The question of identity is a perennial one. A question that our American culture seems to be struggling to know and understand more than ever before - at least in my life time.

Paul condemns this ideology and hermeneutic at the beginning of chapter 5.  The reality is, that legalism does not appease God.

No, rather this is a sacrifice that is in keeping with each and every sacrifice to God we see in all of scripture. He defines what it is and how it is brought. And he has clearly shown us in his word, by giving us the very words to bring to him as a sacrifice of praise from our lips: the Psalms. God will not accept a wrong or unauthorized sacrifice.

But see very clearly, beloved, the one who was put to shame on our behalf. Our Savior, Jesus Christ was lifted up upon an instrument of death, designed for criminals of the highest order.

By these few words, the myth of neutrality is dispelled. Here, the psalmist is showing us a duty we have as Christians: we must continually choose the way of faithfulness.

It is not uncommon for those who are bold in heart and of face (Isaiah 50:7) for the Lord and his word to be plotted against by those around us. Because we are not greater than our Master, we can expect the type of treatment he received while on the earth (John 15:20).