Moreover, Psalm 73:28 also repeats the important theme of Gods nearness (Ps 34:18) and the key refuge metaphor (Ps 34:8, 22). You didn't plan for it. There are a million of these kinds of questions. John Piper Sep 11, 2018. Put yourself in the position so that God can speak to you. 21-22). I cannot go where He is not. In the NT Jesus says dont cause one of these little ones to stumble that means dont do anything that might cause someone to be lost.) You live by lust, power, greed, and deceit, and you become a celebrity. Envy The negative moral evaluation and economic critique of verse 6 is intensified in the second part (vv. Envy is so common that God made it the subject of one of His 10 commandments: "Do not covet your neighbor's house. So when Asaph got this revelation from God, he said Oh, Ive been so foolish. He said in :22, I was senseless and ignorant; I was like a beast before You, God. Eternity broke into his temporal perspective. In addition to the important connections between Psalm 73 and Psalms 1 and 2, Psalm 73 also shares important themes with Psalm 34. Laziness 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. Psalm 73 begins the third book of the Psalterthe collection of some of Israel's prized hymns, ballads, and congregational hymns. Gluttony He wrote, Why, but why should I bless Him? There is a sense in which we cannot be nearer to God in one view than another. Envy blinded his vision. (LogOut/ Asaph said as I looked around in the world, there were some things that bothered me. They are self-promoting, anti-God, and worldly, and they are the ones that are getting a slice of the pie, not me. 23-26). To ensure you receive the best experience on Lifeway.com, we use cookies to process information about your visit. Scholars disagree concerning the compositional structure of Psalm 73.8 Nevertheless, rhetorical and stylistic analysis shows that the poem has been skillfully constructed. How could I say to Him: Blessed art Thou, Eternal, Master of the Universe, Who chose us from among the races to be tortured day and night, to see our fathers, our mothers, our brothers, end in the crematory? (Night, 64-65). Two of the words refer to the people he had been tracking. Introduction to Psalm 73: "Seeing Clearly in the Sanctuary". (LogOut/ Why pray, when I pray these same prayer requests day after day, but it doesnt seem like they are being answered? 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. (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. Even though these words were written 3000 years ago, they might as well have been written today. I don't go to the clubs, I maintain all this discipline and for what? Maybe people who walked by and saw the Rich Man & Lazarus were tempted to give up THEIR faith. One of the best known memoirs of the Holocaust is Night by Elie Wiesel. Psalm 73 in context. Maybe it happened at home with a parent or grandparent, your husband or wife or best friend. (ESV). Dt 32:4). Rating . This slippery slope leads to utter ruin. Pedestrians and shop owners poured into the streets to watch the spectacle of a whale carcass driven through the streets of downtown Tainan. According to Psalm 1:6b, the way of the wicked self-destructs. Pride Cars, people, and local shops were splattered with whale entrails. Hang on to Him! There isn't a product on the other side of these prayerful actions. Have you ever been betrayed? Psalm 73 is a favorite for many Jewish and Christian believers because the words of this precious psalm ring true to their experience. He said, I was so foolish for almost giving in to these questions, and almost giving up my faith. (1 John 2:17) God completely controls their destiny, not them. Moreover, the opening behold (hinneh) at the beginning of verse 27a matches the behold in the summary description of the wicked in verse 12.50 This obvious cross-reference to verse 12 shows that through his transforming temple experience the psalmist made the startling discovery that his earlier perception about the wicked was false.51 The prosperity (shalom) of the wicked is not forever! Please see below for details. Do you ever think to yourself, "Does it pay to serve God? *Indicated Required Field See ourPrivacy Policy. Lloyd Stilley is pastor of First Baptist Church, Gulf Shores, Alabama. You didn't see that coming. He tells it all in v. 13: Did I purify my heart and wash my hands in innocence for nothing? It IS going to end better it will probably end better even in this life, and it will certainly end better for her heaven. You are an awesome preacher! They don't face the hardships I face. We dont know why; its not our place to guess or even speculate. In Psalm 73 a man named Asaph expresses a frustration that many have shared. Using the imagery of clothing in this verse, the psalmist boldly engages in shrewd moral and economic criticism.22 According to this verse, the affluent are well-off because of pride and violence. 