The First Psalm is known as an "orphan" psalm.  We don't know who wrote it or when it was written.  Scholars believe the books of the Psalms were arranged in and around the third century BC to be used in a variety of ways from liturgical use to private use.  As the books were arranged - someone decided Psalm One would be Psalm One. 

The first of anything always garners my attention.  Questions like why is something first suggest prominence and serious intent.  I don't think there is any chance that Psalm One was haphazardly selected as #1.  I think it was intentional and makes such a statement in six short verses to set the stage for the entire writings known as the Psalms.  I bet you have a favorite, practically everyone does.  I read a recent ranking of views of verses from an on-line bible verse search.  Of the top 50 verses ranked by most views, there were 10 Psalms verses, three in the top ten, and four in the top eleven.  Psalm 23 had two verses on the list (v. 1 and 4) and the most viewed verse was Psalm 40:1.  Psalm One didn't have any verses that made the top 50, but verse three ranks as an all-timer for me personally.  I desperately want to be that tree by the water yielding fruit with leaves that never wither.  This series will focus on each verse and attempt to break down the meaning and truth for our lives today.  I will be using the Holman Christian Standard translation.  Here is our Psalm, the first one, let it sink in, lift you high, inspire, quicken, and perhaps even trouble you.  Don't worry if it does all those things - that would be normal.  I would worry more if it leaves you apathetic. (Read other translations as well to get an even more complete view of this incredible Psalm):

Psalm 1

The Two Ways

¹ How happy is the man
    who does not follow the advice of the wicked,
    or take the path of sinners,
    or join a group of mockers! 

    ² Instead, his delight is in the LORD's instruction,
    and he meditates on it day and night. 

    ³ He is like a tree planted beside streams of water
    that bears its fruit in season
    and whose leaf does not wither.
    Whatever he does prospers. 

    ⁴ The wicked are not like this;
    instead, they are like chaff that the wind blows away. 

    ⁵ Therefore the wicked will not survive the judgment,
    and sinners will not be in the community of the righteous.

    ⁶ For the LORD watches over the way of the righteous,
    but the way of the wicked leads to ruin. 

I pray that the truth of this passage becomes real to us in a way that moves the ideals of what is written on the page to practical application in our lives.  May God and His Word have His way with us and in us. 

Psalm 1:1a

How happy is the man...

Actually, 'eshre is the Hebrew word used for happy in verse one.  You'll find the word 45 times in the Old Testament, 27 times translated as "blessed" and 18 times translated as "happy."  It simply means just that - happiness or blessedness, but often the word is used as an interjection (forceful) so we lose that in the translation.  Perhaps it is better understood as "Oh, how happy is the man!"  By definition interjections are transparent simple words and 'eshre is just that.

The root word ('ashar) has many more applications and an understanding of this word dives below the surface for even more revelation on the word used for "happy" or "blessed."  'Ashar means to go, walk onward, go straight, to make straight, to righten, to set right, to make progress, to lead on, and yes, to be called blessed or happy. 

These are incredible words, 'eshre rich in simplicity and 'ashar rich in description.  This unknown author right away wants us to know that these six verses are for the 'eshre or 'ashar person.  There are two pathways that will be presented, however there is only one that leads to blessedness.  The writer will detail a profile of those who will be called blessed and those who will be called cursed.  Right away we are driven to access our own lives and evaluate if we would be considered blessed.  You know, if you don't consider yourself blessed or happy then I would expect others to come to the same conclusion.  Perhaps then being happy or blessed is less something you are and more some thing you wear.

Jesus would begin his first sermon with the Greek equivalent of 'eshre (Gr -markarios).  Blessed, Jesus would say are some people that you wouldn't think are blessed.  Therefore you may be wrong about others, but you're never wrong about yourself.  For the poor in spirit, those who mourn, the meek, the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemakers and the persecuted are all blessed.  So even in spite of your circumstances, you can be blessed and happy.  It is a sad person who cannot count their blessings.  How Jesus poured out His blood and the extent to which He has loved us has "made right", "made straight', "blessed us", and "made us happy" above all other blessings.  Always start your list right there and the rest of the list will be made perfect because of His love for you.  Then, you can "walk onward", "make progress", and "lead on" in the bright day of his love. 

Oh!!  How BLESSED and HAPPY are those...

Carry that with you today and wear it like a fine garment for all to see! 

Psalm 1:1a

How happy is the man...
    who does not follow the advice of the wicked,

As is often the case, God's instruction tells us what not to do.  The psalmist follows the declaration of a happy man with three distinct actions that blessed and happy people don't take part. 

The first instruction that sets you on the path of blessedness is not walking on the path advised by the wicked.  The Hebrew word for "follow" is halak, which means to go, walk, move, progress, journey, traverse, come, depart and the like.  We are always on the move going, learning, becoming, and experiencing the lives we have been blessed to have, and we are subject to the varied views of others in this world.  The psalmist cautions us not to halak the 'etsah of the rasha'.

The rasha' are those against God, criminals, or hostile toward God.  They don't make decisions based on God's instruction and even find that instruction offensive.  They have figured things out on their own and have views of life that are alien to the ways and truth of God.  Wicked is a strong translation and we may fail to recognize all the rasha' that confront us on our journey.  Think of them as those without God or the ungodly, therefore they may very well be upstanding citizens of the world, but they have no citizenship in the Kingdom of God.  They are often very intelligent with compelling arguments for their points of view.  What they offer ('etsah) then is a different path than the ways of God.

