There are two readings for today.
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 20
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
‘“He trusts in God. Let God rescue him now if he wants him, for he said, ‘I am the Son of God.’” [Matthew 27:43]
Jesus is being mocked.
He claimed to have a special relationship with God – for he said, ‘I am the Son of God.’
David is expressing the same confidence: Now this I know: The Lord gives victory to his anointed. He answers him from his heavenly sanctuary with the victorious power of his right hand. Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. [Psalm 20:6-7]
Then why is Jesus suffering, and why does David experience so much suffering.
We wonder the same thing, where is God when we are suffering, why does He allow it?
Right now I can think of a family whose young daughter has been diagnosed with a cancerous tumour, and will need 9 months of treatment.
Or the mom who is struggling with her husband, his troubling addictions, and his abuse.
The list could go on… these are Christians who have put their hope in God.
Trusting in God does not make life automatically easy or trouble-free.
But trusting in God is like an anchor to a rock solid reality – no matter how the storms batter and bash, we are held firm and sure.
Our sights are higher and broader than our immediate relief.
We see beyond the moment to the big picture, to the end of all things.
Life will always be uncertain, but the outcome is assured when it is anchored in God.
Psalm 20 is a royal psalm, a prayer of confidence by King David.
He is declaring over himself God’s promise of blessing, and trusting in God to do it.
King Jesus, the heir of David’s throne, the ruler of all creation, trusted God and was exalted.
Now in Him, anointed by the same Spirit, we are also a royal people.
We too can (and should) put our confidence in Him, and not in worldly powers.
We too can be mocked: ‘“He/she trusts in God. Let God rescue him/her now if he wants him/her, for he/she said, ‘I am a child of God.’” [Matthew 27:43]
May the Lord answer you when you are in distress; may the name of the God of Jacob protect you. [Psalm 20:1]
PRAYER:
Lord, today I choose to trust in You. Remind me that whatever happens, I am secure within Your grip, anchored to Your eternal love.