Ep. 109. Psalm 73, 78 | Of Asaph

EPISODE 109

OF ASAPH: PSALM 73,78

You don't have to memorize the 73rd Psalm, but I highly recommend you know what it teaches and where to find it. Asaph considered the wicked, and his "steps had nearly slipped." He was "envious of the arrogant." Asaph looked at the evil people of the world and was convinced they were better off than he was. They seemed to be affluent and well-fed. They seemed to have all they desired, with no lack. Asaph, for a moment, wanted to be like them, until he remembered their end and his own. The wicked are set in slippery places and brought to destruction. God will bring the righteous into his gracious presence. God himself is the portion and blessing of the righteous. We, too, can forget the end of the story and be momentarily jealous of the apparent ease of the lives of the wicked. But we must hold fast to what we know of Jesus, righteousness, and his return. We must put all of our hope on the return of Christ, knowing that our suffering in this day and age pales in comparison to the glory that will be revealed to us on the day Jesus returns.

Psalm 78 is an excellent encouragement for us to recall God's work. I take great encouragement from this Psalm to make sure I teach my children and the coming generations who God is and the work he has done. Remember, after Joshua's death, the next generation grew up not knowing God or his works. We should be careful not to allow such a shameful thing to happen in our homes and in our generations. Asaph reminds his readers of the works of God during the time of Exodus, and we can also remind people of those things, the cross, the empty tomb, and even the saving work God has done in our lives. It would be an amazing thing for us who have seen God at work to share that work with those around us. We need to remember God and proclaim him.

These two Psalms are a great challenge and reminder. I hope you find them helpful as you seek to think rightly about this great God we serve.

ADDITIONAL READING: Deuteronomy 32:29; Psalm 90:10; Psalm 16:5-6; Matthew 13:35; Joshua 24:31; Judges 2:7-10; Numbers 14:11; Hosea 5:13-6:4; 1 Peter 1:13; Romans 8:18