Blessed is the man who does
1a) not WALK in the counsel of the wicked 2a) nor STAND in the path of sinners 3a) nor SIT in the seat of scoffers! But his delight is in the law of the Lord 3b) and in His law he MEDITATES day and night 2b) he will be like a tree FIRMLY PLANTED by streams of water 1b) which YIELDS ITS FRUIT in its season and its leaf does not wither; and in whatever he does, he prospers {Psalm 1:1-3 Numbering is my own, for emphasis} I can't even tell you the number of times I have considered these verses. It is mostly because they have been the subject of some of my favorite songs in the past. But... as all things scriptural, the Lord will from time to time breathe new life into the Word, and what you thought you had a good grip on, merely turns out to be "only the leg of an elephant." The Lord did that to me this morning in my meditations. Notice the poetic structure that is presented before us. This A-B-C-C-B-A pattern is known as Chiastic structure. But the pattern is not as important as the message. I've already got a sermon brewing (which I won't type out for you here. It's like a sermon writers dream... 3 interconnected points, all pointing to having an active faith, with object lesson examples baked right into the passages!!! It doesn't get much easier folks!) I digress. The point I was trying to make was about the freshness of the Word. I came to this passage again for the "millionth" time, because it came to me in the shower and my mind stopped on what meditation means for the Christian. As I did, wouldn't you know it, not only did it reveal some things that I had going on in my own heart, but it also brought me to a new understanding of these very familiar verses. What the first three actions imply and how they are connected with the next three. I love when the Lord does this for us. He shows us what not to do, but in the same breath points out the preferred righteous actions to emulate. Please be praying for me in this "season" - that though the fruit of full-time ministry is dormant, my leaf has not withered; I am still full of life, the life everlasting; all thanks to the Living Water of Jesus Christ! |
Jason RitzServing through love and laughter is a great way to live. Categories
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