Psalm 22 God’s Plan to Save

Intro

Good morning Mission City Church

It is good to be back with you this morning.

For those of you who may not know me. My name is James Mauney. I serve as the Student Pastor at Parkwood Baptist Church in Concord.

And my wife Stephanie and I had the privilege of being members here at Mission City from 2016-2020. Our first daughter June was dedicated to the Lord here.

And the Lord used Mission City in a mighty way in our life as he prepared us for the next steps of ministry.

So it truly is good to be back with you this morning.

If you have your Bible If you will flip to Psalm chapter 22.

Last Sunday was Easter Sunday. we celebrated the death and resurrection of Jesus.

and my hope for us this morning is that we can look towards the Cross again. and that we can see the greatness of God in providing the Cross as His plan A for his people to know him.

Will you stand with me for the reading of God's word?

Psalm 22:1–31

Join me in prayer

Context

The Psalm that we have just read was written by David.

If we didn't know better we would think that David was at the foot of the Cross watching as God in the Flesh hung on the cross. Documenting each and every detail of what was happening.

But the truth is that David wrote these words nearly 1000 years prior to the crucifixion.

The first crucifixion of a man wouldn't be documented for 600 more years.

And Jesus himself would come 1000 years after this Psalm was penned.

David was writing about an event and afflictions of his own life but through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. He writes these words that point us to the Cross of Christ.

Today as believers we read these words. And it is impossible to remove the cross of Jesus from this passage.

Charles Spurgeon says it this way:

“David and his afflictions may be here in a very modified sense, but, as the star is concealed by the light of the sun, he who sees Jesus will probably neither see nor care to see David.

Before us we have a description both of the darkness and of the glory of the cross, the sufferings of Christ and the glory which shall follow. Oh for grace to draw near and see this great sight! We should read reverently, putting off our shoes from off our feet, as Moses did at the burning bush, for if there be holy ground anywhere in Scripture it is in this Psalm”

John Calvin says

although David here bewails his own distress, this psalm was composed under the influence of the Spirit of prophecy concerning David;s King and Lord… The heavenly father intended that in the person of his Son those things should be visibly accomplished which were shadowed forth in David.

In looking at Psalm 22. Though it is written by David.

All we can see is Christ Jesus.

With this in mind we approach the text.

And what we see is first God’s plan for the cross in verses 1-21 and then in the remaining 10 verses we are going to see how the cross changes our life.

this morning I want to share a main idea from our text focused on the Cross and then we will see in the text 3 ways we are to respond to the Cross

1. Main Idea: The Cross was God’s Plan for the Redemption of Sin from the Beginning of Time

David has no clue that God is using him as he writes this Psalm to point the nations towards the Cross of Christ.

David doesn't know that one prophesied of, that would come as the Son of God and who would redeem man from his sins would suffer the fate he described in his moment of pain.

But God knew.

And the Holy Spirit as He inspired David to write.

knew that the words David was writing would one day not be about David at all.

But instead they would point to the Son of David as Matthew would identify Jesus.

The one who as 1 John 2:2 says He is the propitiation for our sins, not for ours only but for the sins of the whole world.

But we have to see how God orchestrated the cross.

God didn't hear David's Psalm and think. That sounds like the way I'm going to bring my people back to me. Thats a great idea David.

From the beginning of time God had planned the cross.

In Genesis chapter 3. This is the famous sin chapter.

God creates the world and man and woman.

In this 1189 chapter book we call the Bible. It only takes until chapter 3 for man to mess everything God created up.

Sin enters into the world.

And in Genesis 3:14-15 God begins to tell the Serpent what the punishment for sin will be.

This is what he says.

I will put enmity between you and the woman,

and between your offspring[e] and her offspring;

he shall bruise your head,

and you shall bruise his heel.”

Verse 15 right there is what we call the Protoevangelium. Or more simply: We call it the FIRST GOSPEL.

God puts ENMITY meaning hatred between man and the serpent.

But from Eve. Born of woman only. Will come someone who will bruise the head of the serpent. But in order to bruise the head of the serpent he must bruise his heel.

It's Christmas. And we are celebrating the only man to ever be born without a earthly father.

The only one to be born solely of Woman.

The one who God had told us about.

And he came and he crushed the head of the serpent.

But to do that he had to endure the cross and die.

But this was God’s plan A. all along.

So what was the cross like?

David and the words repeated from David by Jesus give us an idea of what Jesus experienced on the cross.

And it starts with

v1. “My god my god why have you forsaken me”

These are the words that Jesus uttered from his lips as his body hung on the cross and the wrath of God was placed upon him.

Jesus purposely quotes David and this Psalm.

What David is trying to share here is that the most painful experience for humanity is to be separated from God.

And Jesus when he quotes these words. For the first and only time he is separated from God.

To be separated from God is to exist without purpose.

