To Do or Not To Do (Part 2)

The fork in the road; how do we know which way is the right way?

Today we are continuing to look at Psalm 1:1-3 (the memory verses I was asked to explain).

Last week we examined verses one and two (if you missed it, read here). Quick recap: be careful who you spend your time with, read the Bible daily, and think about what you read. Before we look at verse three, let's read these verses again.

Psalm 1:1:3 reads: 

Blessed is the one 

                        who does not 

                                        walk in step with the wicked

                                        or stand in the way that sinners take

                                        or sit in the company of mockers. 

                        but whose delight

                                          is in the law of the Lord,

                                                        and who meditates on the law day and night. 

                        That person is like a tree, 

                                                         planted by streams of water, 

                                                         which yields it’s fruit in season

                                                         whose leaf does not wither--                                                                        whatever they do prospers. 

Doing what is described in the first two verses helps you become like the tree in verse three; but what does that mean? Do you want to be like a tree? 

Yes, yes you do and here's why.

The tree that is planted by streams of water has roots that are constantly connected to the source it needs to survive. The roots reach deep down into the ground, securing the tree firmly where it's planted, and touch the stream. Trees need water to survive.

The blessed one is like a tree planted by streams of water, connected to God day and night, being sustained by His word.

This tree also yields it's fruit in season. The Bible tells us you can know a person by the fruit they bear. Matthew 7:16-20 says, "You can identify them by their fruits. Can you pick grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? A good tree produces good fruit, and a bad tree produces bad fruit. A good tree can't produce bad fruit, and a bad tree produce good fruit. So every tree that does not produce good fruit is chopped down and thrown into the fire. Yes, just as you can identify a tree by its fruit, so you can identify people by their actions."

Good and bad fruit refer to moral behavior. To have good moral behavior one must live a productive life for God by obeying his teachings and resisting temptation. 

In addition to being planted next to streams and yielding fruit in season, this tree has leaves that do not wither. When I think of withering leaves, I think of a tree that is dying. Sinning leads to death. Ephesians 2:1 says, "Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins." Ephesians 2:4-5 goes on to say, "But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. It is only by God's grace that you have been saved." 

The last part of verse three tells us the blessed one prospers in whatever she does. This does not mean she won't have suffering or trouble (because the Bible is quite clear that believers will). Just look at 1 Peter 4:12-13 which says, "Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that you are going through, as though something strange were happening to you. Instead be very glad--for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world." 

This examination of the first three verses in Psalm 1 reminds me of two verses. Matthew 6:33 which says, "Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need." And Proverbs 3:5-6 which says, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." These verses reinforce what is being said in Psalm 1:1-3. 

So, what does Psalm 1:1-3 teach us? Being careful who you hang out with, reading your Bible, and memorizing scripture is going to help you stay away from sin and obey God. This will make you like the blessed one who is constantly connected to God, lives a productive life, and is alive in Christ.

Which path in the fork in the road will you take? The way of the world that leads to destruction or the way of God that leads to life? 

I choose life. 

Matthew 7:13-14 = Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it.