Therefore, although the speaker does not deny wisdoms conduct and consequence principle, ultimately he invokes divine agency in the process of just retribution. They don't face the hardships I face. Her senior year she was having a great season, when in the first half of a game, she blew out her knee again, ending her career at OU. That poor man was carried away to eternal comfort, but the rich man found himself in agony in this flame. It is just as Psalm 73 says: You cast them down to destruction, How they are destroyed in a moment. But in worship we see from God's infinite perspective. He says, God showed me that what I am seeing around me NOW, is NOT how this story is going to end: He says in :18-20 Surely You set them in slippery places; You cast them down to destruction. Verse 25-26. We're kicking this study off on a bruising, but all-too-common experience that can leave your teeth on edge and bitterness in your heart. It wasnt right. The connection with Psalm 24:4 suggests that functionally verse 1 is not a proverbial statement,16 nor exactly a brief reiteration of the torah piety of Psalm 1,17 but, instead, an asseveration of Gods justice that is formally similar to Psalms 25:8 and 92:15 (cf. But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled; My steps had nearly slipped. The closing verses (vv. God, I was like an animal. The first correction concerns the fate of the wicked in verses 18-20, which is introduced with the emphatic particle surely. In somber language he describes at length what was already introduced in summary fashion in Psalm 1:6b.34 Unlike Psalm 1:6b, however, God is directly involved in their destruction. Apparently he ignored the sound advice from Proverbs 23:17 (Do not let your heart envy sinners but always continue in the fear of the Lord). As men despise their dreams when they awake from them, so, when God "stirs up himself and awakes to judgment" ( Psalms 35:23 ), he will despise such mere semblances of humanity ( Psalms 39:6) as the wicked are. How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, Nor stand in the path of sinners, Nor sit in the seat of . This raises a crucial question for the preacher: does the psalmist expect to live with God after death in verse 24b? He did what Job did. In short, verse 27 declares that autonomy is a harlotry that does not work.54. (ESV). He opens it with a truth: Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart. But then he begins to tell his own personal testimony in :2, But as for me, my feet came close to stumbling. He says God is good; I know that but I came close to stumbling (in the Bible stumbling means to be lost; to give up the faith. Why? Psalm 73. I thought you reap what you sow! How can that be? Furthermore, to highlight the uniqueness of worship, the beatitude in Psalm 65:4 should also be used because it claims that true happiness consists of God bringing us to his courts where we may be satisfied with his goodness. They live longer, play more, and get away with everything. An important step in this process is the recognition of the psalmists strident critique of the economic underpinnings of society in verses 4-11. Hah." This switch marks a major turning point in the poem. As we will see shortly, this is a man who is resting in God's goodness. God is the Christian's inheritance as the refuge of his conscience. But if they did, they were foolish. We'll be back to it some day. Jobs questioning and doubt is a case in point. It doesnt seem to pay? I would urge you to follow his example, tracing the results your words and actions have on your family, friends, lost acquaintances, and church. 1:18-24 sermon), "Following Jesus" (Matthew 4:18-22 sermon), "How To Seek The Lord" (Isaiah 55:6-7 sermon), "The Purpose of God's Blessings" (Psalm 67 sermon), "The Importance of Forgiving Others" (Matthew 6:14-15 sermon), Teacher's Overview of Lifeway's "Explore the Bible" lesson: John 11:32-46, "I AM The Resurrection", "The Disciple's Character" series (Beatitudes Mt. For example, the Hebrew word ak, translated as surely in the NIV, begins the poem in verse 1 and is repeated at significant turning points, namely, verses 13 and 18.10 Similarly, the fourfold repetition of the emphatic Hebrew phrase weani (And [or: but] I) in verses 2, 22, 23 and 28 marks important phases in the resolution of the poets haunting problem. And were all in it for the same reasonto fuel the churchs mission of making disciples. See, what we have to remember is that this life is not all there is. Envy had poisoned him and had powerful effects on him. State your [case], so that you may be vindicated." 3 For I was envious of the . A good illustration can paint a picture in the imagination to help clarify the truth of a passage. Gluttony As Brueggemann rightly notes, this summary is not a condemnation of the wicked. I have typed this psalm as a psalm of wisdom because it deals with a common problem found in wisdom literature, the prosperity of the wicked. In the midst of suffering believers often feel cheated and begin to question and doubt Gods goodness. The envy he had of the wicked was like blinders to his eyes. Psalm 73 is a favorite for many Jewish and Christian believers because the words of this precious psalm ring true to their experience. He gives the soul (1) security; (2) happiness; (3) support in the hour of death. Unload that acid. They simply assert that God Most High, the creator of heaven and earth (Gen 14:19), is totally oblivious to what happens on earth. Weve been to sanctuary of God; weve read the word of God, and we know how it ends. They are utterly swept away by sudden terrors.. I just know that suddenly, Asaph started paying attention, and his confusion deepened. Let's look at Psalm 1 together for a few minutes. Asaph realized that "the world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever." He was evil. Glorification also refers to our elevation to an exalted state in eternity. Psalm 73:28, Tags: 4. 