Way of Righteous & Wicked/Reign of Lords Anointed
Study Through Psalms
BOOK ONE - DAY ONE
Psalm 1:1-6
[1] 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; [2] but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. [3] 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. [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 knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.
Psalm 2:1-12
[1] Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? [2] The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord and against his Anointed, saying, [3] “Let us burst their bonds apart and cast away their cords from us.” [4] He who sits in the heavens laughs; the Lord holds them in derision. [5] Then he will speak to them in his wrath, and terrify them in his fury, saying, [6] “As for me, I have set my King on Zion, my holy hill.” [7] I will tell of the decree: The Lord said to me, “You are my Son; today I have begotten you. [8] Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage, and the ends of the earth your possession. [9] You shall break them with a rod of iron and dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.” [10] Now therefore, O kings, be wise; be warned, O rulers of the earth. [11] Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling. [12] Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way, for his wrath is quickly kindled. Blessed are all who take refuge in him.
What does it say?
God blesses and watches over the righteous. The Lord’s Anointed King will rule and judge the earth. Wise rulers are blessed and given refuge as they serve and honor Him.
What does it mean?
Psalm 1 offers a stark contrast between the righteous and the wicked. Both are defined by how they spend their time and the outcome of their life’s pursuits. The godly person finds purpose in life by reading and contemplating Scripture instead of listening to ungodly sources of advice. While the watchful eye of the Lord guides those who belong to Him, the one who rejects the Lord has chosen to live outside of His protection. Psalm 2 reveals the future wrath of God’s Son on people who continue to reject Him. Those who are wise find refuge in the Son and serve Him rather than conspire against Him.
How should I respond?
How you spend your time says a lot about you. Would your current pursuits be characterized as godly? Think about how each interest originated. Did you follow the leading of the Holy Spirit after praying and meditating on God’s Word? Or have people who reject God’s authority in their own lives influenced you? As a follower of Christ, you are covered in His righteousness, giving you a different life and future than those who have rejected Him. Today, determine to pursue only what reflects God’s purpose and the Holy Spirit’s guidance.
REFERENCES:
Psalm 1 is often referenced in other biblical texts, particularly in passages that discuss the nature of righteousness, wisdom, and the consequences of following or rejecting God's ways. Some key verses that relate to Psalm 1 include those that contrast the paths of the righteous and the wicked, as well as those that emphasize the importance of meditating on God's law.
Specific Examples:
Proverbs 4:14-15:
"Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not walk in the way of the evil. Avoid it; do not go on it; turn away from it and pass on." This passage directly mirrors Psalm 1:1's emphasis on avoiding the counsel and company of the wicked.
Proverbs 13:20:
"Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm." This proverb, like Psalm 1, highlights the importance of choosing the right companions and avoiding those who lead to ruin.
Psalm 119:1-2:
"Blessed are those who are blameless in their way, who walk according to the law of the Lord. Blessed are those who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart." This Psalm, along with Psalm 1, emphasizes the importance of diligently studying and following God's law.
Psalm 1:2:
"But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law, he meditates day and night." This verse echoes the emphasis on meditating on God's word, which is also central to the message of Psalm 1.
Psalm 26:4-5:
"I do not sit with men of falsehood, nor do I consort with hypocrites. I hate the assembly of evildoers, and I will not sit with the wicked." This passage, like Psalm 1:1, shows a deliberate separation from those who do not follow God's ways.
In Summary:
These verses, along with many others, demonstrate how Psalm 1's core message about righteousness, wisdom, and the consequences of choosing different paths is echoed throughout the Bible, particularly in the books of Proverbs and Psalms.
Psalm 2 is referenced in the New Testament, particularly in Acts 4:25-26 where verses 1-2 are quoted in a speech attributed to Peter and John. It is also cited in Acts 13:33, Hebrews 1:5, and Hebrews 5:5 for verse 7, and in Revelation 2:26,27; 12:5; 19:15 for verses 8-9. The New Testament applies Psalm 2 concept of divine kingship to Jesus, highlighting his role as the appointed king opposed by earthly rulers.
Prayer:
"Lord God, I pray that you will grant me a heart that delights in your law and meditates on your word, day and night. May I be a tree planted by the streams of water, bearing fruit in your season, not walking in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standing in the way of sinners, nor sitting in the seat of the scoffers.
Father, I acknowledge you as the King of kings and Lord of lords. Your rule is righteous and your throne is eternal. I pray that you will grant me wisdom to discern your ways and power to resist the temptations and allurements of the wicked.
I pray for the defeat of evil and the strengthening of your people. I confess that Jesus Christ is the Anointed One, and I trust in his name. I pray that I might live a life that honors your name, reflecting your glory and spreading your light in this world.
In the name of Jesus, I pray, Amen."
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