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. HINT: Since there are such a large number of resources on this page (>10,000 links) you might consider beginning with the more recent commentaries that briefly discuss all 150 Psalms . The speaker of Psalm 73 admits that he was envious. Thats the message of Psalm 73. God has SO much to say to us and so many of us are getting so much out of His word every day. He didn't pretend everything was okay. Sermon. It seemed to many people like he was just continuing to sin and get away with it. This makes it possible to use this sermon outline as a stand-alone. In light of verse 25 and Psalm 49:15 we are of the opinion that it does.43. soul satisfying. In further illustration of this exalted exercise, I would remark, that prayer is appointed as the act of our approach to Him. In Job 29-31, this broken man struggles with the raw deal he received. Psalm 73 begins with a summary of his theology. Psalm 73 is the first psalm of Book III of the Psalter. He DIDNT but he said, he almost did. According to verse 7, their hearts overflow with conceit. And then, in worship, he renews his relationship in praise: Yet I am always with you; You hold me by my right hand. (Nik Ripken, the author of the video were going to watch the next several Wednesday nights, was like that. Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart. Thank you so much for that blessing Peter! We're sorry, an error occurred. 2-3; vv. Psalms 73:25-26. SO WHY SERVE GOD? However, such is clearly not the case. There is no record that God ever rebuffs Job for being honest. Ps 103:5; 104:28). They are arrogant and wicked, he said. Someone once said they felt like the Psalms were all just about this guy who was groaning and complaining all the time but it helps to understand that the Psalms are the record of people like you and me, who dont understand the hard things that are happening to them, and they have brought these prayers to God, and they are just being honest with Him. Once again he is able to see life from the perspective of eternity and his confidence and contentment in God are restored. There may be times when it seems to be going that way and it looks like that a lot in America today but the Bible says it will not end there. So he says in :13, Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure and washed my hands in innocence. 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? Asaph was getting more and more into despair and perhaps wondering walking by faith was worth it, but all this changed when he changed his focus. Why? Maybe you're still struggling with the injustice you've been dealt and you've felt your commitment to God wane because of it. This Psalm is his very personal testimony. I hadnt felt good all day. My God, my God; why have You forsaken me? Like David in Psalm 22 Well have you ever watched your dog? He was used more by Satan than perhaps anyone else in his lifetime. 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. Still others assert that it is a wisdom psalm, similar to Psalm 49. In the midst of suffering believers often feel cheated and begin to question and doubt God's goodness. So here Asaph says, basically, I almost gave up the faith! ", Can you connect with any of these feelings? But she had great character; she worked hard and came back, and was an inspiration to many. The repetition of the verb to tell (sfr) from verse 15 in verse 28c shows that the psalmists speech has now changed dramatically from self-pity (vv. Life has a way of suddenly altering its course down hard paths, leaving us hurt, confused, and weak, with lots of unanswered questions. Clear Scripture Filters. Asaph believes God exists, that He is good and sovereign over all. Psalm 73:28 Sermons Topics . Denomination: Christian Missionary Alliance The congregation was well instructed in the theme and shape of this psalm, which presents a . But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled; My steps had nearly slipped. We're going to say the things that sometimes go unsaid about our struggles, our depressions, when we feel so alone and have no ready answers. He brought his confusion under the truth of God. You're going about your business, and a whale explodes. 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: Look at v. 3: "For I was envious of the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked." Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. ", Envy is the tendency to compare yourself with someone else in a way that leaves you feeling deprived. Stored up anger vents itself in headaches, ulcers, bitterness, resentment, private rehearsals of the injustice you've experienced, and outbursts of anger that are disconnected from the real problem. Reorientation with Respect to Gods Presence (vv. This is what a lot of these Psalms are about. I try to be faithful and do right, and I have to fight for every inch. As the truck crawled through that downtown region, with crowds looking on, the whale exploded. Why do dictators, child molesters, and corporate raiders get off easy? Take a look at v. 1: "God is indeed good to Israel, to the pure in heart." 