Passage: Psalm 22
The Big Idea
Jesus cried the first line of this psalm from the cross. Psalm 22 describes crucifixion in astonishing detail: mocking crowds, pierced hands and feet, garments divided by lot. Yet the Sufferer keeps trusting, and the psalm ends in worldwide praise. God did not deliver Jesus from death, so that He could deliver us whenever we call.
Reflections
My God, why have You forsaken me? (vv. 1-2). Jesus was forsaken. On the cross You weren’t rescued, yet You kept trusting the Father. And You prayed day and night.
But You are holy (vv. 3-5). God is still holy, even when His actions don’t make sense. His people will praise Him even when He seems silent for a season. History proves it: our fathers trusted Him and were delivered. Faith can wait when it must, and prayer has to be mixed with faith. He always answers at the perfect time.
I am a worm, and no man (vv. 6-8). Jesus identified with the lowest of the low. People rejected Him, even His friends. He felt abandoned, even by God. But faith is stronger than feelings. He heard the insults and said nothing back. Their taunt was true: He did trust God, and God would deliver Him, but not the way they expected. God did not deliver Jesus before death, so that He could deliver us when we call!
You took me out of the womb (vv. 9-11). You’ve been shaping my life from the beginning. How could I have trusted You without Your work in me? Jesus, You lived an entire life of trusting God, starting in the humblest way, sharing my weakness. You’re my only hope, and Your nearness is my deliverance. If You’re near, I could go through a fiery furnace.
Strong bulls of Bashan surround me (vv. 12-13). The spiritual powers stand amazed at the cross. The almighty Creator allowed Himself to be killed! What love could hold Him there? The enemy wants only to devour, and Jesus surrendered everything so the enemy would have no claim on my life.
I am poured out like water (vv. 14-15). I remember feeling like this: life leaking out of me, my heart melted like wax. Jesus, You endured all of it for me. The flesh has no strength under such a load. You bring me back to the dust so new life can be seen.
They pierced My hands and My feet (vv. 16-18). Every detail was foreseen. Surrounded, no way of escape, no way off the cross, stripped of everything, garments divided by lot (John 19:23-24). Death was the only way.
But You, O Lord, do not be far from Me (vv. 19-21). My only possession is You, my strength. And Jesus’ plea to be spared was denied, so the Lamb could be slain. You have answered Me: the turning point. Your approval is worth more than any treasure.
I will declare Your name to My brethren (vv. 22-24). How can You call me “brother” (Hebrews 2:11-12)? I’m never alone in the church, because You’re there. Humility is the path to praise. And God is present in suffering. He has not hidden His face from him; when he cried to Him, He heard. There’s a special closeness with those who suffer as we share the fellowship of Christ’s sufferings.
The poor shall eat and be satisfied (vv. 25-26). Jesus paid every vow of love, openly, on the cross. He gives the needy what they need. When we seek Him, we find Him, and real, unmanufactured praise springs up.
All the ends of the world shall turn to the Lord (vv. 27-31). Your gospel is for every nation. You love them and will draw them to worship in spirit and truth. The kingdom is about people made in Your image, living in Your presence by Your grace. You’re in charge, even if that means spreading Your grace through Your people’s suffering. Everyone, rich and poor, will one day stand before You. And there will always be a remnant: a posterity shall serve Him… they will declare His righteousness to a people yet to be born, that He has done this.
Grace Takeaway
“He has done this.” Jesus was forsaken so you never will be. Whatever you’re suffering, He’s been there, and He’s near. Lord, as Jesus laid down His life, let me want Your will above everything, so people will know Your righteousness.
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