Psalm 22 … I read it again this morning during “Coffee with the Lord.” I am aware it is filled with prophetic allusions to what Jesus suffered on our behalf on the cross. However, I think we often read it through that lens and miss the powerful significance and application it has to our lives. As I read the psalm again today I became aware in a renewed way that the two are actually linked! Jesus totally and completely identified with what we, as humans, go through in suffering and rejection… even in a much greater degree than we experience! As a result, His suffering and rejection become a powerful aid to assist and comfort us in the things we experience… even to the extreme of feeling abandoned and forgotten by God… Here’s a taste of the Psalm (but you really probably need to read and savor the whole thing)
“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?! Why are you so far from saving me, from the words of my groaning? O my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer, and by night, but I find no rest! Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of [Your people]. In you our fathers trusted; they trusted, and you delivered them. To you they cried and were rescued; in you they trusted and were not put to shame… From my mother’s womb you have been my God. Be not far from me, for trouble is near, and there is none to help! ….But you, O Lord, do not be far off! O you my Help, come quickly to my aid! … I will tell of Your Name to my brothers; in the midst of the congregation I will praise You… For He has not despised or abhorred the affliction of the afflicted, and He has not hidden His face from him, but has heard when he cried to Him.”
As I read this wonderful Psalm today (one that several times in my life I have really identified with)… I was reminded with the wonderful assurance given in Hebrews:
“For it was fitting that He, for Whom and by Whom all things exist, in bring many children to glory, should make the Founder of their salvation perfect through suffering… Therefore he had to be made like His brothers in every respect, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God… For because He Himself has suffered when tempted, He is able to help those who are being tempted… Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (from Hebrews 2:10, 17-18; 4:14-16)
Jesus, thank you for going through the things we struggle and suffer with! What a help you are to us in the difficulties and challenges that we face!
Coffee With The Lord 