|
The
most blessed and admired matter in this world is to be a
servant of God. He is merely a human being. Every human
being has frustrations and desperations; servants of God
too have these. They too can be disappointed and
frustrated, as they live this earthly life, when they
compare themselves with others. The matter that
differentiates them from others is that they realize the
Spirit's directions and do not succumb to the
temptations of their mind and body brings. They realize
the detour and trade their disappointments for God's
joy.
Asaph the Chief Musician, a contemporary of King David
and Solomon, went through such a situation. (1Ch.
15:16-17; 2Ch. 5:12) When David reinstated the worship
in the house of God he appointed musicians and singers
to lead praise and worship. Asaph was appointed as the
chief musician. In association with David he made music
and sang many songs in the house of the Lord. Moreover,
he was there on the occasion of the dedication of the
Temple built by Solomon. While it was being dedicating
for the glory of God, he stood in worship with his
fellow musicians, his brothers and sons. They played
instruments and sang in one accord and the glory of God
filled the temple. 14 psalms (Pss. 50 and 73-83)
ascribed to his name.
“All the Levites who were musiciansAsaph, Heman,
Jeduthun and their sons and relativesstood on the east
side of the altar, dressed in fine linen and playing
cymbals, harps and lyres. They were accompanied by 120
priests sounding trumpets.
The trumpeters and singers joined in unison, as with one
voice, to give praise and thanks to the LORD.
Accompanied by trumpets, cymbals and other instruments,
they raised their voices in praise to the LORD and sang:
"He is good; his love endures forever." Then the temple
of the LORD was filled with a cloud, and the priests
could not perform their service because of the cloud,
for the glory of the LORD filled the temple of God.” 2Ch
5:12-14
While looking at the personality of Asaph we see two
essential qualities of his life. Primarily he loved his
family and fulfilled the responsibilities God bestowed
on his to take care of his family. While standing for
the dedication his brothers and sons were also actively
involved in the worship of God. Seemingly, it is obvious
that he encouraged and equipped his family too for
worship. We don't see the negligence for the family in
him as we see with many leaders of family.
Secondly, he was a good leader to associate with his
subordinates well and keeping them in one accord to
worship God. His impartial attitude and passion for God
was contagious and we should understand that the same
kept his team in unison and one accord.
While not discrediting above qualities, we cannot
undermine Asaph's desperation and deviation expressed in
Psalm 73. In his disappointment he looked at people who
led an easy life and envied them. And he felt pity on
himself even though he had a very close friendship with
God. “Surely in vain have I kept my heart pure; in vain
have I washed my hands in innocence. All day long I have
been plagued; I have been punished every morning.“ (v.
13-14)
But his realization about slipping away from God is
experienced by every believer. He thought of many things
against God, His plan and will. He wanted to go to
presence of God and have answers from Him.
“If I had said, "I will speak thus," I would have
betrayed your children. When I tried to understand all
this, it was oppressive to me till I entered the
sanctuary of God; then I understood their final
destiny.” (v. 15-17)
He realized about the eternal life he has. He also was
reminded about the destruction in store for people who
refuse to receive the salvation that has come through
His Son Jesus Christ.
Eventually, he admits the truth that “it is good to me
near God”. Indeed, it is.
God bless you.
|
