By Kevin Harris, pastor of the Illawarra Community Baptist Church in Wollongong, NSW
Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
Psalm 1:1-3
Years ago when we lived in Adelaide, a deacon’s family invited us over for a meal. Afterwards he showed us their property. We noticed that one particular lemon tree was unusually large. Pointing to it, he said it was only a couple of years old. It was obviously flourishing.
The secret? It was planted near the septic tank.
Such a tree comes only from a rich supply of nutrients.
In this final meditation on Psalm 1, would you reflect with me on the tree of verse three?
Notice that it is planted. This makes us think of the vast root system underground which brings sturdiness and stability. It’s not going anywhere!
Notice where it is planted. It has an endless supply of water and other nutrients, like that tree in Adelaide.
The Lord explains that this well-placed, sturdy tree is prolific. Fruit is plenteous and consistent. Drought doesn’t affect it.
This tree beautifully illustrates the enormous benefits of this blessed man of Psalm 1. He’s marked by his holiness or separation.
You won’t find this man sitting with those who jeer and sneer at the Lord and His values! He refuses to listen to the falsities, the fake news and views of the culture around him. He discerns the dangerous paths of sin, and rejects them.
His separation is not just noteworthy for what he won’t do, but what he does. He constantly parts ways with the evil influences (verse one) and delights in God’s Word (verse two).
Proverbs 2:1-5 describe this man’s pursuit of wisdom as an avid treasure seeker. No slouch, he spends enormous time, money and energy. Why? There’s a treasure to be found!
Scripture is such a treasure just waiting to be explored.
Like a cow chewing her cud, like a tongue savouring a chocolate, and like a juicer extracting every last drop of goodness from an orange, so this man meditates on God’s Word. He loves it. He can’t get enough of it. So he sinks his roots deep into its rich nutrients and draws up that goodness into his life.
You can’t help but notice him. A life steeped in Scripture instead of culture is counter-cultural, stable and resilient. Best of all, it’s FRUITFUL!
Father, more than anything this is what I want, to be abundantly stable and fruitful. I want the fruit of the Spirit to be a notable feature of my life to the glory of my Lord and Saviour. I ask for greater delight in You and what You have to teach me in Your Word. Help me grasp what it means. Show me how to live it from day to day. I ask this in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.
This article was written by Kevin Harris Dapto pastor of Illawarra Community Baptist Church.