Asaph

Words for Instruction

/ Tim A. / Leave a comment

“Give ear, O my people, to my law: incline your ears to the words of my mouth.” Psalm 78:1 (KJV)

We all need instruction.  Some of us are not always open to instruction.  We can see that as we read the first five books of the Bible; the writtings of Moses as he is inspired by the Spirit of God.  This Psalm is once again the writing of Asaph.  Called a Maschil of Asaph.  Of this Psalm Spurgeon has written of the title:

“This is rightly entitled an instruction Psalm.  It is not a mere recapitulation of important events in Israelitish history, but is intended to be viewed as a parable setting forth the conduct and experience of believers in all ages.  It is a singular proof of the obtuseness of mind of many professors that they will object to sermons and expositions upon the historical parts of Scripture, as if they contained no instruction in spiritual matters: were such persons truly enlightened by the Spirit of God, they would perceive that all Scripture is profitable, and would blush at their own folly in understanding any portion of the inspired volume.”

from the title. –Maschil of Asaph. THE TREASURY OF DAVID

Even though these are Asaph’s words to the people of God they are also God’s word for His people of all ages.

Asaph’s law would have been God’s law for Israel.  The “words of my mouth” which Asaph writes would have been the words of God.  Asaph speaking according to the word of God.  Christians are to give ear to the law of God.  The Christian is to always have an ear to hear the words of God which proceed from the teachers and preachers who preach the whole counsel of God.

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17

This could even imply that we are to hear the wise, godly, Biblical counsel of the founding fathers of our nation.  Something to think about.

The Scriptures speak clearly of who Jesus is.  He is more than a teacher. He is more than a prophet.  He is more than a good man.  He is the Son of God, and God the Son.  He is the Lord and Saviour of all the world.  Hear His word.

GOD Hears

/ Tim A. / 3 Comments

“I cried unto God with my voice, even unto God with my voice; and He gave ear unto me.” Psalm 77:1 (KJV)

Another of the Psalms of Asaph.  Of this verse Spurgeon from The Treasury of David has written,

“I cried unto God with my voice.” This Psalm has much sadness in it, but we may be sure it will end well, for it begins with prayer, and prayer never has an ill issue. Asaph did not run to man but to the Lord, and to him he went, not with studied, stately, stilted words, but with a cry, the natural, unaffected, unfeigned expression of pain. He used his voice also, for though vocal utterance is not necessary to the life of prayer, it often seems forced upon us by the energy of our desires. Sometimes the soul feels compelled to use the voice, for thus it finds a freer vent for its agony. It is a comfort to hear the alarm-bell ringing when the house is invaded by thieves. “Even unto God with my voice.” He returned to his pleading. If once sufficed not, he cried again. He needed an answer, he expected one, he was eager to have it soon, therefore he cried again and again, and with his voice too, for the sound helped his earnestness. “And he gave ear unto me.” Importunity prevailed. The gate opened to the steady knock. It shall be so with us in our hour of trial, the God of grace will hear us in due season.

In the times of our grief, or sorrow, or fear; let us flee to God, not to men.  Let us search out the word of God; and find our peace in Him, and He hears us.

God is Known

/ Tim A. / Leave a comment

“In Judah is God known: His name is great in Israel.” Psalm 76:1 (KJV)

It is a worthwhile calling to make God known to the world.  It is one thing for those who know God to know Him; but to know Him also calls for those to make Him known by others who might desire to know Him.

God desires that the world know Him.  He is not into self-propagation of prophets who proclaim a god who gives us all good things, and is unholy.  God is holy, and when we stand holy in Him gives us the desires of our heart; that is the things He desires become our desires.

The Bible from Genesis through Revelation 22 is about God making Himself known to the world.  In the prophecy of Ezekiel the prophet uses the phrase, “…they shall know that I am the LORD” over 60 times in those 48 chapters.

It is a great honor to know God; and to know His name and it is a great name.  It is a more wonderful thing to be known by Him.  His name is great in His people.