Advice, counsel and purpose ('etsah) will come at you from the world in many forms.  Preachers who have turned their back on the word and make up their own precepts to follow, the famous who use that fame to spew their own version of the truth, talking heads who attack the truth under the banner of progress or social evolution, professors who narrowly focus on the science and reason that backs up their theories ignoring the science and reason that is contrary to their belief structure, the boss who uses power as a platform to advance ungodly ideals, the follower of another way knocking on your door lost in heresy or virtually brainwashed in false belief, or the politician who will stop at nothing to rid our culture of every reference to the one true God, -- they all line up against the faithful.  They offer a path in belief that winds away from God, and is bankrupt of hope.  They walk under a false veil of happiness, for they have no answer for eternal happiness.  Everything is here and now to them - there is no forever.

What the rasha' want more than any thing is company.  They find comfort in numbers and since the world is sinful by nature they have many converts.  There was a day when you could avoid them easily, but that day no longer exists.  They will come find you where you go (halak).  Their disguises are crafty, Jesus said they would be wolves in sheep's clothing.  How true. 

Therefore make certain you halak in the ways of God as instructed in His book.  Know the truth for as Jesus said, truth will set you free (Jn. 8:32).  You will walk liberated from darkness because the truth of the light will expose that darkness.  So, journey on my friend walking in the counsel of God and His precepts. 

Psalm 1:1a & c

How happy is the man
    who does not...

...take the path of sinners.

If you heed the advice of the ungodly, then the next logical step is acting upon that advice.  Worldly advice certainly leads to worldly ways.  It is sin that separates us from God and keeps us from living the plan He has for us. 

The word translated as "take" is the Hebrew word, ''amad.  It means to endure, take a stand, take up residence, remain, present oneself, establish or hold ground.  This is not the life of occasional sin, but a life in defiance of obedience void of any repentance.  The Psalmist clearly states that a person who avoids standing firm in the path of sin will be happier and blessed. 

Consider the ramifications of rampant sin in our lives.  Families break apart as husband and wife ignore their vows to each other.  Addictions gain the seat on the throne of hearts and careers are lost, relationships strained, and sometimes folks are abandoned to the street.  Unbridled greed runs wildly amok and the sole reason for life becomes a never satisfied quest for more wealth.  The body is mistreated to the point of ill health.  The closest relationships are strained under the harboring of hurts and pains not set free by forgiveness.  Pride and self-centered ways become the mode of operations for many and they never die to self so Christ can reign. 

By standing firm in the path of sin a miserable cloud follows blocking the light of the world from your life. 

Just last night our street ministry team approached an old abandoned log cabin where a man named Harold can sometimes be found.  Debris cluttered the ground and it appeared someone had been cleaning out the old cabin.  There wasn't a sign of a soul anywhere.  As we were getting ready to leave an engine started and there were lights coming from the back of the cabin.  It was a truck and it ambled slowly toward us.  I wasn't sure if we'd happened upon a drug deal, someone hiding out, or someone sleeping the night away in their truck.  They flashed the high beams at us and we cautiously made our way toward the truck.  A small frail man exited the truck and we talked and prayed so long his truck, which he left running, ran out of fuel.  His name was Perry.  He had been to the bars in the area drinking all day and felt like he couldn't go home.  I smelled no alcohol, so I think he'd been up to other things.  He knew he wasn't living the way he should and he was guilt ridden.  He cried real tears.  He wasn't a happy man.

He had a gas can and we let him go with us on our last stops to minister to homeless folks.  He saw Kojo, JR, Red and Jerry living under their bridges.  He saw Raymond sweeping a parking lot.  He saw Henri sleeping out on a concrete slab where an old factory once buzzed with activity.  He saw despair beyond his own.  He saw where eventually his current path takes him if things don't change. 

He filled his can at a station and we took him back to his truck.  One of our volunteers, Randy, is picking him up this morning as I type this devotional to take him fishing and talk with him more.  He wants to find a church.  He wants to live obedient to his Savior.  He doesn't want to stand firm in the path of sin anymore, but feels helpless on his own.  He wants to be happy again. 

We have committed to come along beside Perry, and pray for him, help him or do what we can.  He must turn back though from his current position and take a new position.  That we can't do for him.  We can only encourage him and point him to the love, grace, and truth of a Savior who can do all things.  I pray that one day soon my new friend Perry, who was a divine appointment late at night, will be liberated from the path he is on and again be a happy and blessed man. 

Examine your own life.  Has sin taken any toe hold?  Don't allow it.  Do not take the path of sin.  It leads to despair apart from the plan of a loving and caring God.

Psalm 1:1a & d

How happy is the man
    who does not...
...join a group of mockers!

Wrapping up verse one we have a conclusion to our list of "don'ts."  We are not to travel in the advice of the worldly, or take up residence in the pathway of sin.  These commands are nothing new, but the last one appears oddly unique.  Mockers are so commonplace in our cynical society, surely God could look the other way on the occasional hurl of mockery, right? 

Evidently, not.

The Hebrew word for "mockers" is luwtz. This is a primitive root word meaning to scorn, to mouth at, talk arrogantly, boast, mock, deride, or to be inflated with oneself in scoffing.  We will know these folks because they are usually in groups as the verse depicts.  The word for "groups" (mowshab) is sometime translated seat - meaning dwelling-place or assembly.  You don't normally encounter them out on their own, so perhaps you could add cowardice to their list of traits as well as it seems they find more courage in the company of more people who will join in their act.  And frankly, this warning is warranted, because they draw others in to their web of scoffing.  This is not a group or place for a Christian to be taking part, but instead showing a proper witness.  Certainly our Lord and Savior Christ Jesus stared down His share of assemblies of scoffers.  Many times they were just one stone short of a lynch mob.  In John's Gospel there is the repeated mysterious action of Christ "hiding himself from them." (see Jn. 8:59 &  12:36b)  Jesus was often the object of mockery.  We are commanded not to join (yashab) these mockers.  literally the word means to sit, dwell, abide or remain. 

