Psalm 22:22-31 – The Sure Victory
A psalm that begins with the dreadful cry of dereliction, ends with a triumphant shout of victory, “the pain of the cross is drowned out by the hope of the resurrection”. Christ knows that he will be victorious and states boldly ‘I will declare your name…’ v.22. Believers are called upon to praise the Lord, to glorify him, and to fear him v. 23, and the reason is given in the next verse ‘for he has not despised or disdained the suffering of the afflicted one; he has not hidden his face from him but has listened to his cry for help’ v.24. The evidence that God listened to his cry for help is the resurrection of Christ from the dead which opened the way for sinners to be reconciled to God.
The psalmist urges the people of God to express their praise and thanksgiving as they pay their vows in the presence of their brethren. Not only are we urged to praise God and to give thanks, from v. 26 to the end, we are given numerous reasons to praise the Lord:
There is full satisfaction in Christ that is available no matter whether you are rich or poor, for it is those who seek the Lord who will eat and be satisfied and will thus praise him v. 26.
The gospel message would be spread to the uttermost parts of the world, and that message would bring men and women to faith in Christ v. 27. We praise God today because the message is still being proclaimed to the uttermost parts of the earth.
God is the ruler over the nations, and one day all nations on earth will recognise him as such v. 28 – 29 whether that be in humble submission as Lord and Saviour or whether it is in forced submission as king and judge. What a great reason to bless the Lord!
Vs 30-31 speak of the glorious promise of the continuation of the church of Christ from generation to generation and age to age aa parents teach their children about the Lord and see them come to trust the Saviour.
All this marvellous work is certain and sure because ‘He has done it’.
Questions
- Why is the resurrection so important?
- How can we pay our vows to the Lord?
- What can we do to make sure that the coming generation will know the Lord?
Prayer Points
- Praise God for the glorious victory of Christ.
- Pray for a thankful heart.
- Pray for the worldwide spread of the gospel.
- Pray for the preaching and hearing of God’s Word tomorrow.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters