Sometimes it changes suddenly during our lives here on earth like it did for Harvey Weinstein. In fact, in rather strong language, he acknowledges that he behaved as a brute beast38 with God. Panic, Conclusions, Denomination: He was fired from his company, kicked off of the Hollywood Academy, his wife left him, and criminal charges are being investigated. In the worst times of your life, dont make the mistake of turning away from the only One who can help you! State your [case], so that you may be vindicated." It seemed to many people like he was just continuing to sin and get away with it. In v. 12-14, Asaph's envy had so taken his heart that he was fed up with living a godly life. And he's about to get as real as it gets. Asaph had let envy in the door, and now it colored everything he saw. You have yours; I have mine; Asaph said he had his and he said he almost gave up because of them. Verses 4-5 of the first part detail why the wicked enjoy shalom. When I read that story I wrote an article and sent it to the Oklahoma Baptist Messenger, which basically said that because Whitney Hand knows Jesus as her Lord & Savior, that that wasnt the end of the story for her. In fact, someone pointed out that over the past 20 years at the Oscar ceremonies, Harvey Weinstein had been publicly thanked in the Oscar speeches as many times as God! He said, I was so foolish for almost giving in to these questions, and almost giving up my faith. Clear Scripture Filters. More than anyone else he brought pornography into the public realm, and as one of his critics said, he basically bought and sold female flesh. The Hebrew word for prosperity is shalom. Others, however, claim that it is a song of thanksgiving by an individual. 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. Clarke's Commentary. Psalm 73 is a favorite for many Jewish and Christian believers because the words of this precious psalm ring true to their experience. Scholars disagree concerning the compositional structure of Psalm 73.8 Nevertheless, rhetorical and stylistic analysis shows that the poem has been skillfully constructed. As the truck crawled through that downtown region, with crowds looking on, the whale exploded. "You are guiding me with your counsel," he said . Baptist, So there I am. They are arrogant and wicked, he said. Psalm 73 is a favorite for many Jewish and Christian believers because the words of this precious psalm ring true to their experience. . The prayers in the Psalms use words of waiting, watching, listening, tasting and seeing, meditating, and resting. And is there knowledge with the Most High? He says these people are basically spitting at God and getting away with it! Moreover, it helps them transition from radical doubt to a robust reaffirmation of faith. Lying He brought his confusion under the truth of God. Anger/Bitterness (Tie) What stopped him was the feeling, "If I utter my doubts, i.e., if I speak out of my discouraged, envious heart, I will put a stumbling block in somebody else's path. Psalm 73:1-3, Tags: Betcha no one got up that morning thinking they would have whale guts on them by noon! He is a graduate of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. They help us put words to our doubts and frustrations, but at the same time they give us reminders of the help and hope we have in God. But as for me, it is good to be near God. You are currently impersonating {{userSessionData.email}}. Intro: One day, six blind men decided to go to the zoo.They hired a guide to tell them about all the exotic animals they couldn't see. These are a lot like Asaphs questions, arent they? The centrality of the worship experience (cf. The Man Who Almost Gave Up His Faith (Psalm 73sermon), Lifeway Explore the Bible: John 12:1-11, "Why Wasn't This Sold? Dt 32:4). Those who are far from You will perish; You destroy all who are unfaithful to You. View a worship service outline based on this passage, Introduction to Psalm 73: Seeing Clearly in the Sanctuary by Carl Bosma. Dont turn FROM God in your questions, turn TO Him. Your family. In the sanctuary God was his focus, not his problems. Although the text of verses 4, 7 and 10 is uncertain,20 the general picture is clear. 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. Consequently, the solution of the psalmists heart-rending problem transcends human wisdom. AOL News (1-29-04); see also BBC News http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/3437455.stm). Gluttony Psalm 73 tells the story of a godly man who felt his faith slipping away. end). You certainly don't welcome it. They aren't accomplishing anything. Keep up the good work. Because they live at ease, therefore, according to verse 6, they are proud21 and violent. Don't keep those emotions cooped up inside you, building layers of resentment and hardship between you and God. He was one of the great worship leaders in the OT. 8-Week Series for Lent. Scripture: Psalm 73. I hadnt felt good all day. We know where history is going. 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. Scripture: Psalm 73:25-26. (This is) a psalm of *Asaph. They have no trouble; they succeed at everything they do; they are so well off they are bulging with fatness; and are at ease and have increased in wealth. 