Afterward!

Nevertheless I am continually with You;

You hold me by my right hand.

You will guide me with Your counsel,

And afterward you will receive me into glory. —Psalm 73:23,24

This poem is concerned with the old question: Why do good things happen to bad people? And conversely,why do bad things happen to those that are good? (73:13,14).

Asaph, Israel's poet, was troubled by these questions until he "went into the sanctuary of God." There, in God's presence, he came upon the answer: There's an "end" for every human being—literally an "afterward." The so-called "good life" ends in the grave (73:17-20).  

Asaph continues: "My flesh and my heart will fail" (I too will die), but God is the strength of my life and my portion forever. He is "continually" with me, holding my right hand, guiding me with his counsel, and "afterward" (same word as vs. 17) He will "receive me into glory.” Unlike those who prospered in this life, Asaph had God and he had him now and forever (73:23-26). "Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow!" Who could ask for anything more?

Years ago I heard J.I. Packer telling a story about a don at Oxford University whose colleagues discriminated against him because of his Christian faith. Packer was trying to console him when the man interrupted him: "It's fine," he replied with a twinkle in his eye, "for I have God and they do not." 

Asaph winds his poem down to the same conclusion: 

Whom have I in heaven but you 

and there is nothing on earth that I desire besides You.

My flesh and my heart may fail,

but God is the strength of my heart

and my portion forever...

Thus the nearness of God is my good (73:25-28).

That's only good life worthy of the name .

David Roper