In the final analysis of the age of man, God will be glorified and worshipped by all creation (Phi 2: 9-11). Throughout Parts 1-3 of this Psalm study, David laments the wickedness of evil men who persecuted him. He was also assured of God’s steadfast love for him, for he declares, “The afflicted shall eat and be satisfied; those who seek him shall praise the Lord!” As noted before, Psalm 22 not only serves as a prefigurative symbol of the literal suffering of Jesus Christ in his crucifixion, but it also prophetically reveals the final victory of salvation for all who believe in Jesus. Here are few closing thoughts of this Psalm that should revitalize worship in us:
All Hail the King. At this point in the Psalm, David’s praise of God now expands its attention to the fallen world. He declares two truths: (1) All the world will turn and worship the Lord and (2) they will do so because he is the Supreme King of all kings that rules over all the nations. Be encouraged that as we navigate the trials of life, we are assured that God has not forsaken us. Jesus Christ is Lord now and already rules over all things (both good and evil) from heaven. Paul taught, “For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, (10) and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority” (Col 2:9-10). Even when things seem to be spinning out of your control, God never loses grip of your life. Remember, even Satan is on God’s leech under his Sovereign Rule (Job 1-2).
All Trust the King. God’s rule is also over the wealthy and powerful, thus David says, “All the prosperous of the earth eat and worship; before him shall bow all who go down to the dust, even the one who could not keep himself alive…” (v29). David continues as he says that all shall serve him and proclaim, “…his righteousness…” (v31). Our hope which anchors us in the choppy waves of life is the truth that through Christ we have inherited an eternal King and citizenship to his perfect Kingdom. In this promised future, our primary occupation will be the serving and worship of him forever all with all the nations. John in his vision describes this New Jerusalem, “And I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb. (23) And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light and its lamp is the Lamb. (24) By its light the nations walk and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it, (25) and its gates will never shut by day – and there will be no night there. (26) They will bring into it the glory and the honor of nations. (27) But nothing unclean will ever enter it, nor anyone who does what is detestable or false, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s book of life” (Rev 21:22-27). Hallelujah!
We can trust God at his word. Why? Because the death and resurrection of his Son, our Lord Jesus Christ is his promissory note to his people. Further, the gift of the Holy Spirit is a deposit towards that glorious future. We can rejoice with David who looked forward to this promise as he praises, “…they shall come and proclaim his righteousness to a people yet unborn that he has done it.” Amen and Amen!
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D
www.springoflivingwaters.com