“Happy are those
who
do not follow the advice of the wicked,
or
take the path that sinners tread,
or
sit in the seat of scoffers.”
— PSALM 1:1 (NRSV)
Those doing God’s bidding are not fazed by worldly delights, so they are
not seduced by wayward advice so much, nor do they tend to enter into the path
of ruin, nor take to dine with those big on the little things of life.
Those doing God’s bidding are steadfastly committed to the law of the Lord: to faith and to the works of
compassion, mercy, and justice for the oppressed. Their discernment is
inspiring, because they appear so well connected to God, by the ways of their
heart for the needy.
Those doing God’s bidding exercise reverse partiality – they favour the
needy, not the popular. They are inclined to favour those who don’t agree with
them over those who do, because there is more to be learned from being open to
difference than there is in groupthink. Their focus means they won’t get too
anxious. They know the battle is not theirs, but the Lord’s.
Those actually doing God’s bidding, versus those who merely preach in God’s
name but cannot follow-up their words with action, will end up with the favour
of God, whilst those who use God for their own purposes (and are not available
for God to use them) will soon perish – their mission will fail shortly. God is
not fooled. And pity me or you if we rail hard against people dispassionately,
which is to be in opposition to the will of God that decrees we are to love
them regardless what they have done. Even a casual reading of 1 John 2:9-11
will reveal God’s truth to the reader: God’s kingdom is full of light. The
person of Psalm 1 is, likewise, full of light – full of the light of truth and
is able to discern it and obey it, humbly and penitently.
The Psalm 1 person sees through the worldly trappings and seeks a different
kick.
Psalm 1 is an urgent encouragement to the one who keeps doing right,
despite the weight of evidence that says, “Give up!”
The Psalm 1 person is encouraged when they ought to otherwise be dismayed,
because they take the only side, the only option, their eyes see they can take;
God’s side.
***
Psalm
1 encourages us to keep doing what is right, despite temptations to weaken in
envy and join those who gave up on God long ago. The person of faith and
integrity will be blessed. Ultimately, they have put God first and God will
ensure that that sort of faith and integrity is rewarded.
© 2013 S. J. Wickham.
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