Articles
Spiritual Asaphs
Individuals Worth Imitating
I recently wrote an article concerning the Rechabites. The article’s purpose was to provide a worthy example for us to imitate. Far too often we neglect names, dates, and figures in the Old Testament for fear that we might soon be forced to admit a certain lack of knowledge on our own part. This cannot be! To be sure, the Old Testament is no longer binding (Col. 2:14); nevertheless, much is gained in studying the Old Testament in detail. Paul identifies the riches gained in Old Testament study in two key New Testament passages: Romans 15:4 and 1 Corinthians 10:11. In Romans, Paul states, “For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” In 1 Corinthians, Paul states, “Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come.” So in many ways, the Old Testament Scriptures provide hope, instruction, encouragement, and examples for us to follow. With these rich rewards in mind, let us now take the time to look at a valuable example to be imitated – Asaph.
Who is Asaph?
Asaph is one of the most prolific writers in the Bible. Asaph wrote more inspired text than most of the Minor Prophets, Peter, or James. We know a great deal concerning James and Peter as well as the Minor Prophets, yet, I believe it can reasonably be said that most cannot give the same detail concerning Asaph. The lack of a working knowledge of such an important man sounds odd doesn’t it?
So who was he? Asaph is credited with the composition of Psalms 50 and 73-83 (as seen in the superscript above each). He lived through the reigns of both David and Solomon. During the reign of David, Asaph was appointed to serve in the musical worship of the Tabernacle (1Chron. 15:16-19). When the ark was returned to Jerusalem, David specifically charged Asaph to return thanks to the Lord in celebration (1Chron. 16:5-7). While in the process of preparing for the erection of the Temple and the transition of the kingdom from David to Solomon, Asaph and his sons were again entrusted with musical worship in the Temple services (1Chron. 25:1, 6f; cf. 2Chorn. 35:15). At the Temple’s inauguration, Asaph and his sons returned thanks and worshiped God as His Spirit filled the Temple (2Chron. 5:11-14). Following this unforgettable account, only the sons of Asaph are mentioned.
Why Is Asaph Worth Imitating?
We are given plenteous examples of situations in which Christians are encouraged to imitate Godly men and women (1Cor. 4:16; Phil. 3:17; 1Thess. 1:6; 2Thess. 3:7, 9; Heb. 6:12; 11; 13:7; et al). Of course our ultimate example to imitate is Christ Himself (see 1Cor. 11:1). We are given the direct command to “imitate good and not evil” (3John 11). God has given us 39 books in the Old Testament that are filled with examples worthy of imitation.
Asaph is worth imitating because of his exemplary conduct and service to God. He is a man who was used by God to convey His inspired message in a critical way. Asaph led the people with musical worship in a way that put him on-par with David (2Chron. 29:30; Neh. 12:46). He also serves as an example to fathers in that he led his family in the Lord and made a distinct impact in the fate of his sons. Asaph’s example may be the primary reason that his sons walked in the Lord’s ways and continued to excel in His service. Asaph’s sons are mentioned in the small faithful remnant that returned from Babylon (Ezra 2:41; 3:10; Neh. 7:44). Studying the account of the refugees who were able to return, we can have full assurance that his sons were “the cream of the crop,” “the ripest of the figs”. Asaph’s example followed after him and his spiritual legacy allowed his descendants to rise above a crooked, defiled, and judged nation.
Our duty to imitate spiritual men and women and to grow in the Lord’s service is made stronger by Asaph’s example. May we all ever strive to first follow Christ, but also be prudent to imitate the lives of righteous people like Asaph.
