Sabbath Psalms - The Prologue

Psalm 1:3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.

I studied the Old Testament and Biblical Hebrew for four years at Glasgow University in Scotland, focusing mainly on the psalms. Eventually, after much studying, I came to believe that the very first psalm is a prologue to the entire book of psalms, much like one of those Shakespearean discourses at the beginning of his plays.

To me, this psalm represents the ancient belief that if you are a good person, then you will prosper, and the source of that prosperity comes from God, who is very pleased with you. In other words, Psalm 1 is the theological and theoretical framework for what some would call ‘the prosperity Gospel.’ However, as we read the rest of the psalms, we begin to recognize that there are many flaws with this connection of faith to fortune as expressed in the first psalm.

Even Jesus refuted this kind of prosperity thinking because it led people to believe that if they were wealthy, powerful, and successful, then their faith and lives must be perfect, too. However, in reality wealth, power, and success were merely coincidental because in Christ's day the most powerful, successful, and wealthy people were also the biggest and cruelest pagans in the world - the Romans.

So, how does this psalm influence our beliefs today? If we read and compare it to Psalm 73, it will show us the difference between theoretical concepts and practical reality. Faith does not prevent difficulties or ensure success; however, it can help us cope in times of trouble and simultaneously strengthen our relationship with God. In other words, it’s our faith that prospers, not our finances.

Point to ponder: How does my faith in Christ affect my life and work?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You know the old saying, 'we are not called to be successful, but faithful." Enable us to truly understand this message. If our faith was meant to reward us, then the symbol of Christianity would be a golden scepter instead of a wooden cross. Help us to be content with everything by remembering that Your Spirit is with us no matter who we are, where we are, and what we experience. In Your Holy Name, we humbly pray. Amen.

John Stuart is a retired Scottish Presbyterian pastor now living in Knoxville, Tennessee.