Psalm 1:1-3 Like a Tree

Psalm 1:1-3

Like a Tree

Introduction

Have you ever been asked, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” I’m sure everyone listening has been asked this question at some point in their lives. If not, get ready young people because someone in your house today may ask you that question before the day is over. (lol)

Let me let you in my world for a moment. When I was really young, I wanted to join the Army and become a lawyer. Those who know me now, probably are saying, that was unlikely. But, I became who God intended me to become & who God called me to be…a preacher and a teacher!

The main objective of the sermon today is to encourage us to be like something we would have never imagined as it becomes us believers.

tree n. — a typically large living organism with a hard surface and no mobility.

Psalm 1:3, Jer 17:8 graphically describe the righteous man who seeks God with all his heart and turns from evil. He shall flourish and be fruitful because he is planted by abundant and never-failing waters. However great the drought, he will prosper.

Austel, Hermann J. “2480 שָׁתַל.” Ed. R. Laird Harris, Gleason L. Archer Jr., and Bruce K. Waltke. Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament 1999 : 960. Print.

stream (river) n. — a natural body of running water flowing on or under the Earth.

Other Heb. terms for ‘river’ are peleḡ, irrigating canals (Pss. 1:3; 65:9)

Thomson, J. G. S. S. “River.” Ed. D. R. W. Wood et al. New Bible dictionary 1996 : 1021. Print.

...the blessed (by the Lord) believer will be like a tree transplanted by irrigation channels that will bear seed in season and will have full foliage (in season) (3)

Point #1 – WE WANT TO BE STABLE – - The planting of the tree here is actually transplanted: shātal = to transplant

- Importance of the tree being a transplanted seedling, rather than a planted seed

The main difference between seeds and seedlings is that

seeds are planted in the ground to grow new plants and

seedlings are actually young plants, already sprouted from the seed.

Generally, seeds are more suitable for planting inside, and

seedlings can be easily planted either inside or outside.

Seedlings require “hardening” before they are planted fully outside, which can be thought of as gradually introducing them to the harsh, outside world.

Seeds, conversely, are best germinated to create seedlings by wrapping them in a moist paper towel, or in a seed tray indoors.

1. Who plants seeds? Who transplants seedlings?

Seeds that are not planted intentionally by a farmer may lack H2O

Seeds planted intentionally by a farmer in a non-irrigated orchard may also lack H2O

Transplanted seedlings in an irrigated orchard will receive H2O

Point #2 – WE WANT TO PRODUCE IN GOD’S TIME – – - It will bear fruit in season (but what is inside of the fruit?) -

AT THE PROPER TIME;

AT THE SUITABLE MOMENT

WHEN IT’S READY

NOT MATURED...

Point #3 – WE WANT TO THRIVE – - Its leaf will not wither (in season), because it is nourished by the water (of the word) (Dr. John Niemelä)

leaf n. — a green and flat part of a plant that absorbs sunlight for growth; sometimes referred to collectively as foliage.

wither, shrivel, i.e., to have a biological plant, or a part of a plant lose vital moisture, and so lose its natural color and shape, implying the death and decay of the object ...

wear out, tire, formally, shrivel, i.e., be in a physical or mental state or condition of weariness, as an extension of the physical shriveling or withering of an object (Ex 18:18(2×)+); 3. LN 25.251–25.269 (qal)

lose heart... have a fearful attitude or emotion, implying concern for the future circumstance, as an extension of an object becoming physically dried or withered

Swanson, James. Dictionary of Biblical Languages with Semantic Domains : Hebrew (Old Testament) 1997 : n. pag. Print.

to wither (moisture) v. — to shrivel, as with a loss of moisture; LOSE HEART; FALL OFF; FALL AWAY

CONCLUSION - “…whatever he does (shall) prospers.” SIMPLY PUT — WE ARE BLESSED!

DEUTERONOMY 28:1-6