Our Tribe

Psalm 1:1-4 TLB

The word ‘tribe’ in times past meant something different in the early days of American history. Generally speaking it was mostly segmented to indigenous people. In the history of America they would not have referred to the British soldiers as being part of a tribe, but they were a tribe. They identified with each other and had common purpose.

In Psalm 1:1-4 the psalmist wrote about two different kinds of people. “Oh, the joys of those who do not follow evil men’s advice, who do not hang around with sinners, scoffing at the things of God. But they delight in doing everything God wants them to, and day and night are always meditating on his laws and thinking about ways to follow him more closely. They are like trees along a riverbank bearing luscious fruit each season without fail. Their leaves shall never wither, and all they do shall prosper. But for sinners, what a different story! They blow away like chaff before the wind.”

The psalm writer of the first psalm is not identified but experts believe it could have been Solomon because of the style of writing. We do know the writer of the psalm was part of a tribe in Israel.

There were 12 tribes identified from the sons of Jacob. Every family in Israel came to be known as being part of a tribe. For example, Jesus was from the tribe of Judah.

Today the word ‘tribe’ still has meaning and purpose in modern society. Your tribe today is the people you identify with…often by common interest. In Psalm 1 the writer identified two “tribes” that are pertinent today.

The first tribe of people do not follow the advise of evil men. They do not spend time with sinners who do not believe in God.

They meditate on the ways of God throughout their day. Because they are intent on following God’s way they continuously bear good fruit. Their leaves do not wither because God’s hand is on them.

The second tribe in the psalm is identified as those who do not believe in God. They do not believe by choice.

They choose the way of the world and their motto could easily be “eat, drink, and be merry for tomorrow you die” which is found in Ecclesiastes 8:15 and Isaiah 22:13. The implication points to a person who does not turn to God but instead they focus on their physical comfort and immediate need.

They are not focused on God or the need and pain of other men/women. Their only focus is on ‘self’. They may still have a tribe (group) they associate with but ultimately their focus is on self.

In my time I have witnessed or been part of tribes who care deeply about the needs of others. I’ve also witnessed tribes who are solely focused on the (hidden) need of drawing attention to self. I’ve seen self fulfilling tribes that flourished and I’ve witnessed those that unraveled. The intent and purpose of the tribe seems to be the key element. If they are part of an environment that fosters support with a purpose the success rate greatly increases.

For example, think about the early followers of the people of the Way of Jesus. They worked together in teams.

Jesus sent them out in groups of ‘two’ or more. After the ascension they continued to work in teams. References are made to Peter and John going out in Acts 3-4. Paul traveled with Barnabas (Acts 13:2) or Silas and Timothy (Acts 16:10:13).

In the case of the early believers they were like salmon swimming upstream, but they did not go out alone. Those who went out to tell others about a new way of life (physical and eternal) went out in teams, AND they also had the Spirit of God as their constant companion and guide.

Today there are still groups that practice going out two by two. Believers go with the Spirit as their guide.

We no longer use the word ‘tribe’ but a group is very much the same. I have my own groups. I am part of a tribe (family) that shares the same bloodline and for us, the same faith history. It’s wonderful to be part of a group/tribe. We share common purpose. We love and give support to one another. I know I can count on them and they can count on me. That’s because caring and belonging matter. God created us that way.

Deborah

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