October 1, 2022
He shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper. Psalm 1:3
Graceful willow trees on river banks are a stunningly beautiful sight. The location is ideal for their steady, abundant supply of fresh water. It is interesting that God uses the word picture of a tree by a river as a simile for a person. And why is this person like a tree next to rivers of water? It is because he recognizes the difference between worldly counsel and the counsel of the Word (see v.1). It is because his delight is in the law of the LORD, and in His law he meditates day and night (v.2). The law of the LORD is a transcript of His holy character, written for us by His own finger on tables of stone for the purpose of guiding us toward His likeness. It is the law of love.
A direct consequence of yielding oneself fully to the LORD is a fervent desire for the salvation of others. The Holy Spirit is able to provide a divine sense of timing to the dear soul who seeks opportunities to share the Gospel. The phrase “brings forth its fruit in its season” indicates a sensitivity regarding receptivity of others. When a receptive heart is detected, it is time to speak up!
Whose leaf also shall not wither points to a constant readiness to share at any moment. One’s entire manner of living—or lifestyle—is meant to be as much of a sermon as the words of verbal testimony. A life yielded to the Spirit of Christ will “turn over every leaf” to find and correct defects of character. This is a lifelong process, but continues only if the professed follower of Christ is actually following Him, readily making the needed adjustments as each is pointed out.
Each refusal to hear and heed threatens to interrupt my relationship with Jesus. This is the only relationship that makes transformation possible. Jesus truly cares about the details of life because of their affect upon my character and their influence upon those around me. In my willingness to heed His leading, the downward (default) direction of my life makes a U-turn heavenward!
God chooses where each of us are planted. It is His intention for us to thrive! He wants what we do to prosper. But there is a vast difference between prosperity as advocated by the world and the true prosperity that lasts for eternity.
If ever you feel discouraged by your own “insignificance”, you must remember that when He came in the likeness of man, He had nowhere to lay His head but a manger. His clothes were strips of old cloth. His earthly parents were poor, and the local king who heard of Him hated Him and wanted Him dead. But, as our example, He grew in His relationship with His heavenly Father (see Luke 2:52) and maintained that relationship throughout His life on earth; His pure, sinless, prosperous life. What love! What an example! You matter more to God than you think.
The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, And he who wins souls is wise. Proverbs 11:30