Tag: Psalm 1 devotion

Sabbath Psalms – The Prologue

church devotions, Devotions, Lectionary devotions

Psalm 1:3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.

I studied the Old Testament and Biblical Hebrew for four years at Glasgow University in Scotland, focusing mainly on the psalms. Eventually, after much studying, I came to believe that the very first psalm is a prologue to the entire book of psalms, much like one of those Shakespearean discourses at the beginning of his plays.

To me, this psalm represents the ancient belief that if you are a good person, then you will prosper, and the source of that prosperity comes from God, who is very pleased with you. In other words, Psalm 1 is the theological and theoretical framework for what some would call ‘the prosperity Gospel.’ However, as we read the rest of the psalms, we begin to recognize that there are many flaws with this connection of faith to fortune as expressed in the first psalm.

Even Jesus refuted this kind of prosperity thinking because it led people to believe that if they were wealthy, powerful, and successful, then their faith and lives must be perfect, too. However, in reality wealth, power, and success were merely coincidental because in Christ’s day the most powerful, successful, and wealthy people were also the biggest and cruelest pagans in the world – the Romans.

So, how does this psalm influence our beliefs today? If we read and compare it to Psalm 73, it will show us the difference between theoretical concepts and practical reality. Faith does not prevent difficulties or ensure success; however, it can help us cope in times of trouble and simultaneously strengthen our relationship with God. In other words, it’s our faith that prospers, not our finances.

Point to ponder: How does my faith in Christ affect my life and work?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You know the old saying, ‘we are not called to be successful, but faithful.” Enable us to truly understand this message. If our faith was meant to reward us, then the symbol of Christianity would be a golden scepter instead of a wooden cross. Help us to be content with everything by remembering that Your Spirit is with us no matter who we are, where we are, and what we experience. In Your Holy Name, we humbly pray. Amen.

John Stuart is a retired Scottish Presbyterian pastor now living in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Sabbath Psalms – Like a Tree

Bible Studies, church devotions, Devotions, Lectionary devotions, Psalm devotions, Sunday devotions

Psalm 001sPsalm 1:3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.

Many years ago, I took a group of church people on a coach tour of Scotland. It was a wonderful experience, and I personally delighted in showing everyone the wonders and beauty of the auld country.

In the middle of the tour, we visited a small town, right in the heart of Scotland, called Dunkeld. The scenery was breathtaking and all the tourists with me loved the buildings, bridges, and beautiful gardens in and around the town. We stayed there for two days, but just before we left Dunkeld, I took the group to a secret spot behind the Birnham hotel, where we were staying.

We walked for about 500 yards and came to the riverside. There, next to the water banks, stood four ancient oak trees, about 900 years old. They were massive and the girth of one of the trunks took half of our party to circle. It was amazing to experience one of Scotland’s hidden treasures.

For nine hundred years, those trees had been planted by the water. They were mentioned in Shakespeare’s Scottish play “MacBeth” in the lines “when Birnham wood comes to Dunisane hill.” They had survived the most turbulent years of Scottish history, and they still thrive, bearing acorns every year.

Today’s Bible verse tells us about the prosperity and strength of those who rely upon the Lord. It’s a lesson for each of us to experience, for no matter what we go through – pain, sorrow, or trouble – if we remain true to the Lord, He will enable us to endure, overcome, and prosper. God grants us this hope for being faithful to His Son. We are truly blessed, not because of what we do or accomplish, but because of all that God has done for us through Jesus.

Point to ponder: How has remaining faithful Jesus helped me through difficult times in my life?

Prayer: Lord God, Your strength carries us through life and Your will sustains us each day. Enable us to keep focused on Your ways, so that we may spiritually thrive and faithfully prosper in Your Kingdom on Earth. Refresh our souls with the Living Water of Jesus Christ and strengthen our spirits with the riches of His grace. In Jesus’ Name, we gladly pray. Amen.

John Stuart is a retired Scottish pastor now living in Knoxville, Tennessee.