By Ben W. Curtis
Pastor, First Baptist Church, Tracy City
Almost a year ago, a group from our church trained for a 5K. Due to some miscommunication among the volunteers, most of us took a path that extended our run by six-tenths of a mile. As three miles came and went and the realization set in that we were still a great distance from the finish line, panic ensued. When all was said and done, the mistake was inconsequential; we had a good laugh and a good story to tell our friends. But when it comes to the weightier issues of life and eternity, who you listen to matters!
Psalm 1 summarizes the entire book with this question: “Who is the blessed man?” In verse 1, we see a progression of what happens to those who listen to the wrong people. When you listen to the counsel of the wicked, you will soon find yourself standing with them, and ultimately, you will move from listening to their bad advice to giving their bad advice. You’re no longer just friends with the wicked; you are the wicked!
The “blessed” man does not join the path of the wicked, but “delights in the law of the Lord” (v. 2). This is not merely someone who reads through the Bible in a year, but who “meditates” on the Word of God day and night. The blessed man thirsts for God’s Word and drinks deeply from its refreshing streams. He allows God’s Word to bend his life to its teaching. Consequently, the outcome of his life will be similar to a well-watered tree yielding fruit in season (v. 3; Hebrews 12:11; Galatians 5:22-23). He will prosper in every situation, because God is actively working in his life to give strength and wisdom.
Likewise, the final end of the wicked corresponds with their true nature. Because their counsel is worthless like an empty husk and their way of life serves no lasting purpose, they will be blown away like chaff and quickly forgotten (v. 4). Ultimately, they will be judged by God (vv. 5-6; Matthew 3:12). Those who are known by the Lord will not perish (John 10:27-28), but those he does not know will perish (Luke 13:27).
Only one person perfectly fits this description of the blessed man. He was tempted in every way as we are, yet never yielded to sin (Hebrews 4:15). His delight was always in the Word of God (John 12:49; 4:34). He is the tree planted by streams of water, the One who prospers in all that He does, and therefore, the One who stands in the judgment. If you will identify with the Lord Jesus Christ through repentance and faith, everything that’s said of Him will be said of you. And because He stands, you too will stand. Who are you following? What voices have your ear? No matter how reasonable or alluring the voice may sound, if it is not the Lord and His Word, you are headed toward destruction rather life.