciding; master and the title give to God the Messiah” “are over” or “upon, on, at, by and before” “the righteous” who are “people who observe divine laws, virtuous and keeping the commands of God” “and his ears” which refers to “the faculty of perceiving with the mind, understanding and knowing” “are open unto” or “towards and among “their prayers” or “supplications, needs, indigences, wants, privations and penury”. The Lord has “the righteous” in his sight, and He perceives, understands and knows the desires of those who keep the commands of God.

The verse goes on to say, “but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.” Peter added the word, “but” which is a disassociation conjunction which means “moreover, nevertheless, even and then” and implies that what is written now takes precedence over what was previously stated “the face” or “presence and countenance” “of the Lord” which refers to “he to whom a person or thing belongs, about which he has power of deciding; master and the title give to God the Messiah” “is against” or “upon, on, at, by and before” “them that do evil” which refers to “people who make, produce, construct, form or fashion bad natures, modes of thinking, feeling, and who are base, wrong, wicked, troublesome, injurious, pernicious, destructive and baneful”. Though the Lord's eyes and ears are toward those who practice righteousness, His countenance is in opposition to those who are wicked.

When we meditate upon Peter's words, we understand the Lord is watching those who are “righteous”, and He is listening to their “prayers”. However, we also understand that His “face” is “against” those who do not follow His ways. Sometimes we may wonder if the Lord is for us, and this verse assures us He is even when our surroundings tell us otherwise. Our part is continue following His ways, be righteous, and do as He instructs us. May the Lord Jesus help us to know what it means to be “righteous” and may the Lord's eyes and ears always be attentive to us as we live before Him.

Next time Peter asks, “who is that will harm you”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.