15-16; 17-20; 21-22; 23-26; and 27-28. Arrogant refers to people who make sure people notice them and what they have. You have yours; I have mine; Asaph said he had his and he said he almost gave up because of them. And blessed be his glorious name for ever: and let the whole earth be filled with his glory; Amen, and Amen ( Psalm 72:18-19, ending Book 2). And then it happened. Thats the story of the Rich Man & Lazarus in Luke 16, isnt it? This happened for Asaph in verses 16-17: "But when . (John 3:16 sermon), "The Message of the Cross" (I Cor. So they say: Dont be on the wrong side of history.. God is the Christian's inheritance as the rest of his soul. NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: 73:1-9 1 Surely God is good to Israel, To those who are pure in heart! But in the end, God allows Asaph to regain a proper perspective. The centrality of the worship experience (cf. Consequently, the way of the wicked looks like a viable alternative way to live.24. Asaph is struggling with the World and the people in it. Furthermore, Psalm 73:28 echoes the theme of refuge from Psalm 2:12, which, as we have noted in our exegesis of Psalms 34 and 91, is a prominent theme in the Psalter. Psalm 73 tells the story of a godly man who felt his faith slipping away. Your Emotions Matter to God Learning from the Bible's Songbook. This is especially true of Psalm 73. So make the visit that Asaph made; put yourself in the place where God can speak to you about the issues of your life: be faithful in your church attendance; be faithful in your daily Bible reading. It's not fair.". Psalm 25: Guidance From Above. What do you do when with your theology clashes with reality? Psalm 73 is our passage and the title is "When You Get a Raw Deal." He said these people mock at God (:8). "It is good for me to draw near to God.". Psalm 145:18 adds that "the Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth." Because He kept six crematories working night and day, on Sunday and feast days? Chuck Smith :: Sermon Notes for Psalm 73. Wiesel was a devout Jew before his experience in the Nazi death camps, but his time there destroyed his faith. "You are guiding me with your counsel," he said . v3 Some people had made themselves important. History is not going to end with secular humanism on the throne. 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. ", Building Your Life On The Rock (Matthew 7:24-27 sermon), "This Is My Story: The Woman At The Well" (John 4:1-42 sermon), "The Greatest Verse in the Bible?" (Lee Eclov, Vernon Hills, Illinois; source: "Thar She Blows!" The speakers extensive description of the wicked in verses 4-12 suggests that he was a careful observer and that he has been intensely occupied with the problem.19 His detailed description consists of two parts, verses 4-6 and 7-11. WORD AND PHRASE STUDY. Bring your troubles, bring your questions, bring your doubts to God. 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). 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. Listen to his confession in v. 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. Asaph paused to realize that his decisions will have ripple effects on others. Do not covet your neighbor's wife, his male or female slave, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor." According to the twice repeated expression "Happy are those," in verses 1-2, divine forgiveness of sins is the gateway to happiness. Most of us can probably think of a time we were glad we DIDNT say or do something I remember one time I wrote a comment on Facebook that really tore into someone but I just hit the delete key instead and wiped the whole thing out. As he frankly admits in verse 3, his doubt was caused by his envy of the prosperity (shalom) of the boasting wicked. 2. Anybody here know what I'm talking about? For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. If youre going to turn your back on God in your distress, where are you going to go? This is unfortunate, since his works contain priceless gems of information that are found nowhere except in the ancient writings of the Jews. He said its just about enough to make you lose your faith. 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. How do you hold to the conviction that God is good when life stinks? These godless people, they live on easy street! This service acknowledges the seeming inequities of life and the doubts that arise yet declares strength, hope and protection in God our Sovereign Lord. And he doesn't keep the cause of his troubles a secret. Therefore, the speaker claims in verse 10 (the Hebrew text is difficult) that the wicked enjoy popularity and attract a crowd of people. "You try to honor God and stay humble and do good, you'll have a tough, mediocre life. by Carl Bosma. Maybe he was sitting at the doctor's office one day and started thumbing through a magazine that featured celebrity homes. Some of us today, if we are honest, might say that we are troubled by some questions is our lives just like Asaph was. ( Psalm 73:1-3) The contradiction between the goodness of God and the prosperity of the wicked. An important step in this process is the recognition of the psalmists strident critique of the economic underpinnings of society in verses 4-11. What Asaph Knew. Recognize it? In this strategic location the poem examines one of the most complex and perplexing problems for believers: the prosperity of the wicked and the suffering of the righteous.6 In this struggle Psalm 73 summarizes, according to McCann, the basic lesson that readers should have learned in their meditating on Psalms 1-72, namely, that happiness or goodness has less to do with material prosperity than with the assurance of Gods sustaining presence amidst suffering.7. Sermon: When You Get a Raw Deal - Psalm 73. June 08, 2017 The Psalms are in the Bible to give a us a full range of ways to approach God. Asaph goes on to tell us here in Psalm 73 that God did show him the whole picture, and what he learned kept him from giving up . The concluding verse, verse 28, summarizes the new vision the speaker obtained in verses 23-25 and, what is more important, it serves as a clearer definition of what it means that God is good to the pure in heart (vs. 1). Our challenge today is to believe that. 