What an appropriate way for the book of Psalms to begin! What an awesome way for the life of one dedicated to God to be lived!!
"The Righteous and the Wicked Contrasted."
What an appropriate way for the book of Psalms to begin! What an awesome way for the life of one dedicated to God to be lived!!
The Psalmist gives us the contrast, from the very beginning of this awesome book, of the life of the believer, the man who delights in the Lord, as opposed to the wicked. There is much to learn in this short psalm. The Hebrew word "esher" means "Happy" or "blessed." True happiness comes with the blessing of the Lord. We often think that "things" will make us happy. Not so! Only as we walk and delight in the "law of the Lord" can we find the kind of direction and affirmation about who we are that brings true happiness.
The Psalmist begins by giving a litany of things that the "blessed man" does not do. I believe he does this to contrast the real focus of the one who is happy. Rather than focusing on what the "wicked" counsel, he delights in the word of the Lord. The result? Much fruit, solidity, resources that are needed for growth and to weather the storms. Such great resources that his "leaf does not even wither."
As you look at verse four and five you find that the wicked do not enjoy those benefits. The Hebrew word "rasha" is used 263 times in the bible and the kjv translates it as "wicked" 249 times. It refers to one who is a criminal, one guilty of a crime and hostile to God. These will not survive the judgment of God!
The Lord knows the ways of the righteous. He is not fooled by the religious facade of men. He knows those whose hearts are seeking hard after Him and those who do not. Yes, God prospers the way of the righteous but there is a far different end for the wicked.
"Lord Jesus, because of your grace I am numbered among the righteous. I know that I can do nothing in my own strength or power to be righteous. Thank you for paying the price for my unrighteousness and clothing me in your righteousness. Help me to live each day, yes even each moment, as one who seeks you with my whole heart, as one who loves the law of the Lord. Amen"