6. He can handle it! The Hebrew word for prosperity is shalom. Psalm 73 moves from radical doubt to a robust reaffirmation of faith. It's remarkable how inefficient these actions are. 5. In light of the prosperity of the wicked, the poet concludes that his attempt to lead a moral life has been absolutely in vain: Surely, in vain I have kept my heart pure and washed my hands in innocence. Those who are far from You will perish; You destroy all who are unfaithful to You. His eyes were locked in on the prosperity of the wicked and he was overcome with envy. Because they live at ease, therefore, according to verse 6, they are proud21 and violent. Job was a righteous man who lost all his children, his possessions, and his health. And he's about to get as real as it gets. 9. Thats a good word for some of us. Please see below for details. 3. The second correction in verses 21-22 concerns the poet himself. Last October it all came crashing down, with a New York Times investigation, and complaints by dozens of his victims. The reference to the phrase pure of heart and the act of washing ones hands in innocence in verse 13 suggests a connection between Psalm 73 and the psalms of temple entry.32 In any case, following the suggestion of Marvin E. Tate, entry into the temple provides a dramatic threefold correction of the poets envy blurred vision.33, 1. 1, 28) form an inclusio and frame within which the painful experience of the poet is unfolded. That is where we meet Asaph in Psalm 73. Psalm 25: Guidance From Above. If you've ever had something happen to you that was out of human control but seemed so unfair that you don't understand how a good God could let it happen, then you need to sit awhile with a choir director named Asaph. We may read these words and say, "I was just like Asaph except for this. 8. You certainly don't welcome it. Like Asaph, come into the sanctuary of God.. Im sitting on the couchwith my eyes closedattempting to nap. Still others assert that it is a wisdom psalm, similar to Psalm 49. Reorientation with Respect to the Wicked (vv. Your sermons are simple but complex with a very good end lesson. But she had great character; she worked hard and came back, and was an inspiration to many. That is so important. Its the same thing with our daily Bible reading. Walk Through the Text. 2. This is important because, according to George Barna, people, even church people, are searching to be near to God, but frequently they are not finding it in the organized church.63Yet, after a sermon on Psalm 73, no one should leave church without being able to affirm that it is good to be near God, particularly in this season of Lent. 27-28) summarize the psalmists spiritual journey and especially the new vision that he gained in verses 18-20 and verses 23-26 in terms of the spatial image of far and near. This summary functions as the psalmists great reaffirmation of faith. That spoke to a need in my life, or a question on my heart. And I am grateful that God speaks to us through His word! And it shows us that we can do that with God too; these Psalms give us permission to bring our honest hurts and feelings to God, and say like these Psalmists: God is waiting to talk with you. Some of us today might ask those same kinds of questions: You might say, I have always gone to church, and tried to do everything right, but yet I have all this trouble right now but my brother, or my friend, who never goes to church, and never thinks about God, has this great job, a nice home, and none of the troubles I have. Their prosperity is only temporary. God is on trial in this lament psalm, but ironically, the psalmist functions more as the defense attorney than the prosecuting attorney. end). A person may say, well I just dont feel like being there today but that may be the day that God is going to speak to you. An Assuredly Good Thing. Change), You are commenting using your Facebook account. What do you do when with your theology clashes with reality? Don't keep those emotions cooped up inside you, building layers of resentment and hardship between you and God. Navigating the challenges and joys of ministry life. heard sermons, made prayers, received sacraments, given alms, avoided sins, resisted temptations, withstood lusts, appeared for Christ and his cause and servants in vain": yea, his heart . 13-14) to praise of Gods handiwork (Gen 2:2).57 Now he speaks no longer as an ignorant beast; instead, through Gods guiding counsel he has now become a spiritually enlightened witness.58. It begins with an emphatic causal statement (ki-hinneh) (vs. 26a): because, look, those who are far away from you will perish.49 The fact that this emphatic statement begins with the conjunction because (k) suggests that verse 27 stands in sharp contrast to verses 23-26. Change), You are commenting using your Twitter account. Because he was blinded by envy, he admits emphatically that he did not recognize that, in spite of his brutish behavior, he was always with God (vs. 23a), an admission that represents the flipside of Gods promise to the patriarchs, I will be with you always. And, more importantly, in the temple he discovers that Gods right hand has a tight grip on him (vs. 23b). Why do good people suffering, and wicked people prosper? 