This statement comes to literal fruition as Jesus is hanging on the cross.
About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”) (Matthew 27:46)
If Psalm 22 was written from the perspective of the thief on the cross next to Jesus, it would fit. Think of it, you are a criminal, and you are being crucified along with two other guys. Being raised a Jew, you have heard the scriptures - the law, prophets and psalms – time and again. Here next to you is One who is being crucified for claiming to be the long-awaited Messiah that you'd heard about in your youth.
Perhaps at first, you just assume the leaders are right, and that this man is a blasphemer leading an insurrection against the true ‘people of God’. You even join in as the crowd hurls insults at Him.
Then you watch, and see something that triggers your memory:
When they had crucified him, they divided up his clothes by casting lots. (Matthew 27:35)
You remember the famous Psalm:
They divide my clothes among them
and cast lots for my garment. (Psalm 22:18)
And then you see this:
In the same way the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders mocked him. “He saved others,” they said, “but he can’t save himself! He’s the king of Israel! Let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him. He trusts in God. Let God rescue him now if he wants him, for he said, ‘I am the Son of God.’” (Matthew 27:41-43)
And you remember what King David wrote:
All who see me mock me;
they hurl insults, shaking their heads.
“He trusts in the Lord,” they say,
“let the Lord rescue him.
Let him deliver him,
since he delights in him.” (Psalm 22:7-8)
And perhaps, just maybe, when you finally realized that this Man they are murdering really is the Messiah, and you humbly plead with Jesus to remember you…. you are then amazed when you hear your suffering Savior say:
Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:43)
And before that horrible, beautiful day is over, you find yourself with the Good Shepherd, living the words of the next Psalm:
The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Surely your goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
forever. (Psalm 23)
Perhaps this thief on the cross lived the truth of psalm 23, after enduring psalm 22 with our Lord?
#LoveMatters