A Portrait of the Cross
Posted: Friday, March 21, 2008
by Teresa Ortiz
Freelance writer/Speaker
The words written so long ago by the Psalmist ring loud and clear this morning as we are given
a glimpse of the future--which is now history. Words spoken by the Psalmist by the power of the Holy Spirit; how would he know to utter these words? Did he even understand what they meant? Did he know he was quoting the very words of Jesus and the crowds that would mock Him?
I invite you to take a little journey with me through Psalm 22 as we see a portrait of the cross.
The prophetic words, "My God my God, why have You forsaken Me?" Psalm 22:1, would be spoken by Jesus while he was on the cross in Mark 15:34.
"All those who see Me laugh Me to scorn; they shoot out the lip, they shake the head, saying, 'He trusted in the LORD, let Him rescue Him; let Him deliver Him since he delights in Him?" Psalm 22:7-8, spoken--no shouted with distain in Matthew 27:43-44.
"...They pierced My hands and My feet; I can count all My bones. They look and stare at Me. They divide My garments among them, and for My clothing they cast lots." Psalm 22:16-18, would be fulfilled in John 19:37.
It blows my mind to think that before time began God had a plan to redeem His creation. And Jesus, who would be obedient to leave heaven's throne to come and pay the price for you and I knowing some would reject Him with such hatred; wow. I have no words. But Crystal Lewis and Brian Ray say it well:
Remember
He's the man who'd bleed for me
not making a sound or cry
He suffered as a guilty man
His innocence was the crime
while others said come down and save yourself
He was saving my life
Remember, I will remember
what He did for me
Remember, I will remember
how He died for me
Early Sunday morning came
the stone had been rolled away
they stepped inside the empty grave
alone in dismay
they were thinking he was gone
they were not believing
death of the lamb did bring
forgiveness and healing
why do you seek Him here among the dead?
He is risen!
Remember, I will remember
what He did for me
remember, I will remember
how He died for me
I know it's You who lives inside of me
I know it's true the peace of mind you bring to me
Your sacrifice had now set me free... I will always...
Remember, I will remember
what He did for me
remember, I will remember
how he died for me
(C) Crystal Lewis, Brian Ray
What else can I say? Lord bless you and keep you and may He make His face to shine upon you and give you peace.
Love in Jesus. From my heart to yours, Happy Resurrection weekend!
(C) Teresa Ortiz
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Top-level comments on this article: (6 total)Good teaching lesson. It gave the reader somewhere to look and made the pint quite well this was stated hundreds of years before the Cross. God Bless happy easter.Thank you Robert. I awoke with these thoughts on my mind and went straight to Psalm 22. There is so much more to this story, but I figured this was a great place to start. God Bless you, Happy resurrection day! Teresa
hi teresa, this is a well written article filled with words to think about, especially during this holy season. thank you for sharing with us. best regards, sueHi Sue, thank you. It is a good time to reflect on the Scriptures, Jesus fulfilled every prophecy regarding the coming Messiah and there are literally hundreds of them. All the best to you! Teresa
Good reminder, Teresa, of what Easter is all about. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and the lyrics of 'Remember' with us. Happy Easter!
thank you, and God Bless your day as you remember Him! Teresa
Teresa, well said. It's amazing how well God has orchestrated history. That's how I see it, too. As a great big symphony and God as the conductor.Hi Stephanie. I agree. God does an amazing job, but we can't see it unless His Spirit opens our eyes. And then it becomes so clear! What a beautiful way to describe the word of God. I am going to steal your words and share them with the ladies at Bible study. I promise I will give you credit. :-)
Wow. I was just sitting here thinking about all the trouble sin my life and all the thing si know i am going to have to deal with. And i was thinking of ways I could get out of doing certain things. And the lord brought me to your page and this article. What an amazing god. Why would Jesus do this for me?? I am amazed that he would endure that pain for us. Thank yuo for the reminder of what he did for us. Who am I to complain about these little earthly things. I fee so humbledHi Anon, God loves you and He made a provision just for you because he knew that you would call out to him one day. It's that real and that personal! I will be praying for you and for deliverance. Just remember that even though there is a consequence for our sin, there is no eternal punishment for those who receive Christ. Praise the Lord that you were blessed and reminded of how much God loves you. Stay with him, learn of him. read your bible and pray daily for wisdom, discernment and peace. God loves to answer these kinds of prayers. Blessings to you. Now I am humbled and blessed by your comments and words of humilty. Keep growing! I hope I can always help by sharing God's word and love. Teresa
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