Happy are those who take delight in the words of the LORD and who deeply reflect on those words all the time. Like trees growing near an ample source of water, they show beneficial results (fruit) and do not quit (wither). These kind of happy people are successful in everything they do (an adaptation of Psalm 1, verses 1-3).
I am ecstatic that so many of you are faithfully engaged in regular study groups. I am blown away that so many of you are so hungry for the Word of God that you seek out and find Bible study groups elsewhere. We can’t have a fully attended meeting anymore because you are gone someplace hungering and thirsting after the Word of God. In doing so, you have taken your place in that great circle of saints taking delight in the words of the LORD. You find yourself thinking more and more on His words day and night.
The Psalmist pictures trees growing near a good water source as ones that send down deep roots to get the nourishment necessary for stability, growth, and strength. Stability, growth, and strength prepare the tree for its destiny. A well-nourished, strong, and stable tree is far more able to produce good fruit, ample shade, esthetic appeal, or whatever its purpose in life may be.
St. Paul, in his letter to the Church at Ephesus (5:25-27) likened water to the Word of God. He says that Jesus died to make us (the Church) holy with the washing of water by the [W]ord. God says that we are to be holy as He is holy. Our destiny, our purpose is to be holy as He is holy. Holiness not only is obedience to God, but seeing as God sees. And, holiness and empowerment of the Holy Ghost is the path that leads to sanctification.
We fulfill our destiny when we plant ourselves in a position to be washed by the water of the word. We grow and go—we are happy (blessed)—when we dip ourselves in the water of His word. Dive in—the water is fine!
Pastor Curtis
