8 I have become a stranger to my kindred,
an alien to my mother’s children.21 They gave me poison for food,
and for my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink.
Over the course of my life, I have found times when specific words in the Psalms have reflected my own life situation. During Lent, in considering these selected verses from this psalm, we see a reflection of the final hours of Jesus’ life.
The biblical editors labeled Psalm 69 a Prayer for Deliverance from Persecution. When we read the gospel accounts of how Jesus died, we see the depths of persecution. His closest friends abandoned Him. And when He cried out in thirst from the cross, those present offered Him vinegar to drink. We are invited in the season on Lent to reflect on how much Jesus suffered for us.
And in pondering this psalm, we might also recall the times when those around us have been more confrontational than comforting. And in those moments, we know that Jesus understands. There is some comfort in being understood.
Prayer
God, I think of the recent series of TV commercials that claim “Jesus Gets Us.” When I am feeling persecuted and pushed away by those around me, I need to know and believe that. Thanks. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.