This week’s “Wednesday Word” is a summary of an exposition of Psalm 73 from Dr. Wellum given on Sunday August 12, 2008.

Psalm 73 stands as the introduction and thematic Psalm of Book 3. While Book 2 focused upon the theme of suffering to glory, especially focused in the Davidic king, Book 3 emphasizes the angst of exile for the people of Israel, as they stand under God’s covenantal curse. Asaph begins his psalm by reminding himself that God is “truly good to Israel” despite the fact that the nations seemingly have triumphed over them.

Following his initial confession of the goodness of God, he begins to express his discontent with the prosperity of the wicked around him, particularly viewed in his day as the success of the foreign nations over Israel. Verses 2-16 present the difficult question why do the wicked seem to prosper as they curse God, while the people of God are oppressed? Assyria and Babylon seemingly are winning the upper hand, while Israel stands under God’s disfavor. What has happened to God’s covenant promises? The task of understanding all of this is oppressive to Asaph.

However, Asaph quickly finds an answer to his wearisome task in verse 17 when he enters into the sanctuary of God. His “sanctuary experience” provides the answer to his questions. Not only is he reminded of the truth in regard to their final destiny, but he also experiences satisfaction with God. In our lives, we must be ever reminded of the truth of God. Upon entering the sanctuary he is brought to repentance and humility. And by this experience his doctrine is corrected as his trust and confidence returns to the Lord. God is faithful to his promises; his conclusion reflects verse 1 that God is good to his people.

Verse 25: Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire but you. Here we see Asaph completely satisfied with God, despite his circumstances. This must also be true of God’s people today, especially given the fact that we now know much more of God’s goodness and sovereign purposes in the coming of Christ.

As many of us prepare for a life of ministry may we remember the example of Asaph as he wrestles with God’s goodness, but more than that, may we learn to overcome these issues by complete reliance upon God’s Word and deep satisfaction with God. May we remind one another of the surety of God’s promises amidst apparent despair. Truly, may our doctrine and expectations be right and our hope sure in our Lord Jesus Christ.

MES

Listen to this week’s lesson: Psalm 73