OUR SAVIOR PIERCED FOR US
This Davidic psalm began with the question that Jesus cried out from the cross: “My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?” (Psa. 22:1). David wrote this psalm with his own feeling, yet I wonder how much awareness he had that he was describing the coming Messiah’s death. Did the Spirit awaken him at night to feel the agony of crucifixion: “I am poured out like water, all my bones are out of joint, they have pierced my hands and feet and cast lots for my clothing?” Written centuries before the Romans had even invented the cruel practice, the Spirit revealed the crucifixion of the Messiah to David.
Psalm 22 is filled with such detail that it is astounding in its prophetic power. It was clearly fulfilled in the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the Son of God. For Jesus was pierced for us just as David foresaw. And not only David, but the prophet Isaiah, who wrote, “He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed” (Isa. 53:5).
In another place, Isaiah wrote that the Lord had said, “Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands” (Isa. 49:16). Surely, this verse applies to Jesus too. For He carries the scars of crucifixion on His hands, engraved there for each of us. Our Savior was pierced for us. And one day, we will see Him.
PRAYER: Dear Father, today we meditate on the the suffering of our Savior. For He was pierced for our transgressions. It was for our sin that He paid. His hands and feet were pierced by us and for us. We therefore devote ourselves afresh to Him this day. Strengthen us to always live for Him. In the precious name of Jesus, amen.