One of the reasons that reading my printed Bible is so special is the ability to look back at the years of notes that I’ve written, reminders of studies and personal God inspired moments that have been captured and can be reviewed. If not for my notes, I would have forgotten that this chapter of the week (next week will be part 2) is part of a trilogy! I love trilogies! Honestly, it’s not the significance of a trilogy as much as it is any continued story. One book, one movie, one story can be really great, but when the story is expanded over 3 or more, the author really has time to deeper storylines and develop characters more thoroughly so we can learn something about them or from them, agree?
This is the case with David’s trilogy of Messianic writings. What is a Messianic writing? In this case it simply means these poems that were written by David (the King of Israel) to not only describe his current situation, praise and honor the God that he was devoted to, but also to give the readers some glimpses into the future 1,000 years from then. What happens in a 1,000 years from David’s time is the appearance of Christ, the Messiah. The trilogy of books, includes chapters 22 “The suffering of Christ”, chapter 23 “The shepherding of Christ”, and chapter 24 “The sovereignty of Christ”. From these chapters, we can learn some several details about Christ long before He arrives. Not only for us in the 21st century but all those hearing David’s words from the last 3,000 years. It is so exciting to me, to uncover more and more of the forethought and perfect plan that God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit had from set in motion before creation. Overwhelming.
I also find it ironic to be reading Psalm 22 on Easter Sunday. Powerful! Especially when I think back on the significance of the David, (you can read about this here). I’ve been energized by reading and meditating on the words of David, in his moment of crisis, and how intentionally they were inspired to be recorded. It’s in these moments that I truly appreciate the that all scripture is God-breathed (2 Timothy 3:16), and that it becomes living and active (Hebrews 4:12) in my soul and in my spirit.
Let’s take a closer look. Verse 1: “My God, my God why have you forsaken me?” These are David’s words and Christ’s words on the cross (Matthew 27:46). It’s a cry for HELP, from a desperate and suffering man. You can see from verse 3 that David is not doubting or questioning God, as you might assume with a cursory reading. He is praising the holy and trustworthy God, whom he’s been walking and talking with for the majority of his days.
I’m going to pause for my lesson here. How do you know who to “call out to” when you’re in trouble? Who you can trust to never abandon you? David gives us his answer as you read through verses 3 -5 and on as he praises God. He knows who to turn to because he knows God. He knows God because he’s spent time with Him, talked with Him, studied and discovered Him, and walked with Him daily. This was not a new thing for David to try, this was David’s lifestyle. I know who to turn to in my times of ________ (fill in the blank) because I’m in relationship and have learned to trust in God who is trustworthy above all.
Lesson 2: Also note that David wasn’t protected from all troubles, all hardships, or all of his enemies. No, God allowed some of these stressful circumstances to overwhelm David’s life. David could then know God more intimately and trust Him more thoroughly than he ever would have been living in a spiritual bubble. God walked with Him through those stressful times of waiting and wondering what was lurking around the corner and their relationship was much stronger because of it. This reminds me that trouble is not removed from my life when I commit myself to God and allow Him control. However, I have exactly what and Who I need to walk through the trouble and grow in the process.
As you continue to read through chapter 22 verse 7: “scorned by men and despised…. they… mock me; they hurl insults.” Verse 8: “He trusts in the Lord; let the Lord rescue him. Let him deliver him.” Verse 16: “they have pierced my hands and my feet.” Verse 18: “they cast lots for my clothing.” These words and ideas are repeated in Matthew 27, and other accounts in the gospels of the road of suffering Christ traveled, leading Him to the cross.
Even though the scripture is comprised of 66 books, written over 1,500 years, in 3 continents, in 3 languages, by 40+ authors, it is inspired by ONE GOD to tell ONE STORY, of ONE SAVIOR, who can deliver every human being who surrender’s their life to the ONE Christ who suffered, the same Christ whom David wrote about.
Having meditated on Psalm 22, It’s not a stretch to believe that God has a plan for your life and mine. He’s gone to great lengths to make Himself known. That is my final lesson from this chapter. God has taken giant leaps for me, it only takes a small step on my part to join Him.