Today I was blessed to be led to Psalms 22. Although I have completed my study of the Lord as My Shepherd (as noted by previous blogs), I find that God has intertwined the message of Christ as our Shepherd throughout his Word, offering multiple opportunities for each of us to reflect on His Son's sacrifice for our sake. In my blog today, I desire to share my reflections on aspects of Psalms 22.
In this passage, David is writing. I learned that although David is reflecting on his life, he is also a type and figure of Christ and this entire passage is a direct reflection of the pain and suffering Christ endure for all of us on the cross.
As I read I saw the words,
"My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?",
"But I am a worm, and not a man, scorned by men and despised by the people; All who see me mock me; they hurl insults, shaking their heads:"
"I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint."
"My strength is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongu sticks to the roof of my mouth; you lay me in the dust of death."
"...they have pierced my hads and my feet."
"I can count all my bones; people stare and gloat over me."
"They divide my garments among them and cast lots for my clothing."
I see Christ nailed to a cross (rugged tree)--for my sake. I am brought to tears thinking of the sin and shame he took on, for me--for all of us, so that we would not have to bear it. He even endured his father, or as this passage of scripture says, the Holy One not answering his cries in the darkest moment of his life. But yet, he trusted Him.
What a testimony! A sacrifice for my sin, but yet an example for trusting God through it ALL. Never doubting that he has left. Even calling upon the soul to praise Him, revere Him and proclaim Him just as valiantly through suffering. Wow! What an example our Christ was. What an example King David was. What a calling we are expected to rise to and follow.
I am not sure about you, but, at times I find this very difficult. But, in reviewing and studying this passage, I am motivated to stand in God's strength to praise, revere and proclaim him through it all. Not for my own sake, but because of what Christ endured for me so that I could live to glorify God.
Thank you Lord for your revelation today. Thank you for sending you Son Jesus who beared the pain for us all and yet trusted in you and praised you too. Thank you God for David who wrote this beautiful psalm years before the event detailing Christ's sufferings as if he were at the foot of the cross. Help us all to stand in your strength through trials and tribulations to be able to praise, revere and proclaim your Name to others despite of our situations. I glorify you for who you are and thank you for trials. You are to be praised. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.
