Jesus in Psalm

The Psalms give us some of the most profound insight into human emotions and experiences ever written down. They draw us into expression. The Psalms also provide a clear and perfectly accurate mirror into the condition of our own hearts and instruct us in God's ways. As if all this was not enough they also contain all the towering doctrines of our faith and reveal Christ in a profound way. Let’s take a brief look into Psalm 22, 23 and 24.

Psalm 22

Psalm 22 opens with the line “My God my God why have you forsaken me?” These words, or at least their sentiment, we may have offered up to God ourselves many times! But never have they held their actual meaning until Jesus uttered them on the cross (Mark 15v34). Jesus is the only one who was ever really forsaken, so that we might never be forsaken by God. This Psalm also describes being mocked (v7, see Mark 15v29), being poured out (v14) being pierced (v16 see John 19v34) having your garments distributed to others (v18 see Mark 15v24) and several other references to the crucifixion.

But note how the Psalm ends... With the promise of righteousness and “he has done it” (v31). Or in Jesus’ words “it is finished!” (John 19v30). This Psalm contains a towering and powerful view of how God takes the forsaken, and rescues with a righteousness of His doing!Nowhere is this work of God more truly displayed than when Jesus was forsaken on the Cross yet was faithful to finish the work of the cross... from Forsaken to Finished!!

Psalm 23

Psalm 23 contains an equally magnificent view of God's work of resurrection - from death to life! Identify the location of this Psalm - “in the valley of the shadow of death”. Yet it is here that... God is near (v4), God makes me lie down (v2), God leads (v2&3), God prepares a table(v5). Were it not for the presence and work of God we would be completely overwhelmed by death.

But note how the Psalm ends... “I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever” ETERNAL LIFE...death is defeated completely! This psalm contains a towering and powerful view of the work of God who rescues us from death and brings us to dwell forever with him!!Nowhere is this work of God more truly displayed than when Jesus gave up his body to death and then rose again bringing eternal life to all who believe in Him!

Psalm 24

Psalm 24 “The earth is the Lords” (v1) Who Rules the world? Who is he?? There is only one “the king of Glory” (v7,8&9). This Psalm describes the King of Glory who rules the world! The Psalm also asks the question who can ascend the hill of the Lord? (V3). It is one with “clean hands and a pure heart” (v4). It is the Lord himself (v8&10)!! The one who ascends the hill of the Lord is the King of Glory (see John 3v13).

But note how the Psalm ends... “Lift up your heads, O gates! And lift them up oh ancient doors, that the King of Glory may come In. Who is this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, he is the King of Glory!” (V9-10). Prepare for the arrival of the Lord of hosts! The King of Glory...

This psalm contains a towering and powerful view of the King of Glory who is over all things. Nowhere is this work of God more truly displayed than in the ascension and return of Jesus. Only Jesus was pure enough to ascend to heaven and sit down upon the throne and rule all things! He is the Lord of hosts, the Returning King of Glory...Let every heart prepare him room! What an amazing view we get of the work that God has done in these three Psalms... Psalm 22 from forsaken to the finished work. Psalm 23 from death's shadow to dwelling forever alive with Him. Psalm 24 from ascension to the return of the King of Glory.

Jesus was forsaken... so we will never be. Jesus finished his work... so we do not work for our forgiveness. Jesus was put to death...so that we will overcome death. Jesus was raised to life...so that we will live forever with Him. Jesus ascended into heaven...so we now live under his joyful rule. Jesus is coming back...so we anticipate the Glory of the King of Glory.