When I think of mockers I think of this part of a speech by Teddy Roosevelt. 

“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; because there is not effort without error and shortcomings; but who does actually strive to do the deed; who knows the great enthusiasm, the great devotion, who spends himself in a worthy cause, who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement and who at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly. So that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.”

There is a lot of 'bully' truth in this quote.  I don't agree with everything Teddy Roosevelt stood for, but this notion is spot on.  I think he is right in his assumption that most of the "cold and timid souls" have not been in the game so to speak.  Therefore they speak without first hand experience of what it is like to be who they are mocking. 

So, think twice before you berate that coach, referee, umpire, principal, police officer, politician, public official, teacher, pastor, manager, etc.  This doesn't mean you can't have an opinion, to the contrary - it only means you will not join in a group whose opinions are rooted in arrogantly deriding another.  To do so would put you in the same crowd as those timid souls who find enough comfort together to have a voice or the rabble who followed Moses (see Numbers 11:4).  The world will be a better place without these groups - make sure they always have one less person if you're around while they are spewing venom.  In the process you will be a much happier person.

Psalm 1:3a

He is like a tree planted beside streams of water ...

In my mind I see that tree planted by the stream.  It is a fruit bearing tree, the leaves are all full, and they cast a shade providing a coolness not found in the heat of the day.  Not too far away there is barren and arid land dying for water.  The grass under the tree is cool to the touch, almost moist.  There is a freshness here that is profoundly different in all the right ways.  This is a blessed place. There is peace here among many other fruits.

After verse one and the list of things to avoid, and after verse two and the declaration of the delight and consistency in the Word, the Psalmist reaches for a word paint brush.  In beautiful strokes dappled upon canvas these images flood the mind as we start to see the results of the person who delights day and night in the instruction of the Lord.  There is much to glean from these images.

I see a dual purpose in understanding "planted" which is the Hebrew word shathal.  And, everything hinges off a principal object in this first phrase - the stream or peleg.  Both words are simplistic, there is no list of meanings that plunge you deeper into understanding.  It is just a tree planted by a stream.  Of course, we are the tree or 'ets, and I believe the stream of water (peleg) is the LORD.  Within this word picture I see both the sovereignty of God and our free will at work.  I see us making sure we are planted near Him, the stream of Living Water (John 4:14).  The Living Water is the source of everything good in this picture or result of verse one and two.  This incredible tree is sustained by the water, as are we by God.  Make sure to plant yourself close to Him by surrendering your life to His plan for you.  When this happens, God will plant you in a place where your tree will do His will.  He promises that no matter where He plants you, you will be planted by the life giving water of the Son of God. Actually, it turns out you really aren't planted at all, but are free to "go" as the great commission says (Matt. 28:19).   

We find several references to these trees in the Bible:

David wrote in Psalm 52:8, "But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust in God's unfailing love for ever and ever."

The author of Psalm 92, believed to possibly be one of Israel's kings writes, "The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house of the LORD, they will flourish in the courts of our God.  They will bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green."  Psalm 92:12-14.

The great prophet Jeremiah paints a similar word picture, "But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in Him.  He is like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green.  It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit."  Jeremiah 17:7-8.

This place is too good to keep to ourselves.  By association with others they will come into the shade of our tree, walk on the coolness of our grass, and perhaps see their reflection in the slow moving - still and deep water near us.  There is no greater evangelist force than others seeing the LORD at work in us. For this to be successful, we must be Psalms One Christians.  The world is the dry place just over the ridge, desperate and crying out for water.  Be assured that if you plant yourself by the great stream of Living Water, God will in turn plant you near dry land.  Why?

So you can be the tree. 

Psalm 1:3b

...that bears its fruit in season

During the 1700's the British Royal Navy lost more sailors to disease than the rigors of sailing and war.  British Admiral and wealthy aristocrat, George Anson, set out with six ships to sail around the world in 1740.  In ten months he lost 1300 of his crew of 2,000.  During the seven years war the British lost over 184,000 sailing souls, of which 133,000 were lost to disease.  The disease that claimed the lion's share of lives was called scurvy.  When the human body is deprived of vitamin C, collagen, the most critical protein for connective tissue in the body, is not synthesized properly leading to death.  Fruit, which is laden with vitamin C, keeps scurvy at bay.

Our tree that is planted by the stream of water is said to bear fruit in season.  Fruit is translated from the Hebrew word, periy.  Much like the other words in the third verse it has a simple meaning - fruit of the tree or ground.  The symbolism here is that something is produced, hence the English word sometimes used for fruit - produce.  The Psalmist says the blessed person who is planted by the stream is a productive tree of fruit. 

What would God consider productive?  We could jump right to Galatians chapter 5 and read of the fruit of the Spirit:  Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Goodness, Faith, Gentleness, and self-control.  Certainly all those apply, but what would Jesus say?  He certainly talked a lot about fruit on His last night before His sacrifice in the allegory of the vine, the branches, and vine dresser at the beginning of John 15, but He leaves out the details of what fruit is. 

I look to His last instructions to discover the produce of Jesus.  When He gave the Great Commission, Jesus said to "go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you." (Matt. 28:19-20).  And, at the ascension He said to "be my witnesses" ultimately to the "ends of the earth." (Acts 1:8)

The other telling thing about fruit is that there is seed inside.  Therefore, one offspring of fruit can result in many more trees.  Likewise, the Christian who emulates Christ by obeying His commands, reaching out to others, telling of what Jesus has done, how He has loved us, practicing that love to others, or being the disciple that will make other disciples - can result in many more trees planted by streams of Living Water bearing fruit in season. 

