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God, God . . . my God! Why did you dump me miles from nowhere? Doubled up with pain, I call to God all the day long. No answer. Nothing. I keep at it all night, tossing and turning. And you! Are you indifferent, above it all, leaning back on the cushions of Israel's praise? We know you were there for our parents: they cried for your help and you gave it; they trusted and lived a good life. And here I am, a nothing - an earthworm, something to step on, to squash. Everyone pokes fun at me; they make faces at me, they shake their heads: "Let's see how God handles this one; since God likes him so much, let him help him!" And to think you were midwife at my birth, setting me at my mother's breasts! When I left the womb you cradled me; since the moment of birth you've been my God. Then you moved far away and trouble moved in next-door. I need a neighbor. Herds of bulls come at me, the raging bulls stampede, Horns lowered, nostrils flaring, like a herd of buffalo on the move. I'm a bucket kicked over and spilled, every joint in my body has been pulled apart. My heart is a blob of melted wax in my gut. I'm dry as a bone, my tongue black and swollen. They have laid me out for burial in the dirt. Now packs of wild dogs come at me; thugs gang up on me. They pin me down hand and foot, and lock me in a cage - a bag Of bones in a cage, stared at by every passerby. They take my wallet and the shirt off my back, and then throw dice for my clothes. You, God - don't put off my rescue! Hurry and help me! Don't let them cut my throat; don't let those mongrels devour me. If you don't show up soon, I'm done for - gored by the bulls, meat for the lions.Here's the story I'll tell my friends when they come to worship, and punctuate it with Hallelujahs:Shout Hallelujah, you God-worshipers; give glory, you sons of Jacob; adore him, you daughters of Israel. He has never let you down, never looked the other way when you were being kicked around. He has never wandered off to do his own thing; he has been right there, listening. Here in this great gathering for worship I have discovered this praise-life. And I'll do what I promised right here in front of the God-worshipers. Down-and-outers sit at God's table and eat their fill. Everyone on the hunt for God is here, praising him. "Live it up, from head to toe. Don't ever quit!" From the four corners of the earth people are coming to their senses, are running back to God. Long-lost families are falling on their faces before him. God has taken charge; from now on he has the last word. All the power-mongers are before him - worshiping! All the poor and powerless, too - worshiping! Along with those who never got it together - worshiping! Our children and their children will get in on this As the word is passed along from parent to child. Babies not yet conceived will hear the good news - that God does what he says. (Psalm 22 The Message version)
Dear Friend, this Psalm is the one Jesus quoted from the cross. He used only the first verse, but in so sharing this psalm He was sharing His faith and conviction that what God has started in Him would continue for us - the redemption of the world; all people in relationship with God through Him. I can't think of a better Lenten Journey story than this, can you?
At first glance the psalm looks long and it is long, but it is a story that takes us from agony to victory. It was written in despair, yet with a glint of hope, and it matches exactly what Jesus was feeling on the cross as He suffered and died. The psalm contains strong messages of victory and trust that we should have in God: "He has never let you down, never looked the other way when you were being kicked around. He has never wandered off to do His own thing: He has been right there, listening." The psalmist continues, "Down-and-outers sit at God's table and eat their fill... God has taken charge; from now on He has the last word." And look who's joined the party! "All the power-mongers are before Him - worshiping! All the poor and powerless, too - worshiping! Along with those who never got it together - worshiping! Our children and their children will get in on this as the word is passed along from parent to child. Babies not yet conceived will hear the good news - that God does what He says."
Dear one, if you've ever find yourself down, look up! If things don't seem right, trust God! If you think someone else is going to have the last word on you, ask God! God has the last word. If you think you've been let down, think again! God does what He says; and that's a message to teach to our children and their children. God does what He says.
PRAYER: Loving God, as we near the end of the work week, for some of us the work never ends. The weight we have been carrying seems heavier now than before, but in Your words we find hope and rest. Bless this dear reader that as the journey continues it will be a journey of hope and joy. With You at our side, nothing can or will defeat us. In Jesus' precious and powerful name we pray, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! Share with someone this simple phrase: God does what He says!
Eradio Valverde
