The Blessed Man # 3

The Blessed Man # 3

"He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers" (Psalm 1:3). Here we have the "blessed" man's FERTILIZATION. But notice very carefully, dear reader, what precedes this. There must be a complete break from the world - separating from its counsel or policy, from fellowshiping its votaries, and from its pleasures; and there must be a genuine subjection to God's authority and a daily feeding upon His Word - before there can be any real fruitfulness unto Him.

"He shall be like a tree." This figure is found in numerous passages, for there are many resemblances between a tree and a saint. He is not a "reed" moved about by every wind which blows, nor a creeper, trailing along the ground. A tree is upright, and grows heavenward. This tree is planted - many are not - but grow wild. A planted tree is under the care and cultivation of its owner. Thus, this metaphor assures us that those who delight in God's Law are owned by God, cared for and pruned by Him!

"Planted by the rivers of water." This is the place of refreshment - rivers of grace, or communion, of renewing. Probably the more specific allusion is unto "and a Man shall be as a hiding place from the wind, and a covert from the tempest; as rivers of water in a dry place, as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land" (Isaiah 32:2). That refers to Christ, and tells us that just as a tree derives life and fruitfulness from the adjacent river - so the believer, by communion, draws from the fullness there is for him in Christ.

"Which yields its fruit in season." This is an essential character of a gracious man, for there are no fruitless branches in the true Vine. "In season," for all fruits do not appear in the same month, neither are all the graces of the Spirit produced simultaneously.

Times of trial - call for faith.

Times of suffering - call for patience.

Times of disappointment - call for meekness.

Times of danger - call for courage.

Times of blessings - call for thanksgiving.

Times of prosperity - call for joy.

This word "in season" is a timely one - we must not expect the fruits of maturity in those who are but babes.

"His leaf shall not wither." This means that his Christian profession is a bright and living reality. He is not one who has a name to live - yet is dead. No, his works evidence his faith. That is why "his fruit" is mentioned before "his leaf." Where there is no fruit to God's glory - our profession is a mockery. Note how it is said of Christ that He was 'mighty in deed and word" (Luke 24:19) - the same order is seen again in "that Jesus began both to do and teach" (Acts 1:1).

"And whatever he does shall prosper." This necessarily follows, though it is not always apparent to the eye of sense. Not even a cup of water given in the name of Christ, shall fail to receive its reward - if not here, certainly in the hereafter.

How far, dear reader, do you and I resemble this "blessed man"? Let us again press the order of these three verses. Just so far as we fall into the sins of verse 1 - will our delight in God's Law be dulled. And just so far as we are not in subjection to His will - shall we be fruitless. But a complete separation from the world, and wholehearted occupation with the Lord - will issue in fruit to His praise!!

~George Everard~

(The End)