The first Psalm is an introduction to all of the Psalms and presents a binary decision for life. We can walk along the path of the Lord or we can walk in the way of sinners. Jesus also said something similar about the wide and narrow gates (Mat. 7:13-14). Which way are you going?

The Lord’s way is blessed and righteous.

Everyone is asking and answering worldview questions all the time. What is the “good life” and who is living it? Just consider the target at which advertisers are aiming. Looking beautiful, enjoying comfort, and portraying oneself as successful seem to be common themes. But seldom does someone’s obituary praise a life devoted to those things. Moral categories such as character virtues, steady faith and loving service to humanity are more desirable.

The baptism liturgy renounces the “empty promises” and “deadly deceits” of the world. This Psalm compares the wicked way to be like chaff that will not endure judgment. Conversely, the righteous man or woman in the Psalm prospers and bears fruit and finds belonging in the congregation of the righteous.

Verse 6 tells us that the Lord knows the way of the righteous. He not only knows about that way, but he personally walked it. Jesus told his disciples on the first Easter that the Psalms contained truth about him (see Luke 24:44-45). Jesus is the “blessed man” who is righteous and bears fruit. Elsewhere, he tells us he’s the Vine to which we can be connected (John 15:5). We connect to him by repenting of sin, and receiving new life by faith, “Born of water and the Spirit” (John 3:5).

Taking It Home: Read through the baptism liturgy in a Prayerbook (p. 161-170) and renew your covenant commitment with the Lord.