June 18, 2020 I have a Bone to pick.

Reading: 2 Samuel 4, Psalm 22, and Matthew 27

Scripture: Psalm 22:16-18, For dogs encompass me; a company of evildoers encircles me; they have pierced my hands and feet — I can count all my bones— they stare and gloat over me; they divide my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots.

Thoughts: As we are getting closer to the Crucifixion in Matthew, going though this reading plan I found that oddly specific foreshadowing of Jesus’ death on the cross. The part that hit me was the part in the middle that does not seem to fit until I thought about it. Verse 17 says, “I can count all my bones they stare and gloat over me;” the gloat over me could be reference to any point where they mocked Jesus. The interesting was counting my bones, most depictions of Jesus on the cross show him with some whip lashes but they focus on hands feet and maybe the spear hole in his side. The scourging of Jesus would have reduced both his back and his chest to looking like chopped meat done by someone with no skill with a knife. Most likely in that state the spectators would have be able to see and count every rib and bone in his upper body. Let us not gloat over someone else’s pain and suffering. Being perfectly honest as much as I would think I would be among the disciples I probably would have been in the crowd. Where are we today calling for a death or calling for love.

Prayer: Father you are Love and you pour it out upon your children every day in provision and blessings. I thank you that you consider me one of your children. I thank you for my family and my friends who are as family. I thank you that you are watching over us and sent your son to being us back into relationship with you. I ask that you help me to pour out your love on others and be your hands and feet to this world. Open my eyes to the next step and where to go.