April 26, 2023
Psalms 73, and 77 – 78 are today’s readings. These are all Psalms of Asaph.
Asaph was a Levite appointed by David to minister before the ark of the covenant in Jerusalem (1 Chron. 16:37). When David brought the ark to Jerusalem, Asaph was among those who led the celebration and song. He was faithful and obedient to the law; he had a pure heart and innocent hands. But there was a time when he could not perceive the goodness of God. At a point of pain, pressure, and problems in his life. This bothered him so terribly that it created a deep resentment in his heart. He came close to slipping off the foundation of his faith. while he understood that God had been good to Israel, he could look around and see life and see things did not make sense.
Psalm 73 –
Asaph is bothered by the profanity of the wicked as much as their pride and prosperity. They mock God and they mock Asaph for trusting God. God’s presence reminded Asaph that he did not in fact, purify his heart in vain, for nearness to God surpasses anything else. A resolve to stay near God strengthened his heart in difficult times.
Psalm 77 –
Even though the psalmist is now confronted with distressing circumstances his hand is outstretched to the Lord. In times of despair that is exactly what we are to do by remembering the past works of the Lord. God is the ruler of every storm the great waters will not overcome His people. They are no obstacles for Him.
Psalm 78 –
By recounting the history of Israel within this Psalm Asaph hopes the present generation will not repeat the sins of the past ones.
He summarizes God’s judgement and Israel’s reactions to them. Even the repentance of Israel was shallow and therefore not a cure for their sins. The same thing repeated itself. As a leader of the nation David put into practice the skills he learned as a shepherd.
Asbury United Methodist Church 