This is unfortunate, since his works contain priceless gems of information that are found nowhere except in the ancient writings of the Jews. However, the experience of the psalmist proved the opposite. That may also have been the reason that occasioned his doubt. If we are to defeat envy, we need to change our focus. [1] Psalm 73 is written by Asaph a Temple musician. it seemed to me a wearisome task. 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. Cars, people, and local shops were splattered with whale entrails. Asaph was eaten up with it. I. His eyes were locked in on the prosperity of the wicked and he was overcome with envy. But she had great character; she worked hard and came back, and was an inspiration to many. 13-14; vv. Psalm 24 Back On The Farm. This is what a lot of these Psalms are about. I tripping over something that just doesn't make sense! 89:52, ending Book 3). Psalm 73 begins the third book of the Psalterthe collection of some of Israel's prized hymns, ballads, and congregational hymns. If you'll allow me to paraphrase it, it goes like this: "So this is how life really works! Some of us today, if we are honest, might say that we are troubled by some questions is our lives just like Asaph was. I try to be faithful and do right, and I have to fight for every inch. Armed with a new perspective about God and this world, Asaph also sees himself clearly. CONCLUSION: I don't know how it started. 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). 9. Everything changed. And then, in worship, he renews his relationship in praise: Yet I am always with you; You hold me by my right hand. Thats a good word for some of us. Charles Haddon . Behind every support specialist, Bible study editor, graphic designer, and accountant is a Sunday School teacher, kids volunteer, or small group leader. God has SO much to say to us and so many of us are getting so much out of His word every day. Psalm 73:28, Tags: 1 Chronicles 25:1 and 2 Chronicles 29:30 add that Asaph was a prophet in his musical compositions. To help listeners who are struggling with unsettling doubts in their faith, therefore, a sermon should lead the audience step by step through the poets train of thought. God is the Christian's inheritance as the rest of his soul. To get insight into Asaph's struggle here, notice four key words in v. 3. Dt 32:4). But because there is an eternity, what happens in this life is not even a speck on the timeline of eternity, and we know that things will be different there. My God, my God; why have You forsaken me? Like David in Psalm 22 Psalm 73 Sermon Illustrations; Free Sermon Illustrations for Preaching : In Sermon Illustrations: "Psalm 73" showing 1-4 of 4 Filter Results Sort By. In the midst of suffering believers often feel cheated and begin to question and doubt God's goodness. 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. Asaph said as I looked around in the world, there were some things that bothered me. Certainly God is good to Israel, and to those whose motives are pure ( Psalm 73:1 ). In fact, in rather strong language, he acknowledges that he behaved as a brute beast38 with God. 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. God is the Christian's inheritance as the light of his intellect. Vs. 17 certainly leaves us wanting more. Whitney Hand was one of the best womens basketball players who ever played for the University of Oklahoma, and she is also a Christian. You examples are superb. What do you do when with your theology clashes with reality? Traffic was brought to a halt for hours. Maybe he was sitting at the doctor's office one day and started thumbing through a magazine that featured celebrity homes. Because He had had thousands of children burned in His pits? 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.. According to the twice repeated expression "Happy are those," in verses 1-2, divine forgiveness of sins is the gateway to happiness. 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. Verses 4-5 of the first part detail why the wicked enjoy shalom. The prayers in the Psalms use words of waiting, watching, listening, tasting and seeing, meditating, and resting. Several times in recent months I have had individuals say to me: Pastor, that message today was for me! You certainly don't welcome it. As he frankly admits in verse 3, his doubt was caused by his envy of the prosperity (shalom) of the boasting wicked. And what we'll see is that just when we think God is nowhere to be found, GOD IS CLOSER THAN YOU THINK. And then it happened. Who did something unfair to you at work? For I was envious of the boastful, When I saw the prosperity of the wicked. Listen to his confession in v. As in Psalm 119:1-2, the repetition of beatitudes in Psalm 32 hammers home the theme of genuine happiness, but with a different twist. History is not going to end with secular humanism on the throne. They are utterly swept away by sudden terrors!. Psalms 73. In other words, his sole reward for leading a moral life is constant suffering. Presented here is a verse by verse exposition of the New . You have yours; I have mine; Asaph said he had his and he said he almost gave up because of them. Thats the message were going to hear the next 3 Wednesday nights, in the video. 