I took a day off the computer to get out and about a bit. Not sure it was my best choice, as I ended up in lines of thinking that have had a heavy impact. Perhaps I'd have done better to be absorbed and focused in a productive direction.
That stubborn sad situation that I want to accept so I can get over it, just rears itself and threatens to carry away my peace and joy, as well as my confidence in, and hope for, the future. I know it is all part of the grieving process and loss, but...
And carnal thinking would have me believing that I am an utter failure.
And in case you don't realise this, ALL such thoughts, no matter how 'natural', are not scriptural. So now, it's time to simply forsake such thoughts, fix my eyes on Jesus and encourage myself in the Lord!
I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord.Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future Jer 29:11
Rediscover the joy of your salvation
It's hard to believe how mere words can so transform the state of our hearts and minds-and yet, when we receive the Word as the trusted Truth-it produces itself in us and becomes the manifest evidence of what we eagerly anticipate (that's Bible hope)
God's Promised Salvation in Psalm 22 is astounding prophecy-1000 years prior to the crucifixion.
Yesterday, we looked at some of Isaiah's prophecies and I supplied the scriptures for all four gospel accounts of Jesus crucifixion. The point being that the correlation between the promised prophesied salvation of God and the appearance of Him is made unmistakably clear.
Jesus always lived to fulfil the scriptures about him and the Jews were eagerly awaiting their Messiah. But by the time he came, they were too steeped in pride and religious tradition to want to recognise, accept or honour Him. But this was the plan. The priests had to be the ones to slay him.
Psalm 22
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| The Second Coming of Christ, as the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, rather than the Lamb that was slain, is also foretold. |
I'm going to keep this very simple and just line up a few places where there are direct references made in the gospels, to this profound Psalm. My intention is just to keep building an understanding about God's Promise in His Salvation Plan-it's certainty and perfection. No mere man could ever have conceived, let alone executed, such a masterfully orchestrated divine drama spanning the timeline of mankind from beginning to end...and make it known as e went.
Only GOD.
There is a lot of content here.
Consider the verse from Psalm 22 then , look up the verses listed immediately beneath. This psalm was written 1000 YEARS before the event it foretold!
Jesus, and the salvation he was bringing, were long awaited.
What does it mean to you to know that God has demonstrated such an outrageous expression of extravagant love toward you? Jesus because of the joy it would lead to, went through all this, so that you and I could be reconciled to God and be one with the Father, Son and Spirit ( Jn 17:20-26)
And he is coming again!
( I have included two links below for further research. The Open Bible one is rich with content!)
Psalm 22:1 "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
Mk 27:46, Mk 15:34
Jesus was briefly 'forsaken' so that I would never be.
Ps 22:7 All who see me, mock me. They make mouths at me,
they wag their heads
Mk 15:29-32, Matt 27:39-40
Ps 22: 8 "He trusts in the Lord,let Him deliver him,
let him rescue him, for he delights in him!"
Mt 27:43, Mk 15:20
Ps 22:15 My strength is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue sticks to my jaws,
You lay me in the dust of death
Jn19:28
Ps 22:16 For dogs encompass me, a company of evildoers encircles me,
They have pierced my hands and feet.
Jn 19: 23 & 37, Jn 20:25
Ps 22:18 They divide my garments among them
and for my clothing they cast lots
Mt 27:35, Jn 19: 23-24, Mk 15:24, Lk 23:34
Ps 22:27 All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to the Lord,
and all the families of the nations shall worship before you.
Rev 7:9-12, Acts 20:21 Gen 12:1-3
** Some further reading
Psalm 22 Cross References from the Open Bible
this is a powerful resource that is quite comprehensive and rich with content.
on breaking down Psalm 22 from a Messianic Jew
Better Thoughts to Think!
I realise there is a lot of verse hunting here, but the truth is, that is how we come to know our Bibles and glean the knowledge of the promises that have the power to save us. This is one kind of study that helps to keep us strong when facing adversity.
Not only so, but it reminds us that the second coming of Christ is also coming and has been foretold in equal fashion...with perhaps in greater number and detail. God is the God who makes known the end from the beginning! ( Is 46:10)
Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times, things not yet done,
saying "My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose."
Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!
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