Big Answers
“Until I came into the sanctuary of God; then I perceived their end. Surely You set them in slippery places; You cast them down to destruction. How they are destroyed in a moment! They are utterly swept away by sudden terrors! Like a dream when one awakes, O Lord, when aroused, You will despise their form.”
(Psalm 73:17-20)

In the first of several significant lessons, Asaph’s attention was directed to those he had envied. He saw their prosperity and became so envious that he almost changed teams, abandoning God and joining company with the wicked (vs. 2-3). But that was when he held a horizontal perspective. In the sanctuary, Asaph’s perspective turned vertical. He could finally appreciate what God sees and understand what was in store for those he envied — those who prospered while ignoring God. What was in store?

Absence of Security – (vs. 18)
From the world’s viewpoint, and in their own eyes, these individuals seemed out of the reach of trouble. But from God’s perspective, they were in “slippery places” and headed for destruction. When Asaph saw them as they would be on judgment day, he stopped envying them.

Absence of Anticipation – (vs. 19)
Not only were these  prosperous but wicked people heading for judgment, they also didn’t see it coming. Like the people of Noah’s day who resisted God despite years of warning, when judgment did arrive, it would be too late for them to do anything about it.

Absence of Hope – (vs. 20)
When God moves against them, His judgment will be without appeal. In God’s time and wisdom, the principle of retribution that Asaph believed in will prevail. But God will set the time and place.

Along with the rest of Israel, Asaph understood the principle of fair returns. His confusion came from trying to distinguish God’s justice in a period of time marked by His patience and mercy. Only in the sanctuary did Asaph see clearly that the day of reckoning is as inevitable as the fulfillment of God;s promises to those who trust Him. But the timing will be God’s; He sets the clock and calendar of accountability.
Asaph’s new perspective changed his attitude. But the judgment that came into focus for him was certainly no cause for celebration. The coming judgment was a wake-up call. His anger softened and he came to a critical turning point. Now, instead of pointing his finger at those who seemed to be escaping the justice of God, he began to look at himself.
Tomorrow, we’ll see what he found…