The truth is that much of the world is dying from scurvy.  They lack and need the fruit of Life, which is Christ Jesus.  They will come to the shade of your tree through divine appointments as you make your journey through this life.  They are looking for something real, something that heals from the inside out, and can truly save them.  Therefore, be fruitful, be a good witness and reflect Christ to others.  Whether or not they accept the fruit depends on the soil their tree is planted in like the farmer sowing the seed (Matt. chp. 13)  We just keep sowing, keep producing fruit.  The LORD will handle the rest.

As the first great sermon that Jesus preached started to wind down Jesus talked about trees, good fruit, bad fruit and the ramifications of bad trees.  He didn't mince words in the slightest.  Whether good trees or bad trees Jesus said you will be able to tell by their fruit:

"Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them."  (Matt. 7:20)

A blessed person rooted consistently in the Word, who avoids the counsel of the unfaithful, avoids the path of sin, and chooses not to sit in the seats with the mockers, will bear good fruit in season.

But, what if I don't see fruit from my limbs?  More about "season" in the next section.

Psalm 1:3b

...fruit in season.

What's your favorite season of the year?  Spring - with new life budding and green creeping back into everything.  Perhaps Fall, as a cool breeze replaces the torrid heat of summer.  You may like the heat of Summer, many do, enjoying vacations at the beach with the kids out of school.  Some appreciate Winter and the cold weather as families gather inside and activities slow affording more together time.  Whatever the case, I bet you have a favorite and look forward to the divisions of the year. 

Since Winter is not a fruit bearing season, we can assume their are periods of fruitlessness concerning our spiritual tree.  Actually the fruit is there it just doesn't produce the results we're looking for or think should be.  Verse three does not say that the tree will produce fruit all the time out of season, instead it says the tree will produce fruit in season.  The Hebrew word translated as season is 'eth, which means the time of an event, occurrence or occasion.  It is translated most often as "time" (257 of the 296 times it is used in the O.T.).  It is translated as "season" sixteen times, and various other words including "when", "always", and "evening."  It is easy to see why it is translated as "season" as it relates to a tree.

In truth, there are winters of spirituality.  You can go along obeying the commands of Christ, have significant quiet time, be an exemplary witness, and so on, and not see fruit.  I think God tests us in this way to see if we'll continue to honor Him even when we don't see results.  I've personally experienced this in our street ministry.  There have been times when you look at everything and wonder if "we are doing any good?"  I would say the single reason volunteers stop coming is because they don't see the results of their labor.  This is understandable.  I've felt it.

The questions I sense from God in response though are more pointed toward Him and away from results:  Will you keep coming though you don't see results - sharing, caring and loving?  If you are looking for people to be appreciative, wasn't there only one leper who thanked Christ out of the ten who were healed?  If it takes 100 trips to finally break through to the somber guy who lives by the tracks, will you be willing to endure 100 trips of seeming failure?  It is easy to follow God in the season of fruit, but what will you do when the season is dry?  It takes a strong tree planted very close to the source - God, the Living Water. 

I believe many Christians are disenchanted with themselves and their fruit bearing, when in fact they are in a winter season.  It all narrows to the point of each relationship to Christ.  In Reaching for an Invisible God, Philip Yancey remarks, "Any relationship involves times of closeness and times of distance, and in a relationship with God, no matter how intimate, the pendulum will swing from one side to the other."  In The Purpose Driven Life, Rick Warren sites this distance in these profound words, "God's omnipresence and the manifestation of His presence are two different things.  One is a fact; the other is often a feeling.  God is always present, even when you are unaware of Him, and His presence is too profound to be measured by mere emotion."  So, just as the Bible says, He will never leave you, He is there, whether you feel it or not has no bearing on His presence.

As the great writer of Ecclesiastes has written, there are seasons for nearly everything (Ecc. 3:1-8).  So it is with fruit bearing.  There is a time for sowing, fertilizing, growing, and harvest.  There is also a time for rest as the fallow season shows no evidence of fruit until the first buds of Spring. In truth, God controls the results and the timing of results.  Don't allow lack of fruit to put distance between you and the LORD, God doesn't move away.  Don't allow Satan a foothold for his sin can create distance, but know in faith that God is there.  In His timing all things have their season.  

Psalm 1:3c

...and whose leaf does not wither.

The Ridgeland trail, which my wife and I run on a lot, has had several spurs added over the last couple of years.  About this time last year they opened a lengthy section that traverses from Old Canton Rd all the way to a beautiful overlook at the Ross Barnett Reservoir.  Along the trail was planted several small trees and bushes.  A year later in throes of summer with little rain some of the leaves are drooping and withering.  And, some of the plants are dead already.  You can tell a lot about a tree by the leaves.  Is the tree getting adequate water?  Is it healthy? 

So, for some reason when I started this series the word image that jumped off the page at me most - was this one, hence the title.  As I studied deeper, I understood also that leaves ('aleh in Hebrew) can be deceiving, which adds even more to the intrigue.  Some trees can be full of leaves and appear healthy and vital - yet not a single piece of fruit can be found, less we forget the fig tree that at first drew Jesus near then had no evidence of fruit.  Jesus cursed that tree.(Matt. 21:18-22) Therefore, the first lesson we must learn is that leaves without fruit does not account for much.  Much like hypocrisy, Christians who :"look" good on the outside, but produce no fruit will have a slim reward awaiting them.  The Psalm One tree beside the water will produce fruit in season AND be filled with leaves that do not wither.

When a leaf withers, it needs water.  Obviously, being planted by the stream is a huge advantage and for us - God invites us all to plant ourselves close by Him.  The Hebrew word for wither is nabel, which means to droop, wither or languish.  Interestingly, it can also mean foolish, to be seen as foolish, or to treat with contempt.  In order to have leaves that never wither, languish, droop or appear foolish, we plant ourselves near the water and then understand the source.  Paul famously wrote in Romans if God is for us who can be against us? (Rom. 8:31b)  Do we really understand that tremendous verse of scripture?  Maybe we understand it, but do we really live a life in light of it?  Confessionally, I fear I lose sight of this truth when barriers and obstacles are all that confront me.  However, regardless of the situation the truth is that God is for us and the closer my tree is planted to Him the less I will wither. 

