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Ring of Truth provides 366 daily ‘proofs’ that the Bible is consistent throughout from Genesis to Revelation, and relevant for our lives today!
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Psalm 22:1-2
My God, my God why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from the words of my groaning?
This is known as a Messianic Psalm.
Please try and take time today to read it all (it only takes about 5 minutes) because it reveals not only David’s heart, his distressful circumstances and his consequent emotions, but it also gives us an insight into some of the suffering that our Saviour Messiah, Yeshua Jesus, had to endure.
“But I am a worm and not a man, scorned by men and despised by the people” (v 6). “All who see me mock me; they hurl insults, shaking their heads. He trusts in the Lord; let the Lord rescue him. Let Him deliver him, since He delights in him” (v7). “I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint. My heart has turned to wax; it has melted away within me. My strength is dried up like a potsherd and my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth; you lay me in the dust of death. Dogs have surrounded me; a band of evil men has encircled me, they have pierced my hands and my feet. I can count all my bones; people stare and gloat over me. They divide my garments among them and cast lots for my clothing” (v14-18). All this happened to Jesus (see Matthew 27:32-47).
That is a pretty good description of a crucifixion. Indeed, it is difficult to think of anything else, as it so accurately describes the suffering experienced. David even prophesied the actions of the people in throwing dice and gambling over the Christ’s clothes (Matthew 27:35).
It’s also interesting to note that through it all David acknowledged that God knew all this. He rejoiced in the sure knowledge that God was a just God and would turn around his dire circumstances in the end.
But I want to highlight two things:
Firstly, God knew. When both David and Jesus went through their deepest trials, God knew, God cared and God brought final victory. God did not turn away from His Son that awful day. He was standing watching in honour. He knew He could do nothing because the plan was greater than Satan’s wickedness – it satisfied the wrath of God against all sin and won the victory for us who could not have endured what Jesus had to endure.
Secondly, neither David nor Jesus got an answer to their cry. “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” So often, Christians say to me – “Why did God do that to you?” “Why did He allow it?” “I’m going to find out.” “What are you learning through this?” On the other hand, others feel to ask “Why?” is sin. The Bible doesn’t teach that. Jesus never sinned and yet He asked “Why?”
I believe it is good to ask “Why?” Like Jesus, you may not get an answer, but you can ask. It often helps the healing process begin.
But the final reason we often don’t get all the answers is that God wants us to trust Him, not for what He does or says so much as for WHO HE IS.
That’s called ‘Worship’.
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