Mike's Day 1: Psalm 1

The psalmist describes a blessed man and the wicked. The blessed man 'delights in the law of the LORD' upon which he meditates day and night, prospering, producing fruit in season. This is unlike the wicked who are 'like chaff that the wind blows away'.

So for this season of Lent I will read, and talk about, the Psalms, Psalms 1-46. I love the Psalms, but, I think, they are deceptively simple. The Psalms is a songbook, however the focus for this one is on the words, not on the tune. Compare this to contemporary worship songs, which probably focus on the melody more than words (I could be wrong, but I doubt will we carrying around collections of modern worship lyrics in a thousand years time). Plus, the words are all we have: you could set the Psalms to music, and there are helpful headings if only we understood e.g. Psalm 6 – 'according to sheminith'.

Anyway, back to Psalm 1. We begin with contrasting approaches to living in relation to God: the 'way of the righteous' and 'the way of the wicked' (v.6). The Psalm might be a poetic summary of Deuteronomy 28, calling Israel to remember the Blessings of Obedience and Curses for Disobedience, and reaffirm their commitment to walk in the way of Blessing. Meditate upon the Law, so that you are enabled to fully obey and carefully follow God's commands, and you will be counted among the righteous, and experience the Blessings of the Covenant. Conversely, ignore this (and get carried away with mockers etc.) and you will experience the Curses in Deut 28.

In Matthew 5 Jesus says something fairly similar with the wise and foolish builders, re-focused this time around himself and his teaching. This might be the Christian lens for reading Psalm 1. It is highly unlikely the Pslamist is advocating a simple minded 'meditation'/'hearing the word' which does not result in some kind of life-response, as Chrissy touched on this in terms of 'hearing the word' in her Day 1 Blog, though surely there is an argument to be made for the influence of thought patterns, vis-a-vie meditation, on state of mind and consequent behaviour.

'Refreshment' is another word that springs to mind re: Psalm 1 'like a tree planted by streams of water'. The kind of ever-green person Psalm 1 describes certainly is worth aspiring to become, someone who can weather the storms of life when (not if) they come and produce fruit in season.

Mike.

Chrissy's Day 1: Hearing and hearing

Here goes!

I've decided to write a summary of the passage, a reflection then a prayer.

You can read Romans chapter 1 online at BibleGateway.

Summary of Romans chapter 1

Paul (the author) really wants to go to Rome to meet with the Christians there, he prays for them all the time.

He says he is not ashamed of the gospel because he knows it has the power to save people.

He explains that God is angry because people are supressing the truth. The truth about God is easy for everyone to see, his power and divine nature is clear in creation. People know about God and they ignore him. They think they are wise but they are not.

So, God let them do what they want. They now sin in lots of ways, for example: sex, gossip, murder, stealing, fighting, boasting and greed. Although they know these things are wrong and will only lead to more heartache and eternal death, they do it anyway. But even worse than that, they celebrate people who do these stupid things!

Reflection

I am so challenged by verse 16 “I am not ashamed of the gospel because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes.” Cause the truth probably is that I am ashamed of the gospel. I really struggle (like many Christians do I’m sure) to not only share my faith but even to admit to it sometimes.

Why is this? Paul (the author of Romans) says that he’s not ashamed cause he knows that God has the power to save. Basically cause he knows it is the truth.

I’m reminded of something our minister said in his sermon on Sunday (yes, I was listening). He was talking about the difference between hearing and hearing as the bible means it. I think that is the key. If I had really heard the gospel and understood it I wouldn’t even dream of being ashamed. If I really got it then I too would be shouting it from the rooftops.

I like the way The Message version puts verse 16: “It’s news I’m most proud to proclaim, this extraordinary Message of God’s powerful plan to rescue everyone who trusts him.”

So, why haven’t I heard? Why don’t I really understand?

I think the second part of the passage explains it.

Verse 18 -22 says “Yes, they knew God, but they wouldn’t worship him as God or even give him thanks. And they began to think up foolish ideas of what God was like. As a result, their minds became dark and confused. Claiming to be wise, they instead became utter fools.” (New Living Translation)

Basically, they refused to understand it. The passage says it is clear who God is (verses 19 and 20) just by looking around at this beautiful world we can see the power and divine nature of God.

And I confess, the same is true for me. I do know who God is, I do know the wonder of the gospel – that it has the power to give everyone healing, restoration and redemption – but I have hardened my heart and refuse to really know it.

Why? That’s a great question. I trust that this lent, God will show me.

Prayer

Father God, Jesus, Holy Spirit,

Thank you for the gift of your word.
Thank you that something written so long ago is still relevant.
I read this passage, the description of people who have given themselves over to wickedness and it sounds just like my world, just like the people in my community.

But God, I confess, I am no different.
I too refuse to really acknowledge who you are.

I’m sorry.

Lord, please change me.
I’m putting this out there now, for all the world to see.
I want to know you. I want to really hear the gospel.
I want to be your servant, your vessel.

Amen.

x
Chrissy