Abiding in EasterSample

ABIDING IN EASTER - LENT DEVOTIONAL by BRYAN CRAIG

DAY 23

Because of all my adversaries I have become a reproach, especially to my neighbors, and an object of dread to my acquaintances; those who see me in the street flee from me.I have been forgotten like one who is dead; I have become like a broken vessel.For I hear the whispering of many—terror on every side!—as they scheme together against me, as they plot to take my life.But I trust in you, O Lord; I say, “You are my God.”My times are in your hand; rescue me from the hand of my enemies and from my persecutors!Make your face shine on your servant; save me in your steadfast love!

Psalm 31:11-16 ESV

Scripture and prophecy are so interesting. God inspired King David as he wrote this psalm out of his own struggles and perspective. Basically, David was journaling…hence, the importance of journaling. But David had no idea he was also describing our Lord Jesus, his great, great, great, great…grandson, who would face a very similar scene 1000 years later. In Psalm 31:5, David says the very words Jesus said on the cross, “Into Your hand, I commit my spirit.” You have to understand that Jesus, the Messiah, was foretold to come out of the line of King David, which all confirms a Master Plan from the beginning to end. So many Old Testament prophecies, like this one, point to Jesus and were fulfilled by Him. Here we are, a few thousand years later, still a part of that plan as we accept Jesus, and He lives through us.

APPLICATION:

If you are feeling persecuted, shunned, forgotten, avoided, threatened…take heart! Just like Jesus and King David, you can trust in God and His steadfast love.