Jesus' Hint From The Cross - And Nobody Caught It!
Psalms 22 begins with the very words Jesus cried out from the cross in Hebrew - "My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?" As Jesus summoned the strength to shout out these powerful words, it seems that no one knew His cries were a reference to Psalms 22. This chapter describes the cross scene! Many years ago, King David wrote these words in a poetic way to describe a situation he was going through, all along not knowing that he was prophesying the actual, physical, future events surrounding the death of his Savior. Jesus knew this passage well. And, from the cross He gave a hint to everyone to look to this chapter. If they had, they may have had an opportunity to realize this event was the fulfillment of Scripture concerning their Messiah! Sadly, the proud and spiritually lost religious leaders who were responsible for His crucifixion were so blinded by anger, hatred, and jealousy they wouldn't have done anything about it anyway. For Jesus this statement was His final message to the Jews and to world that He was in fact the Son of God and that these events were prophesied by King David.
The most obvious of this passage is verses 16-18, "For dogs have surrounded Me;The congregation of the wicked has enclosed Me. They pierced[c] My hands and My feet; I can count all my bones. They look and stare at Me. They divide My garments among them, And for My clothing they cast lots."
Obviously, the Romans considered any many dying by way of a cross his life was valued less than that of a dog. Jesus was surrounded by two dogs - a thief and murderer hung on a cross to each side of him, not to mention the Romans below who were considered "dogs" to the Jewish religious leaders. They pierced His hands and feet and hundreds looked upon him in shock, despair, and disgust. As He died, the Romans soldiers cast lots (or gambled) for what little clothing they stripped him of as He carried His cross up the hill called Golgotha.
What is Jesus crying to you about today? What hints is He giving you that you are ignoring that are so obvious, but you are unwilling or afraid to heed?
Psalms 23 is probably the most memorized passage of Scripture in the Christian world. Even unbelievers know this passage. It's been quoted so often! It reminds us ALL that God is our shepherd who loves us, cares for us, guides us, and protects us. No matter how bad things may get in your life, He is there!!!
In my opinion, the best way to see the power of Psalms 24 is to read it from the bottom up. David tells us (as believers) HOW to enter into an eternal life with the God who sits on the throne of Heaven! He answers the question EVERYONE would like to know, "Who may ascend into the hill of the Lord?
Or who may stand in His holy place?" In other words, he answers the question - "Who is the person that will enjoy the presence of the Almighty one day?" Here's who it is:
- Those who live a righteous life before God (clean hands).
- Those who have a pure heart. Those who love righteous living and want to please God in all things.
- Those who have served God alone and NOT some other idol like money, job, position, or popularity.
Will you be one who will have the opportunity to enjoy the presence of God throughout eternity? I hope so!
Write me if you have ANY questions about how to know how to give your life to Christ and enjoy the presence of God forever!!!
Write me if you have ANY questions about how to know how to give your life to Christ and enjoy the presence of God forever!!!