Day 6: Psalm 16:8-11
Read Psalm 16:8-11 and Acts 2:24-32
Helpful Background Information:
The Apostle Paul gives a concise summary of the gospel in 1 Corinthians 15:3-4: “For I passed on to you as most important what I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures…” When Paul says “Scripture” in this passage, he is referring to the Old Testament. In short, it was the testimony of the early church that the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ was a fulfillment of the Old Testament; what we celebrate today as Easter could be clearly shown from it as well.
We find this testimony in our passages for today. Psalm 16 was written by David. He writes of the joy of living under God’s protection. However, David’s joy extends beyond his situation, embracing the hope that he will always be with God. Death no longer terrified him.
However, Peter in Acts 2 declares that Psalm 16 was speaking about something more than David’s personal experience. The statement “you will allow your holy one to see decay” had to be referring to someone else and their bodily resurrection because David died and was buried with his fathers, and his tomb was still present.
Peter, therefore, claims that what David wrote in Psalm 16 was a prophecy regarding the Messiah, who would be David’s descendant. Instead of being abandoned to death, the Messiah would be raised from the dead. What was prophesied in the Old Testament has been fulfilled in this Jesus. Jesus has risen from the dead, is seated at the right hand of the Father, and has poured out the Holy Spirit! The Foundation for Easter is in the Old Testament!
Reflection Questions:
Psalm 16 speaks of hope beyond death. How does the resurrection of Jesus bring hope to your life in the face of challenges or the fear of death?
Peter connects Psalm 16 with the resurrection of Jesus. What does this tell you about the fulfillment of God’s promises in Scripture? How does knowing Jesus fulfills these prophecies deepen your faith?
Reflecting on the foundation of Easter in the Old Testament, what new insights or connections have you gained regarding the meaning of Jesus’ resurrection?