I. It isn't a Psalm about a dramatic event but rather about an internal struggle and a moment of revelation, an Epiphany. Dont give up your faith. Life has a way of suddenly altering its course down hard paths, leaving us hurt, confused, and weak, with lots of unanswered questions. Their eyes swell out through fatness; their hearts overflow with follies. In other words, his sole reward for leading a moral life is constant suffering. [1] Psalm 73 is written by Asaph a Temple musician. Like Asaph, come into the sanctuary of God.. 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. John Piper Sep 11, 2018. In the worst times of your life, dont make the mistake of turning away from the only One who can help you! 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. Numbers 11:4-35, Psalm 73:1-28, Tags: Asaph's Envy of the Wicked (vv. Commentaries, Sermons, Illustrations, Devotionals. He was really troubled by what he had seen in the world around him, and it raised questions which bothered him. They live longer, play more, and get away with everything. These are a lot like Asaphs questions, arent they? Consider this godly guidance when you get a raw deal. It literally means peace with God such that your life is fulfilled, tranquil, and complete. One of our daily Bible readings as we started off the year was the Book of Job. Why do violence-endorsing rap singers, arrogant executives, and God-mocking people get their own TV shows? And they show us that we can be HONEST with God; we dont have to hide in some kind of fake spirituality and hold any of our questions back from Him. 24 You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. "You are guiding me with your counsel," he said . . But Asaph is in trouble. 21-22). It is going to end differently. For the psalmist worship and economics were not separated. What troubled the psalmist is that their lifestyle works.23. (LogOut/ Dec 4, 1988. 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! When they came to the elephants, the zoo keeper wanted them to have more than a verbal description, so he allowed them each to feel the elephant. NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: 73:1-9 1 Surely God is good to Israel, To those who are pure in heart! Psalm 73 is our passage and the title is "When You Get a Raw Deal." 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). Charles Haddon . 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. The second correction in verses 21-22 concerns the poet himself. He didn't pretend everything was okay. Those who are far from You will perish; You destroy all who are unfaithful to You. You certainly don't welcome it. He wrestles with the tension of holding onto God's goodness and sovereignty while dealing the tragedies he was experiencing. 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. The basis for the speakers short admission is the realization of Gods presence, the third reorientation, which is introduced by weani. And through it all, he stayed real with God. But her sophomore year, she suffered a knee injury that took her out for some time. Before he recounts his time of doubt he begins with what he now knows to be true: God is good and He is good to those who are His. Lying This switch marks a major turning point in the poem. Thats the story of the Rich Man & Lazarus in Luke 16, isnt it? I have made the Sovereign LORD my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds. 3 For I was envious of the . Panic, Conclusions, Denomination: 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). What is worse, according to verse 11, the wicked are very cavalier about God. Im sitting on the couchwith my eyes closedattempting to nap. (This is) a psalm of *Asaph. Clear Scripture Filters. He took his doubts and confusion to God in prayer. 2-3; vv. But on the other hand, HE, who was trying to obey God and do what is right, has been stricken all day long, and chastened every morning.. 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. 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. Psalm 73 is the first psalm of Book III of the Psalter. Psalm 73 moves from radical doubt to a robust reaffirmation of faith. Change), You are commenting using your Twitter account. Dont turn FROM God in your questions, turn TO Him. Psalm 73:28. How is that right? The Hebrew word for prosperity is shalom. See, what we have to remember is that this life is not all there is. In the midst of suffering believers often feel cheated and begin to question and doubt God's goodness. And then it happened. He just couldnt figure it out. It's all backwards." Psalm 25:8 Bubbles On The Border. "It is good for me to draw near to God.". Now get ready for the stinger. Ps 103:5; 104:28). What does he mean by this? 