Easter thoughts

Psalm 22 

A piece of artwork I finished 

Someone pointed out that Matthew and Mark tells a story of the crucifixion with lines from this Psalm. I grew up reciting the 23rd psalm that my father taught me. In my little bible I have written my dad's name in the margin to remember. 

This month has many of days of remembrance from April 19th the OKC bombing, this was the first anniversary of the  Boston marathon bombing and of course Easter Sunday. The day that Jesus conquered death. Easter Sunday in class some ask a question was asked about Jesus death (I don't remember what it was) but the response pulled the class over to Psalm 22.

"1My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?

Why are you so far from saving me,

so far from my cries of anguish?

2My God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer,

by night, but I find no rest. 

16Dogs surround me,

a pack of villains encircles me;

they pierce my hands and my feet.

17All my bones are on display;

people stare and gloat over me.

18They divide my clothes among them

and cast lots for my garment.

22I will declare your name to my people;

in the assembly I will praise you.

23You who fear the Lord, praise him!

All you descendants of Jacob, honor him!

Revere him, all you descendants of Israel!

24For he has not despised or scorned

the suffering of the afflicted one;

he has not hidden his face from him

but has listened to his cry for help.

25From you comes the theme of my praise in the great assembly; before those who fear you I will fulfill my vows."  Psalms 22:1-2, 16-18, 22-25

We followed along as he read it. Laments turns into remembrance the asking of why are you doing this to me into remembrance that he is "I am." 

Some asked about Psalm 22:24, how does God a not turned away and just listen. An image popped in my head the scene in Noah of the screams of the people hang on for dear life as the water brush the side of their bodies. The image of Noah's family begging to let them in. I can imagine of God doing the same thing the love he has for his son, Jesus and listening to his moans as he hangs on the cross. 

This was going to be my Easter post but life just got away from me.  So better late than never. The crucifixion was suffering for God and Jesus to give us reconciliations and  new life a second chance of living. We are descendants of Abraham, descendants of Seth,  and descendants of Adam.