I think that the Psalms contain some of the most profound poetry.
Take Psalm 73 as an example (the first twenty-eight verses have been selected for today’s reading and meditation), especially these verses (Psalm 73:16-26, NLT): ” … I tried to understand why the wicked prosper. But what a difficult task it is! Then I went into your sanctuary, O God, and I finally understood the destiny of the wicked. Truly, you put them on a slippery path and send them sliding over the cliff to destruction. In an instant they are destroyed, completely swept away by terrors. When you arise, O Lord, you will laugh at their silly ideas as a person laughs at dreams in the morning.
Then I realized that my heart was bitter, and I was all torn up inside. I was so foolish and ignorant – I must have seemed like a senseless animal to you.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. My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; ’Jesus’ is mine forever. … “
It’s this relationship with Jesus which is described so well in this Psalm, that makes sense of all the difficulties of this world – our brief journey through a desolate desert – to reach a promised land – where all pain and tears cease.
As Selwyn says in his introduction:“The point we are emphasising is that inherently we are made for the Christian way. When we see, and see clearly, that we are working with, and not against, the nature of reality, a conviction possesses us that will enable us to remain calm and steady when faced with the difficult questions of life.”
Let me put this issue in a different way – say, you have a choice – a life full of difficulties and one lacking in material possessions for 70 years followed by an eternity of peace and pure joy; that is, for something longer than 70 trillion years where life is perfect. Or, a great 70 years of life on this planet – earth; full of everything you want - all the money, possessions, sex and power - followed by 70 trillion years of pure hell – total loneliness, weeping and a sense of great, never-ending loss. What would be your choice? If, only, those who don’t follow Jesus, could see such a stark choice in front of them !
The great illusion
I think that the Psalms contain some of the most profound poetry.
Take Psalm 73 as an example (the first twenty-eight verses have been selected for today’s reading and meditation), especially these verses (Psalm 73:16-26, NLT): ” … I tried to understand why the wicked prosper. But what a difficult task it is! Then I went into your sanctuary, O God, and I finally understood the destiny of the wicked. Truly, you put them on a slippery path and send them sliding over the cliff to destruction. In an instant they are destroyed, completely swept away by terrors. When you arise, O Lord, you will laugh at their silly ideas as a person laughs at dreams in the morning.
Then I realized that my heart was bitter, and I was all torn up inside. I was so foolish and ignorant – I must have seemed like a senseless animal to you.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. My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; ’Jesus’ is mine forever. … “
It’s this relationship with Jesus which is described so well in this Psalm, that makes sense of all the difficulties of this world – our brief journey through a desolate desert – to reach a promised land – where all pain and tears cease.
As Selwyn says in his introduction:“The point we are emphasising is that inherently we are made for the Christian way. When we see, and see clearly, that we are working with, and not against, the nature of reality, a conviction possesses us that will enable us to remain calm and steady when faced with the difficult questions of life.”
Let me put this issue in a different way – say, you have a choice – a life full of difficulties and one lacking in material possessions for 70 years followed by an eternity of peace and pure joy; that is, for something longer than 70 trillion years where life is perfect. Or, a great 70 years of life on this planet – earth; full of everything you want - all the money, possessions, sex and power - followed by 70 trillion years of pure hell – total loneliness, weeping and a sense of great, never-ending loss. What would be your choice? If, only, those who don’t follow Jesus, could see such a stark choice in front of them !