http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%201&version=CEB
I remember one line from a sermon I heard so long ago I don't even remember which minister I heard it from. He said this, "If you don't feel the pressure from the negative and hostile side you should really question which side you are actually on." This is not a statement for those who cling to the prosperity gospel. (The Prosperity Gospel is a theology of ask and get. God will give abundance to those who follow the right path. One only has to read the outcome of the Apostles of Christ to debunk that theology. Many followed Jesus willingly and most died terrible deaths because they did.) When I think of what this minister said I think of Psalm 1:1. Now CEB, my translation of choice reads The truly happy person doesn’t follow wicked advice,doesn’t stand on the road of sinners,and doesn’t sit with the disrespectful. In this case I am going to put CEB aside and focus on the NRSV which reads: Happy are those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or take the path that sinners tread, or sit in the seat of scoffers. I like the image of a scoffer better than just using the term disrespectful. To me, this verse explains why there is push back when a disciple is headed in the right way. Psalm 1 hits perfectly in line with the hope of Fig Tree Christian, those who are doing God's will receive growth to continue God's work. For those who are not doing God's will they will see their oasis dry up. This truth can make one jealous. It can cause those who do not have God's fruit to scoff those who do. One of the first signs someone is on the right path can actually be a negative reaction. If you don't feel the pressure from the negative and hostile side, you should really question which side you are actually on. For those of you struggling in your faith, don't lose hope. Turn to the stories of others who also struggled, the bible. I will end by quoting one of my favorite singers, Ginny Owens: But You never said it would be easy, You only said I'd never go alone. |
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