Psalm 22

Psalm 22

“My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?” This anguished cry of David is followed by his astonishing affirmation, “Into your hand I commit my spirit” (Psalm 31:5). What happened between these two times in the life of the psalmist? More importantly, what happened in the life of Jesus as he prayed both of these lines while on the Cross? Some people have suggested that Jesus may have prayed his way from Psalm 22 through Psalm 31 while he hung on the Cross.

It is not just the opening line in Psalm 22 that connects this psalm to the crucifixion of Jesus. Throughout this psalm you can see Jesus on the Cross and you can see the people gathered around Jesus. See the crowd scorning the psalmist in v. 6-8 and compare with Matthew 27:39-43; the gambling for garments in v.18 and compare with John 19:23-24. Also consider the psalmist’s cry in v. 15 “My tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth” and Jesus’ cry, “I thirst” in John 19:28. As you read the Gospel accounts of the crucifixion you will see even more parallels. Both Matthew and the writer of Hebrews proclaim that Jesus fulfilled this psalm. Why should that be significant to us today? I can suggest three reasons.

First, all of the Gospel writers want us to know that Jesus, who was crucified, dead and buried, was the Messiah of God; the One the scriptures promised would come and save Israel, save the world. By connecting the events in the life of Jesus to Old Testament prophesies we can see God at work fulfilling His plan to redeem the world.

Secondly, the psalm points to the coming again of Jesus in final victory, (22:27-28).

“The whole earth will acknowledge

the Lord and return to him.

All the families of the nations

will bow down before him.

 For royal power belongs to the Lord.

He rules all the nations”

As followers of Jesus it is important for us to always be mindful that Jesus isn’t finished with His work. He will complete the restoration of God’s Kingdom on earth and we get to be co-laborers with Him in that work.

Lastly, we may experience times of great trial, suffering and distress in our lives. Jesus is our model and as we yield ourselves to Him, he will empower us to follow His path, as set out in Psalm 22,

to openly acknowledge to God our sense of despair,

to remember God’s past care for our lives,

to embrace the reality of our circumstances,

and to trust that as God comes to us

we can experience Him as our refuge and strength,

a very present help in time of need (Psalm 46).

Then, after following Jesus, we can say with the psalmist,

“I will praise you in the great assembly.

I will fulfill my vows in the presence

of those who worship you.”

Sē’lah

What word or phrase in these verses

Attracts your attention?

Reflect on that word or phrase.

What insights come to you?

How does this passage touch your life today?

Reading for May 24, 2012  Psalm 23