The Blessed Man part 3

This “blessed man” in Psalm 1 has the distinction of being transplanted. He is likened to a tree planted by the rivers or a stream of water irrigation. The metaphor is, he is like a tree, not a Zucchini, squash, pumpkin, watermelon, pineapple, etc. The tree that the psalmist is talking about did not come up on its own. It seems clear that this tree had been growing in another location, perhaps not the best location. But now this tree has been transplanted to a more favourable place “by the rivers of waters” where it could obtain plenty of water and good nourishment.

Every believing person should be able to testify that he or she is a transplanted person. The Bible says in Col. 1: 12-14 “Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son; In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins” (KJV)

Our hearts should echo with joy and thanksgiving to the Father who made us partakers of the inheritance with Christ, He rescued us from sin and darkness, transplanted us into the kingdom of His Son. You and I are a liberated person from the bondage of sin, into the land of liberty.

That indeed is marvellous grace! Perhaps your life had no meaning and purpose, but now you have a purpose. That noted, famous scientist, mathematician, chemist, --Michael Faraday—when he lay dying on his bed, a friend asked him a very important question: What are your speculations now?” Michael Faraday smiled to his friend and said: “I have no speculation, I am resting on certainties…” Faraday, knew his origin- who is God; he knew the meaning of life, he knew forgiveness, and he knew his eternal destiny- to be with God forever. If you know and experience these things-- you are a godly person, planted by the rivers of water, you have been transported to a better place and a better life.

I can still vividly picture the old church building in Tupi, South Cotabato, Philippines in the late 1950s and early 1960s. That building had a flat roof, more or less like a garage. Every time I go home, I flash back in time and stand on the road for a few minutes—facing and imagining the old building and saying within myself—that’s where it all began. That was my “transplanting” from an old life to a new life in Christ. That was Feb. 24, 1963, when I was just 16 and 5 months old. My cousin Novelita (Baby) and I accepted Christ that day. (I hope she remembers). The building is different now, more modern. 2 Cor. 5:17 says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.’ When a person is transplanted, a new life in Christ begins.

The Holy Spirit bears witness in my heart, who brought new life through Christ and by His grace, I am now His child. I have been transplanted to another place. There is nothing to boast, except on the cross of Christ. All my sins were credited to Him, all His righteousness was credited to me. All because of the richness of God’s grace. All by grace and grace alone. It is available to anybody!