March 14, 2024
Read Numbers 3, Psalm 73, Colossians 1
What is something that has perplexed you in the past or caused you to question something you thought was right? How did it turn out? Was it like you thought or not? Asaph, the author of Psalm 73 is perplexed by what he sees around him. Specifically, how the wicked and the godless and the arrogant seem to have the easy road. A feeling of envy had to start to settle in with him when he looked at the lives of those who did not worship the Lord. “But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold. 3 For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked” vv. 2-3. We may be tempted to think along the same lines today. We see the lives of the people around us who do not care about a walk with the Lord, and we might be envious of their lifestyles. We see their freedom in how they live out their lives without the authority of God’s Word over them. The devil whispers in our ears, “you could have that kind of life too, if you just forget about God.” The psalmist captures their mindset, “This is what the wicked are like— always carefree, they increase in wealth” v. 12. Again, the temptation to throw it all away returns, “Surely in vain have I kept my heart pure; in vain have I washed my hands in innocence. 14 All day long I have been plagued; I have been punished every morning” vv. 13-14.
Then, in verses 16-17, Asaph has his “ah ha” moment. “When I tried to understand all this, it was oppressive to me 17 till I entered the sanctuary of God; then I understood their final destiny” vv. 16-17. It was only after Asaph had entered the temple and learned from the Lord about the ultimate fate of the wicked. Asaph realized like we all need to that nothing escapes God. People might seem to get away with things or be living “the life” but in end it all comes down to ruin. Asaph is thankful for the Lord’s guidance in his life. “Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. 24 You guide me with your counsel, and afterwards you will take me into glory” vv. 23-24. The temporary pleasures of the earth are nothing compared to the spender of Heaven and Asaph knows it is good to be near God. What else do you see in these chapters? What words, phrases, and themes stand out to you?
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DId God Really Say... 