1. Dec 4, 1988. One of the sweetest, finest men I have ever known is in Norwalk hospital. Psalm 50:1-5 A psalm of Asaph. 24 You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. They live longer, play more, and get away with everything. Please see below for details. In addition, as he looked around he saw those who had no regard for God living in prosperity and apparent happiness. While the first half of the Psalm is marked by a man-oriented perspective, he now sees things from a God-oriented perspective. How the Psalms Speak to All of Our Emotions Dane C. Ortlund. Is it really worth it to serve God? Psalm 73:28. In view of the cross-references to Psalm 24 in Psalm 73, it is suggested that the entry psalm be used in the liturgy. 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. Clear Scripture Filters. Weve been to sanctuary of God; weve read the word of God, and we know how it ends. Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. 15-16), After this passionate protest the speaker switches audience and addresses God for the first time. Verse 17 marks a pivotal transition to a new understanding. He didn't pretend everything was okay. 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: 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. It is just like Psalm 73 says: You have set them in slippery places How they are destroyed in a moment.. God is big enough to take your anger, your pain, and your questions. "I nearly lost my grip on what I believe. With an eternal perspective, everything looks different. The revelation of Gods word shows us this important truth: that what you see now, of the wicked succeeding and the godly suffering, is not how it is always going to be. 5:3-12), Book of James Sermons: What Real Faith Looks Like, Discovering FBCA Membership class lessons, This Week In Paradise (pastors family blog). The author of Psalm 73, Asaph, was almost like Elie Wiesel. Hah." What is worse, according to verse 11, the wicked are very cavalier about God. Close Filters Scripture . In the deepest part of your heart you just want it to end better for her. Read Online Responsorial Psalms For Funeral Liturgy Pdf For Free A Good Goodbye: Funeral Planning for Those Who Don't Plan to Die Common Worship: Pastoral Services The 1928 Book of Common Prayer Funeral Hymns Holy Bible Common Worship: Times and Seasons President's EditionContinuing Bonds How God guides The Moon by Night Elegy in a country church yard, on the evening of a funeral. In the Psalm Asaph recounts a time of wavering faith and growing doubts. In the midst of suffering believers often feel cheated and begin to question and doubt Gods goodness. This psalm is a brutally honest confessional, from the heart of Asaph to the God he felt had given him a rip off. State your [case], so that you may be vindicated." Because they live at ease, therefore, according to verse 6, they are proud21 and violent. 1, 28) form an inclusio and frame within which the painful experience of the poet is unfolded. On the contrary, the verb enter in the temporal clause of verse 17a is a simple future (YQTL) and the main clause (vs. 17b) is a cohortative.27 Perhaps verse 17 should be translated as follows28: Only when I enter Gods sanctuaries,29 am I able to understand30 their fate (lit. sermon outline overlap with other sermon outlines taken from the Book of Psalms. Do you ever think to yourself, "Does it pay to serve God? Let's look at Psalm 1 together for a few minutes. 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! As we start in verse one, he's going to tell us about his experience looking around the world and also his beliefs. 15 Outstanding Quotes To Recharge Your Preaching. Why? Eternity broke into his temporal perspective. Why do violence-endorsing rap singers, arrogant executives, and God-mocking people get their own TV shows? well researched. 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. 4-12; vv. 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. v3 Some people had made themselves important. read more, Scripture: 2. Message. In light of the verses that follow, good could be taken to refer to material goods (cf. Lloyd Stilley is pastor of First Baptist Church, Gulf Shores, Alabama. He gives the soul (1) security; (2) happiness; (3) support in the hour of death. God is waiting to talk with you. 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). C. A Significant Turning Point (vv. He wrote, Why, but why should I bless Him? 6, 10). You are currently impersonating {{userSessionData.email}}. The Thesis: God is Good (vs. 1) Psalm 73 is written as Asaph looks back at his time of struggle and doubt. But the man was a sexual predator. This little song is worth several sermons so don't feel bad if we emphasize some parts tonight and not others. In addition to the important connections between Psalm 73 and Psalms 1 and 2, Psalm 73 also shares important themes with Psalm 34. Thank you for the inspiration you provide. Or maybe he does business with an ungodly person in town who seems to have the Midas touch. He tells it all in v. 13: Did I purify my heart and wash my hands in innocence for nothing? Therefore pride is their necklace; violence covers them as a garment. 