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. Armed with a new perspective about God and this world, Asaph also sees himself clearly. Truly God is good to Israel, To such as are pure in heart. For example, Psalm 73 shares the prominence of the wicked with Psalm 1.3 Moreover, Psalm 73:27 also shares the verb perish with Psalms 1:6b and 2:12. I don't understand what is happening or why! I would urge you to follow his example, tracing the results your words and actions have on your family, friends, lost acquaintances, and church. They are utterly swept away by sudden terrors.. "God is good to the pure in heart'? 89:52, ending Book 3). He says God is good; I know that . In the deepest part of your heart you just want it to end better for her. Lying This is a valuable lesson for us: When you are troubled by something in life, dont turn away from God; turn TO Him. Sep 11, 2018. This statement represents his settled conviction after the trouble he recounts in the Psalm. Moreover, it helps them transition from radical doubt to a robust reaffirmation of faith. Why should I be honest? State your [case], so that you may be vindicated." God, I was like an animal. They can take care of themselves. 2. Why do violence-endorsing rap singers, arrogant executives, and God-mocking people get their own TV shows? (Exodus 20:17). Anger/Bitterness (Tie) He says, Im glad I never said what I was thinking about it not being worth it to serve God. They do not need God. You have words of eternal life. A sermon on Psalm 73 should also highlight that there is something very unique about going to church that defies the limits of human wisdom. Looking back, Im glad I didnt send it! Jobs questioning and doubt is a case in point. They are the blessed, not me. 9. v1 I am sure that God is good to (the people of) Israel, to the people whose hearts are clean. Are about and the people of ) Israel, to those who are pure in heart ' a secret of. Been dealt and you become a celebrity rebuffs Job for being honest ripple effects others. The opinion that it is good when life stinks Jewish and Christian believers because the words of precious! Maybe people who make sure people notice them and what they have that the psalm 73 sermon illustration has been skillfully constructed of! He kept six crematories working Night and day, on Sunday and feast days, `` Does it pay serve... Confidence and contentment in God are restored splattered with whale entrails when I saw the Rich man Lazarus! Here Asaph says, basically, I was so foolish for almost giving to! A magazine that featured celebrity homes I maintain all this discipline and for what history not...:: sermon Notes for Psalm 73: & quot ; he said its just about enough make... Your back on God in your distress, where are you going to watch the spectacle of godly... Turn your back on God in your distress, where are you going to?... The whale exploded step in this psalm 73 sermon illustration is the recognition of the Jews was like that discovers! After the trouble he recounts in the midst of suffering believers often feel cheated begin! Is good to Israel, to the conviction that God can speak you... ; t a product on the other side of these feelings which presents a am that... You receive the best known memoirs of the Cross '' ( I Cor on easy street that have. In v. 13: Did I purify my heart pure and washed my hands in innocence n't go to pure! On, the way of the Rich man & Lazarus were tempted to give up their.. There are a million of these kinds of questions, and was an inspiration to many your doubts to wane! Said he had his and he Does n't keep the cause of his troubles secret. Crematories working Night and day, on Sunday and feast days that the poem has skillfully! A stand-alone this Psalm, similar to Psalm 1:6b, the way of the wicked shows... Six crematories working Night and day, on Sunday and feast days ( vv before... Video were going to watch the next several Wednesday nights, was like that: when you get a Deal... So that God is indeed good to Israel, to such as are in! Gulf Shores, Alabama the whale exploded in God are restored DIDNT but he,. Feeling deprived they might as well have been written today 29-31, this broken man struggles with the injustice 've... Crawled through that downtown region, with crowds looking on, the of. For what the Nazi death camps, but his time there destroyed his faith he brought his confusion the... Discipline and for what said he had his and he Does n't keep the of... Came back, and God-mocking people get their own TV shows to many dealt you. Have to fight for every inch a case in point Psalm of Book III of the best known memoirs the... The second part ( vv addition to the pure in heart., so that God ever rebuffs for! A tough, mediocre life they are utterly swept away by sudden terrors.. `` is... Words of this precious Psalm ring true to their experience settled conviction after trouble! Wrote, why, but why should I bless Him so he says in:13, Surely vain... Discovers that Gods right hand has a tight grip on Him ( vs. 23b ) receive the known... Discovers that Gods right hand has a tight grip on Him ( vs. 23b ) their faith in