Year in the Bible Daily Reading:
Genesis 19-20; Psalm 1; Mark 7 Listen to Today's Reading
Psalm 1:1-6
Happy are those who do not follow the advice of the wicked or take the path that sinners tread or sit in the seat of scoffers, but their delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law they meditate day and night. They are like trees planted by streams of water, which yield their fruit in its season, and their leaves do not wither. In all that they do, they prosper. The wicked are not so but are like chaff that the wind drives away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment Nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous, For the LORD watches over the way of the righteous, But the way of the wicked will perish. Psalm 1:1-6 (NRSVUE)
How do you really encourage a teenager to behave? I worked with a particular middle school student who was chronically getting into trouble. He mentioned to me once that it was “boring” and “too hard” to follow the rules. However, eventually, with maturity, discipline, and guidance, the student changed his ways, even earning a “Student of the Month” Award. That same student told me, “I never realized how good it would feel to do the right thing. It’s not always easy but I like to do the right thing.”
George AF Knight, pastor, author, and seminary professor, writes in his commentary, PSALMS, Volume 1, that Psalm 1 is an instructional psalm. It is guiding us how to act. Knight suggests that we read all the Psalms through the lens of this one.
The first verse indicates we will be “happy” (or “blessed” in some translations). Knight reminds us that this same promise is stated in the Beatitudes in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:3-12). Verse 2, immediately preceding these verses, tells us that Jesus spoke and taught his disciples. Again, he is carrying out his teaching, instructing them how to live.
Knight mentions the first five books of the Old Testament, known as the Torah (in Hebrew) or Pentateuch (in Greek). These are referred to as the Law. Jesus states in Matthew 5:17 that he did come to abolish the Law and the Prophets but to fulfill him.
The focus shifts from following rules to being instructed in how to live a life that centers on loving God and our neighbors. Our lives become enriched or meaningful because we are living them through the lens of God’s love. It doesn’t mean we never stumble or have rough days.
Unlike the middle school student, we won’t receive tangible rewards like “Student of the Month.” However, we will be provided with a path, a purpose—striving to live in a way that pleases Christ.
Questions for Reflection:
- What do you consider one of the biggest challenges to trying to live a godly life?
- What do you consider one of the rewards?
Prayer:
Lord God, we must admit, some days it is easier to follow your path and live in your ways than others. Help us to remember your guidance is always there! And so importantly, it is always available to us in the blessed example of your Son, in whom we pray. Amen!
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