Read Psalm 22:9-18. 9Yet you are he who took me from the womb; you made me trust you at my mother’s breasts. 10On you was I cast from my birth, and from my mother’s womb you have been my God. 11Be not far from me, for trouble is near, and there is none to help. 12Many bulls encompass me; strong bulls of Bashan surround me; 13they open wide their mouths at me, like a ravening and roaring lion. 14I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint; my heart is like wax; it is melted within my breast; 15my strength is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue sticks to my jaws; you lay me in the dust of death. 16For dogs encompass me; a company of evildoers encircles me; they have pierced my hands and feet—17I can count all my bones—they stare and gloat over me; 18they divide my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots.
The psalmist recalls God’s lifelong care – from my mother’s womb you have been my God – and he knows that God is the only one he can count on in this great trouble for there is none to help.
Christ also had none to help on the day he was surrounded. No one stood up for him when others opened wide their mouths. There was no relief for his weary bones, his twisted joints, his dry tongue, his broken heart. No one covered the shame of his nakedness as they cast lots for his clothing. And as they pierced his hands and his feet, sending shock waves of pain throughout his body, no one cried out in protest. No one stayed the hand of the executioner. Nobody did a thing to stop it.
Not even God.
You see Jesus died alone. He had to and he chose to. The cross wasn’t a movement or a revolution. His righteous life alone could pay the penalty for our sin. His infinite life alone could take the place of all mankind. His indestructible life alone could conquer the grave.
To live is Christ is to know that Jesus died alone so that we would never be alone, not even in death.
You: When do you feel alone?When have you cried, “There is none to help”?
You in Christ: Jesus died alone so that you would never have to be alone. How can you remind yourself of Christ’s presence in your life when you feel all alone?
Christ in you: How does trusting the presence of Jesus allow you to suffer in faith today?
Pray: Jesus, you died alone so that I would never be alone. Never without your loving care. Help me stay near the cross today and each day as I learn to trust in your wondrous love for me. Amen.
To Live is Christ 