.... In the midst of the assembly I will praise You (Psalm 22:22). The entirety of this Psalm is prophetic and Messianic, predictive of Jesus, and in particular of His suffering. Starting with verse 1 which Jesus from the cross “My God, my God why have You forsaken me,” it goes on from there. In particular, it describes not only the agony of crucifixion years before the Romans invented it (i.e. 14, 15a, 16a, 17), but it is predictive of the casting of lots for His clothing (verse 18), and of the mockery that He also endured at that time (verses 7, 8). Furthermore, in quoting this morning's title verse in Hebrews 2:12, the “I” is clearly identified as Jesus. In particular the writer to the Hebrews tells us that it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. He quotes verse 22 of this Psalm, saying that Jesus is not ashamed to call us brethren, and that both He who sanctifies and those who are being sanctified are all of one (Hebrews 2:10-12).
The evidence for the Divine inspiration of Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16), and with it the existence of the God of the Scriptures, is there for anyone who has eyes to see. Anyone that is who does not, by his or her presuppositions, rule these things out in advance of any investigation. I am reminded of a conversation with a Professor at the University. I had asked him what it would take for him to believe. Referring to the incident reported in Scripture (Isaiah 38:8), he said that he would believe if the sun went down backwards 10 degrees. I then asked him “Would you really?” He thought for a moment then answered “No, I would find some other explanation!” He describes himself as an atheist, and I have always thought that the atheist has more faith than the Christian, it is just a different faith, a faith in “not God.” I mean more faith, because where is the evidence of “not God?”
Though, as I have said, the proof of God's existence is contained within the pages of the Bible, its primary vehicle of revelation is declaration. In this morning's verse, Jesus declares the Name of the Father to His children. Genesis 1 declares in the beginning God, and that “faith comes by hearing (declaration), and hearing by the Word of God” (Romans 10:17). Again in this morning's verse, in the midst of His suffering (this psalm; Hebrews 2:10), Jesus models our appropriate response which is praise and worship. When we can truly praise Him in the midst of our suffering, then we know that our faith is real. And remember, God inhabits the praises of His people (Psalm 22:3).
Father, I want to thank You this morning for the depth of Your Word. You tell us Lord that if we meditate on it day and night, abiding in it, obeying it then we will prosper in everything we do (Psalm 1:3) Thank You Lord that You are a rewarder of those who diligently seek You (Hebrews 11:6). Thank You that Your Word is true and that we are one with You, and we give You praise and glory in Jesus Name Amen
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