A HEALTHY TREE… OR NOT
A HEALTHY TREE… OR NOT
Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. —Psalm 1:1-3
How does one become “like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither.” We are told in this passage that there is a way to prosper in what one does. How is it?
- The man that walks “not in the counsel of the wicked” is blessed.
- The man that does not stand “in the way of sinners” is blessed.
- The man that does not sit “in the seat of scoffers” is blessed.
- The man who has “delight in the law of the LORD” is blessed.
- The man who “meditates day and night” on His law is blessed.
This is how one becomes a healthy “tree” that “in all that he does, he prospers.” It is a matter of not being yoked with the wrong people (II Corinthians 6:14-16)— people who do not love the Lord and whose counsel is wicked, whose way is indulging in sin and scoffs at what is true and good. Instead we need to yoked to our Lord and His people (Matthew 11:29). We are to be using our time wisely— “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is” (Ephesians 5:15-17).
So… what kind of “tree” are you and I according to the passage above? Another way of putting it would be what is said in the great commission— “teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:20). A healthy tree will be a disciple that is truly learning to apply to life what is learned from His Word. It will not just be head knowledge, but knowledge put into action, being lovingly obedient. So again I ask what kind of a tree are you and I? Are we healthy or not? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DkHqaBxPoAM
Dear Father may I be a healthy “tree” that brings honor and glory to You. May this be so by the power of Your Holy Spirit and in the authority of Your Son Jesus.