My pastor is going through a series called, "Overcomers."  The series dovetails nicely with writing this devotion and I need to hear the great encouragement found throughout Romans chapter 8.  I'm not so sure you don't move your tree closer to the water just be reading that great chapter once per week.  Satan, who can't have you because the Lord has you, only looks to make your life miserable.  He knows the battle for your soul has been won by Christ, so he seeks to wither your leaves, to make you droop in this life, to make things appear as you are languishing on the limb, and even to make you look foolish.  By doing so, he knows others are watching and withered leaves, hypocrisy, and lack of fruit make the lost think there is nothing to the Christian life.  It looks counterfeit. 

Be strong in the Lord's promises.  Stand tall in His truth.  Remember that barriers, obstacles, and difficulties are to be overcome not succumbed to.  Remember how close to the Water you are, for there lies all the power to sustain your leaves.

May they truly never wither.

 
Psalms 1:3d

Whatever he does prospers.

Frankly, I wish verse three ended with the leaves that do not wither, but it does not.  In the last phrase the writer communicates a truth that unsettles some us and drives others to proclaim a gospel of prosperity.  So, how does a discerning Christian read a verse like this and reconcile the fact that we don't always prosper.  We lose money on investments.  We lose jobs.  We lose opportunities.  We fail, we fall, and we struggle - how is it that "whatever" we do prospers?

The problem is we are hung up on the object of the lesson and we don't have a full understanding of the word for prospers.

The word in the Hebrew is "tsalach."  It has two meanings.  First, it means to come rapidly or rush, and second, it means to progress in something, to prosper, to profit, or to experience profit.  To reduce the meaning of this word to monetary gain would be akin to making the word "light" only mean the light that comes from a light bulb.  A proper understanding of the word means far more and is much richer.  It suggests that even in defeat we prosper.  When we fail - we learn therefore we prosper, we profit from failure because we take something away of value.  Romans 8:28, even goes further in saying that "all" things happen for the good of those who love the Lord.  That is even more of a declaration of prosperity.  This doesn't mean we understand it fully, especially in the midst of the anguish and pain of the loss, failure, or hurt.  No matter what confronts the tree that is rooted beside the still water, the tree can handle it, why?  Because the tree delights in the instruction of the Lord.  Therefore, the tree is not looking to prosper as some sort of goal, but prosperity in all that happens to the tree is merely the result of where the tree is planted and the love the tree has for the instruction of the Lord.  By the way, it doesn't hurt that the tree shuns the counsel of the worldly, avoids sin, and doesn't mock with the crowd.

Second, the power in this verse is the stream of water and not the tree itself.  All the progress that can happen to the tree has to do with the stream the tree is planted near and less to do with the tree by itself.  Too many look at the tree and only celebrate that tree - look what I have done, look how I am successful, is rhetoric you hear from those who are more tree-centered than Stream-center.  Learning that the Stream is the key to prosperity in "all" things is elemental to this verse.  Fruit will not grow without water and leaves will wither.  On our own, we don't stand a chance.  It is the Stream that prospers us even in seasons of drought, failure, and loss.

I love sports.  I've played them all my life and I'm now watching my sons play them.  I've watched games where people score and point to heaven.  Have you ever wondered why no one points to heaven when they strike out, miss the tackle, miss the game winning shot, dribble the ball off their foot, make the error, or fumble the ball.  Believe it or not a true understanding of this verse means that we should be thankful even when we screw-up.  I know, it sounds counter-intuitive, but that is what the psalmist is saying and it is the truth of Romans 8:28, not to mention James 1:2-4. 

To prosper simply means we are living in the sweet spot of God's will, experiencing all that the abundant life promised by Christ (Jn. 10:10) offers us.  To believe this is merely wealth and success would be to believe in a superficial God out of touch with the reality of our world.  No, may those thoughts go no farther in the minds of the faithful, but may they truly understand that God, who descended in the flesh, experienced all the vile world could serve up, even death on a cross, yet was victorious through it all.  When He went back home, His balance sheet wasn't laden with assets.  He never held a position of power, never struck a word to parchment that has survived the ages, left no cache of wealth or property...  He just left His teaching and words to only a few among the world's population.  Later, He would send His Spirit and the world would never be the same.  We still have that same Spirit.  May He guide us into the full truth of His Word. 

Now, go prosper through it all, come what may, in defeat or victory, and discover the unmatched life and plan that God has for you. 

Psalm 1:4a

The wicked are not like this...

The writer turns his attention back to the other path.  There are two ways to go, not three, not one, not a million - just two:  The way of the rasha or the way of the righteous.  The rasha are the unrighteous, guilty, condemned, ungodly or wicked.  Many will dig deep into the word and say, "That's not me."  They may say that and still be firmly padding the wrong path. 

Wicked (rasha') is a strong word, but perhaps it can only be understood by being held up to righteousness.  If the two paths are based on what you do our how good you are then the pieces start to crumble like a house of cards.  For the Christian, a belief in Jesus Christ gives them a righteousness that is not of themselves, but by faith wholly theirs.  His righteousness becomes our righteousness, for if we were left to our own sinful ways - we'd always be on the wrong path.  What incredibly good news! 