If we went back to Genesis and read the creation account. The purpose of God creating man and woman was for relationship with Him. To be ones who lived in creation and gave God glory.

But the punishment of sin is separation from God.

And here is David writing about the pain of that separation. And Jesus quoting David when he took on the punishment of sin for the world.

John Macarthur reminds us that Jesus does not cry out because of a lack of faith or trust in God. saying

“this is a cry of disorientation, because Jesus Christ was so used to God’s familiar, protective presence. He was so used to the fact that the Father was there. And now, all of a sudden, the Father’s presence on the cross is withdrawn, and in the disorientation, He cries out as the enemy closes in, and the eternally sinless One bears all the sins of all of history.”

Verse 2 continues with this theme. I cry out to you God but you don't answer.

It seemed as if when Jesus cried these things on the cross that there was no answer.

Then in verse 3 David reminds us that God is Holy. and He reminds us that God has remained faithful to his people.

We can learn a lesson here from David and Jesus.

When we feel like God has abandoned us. When we feel alone. We must remind ourselves of who God is and what he has done.

Inigo Montoya

One of the most famous lines in movie history. Comes from a man named Inigo Montoya.

Clinging to life as he swordfights the movies villain. Over and over again. He repeats. “My name is Inigo Montoya, you killed my father, prepare to die”

Over and over. Clinging to it as his truth and reason to live.

For us. Its not quite that serious but in the midst of our despair.

God is Holy and He is Faithful.

Life is hard. Sorrow surrounds you.

Remind yourself of God's holiness and his faithfulness,

Over and over.

Lets keep working our way through this Psalm. Look at verse 6.

David writes:” I am a worm and not a man scorned by mankind and despised by the people”

The Worm

Why would David call himself a worm? Where is this fulfilled in the Cross? When did Jesus become a worm.

What David is saying is that he felt so scorned by God that he felt less than man.

For David the worm was the lowest creature. Destined for life in the dirt. Being plucked from the dirt by birds.

But we have something much sweeter hidden here.

The word David uses for worm is the Hebrew word TOLATH.

Tolath everywhere else in scripture is translated as the color crimson or scarlet.

So why is it worm here?

Well what we know is that there is a worm that since Davids time has been called the Tolath Worm.

This worm is the worm that has was used in ancient times to make the color paint and dye of for things that would be scarlet.

When squished this worm would secret a scarlet blood.

Just as Jesus, on the cross sheds his blood.

But thats not all theres more to this worm.

This little worm had an interesting life cycle.

The mother worm would birth these baby worms and they would ride on her back.

The mother worm would climb a tree. And in an act of sacrifice would imbed herself into the tree. Spilling her scarlet blood. Staining the tree and dieing.

But in doing so she would bring forth new life and her offspring would live and grow.

David is saying that he felt like a worm. Insignificant. The least of all peoples.

Jesus was this worm in a much greater way. The one who implanted himself on the tree to die and through the staining of the tree bringing forth new life.

Look now at verse 8.

David tells us that those at the cross will ask “if hes God why doesnt he just save himself”

And this is exactly what they say 1000 years later.

If we move to verses 14-18

In verse 14 David says I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint;

my heart is like wax, it is melted within my breast;

He is describing the crucifixion. The idea is that all of the fluids of the body are drying up and ceasing to function, and the heart begins to flutter, and death finally comes.

“All my bones are out of joint.” In crucifixion being hung from your hands and feet would cause your body to slump and rest its weight in a maner that it would separate your body from its joints.

In doing this the victim suffocates to death. Very very slowly.

Because of how slow this process was. The soldiers would grow impatient.

They would come to the cross with a large piece of wood. And smash the upper legs of the criminal. Breaking the bones in their legs so to expedite the process.

V15 David is describing someone who is thirsty with their tongue sticking to their jaw.

Matthews Gospel tells us of Jesus thirst on the cross.

V 16 the evil doers encircle and they peirce his hands and feet.

How did David know this? In crucifixion there were two ways to hang someone to a cross. You could tie them to the cross or you could hang them with nails driven through their hands and feet.

God had even given David this knowledge of what would one day happen.

V17 tells us that his bones could be counted.

The only way to count someones bones is for them to be naked and exposed just as Jesus was.

David keeps pointing us to the cross and he has no idea.

And finally we see this plan of the cross come to an end.

Verses 21-22.

21 Save me from the mouth of the lion! You have rescued me from the horns of the wild oxen!

This verse is the end of Davids prayer of suffering. He cries out for salvation. To the God who saves. Having no clue he just described the God of salvation greatest act.

And between verse 21 and 22 something changes. In verse 22 David says:

22 I will tell of your name to my brothers; in the midst of the congregation I will praise you:

What changes? The story doesnt end at the cross! The one who cried out My God my God why have you forsaken me. The one who was pierced. The one who died.

He NOW lives! And because he lives we tell of his name.

