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Bible Reading 1 Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; 2 but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and nigh 3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. 4 The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away. 5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous; 6 for the Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish |
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Discussion It is interesting, that the first psalm begins with the very word that Jesus uses in the Beatitudes (Matt 5:3ff). What is also fascinating is that the word ‘blessed’ is plural, which refers to the largess of the term ‘blessings’. This is important because the Psalm not only considers the present, but because it discusses judgement of our world, it flows into eternity. In our world, the scoffers and the sinners outnumber us. We are a minority. So sometimes there is pressure to stand with the scoffers or remain silent as they try to tear apart aspects of Scripture. For example they criticise the miracles, or creation. What we need to realise, when we criticise one particular point in the scriptures, it's like a domino effect, other promises also become doubtful as well. So things that are special to us are then maligned in the discussion. For example if Adam is considered fictional then Christ's death and some of the letters are misguided and doubtful. This is unfortunate, when we see that the scoffers are like chaff blown in the wind. Their ideas are not reliable due to the nature of their doubtful character. It is important and fascinating to see, that when we meditate on the law, we are actually seeing the story of Jesus and his salvation. Jesus came to fulfil the law. It is more than a law to be obeyed it is a law that tells a story, from which the blessings of eternity flow. It is a very important story for us to know and to learn about. Chaff is burnt so there is no eternal security for the wicked. They will perish. Interesting passages in this regard is psalm 37:10 (A little while, and the wicked will be no more; though you look for them, they will not be found.) and is contrasted in John 10:28,27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. |
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Prayer Dear Father, help me to stand in the place of righteousness where the forgiveness and eternal life of Jesus Christ offers is of prime importance. Help me to understand the story of Jesus as it is revealed book by book in the Scripture. Show me how to share the wonders of the blessings with those I come in contact through this week. Amen. |