Psalm 1: No Third Way

Key Verse
6  for the Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish
 
Meditation
Christian is the pilgrim in John Bunyan’s classic allegory Pilgrim’s Progress who leaves behind a city destined for destruction and sets out for the Celestial City. Early in his journey, Christian comes to a gate that presents him with two options and two paths. He may pass through the gate and continue on the narrow road toward life, or he may turn back toward the City of Destruction. 
 
There is no third way.
 
Bruce Waltke draws on this framework when introducing the Psalms because Psalm 1 confronts worshipers with the same unavoidable choice. Today’s reading presents two paths without offering a middle ground, placing contrasting ways side by side and calling for a decision. Blessing is promised to the one whose delight is in the law of the Lord, pictured as a deeply rooted tree that bears fruit in every season (vv. 1-3). By contrast, the way of the wicked leads to dryness and instability, like chaff blown away by the wind, ending in God’s just judgment (vv. 4-5).
 
There is no third way.
 
These two paths, the way of the righteous and the way of the wicked, are reinforced through two images: a rooted, fruitful tree and rootless chaff. Each lead to a distinct end: joyful fellowship in the congregation of the righteous or separation under God’s righteous judgment.
 
Jesus ultimately reveals Himself as “the way” by which God’s people return to the Father (John 14:6). Through faith in Jesus, believers can walk the blessed path of righteousness because in Jesus God’s just judgment is satisfied and the fullness of all God’s promises are finally and fully realized.
 
Today’s Reading
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.
 
Richly Dwelling
-Why is the contrast of ways so significant for an introduction to the Psalms?
 
-Where does your heart seek to make a third way?
 
-How does knowing the path of the righteous is found in Christ alone not only fuel your faith but also your endurance and hope, simplifying wisdom and way in the person and work of Jesus Christ?
 
Key Verse
6  for the Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish