Psalm 22: HELP (Part 8)

We want to finish this up with a painful reality for some people. For some of you this has been painful. First because I’m preaching, but for some of you, you’ve cried out for help and the worst still came. The marriage still fell apart.

You did everything you could.

You cried out.

And God was silent.

I wish I had a good answer, a helpful answer. I don’t. This psalm probably paints a good picture of your pain, but you may not be so in to the lack of resolution … even if it resonates with your pain.

I chose this psalm because it is the most referenced psalm in the NT. It is on the lips of Jesus on the cross – when He is bearing the weight of sin and the wrath of God, the rejection of those He created and loved. Hebrews says Jesus has been tempted in every way like we have. But Jesus has also walked through the depths of pain more deeply than most of us.

I hope, if nothing else, this encourages or comforts you this morning. Whether you feel it or not, Jesus knows your pain. He has felt the pain of rejection and physical suffering. You’re following in His steps. As alone as you feel, you’re not in uncharted territory. Jesus has been there before you and He’s waiting for you on the other end.

The psalm ends resolutely. Let’s read it again.

They will proclaim his righteousness to a people yet unborn-- for he has done it. Psalm 22.31

He has done it. Similarly, on the cross, Jesus cries out, “It is finished!” He has done it. His death was not without purpose. It makes it possible for us to be with God, to have a relationship with Him, to be His friend. If you want that kind of relationship, talk to myself or Pastor Mike after service.

But it does more. It brings meaning to our pain. Because the most innocent man ever died and good came from it, we know from Romans 8 that God can use all things for good for those who love Him. Our pain has meaning in the present – or at least near future.

But there will also be a time when pain is no more.

And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!" Revelation 21.3-5a

It isn’t today, but there will be a time when we will be reunited with those who have suffered and those we’ve lost and there will be a time when that ache that never ends … will end. And it will happen because Jesus walked before you in the valley of pain and death – and came out victorious. He is risen and He promises a better future for all of us. May that day come soon.