Psalm 1 (NRSV)
Read Psalm 1 on biblegateway.com
Verse 1Happy 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;
Verse 2but their delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law they meditate day and night.
Verse 3They are like trees planted by streams of water, which yield their fruit in its season, and their leaves do not wither. In all that they do, they prosper.
Verse 4The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away.
Verse 5Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous;
Verse 6for the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.
Devotion
As a biker preacher, I have had the great privilege of ministering to some of the most notorious outlaw motorcycle clubs. To have the opportunity to pray with, conduct weddings for and bury some of these men has brought many questionable glances my way as well. Our psalm for today says, "Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked." But how does this apply to those who minister to the imprisoned, the ones who frequent the bars, the ones whom the public has deemed to be gang members or criminals? As servants of Christ, we do this by serving as a Christ-like presence—we set ourselves apart so that our presence may be made known. When I throw my club patch on my back, it has been a tricky tightrope to walk at times for sure, but one that has been my greatest joy—a joy to reflect Christ's light into some of the deepest darkness!
Prayer
God of grace, help us all to remember that we are yours. Help us to remember that in this life of ministry and outreach we find ourselves in troubled places at times, but as long as we remember our true identities, we can walk in the confidence of your love and mercy. Amen.