Completed, Not Defeated

Daily Reading: Matthew 27

And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” that is, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27.46)

Devotional Thought: Near the end of his horrible crucifixion, hanging on that terrible instrument of torture and death, bearing the full weight of our sins, sensing the awful judgment of God on every person’s sin, feeling the intense gulf that separates God’s holiness from mankind’s sinfulness, Jesus cried out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”  I’m not certain if God really forsook Jesus, or if in that moment of infinite suffering, Jesus just felt that he had been forsaken.  Whatever the theology of what happened in that moment, without doubt it was agonizing to feel the loss of the only thing he had left – the love of His Father.  But he had not lost God’s love.  In that moment of supreme pain, all the intense love of God was being focused on this sacrificial Lamb, suffering for our sins.  It was love that sent Jesus to the cross, and love was not defeated.  It was completed!

There are times when you and I – in our own smaller but very real ways – feel that somehow God has forgotten us.  We may even cry out within ourselves, “My God, why?”  In the darkness of that moment, there may be no light for you to see.  In the pain of that doubt there may be no relief for you to feel.  But know this, Child of God, you are not forsaken. There is coming a resurrection morning, a dispelling of the darkness, a shattering of the grave, and you are victorious!  No matter what you feel at this moment, the facts are this: Christ has taken your curse by dying on the cross and you are assured final and glorious triumph!

Prayer: Thank you, Lord Jesus, that you took the penalty of my sin, bearing even the awful sense of desertion by God.  In the dark nights of my soul, help me to live with courage and confidence, knowing that resurrection morning is coming.  Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 93:1-5

1 The LORD reigns, he is robed in majesty; the LORD is robed in majesty and armed with strength; indeed, the world is established, firm and secure.

2 Your throne was established long ago; you are from all eternity.

3 The seas have lifted up, LORD, the seas have lifted up their voice; the seas have lifted up their pounding waves.

4 Mightier than the thunder of the great waters, mightier than the breakers of the sea— the LORD on high is mighty.

5 Your statutes, LORD, stand firm; holiness adorns your house for endless days.