From Trial to Praise - Psalm 22:19-31

David's trial resulted in praise. He praised before he was delivered. He praised in anticipation of his deliverance. First, he praised to his "brothers" and to the "congregation". For David, this would be his fellow Jewish worshippers as brothers and the whole congregation as the whole of Israel. (22) He will call others to praise as well. (23) Together they will acknowledge that God hears when we cry to him. He does not hide from us, even when he delays his answer or deliverance. (24)

Second, David's praise to God will be heard in all the nations. (27) As a result, they will turn (repent) and worship the Lord. He is the king over all nations, not just Israel. The nations will have communion with God. They will eat and worship. (29) And they will continue to tell future generations. (31)

The day will come when all bow before the Lord, because he is indeed king of all nations. (29) When he returns, all will acknowledge Jesus as Lord. David praised God when he wrote the Psalm and he will praise the Son of David when he returns. The worshipping believers will commune with him in joy, those alive when he returns and those who have died (could not keep themselves alive). (29) Those who did not worship the Lord during life will nonetheless acknowledge him when he returns. "Before him shall bow all who go down to the dust" means every human being.

Isaiah also preached this theme of bowing. In Isaiah 45:23, God said "By myself I have sworn; from my mouth has gone out in righteousness a word that shall not return To me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear allegiance". Paul quoted this verse in Romans 14:10-12, saying we will all stand before the augment seat of God and will given an account of himself to God. Again in Philippians 2:10 Paul said "at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

May our praise ring out through Fort Worth to all the world as we look forward our full communion with Jesus.