DAY SEVENTEEN

 “Dogs have surrounded me;

a band of evil men has encircled me,

they have pierced my hands and my feet.

I can count all my bones;

people stare and gloat over me.

They divide my garments among them

and cast lots for my clothing.

But you, O Lord, be not far off;

O my Strength, come quickly to help me.

Deliver my life from the sword,

my precious life from the power of the dogs.

Rescue me from the mouth of lions;

save me from the horns of the wild oxen.”

Psalm 22:16-21

 No one knows what Jesus experienced on the cross.  We have to rely on what the Scriptures tell us.  Through this prophetic psalm Jesus described the physical agony of crucifixion and the emotional devastation of humiliation, mockery and rejection, but deep in His heart He knew that the Father had a plan.  As terrifying as it was to be utterly forsaken, He cried out for help with a deep sense of trust that His prayer would be heard.  With His last breath He cried out, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit,” and He died in the confidence of resurrection day.