Jesus said, “It is written, man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.” Matthew 4:4
The Apostle Paul wrote: “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17
David wrote these words: “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful: but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night. 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 whither: and whatever he does shall prosper.” Psalm 1:1-3
The Son of God and two great men of God have given us the words we need to act upon, if we would be blessed followers of Christ. They in unison, give us the prescription for a healthy and fruitful life. If we would be faithful and true children of God, we would take to heart what they have said, and feed on God’s word daily, for the rest of our life. David’s words tell us how we may do it.
He starts out by telling us what NOT to do. If you would be blessed in the Lord, don’t listen to, don’t walk with, and don’t fellowship with the ungodly. They are set against God; they hate Him, and if you call yourself a follower of Christ, they hate you. They are committed to promoting, teaching and influencing society in their ways; and worse, they bring their rebellion into the church of God.
David then tells us what TO do. If you would be blessed in the Lord, you will make your way to God’s table every day. You will not be satisfied with a crumb of bread and a sip of water; you don’t feed your body that way. No, you want to eat heartily, and drink well. You will find that kind of meal only as you desire to “listen” to all of God’s word and not just a verse here and there.
God’s word is from Genesis 1 to Revelation 22. His word is living, breathing and sharper than a two-edged sword. It will feed and nourish your inner man, your very soul, as no other book can or will. You will set your mind to read a portion every day; and then, think on what you have read as you perform your daily tasks. And then when you lay down at night, you go to sleep, thinking about the God Who spoke the word.
It is the God of your salvation Who plants you there by the abundant, life-giving rivers of water. As you read God’s word, you’re not anxious about God’s law, you desire to walk in it, to know and delight yourself in it. You find yourself wanting to grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. As you feed on God’s word, you will find that the truth in Christ will set you free from the bondage of your old man.
O the promise that awaits those who delight in God’s word and ways. They will bear fruit, even in old age: how wonderful to be a fruitful vine in God’s vineyard. And then this:“…
Whatever they do shall prosper.” God wants to make you rich spiritually; He wants to give you lasting riches. The trials, afflictions and sorrows we face in this life may not look like prosperity; but believe for certain, according to His word, that God is using them for your eternal good.
Let us understand that if our souls are prosperous, we are blessed indeed!
Brother Bill is a Bible teacher and can be contacted at bboldham@sbcglobal.net