Not so for the wicked! (NIV Psalms 1:3a).  The news is much worse.  First off, they are far from the water.  They have rejected the Source and wandered into a never ending desert void of the Source.  They live by their own code, not evil mind you as the world understands evil, but apart from the instruction of God.  They don't delight in the instruction of God - they don't see it as the liberating freedom it is.  Denying self is the first step...never taken (see Luke 9:23).  They yield the wrong sort of fruit without nourishment, without hope, without peace, and leaves can wither in an instant.  Finally, they see prosperity as the world sees prosperity and not has the King of Kings views prosperity.  Whoever dies with the most toys wins, is an old adage of the rasha'.  Plainly, the rasha' live a life void of verse three. This doesn't mean they don't prosper, even succeed wildly, it just means they are not connected to the Source.  They have rejected the Source.

The results of the life of the rasha' will stand in contrast to the righteous as the psalmist wets his pen and finishes this great psalm.

This great psalm requires that we know which path we are walking.  Are you walking in faith with Christ, or are you walking in faith in yourself? 

In the movie the Gospel of John, the writers depict the section of John's gospel often subtitled "The Shepherd and His Flock," as Jesus speaking to children as adults look on in some village.  The movie is a word for word depiction of John's Gospel and I highly recommend it. 

"I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. (Jn. 10:7)... whoever enters through me will be saved (Jn. 10:9)... I am the Good Shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me (Jn. 10:14)... My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand (Jn. 10:27-28."

It all comes down to "pens" and "paths".  You must know which "pen" you are in and that determines the "path."  Jesus is the gate to the pen of the righteous, and the guide to the trail that leads to a life resulting in the blessing of Psalms 1:3.  I pray you know the reality of that pen by way of the Gate. 

Psalm 1:4b

...instead, they are like chaff that the wind blows away.

The contrast is clear.  One path results in a strong and firm tree, fruitful in season, loaded with leaves that never wither.  The other path results in chaff (mots).  The Hebrew word means chaff (always as driven by the wind), which is the portion of the wheat plant that has no use.  The word is found 8 times in the Old Testament, and it is always translated the same - as chaff being blown away or subject to the wind.  The primitive root word is muwts, which means oppressor, extortioner, or squeezer.  How fitting.  The chaff has been squeezed, oppressed, and extorted.  They are subject to the wind, blowing this way and that, since they have no grounding in the truth of God's instruction.  By contrast the tree may sway or be affected by the wind, but it takes a strong wind to cause problems, and as we learned with being prosperous - even strongest wind is profitable to the Christian.  The chaff can't withstand the smallest breeze.

Chaff has had a metaphorical nature in almost all cultures.  Rice, wheat, barely and oats all have chaff, and people have come to use the term to exemplify waste or worthlessness.  It has no human food value, so some use it as fodder for animal food although the nutritional value is virtually zero.  Sometimes it is turned into the soil to lighten the topsoil.  Perhaps the most famous use of the metaphor was when John the Baptist used it as he addressed the Pharisees and Sadducees in Matthew chapter three:

"His winnowing fork is in His hand, and He will clear His threshing room floor, gathering His wheat into the barn and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire."  (Matt. 3:12)

Here John describes a farmer who is ready to separate the grain from the chaff as he foretells of the coming Christ who will baptize with the Holy Spirit and ultimately be the center figure in how the world will be judged. 

Late in the afternoon when the breeze came up gentle across the land, sheathes of wheat would be collected in the winnowing fork and tossed into the wind.  The chaff would be blown away and the grain would fall at the feet of the winnower.  The grain would serve as nourishment, vital to the survival of the people.  The chaff would be carried by the wind. never finding rest - constantly being blown about till there is nothing left. 

When there is no foundation on Christ, chaff is very much what you have.  A life where everyone is right, truth is relative, and the world is king.  The wrong things are overvalued, the good things are undervalued and essentially you have spiritual, relational, and emotional bankruptcy. The image is a far cry from the tree standing by still waters.  God is the source of truth.  His Word has endured the ages and still stands as the finest testament to our deepest longings.  And, Jesus is still king on His throne having paid the price so the worthless can be redeemed.  You don't have to lead a life of chaff.  The arms of Jesus are open wide, His love knows no bounds or limits, no one is unreachable, and you can turn around on your path and take His path.  When that happens the wind no longer carries and the hand of the savior reaches down to the threshing room floor gathering the kernels of wheat in His hand.  He than blesses them and they turn into groves of trees by a winding stream.  It is a miracle of transformation. 


 

Psalm 1:5a

Therefore the wicked will not survive (literally - "stand in") the judgment...

I love the last courtroom scene of "A Few Good Men."  The proud and arrogant old general is pushed by a young unproven lawyer to the point he loses his cool and confesses on the stand that he gave an order that resulted in the death of a young soldier.  By challenging the general the young lawyer was risking his entire career, everything really, if he couldn't get a confession.  It is high drama. 

I think about the word "drama" and I attempt to apply it to the courtroom that will be at the Great Day of the Lord, and frankly I don't have images that cloud my mine.  All I know is that I'm thankful that the counsel at the defense table when my case is heard is the Man from Galilee with the scars on his wrists.  He has never lost a case.  I can't afford Him either, but thankfully, He's more like a public defender.  Even though He has a huge case load, if you call Him - He'll put you on the docket. 

