The Father's Menu
Apostle Dr. Richard Udoh
Thursday, April 4, 2024
YOU ARE NOT FORSAKEN
"Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed."
Isaiah 53:4-5
Main Text: Main text: Mark 15:34
In one of the most poignant moments of His crucifixion, Jesus cried out, "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" (Matthew 27:46; Mark 15:34). This profound utterance from the Cross reveals the depth of Jesus' suffering and offers insight into the redemptive significance of His sacrifice. Jesus' cry of abandonment echoes the anguish of humanity's separation from God due to sin. In taking upon Himself the sin of the world, Jesus experienced the full weight of humanity's estrangement from God, bearing the consequences of sin on our behalf. Isaiah 53:4-5 prophesied this reality, stating, "Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering."
While Jesus' cry of abandonment may seem to indicate a rupture in His relationship with God, it actually underscores the depth of His identification with humanity and His willingness to endure separation from the Father for the sake of our salvation. Despite His agony, Jesus remained obedient to the Father's will, ultimately offering Himself as the atoning sacrifice for sin (Hebrews 5:8).
In reflecting on Jesus' cry from the Cross, believers are reminded of the depth of Jesus' sacrifice and the unfathomable love that motivated His willingness to endure suffering and separation on our behalf. It serves as a powerful reminder of the redemptive purpose behind Christ's death and the assurance of our reconciliation with God through His sacrifice.
Confession:
I acknowledge the depth of Jesus' sacrifice on the Cross and the unfathomable love that motivated His willingness to endure separation from the Father for my sake. I embrace the redemptive power of Christ's sacrifice and receive the assurance of reconciliation with God through His atoning death. May His sacrifice inspire me to live a life of gratitude, obedience, and love in response to His great love for me.
Further Reading:
Hebrews 5:8 "Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered."
Romans 5:8 "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
Read through the bible in 1 year: Deuteronomy 26:1-27:26 Luke 10:38-11:13 Psalm 76:1-12 Proverbs 12:15-17
Read through the bible in 2 years: Catch-up day & Ps 87
