HIGHLIGHT
Psalm 112:1–2 (ESV): 112 Praise the Lord! Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who greatly delights in his commandments! 2 His offspring will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed.
EXPLAIN
This is a beautiful psalm of encouragement for those who live for God. There are multiple promises for the upright: his children and grandchildren will be influential in the land, his estate will be wealthy, he will be secure, he will not worry when bad news arrives, and he will be honored.
Of course, such scriptures like this must be understood in context – in context with the whole of scriptural teaching as well as its own particular context.
We understand that God does not promise that following him is the path to success, prosperity, power and position. Jesus said we must take up our cross and follow him.
Furthermore, this psalm identifies this blessed man as one who is “gracious, merciful, and righteous” (v. 4), who is generous with others and lends freely, conducting his affairs with justice, giving freely to others, especially the poor.
The last verse provides a stark contrast: the wicked man who looks on with anger and jealousy at the blessed, righteous man. Yet “the desire of the wicked will perish” (v. 10).
APPLY
It is a mistake to approach living for Jesus as a means to “get rich” or “be successful” in life. Yet those who surrender themselves to God’s will find true blessing in life.
The rich young rulers, afraid to trust God and sell all they have to follow Jesus, walk away sad. But the one who submits all to the lordship of King Jesus lives the “good life”!
RESPOND
Heavenly Father, my desire in life is to know Jesus fully. Thank you for the many blessings you pour upon me as I seek to live in the center of your will. In Jesus’ name, Amen.