Psalm 1:1-6
1 Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners,
or join in with mockers. 2 But they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night.
3 They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do. 4 But not the wicked! They are like worthless chaff, scattered by the wind. 5 They will be condemned at the time of judgment. Sinners will have no place among the godly. 6 For the Lord watches over the path of the godly, but the path of the wicked leads to destruction.
Pastor's Notes:
As I read this Psalm, I am reminded of God's goodness and love for his children. It demonstrates his divine provision and guidance for all those who love and follow him. This scripture is also a warning to those who do not follow his ways. While they may have joy for a time, it is not satisfying and will ultimately lead to their destruction.
We are reminded in verses 2 and 3 that those who spend their time meditating on God will be planted as trees along the river and that we will bear fruit. This is a promise from God that we can count on. Instead of taking part in the gossip of the day, or pondering on the cares of the world, we are to be pondering on God's word and his wonderful works! This is how we grow and provide nourishment for others. A tree that is planted by the river grows quickly and strong because it has a constant source of water and nourishment. This is the perfect image for the believer who stays on God's word. The living water of God that pours out of him will be a constant source of life to us as we stay close to him. So what did I mean by saying we will provide nourishment to others? As we grow in the Lord we are to bear fruit. Just a tree cannot keep it's fruit inside, neither can the believer who stays close to God. All the gifts and talents he has placed inside of us will naturally come out and will be seen by others. God will then use these bring others to himself. In this way, we are providing nourishment to others as we bring them to Christ. That river of living water will pour forth from us and will bring life to those around us.
Verses 4-6 is a reminder of what happens to both the wicked and the righteous. Those who do not follow after Christ will be cast away into destruction. However, those who follow Christ, he will guide all of our paths. God will watch over all those who believe. Even though at times it seems as though wicked are prospering, we must understand that is only for a short while. God does not punish them because he is an angry God. No, their punishment is simply the natural consequence of their sin and disobedience. However, when we turn from our sin and disobedience, we are washed in the blood of Christ and made pure before the Father. We receive forgiveness and stand before him as if we had never sinned. God then will watch over us and guide us through the rest of our lives as we yield it to him.
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