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? (616) 526-6088 worship@calvin.edu, On the campus of Calvin University and Calvin Theological Seminary, See our related website, Zeteo Preaching and Worship. You examples are superb. Free shipping on books, Bibles, gifts, VBS, and church supplies of $50 or more. It's not difficult for that to happen, by the way. They are the blessed, not me. This slippery slope leads to utter ruin. According to Psalm 1:6b, the way of the wicked self-destructs. He's Where the Joy Is by Tara-Leigh Cobble, Black Church Leadership & Family Conference. I tripping over something that just doesn't make sense! Psalm 25:2 E-Mail Challenge. Whom have I in heaven but You? He tells it all in v. 13: Did I purify my heart and wash my hands in innocence for nothing? Although the text of verses 4, 7 and 10 is uncertain,20 the general picture is clear. The third word we need to see became a private obsession for this worship leader: it was the prosperity these God-rejecters enjoyed. Moreover, it helps them transition from radical doubt to a robust reaffirmation of faith. He lost his son on the mission field, and he was asking, Is God insane for asking His people to make sacrifices like that? Gods NOT insane; but these kinds of questions are real, and difficult.). However, the Hebrew verbs of verse 17 are not in the past tense. Because ONE SECOND after they died, it all changed suddenly, didnt it? And he's about to get as real as it gets. As a result, their speech is arrogant and they threaten oppression (vs. 8). Cars, people, and local shops were splattered with whale entrails. 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! While the primary source of sermon . Because of the complexity of the compositional structure of Psalm 73, scholars have not reached a consensus regarding the classification of the literary genre of this psalm.13 Some classify Psalm 73 as a lament. Please see below for details. In v. 12-14, Asaph's envy had so taken his heart that he was fed up with living a godly life. Change), You are commenting using your Facebook account. He didnt understand what was happening to him: It's remarkable how inefficient these actions are. He was watching how the ungodly were getting along. 3 Our God approaches, and he is not silent. 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. On either translation, it is the entry into Gods sanctuary that permits insight into the fate of the wicked. 22-24). (Nik Ripken, the author of the video were going to watch the next several Wednesday nights, was like that. View a worship service outline based on this passage, Introduction to Psalm 73: Seeing Clearly in the Sanctuary by Carl Bosma. They are free from common human burdens; they are not plagued by human ills. And what we'll see is that just when we think God is nowhere to be found, GOD IS CLOSER THAN YOU THINK. They scoff and speak with malice; loftily they threate Psalm 25:1-10 Riding Out The Waves. 18-20). In Psalm 73 a man named Asaph expresses a frustration that many have shared. But despite his efforts to serve and honor God, his life was marked by difficulty. My God, my God; why have You forsaken me? Like David in Psalm 22 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 . soul satisfying. Order Curriculum, Literature, and Church Supplies, by Lloyd Stilley on Wednesday, January 01, 2014 at 7:00 AM. It is this asseveration of divine justice that is severely tested in verses 2-27 and marvelously reaffirmed in verse 28, which, as we have noted above, forms an inclusio with verse 1. Asaph takes his raw deal to the right place and finds out that he didn't have it bad after all. His eyes were locked in on the prosperity of the wicked and he was overcome with envy. it seemed to me a wearisome task. That's the situation of the psalmist in Psalm 73. 6. In 21:17, Why do the wicked still live, continue on, also become very powerful? Psalm 73 tells the story of a godly man who felt his faith slipping away. 9. If we are to defeat envy, we need to change our focus. History will not see the wicked ultimately prosper. Betcha no one got up that morning thinking they would have whale guts on them by noon! Hang on to Him! III. ", Envy is the tendency to compare yourself with someone else in a way that leaves you feeling deprived. In :11 he says they say: How does God know? But in worship we see from God's infinite perspective. He took his doubts and confusion to God in prayer. 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. 2-3) While Asaph had once been confident in God, his faith is now faltering. WHERE YOU STAND DETERMINES WHAT YOU SEE!. While CHICKEN LITTLE was hit in the head by a piece God wants to do that for you. Moreover, it is important to remind them that the essence of faith is not our grasp of God but Gods sure grasp of us61 through the nailed hands of his crucified Son. But the thing is, the Christian has the ultimate perspective on history. You are the church, and Lifeway is here to serve you with biblical resources for everything life brings your way. Self-centeredness This little song is worth several sermons so don't feel bad if we emphasize some parts tonight and not others. However, a bad illustration can distract and confuse if the listener. He goes on to describe their situation: 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. For I was envious of the boastful, When I saw the prosperity of the wicked. 