The Gospel Tree
Psalm 1 – Discipleship Is Like a Tree Planted by Streams of Water
Introduction
When you get into a car for a trip, you usually know your destination and how to get there. Yet many Christians live their spiritual lives with no clear path or picture of what it means to follow Jesus. We say we’re disciples, but we often can’t define what a disciple is or describe what a disciple does.
Psalm 1 offers us a clear, living metaphor: the life of a disciple is like a tree. This tree is not a wild tree that just happens to survive, but a tree planted by design. It is a cultivated, nourished, and purposeful tree. It is a tree planted (rooted) by streams of water. Because its root system is strong, it stands firm through storms, bears fruit in season, and never withers. This is the picture of the flourishing, grace-dependent Christian life.
In this opening article of Tree Spirituality, we discover the foundational vision of discipleship: being rooted in Christ through delight in His Word and bearing fruit through communion with Him.
Gospel Exposition: Psalm 1
Psalm 1 introduces two distinct ways of life: the way of the wicked and the way of the righteous. It begins with an exclamation of blessing: “Blessed is the man…” This is a Hebrew expression of profound joy and satisfaction, not superficial happiness, but a soul that is flourishing in communion with God.
The righteous person is described by what he does and does not do. He does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, stand in the path of sinners, or sit in the seat of scoffers. This progression suggests a deepening commitment to a life apart from God. He progresses in this God-detached life first casually, then comfortably, and finally committedly. The disciple, in contrast, is described as one whose “delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.”
The Hebrew word for “law” here is torah, God’s instruction. This is God's covenant path of wisdom and life. For the believer, this ultimately points to the full revelation of God in Christ through the Scriptures. We delight in the Word because it brings us to Jesus, the living Word (John 1:1–5, 14).
The one who delights in God’s Word is like a tree, planted by streams of water. The word “planted” implies intentionality and care. This hints at the work of a gardener. God plants His people in Christ, the true gardener. Jesus is the source of living water (John 4:14), and by our union with Him, we draw up the grace that sustains us. This rooted disciple yields fruit in season: not constantly, not frantically, but faithfully. His leaf does not wither. Even in hardship or drought, he endures because of the life flowing through him.
In contrast, the wicked are like chaff, rootless, fruitless, and driven by the wind. They have no weight, no permanence, and will not stand in judgment. This is why Psalm 1 ends with a sobering truth: the Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.
Yet, the righteous man of Psalm 1 is not merely a model for us to imitate. He is, ultimately, Jesus Himself, the Blessed Man, the perfectly righteous one, who delighted in the Father’s will, meditated on the Word, bore fruit in every season, and stood firm even under the judgment of the cross.
And this is good news. Why? Because Jesus stood in our place, bore our judgment, and was “cut off” for our sins (Isa. 53:8), we who are united to Him by faith and are now like trees planted by streams of water. Jesus was nailed to a tree so that we might be made into living trees. He bore the curse so that we might receive the blessing. He bore our shame so that we might be an honored child seated at His table.
Worshipping Jesus
Throughout this series of articles, there will be a “Worshipping Jesus” section. This is meant to be meditated upon as a practical way of abiding in Jesus, the vine, so that we may be fruitful branches (or trees in our metaphor).
Take a moment to:
- Worship Jesus as the Righteous One who perfectly delighted in the Word of God and fulfilled it on our behalf.
- Thank Him for taking your place under judgment, being pinned to a tree so you could be planted by grace.
- Praise the Spirit for making Christ known through the Word and enabling you to bear fruit.
Reflection and Response
- What “voices” are shaping your understanding of the good life: God’s Word or the world’s wisdom?
- In what ways can you more intentionally “delight in the law of the Lord” this week?
- Are you seeking quick fruit, or are you learning to trust the slow growth of grace in Christ?
A Prayer
Father, thank You for planting me beside the stream of Your grace in Jesus. I confess that I often run to the counsel of the world instead of delighting in Your Word. Forgive me. Plant my heart deeper in Christ. Let me soak in His truth and walk in His ways. Make me like a tree, stable, fruitful, joyful in all seasons. Holy Spirit, renew my delight in Scripture and help me see Jesus on every page. Let His words shape my mind, direct my path, and anchor my soul. Amen.
Discipleship Challenge
Set aside ten minutes each day this week to slowly read and meditate on Psalm 1. Don’t rush. Reflect on what it means to be planted, rooted, and fruitful. Use a journal to write down one insight or encouragement each day. Don’t measure success by quantity; focus on being present with God in His Word. Ask the Spirit to show you how you are being shaped by the Word and where you need deeper roots.
“He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.” —Psalm 1:3