Messianic
Notes
Transcript
A Symphony of Hope
A Symphony of Hope
As we continue our journey through the Psalms, tonight we turn our focus to the powerful Messianic Psalms—those that reveal the suffering and triumph of the Messiah. Sometimes, we overlook the depth of prophecy contained in the Psalms, but these sacred songs give us profound glimpses into Christ’s suffering, death, resurrection, and eternal reign.
These Psalms not only foreshadow Christ’s work but also provide us with a framework for understanding our own struggles. They remind us that suffering is not the end of the story; rather, it is part of God’s redemptive plan. Through these passages, we learn to view our trials through the lens of Christ’s suffering and ultimate victory, finding hope and assurance in His reign.
Suffering Shared with Christ
1 My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me? Why are You so far from helping Me, And from the words of My groaning?
2 O My God, I cry in the daytime, but You do not hear; And in the night season, and am not silent.
3 But You are holy, Enthroned in the praises of Israel.
4 Our fathers trusted in You; They trusted, and You delivered them.
5 They cried to You, and were delivered; They trusted in You, and were not ashamed.
6 But I am a worm, and no man; A reproach of men, and despised by the people.
7 All those who see Me ridicule Me; They shoot out the lip, they shake the head, saying,
8 “He trusted in the Lord, let Him rescue Him; Let Him deliver Him, since He delights in Him!”
9 But You are He who took Me out of the womb; You made Me trust while on My mother’s breasts.
10 I was cast upon You from birth. From My mother’s womb You have been My God.
11 Be not far from Me, For trouble is near; For there is none to help.
David’s words in this passage prophetically mirror Christ’s cry from the cross: “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” (v.1). These verses vividly depict the depth of anguish Jesus experienced—physical pain, emotional abandonment, and spiritual torment. This is more than a lament; it is a prophetic declaration of Christ’s ultimate anguish on the cross. The vivd imagery in this passage reveals the depth of Jesus’ suffering-abandonment by God, physical pain, and mockery by His enemies.
Yet, even in this moment of apparent despair, David declares God’s holiness and faithfulness (vv.3-5). This teaches us an essential truth: even when we feel abandoned, God remains sovereign and worthy of our trust.
Historical context: In ancient Israel, this Psalm was a personal lament of David, yet it found its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus’ crucifixion. The suffering of the righteous was a common theme, but Christ’s suffering uniquely accomplished redemption for all who believe.
Application: When we feel abandoned or forsaken, we can take comfort knowing Jesus has walked this path before us. His suffering was not in vain but part of GOd’s greater redemptive plan. Jesus’ suffering wasn’t just a passing moment of anguish-He fully identifies with our pain and abondonment. This means when we cry out to God in times of hardship, we do so knowing Jesus understands us completely. He has been there before us. And just as He was not abandoned by the Father, neither are we.
Reflection: How does knowing that Jesus fully understands your suffering change how you approach God in difficult times?
2. Supplication Amid Despair
12 Many bulls have surrounded Me; Strong bulls of Bashan have encircled Me.
13 They gape at Me with their mouths, Like a raging and roaring lion.
14 I am poured out like water, And all My bones are out of joint; My heart is like wax; It has melted within Me.
15 My strength is dried up like a potsherd, And My tongue clings to My jaws; You have brought Me to the dust of death.
16 For dogs have surrounded Me; The congregation of the wicked has enclosed Me. They pierced My hands and My feet;
17 I can count all My bones. They look and stare at Me.
18 They divide My garments among them, And for My clothing they cast lots.
19 But You, O Lord, do not be far from Me; O My Strength, hasten to help Me!
20 Deliver Me from the sword, My precious life from the power of the dog.
21 Save Me from the lion’s mouth And from the horns of the wild oxen! You have answered Me.
The Psalm moves into a deeper, more intense depiction of Christ's suffering. The phrase "They pierced My hands and My feet" (v. 16) is a powerful prophecy of the crucifixion, showing that the Psalmist is not only describing emotional anguish but physical agony. Despite this brutal imagery, the Psalmist continues to cry out to God for deliverance (v.19), showing us that even in the darkest moments, God is our refuge and hope.
New Testament Connection: The Gospel writers directly link this Psalm to Jesus suffering (Matthew 27:35, John 19:24). Christ endured the cross with full knowledge that His suffering would lead to the redemption of many.
Application: Like Jesus, we are called to pray and cry out to God in our own suffering. This Psalm teaches us that prayer in the midst of pain is an act of faith, trusting that God hears and will deliver in His time. It's not just about crying out to God, but it’s a declaration of faith that He will hear us, even when the answer seems delayed. We see Christ modeling this perfectly: His trust in the Father, even in the darkest moments, challenges us to keep our faith anchored
Reflection: When you face trials, do you turn to God in prayer like Jesus did? How can this Psalm encourage you to seek God’s deliverance?
3. Salvation for the Nations
22 I will declare Your name to My brethren; In the midst of the assembly I will praise You.
23 You who fear the Lord, praise Him! All you descendants of Jacob, glorify Him, And fear Him, all you offspring of Israel!
24 For He has not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; Nor has He hidden His face from Him; But when He cried to Him, He heard.
25 My praise shall be of You in the great assembly; I will pay My vows before those who fear Him.
26 The poor shall eat and be satisfied; Those who seek Him will praise the Lord. Let your heart live forever!
27 All the ends of the world Shall remember and turn to the Lord, And all the families of the nations Shall worship before You.
28 For the kingdom is the Lord’s, And He rules over the nations.
29 All the prosperous of the earth Shall eat and worship; All those who go down to the dust Shall bow before Him, Even he who cannot keep himself alive.