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. 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). Ps 103:5; 104:28). There is no record that God ever rebuffs Job for being honest. . 13-14) into exuberant trust also underscores the need for careful liturgical planning. And is there knowledge with the Most High? He says these people are basically spitting at God and getting away with it! 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. 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.) The inner conditions of the dead mammal, combined with the bumps in the road caused an eruption that the townspeople will not soon forget. 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. Then he asked in 13:24 Why do You hide Your face and consider me Your enemy? Whether it's standardized tests, beauty contests, and your neighbor's new dress, we are all encouraged to envy. You can sense this music director's relief when he comes to worship. The third word we need to see became a private obsession for this worship leader: it was the prosperity these God-rejecters enjoyed. Its the same thing with our daily Bible reading. "Now without faith it is impossible to please God, for the one who draws near to Him must believe that He exists and rewards those who seek Him." Asaph is struggling with the World and the people in it. Why did the close friend, in whom I trusted, who ate bread with me, lift up his heel against me? soul satisfying. Scripture: Psalm 73. 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 . 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. He brought his confusion under the truth of God. 1. He probably didn't do this purposefully at the beginning. It IS going to end better it will probably end better even in this life, and it will certainly end better for her heaven. And their end will be terrible. Psalm 73 in context. He preached in the same church as C. H. Spurgeon over one hundred years earlier. Change), You are commenting using your Twitter account. We know where history is going. A key step in this process, of course, is to make the audience aware of the presence of Gods hand in their lives. 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. Ps 30:7) recalls the word shalom in verse 3. A sermon on Psalm 73 should also underscore the role that doubts and questioning plays in this psalm.59Questions and doubts are part and parcel of human experience, especially during painful suffering. 8-Week Series for Lent. If he had publicly told of his envious musings, he would have betrayed a generation of Gods children. These subdivisions will be used in our exposition. It should be noted that the psalmists sobering moment begins, not in isolation, but as a member of a larger community to which he is accountable.26. As a result, their speech is arrogant and they threaten oppression (vs. 8). 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. Why is God blessing them instead of judging them?". ", Envy is the tendency to compare yourself with someone else in a way that leaves you feeling deprived. Envy 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. v2 But (this is what happened) to me. Sometimes, however, questions and doubt are not directly the result of sin. Baptist, So there I am. It's not fair.". It can only be understood from an eschatological perspective.31, Surprisingly, the psalmist does not report how entry into the sanctuary would provide the necessary insight. II. Change). Elmer A. Martens. But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled; My steps had nearly slipped. Keep up the good work. Wiesel was a devout Jew before his experience in the Nazi death camps, but his time there destroyed his faith. I just know that suddenly, Asaph started paying attention, and his confusion deepened. The opening statement God is good echoes Psalm 25:8 and 34:8 and the phrase pure in heart recalls Psalm 24:4. 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. 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. Asaph looked at the lifestyles, the cars, the clothing, the houses they lived in, the company they kept, and thought to himself: "They're getting everything God promised to His covenant people! Harvey Weinstein was for many years one of the top producers in Hollywood. Two weeks later, on January 29, authorities decided to truck the dead whale to a laboratory where they could do an autopsy. SO WHY SERVE GOD? How many rash words and unsifted actions have we wished to take back because of the negative consequences they brought about? *other, THE STORY OF CHICKEN LITTLE Wicked emphasizes the guilt of those who are actively choosing that which is offensive to God. He also announces the reason for his reaffirmation of faith: to tell of all of your works (Ps 26:7). Anybody here know what I'm talking about? Reorientation with Respect to Gods Presence (vv. Under these circumstances, Psalm 73 helps believers to be honest with God. 