AFFLICTED

Let this be recorded for a generation to come, so that a people yet to be created may praise the LORD: Psalm 102:18

Psalm 102 is, according to its inscription, “A prayer of one afflicted….” It is predominantly prophetic of Jesus Christ. Christ’s distress was the cross (Psa 102:2). Dehydrated from blood loss and sleeplessness, Christ’s bones would have felt like they were on fire (Psa 102:3). The pain was so unbearable that the Master would have been unable to eat (Psa 102:4). The Lord suffered excruciating agony as He was stretched out upon the cross; many of His joints were dislocated or hyper-extended and the outline of Christ’s bones would have been pressing visibly from under His skin (Psa 102:5; cf. Psa 22:14, 17). The Lord’s pain was so acute that He could not sleep, and moreover, He truly suffered alone (Psa 102:7; cf. Psa 22:1). While hanging upon the cross, He was mocked and derided (Psa 102:8; cf. Psa 22:8; Mark 15:31-32). As One who knew intimacy with God like no other, Christ’s relationship with the heavenly Father was lifted up to the height of heavens, so when He suffered God’s wrath for sins He did not commit, He was cast down lower than anyone could ever experience… or even know (Psa 102:10). Because of Christ’s perfect sacrifice, almighty God will arise with pity upon the sinful men of Zion (Psa 102:11). Because they have faith in Christ, God will regard their destitute repentance and embrace their prayers (Psa 102:17). So satisfying was Christ’s sinless life and sanctified sacrifice, the gospel of Jesus Christ would be passed down from generation to generation unto a people yet to be (Psa 102:18) —that’s you and me! Yes! Christ Jesus, the Prince, is our inheritance— and the Prince “shall not take any of the inheritance of the people, thrusting them out of their property” (Ezek 46:18). He looks down from His holy height, hears the groans of the prisoners, and sets them free so they shall dwell secure and shall be established (Psa 102:19-20, 28). Hallelujah! What a Savior!

Not only for the days of old,
For those, too, yet to be;
Christ’s gospel is both strong and bold
With pow’r to save and set men free.

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