Psalm 22

“For He has not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; neither has He hidden His face from him” (v24).  This psalm, foreshadowing the suffering of the Messiah, addresses the “affliction” at the core of human hearts.  Sin has separated us from God, and even when we are innocent and forgiven, we often feel forsaken (v1).  Our cry is always, “Be not far from me, for trouble is near” (v11). 

Jesus conquered sin and death by taking the consequences upon Himself.  He suffered so that we can know the God who does not hide His face from us, but comes to our rescue.