Word of Encouragement (12/10/2020)
“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers” (Ps. 1:1-3).
Today, let’s continue with the description of the blessed man, who delights in the law of the LORD. The blessed man is likened to “a tree planted by streams of water.” What do “streams of water” represent? The blessed man was described as someone who delights in the law of the LORD and meditates on it day and night. So then, the “streams of water” have got to be God’s Law/Word. He who delights in God’s Law is blessed because God’s law is like “streams of water,” which provide water to the tree so it can live, grow, thrive, and bear fruit. By being close to God’s law, abiding in the Word of God, and having the Word of God dwell in us richly, we are like a tree planted by streams of water.
Spurgeon observes that we have “streams” (plural) of water, not just a stream (singular). This points to the manifold graces of God, which are constantly available to those who delight in God’s Law. It serves as a mirror (to borrow Michael Horton’s terms), exposing our flaws and faults, driving us to Christ. It serves as a muzzle, restraining us from sin and its destructive powers. It also serves as a map, showing us the path to godliness and our eternal home. The Word of God contains many wonderful promises as well—to be with us, to provide for our needs, to protect and defend us, ad to accomplish all His good plans for us, etc.
As a tree planted by streams of water, the blessed man leads a fruitful, productive life. He is like a tree “that yields its fruit in its season.” God’s grace is not wasted on him. It produces its intended effect in his soul and life. What he was created and redeemed to be and do, he is and does (though still in process and not yet perfect). Being where God planted him and being supplied with the living water through the manifold graces of God, he has all that he needs to produce fruit in its season; he has no excuse and he gives none. When he produces fruit, it is timely, ripe, and delicious, bringing delight to God and encouragement to his fellow saints.
“And its leaf does not wither.” Our work will not be in vain but eternal in significance, as Spurgeon takes this to mean.
“In all that he does, he prospers.” But is this true? Spurgeon says,
“It is not outward prosperity which the Christian most desires and values; it is soul prosperity which he longs for. We often, like Jehoshaphat, make ships to go to Tarshish for gold, but they are broken at Ezion-geber; but even here there is a true prospering, for it is often for the soul's health that we would be poor, bereaved, and persecuted. Our worst things are often our best things. As there is a curse wrapped up in the wicked man's mercies, so there is a blessing concealed in the righteous man's crosses, losses, and sorrows. The trials of the saint are a divine husbandry [i.e., farming], by which he grows and brings forth abundant fruit.”
How true and how encouraging! Of course, living this blessed life is impossible on our own. But let us remember that we are grafted to the Tree of Life, the Blessed Man. He will not fail to bear fruit (in and through us!) in season and out of season (Rev. 22:2). Remember these truths and have a blessed day! May God’s grace not be wasted on us!