Scripture
By Pamela Jones
In Psalms 73: 2-3, 12-13, 16-18, we find Asaph’s lament was about having self-pity and comparing himself to others, who seemed to have all the riches and worldly pleasures they want, and who have no desire to serve God. He does come to his senses and realizes that he should be praising God for the life that he lives, for He is the one who has hope of life everlasting.In the related scriptures, found in Job 21:1-34, we hear the words of Job critiquing the lives of the wicked. He lays out many of the increases they acquire for themselves, as well as their family members. Job shows that although the unjust have material items that they are proud of, they too choose not to follow after God and will end the lives in destruction. These wicked people didn’t even care if their offspring had to pay the price for the parent’s sins.
I will close by referring to Psalms 84:1-2, 10-12, where they speak of giving God praise, and desiring to be in His presence, rather than being in the company of the wicked. There is no jealousy of the lives the unjust live. There is only praise and longing to be in the presence of our God.
Synopsis
By Charlene Brown
In today’s lesson we come across a lesser known, yet faithful servant of God by the name of Asaph, which means gather. Asaph penned Psalm 73 during the reign of King David. He was a Levitcal musician appointed by David to be the worship leader at Jerusalem. Being very talented with his God given gifts, Asaph used his talents to glorify God and he displayed his reverence for God by acknowledging Him in the very beginning of the scriptures by stating ” Truly God is good to Israel, even to such as are of a clean heart”( Psalm 73:1.)
The Psalmist goes on to express his concerns toward an issue that has troubled his spirit, and has caused him to doubt and question his faithfulness and trust in God. This restlessness was derived from and based on what he saw happening in the lives of others around him, namely those deemed the wicked amongst them. Asaph found himself comparing the life of the wicked and all of their prosperity, to the life of those that were living a righteous life, a life that was focused on pleasing and obeying God.
Even though his spirit was troubled we see a pivotal change take place. (vs. 15). Asaph’s outlook and attitude takes a turn and focuses on a loving, caring, faithful and trustworthy God. He now recognizes and sees through the lense of a faith filled life, one that is kept by a sovereign, righteous and holy God. Aspah even went as far to confess his sin of even letting his feelings and emotions dictate to him. He was reminded of the safety and solid foundation only found in God.
Practical Application
By Raufu Spagnoletta
In this week’s lesson, the Psalmist is transparent, in saying..”I had almost lost my faith when I envied the prosperity of the wicked until I went into the sanctuary of God”. Has focusing on the prosperity of the wicked become a stumbling block to one’s faith? We are reminded, the wicked have no relationship with God and their prosperity is only in this earthly life, and their end is destruction.
“Let not thine heart envy sinners, but be thou in the fear of the LORD all day long,”(Proverbs 23:17) There are those who are preoccupied with the temporal things of this life while others are improving their relationship with God. Are we able to grieve or please God with our response?
Where does one go when challenged in understanding God’s ways? Are there attempts made to understand God apart from God? No one knows the mind of God, except the Spirit of God. It was in the sanctuary of God, that the Psalmist received God’s perspective on the fate of the wicked. When we meet with GOD in the intimacy of worship, He gives us the treasures of darkness and hidden riches of secret places!
