Psalm 28
Echoes of Christ's Teachings
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Intro
Psalm 28 portrays David's deep-felt plea for God's hearing, his praise for God's faithfulness, and his petition for the protection of God's people. By viewing this Psalm through the teachings of Jesus Christ we gain insights into the practice of prayer, the power of praise, and the promise of God's protection.
Section 1: Cry for God's Hearing (1-2)
"1 To you, LORD, I call; you are my Rock, do not turn a deaf ear to me. For if you remain silent, I will be like those who go down to the pit. 2 Hear the sound of my cry for mercy, as I call to you for help, as I lift up my hands toward your Most Holy Place."
Talking Points:
David's earnest prayer for God's attention parallels Jesus' teachings on persistent prayer (Luke 11:5-10).
The description of God as his Rock resonates with Jesus being the Cornerstone in the New Testament (Ephesians 2:20).
David's cry for mercy, expressed with uplifted hands, aligns with Jesus' teaching on humble and sincere prayers (Matthew 6:5-8).
Cross Reference: Hebrews 4:16, "Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."
Questions:
How does David's prayer inspire your communication with God?
How does the image of God as a Rock connect with Jesus as the Cornerstone in your spiritual understanding?
How can you incorporate humility and sincerity, as taught by Jesus, into your prayers?
Section 2: Praise and Petition for Protection (6-9)
"6 Praise be to the LORD, for he has heard my cry for mercy. 7 The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him...9 Save your people and bless your inheritance; be their shepherd and carry them forever."
Talking Points:
David's praise for answered prayer aligns with Jesus' teaching on thanksgiving in prayer (Matthew 6:9-13).
The depiction of God as a shield and strength finds its fulfillment in Jesus, our Strength and Protector (John 10:27-30).
David's plea for God to shepherd His people forever echoes Jesus' role as the Good Shepherd who cares for His sheep eternally (John 10:11-14).
Cross Reference: 1 Peter 5:7, "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."
Questions:
How can David's expression of praise and thanksgiving shape your prayer life?
How does the image of God as a shield and strength resonate with Jesus as your Protector?
How does David's plea for God's shepherding align with your understanding of Jesus as the Good Shepherd?
Summary
Psalm 28, interpreted through the perspective of the New Covenant in Christ, expresses the psalmist's cry for God's help and deliverance, finding its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus.
The psalmist's plea to be heard by God and not be counted among the wicked echoes our own need for a mediator, which is fulfilled in Jesus, our High Priest who intercedes for us (Hebrews 7:25).
The psalmist's acknowledgement of God as their strength and shield prefigures the reality of Christ as our refuge and protector (Psalm 18:2, Ephesians 6:16).
The psalmist's plea for God to shepherd and carry them forever points to Jesus as the Good Shepherd who cares for His flock and leads us to eternal life (John 10:11, John 10:27-28).
The psalmist's exhortation to bless and praise the Lord finds its fulfillment in the worship and adoration we offer to Jesus, who is worthy of all praise (Revelation 5:12).
Psalm 28 portrays the cry for deliverance and the reliance on God's strength that is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, our Shepherd and Redeemer.