30 A posterity shall serve Him. It will be recounted of the Lord to the next generation,
31 They will come and declare His righteousness to a people who will be born, That He has done this.
A dramatic shift occurs here. The Psalm moves from deep lament to a declaration of God’s faithfulness. The one who suffered now proclaims God’s name to the assembly, calling all people to worship Him (v.22).
There is a remarkable shift in tone in this passage. The Psalmist, having moved from anguish to hope, declares the global scope of God’s salvation. Christ’s victory through suffering leads to the invitation of all nations to turn to Him in worship (v.27). This not only speaks of the resurrection but also hints at the expansion of the gospel to the ends of the earth. When Christ was resurrected, He didn’t just secure our personal salvation. He set in motion a global invitation—one that we are now a part of. This Psalm reminds us that our suffering and service are never just for us; they are part of the grand narrative of salvation reaching the nations. Each of us is called to take part in declaring God’s righteousness to those who have yet to hear.
Application: In Christ, suffering gives way to salvation-not just for Israel, but for all people. This should ignite our passion for global evangelism and the mission of the Church.
Reflection: How does this passage shape your view of evangelism? In what ways can you declare God’s goodness to those around you?
4. Sovereignty of the King
1 The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at My right hand, Till I make Your enemies Your footstool.”
2 The Lord shall send the rod of Your strength out of Zion. Rule in the midst of Your enemies!
3 Your people shall be volunteers In the day of Your power; In the beauties of holiness, from the womb of the morning, You have the dew of Your youth.
Psalm 110 paints a picture of Christ as the triumphant King, seated at the right hand of God, reigning with supreme authority. The imagery of enemies becoming His footstool signals a total victory over all opposition. This Psalm emphasizes that Christ’s reign is not a future hope but a present reality—He is ruling now
In a world filled with uncertainty and chaos, it’s easy to wonder if anyone is in control. But Psalm 110 reminds us that Christ is reigning *right now*—not just in the future, but in the present. He is ruling over every situation, every challenge we face. Knowing this gives us confidence that no matter the storm, Christ is sovereign and in command
Historical Context: In ancient Israel, this Psalm was understood as a coronation hymn for a Davidic king, but its true fulfillment came in Jesus. The New Testament references this passage multiple times (Matthew 22:44, Hebrews 1:13) to show Christ’s divine authority.
Application: Jesus is currently reigning as King, which means that in our everyday lives, we can have confidence that no situation or challenge is outside His control. When we are overwhelmed, we remember that Christ’s sovereignty assures us of ultimate victory.
Reflection: What does it mean for you personally that Jesus is reigning now? How does this give you confidence in your daily life?
5. Priesthood and Promise
4 The Lord has sworn And will not relent, “You are a priest forever According to the order of Melchizedek.”
5 The Lord is at Your right hand; He shall execute kings in the day of His wrath.
6 He shall judge among the nations, He shall fill the places with dead bodies, He shall execute the heads of many countries.
7 He shall drink of the brook by the wayside; Therefore He shall lift up the head.
This passage uniquely reveals Christ not only as King but also as Priest—one who intercedes on our behalf. Unlike the Levitical priesthood, which was temporary, Jesus' priesthood is eternal, securing our salvation forever. This dual role of Priest and King underscores Christ’s authority and His compassion for us.
New Testament Connection: Hebrews 5:6 explicitly links Jesus to this priestly order, emphasizing His eternal role as our mediator before God.
Application: Because Jesus is both our Preist and our King, we can draw near to Him confidently, knowing He intercedes for us and will one day return to reign forever. This should deep our relationship with Christ and encourage us to trust Him fully. Knowing that Jesus is both Priest and King assures us that He not only reigns over the universe, but also intimately intercedes on our behalf. His eternal preisthood means that every prayer, every concer, every trial is carried by Him to the Father. And His kingship means that no enemy, no hardship, can ultimately defeat us. This should give us the confidence to approach God with boldness and assurance.
Reflection: How does Christ’s role as both Priest and King impact your relationship with Him? How can you draw nearer to Him, knowing He intercedes on your behalf?
Conclusion: Finding Hope in the Messiah
Conclusion: Finding Hope in the Messiah
The Messianic Psalms provide us with a complete picture of Christ’s journey—His suffering, His trust in God, His victory over death, and His eternal reign. In our own lives, we may face trials, abandonment, and uncertainty, but these Psalms remind us that God is always working out His redemptive plan.
Through Christ, suffering is not wasted—it is transformed. His crucifixion was not defeat; it was the means of salvation for the world. His resurrection was not just for Him, but for all who place their trust in Him.
Application Expansion: Knowing Christ reigns now means we are not left to navigate life alone. His priesthood assures us of His constant intercession, and His kingship reminds us that He has ultimate authority over our struggles. This should lead us to deeper prayer, trust, and a boldness in sharing the gospel. When we face suffering, we don’t do so in isolation. We walk alongside the Savior who has suffered for us, intercedes for us, and rules over us. And in that knowledge, our trials are not meaningless; they are redeemed by the One who conquered death. Let that truth strengthen your trust and deepen your worship
As we go forth, we are not just followers of a King who will one day return—we are His ambassadors now. This gives us boldness, not just in facing our own struggles, but in proclaiming His victory to the world. This is a victory that is not only for us but for all who call on His name
Takeaway Questions:
How can these Psalms shape the way you endure suffering in your own life?
In what ways can you share Christ’s victory to others?
How does knowing Christ reigns as both Priest and King give you confidence in your faith?
May we walk away tonight with a renewed confidence in Christ—the suffering Savior, the resurrected King, and the eternal Priest who reigns forever.
