In Psalm 1, we are given an image of a tree, planted by a stream of water, healthy and bearing fruit – an image of vibrant, abundant life revealed. In 1 John 5, we receive words about the testimony of God – made known in and through the life of Jesus – and how this testimony has come to rest in our hearts, revealing to us the promise of eternal, abundant life. How does the resurrection life of Jesus connect with our daily lives? How does the testimony of a tree, planted and nourished by living water, bearing fruit in season, give us insight and encourage us in the life of faith?
Scripture:
Psalm 1:1-3
Happy are those
who do not follow the advice of the wicked,
or take the path that sinners tread,
or sit in the seat of scoffers;
but their delight is in the law of the Lord,
and on his law they meditate day and night.
They are like trees
planted by streams of water,
which yield their fruit in its season,
and their leaves do not wither.
In all that they do, they prosper.
1 John 5:6-13
This is the one who came by water and blood, Jesus Christ, not with the water only but with the water and the blood. And the Spirit is the one that testifies, for the Spirit is the truth. There are three that testify: the Spirit and the water and the blood, and these three agree. If we receive human testimony, the testimony of God is greater; for this is the testimony of God that he has testified to his Son. Those who believe in the Son of God have the testimony in their hearts. Those who do not believe in God have made him a liar by not believing in the testimony that God has given concerning his Son. And this is the testimony: God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.
I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life.