1 Chronicles 25:1 and 2 Chronicles 29:30 add that Asaph was a prophet in his musical compositions. It's not difficult for that to happen, by the way. 13-14), the poet first embarks on an extensive and vivid description of the actions and words of the wicked in verses 4-12.18. D. The book of Job and Psalm 37 deal with the same problem, but in this life; Psalm 73 deals with it in light of Matthew 25. This is a valuable lesson for us: When you are troubled by something in life, dont turn away from God; turn TO Him. God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him Learn more about Desiring God . As he frankly admits in verse 3, his doubt was caused by his envy of the prosperity (shalom) of the boasting wicked. While CHICKEN LITTLE was hit in the head by a piece by Carl Bosma. (Psalm 22:2) This makes it possible to use this sermon outline as a stand-alone. Psalm 73 begins with a summary of his theology. Psalms 73. 22-24). He wrestles with the tension of holding onto God's goodness and sovereignty while dealing the tragedies he was experiencing. See, what we have to remember is that this life is not all there is. Look at v. 3: "For I was envious of the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked." (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. He was used more by Satan than perhaps anyone else in his lifetime. Thank you so much for that blessing Peter! History will not see the wicked ultimately prosper. 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? You didn't see that coming. There are a million of these kinds of questions. In :11 he says they say: How does God know? But the NRSV translation of this clause shows that the clause could also mean that the psalmist is restored to his honor. 5 stars; 4 stars or more; 3 stars or more; Any Rating . This happened for Asaph in verses 16-17: "But when . In either case, questioning and doubts are not virtues, as some have suggested.60 Ultimately, the truth is that continuous questioning and doubt destroys human relationships. Here is where Asaph's perspective is expanded. Your community. NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: 73:1-9 1 Surely God is good to Israel, To those who are pure in heart! He took his doubts and confusion to God in prayer. Blessed be the Lord God of Israel from everlasting to everlasting: and let all the people say, Amen. 37:9-10).35 In other words, the poets initial perception of the carefree lifestyle of the wicked is wrong. Why do violence-endorsing rap singers, arrogant executives, and God-mocking people get their own TV shows? God can handle our hardest questions and still love us. Asaph paused to realize that his decisions will have ripple effects on others. Therefore pride is their necklace; violence covers them as a garment. Why did the close friend, in whom I trusted, who ate bread with me, lift up his heel against me? In the deepest part of your heart you just want it to end better for her. On the contrary, the oppressive economic practices of the wicked were at the heart of his problem. He was angry and disillusioned. Thats a good word for some of us. He wrote, Why, but why should I bless Him? The second correction in verses 21-22 concerns the poet himself. Assembly Of God. be blessed man of god. In addition to the important connections between Psalm 73 and Psalms 1 and 2, Psalm 73 also shares important themes with Psalm 34. Then he asked in 13:24 Why do You hide Your face and consider me Your enemy? They are healthy (vs. 4) and experience no trouble (amal), nor are they plagued (vs. 5). [1] Psalm 73 is written by Asaph a Temple musician. But it WILL change suddenly and even more dramatically, the moment they enter eternity. How did he get away with this, year after year? 7. read more, Scripture: For I was envious of the boastful, When I saw the prosperity of the wicked. They do not need God. 23-26). The Thesis: God is Good (vs. 1) Psalm 73 is written as Asaph looks back at his time of struggle and doubt. We dont know why; its not our place to guess or even speculate. Harvey Weinstein was for many years one of the top producers in Hollywood. Sooner womens coach Sherri Coale was dejected at the press conference after the game. It's not fair.". Change), You are commenting using your Twitter account. ", Envy is the tendency to compare yourself with someone else in a way that leaves you feeling deprived. The speaker of Psalm 73 admits that he was envious. This statement represents his settled conviction after the trouble he recounts in the Psalm. Featuring Jen Wilkin, Jennifer Rothschild, Kristi McLelland, and more! In view of the cross-references to Psalm 24 in Psalm 73, it is suggested that the entry psalm be used in the liturgy. Glorification also refers to our elevation to an exalted state in eternity. Why We Need the Psalms of Lament Dane C. Ortlund. So what good is it to be a believer? Sermon: When You Get a Raw Deal - Psalm 73. Free shipping on books, Bibles, gifts, VBS, and church supplies of $50 or more. Consider this godly guidance when you get a raw deal. Because God has showed me that things are going to end differently than they are right now. This God-inspired worship leader is ready to walk away. They recommend specifics by the score; salts from the earth, herbs of the field, drugs from the east, minerals from the rock, extracts, compounds, simples, cordials, decoctions, quintessences, and I . 