Psalm 1 The Blessed Life - one that is satisfying and meaningful but godliness with contentment is great gain 1Tim 6:6
The meaning of life? Psalm 1 Is the preamble or overture to the psalter It introduces us to the key players and their world views YAHWEH (LORD) – the God who is present to help and who listens with compassion Righteous – the faithful (psalmists) who endeavour to make sense of Yahweh and his teachings Wicked – those who stand opposed to the righteous, Yahweh and his teachings A wisdom Psalm – claiming that A genuine commitment to Yahweh and his teachings is the way to a satisfying and meaningful life
The righteous person seeks the right company and guidance for his journey; Therefore he chooses to not ….. Walk with the wicked - Learning ‘wrong crowd’ values Stand with sinners - Owning ‘wrong crowd’ ways Sit with scoffers - Enjoying ‘wrong crowd’ company 1 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 to …[more credible Guide and guidance] be guided by Yahweh’s teaching Lke 24:44 - Revelling in its wisdom - Making it his mantra Josh 1:8 2 but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.
The righteous person’s journey is living and fruitful … Tree-like:- - rooted and watered - fruitful - lush Meaningful - prosperous Lke 12:20-22 3 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. …. unlike the wicked person’s journey which is lifeless and futile Chaff-like:- - disconnected and dry - scattered by the wind Meaningless - empty Matt 25:31 4 The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away. 5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous;
The journey’s end of the righteous and the wicked is known by Yahweh - cared for now and forever - condemned Prov 14:12 6 for the Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish. Final Thoughts – The meaning of life According to Psalm 1 - Two people / Two ways / Two destinies According to Jesus - Two people / Two ways / Two destinies Matt 7:13-14 – The broad and narrow way story Matt 7:24- 27 – The house builders story
Final Thoughts – The Psalter Its integrity - Endorsed by Jesus as scripture in Luke 24:44 Its content and shape - A jig saw puzzle of applied theology Its value to post exilic Israel - Used in the Synagogues in of the diaspora - A tonic for the despair expressed in Psalm 98 ‘strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow Where is the real meaning of life to be found? 12 There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.Prov 14:12 but godliness with contentment is great gain 1Tim 6:6