April 3, 2004	Read Psalm 22
In you our ancestors trusted; they trusted, and you delivered them.  To you they cried and were saved; in you they trusted and were not put to shame.
GRACE NOT RESTRICTED Psalm 22 begins with the lamentation quoted as the final recorded words of Jesus in the Gospels of Mark and Matthew prior to his death, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” This message of salvation serves as a link between the teachings and faith of the Old Testament, which Jesus built upon, and the new message of salvation, which Jesus brought. Although Jesus built upon these teachings and emphasized historic continuity between the Jewish faith and his own teachings, there are some major differences in the understanding of salvation that would have been held by the author of this Psalm and our understanding of the salvation that Christ brought through his death and resurrection. In the Old Testament, one appeals to God for protection and salvation and seeks to earn that salvation by obedience to the Law. Salvation is thus the payment, which the faithful follower of the Law can earn through his or her actions.  God’s salvation is also seen as occurring through divine intervention on this Earth -- destruction of one’s enemies, protection from famine, etc. In contrast, the salvation Christ offers is an unearned gift, and the primary unearned gift is eternal life, not earthly blessings. Another significant difference is that, in Old Testament writings, salvation is extended only to the Jews because they are seen as the only chosen people and the only worthy followers of the Law. This theory makes the earning of salvation largely a collective enterprise -- if the nation follows the Law, it will grow and prosper. The salvation offered by Jesus, because it comes about through grace, is extended to any individuals who believe in him. Lord, help us to acknowledge the salvation brought to us by Christ and to accept this gift of grace. In his name, we pray. TED VLAMIS

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