3 Psalms Proclaiming Hope, Joy and Grace to the World
David’s life with all the ups and downs, the great victories and the moments of failure is a portrait of our Christians lives. Each step of the way, David was drawn toward an ever increasing passionate love for God. David had moments of great joy and seasons of deep sorrow. His Songs to God reflect these very emotions. Yet if we look a little closer we also see the gospel of grace being portrayed. How amazing it is that David’s moments of conflict were used to portray Christ’s crucifixion is Psalm 22. Then raised from the dead the shepherd cares for the sheep in Psalm 23. And finally the chief Shepherd appears as King of glory to own and reward the sheep in Psalm 24. A trilogy of Psalms portraying the Gospel. Look a little closer.
THE CRUCIFIXION PORTRAYED
Psalm 22:(NIV) “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
Why are you so far from saving me,
so far from my cries of anguish?” Are these not the same cries that we hear from the cross of Christ? Is this not the good shepherd who gave his life for the people? Then we see the foreshadowing of Christ again as they hurl insults, shaking their heads. 8 “He trusts in the Lord,” they say,
“let the Lord rescue him.
Let him deliver him,
since he delights in him.” Are these not the same cries of the people against Christ in Matthew 27:43.
picture used with permission of Ronald Barba for information about his artwork go to http://barba-art.com
Then we see the picture of the cross itself. ” I am poured out like water, all my bones are out of joint. My heart has turned to wax; it has melted within 15 My mouth[d]is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth; you lay me in the dust of death.” This is a picture of crucifixion. The joints being pulled out of place, the blood and water poured forth, the intense perspiration, the parched lips, the intense strain upon the heart and the death. Then we even see the “18 They divide my clothes among them and cast lots for my garment.” David with great detail gave us the picture of Christ to come. Was he aware of that? Or did God use David’s moments of conflict to form the words that would point to Christ? A question we must ponder as we look at our own moments of conflict. Are they a means to portray Christ to the world?
THE RESURRECTED SHEPHERD CARING FOR THE SHEEP
Psalm 23: The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake…6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Surely the portrayal of our current age. The shepherd providing for our every need.
THE CHIEF SHEPHERD APPEARS AS KING OF GLORY
Psalm 24 is a portrait of just the chief shepherd as He will return one day in all His Glory as King. “7 Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in.8 Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle.9 Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in.10 Who is this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, he is the King of glory. Selah.”
CONCLUDING THOUGHTS
This trilogy of psalms proclaim hope, joy and grace to the world by presenting the gospel. I asked the question above, “Did David know that?” or did God use the moments of suffering in David’s life so that David would present Christ to the world?[bctt tweet=” Are the trials in our lives a means that God uses to present Christ to the world?”] If we see that as true, would our response to trials be different?
I would love to hear your thoughts. Click here to comment.
The song I chose for you today is Amazing Grace as so beautifully sung by Celtic Women
The artist that drew the picture “A Broken and Contrite Heart” featured on my header Please go to his website ( http://www.barba-art.com) for information regarding obtaining copies or to commission him to create a masterpiece for you. Feel free to email him at Ron@Barba-Art.com to discuss any art projects.
©2015 Effie Darlene Barba
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.,