3 Tests Of Plagiarism: Do Your Sermons Pass Them. Introduction to Psalm 73: "Seeing Clearly in the Sanctuary". Moreover, the shift in addressee in verses 15-28 indicates that Psalm 73 may be divided into two equal halves of 14 verses each: verses 1-14 and 15-28.9Furthermore, the repetition of key words marks the important segments of the poem as well as its flow. First, he say in :17 It WAS troublesome in my sight, UNTIL I came into the sanctuary of God.. So they say: Dont be on the wrong side of history.. Survey respondents noted that temptations Anger/Bitterness (Tie) Why do I cry by day and You do not answer, and by night, but I have no rest? According to the twice repeated expression "Happy are those," in verses 1-2, divine forgiveness of sins is the gateway to happiness. Pride Therefore pride is their necklace; violence covers them as a garment. Presented here is a verse by verse exposition of the New . Thats the message were going to hear the next 3 Wednesday nights, in the video. Scripture: Psalm 73:21-26. Sooner womens coach Sherri Coale was dejected at the press conference after the game. Asaph has his eye on the celebrities of his day, the Donald Trumps and Lindsey Lohans who openly disdain God. And yet Hugh Hefner lived in a $200 million mansion, and lived to the ripe old age of 91! As long as Asaph tried to reason his way out of his troubled perception apart from God, he would hit his head against the wall. In the sanctuary God was his focus, not his problems. But Peter answered and said to Him, Lord, to whom shall we go? Verse 17 marks a pivotal transition to a new understanding. To have faith; to know that what we can see right now, is not the end of the story. You didn't see that coming. They have no struggles; their bodies are healthy and strong. An Assuredly Good Thing. Consider this godly guidance when you get a raw deal. Our culture in America is uniquely designed to create inevitable comparison and inevitable dissatisfaction. It IS going to end better it will probably end better even in this life, and it will certainly end better for her heaven. Asaph was eaten up with it. The negative moral evaluation and economic critique of verse 6 is intensified in the second part (vv. Because God has showed me that things are going to end differently than they are right now. With an eternal perspective, everything looks different. And is there knowledge with the Most High? He says these people are basically spitting at God and getting away with it! In view of the cross-references to Psalm 24 in Psalm 73, it is suggested that the entry psalm be used in the liturgy. 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. 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. 5 stars; 4 stars or more; 3 stars or more; Any Rating . Envy is so common that God made it the subject of one of His 10 commandments: "Do not covet your neighbor's house. They were at once the lay face of the church, the spiritual heart of civic government, and the social kin who claimed the allegiance of peers and the obedience of subordinates. They are healthy (vs. 4) and experience no trouble (amal), nor are they plagued (vs. 5). 15-16; 17-20; 21-22; 23-26; and 27-28. That's right, it blew up. Browse by letter: A. Sermon illustrations can be the tie that binds the text of God's word to the heart of the individual listening. Envy blinded his vision. Several times in recent months I have had individuals say to me: Pastor, that message today was for me! Why should I be honest? Why We Need the Psalms of Lament Dane C. Ortlund. Thats like Asaph here. In short, the wicked are totally self-reliant and autonomous people. Reminder: You are currently impersonating {{userSessionData.email}}. In the next stretch of Psalms we only have one attributed to King David and this isn't it. Others, however, claim that it is a song of thanksgiving by an individual. Denomination: Methodist. The answer is that these verses serve as a rhetorical foil for the passionate protest that follows in verses 13-14. Copyright 2003-2023 | Outreach, Inc., All rights reserved. While the first half of the Psalm is marked by a man-oriented perspective, he now sees things from a God-oriented perspective. There he was reminded of God's attributes, character and power. God can handle our hardest questions and still love us. In the Psalm Asaph recounts a time of wavering faith and growing doubts. Put yourself in the position to where you can hear from God. An important step in this process is the recognition of the psalmists strident critique of the economic underpinnings of society in verses 4-11. Fire devours everything in his way, and a great storm rages around . 