The Cross of Christ was God’s plan from the beginning of time! And now the Grave is Empty! My savior lives!

And what David then gives us in the rest of this Psalm is the application for all believers. All who have been saved by the cross.

1. The Cross Moves us to Praise

Vv 22-26

V 22: I will tell of your name to my brothers; in the midst of the congregation I will praise you:

Those whose lives have been changed by the Gospel join the congregation in Praise!

notice . Its not those who are good at singing that join in the praise. Its those who have encountered the cross and the savior who died and rose again.

If you know Christ you have praise to offer up to him in the congregation! SING.

Look church, Theres a reason I sit at the front of the church.

Its not to block your view. Its because I am a terrible SINGER.

BUT you will not catch me silent in church.

And ill tell you why. Nearly 12 years ago here in a couple days. I went to India for 2 weeks. Celebrated Christmas by serving the Lord and his church in India.

We were in a muslim neighborhood known for persecuting believers at a house church.

Its time for worship. We are outdoors in a open air garage. And under the threat of persecution. I had the worst singing I have ever heard in my life. But it was the sweetest song. It was praise to the one who saves. The one who died for them.

They didnt care what it sounded like. They didnt care if it resulted in a police raid. They were going to sing praise!

Look at v23

23 You who fear the Lord, praise him!

All you offspring of Jacob, glorify him,

and stand in awe of him, all you offspring of Israel!

Do you fear the Lord? PRAISE HIM church.

Are you a member of his family? Sing of his glory!

Why?

Verse 24-26

24 For he has not despised or abhorred the affliction of the afflicted and he has not hidden his face from him, but has heard, when he cried to him. 25 From you comes my praise in the great congregation; my vows I will perform before those who fear him. 26 The afflicted[d] shall eat and be satisfied; those who seek him shall praise the Lord. May your hearts live forever!

Those who belong to the Lord. The one who was despised and afflicted. The one who came and saved us when we cried out to him.

We have a song to sing! Eternity is in our future! Praise his Great Name.

2. The Cross Sends Us to the Nations

Vv 27-28

27 All the ends of the earth shall remember

and turn to the Lord,

and all the families of the nations

shall worship before you.

28 For kingship belongs to the Lord,

and he rules over the nations.

All the ends of the earth will one day know the Lord.

As those who know the Lord we now have a duty.

Romans 10:14–15 “14 How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? 15 And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!””

The preaching of the good news isn't limited to the preacher.

Preaching of the good news is the call of the believer.

As Jesus would tell us. To go and make disciples of all nations!

Friend of Spurgeon and renowned evangelist G Campbell Morgan once said

“To call a man evangelical who is not evangelistic is an utter contradiction.”

Spurgeon himself once said “every christian is either a missionary or a imposter”

When you have encountered the cross of Christ that David is pointing us to.

When you the see the punishment afflicted upon Christ.

When it has become personal to you. That it was your sin that nailed him there.

You are moved to praise. But you are also moved to the nations.

Back in October I was at the NC Baptist Annual meeting NC Baptist with the International Mission Board partnered to commission close to 20 missionaries from all over the state of NC.

During that ceremony a number was shared.

That number was this.

173,451.

Look at that number, church.

This is what that number means.

This is the number of people each and every day who have never been pointed to the cross.

The number of people who die without the hope of the Gospel.

How are they to hear? Who is going to take the Gospel to them? It must be us. Those who have been changed by the cross and the empty grave.

3. The Cross Takes the Gospel to the Generations.

Vv 29-31

Look specifically at verse 30-31

Psalm 22:30–31 “30 Posterity shall serve him; it shall be told of the Lord to the coming generation; 31 they shall come and proclaim his righteousness to a people yet unborn, that he has done it.”

I want to close with this. David writes. That the generations shall serve this man upon the cross.

And they should tell the generations of his coming.

This is the story of the church's pasts and this is the story of the churches future.

To raise up the generations.

Mission City. I love you. I love your pastor. God is doing a work here. But we cant grow content.

We need saints willing to lay aside their preferences for the sake of the Gospel being spread to the generations.

We need the testimony of our saints as they finish the race well.

We need men to lay aside the pursuit the of financial gain for the sake of Gods call on their life to preach the Gospel and pastor churches.

We need families to give up comfort for the sake of missions.

We need the generations to come together and for their to a burden for the next generations to know of the one who saves.

From the beginning of time God had planned the cross to save you from sin.

Now the cross moves us to praise. The cross sends us to the nations. And the cross takes the gospel to the generations.

How do you need to respond?

For someone here this morning maybe you need to bow before the cross for the first time. To look upon the cross and submit to the one who died for you. To trust in Jesus for the first time.

For others maybe God has been working in your life calling you to submit to his calling. To become that missionary or pastor. Will you submit to his calling today?

As we sing this chorus. How will you respond? Let us pray.