Meditate (Psalm 1:1-6): The call of Scripture has always been to turn away from sin and obey to the law of God. Psalm 1 presents the lawful life as the blessed life, which is likened to a thriving tree, set in contrast to the way of perdition depicted as a useless chaff. This Psalm calls men to choose the way of the LORD, not of the wicked, to choose life rather than death. This call to life (vs. death) resounds throughout Scripture: in the Garden (Gen. 2:16-17), from the mouth of Moses (Deut. 30:15-20), Joshua (Josh. 24:14-15), David (Psalm 34:8-16), Ezekiel (Ezek. 18:31-32), and from Jesus Himself (Matt. 7:13-14; John 3:19-21). This sharp contrast of the two ways reverberates in the epistles (Rom. 8:6; Gal. 6:7-8; Eph. 5:5-6; 1 Pet. 2:24; 1 John 3:4-9) and then with finality declared in the book of Revelation (Rev. 22:14-15). Psalm 1 reminds us that there are only two ways to live, and that the blessed and happy way is the one that turns a deaf ear to the world and a listening ear to the LORD. The man of Jesus’ joy heeds the Word of God and abides by it (John 15:10-11).

Be and Make Disciples (Matt. 28:18-20): This call of God is declared with finality in Jesus’ discipleship manifesto at the end of Matthew. The risen and exalted Christ reveals His will for His world that all come to live in obedience to all His commands. This is the will of the Savior who has paid the ransom to purchase sinners for His Father (Rev. 5:9), that they choose the way of life, by turning away from sin and living in obedience His word. This is what genuine believers do (John 3:36); they hear Jesus’ voice and follow Him (John 10:27). For a season, our community groups will memorize and learn to recite the commands of our Lord. May we delight in, meditate on, and live by His words.