Second Sunday in Lent: March 12, 2006.

Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16

Psalm 22:23-31

Romans 4:13-25

Mark 8:31-38

Cupped Ear/Psalm Sounds

Listen to the psalmist's discovery that God is not absent from suffering but present in it. This leads the psalmist to proclaim, "You who fear the Lord, praise Him" (v. 23).

It is clear that by verse 25 the psalmist has had a change of heart. Earlier, in verses 2-3, he was feeling forsaken and abandoned by God. The psalmist had cried out for help only to receive no answer. The psalmist believed that God had hidden God's face from him. But now, the psalmist knows that God has heard his cry. God does not hide God's face from him (v. 24), nor does God despise the afflicted. Rather, God is faithful and will deliver his people. The poor shall eat (v. 26) and praise God. There will be a festival meal in worship where all will sit and feast together. From one who stood so close to death comes the festival shout, "May your hearts live forever!" (v. 26).

Open Mouth/Psalm Speech

The psalmist has made a great discovery in this section of Psalm 22. His mood has changed from despair to hope. The psalmist realized that he was not alone in his suffering. God was with him the entire time.

How many people believe that they suffer alone? This is a powerful question for the preacher to unpack in a sermon. How do Christians suffer differently from nonbelievers? How do Christians help others who suffer? What is it, or Who is it that we know in our suffering? How is it that a dying church member celebrates the Eucharist with joy and confidence and treasures her time in worship? Preach on these things, preacher. DRB