Psalm 22

Read this first: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+22&version=NIV

Psalm 22 may be the most fascinating chapter in the Old Testament. Luther has called the Psalms a little Bible in that in 150 chapters you can find the whole Bible in it. If that’s true, then Psalm 22 is definitely good Friday and 23 is the glorious Easter account to come.

Everything in here points to the crucifixion. It’s nearly impossible to read this psalm without thinking of Jesus on the cross. Perhaps David went through some anguish as well but it’s hard to compare it with what Jesus went through.

The very first words, “My God My God why have you forsaken me?” are some of the last words Jesus said on the cross. The psalmist does add- and “yet you are enthroned as the holy one” When one in the new testament quotes one passage in a the old testament they’re quoting the whole thing so even on good Friday when Jesus says this- there’s an and yet. No matter what is happening- and yet God is still on his throne.

The psalmists talks about being looked at and mocked- garments being taken, being thirsty, bones being out of joint but still countable so not likely broken, the person has pierced hands and feet. The only thing added is this discussion that we aren’t told about on good Friday are animals circling him- Ox, lions, and dogs. Now that doesn’t mean they weren’t at the crucifixion- it seems like a dog would have been there, lions and oxen a different story.

Verse 24 though is so insanely hopeful- For he has not despised or disdained the suffering of the afflicted one. He has not hidden his face but heard his cry for help. So even when God the Father has turned his back on Jesus he still hears him. All will bow before God. They will proclaim his righteousness to a people yet unborn.

So even in the good Friday of the old testament there is hope God brings good news through Jesus on the cross to a people yet unborn- that’s us! No one thought that 2000 years ago that the message would still be spreading, yet God did! Praise him for that! Praise God that he abandons no one. We can only abandon him. We are not forsaken our God is faithful and he is with us even on our darkest days. Amen!