Let’s continue our discussion of Psalm 1:1-3, focusing on the second verse: But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night (NKJV). This verse identifies a crucial element of walking on the blessed path: the Word of God. There is no denying the criticality of the Word of God in forging a prosperous path for your life—spirit, soul, and body (see III John 2). In fact, the devil is so convinced of the Word’s importance that he works untiringly to keep it from taking root in your life. Accordingly, the parable of the sower is Jesus’ admonition to us to guard against all the things that counter our focus on the Word (see Mark 4:14-20). The Word of God enables us to walk the blessed path in a number of ways.
First, the Word of God empowers us to obedience, which is itself a crucial factor of prosperous living. Shortly after Moses’ death, Joshua was divinely tapped to lead the Israelites into the inheritance God had promised them. This was an enormous task, which involved crossing a major river (without the proper equipment!), and settling a land where surely the inhabitants were poised for fierce resistance. For most people, it would have been a daunting assignment. However, Joshua had a word from God: This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to de according to all that is written in it. Then you will make your way prosperous… (Joshua 1:8, NKJV). Here, we not only see that God emphasized the Word, but also why He did it—so that Joshua might be obedient (observe to do all that is written therein), and so that he may prosper as a result of that obedience. We will find that our own obedience, and consequent prosperity, is directly proportional to the importance we place on the Word of God.
Secondly, the Word of God transforms us. Romans 12:2 commands us to not be conformed to this world but to be transformed by the renewing of [our] minds. It is clear from this scripture that we cannot expect transformation without renewing our minds. But how does that renewal happen? Let’s consider James 1:22b: receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. Here, we learn that the Word of God not only must be sown into our hearts, but it must also be received. When it is sown and received, it will save (think transform) our souls. Our souls are tripartite, consisting of our minds, our wills, and our emotions. As part of the soul, therefore, our minds are renewed when we take in the Word. And when our minds are renewed, we are transformed. Hence, the Word is pivotal to our transformation, which places and keeps us on the blessed path.
For our third point, let’s think about the reason that God wants us to be transformed. Consider the second part of Romans 12:2: that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. You see, being on the blessed path is not solely about us. Believe it or not, people are always looking for evidence that God is good, and we know from this scripture that God is not only good (for His will is His character), but He is also acceptable and perfect. We are apt to verbally extol the goodness of God to others, but we do not always demonstrate His goodness. That is because such demonstration is not even remotely possible without transformation. As Christians, we must use the Word of God to transform every aspect of our lives. When we do, we become illustrators of God’s goodness to others. And that is the essence of walking on the blessed path. The only alternative is to be conformed to the world, and there is no blessedness in that.
Finally, we cannot sufficiently point others to Jesus when we ourselves are not on the blessed path. Unfortunately, when Christians think of the blessed path, they usually think only of money. However, the blessing is supposed to pervade every aspect of our lives—spirit, soul, and body (see I Thessalonians 5:23). So it does mean having a good financial portfolio. But it also means walking in divine health. It also means having integrity and intestinal fortitude. It’s the father who dutifully cares for his children, the employer who treats all his employees with fairness, the preacher who refuses to embezzle the church’s funds, the husband who resists adultery, the Christian who forgives others, the Christian who forgives himself, the Christian who forges ahead despite the obstacles that litter his path. Ultimately, it is including the will of the Father in everything we do, in everything we face. It is standing for truth even if, and particularly if, that truth is unpopular. It is risking your good fortune, your good name, and the love and respect of family and friends to stand on the side of God.
Only the Christian has the ability to demonstrate the good will of the Father, as others search desperately for that goodness. It is a challenge, but it is not an impossibility. So will you take the challenge? Will you walk the blessed path so that others can see Jesus?
God bless you, as you continue to hear His Voice!
Comments