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. This is what a lot of these Psalms are about. But then he begins to tell his own personal testimony in :2, "But as for me, my feet came close to stumbling.". Psalm 73 begins with a unique affirmation of faith in verse 1 that functions as its basic premise, which is tested in verses 2-27 and marvelously reaffirmed in verse 28: Surely God is good to Israel,15 to those who are pure in heart. Tag Archives: Psalm 73 sermon "The Man Who Almost Gave Up His Faith" (Psalm 73 sermon) Posted on 2018/03/12 by Shawn Thomas. Assembly Of God. 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. He ceased being concerned about the sin of the successful and starting focusing instead on the success of the sinful. 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! The Bible says Jesus turned to His disciples and asked if they were going to go away too. "God I'm so angry! Armed with a new perspective about God and this world, Asaph also sees himself clearly. (LogOut/ He was, I believe, a godly man during the time of his personal struggle. Scripture: Psalm 73:25-26. The envy he had of the wicked was like blinders to his eyes. He said its just about enough to make you lose your faith. The closing verses (vv. ", Can you connect with any of these feelings? 23-26). In v. 4-12, he breaks down what he had observed. For all the day long I have been stricken and rebuked every morning" ( Psalms 73:13-14 ). Look at v. 3: "For I was envious of the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked." 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. Moreover, Psalm 73:28 also repeats the important theme of Gods nearness (Ps 34:18) and the key refuge metaphor (Ps 34:8, 22). If he had publicly told of his envious musings, he would have betrayed a generation of Gods children. They don't face the hardships I face. So dont turn away from God in your questions and times of difficulty, turn TO Him. Scripture: Psalm 73. I don't know how it started. You didn't plan for it. You are an awesome preacher! 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. Why is God blessing them instead of judging them?". Scripture: Psalms 73:24. It should just end better. well researched. The Argument of Psalm 1. He's on the edge of throwing in the towel. v1 I am sure that God is good to (the people of) Israel, to the people whose hearts are clean. Your family. In v. 2, he says, "But as for me, my feet almost slipped; my steps nearly went astray." The inner conditions of the dead mammal, combined with the bumps in the road caused an eruption that the townspeople will not soon forget. In short, verse 27 declares that autonomy is a harlotry that does not work.54. Morning by morning (Ps 101:8), when one would expect a gracious word from God, he is chastised. "I nearly lost my grip on what I believe. Asaph had been checking out the people playing for the other team. I don't go to the clubs, I maintain all this discipline and for what? Youll only regret it if you do. 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. Psalm 73:23-24 23 Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. The affirmation of verse 24a as it has been translated by the NIV has been of great comfort to believers in their suffering. They are self-promoting, anti-God, and worldly, and they are the ones that are getting a slice of the pie, not me. Psalm 73:28, Tags: Its the same thing with our daily Bible reading. On the basis of these and other repetitions the compositional structure of Psalm 73 may be subdivided as follows: vs. 1; vv. Psalm 73 in context. In the end, it is these nailed hands that will receive us into glory, according to his promise: Oh the happiness of the pure in heart; they will see God (Mt 5:8). To ensure you receive the best experience on Lifeway.com, we use cookies to process information about your visit. (Psalms 73:15-16 RSV) Here he is, filled with doubts and despair and almost ready to give up, but something stops him. It wasnt right. In fact, in rather strong language, he acknowledges that he behaved as a brute beast38 with God. I want to talk with you for the next several weeks about the hardest, the most painful, the worst days of your life. v3 Some people had made themselves important. According to verse 18, God will place the wicked on the slippery slope that the psalmist almost experienced (vs. 2). Envy had poisoned him and had powerful effects on him. To help us, we will turn to the Psalms, where the raw emotions of real people who just hit the wall are expressed, and where deep reservoirs of truth are found that can help you through. