For a full description of the (Y3) reading plan, see the “About” page.
- What attributes of God’s character does this passage reveal?
- How does the passage point to Jesus?
- How should the truth of this passage change me?
- How do the events of today’s reading help you better understand the grand narrative of Scripture?
Ps. 22
This familiar Psalm really brings home the anguish that Jesus suffered at His death. It wasn’t just physical. It was emotional and spiritual as well. His suffering was complete. However, so was His victory. I love how the Psalm goes from an anguished plea for help to exuberant praise, like flipping a switch. It goes from hopeless despair to absolute victory. And now Jesus’ story is our story. Because God does not hide His face from the oppressed but answers our cry for help.
Ps. 23
Psalm 22 is clearly a prophecy regarding Jesus’ death and resurrection. However, it also roughly depicts our transition, when God takes us from death to life, just as He did Jesus. This likewise familiar Psalm then depicts our new walk with Jesus, our shepherd. When we put our trust in Him, we find that He meets our needs, renews our life, and guides us through every situation. His laws and discipline no longer intimidate but now comfort us. We recognize His goodness and faithful love. And we desire to remain in His presence forever.
Ps. 24
Who will stand with God? “The one…who has not appealed to what is false”. (Ps. 24:4b). There it is. We know that God is truth and there is no other. Therefore, placing our trust and giving our heart to anything that is not God is appealing to what is false. When we appeal to God alone, however, He gives us His righteousness so that we can be with Him.
Ps. 47
This Psalm says to sing praise to God. Then it says, “Sing a song of wisdom” (Ps. 47:7a). The footnote says, “Sing a Maskil”, so I assume this is a specific type of song. Still, you can’t miss the association between wisdom and praise. The Bible says that the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom. A big part of fearing God is recognizing and acknowledging who He is. And that is the definition of praise. Indeed, it is wise to praise God, “for God is King of the whole earth.” (Ps. 47:b).
Ps. 68
“As wax melts before the fire, so the wicked are destroyed before God.” (Ps. 68:2b). When I read that this morning, I couldn’t help but think back to Psalm 22, which I read moments ago. One of the similes used to describe Jesus’ anguish at His death is, “my heart is like wax, melting within me.” (Ps. 22:14b). This just made me think about the truth that Jesus took our place when He hung on that cross. He chose to melt like wax so that we didn’t have to. If, however, we choose to run away from instead of to Him, we reap our own just punishment.