The Growth of a Meditator - Sermon on Psalm 1:3 | sermon by Father. Mungamuri Devadasu | Bible Mission

“He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season, and whose leaf does not wither.” – Psalm 1:3

Let us picture in our minds a flowing stream and a tree planted along its banks. This tree has two visible blessings: leaves that do not wither and fruit that appears in its season.

In nature, water flows on the surface, then sinks into the soil to nourish the roots. But the stream mentioned in the Bible is not an ordinary one. It is a divine stream — the water here flows upward, from the roots to the branches, reaching the leaves and fruits. This is no natural phenomenon but a spiritual one.

Water is found everywhere in creation — in rivers, seas, lakes, wells, clouds, mountains, trees, fruits, and even within the human body. Although the Psalm doesn’t specify that the water reaches every part of the tree, we understand from creation that it surely does.

When we teach or meditate on spiritual truths, we can draw from three reliable sources:

1. Scripture – God’s Word, our ultimate authority.
2. Creation – Nature, which reflects divine design.
3. Experience – Personal encounters and life lessons.

For example, after walking in the scorching sun, drinking cool water brings relief. This isn’t directly stated in the Bible, but it's a universal experience. Similarly, though Scripture doesn’t describe the sweetness of a guava fruit, we know its taste through experience.

Therefore, in spiritual teaching or meditation, we must not ignore:

• What is revealed in Scripture,
• What is observable in Creation, and
• What is confirmed through Experience.

All three together help us grasp how the living water of God's Word and Spirit nourishes the inner person — from the roots of faith, through the trunk of understanding, to the branches of obedience, the leaves of testimony, and the fruit of righteousness.

As we meditate day and night, like a tree beside living waters, we grow strong, fruitful, and steadfast — no matter the season.

Is the Bible Mission teaching found in the Bible?  When asked this, we must respond that the essence of it is indeed found in key parts of Scripture.

For example, someone may sway while praying—that might not happen to you, but that doesn’t mean their prayer is meaningless. Likewise, if someone experiences joy and praise during prayer, and you don’t, it doesn’t mean their praise is empty. We must respect spiritual experiences even if they differ from our own.Though certain terms like sap, branches, or roots may not be found in Psalm 1, they exist in nature. If something exists in creation, even if it's not explicitly mentioned in the Bible, it's not necessarily against Scripture. In the same way, spiritual experiences not directly recorded in the Bible aren't automatically unbiblical if they align with the principles of God’s Word.The sap flows from the roots upward. The tree’s roots stretch deep into the soil, and its trunk grows up toward the sky. The believer is like a tree planted by streams of water (Psalm 1). This analogy refers only to believers—not unbelievers. The tree has good leaves and good fruit, symbolizing that the believer produces good works. Therefore, this teaching is for believers.

There are separate teachings in the Bible for unbelievers—those who follow the path of sin and wickedness. They need transformation. But do the righteous, the faithful, the God-fearing also need change? Yes—they need growth. Unbelievers need cleansing; believers need maturity. While this distinction may not be directly stated in the Bible, we see it reflected in creation.A believer must grow until they bear fruit—that is, until their devotion becomes visible in their actions. Fruit is visible to others; likewise, a believer’s life should reflect their faith outwardly. But roots are hidden—just as the believer’s personal relationship with God is intimate and unseen. Even though the roots are not visible, they support the tree’s life. So too, our unseen relationship with God must be strong.

Jesus said, “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). Just as water reaches every part of the tree, the believer must be nourished daily by the Word of God.

When we read the Word, we find joy and inspiration. However, the Word (Scripture) and its application in daily life (the present reality) are distinct. For instance, in the story of the paralyzed man, despite people, walls, and obstacles, he still reached Jesus. That’s the story. But in our reality, we too must push past our obstacles—whether it's a busy schedule or spiritual dryness—to reach the Lord.Even if reading the Bible in the morning is difficult, we must make the effort. We must absorb the essence of God’s Word and apply it. Just as Jesus walked on the water, we must walk in faith even through life’s storms. Just like the tree draws sap from its roots, we must draw strength from the Word and apply it to our present.

A believer must continue growing—until their good works are seen by others and they ultimately reach salvation.

The Bride Assembly: Believers who await the Lord’s return must grow in faith until their deeds become evident. They must rise from where they stand—ascending to the clouds and onward to the New Jerusalem. Among them, the living multitude shall be great. Should the Lord come today, they will not see the grave. Until His appearing, they must grow—reaching toward the heavens, pressing forward to the Holy City.Those who have died in faith will rest in the grave, only to awaken in glory at His coming. But the living shall be caught up in an instant—carried on the clouds to the New Jerusalem.

The tree by the river symbolizes the believer who tastes death, while the tree by the spring represents the one who never dies. Before the Lord’s return, some believers will depart—their time fulfilled. Others may perish through grief, illness, or trial.

Believers drink deeply from the living waters of Scripture. What defines a believer? Their words, their strength, their branches (deeds), their leaves (testimony), their fruit (works), and their roots (faith). Do you bear these marks?

Each night, ask yourself: "Have I grown today? Am I unchanged from yesterday, or have I advanced?" Scrutinize your soul. "Am I as I was last year, or has my faith deepened?"

Prayer: "We must grow." O Lord, who taught us through the tree, we give thanks. We pray that You enable us to grow in Your church, in spiritual maturity, and in the work of the gospel to the extent You desire. Amen.