It’s on a day like today that your heart may be crying out the words similar to our Savior as He cried out from the cross “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matt. 27:46). The anxiety of the future that seems to hang in the balance in a time when our nation seems so polarized and divided can feel overwhelming. However, these words that Jesus cried out during his ultimate demonstration of love for sinful humanity (Rom. 5:8) come from the opening line of Psalm 22 (read the chapter). The psalmist wrote in his own anguish a prophetic word that was fulfilled in the passion of Jesus Christ. It is a stark reminder that, in the darkest of times, God has a plan and purpose beyond our comprehension.
Why am I writing about Psalm 22 on the day of an election? It is easy to get caught up in the rhetoric of the day that the world hinges on the outcome of this election. You have your preferred candidate and the thought of losing can seem crippling. So much seems to be at stake, yet we need to remember who is writing history. In the midst of the prophecies of Psalm 22 is a reminder that “Kinship belongs to the LORD, and He rules over the nations” (Ps. 22:28). God is in control.
This is a proclamation that resounds throughout the Scriptures and yet we can easily forget it. Consider Psalm 47:8, “God reigns over the nations; God sits on his holy throne.” And Psalm 103:19, “The LORD has established his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules over all.” The psalmist found great comfort in the midst of turmoil in the truth that God reigns over all.
Daniel was taken into captivity by a foreign king, given a new name, and moved to a new land. Yet he said, “Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, to whom belong wisdom and might. He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings…” (Daniel 2:20–21). Daniel saw the rise and fall of emperors and held fast to his belief that God is sovereign over all.
Psalm 22 is a lament, a crying out to God, and a prophecy of the coming Redeemer. Jesus Christ fulfilled the prophecies on the cross. He died and was buried, according to the Scriptures. But he rose again! He conquered death and sin (1 Cor. 15:1-8). This was done according to the plan of God that he set forth from before time began. “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Cor. 15:57). Jesus won the victory!
Jesus’ victory over death has given us the victory over sin. He invites us into newness of life and a transformed mind (Rom. 12:1-2). This world is not our home (Phil. 3:20), so why do we get so caught up with earthly things?
When we focus on the risen LORD, we can have confidence in every circumstance in this life and a firm hope in the life to come. Paul states, “do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:6–7).
Let your hope be in Jesus, for he has won the victory! No presidential candidate can provide for you what Jesus has already accomplished. Do not put your hope in one party over the other party, put your hope in Jesus. “For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 2:5). Take your cares, your worries, your anxieties, and your fears to him, for he cares for you (1 Pet. 5:7). Vote your conscience. Trust God with the results and live in the freedom that Jesus has given you. No matter who wins today, live your life knowing that Jesus won, that God is still on the throne, and He is continually working (Phil 1:6).
So, if your candidate wins or loses, love one another. Live at peace with your neighbor (Rom. 14:19). Seek to bless those around you. Confidently proclaim the truth: Jesus won!
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek” (Romans 1:16)
Psalm 22 opens with a soul crying out in anxious anguish. It speaks of the awful things that happened to our Savior. It declared the Kingship of the LORD over all the nations. And it leads us to one of the most comforting songs of all time: Psalm 23
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness
for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.
To God be the Glory!
No comments:
Post a Comment