Word for the Day
October 9
By: Evang. Cascille Hammack
"Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the
wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the
LORD, and who meditates on his law day and night." Psalm 1:1
Psalm 1 contrasts two kinds of people recognized by God.
Those who love God are characterized by righteousness, love, obedience to God's Word and separation from the ways of the world
(Ps. 1:1,2). Psalm 1:2,3 describes, "But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he
meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit
in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper." The outcome of those
who seek God is life in the Spirit. The streams of water represent the Spirit of God (John 7:38,39). A tree
planted with roots that go down deep by the stream of the Holy Spirit will naturally bear fruit in abundance
for His glory. Those who abide in the Lord and receive His instruction receive an unfailing source of life that flows
forever. It does not mean problems will not occur but God promises the godly person will know His will and have His
blessing. (3 John 2).
Psalm 1:4,5 contrasts the ungodly
person who represent the ways and counsel of the world, who do not abide in God's Word. It says they consequently
do not have part in the assembly of God's people. It teaches, "Not so the wicked! They are like chaff
that the wind blows away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgement, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous."
The godly person is known and blessed by God but the ungodly has no part in His kingdom and will perish.
1 Cor. 6:9-11 says, "Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived:
Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the
greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And that is what some of you
were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by
the Spirit of our God." After turning to Him the Lord's instructions are, as Jesus told the woman who had
been caught in adultery, "go, and sin no more." (John 8:11) Galatians 6:7,8 explains, "Do not be deceived:
God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction;
whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life."
This separation between two kinds of people will always
exist, even into eternity. Psalm 1:6 concludes, "For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way
of the wicked will perish."