As we move to verse five, judgment (mishpat) is the subject.  The Hebrew word has a virtual treasure trove of legal meanings.  This leads to a variety of translations throughout the Old Testament including:  judgment, manner, right, cause, ordinance, lawful, order, worthy, fashion, custom, discretion, law, measure, and sentence.  The basic definition is judgment, justice, or ordinance.  Mishpat is derived from the root word - shaphat, which means to judge, vindicate, punish or govern.  On the Great Day of Judgment, each will stand in court - the righteous and the unrighteous.  The unrighteous will not be able to stand or survive the judgment.  John, in the Revelation, questions if anyone will be able to stand, "For the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?"  (Rev. 6:17)

The truth is that the case is an open and shut case if Christ is not in your corner - Guilty as charged!  The mishpat holds you up against the very holiness or perfection of God.  Everyone will fall short.  No one will stand - save one.  He is the one who came to earth descending from a throne to the womb of a young unwed teenage girl.  He is the one who grew up along the slopes of Galilee and for 30 years not much happened other than life that we know about.  He is the one that John the Baptist would point toward and say, "Behold, the Lamb of God."  He is the one who announced that the Kingdom of God was at hand stirring the locals to a fever pitch as Rome held them under a thumb.  He is the one that overturned death, disease, blindness, and demons with a word, touch, or action.  He is the one who spoke in authority - unlike the prophets who said, "the Lord says..."  Instead, He said, "I say..."  He is the one who walked in full truth, yet grace enough to dine with the lowliest sinner.  He confounded the church people of His day and He championed the poor.  He turned over the tables of the temple and fed thousands from a little boy's lunch.  He raised a friend who was decomposing in a tomb and stepped toward His own trial without representation.  He stood in the place of us all and took the punishment unto death an innocent man.  He was placed in a rich man's tomb and was thoroughly dead from being flogged, beaten, crucified, and speared in the heart.  Then in a moment that shook the universe to its molecular core ---- HE ROSE! The stone, which no man could move, simply rolled away and soldiers fell as dead men.  Now He sits at the right hand of the Father interceding on your behalf (Rom. 8:34; Heb. 7;25).  You are pardoned, saved, and redeemed because of Him and what He has done.  So, you won't have to stand in mishpat.

He will stand for you. In reality there are no "few good men."  There is only "One Good Man."  Live a life void of fear - knowing the One Good Man has you in His hand for eternity - including the Great Day of Mishpat.

Psalm 1:5b

...and sinners will not be in the community of the righteous.

When time stops and judgment has been made, the two paths will be irrefutable. The righteous in Christ, the sheep (see Matt. 25) will enter into a grand inheritance that has been prepared for them.  Those who chose to remain in their sin and not accept the redemptive offer of life through Christ, the goats, will be excused. 

I find myself wishing for that day much more than when I was a boy.  As a boy it meant that some of my earthly passions might end, although I love the contemporary Christian song that sings about playing football at My Father's House in His big yard.  Regardless, back then I sensed that the judgment would stop life as I knew it and selfishly, I felt I had some things to look forward to.  Now I see it clearly as a favored option - not that I don't want to see how my boys turn out, or that I don't have bright hopes for the future.  As I've gotten older one thing I've longed for is a purified assembly, community, church of believers.  That is impossible on this side of eternity.  Furthermore, that is exactly how God has planned it.

What strikes me about today's verse is the word community ('edah).  This Hebrew word is translated as congregation in the old KJV, and I'm not so sure that is not the best word for it.  It literally means - gathering or congregation.  It is also translated as assembly, company, multitude, people, and swarm.  The root word is 'ed, which means witness with two angles.  First, a witness of things or evidence of something - also you could say a testimony of truth.  Second, a witness of people - more plural and less as individuals.  Sounds like church?  Yes.  The word 'ed is found 69 times in the Old Testament and is always translated as witness.  It is a transparent word in a not so transparent word, thus it stands out, or it should as the assembly, congregation or church of Jesus. 

Right now, however, churches are filled with folks who aren't on the Jesus path, or planted by still water.  These folks promote an improper witness.  Hypocrisy reigns in their lives, and leaves are withered, fruit can't be found.  They only prosper in the narrow sense of the word.  When Billy Graham says that only 40% of the church is actually saved, that should raise some eyebrows.  Rev. Graham is not big on making those sort of demonstrative statements.  Perhaps our mission field should start with the person sitting beside you in the pew. 

You see there is coming a day when the ungodly, the goats, the folks not on the path with Jesus, will no longer sit in the assembly of the righteous in Christ.  For the faithful Jews of the Old Testament this assembly was the people of God in His sanctuary.  They were the ones who honored God with their lives and how they lived.  They tried their best to faithfully fulfill their obligations to the law and fastidiously kept the traditions and rituals.  They recognized that power or authority given was from the hand of God and they used it not to exploit influence domestically, socially, economically, intellectually or otherwise, but they sought to bless others as they had been blessed.  They were good trees by still water giving a proper witness ('ed) as a group of people ('edah).

Our challenge is to live out our days for Christ and be GUILTY of being his followers.  That we may be found being obedient doing the right things, loving others, and showing Christ through our actions ('ed).  The church was established as a place where the faithful can congregate ('edah) and share their lives in genuine worship of God.  It is not perfect, but it is still the way God would have it.  No one is omitted now, that's on purpose, this was the example of Jesus while on earth - everyone is invited to the banquet.  But, there is a day coming, looming on the horizon that weighs heavy with the choices made now.  A huge percentage of folks do not attend Sunday School, Life Group, or whatever your church calls it.  Invite someone to a deeper relationship with your group that is committed to the study of God's word and how it applies to each or our lives.  This is a good witness and makes for a stronger congregation.  You never know - chances are pretty good you may be inviting someone who has never made Christ the Lord of their lives. 

Psalm 1:6a

For the LORD watches over the way of the righteous...

