Reflection:
David the anointed king experienced many troubles, and Psalm 34 bears witness to the Lord’s deliverance and protection. Though his life was under threat, David was kept so safe, that not even a bone in his body was broken.
The gospel accounts reveal that Jesus the Christ, God’s anointed King, faced deeper troubles than David. Despite the fact that he went about doing good (Acts 10:38), he endured severe opposition and many despised him. He was a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. Yet through all of this he faithfully heeded the call to fear God his Father. He was the truly righteous one.
Some plotted to take his life. And they succeeded. But as David tells us, God’s eyes are on the righteous (v. 15) and he delivers them (v. 19). His cries were heard, and the Father raised him to life. The apostle John records that for this one, who at times felt his heart being broken, not one of his bones were broken, ‘so that the scripture would be fulfilled’ (John 19:36 cf. 19:33).
It is in Jesus’ deliverance that we find our deliverance. ‘Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering … he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed’ (Isaiah 53:4-5).
It is in him that we too are the righteous (2 Corinthians 5:21). And so we have the assurance that the Lord will not abandon us when we are broken-hearted and crushed in spirit. In Christ, deliverance is ours.
Prayer:
Thank you for this reminder that in Christ, deliverance is mine. Thank you for this assurance. Lift my heart up to sing with joy and gladness that salvation and rescue are mine. Thank you that you, God, are my strength and refuge, an ever-present help in trouble. Quieten the clamoring of my heart and still the raging thoughts in my mind. Help me to rest in the confidence I have that you are with me and will keep me safe. Amen.
Song:
“Real Hope” by Colin Buchanan