The Superiority and Splendor of Jesus Christ

     The Book of Psalms is the largest and perhaps the most widely used book of the Bible.  The reason is that it explores the full range of human experiences in a very personal and practical way.  Psalms is the hymnal of the Bible.  The word psalm comes from a Hebrew word meaning, "a poem sung to musical accompaniment."  Written over a lengthy period of Israel's history, the book of Psalms has a wide range of subject matter (jubilation, lament, war, peace, worship, judgment, praise,and messianic prophecy).  Many of the psalms specifically anticipate the life and ministry of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Messiah (known as the "Messianic Psalms").  Psalms 22, 23 and 24 are historically known as the "Shepherd Psalms."

     Psalms 22, 23, and 24 bear an interesting relationship with one another.  In Psalm 22, Christ is the Savior,  in 23 Christ is the Shepherd, and in 24 He is the Sovereign.  In Psalm 22 Christ Dies for His sheep; in 23 He Cares for His sheep, and in 24 He Rules His sheep.  Psalm 22 tells of Christ's Grace; 23 tells of His Guidance, and 24 tells of His Glory.  In Psalm 22 we see the Cross, in 23 we see the Shepherd's Crook, and in 24 we see the Crown.  Psalm 22 is past, 23 is present, and 24 is future.  Truly, Jesus Christ's Supremacy and Splendor reigns over all things and every one.