These six verses put it all in a capsule leading us to the right person and showing us the hope that life is not in vain. It’s because Jesus lives and who he is. Things may be rough but we can be like a tree planted by the rivers of water. We see evil workings of society even in our own families. It puts pressure on us. The instruments of serving must be sharpened all the time.
Psalm 1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. 2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. 3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. 4 The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away. 5 Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. 6 For the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.
We see that blessed—happy—is the man who does what this psalm says. God puts his hand on the ones who follow him. David categorized sin here: walking in the counsel of the ungodly, standing in the way of sinners and sitting in the seat of the scornful. Remember sin is only as strong as its host. We were all hosts to sin at one time. When we were born we had a weakness to sin. The cure is not for a baby to be christened or a child “confirmed.” This doesn’t make someone a believer. People who are saved accept Jesus Christ as Savior. We believe baptism is the outward expression of an inward profession of Jesus Christ. As such we are not to get in the pathway of sinners and be led astray. We did that before we were saved.
The way of sinners varies from person to person. There are a variety of lifestyles to be led down. The Bible tells us that wide is the gate and broad the way that leads to destruction. As Christians we don’t have to be mean—scornful shouldn’t be a way of life for us. Before we got saved we weren’t at home around Christians. We have trouble with the flesh and sometimes we just have to cut the knob off of the counsel of the ungodly.
We can see things clearly when we draw near to God. He can give us the focus we need and straighten out our brain. Blessed is the one whose delight is in the law of the Lord. We don’t go by the ceremonial law of the Jews because we’re not Jews. The moral law came through Jesus to all people. Jesus took care of our flaw: being born in sin and shaped in iniquity. He suffered and died for us, rose on the third day and brought about our salvation. The only way to be forgiven is to stay close to him.
In verse 3 we see the results of sticking with Jesus. We don’t earn it. The blessings come from a faithful Savior. The Lord expects us to fulfil our responsibilities. The Lord makes us as a tree planted by the water. It’s not by the desert but by the water. We stay planted. Be patient. Trust the Lord. Wait on him for fruit to come. He’s the water of life.
We’ll see payday soon, so let’s stick by the river.
Adwolfe Freewill Baptist Church 