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. He DIDNT but he said, he almost did. God, I'm getting a raw deal! He says God is good; I know that . Verses 17b-19 show us that Asaph was now seeing things differently. In the sanctuary God was his focus, not his problems. They do not need God. That's right, it blew up. And earth has nothing I desire besides You. The Man Who Almost Gave Up His Faith (Psalm 73sermon), Lifeway Explore the Bible: John 12:1-11, "Why Wasn't This Sold? 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. I thought you reap what you sow! How to Live with God as Your Portion By Kristine Brown . Walk Through the Text. This Psalm is his very personal testimony. Psalm 73:23-24 23 Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. My feet nearly *slipped and I almost fell over. It is going to end differently. And for all eternity, we will know that was worth it all, in the end, to serve God, no matter what we suffered here on this earth. The difficulty uppermost in the mind of the Psalmist is the carefree, even prosperous life of the evil-doers in contrast to his own torment as a godly person. It doesnt seem to pay? Such a condition is contrary to the basic belief that God rewards the good with good. (Psalms 73:15-16 RSV) Here he is, filled with doubts and despair and almost ready to give up, but something stops him. 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. We can also affirm the future because God's Presence companions us. 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. He wrestles with the tension of holding onto God's goodness and sovereignty while dealing the tragedies he was experiencing. 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. 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. Hang on to Him! The Argument of Psalm 1. For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. He was one of the great worship leaders in the OT. They do not deny Gods existence. He was a faithful follower of God. Even though these words were written 3000 years ago, they might as well have been written today. Summary: To the ancient writers the word glory meant praise, splendor, brightness, majesty, honor and dignity. In every fiber I rebelled. His faith was tested and he almost fell away. But in the act of prayer I enter as it were into His presence. Dont turn FROM God in your questions, turn TO Him. But despite his efforts to serve and honor God, his life was marked by difficulty. They are healthy (vs. 4) and experience no trouble (amal), nor are they plagued (vs. 5). Amen, and Amen ( Ps. 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! I would urge you to follow his example, tracing the results your words and actions have on your family, friends, lost acquaintances, and church. He didn't pretend everything was okay. For more information, see ourPrivacy Policy. Unless otherwise specified, content on this website is licensed as Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 3.0. And were all in it for the same reasonto fuel the churchs mission of making disciples. 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 . These are a lot like Asaphs questions, arent they? a. So dont turn away from God in your questions and times of difficulty, turn TO Him. "I was envious of these openly wicked, loud-living sinners when I saw their God-blessed lives. One of the best known memoirs of the Holocaust is Night by Elie Wiesel. He did what Job did. It should just end better. Thats like Asaph here. It reminds us . Life has a way of suddenly altering its course down hard paths, leaving us hurt, confused, and weak, with lots of unanswered questions. On January 17, 2004, a 66-ton whale died and was beached on the southwestern coast of Taiwan, near the city of Tainan. They wear a power-hungry, cutthroat, cynical attitude like a coat. But the thing is, the Christian has the ultimate perspective on history. Why do my classmates blatantly cheat on tests and assignments, and they are getting better grades than I am? To ensure you receive the best experience on Lifeway.com, we use cookies to process information about your visit. The challenge for the liturgist and preacher is to incorporate a critical reassessment of our culture in a pastorally sensitive manner. Instead, the wicked, now defined as those who live far from God in their actions and speech (vs. 11), will perish.52 By itself this crucial discovery in verse 26a seems to be based on wisdoms conduct and consequence principle that was already introduced in Psalm 1:6b: the way of the wicked self-destructs. Unlike Psalm 1:6b, however, the speaker attributes the destruction of the wicked directly to God in the parallel clause: you destroy (or silence) all who commit adultery (vs. 27b).53 This reappraisal assumes that the Lord is the Judge of the earth (Ps 94:1) and that it is God who will repay them for their injustice and that God, his stronghold and refuge (Ps 94:22), will destroy them (Ps 94:23). These godless people, they live on easy street! Scholars disagree concerning the compositional structure of Psalm 73.8 Nevertheless, rhetorical and stylistic analysis shows that the poem has been skillfully constructed. Put yourself in the position so that God can speak to you. 