Psalm 1:3-4
“…The wicked are not so, but they are like chaff which the wind drives away.”
The psalmist paints for us a great chasm between a blessed man and a wicked man through a figure of speech called a “simile”. In verse 3, a blessed man is described as a strong and fruitful tree, “he will be like a tree firmly planted by 1streams of water…” while a wicked man is only described as “chaff” (a dry, scaly protective casing of the seeds of cereal grains or similar fine, dry, scaly plant material), “like chaff which the wind drives away.”
We can see the huge difference between these kinds of people in their strength, value, usefulness, and spiritual standing in the sight of God. The significance of this picture is staggering in our Christian life.
The truth tells us that a wicked man is not strong enough to face life trials because he is selfish and an enemy of God. He may be rich enough to protect himself, but the time will come, and he will stand before the trial of the One and holy GOD to account for everything he does in life when that happens, his money will not save him from God’s divine wrath.
Hence, we do have to be jealous of wicked men if they are getting more wealthy, influential, or powerful. At the end of the day, they have a short lifespan in the sight of God unless they come and agree with God’s term of salvation in Christ Jesus.
Wicked life equates miserable life. Do not be deceived, fame and fortune do not guarantee spiritual blessedness and salvation. A wicked man is the poorest of the poor even though he is financially secure and physically safe. No wicked man is secure from God’s wrath that’s the truth. Only a blessed man is secured with eternal grace and blessings in Christ even though we are not rich in the standard of this world.
Unlike a strong and fruitful tree as a blessed man, we can be confident, humble, and courageous enough to stand against the world because we know that God is our strength and life. We know that His grace is enough for us to live a life that is meaningful, joyful despite many trials, and honorable for Christ.
A blessed man is secured in the hands of the holy and merciful God.
Which one do you want to become? A strong and fruitful tree or to be like a helpless chaff?
It’s not too late for you, come to Christ Jesus and be one of His disciples, run from your wickedness, and go towards God’s grace. In Jesus’ name. Amen.