MEDITATIONS IN THE PSALMS [An outline of the Psalm, A good devotional study when using the scriptures indicated] Psalm 22, Part 5: Verses 8-11 The Faith Characteristic of the Children of the Covenant What does true faith bring from the world but scorn upon the believer? Look closely at verse 8 as our LORD was on the cross, “He trusted in the Lord, let Him rescue Him; Let Him deliver Him, since He delights in Him”, scoffing our LORD for His true faith in His Father. Reading Gen. 21:5-9 we see this scorn as Abraham and Sarah must be mocked (& others throughout the scripture): “The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.” The Puritan William Plumer said “It is right that the followers of an afflicted Savior should know the fellowship of His sufferings and be made conformable to His death.” “God had one Son without sin, but none without affliction.” The world may revile and taunt our belief, but if anything ever turns an obstinate heart to the Lord, it will be the witness of an unyielding, never- flinching faith! Let us learn to roll all our burdens on Him. He can and will sustain us even in our most “severe troubles”; the heavier the load, the greater our need of His sustaining hand. The more we trust, the more He delights in lending that hand. He who made us can take care of us; He who gave us life can sustain it. Reading 2 Chro.16: 12-13 we see Asa did not believe this: how encouraging is Isa.40:28-31 and Isa.25:9. “Commit your way to the Lord … [ROLL each care on Him]” Ps.37:5; “Rest in the Lord …” Matt.6:24-25, “No one can serve two masters; … Therefore I say to you do not worry.” There is a moderate care as well, “Go to the ant, consider her ways and be wise” (Pro.6:6-11): “But if anyone does not provide for his own, he has denied the faith, and is worse than an unbeliever (I Tim.5:8). We continue on in the duties of life, trusting our Father for what is beyond our ability to perform; waiting for His deliverance, which is the character of His children. “You are He who took Me out of the womb; You made Me trust while on My mother’s breasts.” The argument is – “the greatness of Your power was manifest in giving me existence and birth, shall I despair of help from You now, as you are righteous, and have declared Yourself well pleased in me?” “You made me hope when I was upon My mother’s breast.” “From the womb to the cross I have hoped in You, and You have not failed me, shall I be left to despair in my final hour?” If He our sacred Head found deliverance, shall not we His sacred body? I was cast upon You from birth. From My mother’s womb You have been My God. Be not far from Me, for trouble is near; for there is none to help (vs. 10-11). “The crucified Son of David continues to pour out His complaint and prayer. We need much grace that while reading we may have fellowship with His sufferings. May the blessed Spirit conduct us into a most clear and affecting sight of our Redeemer’s woes.” ~~Terry Worthan, 1938-2022
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