Background:
In Psalm 1, the way of the righteous and the wicked are in stark contrast. The psalmist identifies the way of evil with the progression of walking, standing, and sitting (v. 1). Some scholars believe it pictures an increasing intimacy with those who do wrong. As the association progresses, so does the level of iniquity: walk in the way of wicked, stand in the path of sinners, and sit with mockers. The mockers engage in wrongdoing and scorn the innocent. The righteous delight in the law of God. They are “blessed.” The love for the wisdom of God consumes them. This love is for the understanding of God occupies their thoughts throughout the day. This love recalls the command to Joshua to “meditate on it day and night” (Joshua 1:8). The psalmist uses metaphorical language to describe what it means to be blessed. The blessed are like a tree that grows strong and produces good, healthy fruit: “whatever they do prospers” (Psalm 1:3)
My Comments to You:
Some barriers I faced when I read the Bible are time and location. I learned to take the time and place so I could focus on His word. Psalm 1 tells us that “Blessed is the one . . . whose delight is in the law of the Lord” (vv. 1–2). Daily meditating on Scripture allows us to “prosper” in all seasons, no matter what hardship we’re facing.
The Bible is relevant with insight for living today. The Bible is still dangerous in its call to believe and follow Jesus, exciting in the intimate knowledge of God and humanity that it imparts. The Bible is like a stream of water (v. 3) that provides the sustenance we need daily.
Reflect:
What barriers do you face when reading the Bible? How can you make space to listen to God’s voice?
My Prayer for Us:
God, help us experience Scripture as a living document today.
Our Daily bread Ministries (2021/09/13) A Living Document, Karen Pimpo, retrieved from www.odb.org 13/09/2021 A Living Document.