Day 152

Psalm 73-part 4 vs 21-28 

After going into the sanctuary Asaph confessed before the Lord his sinful lack of understanding. He felt foolish that he had forgotten the obvious truths of eternity and God’s eventual justice. Asaph rightly observed that animals seem to have no concept of eternity. They live their lives for momentary pleasures, satisfying natural urges. When Asaph forgot about eternity, he was truly ‘like a beast before’ God. 

Vs23 – 25 are pure gold! Using the imagery of a father and child he says, “yet I still belong to you; you hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny. Whom have I in heaven but you? I desire you more than anything on earth.” NLT. Being held by his right hand to Asaph meant that he was with God and that God was with him. What wonderful words; to be led to a glorious destiny! Here is a deliberate contrast with the fate of the wicked. Suddenly the only thing in life that he desired was God.  

 ‘It is good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the Lord God, that I may declare all Your works:’ It is staggering to see how much good Asaph’s visit to the house of the Lord did for him. It gave him understanding and an eternal perspective. The ‘wicked’ pass to oblivion, but the trusting soul continues forever. This is the intent of another favourite psalm, Ps103:14-18. 

He saw the great benefit in drawing near to God, which he doubted before (v13). It may seem good to unsaved eyes to go to their alcohol, social merriment, and the cares of vanity, but to me, says the psalmist, it is good, pre-eminently good, that I should draw near to God.  

His conclusion: v27-28, distance from God is death, but His abiding presence is eternal life. Before you draw another breath, contemplate the glorious destiny that you have in Christ, to use the wording of the NASB; allow him to take your right hand … and guide you and afterward receive you into glory. What else do you have of value?