Whats In This for Me?(2)

Whats in This For Me?

Intro: The 73rd division of Psalms has been accredited to the musician named Asaph. Asaph was one of 3 musicians that David appointed for worship in the tabernacle. The chief musician deals with a problem that is just a relative today as when he penned this Psalm of testimony, namely the problem of the wicked flourishing, and the righteous struggling.

Asaph shares several things with the people of God in answering the Question “What’s in it for me?

1st Asaph shares with us a statement of Permanence. Psalms73:1 “Truly God is good to Israel, To such as are pure in heart.”

No matter what happens, is going on, or feels like God is good.

2nd Asaph shares with us his Problem. Psalms 73:2-3 “But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled; My steps had nearly slipped. For I was envious of the boastful, When I saw the prosperity of the wicked.”

A: My problem had me unstable

Stumbled - (the tempter had almost tripped up my heels)

Slipped - (I had like to have quitted my religion, and given up all my expectations of benefit of it).

B: My problem was unspiritual - “For I was envious of the boastful, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.

envious - be jealous, get heated. became excited, annoyed, tormented, or hurt.

3rd Asaph shares with us his Perspective. Psalms 73:4-14 “For there are no pangs in their death, But their strength is firm. 5 They are not in trouble as other men, Nor are they plagued like other men. 6 Therefore pride serves as their necklace; Violence covers them like a garment. 7 Their eyes bulge with abundance; They have more than heart could wish. 8 They scoff and speak wickedly concerning oppression; They speak loftily. 9 They set their mouth against the heavens, And their tongue walks through the earth. 10 Therefore his people return here, And waters of a full cup are drained by them. 11 And they say, “How does God know? And is there knowledge in the Most High?” 12 Behold, these are the ungodly, Who are always at ease; They increase in riches. 13 Surely I have cleansed my heart in vain, And washed my hands in innocence. 14 For all day long I have been plagued, And chastened every morning.”

B: He was cautious of his words: Psalms 73:15-16 “If I had said, “I will speak thus,” Behold, I would have been untrue to the generation of Your children.16 When I thought how to understand this, It was too painful for me—”

4th Asaph shares with us his Prescription. Psalms 73:17 “Until I went into the sanctuary of God; Then I understood their end.”

A: It helped me to see them better: Psalms 73:18-20 18 “Surely You set them in slippery places; You cast them down to destruction. 19 Oh, how they are brought to desolation, as in a moment! They are utterly consumed with terrors.20 As a dream when one awakes, So, Lord, when You awake, You shall despise their image.”

B: It helped me to see me better: Psalms 73:21-23 21 “Thus my heart was grieved, And I was vexed in my mind. 22 I was so foolish and ignorant; I was like a beast before You. 23 Nevertheless I am continually with You; You hold me by my right hand.”

5th Asaph shares with us our Profit. Psalms 73:24-28 24 “You will guide me with Your counsel, And afterward receive me to glory. 25 Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You. 26 My flesh and my heart fail; But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. 27 For indeed, those who are far from You shall perish; You have destroyed all those who desert You for harlotry. 28 But it is good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the Lord God, That I may declare all Your works.”