How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked. (Psalm 1:1, NASB)
Thus far, my wife and I have survived four teenage drivers. Two have successfully made it into their twenties, and we have two late-teener’s to go. Prayers are still accepted! Having taught all four to drive, I made a significant observation: knowing the correct path to their driving destinations is critical. The right directions get them to McDonald’s, whereas wrong directions lead to chaos and the need for a search and rescue team. Yes, the correct way directs one to the desired goal, and the wrong way produces failure and loss.
With stakes much higher than burgers and fries, the psalmist confirms this truth in Psalm 1.
One of the dominant charges that comes out of the Book of Psalms is for the nation of Israel to pursue God’s path as revealed in and through the wisdom of His Word. And that is no different for us today, which is why the apostle Paul reminds us that Scripture is directive and purposeful (2 Timothy 3:16–17).
God’s Word is the way of wisdom.
Like other Torah psalms (for example, Psalms 19 and 119), Psalm 1 contrasts those who follow the way of the Lord versus those who do not.
Those who delight in the things of God refuse to support individuals who mock the Word (1:1), find pleasure in and meditate on what God has revealed (1:2), and tap into God’s nourishing revelation that produces fruit (1:3). Those who do not trust the Lord are tossed about by the winds of life (1:4), are guilty for rejecting God’s truth (1:5), and follow a path toward destruction (1:6).
So what does this have to do with Christmas? Everything!
Friends, God’s grand cosmic GPS system IS the babe in Bethlehem. As the writer of Hebrews said, “God . . . in these last days has spoken to us in His Son” (Hebrews 1:1–2). That’s why Jesus Himself said that He is the Way (John 14:6). He is the righteous path. When we follow Him, we’ll make it to our destination. The way of wisdom is a person.
Drive on, you followers of the Way (Acts 9:2; 22:4). Trust your coordinates with Him. Delight in the living Word.
He will lead us home.