As for me!

Asaph and his psalms are very human in nature and content. Psalm 73 is a masterpiece in everyway. Its the beginning of Book III which is also called as the "Leviticus Book" that contains sections that talk about the sanctuary(Psalms 73-89). When Asaph looks at the wicked, he observes that "they have no struggles; their bodies are healthy and strong". He falls into the depths of despair when he looks at his own condition "Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure"(v 13). We all face this Psalm 73 moment where we compare ourselves with others and then think that its vain to pursue God. Asaph the singer, then understood it all as he "entered the sanctuary of God"(v17). Our questions will be answered in His sanctuary. He understood their final destiny(v17).

He made a declaration at the end of the Psalm- "But as for me, it is good to be near God."(v28)

Joshua at the end of his life and mission was kind of giving his final push to the people of Israel to whole heartedly follow God. He knew how weak was their commitment. He was with Moses when they heard a commotion in the camp as they were receiving the Law of God.They were quick to follow the "gods" they had imagined. He could recollect how one Achan took into the camp the forbidden items from Jericho and how they faced a humiliating defeat at Ai. As a leader he took a stand and said, "But as for me and my house we will serve the LORD"(Josh 24:15). The Israelites , however responded , "Far be it from us to forsake the Lord to serve other gods! "(Josh 24:16). Joshua was not impressed by the emotional reaction of the people as he gave the counter arguement.“You are not able to serve the Lord. He is a holy God; he is a jealous God. He will not forgive your rebellion and your sins. If you forsake the Lord and serve foreign gods, he will turn and bring disaster on you and make an end of you, after he has been good to you.”(Josh 24:19-20). Thank God we have the true Yehoshua who came with the provision of cleansing of sins, who came with the message of blessing. May we take a decision "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."

David was surrounded by troubles. He could sense betrayal from close quarters. He writes " If an enemy were insulting me,I could endure it;if a foe were rising against me,I could hide. But it is you, a man like myself,

my companion, my close friend, with whom I once enjoyed sweet fellowship at the house of God,as we walked about among the worshipers."(Ps 55:12-14) Its painful when we face bitterness from fellow worshippers, believers. David desires that his enemies would die. "Let death take my enemies by surprise; let them go down alive to the realm of the dead, for evil finds lodging among them."(Ps 55:15)

In the New testament , our Lord Jesus asks changes our response to our enemies. "'love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you"(Matt 5:44).

David doesn't stay despondent. He takes a decision -"As for me, I call to God, and the LORD saves me"(Ps 55:16).

"As for me" is a decision not dependent on those around us. Its a call to radical worship, radical faith and prayer.