INTRODUCTION - Read Psalm 73, 1 Chronicles 6, 31, 32 & 39.
Psalm 73 is one of the "Psalms of Asaph", a choir director appointed by David to serve in the Tabernacle. Asaph was also a prophet. As well as telling us about his life and the lives of the people of Israel, he also shares a lot about the greatness of God and how much He cared for His people.
Like David, Asaph was a skilled singer, musician and poet. His children, "The Sons of Asaph"followed in his footsteps as he mentored them in the ways of his service in the temple and his faith in God.
"These are the men David put in charge of the music in the House of the Lord after the Ark came to rest there. They ministered with music before the Tabernacle, the Tent of Meeting, until Solomon built the Temple of the Lord in Jerusalem," 1 Chronicles 6:31
Asaph was a gifted musician and prophet, but more than that, he understood where his gifts came from. He used his gifts to praise the Lord and communicate messages God gave him for the people of Israel. Messages that are important for us today too!
"What is it that so draws me to this poem? I think it is that the writer has pieced together a description, report and confession that has attained the true sense of his life experience and at the same time touches directly on the eternal." Martin Buber, 2011
TEMPTATION - WALKING IN THE DARKNESS - Read Psalm 73:1-15
Asaph begins this Psalm, as David often did, by honouring God. He acknowledged that God was a good God who looked after His people. Then he goes on to tell his personal story.
In humility, he confesses how close he came to stumbling, following the ways of the wicked and proud. Why? Because he had started to doubt his faith, questioning why the wicked seemed to be doing so well, and he even started to envy them a little. They seemed to live with "no care in the world", with "no problems or pain". But Asaph finally saw that they could not control their selfish and proud ways. Their iniquity and violence knew no limits.
Together with Asaph we may picture rich, famous, proud, violent, foul speaking people and we are troubled by their prosperity and their indifference toward God. We are confused by the events in their lives, and we have doubts. But doubt is not a sin. God welcomes our questions and doubts, if we come to him, honestly, SEEKING ANSWERS.
"Abraham, Moses and David all interceded and struggles to understand God. But the lives of these men model for us a total reliance on God, even in the midst of questioning." Max Lucado.
FINDING ANSWERS - WALKING IN THE SANCTUARY -
Read Psalm 73:16-20
So how did Asaph find the answers to his doubts and temptations?
"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." Psalm 73:16&17
1. By PRAYER AND WORSHIP in the Sanctuary he discovered God at the centre of all things. He gathered a fresh understanding of his "eternal destiny".
2. By HEARING THE WORD OF GOD in the Sanctuary he understood the truth that went beyond everything he was seeing in his everyday life.
3. By OBSERVING THE SACRIFICE he understood that God takes sin seriously and it must be judged and atoned for.
This is why it is important to meet together - in a Church, or "a sanctuary" with other believers, to hear God's Word, pray, worship and share communion, remembering Christ's sacrifice for us and others.
Although, since joining the Circus, we haven't been able to get together in a Church building, I have always `gone to Church on line'. When the Circus stopped because of the Corona Virus, I thought I would be able to go to Church with Mark - and I do, but not the way I had thought. Mark and I have both contining our online Worship, listening to the Word, Prayer and Communion. OUR SANCTUARY!
"The Sanctuary must be the resort for the tempted soul. The righteous man's afflictions end in peace." Matthew Henry.
GOD'S PRESENCE - WALKING IN THE LIGHT - Read Psalm 73:21-28
When we are away from God we are sad, angry and lack wisdom. But with God at our side we have a new strength and a new guide to give us counsel. When we follow Him we can come into the light of His glory.
"My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."
Psalm 73:26
Asaph confessed his lack of understanding. He felt foolish because he had started to doubt God's truths. We need to do the same if we feel our faith wavering.
It wasn't enough to declare that GOD WAS WITH HIM, he also had to confess that HE WAS WITH GOD. We need to do the same! With this new understanding and perspective, we, like Asaph, can accept God's true guidance on earth and ultimate eternal life.
"It is good, very good for us to draw near to God and to have God draw near to us. Our drawing near to God takes rise from Him drawing near to us. Let us therefore live in full dependence on Him. Let us put our trust in Him, remembering to praise His name and glorify Him."
Matthew Henry
CONCLUSION
"But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge. I will tell of all my deeds." Psalm 73:28
Why didn't Asaph fall?
*God was always with him.
* He felt bad when tempted. He felt sorry.
* He didn't want to hurt the "good people" by being a bad influence on those he mentored.
* He sought answers in the Word, from God.
This is why he went to the Sanctuary - the House of God.
* Asaph learnt that God was with him always. He would hold his hand and be his guide.
*He learnt about eternal life - that one day he would live with God in glory.
* He was reminded that God would supply all his earthly needs, and he needed nothing more.
* He was reminded that His strength was in God and God alone.
Asaph made God his safe place and he encourages us to do the same. It is better to be near God than have worldly pleasures. In a moment they will be gone, but God will always be with us.
"May we draw near and keep near to God by faith and prayer, finding our strength, safety and victory in the gracious presence of God and Christ's intercession for us." Matthew Henry.
Holy Bible, New International Version, 2011, Biblica
Devotional Bible, New Century Version, 2003, Max Lucado, Thomas Nelson
J Clinton, McCann Jnrm 2011, "A Theological to the Book of Psalms", Abindingdon Press
David Guzik, 2019, "My Feet Almost Slipped - Psalm 73", Enduring Word.com
Matthew Henry, 2020, "Concise Bible Commentary" Christianiaty.com
Gordon Churchyard, 2002, "Now I Understand - Psalm 73", www.easyenglish.com,
Wycliffe Bible Translators