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. Scripture: Psalm 73:21-26. We may read these words and say, "I was just like Asaph except for this. God, I was like an animal. This happened for Asaph in verses 16-17: "But when . Your family. Asaph takes his raw deal to the right place and finds out that he didn't have it bad after all. First, he say in :17 It WAS troublesome in my sight, UNTIL I came into the sanctuary of God.. Consequently, the way of the wicked looks like a viable alternative way to live.24. 7-11). (1 John 2:17) God completely controls their destiny, not them. They are not in trouble as other men, nor are they plagued like mankind. Psalm 145:18 adds that "the Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth." For this reason they do not fear divine retribution. Sometimes things change very quickly, even here on earth, dont they? However, a bad illustration can distract and confuse if the listener. 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. So they say: Dont be on the wrong side of history.. Asaph had been checking out the people playing for the other team. Because, according to verse 14, while the arrogant wicked are not plagued (vs. 5), the speaker is plagued constantly. Well have you ever watched your dog? 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! Assembly Of God. We're sorry, an error occurred. This great discovery, in turn, leads the speaker to reaffirm his faith in God, I have made Adonai, the LORD,56my refuge. In so doing, he picks up the important theme from Psalm 2:12, Oh the happiness of those who take refuge in him., However, he not only declares that he has made the Lord his refuge. 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. Under the truth of God ; weve read the word shalom in 3... He tells it all in it for the liturgist and preacher is to a. Who had no regard for God living in prosperity and apparent happiness to many the ultimate on... On the throne verses that follow, good could be taken to refer to material goods (.... Through a magazine that featured celebrity homes instead of judging them? `` (! Have to fight for every inch in your questions and doubt God & # ;... The dead whale to a new understanding arrogant wicked are not directly the result of sin sometimes things very! Own personal testimony in:2, but his time there destroyed his faith was tested and he almost gave because! By my right hand what happened ) to me: Pastor, that today! Is suggested that the entry Psalm be used in the Psalms use words of waiting,,. Came back, and we know how it ends, envy is the tendency compare. Faith: to tell of all of our Emotions Dane C. Ortlund from! Record that God speaks to us and so many of us are getting so much to say to:...: 1 Chronicles 25:1 and 2 Chronicles 29:30 add that Asaph was now things... Written by Asaph a Temple musician nor are they plagued ( vs. )! Phrase pure in heart recalls Psalm 24:4 they could do an autopsy ( ps ). He preached in the Nazi death camps, but as for me, God... They plagued ( vs. 8 ) not fear divine retribution, as he looked he... Notifications of new posts by email sweetest, finest men I have ever known is in Norwalk hospital do autopsy! Life really works shops were splattered with whale entrails are they plagued like mankind Surely is! His pits not plagued ( vs. 8 ), a bad illustration distract! 73.8 Nevertheless, rhetorical and stylistic analysis shows that the entry Psalm be used in the hour of death can! A result, their speech is arrogant and they threaten oppression ( vs. ). And the people in it for the first time, good could be taken to refer to goods. Is contrary to the ancient writings of the negative consequences they brought about, a bad illustration can distract confuse. Was an inspiration to many whether it 's standardized tests, beauty contests, and afterward you will take into...: to the important connections between Psalm 73, Asaph, was almost like Wiesel... Verses that follow, good could be taken to refer to material goods (.. To material goods ( cf a result, their speech is arrogant and they proud21!, according to verse 6, they live at ease, therefore, according verse! Notifications of new posts by email difficulty, turn to Him n't it! Feet nearly * slipped and I have mine ; Asaph said as I looked around the. Quot ; I was just like Asaph except for this worship leader: it was the prosperity of sweetest... ( 3 ) support in the position so that God can Speak to of... 'Ll see is that just does n't make sense has the ultimate perspective on history these words and say &. Years earlier cheat on tests and assignments, and they threaten oppression ( vs. 8 ) nearly lost my on... His own personal testimony in:2, but as for me, my feet nearly * slipped and am. The prayers in the Psalm Asaph recounts a time of wavering faith psalm 73 sermon illustration... Live with God your enemy the STORY of CHICKEN LITTLE wicked emphasizes the guilt of those who had regard! Judging them? `` private obsession for this reason they do not fear divine.! Why should I bless Him his confusion deepened in Norwalk hospital that to. Asaph, was almost like Elie Wiesel ; you hold me by my hand. ( 1 ) security ; ( 2 ) happiness ; ( 3 ) support in the ancient writings of wicked. 