Jesus is the man! Many preach Psalm 1:1 as an appeal to all of us to be “the man.” But since we all sin and fall short, we cannot be “the man.” Jesus is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers. But there is another requirement for blessedness (happiness) given to us in the second verse of Psalm 1. It says, “…but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law, he meditates day and night.” Let’s be honest. We might read our bibles. We might memorize passages. We might talk with others about the Bible, but is it a “delight?” Is it a thing on our list to be checked off in the morning? Is it the once-a-week bible study freeing us to watch our favorite TV show thinking we’ve “delighted” in God? But when we are honest, we realize that we’d much rather watch the next episode of “Better Call Saul” than read another chapter of Jeremiah. We do better in delighting in God’s Word than we do at other times. I might just be speaking for myself here, but I confess. I don’t seem to be able to maintain a focused “delight” in God’s word morning and night. I want to, but something in me rebels! If my hope lies in my strength in not sinning or having delight in God’s Word, I’m a lost soul. I need a savior!
Verse 1 tells us part of what is required for blessedness or overflowing happiness in life. Verse 2 adds something else; delighting in God’s Word and meditating on it day and night.” Two things which no one has ever been able to do thoroughly. Only Jesus is this righteous. But this is why Psalm 2 (as we’ll read later) tells us the this “blessedness” or “happiness” comes to us differently. Psalm 2:12 tells us to “kiss the son.” Why? Because “blessed are all who take refuge in him.” Jesus receives two kisses during his ministry on earth. One was from a lowly sinner woman who couldn’t stop kissing his feet. This woman knew and acknowledged her sinfulness and couldn’t stop kissing the one who brought good news to her about her sin. The other kiss was from a man who thought his sinfulness was a secret from others and hid the truth of his horrible heart. I feel better identifying with the sinful than I do with the self-righteous.
One web blogger says, “So who is this righteous man? It is so easy to think that it is you and I. Notice, it is singular. Some like to translate this verse as saying, “Blessed are those people.” They want to use more inclusive language. The Hebrew word is not a generic word that refers to all human beings. There is one particular man in view. Who is he? It is the Lord Jesus! You see, this Psalm is Messianic. Jesus Christ did not walk in counsel with the wicked, stand in the way of sinners, or sit in scorners’ seat. Rather, Jesus said of Himself, “My food is to do the will of him that sent me and to finish his work.”[1]
[1] https://www.prca.org/missions/domestic/item/5947-the-righteous-man