Amazing God of new life, bring rich blessings to this life and needs of this dear reader; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.
Our text for today comes from Psalm 1: 1 How well God must like you - you don't hang out at Sin Saloon, you don't slink along Dead-End Road, you don't go to Smart-Mouth College. 2 Instead you thrill to God's Word, you chew on Scripture day and night. 3 You're a tree replanted in Eden, bearing fresh fruit every month, Never dropping a leaf, always in blossom. 4 You're not at all like the wicked, who are mere windblown dust - 5 Without defense in court, unfit company for innocent people. 6 God charts the road you take. The road they take is Skid Row. (The Message)
You have to love the attempt to modernize Scripture! I wonder what David would have thought of this modern version. Is it close to or far from, the ancient text? Do you understand what it says? Does God really like us? Yes! And those who know that don't hang around "Sin Saloon" or "slink along Dead-End Road" and you didn't register to attend "Smart-Mouth College." Do you know anyone who does or did?
The opposite are those who "thrill to God's Word," who "chew on Scripture day and night." We're compared to a tree being "replanted in Eden," which would "bear fresh fruit every month, "always in blossom." What guides us is that "God charts the road" we "take." The others are on "Skid Row."
Here's the NRSV of that same Psalm: 1 Happy are those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or take the path that sinners tread, or sit in the seat of scoffers; 2 but their delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law they meditate day and night. 3 They are like trees planted by streams of water, which yield their fruit in its season, and their leaves do not wither. In all that they do, they prosper. 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; 6 for the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.
You decide. But do decide the right path to walk on!
PRAYER: Loving God, help me to walk on Your path. May my actions reflect those who are in love with You and seek to live with You. Watch over my way and help me to bless You and others. I pray this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
