Psalm 22 is sometimes called the Psalm of the Cross. Written by David about 1,000 years before the crucifixion and centuries before this means of execution was even known to man, it is a wonderful study in the contrast between 2 ideas. The 2 ideas are suffering and glory.
The first 21 verses, as a Messianic prophecy, address the sufferings the Messiah would endure on the cross. The Psalm begins with that familiar cry from the cross as Jesus shouldered the sins of mankind.
The last section of the Psalm beginning with verse 22, extols the glory of the risen Savior. The key word, praise, is found four times in the section.
When we deal with suffering in our lives, it is always a blessing to consider the glory promised to the child of GOD who will remain faithful. Does not Revelation 2:10 promise such?
…be faithful unto death and I will give you the crown of life.
The theme of suffering and glory is an interesting study. It is found several times throughout the New Testament, often while discussing the Savior.
Jesus said of Himself in Luke 24:26 – Ought not the Christ to have suffered these things and to enter into His glory?
Suffering and Glory.
But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory…Heb 2:9
Three times in Peter’s 1st letter, he reminds us that we too are expected to experience sufferings in our walk with Christ. We do so with the attitude that we may also be a partaker of the glory which shall be revealed. The reader is encouraged to visit the following passages: 1 Peter 4:13; 5:1, 10.
When we suffer the reverses of life, let us not quit. Let us remember the best is yet to come.
Paul may have said it best in Romans 8:18.
For I consider the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
It is all a matter of perspective.
Let us be faithful to the LORD no matter what comes our way.
It was Robert Browning who said, “Grow old with me, the best is yet to be…”
Indeed.