From the pastors devotion. A meditation on Psalm 73: Why do bad things happen to good people and good things happen to bad people? This is one of the 12 psalms of Asaph. He was identified as a singer who stood on the right of Heman (presumable the lead singer) (1 Chron 6:33, 39) while the Merarites stood on the left of Heman (1 Chron 6:44). This was the group of singers performing in the worship service designed by David. Later on in the dedication of Solomon’s temple, Asaph also featured as a singer in the worship service (2 Chron 5:12). Now this sets me thinking – God has blessed us so richly with musical talents. Shouldn’t there be individual, group or choir singing to accompany and to enrich our worship? We can see that Asaph was a talented composer credited with 12 psalms (the psalms were part of Israel’s hymn book) and a talented singer. When he wrote this psalm, he was expressing a personal problem and that is, why does the righteous suffer and the sinners seem to get away with success? This psalm is divided into two parts. The trial of faith (Psa 73:1-15). Asaph expressed his envy at the sight of the rich, the powerful and the wicked seemingly getting away with their wickedness (73:3). They prospered in their health and well-being (vs 4) and seemed to be untouched by the trials of life (vs 5). OT principles dictate that the bestowal of wealth is not just a blessing but a stewardship. We recall that the law of gleaning required wealthy farmers to leave the corners of the field untouched for the poor to glean and never to pick up any sheafs that have dropped during the harvest. Giving was part of the social responsibility of Israel. But here the wealthy were not exercising their social responsibility. They were proud (vs 6-8) and they even presume that God does not see their wicked deeds (vs 11). We can sympathise with Asaph. In like manner we can even cry out to God concerning why He allowed the wicked and powerful to oppress the weak. Why do so many Christians who love God suffer at the hands of the wicked? The triumph of faith (Psa 73:16-28). There is a sudden change of heart after verse 16. Asaph was a worshipper in songs in the temple, so he sought refuge in the worship of the temple – “until I went into the sanctuary of God, then understood I their end” (vs 17). Asaph realised that what was really wrong was with his attitude. In all our frustrations of life, enter into the presence of God and engage in worship of the Almighty. Leave aside our burdens of life and like Asaph come into the presence of God. Firstly, the presence of God helps us to have an eternal focus. Earlier on Asaph concluded that the righteous suffers and the wicked prospers. He now sees the prosperity of the wicked as temporary in the light of eternity. There will come a day of judgment for all (vs 18-20). Be not deceived, God is not mocked. Secondly the presence of God brings conviction of personal sin. Asaph saw his own foolishness in feeling this way (vs 21-22). Thirdly Asaph saw the advantages of affliction. In affliction one learns to trust God for guidance and mercy (vs 23-25). The rich feels less dependent on God and loses eternal blessings. God never promises to keep His people from suffering but He has promised never to leave His people in suffering. It is in suffering that one has no one to turn to but God (vs 25). It is in suffering that one experiences God as the strength of one’s life (vs 26). In conclusion the adversities of life are occasions for God to accomplish His purposes and to strengthen our faith to trust Him more. While we may suffer temporarily, we can be assured of God’s ultimate blessings. But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold. [Job 23:10] Peter Lam
Posted on: Thu, 31 Oct 2013 10:30:03 +0000
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