Monday, April 21, 2014
Psalm 22:19-21 But You, O LORD, do not be far from Me; O My Strength, hasten to help Me! Deliver Me from the sword, My precious life from the power of the dog. Save Me from the lion's mouth and from the horns of the wild oxen! You have answered Me.
FROM GRAVE TO GLORY -- PRAYER ANSWERED
Psalm 22 is most well-known for its detailed and graphic descriptions of Christ's suffering and death. Many Christians study and use it during the season of Lent. However, the end of the psalm also speaks of Jesus' glory and the blessings Christians gain by faith through His victory. This week, our meditative focus will be on the verses from Psalm 22 that tell the story of our Savior's glory.
Today's verses mark the transition point in the psalm when the theme switches from suffering to glory. Through inspiration of the Holy Spirit, we gain insight into the thoughts of Christ as He was subjected to death for our sins. He relied upon His Father for deliverance. Jesus had the full confidence that if He stayed the course and fulfilled the prophetic Word, He would accomplish His mission. We are reminded of this by our Savior's prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane. Jesus knew what lay before Him during His ascent to the cross. He felt the pressure and stress of carrying our sins and suffering the agony of separation from His Father. Despite this burden, He continued to trust His Father's will (Matthew 26:39).
Psalm 22 shows us that the Messiah's prayer would be answered. Jesus would be delivered from His enemies, even though He died. This victory over the "sword, the power of the dog, the lion's mouth, and the horns of the wild oxen" took place at His resurrection. God's answer to His Son's prayer of deliverance was fulfilled and verified by the life that Jesus took back.
This simple truth gives us unmatched confidence in our lives. God, too, will see to the deliverance of His children. He will answer our prayers for help, encouragement, and renewal. No matter what happens in life, whether it is peril, pestilence, calamity, mocking, or death; God will answer us as He did His Son. Our lives, both spiritual and physical, are secure in Christ, our Savior from death.
