Ryan: Today marks the beginning of a couple of days of “Messianic psalms.” These are psalms that reference the Messiah, either directly or indirectly. Psalm 22, specifically, is full of “prophecies” that are very plainly seen in the life of Jesus. Let’s recount a few: the opening sentence, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” was spoken by Jesus just before he died. “Scorned by men and despised by the people. All who see me mock me; they hurl insults, shaking their heads” (see Matthew 27:39). “I am poured out like water” (see John 4:14 & John 19:34). “They have pierced my hands and my feet” (see John 20:27). “They divide my garments among them and cast lots for my clothing” (see Matthew 27:35). “The poor will eat and be satisfied” (see Matthew 14:20). A few more verses aren’t fulfilled in the written word, but in our daily life: “Posterity will serve him; future generations will be told about the LORD. They will proclaim his righteousness to a people yet unborn–for he has done it.” Being that here we are about 3,000 years after this psalm was written and we’re writing a blog post on the Internet that is available to billions of souls worldwide, I’d say this psalm’s closing line is quite accurate.
Samantha: I’ve never been in a war, but I was in a fist fight in 5th grade (I won.). The image in Psalm 27 of an entire army coming at you, weapons drawn, is very intimidating. When I read the psalm I pictured myself standing in an open field, unarmed, watching my impending doom approach. Yikes! But the psalm says, “Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then will I be confident” (Psalm 27:3). Standing there, knowing what is coming (think Braveheart), and yet being completely calm and confident that the Lord will be there to save you–that seems so difficult! To me, sometimes it is easier to give in to panic and worry over something that is tangible, that you can see, rather than to have faith that God, who is unseen, will come through for you. But when I remember that God is the creator of the universe, my worries seem silly and insignificant. After all, “The LORD is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psalm 27:1).
With apologies to Tristan & Leslie:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=70csu2Z51sM
Haha.. real nice Samantha! As always… wonderful thoughts guys! See you a month from today!