1. Everything changed. Scholars disagree concerning the compositional structure of Psalm 73.8 Nevertheless, rhetorical and stylistic analysis shows that the poem has been skillfully constructed. Sooner womens coach Sherri Coale was dejected at the press conference after the game. BIBLE VERSE OF THE DAY: "My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever," ( Psalm 73:26). My feet nearly *slipped and I almost fell over. I heard a sermon last Sunday on Psalm 73. Then I perceived their end. There are a couple of things here that Asaph says changed his perspective on what he saw happening around him: A. Still, in v. 15, he stops to consider the impact his next steps will have: "If I had said, 'I will speak thus,' I would have betrayed your children." Asaph is acknowledging what Hebrews 11:6 names as the very essence of faith. He took his doubts and confusion to God in prayer. Or: I have always tried to do the right thing, and not drink, or smoke, or do drugs, but I have all these health problems; while people I know who dont care, but go and do whatever they want are totally healthy and able-bodied. I don't know how it started. Be like the disciples in John 6, when Jesus had told the crowds that had been following Him some difficult things about what it meant to believe, and everyone was leaving Him. 7. For more information, see ourPrivacy Policy. This God-inspired worship leader is ready to walk away. "You are guiding me with your counsel," he said . How many rash words and unsifted actions have we wished to take back because of the negative consequences they brought about? Job had questions like this, didnt he? The opening statement that God is good to Israel, for example, recalls Psalm 34:8. Free shipping on books, Bibles, gifts, VBS, and church supplies of $50 or more. Here is where Asaph's perspective is expanded. Why do I serve in ministry, week after week, but it doesnt seem like it is doing any good, and no one is responding or changing? He opens it with a truth: "Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart.". Thats like Asaph here. Psalm 24 Back On The Farm. This happened for Asaph in verses 16-17: "But when . Under these circumstances, Psalm 73 helps believers to be honest with God. well researched. I hadnt felt good all day. Your community. Truly God is good to Israel, To such as are pure in heart. Who did you in financially? Posted in Sermon Illustrations, Sermons | Tagged Asaph, Bible Reading, church, . My God, my God; why have You forsaken me? Like David in Psalm 22 While the first half of the Psalm is marked by a man-oriented perspective, he now sees things from a God-oriented perspective. 21-22). Looking back, Im glad I didnt send it! III. Pedestrians and shop owners poured into the streets to watch the spectacle of a whale carcass driven through the streets of downtown Tainan. (LogOut/ But heres the thing: what if they hadnt been here to hear that word? The prayers in the Psalms use words of waiting, watching, listening, tasting and seeing, meditating, and resting. Blessed be the Lord God of Israel from everlasting to everlasting: and let all the people say, Amen. Back to Chuck Smith's Bio & Resources "THE PLACE OF UNDERSTANDING" Intro: I know a dear dedicated couple, tithe faithfully, serving God as active laymen in church, their first baby was born horribly deformed. What caused Asaph to almost lose his faith, and what brought him out of it and how can this help those of us today, who might have some questions like he did? What happened to him, and what he saw happening around him, raised questions that caused him to give up his faith. Behind every support specialist, Bible study editor, graphic designer, and accountant is a Sunday School teacher, kids volunteer, or small group leader. But he didnt get away with it, did he? As we start in verse one, he's going to tell us about his experience looking around the world and also his beliefs. Put yourself in the position so that God can speak to you. The Bible says Jesus turned to His disciples and asked if they were going to go away too. Fire devours everything in his way, and a great storm rages around . The psalmists realization of Gods presence in verses 22-24 leads to a reflective spin-off in verses 25-26,44 in which he articulates a supreme confession of trust.45 In verse 25 he confesses that the antidote to his previous envy (vs. 3) is his hold-guide-receive experience of Gods persistent presence (vv. Arrogant refers to people who make sure people notice them and what they have. In 21:17, Why do the wicked still live, continue on, also become very powerful? Psalm 25:1-10 Riding Out The Waves. She said: It should end better for this kid. Sermon Notes Introduction to Psalm 73: "Seeing Clearly in the Sanctuary" by Carl Bosma. It is good for me to draw near We have already seen that those who are far off shall perish; therefore, it is ill for them. He said in :3, For I was envious of the arrogant He said the wicked in his land seemed to prosper, and he was jealous of them. They wear a power-hungry, cutthroat, cynical attitude like a coat. Like Asaph, come into the sanctuary of God.. I want to talk with you for the next several weeks about the hardest, the most painful, the worst days of your life. You're going about your business, and a whale explodes. 13-14) into exuberant trust also underscores the need for careful liturgical planning. This turning point consists of two important observations.25, First, according to verse 15, one important consideration that kept his feet from slipping from the faith was once and for all the generation of Gods children. Psalm 73 Sermon Illustrations; Free Sermon Illustrations for Preaching : In Sermon Illustrations: "Psalm 73" showing 1-4 of 4 Filter Results Sort By. For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. Wiesel was a devout Jew before his experience in the Nazi death camps, but his time there destroyed his faith. Job was a righteous man who lost all his children, his possessions, and his health. ", Asaph had fallen into the trap of loving the world and the things that are in the world. Maybe people who walked by and saw the Rich Man & Lazarus were tempted to give up THEIR faith. (Psalm 41:9), Listen, the real Bible not just the feel good parts of the Bible that get quoted in a lot of our devotionals the real Bible is FULL of these REAL, honest, hard questions that Gods people have brought before Him. Do not covet your neighbor's wife, his male or female slave, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor." One of our daily Bible readings as we started off the year was the Book of Job.
