Jesus Never Fails

"Even my own familiar friend in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted up his heel against me."
– Psalm 41:9

There are five volumes in the Book of Psalm, with the first set known as the “Creation Psalms.” They end with chapter forty-one. This is a Messianic Psalm because it speaks of Christ prophetically. It is fitting that this Psalm begins and ends with a blessing. In verse one, David wrote, “Blessed is he who considered the poor; The Lord will deliver him in time of trouble” (Psalm 41:1). As he finished the chapter, David wrote, “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel from everlasting to everlasting! Amen and Amen” (Psalm 41:13). What a great way to conclude anything we do, with praise and worship to the Lord (Colossians 3:23).

As the Holy Spirit directed David to write what was on his heart, he may not have been aware that he was writing about the Messiah, the Christ that would come from his own lineage. Many times in our own lives, we may not realize when the Lord is speaking in and through us. It may be a word of knowledge or something prophetic. As the Lord allows us to talk to others, may we always pray He speaks through us and avoid giving our own advice. God’s word is what has power and authority (Hebrews 4:12). It should be our desire as vessels for the Lord to speak through us. And this is what is happening with David.

David was experiencing betrayal, and it was heartbreaking. It sometimes seems that there is nothing worse than betrayal. To have someone you have poured your life into turn their back on you. Nobody understood this more than Jesus. In fact, Jesus quoted this Psalm when He spoke of Judas Iscariot. Jesus knew Judas would betray Him and said, “He who eats bread with Me has lifted up his heel against Me” (John 13:18). But Judas is not the only one that ever betrayed Jesus. We all have at one time or another. The Bible tells us that we have all gone astray and turned each one to his own way (Isaiah 53:6). We have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). Yet, there is hope for those who call on the name of Jesus. Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ did die on the cross, but He did not remain there. He was raised on the third day and is alive! When others betray us, and it seems everyone has turned their backs on us, Jesus never will.

"Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you."
– Deuteronomy 31:6