173.] I thought you reap what you sow! 52-week preaching calendar to help you plan your sermons, Customizable sermon manuscripts for verse-by-verse preaching, Preach with creativity and impact throughout the year, [NEW YEAR] 4-Week Series to kick off 2023, [PRODUCTIVITY] Fulfill your full potential, [FOUNDATIONS] Getting back to what matters most, In a recent survey in Discipleship Journal Magazine, readers reported that their greatest spiritual challenges came from Jobs questioning and doubt is a case in point. Your Emotions Matter to God Learning from the Bible's Songbook. The section as a whole concludes with a summary statement in verse 12, a verse in which the term wicked is repeated from verse 3 and the phrase at ease (NRSV; cf. The inner conditions of the dead mammal, combined with the bumps in the road caused an eruption that the townspeople will not soon forget. Reorientation with Respect to Gods Presence (vv. 2 From Mount Zion, the perfection of beauty, God shines in glorious radiance. well researched. Why do dictators, child molesters, and corporate raiders get off easy? "God I'm so angry! Such a condition is contrary to the basic belief that God rewards the good with good. 9. The Psalms, maybe more than any other part of the Bible, help us to explore the depths of our hearts. They are free from common human burdens; they are not plagued by human ills. But if they did, they were foolish. 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. In the next stretch of Psalms we only have one attributed to King David and this isn't it. It has all turned around, so suddenly. That's the situation of the psalmist in Psalm 73. Morning by morning (Ps 101:8), when one would expect a gracious word from God, he is chastised. Sexual Lust (Tie) This is what a lot of these Psalms are about. Thats like Asaph here. Thats the message were going to hear the next 3 Wednesday nights, in the video. They enjoy their sin for a time, perhaps from a human perspective for a lifetime. But it wasnt just that he came to God; God actually SHOWED him something specific that helped him: he says in :17, Then I perceived their end. He says God showed me not just what the present state of these wicked people is, but what their END is going to be. You have words of eternal life. But in the end, God allows Asaph to regain a proper perspective. Asaph confessed his self-pitying, self-centered bent. How to Live with God as Your Portion By Kristine Brown . 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). Psalm 25: Guidance From Above. In further illustration of this exalted exercise, I would remark, that prayer is appointed as the act of our approach to Him. For this reason they do not fear divine retribution. Yet most people today have never heard of John Gill. The opening statement God is good echoes Psalm 25:8 and 34:8 and the phrase pure in heart recalls Psalm 24:4. The admission that his feet almost slipped suggests that perhaps the law of God was not in his heart (Ps 37:30). But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold. For all the day long I have been stricken and rebuked every morning" ( Psalms 73:13-14 ). Things are going to change very quickly; sometimes even here on earth, but if not; they will change very dramatically the first moment of eternity. 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. 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. Hah." He says, there are wicked people in the world, whom you would THINK God would be punishing, but instead they are not only not being punished, they are succeeding; they are prospering. "It was oppressive to me," he said. 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." Because my wife is out of town visiting her elderly parents, our dog, who is lovesick for her, spends his entire day and night in our bedroom, in some doggie blankets, placed on the Surely You place them on slippery ground; You cast them down to ruin. On the contrary, in verse 16 he reports that when he tried to understand the problem concerning the prosperity of the wicked and the suffering of the righteous, when he tried to develop a theodicy, it became a burden (vs. 5) in his eyes. It doesnt seem to pay? Amen, and Amen ( Ps. 6. Its the same thing with our daily Bible reading. While the primary source of sermon . These godless people, they live on easy street! If Asaph had lived our century instead of his own, he might have been looking at the life of Hugh Hefner. God allowed Satan to test Job. To begin with, the inverse repetition of the adjective good with God in the opening and closing verses (vv. Sep 11, 2018. The challenge for the liturgist and preacher is to incorporate a critical reassessment of our culture in a pastorally sensitive manner. But based on its strong affirmations of trust (Psalms 73:1; Psalms 73:17-20; Psalms 73:23-28), it can also be classified as a psalm of trust." [Note: Bullock, p. Asaph realized that if he went public with his inner struggles, letting his cynicism and anger out in words, he would become a tool of Satan's for the ruin of God's people. It should just end better. Maybe Lazarus was tempted to give up HIS faith. In short, the wicked are totally self-reliant and autonomous people. We'll see that they don't necessarily sync up very well. The affirmation of verse 24a as it has been translated by the NIV has been of great comfort to believers in their suffering. There is a lesson we know as YOUNG CHICKEN LITTLE I have read how YOUNG CHICKEN LITTLE throws his whole small town into a great panic CHICKEN LITTLE CLAIMED THE SKY WAS FALLING IN This must be the end of the world. But the thing