SEE MY AFFLICTION AND HAVE MERCY

Text: Psalms 22:13-31

Scripture: Verse 24: For he hath not despised nor abandoned the affliction of the afflicted, neither hath he his his face from him, but when he cried unto him he heard

It is recorded in psalms 34:19, 17 that many are the afflictions of the righteous but God delivers him from them all..when the righteous cry out, the lord hears and delivers him out of all his troubles. This is our consolation and comfort. God never leaves. He is ever present even in our time of misery, sorrow and depression, He is right there with us working tirelessly to accomplish his purpose. We may not know this but he works in mysterious ways, his wonders to perform. Moreover, Romans 8:28 assures us that all things work for good to them that love the lord.

The verses we studied today, typifies Jesus suffering on the cross. God impressed it upon the heart of David. The seed Jesus in his loins saw what was going to happen to him and David prophesied. It is a most horrifying experience. David could only describe them as dogs and lions but today we know that those who perpetrated the evil were men like you and I. They tore at him mercilessly for no reason. They butchered him, murdered him, rent his clothes and abused him until he was beyond recognition. They were so engrossed in their evil they could scarcely notice that he was the Christ, the son of the living God. By the time they would realise, it was already late. They have succeeded in butchering the one who was sent for their deliverance and salvation. Yet, God never abandoned him. After three days, he rose from the grave to live for ever having the greatest authority the world has ever known. 

Beloved, the life of Jesus is all the assurance we need to know that God never abandons his own. Whatever suffering he may permit in our lives is for our glorification and it will never last for ever. May we not be like Esau who couldn't bear his hunger for just a little while but trivialised his birthright for a mere pottage. Jesus would rather die than renege on his word. Finally he dealt Satan the blow and today, you and I are free men. May we, therefore, earnestly labour to hold on to our most Holy faith, giving no room for distractions or compromise. For God, indeed, is a  rewarder of those that diligently seek him.

Thank you Father that Jesus did not allow afflictions to derail him. If not we would still be dead in our sins today. Give us grace Lord that by the same spirit which raised him from the dead we may be able to stand firm in our faith and convictions even as the wickedness in the world continues to increase. We ask this in Jesus name, Amen!