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. 4. Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away. 5. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous. 6. For the LORD watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.
A person becomes a Christian by faith in Jesus, trusting in His atoning sacrifice on the Cross. Just as a tree can’t plant itself, so a person becomes a Christian, not by doing good or trying to improve oneself, but by God’s action of planting His Spirit in us as we come to Him in repentance and faith. He compares a tree by the river to the person who seeks to live by the Book.
Ray Stedman tells of a conversation he had with a young man as they were sitting under a tree talking about doubts. He asked him “What do you see in this tree?” We conclude first, like a tree you will be strong as what you feed on, what God has provided for your spirit. Your soul will be nourished. You will have purpose in your life.
Second, you will demonstrate character traits that are characterized by the fruit of the Spirit. It will show. John 15 speaks of Jesus as the vine, we are the branches. All we must do is remain in Him. There we will be watered and cultivated.
We conclude that like a healthy tree brings forth fruit according to the type of tree it is and the season that it is in. A good tree has evidence of life.
A third conclusion is a leaf does not wither, whatever he does shall prosper. Some trees die quickly. If we are planted by the waters and take nourishment we will thrive even in times of draught. Prospering refers to happiness that extends beyond the material prosperity. It is inward peace.
Another main conclusion is that the ungodly are NOT SO. Those two words make a very big difference. They do not have that root system. They do not have fruit. They do wither. There is no inner prosperity.
That person is not only "chaff" but also "like chaff that the wind blows away
One more important contrast between a tree and chaff. There’s no life in chaff. It will never change, grow, and produce fruit. Human beings have been on this planet for thousands of years. Yes, there’s progress in learning and amazing developments in technology, but it’s done nothing to cure our sinful nature.
The Psalmist ends with the truth of reward and judgment. After all is said and done, the final word on the matter is, God’s will prevails. People can protest all they want, God’s will prevails.
Friends, we need to stop allowing ungodly people to influence our thinking and actions. What I am saying is, that because these are often not godly sources of counsel, we need to screen them very carefully before we allow them to shape the attitudes of our hearts and minds.
Application: Let God speak into your life through His Word and people who desire to honor Him. Let that form what you think, say and do.
Prayer: Lord, that I might walk in the paths of righteous. Guide me for Your Name sake.
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