is, the Christian has the ultimate perspective on history. Numbers 11:4-35, Psalm 73:1-28, Tags: They can take care of themselves. soul satisfying. According to Psalm 1:6b, the way of the wicked self-destructs. He said in Job 10:18, Why then have You brought me out of the womb? In other words, his suffering was so great, why would God allow him to be born if he was going to have to go through all of that? Verse 17 marks a pivotal transition to a new understanding. Those who draw near -who come in the true spirit of sacrifice, and with the only available offering, the Lord Jesus, shall be finally saved; therefore, it is good for them. Presented here is a verse by verse exposition of the New . For more information, see ourPrivacy Policy. His eyes were locked in on the prosperity of the wicked and he was overcome with envy. Is it really worth it to serve God? This raises a crucial question for the preacher: does the psalmist expect to live with God after death in verse 24b? This little song is worth several sermons so don't feel bad if we emphasize some parts tonight and not others. Battling the Unbelief of Despondency. This psalm is a brutally honest confessional, from the heart of Asaph to the God he felt had given him a rip off. On the basis of these and other repetitions the compositional structure of Psalm 73 may be subdivided as follows: vs. 1; vv. WHEN a man is sick, everybody knows what is good for him. or why have I looked for sympathy but there was none. (Psalm 69:20) God will judge the wicked, and He will reward the righteous; those who have turned away from their sins, and followed Jesus as their Savior. Asaph was eaten up with it. (LogOut/ Cars, people, and local shops were splattered with whale entrails. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. He was really troubled by what he had seen in the world around him, and it raised questions which bothered him. Asaph, the author, is the choir leader, whose occupation placed him in constant contact with the people of Israel, and with the sanctuary of God, the temple. Perspective is God's gift to our inward sight, and with it we have a surefootedness to move ahead confidently as we live, learn, and labor. Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. : "When my heart was grieved and my spirit embittered, I was senseless and ignorant; I was a brute beast before you." Asaph had been checking out the people playing for the other team. I try to be faithful and do right, and I have to fight for every inch. Bring your troubles, bring your questions, bring your doubts to God. It's remarkable how inefficient these actions are. Elmer A. Martens. The Argument of Psalm 1. Blessed be the Lord for evermore. So dont cave in to your doubts. WORD AND PHRASE STUDY. Or maybe he does business with an ungodly person in town who seems to have the Midas touch. 15-16; 17-20; 21-22; 23-26; and 27-28. To not be senseless and ignorant; like a beast before (God) as Asaph says in :22; To believe that it WILL end better for those who trust in the Lord and do good., You often hear people today say: Dont be on the wrong side of history. We hear that a lot from people today who believe that God and the Bible and fading away into history, and the future holds only the triumph of godless values. Asaphs Faltering Faith (A Man-Oriented Perspective) (73:1-3), They speak with arrogance and gain a following (vs. 8-10), Summary: The lives of the wicked are easy and prosperous (vs. 12), Asaphs Restored Faith (A God-Oriented Perspective) (73:18-28), 2023 Southern Hills Baptist Church - Round Rock, Texas, Southern Hills is a family of believers who exist to glorify God by helping people experience life change through the Gospel of Jesus Christ, Psalm 73: Remembering the Truth in Times of Doubt. Listen to his words in v. 16-17: "When I tried to understand all this, it was oppressive to me till I entered the sanctuary of God; then I understood their final destiny." But he didnt get away with it, did he? Psalm 73. 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? 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. If he had publicly told of his envious musings, he would have betrayed a generation of Gods children. Life has a way of suddenly altering its course down hard paths, leaving us hurt, confused, and weak, with lots of unanswered questions. As a result, "Psalm 32 serves as an important check against any tendency . 3 Our God approaches, and he is not silent. Let's look at Psalm 1 together for a few minutes. Last October it all came crashing down, with a New York Times investigation, and complaints by dozens of his victims. Video for Psalm 73: The title of this psalm ( A Psalm of Asaph) tells us that it was written by the great singer and musician of David and Solomon's era ( 1 Chronicles 15:17-19, 16:5-7, 25:6 ). The Bible says Jesus turned to His disciples and asked if they were going to go away too. Because He had had thousands of children burned in His pits? Ps 26:7-8) in dramatic transformation of the psalmists despairing doubt (vv. It's all backwards." Psalm 25:6-9 All The Wrong Notes. Unload that acid. However, in verse 28a, which is introduced with the final emphatic phrase but, as for me (weani), good is defined, not in terms of property or prosperity, but Gods presence: But, as for me, the nearness of God (is) good to me!55 What a sharp contrast this new perception forms with the emphatic I in verse 2!
