Gleanings in the Psalms
Psalm 1
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| Gleanings in the PsalmsPsalm 1 |
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Whole Psalm - This whole psalm offers itself to be drawn into these two opposite propositions: a Godly man is blessed, a wicked man is miserable. Sir Richard Baker Whole Psalm - This Psalm may well be called a Christian's Guide, for it discovers the quicksands where the wicked sink down in perdition, and the firm ground on which the saints tread to glory. Thomas Watson Verse 1 - "Blessed is the man".....Where the word BLESSED is hung out as a sign, we may be sure that we will find a Godly man within. Sir Richard Baker Verse 2 - "....and in his law doth he meditate....." In the plainest text there is a world of holiness and spirituality; and if we in prayer and dependence upon God did sit down and study it, we should behold much more than appears to us. It may be, at one reading or looking, we see little or nothing; as Elijah's servant went once and saw nothing; therefore, he was commanded to look seven times. "What now?", says the prophet. "I see a cloud rising like a man's hand", and by and by the whole surface of the heavens was covered with clouds. So you may look lightly upon a scripture and see nothing; MEDITATE OFTEN UPON IT, and there you shall see a light like the light of the sun. Joseph Caryl Verse 2 - "....meditate...." Meditation is the touchstone of a Christian; it shows what metal he is made of. It is a spiritual index; as an index shows what is in a book, so meditation shows what is in the heart. Thomas Watson Meditation chews the cud, and gets the sweetness and nutritive virtue of the Word into the heart and life: this is the way the Godly brings forth much fruit. B. Ashwood Verse 3 - "....(he) bringeth forth his fruit in his season..." Fruit is expected, fruit is borne, and it comes also in the time in which it should come. A godly education, under the influences of the Divine Spirit - which can never be with-held where they are earnestly sought - is sure to produce the fruits of righteousness; and he who reads, prays and meditates, will ever SEE the WORK which God has given him to do; the POWER by which he is to perform it; THE times, PLACES, and OPPORTUNITIES for doing those things by which God can obtain most glory, his own soul most good, and his neighbour most edification. Adam Clarke Verse 3 - ".... and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper ..." And with regard to this prospering, take heed that thou understandest not a carnal prosperity. This prosperity is a hidden prosperity, and lies entirely secret in spirit; and, therefore, if thou hast not this prosperity that is by faith, thou shouldest rather judge what prosperity thou hast to be the greatest adversity. Martin Luther Verse 6 - "For the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous..." They That endeavour righteous living in themselves and have Christ's righteousness inputed to them. Thos Wilcox There are two distinct groups of people on this earth - "the ungodly" and "the righteous". We all by nature belong to that group called the ungodly, because in our natural outlook and behaviour we have no time for the things of God. We may attend worship occasionally, or even regularly, but our outlook can be as ungodly as ever. There is only one way that we can truly serve God with a righteous heart and mind, and that is when we have been accepted as righteous by Him. How can this come to pass? Only by the acceptance of God's way of salvation, by accepting Christ's merits as a robe of righteousness to cover our sins. Read the first Psalm for yourself, and, as you read, ask yourself - "To which of these two groups do I belong?" If your are honest, you will find the answer, and realise that you can only find acceptance with God under His conditions. |
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This Page Title - Gleanings in the Psalms - Psalm 1 The Wicket Gate Magazine - A Continuing Witness. Internet Edition number 36 - placed on line May 2002 Wicket Gate contact address - Mr Cliff Westcombe cw@wicketgate.co.uk If you wish to be notified when each new edition goes on line please send an e-mail to the above address Magazine web address - www.users.zetnet.co.uk/westcombe |