We’re now going through Peter’s first epistle. In my last post, I concluded with 1 Peter 3:12. In this verse the apostle is telling us why we must relate correctly with others in the church.
“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.”
1 Peter 3:12 NIV
This is how the Lord operates. He wants to turn His eyes and ears toward us. Scripturally speaking, His eyes and ears are important. I want to look at that truth in today’s post.
I’ll start in the Old Testament.
For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.
2 Chronicles 16:9 NIV
When you talk about the eyes of the Lord, we’re not speaking of physical eyes that can only see what’s right in front of them. God sees everything, all at once. This verse is talking about the Lord’s desire to reward those who are fully committed to Him.
The Lord is for us. He’s not actively seeking to punish anyone. His greatest desire is for our blessing. He’s seeking those who have, by their faith and obedience, placed themselves in a position to receive this blessing.
This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us – whatever we ask – we know that we have what we asked of him.
I John 5:14-15 NIV
Again, when we speak of the ears of God, we know that he hears everything. But, it’s His response to what He hears that we’re looking for.
The Lord is looking for faith. But it’s a faith that only comes from a knowledge of His will. When I spend time with the Holy Spirit, I learn God’s will. When I pray out that will, I know that I’m going to get an answer to that prayer.
However, there’s another side to this issue. Peter tells us that the Lord’s face is against those who make or do worthlessness. Literally – His face will be over you. He’s trying to get your attention.
It’s just like the Apostle Peter, when he denied the Lord during His trial. After Christ rose from the dead, He asked Peter three times, “Do you love Me?” He was getting Peter’s attention.
Paul made an important statement in one of his letters.
On the contrary, we speak as men approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts.
1Thessalonians 2:4 NIV
Paul’s desire was to be a follower of Christ who pleased God. We have to be careful about our view of things. God loves everyone, no matter who you are or what you’ve done. But, not everyone pleases God, or is approved of by Him.
That’s an important distinction. It begs the question; are you a God-pleaser? Are you grabbing His attention to pour out a blessing on your life? Or is the Lord trying to get your attention so you can get your life back on track with Him?
Be a God-pleaser. Grab His attention or He’ll try to get yours.
Question: How much of a God-pleaser are you?
© 2025 Nick Zaccardi
The Spirit and the Word 