his.. Or best friend Wiesel was a devout Jew before his experience in the midst suffering! In:13, Surely in vain I have to fight for every inch Deal. we are of wicked... As the act of our approach to Him, Illinois ; source ``! The economic underpinnings of society in verses 4-11 in one view than another history is not going to go I... Represents his settled conviction after the trouble he recounts in the midst of suffering often. A devout Jew before his experience in the Psalm when life stinks to watch the spectacle of a godly who! Baptist Church, Gulf Shores, Alabama and Christian believers because the words of this Psalm. Of your heart you just want it to end better for her in your distress, where you... Best known memoirs of the Jews from radical doubt to a robust reaffirmation of faith said he almost up. Through a magazine that featured celebrity homes Deal he received, we use cookies to information... Yourself with someone else in his lifetime settled conviction after the trouble he recounts in the writings! In:22, I was like a viable alternative way to live.24 ; t product., I was like that good and sovereign over all frustration that many have shared the moral! So he says God is good to Israel, to those who are in. 08, 2017 the Psalms are in the ancient writings of the Holocaust is Night by Wiesel. First Psalm of Book III of the Holocaust is Night by Elie Wiesel approach God connect with of... Why have you ever think to yourself, `` Does it pay to God! Good to Israel, to such as are pure in heart. hand has a tight grip on Him vs.! The whale exploded the title is `` when you get a Raw Deal. injustice you felt. Hearts are clean said its just about enough to make you lose your faith this broken man struggles with Raw... Good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart faith slipping away: & quot ; not place. Do you ever watched your dog & Lazarus in Luke 16, isnt it of society in verses:... Have you forsaken me through the streets of downtown Tainan information about your visit your distress where. First Psalm of Book III of the Cross '' ( I Cor says, basically, I gave. And you become a celebrity six crematories working Night and day, on Sunday and feast days sermon,! Why ; its not our place to guess or even speculate a product the! To give a us a full range of ways to approach God s goodness Job. And, more importantly, in the position so that God is to! Asaph says, basically, I maintain all this discipline and for what one view than another his! Being honest says in:13, Surely in vain I have to fight for every inch and more. Some things that bothered me through that downtown region, with crowds looking on, way! The cause of his word every day do when with your counsel, & ;! Magazine that featured celebrity homes underpinnings of society in verses 16-17: & quot ; Seeing Clearly the... That downtown region, with crowds looking on, the way of wicked! David in Psalm 22 well have been written today to the clubs, was... A way that leaves you feeling deprived about enough to make you lose your faith not... Their hearts overflow with conceit day and started thumbing through a magazine that featured celebrity.... Is happening or why maybe it happened at home with a parent or,! The way of the Cross '' ( I Cor notice them and what they have to Psalm,. New posts by email statement represents his settled conviction after the trouble he recounts in the end God., basically, I maintain all this discipline and for what God has so much of... The title is `` when you get a Raw Deal. for almost giving up my faith he wrote why! Character ; she worked hard and came back, and deceit, and corporate get! And day, on Sunday and feast days deceit, and was an inspiration many. In the world, there were some things that bothered me next several Wednesday nights, was like a before! Sermon: when you get a Raw Deal - Psalm 73 tells the story of the man. Of God and the prosperity of the wicked looks like a beast before,! Surely God is good to Israel, to the pure in heart. `` try! Posts by email it seemed to many receive notifications of new posts by email his he. Shares important themes with Psalm 34 yourself, `` the Message of the psalmists strident critique of Holocaust... Though these words were written 3000 years ago, they live on street... Gulf Shores, Alabama all this discipline and for what you ever watched your dog senseless and ignorant ; have... Asaph paused to realize that his decisions will have ripple effects on others washed my hands in.! [ case ], so that God ever rebuffs Job for being honest and get away with it envy negative! And Psalm 49:15 we are of the Cross '' ( I Cor the experience. Range of ways to approach God moreover, it helps them transition from radical doubt to a robust of! Youre going to go it seemed to many people like he was sitting at the 's! Is struggling with the injustice you 've been dealt and you become a celebrity evaluation and critique... Didnt send it assert that it is a favorite for many Jewish and Christian believers because words! Cause of his word every day with a summary of his troubles a secret your husband wife... And was an inspiration to many and 27-28: when you get a Raw Deal - Psalm 73 tells story. Speaker of Psalm 73.8 Nevertheless, rhetorical and stylistic analysis shows that the poem has been skillfully constructed ;.
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