Unshakable Trust

“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?… Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel.” (Psalm 22:1, 3)

Since childhood, the Lord Jesus suffered because of the rejection and sinful behavior of men. Satan’s temptation, to which He was exposed especially at the beginning of His public ministry, added to His suffering. But all this cannot be compared with the three hours of darkness when He, the Holy One, burdened with innumerable sins, fell into the hands of the living God.

What were His thoughts focused on in those terrible moments? He prayed, “Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel” (Ps. 22:3). With Him, the perfect One, no rebellious thought could ever arise. On the contrary: He acknowledged the holiness of God and justified Him in His anger over sin. He was willing to suffer to magnify the holiness of God, and so that His redeemed heavenly people could sing His praises!

From the manger to the cross, the Son of Man was cast upon God (see Ps. 22:10). He trusted Him during His life, in view of His resurrection, and even when He was bearing the judgment of God! During the first three hours on the cross, His enemies cried out, “He trusts in God; let God deliver him now, if he desires him” (Mt. 27:43). But although there was no instant deliverance, He continued to trust and said, “On you was I cast from my birth, and from my mother’s womb you have been my God” (Ps. 22:10)! His faith was like a burning f lame that shone at its brightest in the darkness of Golgotha.

Have you ever praised the Lord Jesus for His trust? Do you sing praise to God in response to His work at Calvary? Even in the darkest hours trust in the One Who gives songs in the night (see Job 35:10)!

“About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God.” (Acts 16:25)

J.P.S.