Psalm 1:4–6 ‘Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away.’ (v4)
God’s love and concern for all people is demonstrated throughout the Bible. Everyone you clap eyes on today is loved by God and precious to Him. God has made it possible for all to know His embrace.
But that is not to say that God doesn’t evaluate all people and Scripture is equally clear that some behaviour is classed as ‘wicked’ and is a label that can be used of those who ‘walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers’ (v1).
Chaff is the husks of corn or other seed separated by winnowing or threshing in ancient agriculture and blown away as it is of no value to the farmer, and sadly depicts those who waste their lives, rather than know God.
We may not be pleased when a doctor tells us what’s wrong, but there is a chance of treatment and cure if we know the truth and at the start of the psalter, we have the contrast between those who delight in God’s Word and those who ignore it and act in defiance of it.
Some Christians have taken delight in the outcomes for the wicked, certainly we are pleased that there is a future where evil is finally overcome, but it’s not for us to label anyone as ‘wicked’ as if we ourselves are God.
We live aware that there is a divine reckoning. Our lives matter and God will one day act in salvation and judgment, and praise God that we can be declared righteous by trusting in Christ and be those whom God watches over, and that includes today.
A Prayer To Make:
Thank You, Lord, for rescuing me from a life of futility to one of value. I dedicate myself afresh to Your purposes. Amen.
An Action To Take:
As you see or hear news today, pray silently for God’s people to be involved in situations where wickedness seems to be having the upper hand.
Scripture To Consider:
Neh. 8:1–18; Isa. 1:12–20; Rom. 2:5–11; 1 Pet. 1:22–25
