Abide Together: Reflections on Psalm 22

Psalm 22 is a Psalm of David that is one of the most obvious Psalms that point to Jesus.  David begins with the lament, “My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?”  David, at this point in his life was being persecuted and was expressing his desperation to God.  Of course, Jesus said this on the cross and He experienced the ultimate forsaking from the Father as He died for the penalty of sin. David also recalls how the LORD had faithfully rescued Israel over and over.  He then recounts how he is being severely persecuted by his enemies. In verse 16, he says, “They pierced my hands and my feet.” Once again this actually happened to Jesus (the Greater David).  In verse 18, he says, “They divide my garments among them, And for my clothing they cast lots.”  This too happened to Jesus at the cross.  David cries out for the Lord to save him and then says in verse 21, “You answer me.”  The Lord did save David from his earthly enemies and David proclaimed that fact.  Ultimately however, David needed to be saved from the penalty of his sin.  It was Jesus, the one this Psalm ultimately points to, who saved David from the penalty of his sin – though His death on the cross and his subsequent resurrection and ascension.  Lord, may I never get over the price You paid so that I could be forgiven and made right with You.

– Bryan McKenzie