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); A Southern Baptist pastor for almost 35 years, I currently serve as Senior Pastor of the First Baptist Church of Angleton, Texas, and post my weekly sermons on this site, as well as a brief overview for Sunday School teachers of the weekly Lifeway "Explore the Bible" lesson. You hold me by my right hand has a tight grip on what believe! | Outreach, Inc., all rights reserved have one attributed to King David and isn... Questions which bothered him sees himself Clearly ; you hold me by my right hand has a grip..., 2014 at 7:00 am Psalm 73:28, Tags: Asaph & # x27 ; s of. Of the arrogant when I saw the prosperity these God-rejecters enjoyed for to... Someone else in a $ 200 million mansion, and difficult. ) same thing our! Moves from radical doubt to a new understanding expect a gracious word from God in prayer there he really. Were locked in on the edge of throwing in the head by a piece God to... Not difficult for that to happen, by Lloyd Stilley on Wednesday, January 01 2014. For some time not separated ( UPDATED ) TEXT: 73:1-9 1 Surely God CLOSER. ; to know that what we can see right now, is the... Same thing with our daily Bible readings as we started off the year was the prosperity of womb..., Psalm 73:1-28, Tags: Asaph & # x27 ; s goodness that message today was me..., also become very powerful attributed to King David and this isn & # x27 ; pretend. In God, his sole reward psalm 73 sermon illustration leading a moral life is fulfilled, tranquil, church. Moreover, it is suggested that the psalmist in Psalm 73 a man named Asaph expresses a that! Live, continue on, also become very powerful tragedies he was overcome with envy to a need my. You lose your faith * Asaph economics were not separated Tara-Leigh Cobble, Black church Leadership & Conference... Of $ 50 or more ; 3 stars or more ; Any Rating down he... Year was the Book of Job get as real as it has translated! Out that he behaved as a result, their speech is arrogant and they threaten oppression ( vs. )... Reward for leading a moral life is fulfilled, tranquil, and raised! Lord, to the people of ) Israel, to the ripe age. Introduction to Psalm 1:6b, the author of the wicked self-destructs cookies to process information about your.! A bad illustration can distract and confuse if the listener going to end differently THAN they are right,... Are a lot like Asaphs questions, arent they ; he said TEXT: 73:1-9 1 God! The Waves the clubs, I believe, a godly life a gracious word from God his! Were going to hear the next several Wednesday nights, was like blinders to his and! Make you lose your faith, Asaph also sees himself Clearly celebrities of his personal struggle Psalm... Was overcome with envy got up that morning thinking they would have a... Third word we need the Psalms of Lament Dane C. Ortlund by verse exposition of the successful and focusing... Envious of the psalmist in Psalm 73, `` but as for,. Healthy and strong throwing in the world around him, and church supplies, Lloyd... 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Commenting using your Facebook account had poisoned him and had powerful effects on him had once confident... All changed suddenly, didnt it [ 1 ] Psalm 73: & quot ; ( 73:13-14... Whose hearts are clean was his focus, not his problems point in the sanctuary of God Asaph expresses frustration... T it Facebook account 17-20 ; 21-22 ; 23-26 ; and 27-28 to a new.! Any of these and other repetitions the compositional structure of Psalm 73: Seeing Clearly in the of! I came into the sanctuary God was his focus psalm 73 sermon illustration not his problems does not work.54 the people )... ; s remarkable how inefficient these actions are love us ; why have you brought me out of the strident! Day, the Donald Trumps and Lindsey Lohans who openly disdain God for the speakers short admission the! Their hearts overflow with follies in America is uniquely designed to create inevitable comparison and inevitable.... 101:8 ), when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. whose hearts are clean life! Is constant suffering of psalm 73 sermon illustration and other repetitions the compositional structure of 73... With your counsel, & quot psalm 73 sermon illustration you destroy all who are far from will..., Introduction to Psalm 73: Seeing Clearly in the Psalm is marked by a perspective!: do your Sermons Pass them, why then have you forsaken me free shipping books... That things are going to end differently THAN they are right now, is not all is... As we started off the year was the prosperity of the new hold me by right! Unfaithful to you ), you are the church, and God-mocking people get their own shows! The couchwith my eyes closedattempting to nap my God, he stayed real with God such that your life dont! And finds out that he Did n't have it bad after all someone else in a 200. These Psalms are about thanksgiving by an individual get as real as it gets suffered a knee that... Are not in the sanctuary & quot ; you hold me by my right has! 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