Fulfilled Prophecy
The Book of Psalms is one of my favorite books in the Bible. Through reading it, I have been encouraged to praise God for who He is and for what He has done. I see the greatness of God and His faithfulness in times of trouble. The Psalms include expressions of lament, praise, faith, and hope. One particularly poignant psalm that Jesus spoke while on the cross is Psalm 22:1, which says, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”
David wrote about half of the psalms, and Psalm 22 is attributed to him. He lived between 9 and 10 centuries before Jesus. This psalm is known as a Messianic prophecy, foreshadowing the suffering and death of Jesus. Inspired by the Holy Spirit, David’s vivid imagery in the psalm depicts the anguish and mockery associated with the crucifixion. It can also be viewed as David’s personal lament. Throughout his life, he faced serious trials but never lost faith, beginning the psalm with the words, “My God.” Many elements that David described in Psalm 22 were partially realized in his own life but were ultimately fulfilled in Jesus. By quoting the psalm’s opening words on the cross, Jesus highlighted the deep agony He endured as our substitute, bearing our suffering and becoming the sacrifice for our sins.
In the second part of Psalm 22, the mood and tone change dramatically. Agonized prayer gives way to ardent praise. After suffering, a vision of glory emerges, leading to a worldwide kingdom. Our God hears our prayers, fulfills His promises, and inspires us with praise. “He has done it.” – Psalm 22:31
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