Sunday Reflection upon Psalm 34
In some ways, Psalm 34 describes what we think it should be: The righteous will be blessed, and God protects the righteous.  The Psalm raises a profound question: if God offers such protection, why did Jesus, or any other righteous person, suffer at the hands of corrupt evildoers? The Psalm does not provide a direct answer to this question. However, the final verses offer a glimmer of hope. Psalm 34:20 is quoted about Jesus: Although he suffered, ‘yet not a bone was broken.’ What does this mean for us? It means we may endure suffering, but God has not abandoned us.
Indeed, the words and deeds of Jesus, the righteous one, serve as a stark reminder of our wicked ways and deceitful speech. Yet, in his ultimate wisdom, the Lord redeems the lives of his servants (34:22). The resurrection of Jesus is not just a historical event but a beacon of hope for all of us. It reassures us that God has not given up on us and that with ultimate judgment comes ultimate restoration. The resurrection of Jesus is a powerful symbol of hope, a constant reminder that God’s love and mercy are always with us.