Psalms 1 and 2

Psalms 1 and 2 work as funnels directing all the Law (through Psalm 1) and all the Prophets (through Psalm 2), into the way of prayer.

By means of Psalm 1 we become a tree, putting down roots into well-irrigated soil of the Law. Psalm 1 concentrates our energies into mediative attention.

1. A righteous life is blessed (1:1a)

When we live a life like Christ – a righteous life – we will experience God’s blessings and goodness, and be joyful despite our circumstances, and walking the straight path that God has for us.

2. A righteous life avoids sin and wickedness (1:1b)

A righteous life avoids sinful and wicked ways – SIN is wrong, it is evil and must be repented of.

3. A righteous life is in sync with God’s law (1:2)

A righteous person will delight in God’s law. By his Spirit he will meditate and internalise it, guiding his thoughts, words and actions to live in him.

4. A righteous life is fruitful and prosperous (1:3)

A righteous life will be productive and flourishing – life will have trials, but living in Jesus our lens will focus on his goodness and abundance. No longer the pain of living for ourselves and harvesting the fruit of pride, selfishness and compromise.

5. A righteous life is secure in God (1:6)

God is watching over us and will lead us in the right way when we cling to him and keep our trust in him.

By means of Psalm 2 we observe the Messiah, who reveals the God who is personally involved in the world, often incognito, but here and ruling. Psalm 2 expands our vision to take in the messianic revelation.

Psalm 2 is a royal psalm as the Hebrews lived in the promise of God’s future redemption of his people and the coronation of his exalted king. In the New Testament this psalm is applied to Jesus Christ as the son of David and God’s Anointed King.

Be assured that the LORD, not human beings, anointed Israel’s king and elected this nation for his plan of salvation. Ultimately, the Messiah – the Anointed One – was born from the nation of Israel. God preserved Israel so that through the offspring of one of David’s descendants Mary, the Saviour of humankind was born.

St Paul’s words to us: Let the word of God dwell is you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thanksgiving in your hearts to God. Colossians 3:16

Prayer: Lord, bless our meditation on your Word, trusting in your salvation. You rescue us from sin and lead us to embrace your gracious rule with joyful hearts. Amen.

About the Author

Jill Schefe

Jill is a Wimmera-ite growing up on a sheep and wheat farm. As a Lutheran deacon, Jill has been richly blessed supporting pastor husband Clarrie, mother to three adult children and six grandchildren. She was a recipient of the 2022 Servant of Christ award and has served on LWV and LWQ executives and various zone executives. Jill enjoys engaging Christ’s love with others. As formed in Christ, in retirement, Jill enjoys reading, Christian spirituality, music, gardening, travelling, and their recently sold farm, breeding cattle and horses. Jill is active in her local congregation as lay worker. She has a passion for an understanding of the Gospel in the life of everyday Christians.