Psalm 22

This passage is another in our week long series on prophecies dealing with the cross and Jesus. The New Testament contains 15 messianic quotations (Christ said it) from this psalm. Some in the early church called it the “fifth gospel”. As you read it David is writing about himself, but obviously with his knowledge or not he is writing about Jesus Christ. Have you ever felt like David in verse one? God where are you, God why have you left me alone. Jesus did. This verse is a verse that Jesus quoted right from the cross. But, Jesus had a right to say it. Because God did turn His back on His son. Because Jesus became sin for us, God could not look on Him for He is Holy. We however have no right to say it, because God will never turn His back on you and me. First of all He promised He would never leave us nor forsake us. Second when we except Christ as our savior God looks down on us and sees the blood of His son covering us, thus making us perfect in His sight. If it hadn’t been for Christ becoming sin and bearing the weight of sin on His shoulders, God would never be able to look at us and call us His children. Later on if you notice in verse 21, David says “You have answered me”. Often the reason we feel God has left us, is because we have left Him. David then in the next 10 verses spends time praising God for His promises and His presence. Today maybe we need to spend time praising God for the work He has done in our lives.

Father thank you for the cross. Thank you that you never turn your back on us. Thank you that you are always there and that if I am willing I can experience your presence all throughout the day. Give us strength today and help us to look to you each moment.