The following is a quote from the Matthew Henry Commentary,

I. In the revelation God had made of himself to them, Psa_76:1. It is the honour and privilege of Judah and Israel that among them God is known, and where he is known his name will be great. God is known as he is pleased to make himself known; and those are happy to whom he discovers himself – happy people that have their land filled with the knowledge of God, happy persons that have their hearts filled with that knowledge. In Judah God was known as he was not known in other nations, which made the favour the greater, inasmuch as it was distinguishing, Psa_147:19, Psa_147:20.

Every child of God is given the privilege to reveal God to the world around us.  They are responsible for their own choices.  Live your life that others may see God at work in you.

Thanks, and Thanks Again

/ Tim A. / Leave a comment

“Unto Thee, O God, do we give thanks, unto Thee do we give thanks: for that Thy name is near Thy wondrous works declare.” Psalm 75:1 (KJV)

One day a year the United States of America has a day of Thanksgiving.  I believe a few other Nations also have a day of Thanksgiving some time in the year.

It is an awesome thing to thank the LORD God.  He is worthy of our thanksgiving and our praise.  Are you a grateful person?  Do you thank God every morning as you get out of bed for a new day; for the chance to start over?  Do you thank Him for the sunrise, or do you curse it?  If you curse the new day, you are guaranteed a rough day.

All it takes for the child of God to be thankful is not out of obedience, but seeing the glories of God’s creation around us.  His works do declare that He is near.  Look at the birds as they soar, and fly through the air, and the sky.  Listen to them as they sing their praises every morning, and all day long.  Look at the wonders in the weather; the beauty, and the purity of the snow, falling and covering all the imperfections that are on the ground and in the trees.  Thank Him.

For the Christian thanks is the way to begin the day, and end the day.  It is even the way to live through the day.

As the apostle Paul has written,

In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.  1 Thessalonians 5:18

The Question of “Why?”

/ Tim A. / Leave a comment

“O God, why hast Thou cast us off for ever? Why doth Thine anger smoke against the sheep of Thy pasture?” Psalm 74:1 (KJV)

If you have not at some point in your life asked the question “Why?” to God; you will.  You may not verbalize it; but you will think it.

There have been Christians who believed we should never ask God “Why?”  Well Why not?  Let us face it we all face trials; tough situations, circumstances; and some of these; maybe many of these are out of our control.  We believe we have been faithful to God, and yet this death, this sickness, this disease, this tragedy or chaotic event has happened in our lives.

This Psalm is a song of instruction from Asaph.  He knows about asking the question “Why?”

For myself; I have asked God “Why?”  He has never given me an answer as to the reason for the event or trial; but He has given me faith to bear it, and to trust Him through it.

The reason we would ask Him “Why?” is because we trust Him.  That is of course if we have asked without a rebellious heart; thinking if He gives me no good answer, then, I will never mention His name again, nor will I worship Him again.  Now that would be tragic.

I must say there have been times I asked God in anger “Why?” concerning my wife’s illness, or about the aorta problem she had a few years ago, that could have caused her death in an instant.  He never answered, but He gave me peace, and a greater trust in Him.

Let us hear the heart of Asaph.  Know that it is okay for the child of God to ask “Why?”  It does show who you are trusting.

The Clean Heart

/ Tim A. / Leave a comment

“Truly God is good to Israel, even to such as are of a clean heart.” Psalm 73:1 (KJV)

The Psalm is a song of Asaph.  A collector.  A Song writer.  A musician of the temple.  There are a few of the Psalms attributed to Asaph.  A man who loved God.

To have a clean heart, a pure heart ought to be the desire of every child of God, every Christian.  Yes we are saved by grace, but that grace is powerful enough not to leave us in our sin and rebellion.

God is good to Israel, and to all who know Israel’s God, and are known by Him.  Here is what has been written concerning “perfect hearts” that is a pure, clean heart;

“For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew Himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward Him.” 2 Chronicles 16:9a

Do you have a clean, pure heart?  Do you desire a clean, pure heart; a perfect heart?  Hear what Jesus says,

“Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.” Matthew 5:8

Believe what God says.  Trust His gift of salvation to mankind.  Trust His Son Jesus Christ, and His finished work on the cross.  See Romans 10:9-13.