Living 4 Him

About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”) Matthew 27:46  (NIV)

The scripture above hits us like a punch in the stomach.  Jesus, God’s beloved son, feels forsaken by God? His words of suffering demonstrate the harsh side of humanity; the darkness that invades when life caves in on us.  And yet, his words bring hope in understanding the God who suffers for the ones he loves.

Jesus’ exact words come from the first verse of a Messianic Psalm (Psalm 22) written by David. David’s first words “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” open the way for lament and grief, while also reflecting Christ’s own hardships upon the cross.  This Psalm will be our focus next week, but for now, let’s contemplate the impact of these words intersected with Jesus’ heavy torment.  

Jesus, thrust into a brutal death now faces the worst of humanity head on.

His words mirror a release of emotion, of pain, of agony, and a reaching to feel God’s presence again.  Is he truly experiencing a separation from God, the bondage of human existence without the knowledge of God? Or did he speak these words, knowing the strong ties onlookers had to this Psalm, hoping to direct them to God’s role in his life?

Whatever his reasons, Jesus demonstrates a powerful statement about a life lived separate from God; lonely, distressed and meaningless.  Jesus shows us how much we need God in our lives. 

From Adam Hamilton’s book Final Words from the Cross we find this hope and assurance. As a king, he came to his people–particularly to those who suffered–seeking to heal and to deliver them.  Ultimately, he faced grave injustice, suffering, torture and death.  He chose to identify with the suffering of his people.  This is the kind of King we follow.  And when we feel forsaken, hopeless and in despair, we pray to the one who walked this path before us. 

The emptiness that Jesus experienced upon the cross, the emptiness we often feel when facing challenges beyond our control, can only be filled by the supernatural goodness of God.  His love for us is worthy of our attention, driving us ever closer to the sheltered security of his heart. 

We not only need God in our lives, we need a relationship that nurtures his presence in our lives.  God fills every moment of every day, whether joy or despair, with the fullness of his love. Our part is to recognize His wondrous love and take that love into our journeys on earth.  We will face hardships, but we never face them alone.  We face them with a God who understands difficulties, heartbreaks, oppression and desolation to the highest degree. 

His love overcomes all things.  The torment of the cross resulted in the splendor of resurrection. 

Jesus told his disciples, “Apart from me, you can do nothing.” John 15:5

Yes, we need God in every way on every day.  And he literally went to the ends of the earth to make sure we had him.  Thanks be to God!

Reaching in (allowing God’s word to work in your soul):  Read Psalm 22.  With each verse of lament, feel the effects of suffering and give thanks for the God who would suffer such grief for you.  

Reaching out (taking God’s word into the world with you):  Take God’s love with you into every task you face.  You need him.