MEDITATIONS FROM THE PSALMS

 

May 4, 2005             

Reading: Psalm 22: 1-21

 

“They look and stare at Me” Ps 22:17

 

Place yourself among the crowd, my soul, and tell me what you see. Three men hanging on crosses set in the ground with the life of each one slowly draining from them. You have heard the crimes each one has committed and have no qualms about the punishment of the two because they are convicted thieves—but the One in the middle, Jesus is His name, He has done nothing but good—why is He hanging there?

Listen carefully, one of the thieves is using his last breath to speak to Jesus—“Lord, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus turns His head and looks him in the eye, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”

Oh, what love and grace this is. “You will be with Me.” Executed by man’s justice, but received by God’s mercy. Not sometime but today,

Consider the scene unfolding before you. There Jesus hangs with His hands outstretched—one reaching out toward the penitent thief and the other toward the unrepentant thief—one hand reaching out in mercy and the other in judgment. My soul, can you see only what everyone else sees, or are your eyes opened to witness the ministry of your Savior? By one act, His death, Jesus accomplishes that for which He was born. By His death Jesus fulfills every prophecy and sacrifice presented in the Old Testament. God’s mercy and judgment were always coupled together in type, symbol, and prophecy. Forever, this tragic yet glorious scene is engraved on your heart—the outstretched arms of Jesus. Praise Him for His arm of mercy that He reached toward you.

 

Dear Jesus, Giver and Provider of mercy, accept the praise of this weak heart for the mercy You have extended to me. I am so undeserving of anything from your hand other than judgment for my sins. Thank You for taking my sins upon Yourself and enduring the judgment I deserve. I live because of Your mercy. As a recipient of Your mercy I know You personally. Blessed be Your Holy name.

 

“I will sing of mercy and justice; To You, O LORD, I will sing praises” Ps 101:1.