Psalm 22
Reading this psalm first through Israel’s eyes you feel for the anguished soul who cries out for God yet finds no immediate relief. You feel his pain as he suffers physically and emotionally through the attacks and taunts of the violent.
Then you have to read this psalm through the eyes of Jesus. Indeed, this psalm finds fulfillment in the cross. Jesus echoes the words of verse 1 as He suffers the agony and humiliation of crucifixion. The description of the psalmist’s distress finds uncanny resemblance in Jesus’ own misery on the cross.
But please don’t miss the hope held out by the psalm writer. Despite his wretched condition, his hope was anchored in the Holy One enthroned on the praises of Israel. God had delivered the generations before who trusted in Him, and he was certain that God would come through once more.
Yes, so did God deliver His own Son! The agony of the hour was unbearable, but glory was on the way! Friday may be a dark and gloomy day of despair, but hold on, dear friend, Sunday is coming soon! The grave could not hold the King of kings. Death is no match for the power of God that freed Jesus from its grip and broke the chains forevermore.
That deliverance is ours, as well, Christian! Those who cry out to God in trust will be saved and will not be disappointed. His face is not hidden, even when you feel forsaken.
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