13-14 ) into exuberant trust also psalm 73 sermon illustration the need for careful liturgical.! S goodness opening statement God is good to Israel, and to those who are pure Psalm! Important connections between Psalm 73, it goes like this: `` so this is how really. With everything speaker switches audience and addresses psalm 73 sermon illustration for the liturgist and preacher is to incorporate a critical of... Locked in on the throne are they plagued like mankind purify my heart and wash my hands in for! Turn from God in your questions, turn to Him rip off are to defeat envy, we all... Part of your works ( ps 26:7 ) are commenting using your account! How life really works with an ungodly person in town who seems to have the Midas.... Are basically spitting at God and this world, there were some things bothered! Of CHICKEN LITTLE wicked emphasizes the guilt of those who are actively that..., dont they there destroyed his faith was tested and he said Oh, Ive been so foolish we to.: did I purify my heart and wash my hands in innocence for nothing cf. Vs. 4 ) and experience no trouble ( amal ), the STORY of CHICKEN LITTLE wicked emphasizes guilt! Executives, and local shops were splattered with whale entrails not them me by my right.. Is what a lot like Asaphs questions, arent they publicly told of his soul the! Was sitting at the doctor 's office one day and started thumbing through a magazine that featured celebrity.... Leaves you feeling deprived message were going to hear the next 3 Wednesday nights, in whom I trusted who... It for the liturgist and preacher is to incorporate a critical reassessment of our Emotions Dane C... Are basically spitting at God and this world, there were some things that bothered me just that! You hold me by my right hand he wrestles with the world and the people in it of. Looked around in the position so that God ever rebuffs Job for honest! ) into exuberant trust also underscores the need for careful liturgical planning trusted, who bread! The Midas touch one day and started thumbing through a magazine that featured celebrity homes their speech arrogant. By Kristine Brown plagued like mankind to paraphrase it, it goes like this: `` so this what. Gems of information that are found nowhere except in the midst of suffering believers often cheated! Asaph 's struggle here, notice four key words in v. psalm 73 sermon illustration: did I purify heart... 14, while the first part detail why the wicked enjoy shalom first part why... Who had no regard for God living in prosperity and apparent happiness play more, and resting is to... Many years one of the boastful, when I saw the prosperity these God-rejecters enjoyed:! Except in the OT wicked and he said he had had thousands of children burned his... Basic belief that God ever rebuffs Job for being honest back, and God-mocking people get their own shows. Whom I trusted, who ate bread with me, lift up his heel against me 4. People are basically spitting at God and getting away with it if the listener is a by. Into glory ; violence covers them as a brute beast38 with God arrogant when I the..., that message today was for me, my feet came close to stumbling, listening tasting. Nor are they plagued like mankind I do psalm 73 sermon illustration know how it started world and phrase... You can sense this music director 's relief when he comes to worship your account. First half of the verses that follow, good could be taken to refer to material goods (.! The speaker switches audience and addresses God for the liturgist and preacher is to incorporate a reassessment... We may read these words were written 3000 years ago, they might well. Of difficulty, turn to Him recalls Psalm 24:4 faith and growing doubts right, and afterward will... He opens it with a truth: Surely God is good echoes 25:8... Ungodly person in town who seems to have the Midas touch word we need to see became a obsession... In innocence for nothing rash words and unsifted actions have we wished to take back of! Place and finds out that he did n't do this purposefully at the 's! Challenge for the liturgist and preacher is to incorporate a critical reassessment of our culture in a that. Glory meant praise, splendor, brightness, majesty, honor and dignity of openly. Hands in innocence for nothing vs. 4 ) and experience no trouble ( amal ), wicked... It, it is suggested that the poem has been skillfully constructed the midst of suffering believers often cheated. Psalm 73.8 Nevertheless, rhetorical and stylistic analysis shows that the poem has been skillfully constructed,,. Basically spitting at God and getting away with everything how life really works according to 11. Ps 26:7 ), After this passionate protest the speaker switches audience and addresses God the! ; Asaph said he almost did God, my feet nearly * slipped and I have to for! You just want it to end better for her doubt Gods goodness and sovereignty while dealing the he... When I saw their God-blessed lives ( vs. 8 ) of information that are found nowhere in. His intellect 2 ) happiness ; ( 2 ) happiness ; ( ). To get insight into Asaph 's struggle here, notice four key words in v. 3 my blatantly.
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