Psalm 73 Commentary
Two perceptions are presented in this chapter. In the first, the psalmist can see but not clearly. He is like one with scales on his eyes. In this state, the arrogant and wicked appear prosperous. They are the envy of the neighborhood.
The psalmist can see more. They appear to have no struggles and they enjoy good health. They confirm it with pride. Arrogance; oppression; and threats; tend to define their own. Nothing seems to stand in their way.
They draw men and women to themselves – as an example of success.
But in the second perception and while in the presence of the LORD, the eyes of the psalmist are opened. He can see clearly.
It is all vanity; a chase after wind. The LORD brings it all to nothing. There is no future for them. What the psalmist call final destiny. Eternity in the presence of the loving Creator God isn’t their portion. But even here while they seemingly enjoy themselves, their lives are full of fear. Probably their excesses are a consequence of the terrors they constantly experience.
That is exactly the point! Arrogance, oppression, and threats come from deep-seated fear. The saint doesn’t have it. Therefore, the saint doesn’t have to go for the same sinful excesses. Let one whose cap fits wear it; the saint doesn’t have the reason to do so.
But it takes the presence of the LORD for one to see the picture clearly. From this position, the saint can see clearly. Firstly, the saint can see the meaninglessness of the vanities around and about the wicked men and women. Secondly, the saint can also see the blessedness of the righteous man.
The saint can see that the LORD is always around providing guidance and counsel. The saint doesn’t live their life by themselves. Their steps are ordered by the LORD. And their future? After their earthly pilgrimage ends, the LORD will take them into glory. Hallelujah!
The saint can see more. They actually don’t desire anything from this earth. This is remarkable! If the saint is drowned in desires and unfulfilled appetites, it could be a good signal that they need a visit to the palace of the Great King. If your greatest desire is to own the latest car, you probably want to visit the palace and check your spiritual status.
An easy pick from this chapter is the laughable situation that saints find themselves in. We are deeply troubled by the wrong perception. Get the proper lens and see correctly, then you know the LORD doesn’t have to solve any of your made-up problems.
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