The Italian Memorandum

“And he shall be like a tree planted by the

streams of water, That bringeth forth its
fruit in its season, Whose leaf also doth
not wither; And whatsoever he doeth shall
prosper. The wicked are not so…”

(Psalm 1:3,4, ASV)

The Cappadocian biblical scholar, Basil, (c. A.D. 329-379), said the Book of
Psalms “foretells coming events; it recalls history; it frames laws for life; it
suggests what must be done; and, in general, it is the common treasury of good
doctrine” (Basil, Homily 10,1,2). As such, we shall make some brief comments
regarding the “tree” of Psalm 1:3 (quoted above).

1. The “tree” is the “blessed” man (See Psalm 1:1).

2. The “tree” is the man who avoids wicked counsel (See Psalm 1:1,2).

3. The “tree” has a reliable resource from which to grow (Psalm 1:3).

4. The “tree” produces its intended fruit (Psalm 1:3).

5. These traits of the “tree” are not common to the wicked (Psalm 1:4).

Christian growth is very much like the tree of Psalm 1: rooted (Colossians 1:23);
raised (Colossians 3:1,2); ruled (Colossians 3:15,17); and, realized (Colossians
1:10). Often, we put up excuses for our own lack of growth; blame others; shift
responsibility away from ourselves; and find others who are like-minded (hell).
Instead, we should be striving to be the tree of Psalm 1.

– Robert M. Housby

“And we know that the Son of God
has come, and has given us understanding…”

(1 John 5:20)

There is a major difference between the lifestyle and world view of Christians and the way of the world (1 John 2:15-17). This difference may be expressed in terms of the difference between “happy” and “blessed”. The “understanding” spoken of in 1 John 5:20 allows us to do this comparative study.

1. Happy appears to have more in common with circumstances; whereas, blessed is primarily a spiritual matter arising from one’s relationship with God. A relationship with God is never merely circumstantial, or arbitrary. It is the sense of constant communion which enables the worshipper to be able to count on God, as it were, even when the shifting sands of circumstances may dishevel one’s life (1 John 4:13).

2. Happy is essentially about one’s feelings. Blessed, on the other hand, is based on the promise of God, via the word of God (1 John 2:25).

3. Happy seems to be limited to the here and now, while blessed is about forever (1 John 3:2). Blessed involves a process of both now and later, and of both being and becoming.

4. Happiness is usually evaluated in terms of a human perspective. Contrarily, blessedness is derived from God’s point of view (1 John 2:16,17).

Chistians may be both blessed and happy. But, to be blessed is most important. Do you have this kind of life? Circumstances come and go; but choices abide.

– Robert M. Housby

“If the iron is blunt, and one does not sharpen
the edge, he must use more strength, but wisdom
helps one to succeed.”

(Ecclesiastes 10:10)

A proverb is a brief pithy statement meant to convey wisdom. As such, we see that Ecclesiastes 10:10 conveys the wisdom that a dull axe will require considerable more strength than a sharp axe. This information is both simple and sound. But, biblical proverbs often have farther reaching implications than their immediate applications. Such is the case here. An individual may also be sharp or blunt. We tend to associate dullness with I. Q. (Intelligence Quotient). However, while there is a connection between succeeding and natural ability, we have known plenty of smart individuals who live very stupid lives. We have all heard the adage: “He’s not the sharpest knife in the drawer.” Therefore, we are persuaded to think of sharp or dull in terms of Ecclesiastes 7:18: “…for a man who fears God will succeed…”(NEB).

It is important that we stay sharp. Consider three dynamics for staying sharp:

1. God wants his people to succeed (Deuteronomy 29:9; Joshua 1:8;
Ecclesiastes 7:18; 10:10; 3 John 2). See that God is involved in one’s life.
2. God provides wisdom that his people may succeed (Proverbs 1:1-7;
Colossians 1:9, 28; 2:2,3; 3:16). See that God’s plan is a power to succeed.
3. Stay sharp and work smart (Ecclesiastes 10:10). Respond to God.

Perhaps, you have been sharp, but are now going through a dull period. You can feel your strength being taxed to the point of burn-out. God has a way to whet your edge. And, it all begins with the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 1:7). Dullards will suffer. So, stay sharp and work smart.

– Robert M. Housby

“We gather together to ask the Lord’s blessing;
He chastens and hastens His will to make known;
The wicked oppressing now cease from distressing:
Sing praises to His name, He forgets not his own!”

(We Gather Together, Valerius’s Collection, 1626)

The term “gospel” is defined in modern English as, “good news.” The gospel derives itself historically from the ancient prophecy of Isaiah 52:7: “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation…” The apostle Paul quotes this Isaiah passage in Romans 10:15.

We frequently use the term gospel and its meaning of good news to express what God has rendered to mankind through the preaching of Jesus Christ (Romans 16:25). In this brief expose, we shall consider how Luke’s Gospel shows the gospel to be a resource of blessing:

1. Luke begins and ends with a theme of “blessing” (1:28,42,45,48,68; 2:28, 34; 24:50,51). Although Luke begins his gospel with a historical format, we can see a theological theme of blessing merge and continue through the gospel.
2. Luke shows how “blessing” is a mutual activity (6:20,21,22; 7:23; 9:16;
10:23; 11:27,28; 12:37,38; 23:29).
3. The ending of Luke clarifies that the gospel is especially meant to
“bless” (24:50-53; Genesis 12:3).

He blesses and blesses. Have we understood these things?

–Robert M. Housby