Psalm 22 records some event in the life of David in which he suffered extreme heartache. He felt desolate and disorientated. This is clear from vv. 1–2, 6–8, and 12–18. But amidst this heartache, David clung to God. He professed great confidence in God even as he confessed that he was confused by God. We see this in vv. 3–5 (in which he remembers the character and the past … [Read more...]
The Story of the Cross (Psalm 22:1–22)
It has been suggested that Psalms 22–24 form a deliberate trilogy, and that the common theme is that of Jesus as Shepherd. The New Testament reveals Jesus as “the good shepherd” (John 10:11), “the great Shepherd” (Hebrews 13:20), and “the Chief Shepherd” (1 Peter 5:4). It is said that these three psalms line up with this threefold theme in that Psalm 22 reveals Jesus as the … [Read more...]
A Song for Sheep (Part 2) (Psalm 23:4–6)
You could subtitle Psalm 23 “A Year in the Life of a Sheep.” I am persuaded that this psalm pictures for us a journey from the fold, through the valley up to the table land, and then back down again to home in the fold. Some interpreters think that v. 5 shifts the metaphor from a Shepherd and his sheep to the Lord and His worshippers in the temple. I am unconvinced. As we … [Read more...]
A Song for Sheep (Psalm 23:1–2)
Calvin began his Institutes with these words: Our wisdom, in so far as it ought to be deemed true and solid wisdom, consists almost entirely of two parts: the knowledge of God and of ourselves…. Every person, therefore, on coming to the knowledge of himself, is not only urged to seek God, but is also led as by the hand to find him. Psalm 23 indicates the same truth. If we … [Read more...]
A Mission, A Mess, A Mercy (Psalm 67:1–7)
We recently held what is, I believe, one of our most memorable missions conferences. Our guest speaker was Choolwe Mwetwa from Central Baptist Church in Chingola, Zambia, and he spoke to us on “The Greatness of the Great Commission.” Sitting under his ministry was like receiving manna. But he has returned now to his home church now. The manna has ceased, and we are now being … [Read more...]