Forsaken
Today is what the church has traditionally called, Silent Saturday. It’s the day after remembering our Savior’s death on the cross, and the day before we celebrate his victorious resurrection on Easter morning. It’s kind of like the “already, but not yet” aspect of our daily lives.
Last night was Good Friday. We didn’t get this written in time to go out yesterday, but we’re still going to consider it a “Faith-Filled Friday.”
As we didn’t have a Good Friday service here, we tuned into one online from last year. The focus was meditating on the seven last words of Jesus. The one that struck me the most was from Matthew 27:46, 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?” The impact was even more profound as I turned in my Bible this morning during my time with God and read the same words in Psalm 22:1.
Why? Why did Jesus relinquish the intimacy of addressing the one he had almost always called, Father? Why does he cry out in abandonment to the God he shares divinity with? How could a loving God forsake his beloved Son? And why quote a Psalm that dealt with the innocent bearing the actions and intentions of evil people?
I think these must be the most heart-wrenching words ever uttered. Shift your mind to earlier scenes. God’s words of approval and affection at Jesus’ baptism. The intimacy of Jesus speaking to his Heavenly Father in prayer. God’s answer to every one of Jesus’ requests, for healing, calming to the waves, forgiveness, life from death. God’s clothing Jesus with glory on the mountain and referring to him as his beloved Son with whom he was well pleased.
But now this same God was not listening, was not pleased, was not turned toward his Son in love and affection, but instead turned away in abandonment. Jesus had been utterly forsaken. Why? O Why?
Because of the arrogant and prideful, the self-focused and lazy, the sexually immoral, hypocrites who say one thing but do another, the God-haters and rebellious, those who live for the praise of people, lovers of pleasure who satisfy themselves with the things of this world, murderers, adulterers, thieves and liars, the politically motivated and the ignorant, the ungenerous rich and the poor who long to be, the angry, the bitter, the ungrateful, and those who lack faith.
In other words……..me.
Me.
I and my sin put him there on that cross. The mocking and spitting and beating were meant for me. The Father was not turning away from his Son because of what his Son had done. He forsook Jesus because Jesus had taken on every one of my sins. My sin met God’s wrath, it’s just consequence.
Jesus’ cry of “it is finished” means that all the punishment I deserved because of my sin was absorbed by Christ. There is none left for me. All the righteousness I needed was fulfilled in Christ. And the resurrection of Easter means that what seems too good to be true, is true indeed. God has accepted his sacrifice, and just as he has now turned again to him in love and affection by raising him from the dead and exalting him to his right hand, so he is turned toward me in love and affection so that I too will join their sweet fellowship in heaven.
Take some time today to consider those despairing words of Jesus, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” and how they at once bring about a great conviction of your sin, but also the greatest relief and joy at your forgiveness and acceptance.
Behold the man upon a cross
How Deep the Father’s Love For Us
My sin upon His shoulders
Ashamed, I hear my mocking voice
Call out among the scoffers
It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished
Quick Update
Just one day after the RVA students had successfully departed from campus, we flew to Turkey for two weeks of ministry by Olive Tree Counseling Center to our family. Thanks for all your prayers for us during this time, especially for Josh, who says he was helped immensely and given tools that will serve him in the years to come as he launches out on his own.
One highlight was the incredible hospitality of a fellow missionary, who welcomed us into her own home for the two weeks, which looked out on the Mediterranean Sea and snow-capped mountains behind. How refreshing was this peaceful sanctuary, wonderful Turkish breakfasts each morning, and care from this seasoned, sacrificial saint!
Another highlight was a weekend trip to visit the Biblical ruins of Ephesus. We actually got to visit several Biblical sites closer to Antalya, but this one was probably the most meaningful. To picture Paul walking down the ancient street preaching the gospel, worshiping with recent converts in a house church, or standing outside the massive theater as thousands thronged inside shouting, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” By the way, the great temple of Artemis in Ephesus that was once considered one of the wonders of the ancient world, is now only one column standing alone.
While we were away, Kenya had a major fuel crisis. We came back to long lines at stations, if they had fuel at all… and expensive prices. We managed to get some petrol yesterday with little waiting, for the equivalent of $4.80 per gallon, if I did my math correctly. We usually pay over $4 per gallon here, so it’s a painful increase, but we understand the higher difference many of you are paying for fuel in the US.
Next week begins In-Service and final preparations at RVA and Moffat as students begin to return on the 23rd. We are ready to get back to teaching and caring for students and a routine schedule. I am excited to teach through Romans again with my Moffat students.
Thanks again for all the ways you care for us to make our service possible. We praise God for his faithfulness and for the way he chooses to use us weak vessels. And we ask for continued prayer for us, for our family, for our work here at RVA, the parents who serve across Africa, and for the students at Moffat Bible College.
Happy Easter. He has risen! O he has risen indeed!
Glad your time in Turkey went really well!
Blessings on you guys!!! Wish we could pop over for a visit. All is well here in Senegal.