Years ago when I was just a boy my mother, Mary Covington, and Jimmy Covington, who were dear friends from Charlotte, decided to go on a hike up on the Roan.  Now, the Roan was Roan Mountain, but everybody called it the Roan.  The Appalachian Trail goes right over a good part of if on its way from Georgia to Maine.  The elevation was over 6,000 feet so even in the summer the temperatures were usually cool in the 70's even on the hottest day.  We got to the trail later in the day and started into the woods.  We were having a blast just walking through the flora of the mountain and talking as we went.  Jimmy and I were boys so we probably pushed the pace more than we realized.  Anyway, time got away from us and by the time we turned back it was much later than we thought.  When the sun sets on a mountain it does so quickly.  One minute it is there, the next it is gone. That happened to us and we had no flashlight, nothing. The temperature began to drop rapidly and we weren't dressed for the cold.  We walked and walked in the dark, nothing looking the same, and we wondered if we would ever get back to the Jeep or if we were even on the right trail.  We finally got back to where we started, but really there was no hope until we emerged from the woods.  Nothing looked familiar until we arrived back at the parking lot.  Even though it didn't appear we were on the right path, we kept the faith and just kept walking. 

I thought of that excursion when I read this morning's verse.  I thought about the "way" and I thought about the "watching over."  If you're on the right path, that way is watched.  Therefore you can deduce the wrong path is not watched, or maybe it is by another entity - goading you out deeper into the dark woods. 

The Hebrew word translated as "way" is derek.  It means a road, a way, a journey, a distance, or a course.  It is translated and used the same as our word for way.  It can mean a way to a destination, and it can mean a habit or manner.  I.E. - the way someone does something.  Both apply.  The way (or path) of the righteous or faithful is watched as is their ways. 

The word for "watches" is even deeper.  It is the word yada', (yes, same word we get yada yada yada as a phrase).  The word means to know in an intimate and respectful way.  To be perceived, to be seen, and to be found out about, are all ways the word is used.  "Yada, Yada, Yada" is slang today made famous by an episode of Seinfeld that actually means quite the opposite:  boring, dull, or worthless banter.  Isn't that just like the world, taking a great Old Testament word which is often used to reveal the depth of the Lord's love for us, and make it akin to worthlessness?  I've used the term more as the modern term than the realization of God watching over me and knowing me.  I don't think I'll ever be able to use the phrase again, or if I do let it slip, there will be an attack of conscience.  That is a good thing because I like the Old Hebrew word better, and I would rather think of the Heavenly Father watching my ways, path, and steps.  There is nothing worthless about that. 

My last point about this verse is just where God is looking.  Notice the verse doesn't say he is watching us, but our way.  I almost missed that little difference.  I find great comfort in knowing that the path is being searched out, that what lies ahead has already been plotted. Even though times may get dark as the sun sets and nothing "looks" familiar, my way is being watched.  What a comfort to know that!

Also, my ways are being watched and known.  This is less of a comfort...lol.  I don't always do as I should, but the Father is watching my ways and when I slip He does let me know by the unmistakable voice of the Holy Spirit, which is God in me. What a loving God to watch both our ways, and not turn back disgusted with us.  What a loving God to plot out a plan and a future for us.  No matter where we are going, the Lord has already mapped the way. 

Psalm 1:6b

...but the way of the wicked leads to ruin.

The Tommy Hole is located in a very remote spot on the North Toe River, which is the border between Mitchell and Yancey County in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina.  In the summer we would camp there on an island that was formed behind a huge rock in the middle of the river.  On the opposite side a stone wall rises from the river and a leap from the top nears 15' off the water.  We would swim for hours and hours.  Getting there though was an arduous journey to say the least.  One day, I thought I would be smart and consult my contoured map for a better route.  I discovered a much shorter route from the main road which passed higher up on the ridge above the river.  On paper it looked like a splendid idea.  We parked about where I figured and bounded down the side of the ridge. At first we made great time.  What would normally take us 30-40 minutes was sure to only take 15 minutes.  Not too long after we started we were overcome with undergrowth.  It was too steep to turn back so we trudged on.  The journey ended up taking twice as long and we were almost too worn out to swim.  Not only that, I learned later that the name of this area we traversed was called "Copperhead Hollow."  Those who went with me that day never asked for me to be a trail guide again, and I didn't offer either.

Every path has a destination.  Every journey has an end.  Every way leads to somewhere or something.  This is the case with the two paths of Psalm One.  The author doesn't tell us where the path of the faithful ends, but we know as it is in contrast to the path of the wicked.  That path ends in destruction or ruin.  It may have started off looking like a splendid path, but the deeper you descend the darker the journey until ultimate separation from God results.  That is ruin.  The Hebrew word for ruin is 'abad.  It means death, destruction, to perish or to be hopelessly lost.  It is the destination of those that choose not to take the way of Christ.

Toward the end of His first sermon Jesus mentioned the two paths in two short verses.  They are almost mentioned in passing between asking, seeking, and knocking and knowing a tree by its fruit. 

Enter through the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the road is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who go through it.  How narrow is the gate and difficult the road that leads to life, and few find it.  Matt. 7:13-14

Two paths just like in Psalm One.  The choice is ours.

A story I wrote a few years back involves a man going through mid-life when suddenly he is pulled into a supernatural journey.  He is given a compass called a "narrow path compass."  As he journeys through his various assignments he is to consult the compass which doesn't just point north, but always points toward the narrow gate and path.  No matter what could befall him, he would always know he was on the right path.  When I wrote the story I thought how fantastic it would be to have such a compass.  Then I realized that with the Holy Spirit and the Word of God we have such a device.  If we consult both regularly, we'll be on the right path - narrow as it may be, difficult as it may be, but the right one nonetheless.  The reward of the destination will be worth the journey. 

It has been my high privilege to walk with you on this journey through the pure majesty of truth contained in the very first Psalm.  I pray you've been blessed and will be a blessing to others like the tree by the still water.  May you always bear fruit in season, may you understand the true eternal prosperity of heaven, and may your feet always fall on the narrow path. 

Who knows the way better?  You, who can only see the path until the next turn, rise, or dip obscures your vision?  Or, He who can see the entire length from the parking lot to the ultimate destination?  That's an easy answer.