Sermon, Psalm 73, Sanctuary Lament

The Sanctuary Experience in Lament
Text: Psalm 73
by Robert J. Young

Introduction
Psalm 73 is interesting, a lament, beginning of Book Three of the Psalms. Author is Asaph, begins collection of eleven Asaphite psalms. Theme is God's rule over his people and the nations, although such rule is not always apparent as is seen in prayers for God to rescue his people from foreign oppression (in Psalm 74 and 83). These two prayer psalms bracket four psalm pairs:

75-76, the God who brings down the wicked and exalts the righteous (75) is the God and Savior of Israel (76)

77-78, God's saving acts on behalf of his people are remembered

79-80, God is asked to help against the enemy attacks

81-82, God resides in judgment over his people (81) and over the world (82) This demonstrates Psalm 73 as introductory, an almost fatal trial of faith, in midst of many troubles, even the godly let their eyes become fixed on prosperity of wicked. Let us look at the lament of Psalm 73 more closely, setting this in the context of the sanctuary worship experience.

I. Envy of the wicked, vv. 2-12
Prosperity engenders haughty self-reliance.
II. Doubts about the value of righteousness, vv. 13-15

III. The sanctuary experience, vv. 16-17
The renewal of faith, in temple, the godly man sees the destiny God has appointed for the wicked.
IV. Praise results, vv. 18-28
Though the wicked seem to prosper, God has made their position precarious, they will be touched without warning. The psalmist does not reflect on their state after death but leaves it as his final word that the wicked fall utterly and inevitably from their state of proud prosperity. Thus when God deals with the wicked, they vanish like shadowy characters in a dream.
God overcomes our folly and guides us through the pitfalls of life. Even if we seem to fall to level of beastly stupidity, God will not let go. Glory is ultimate end of believers' pilgrimage.
Nothing is more desirable than God, nothing in heaven, nothing on earth. Thus, the concluding vow is to praise God, the Lord himself is our sustainer, preserver, our very life. We will praise him for his mercies to us.

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The Sanctuary Experience in Lament Text: Psalm 73 by Robert J. Young

The Sanctuary Experience in Lament
Text: Psalm 73
by Robert J. Young