Devotion for Tuesday 01/04/2025

Psalm 22:16-18 (ESV)

16 For dogs encompass me;

a company of evildoers encircles me;

they have pierced my hands and feet—

17 I can count all my bones—

they stare and gloat over me;

18 they divide my garments among them,

and for my clothing they cast lots.

This psalm of David should be understood as a series with Psalms 23 and 24. Psalm 22 describes the sufferings of the Good Shepherd, Jesus, for His sheep. Psalm 23 describes His care for His sheep. Psalm 24 describes His return in glory to reward His sheep!

Two days ago, we shared about Psalm 22:1, about the cry of anguish and deep sense of being forsaken which Jesus uttered from the cross. It also predicts the afflictions he endured there (Matthew 27:27–56; Luke 22:63–65; 23:18–49). Isaiah 53 also prophesies the sufferings that Jesus suffered on the cross.

The description in Verse 16 and 18 could not be more accurate and specific about the humiliating and cruel execution that Jesus endured.

Matthew 27:35 described what the soldiers did when they crucified Jesus. This verse tells us, "And when they had crucified him, they divided his garments among them by casting lots." By casting lots for Jesus' garments, the soldiers showed they attached a higher value to His clothing than they did to Him. This disdainful act is recorded not only in Matthew's Gospel, but also in the other three Gospels.

When the soldiers cast lots for Jesus' garments, they left Him, quite literally, with no possessions. Truly, Jesus became poor so that we might become rich (Luke 9:58; 2 Corinthians 8:9).

Following the resurrection, when the disciples thought He was a spirit, Jesus said, "See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch me, and see. For a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have" (Luke 24:39). Then He showed them His hands and His feet (Luke 24:40). The print of the nails was visible in His resurrection body (John 20:24–29).

David described this piercing about 1,000 years before Jesus was crucified and long before the Romans practiced crucifixion. This fact is a strong testimonial to the divine inspiration of Scripture and to the accuracy of prophecy.

The exact fulfilment of these prophetic words speaks of the divine wisdom and prior knowledge of God.

Let us be steadfast in our faith journey and continue to commit our life to love and serve His higher purposes in our lives.

Have a blessed Tuesday!