When You Can’t Imagine the Truth of the Cross
It’s hard for me to think about Jesus suffering and death.
In fact, it’s impossible for me to find a word to adequately describe my feelings when I truly pause to think about Jesus willingly allowing Himself to be tortured in every way for my sins.
I can’t imagine the physical pain He endured. And I can’t even begin to comprehend the mental, emotional, and spiritual pain of being “abandoned” by His Father, God.
I wonder what it sounded like when…
At three o’clock Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” which means “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?”
Mark 15:34
I wonder if that was the thing He dreaded most when He prayed the night before…
“Abba, Father,” He cried out, “everything is possible for you. Please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.”
Mark 14:36
The truth of the cross is that Jesus’ separation from God was and is the punishment you and I deserve.
Because God’s love is so great, Jesus willingly endured our punishment so we won’t ever be abandoned by God if we place our trust in Jesus.
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 6:23
And by God’s grace, nothing can ever change that…
No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:39
We have so many reasons to thank and praise God but maybe none greater than the truth of the cross.
A Prayer Thanking Jesus
for the Truth of the Cross
Jesus, giving You a simple “thank you” seems so insufficient. You suffered the unimaginable not only enduring horrific pain but willingly suffering the weight of all sin for all people for all time. Sin that caused You to be fully separated from the Father to languish alone. I can’t begin to comprehend what You experienced because of Your great love for us . . . for me.
Lord, I am humbled and overwhelmed. I am sorry for the pain my sin caused You. I repent of my sins. I am so sorry and ask You to forgive me and help me. I want to give You my heart, my mind, my all. I want to be completely surrendered to Your will. I want to trust and obey Your commands. I pray that You will make loving, trusting, and obeying You my #1 heart’s desire. I love You and thank You. Help me live every day for the glory of Your name. Amen.
I think we all have times when God feels far away. Times when we wonder if He has heard our prayers . . . if He’s with us. Times when we feel separated or maybe even abandoned.
But if you remember nothing else today, please remember…
God has said, “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.”
Hebrews 13:5
And Jesus said:
Be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.
Matthew 28:20
On today’s note write:
The truth of the cross is that Jesus was abandoned so I will never be.
Pause today and thank God for the truth of His loving presence . . . even if you can’t feel it.
So many times, we don’t want to think about the horrible suffering Jesus endured for each of us, but we must. Without the crucifixion, there is no resurrection. May our #1 priority always be to submit to and love God with all our hearts, minds, souls, and strength.
Blessings, Deb!
Amen, Martha! That is the perfect #1 priority for all of us! God bless you!
Good morning Deb, your message touched me & gave me strength! I’m referring to Heb. 13:5, “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.” I have recently left a high control religion that I have realized, thru prayer & lot’s of Bible reading, is not Christian, Jehovah’s Witnesses. Because of this my entire extended family are shunning me, I haven’t spoken to my parents since last June, we used to talk at least twice a week. It breaks my heart, but I have my freedom & amazing relationship with Jesus now! Heb. 13:5 is now my favorite scripture (one of many)! I have a father who is Always with me! Thank you, love reading your blessings & I’m totally enjoying my Devotional writing!!!????
I love that verse as well, Laurel! I am so sorry your relationship with your family is strained. I am praying for the Lord to bless you and surround with His presence and love. I am also praying for your family to understand the joy you have found in Jesus and that they might come to know and love Him as well. God bless you!
The truth of the Cross that Jesus was abandoned so I will never be.
At times, when I would go to Good Friday services I would get teary eyed while thinking about what Jesus did for us.
Many times–now- I thank Him for dying for us.
What a Special Gift to us. I look forward to seeing the Trinity in Heaven some day.
What a “Special Gift” we have been given! Amen! Oh, what a day it will be to see Him face to face! God bless you!
Wow! I am so inspired, I give all Glory to God. The stones are rolled and guards are gone…He is risen, preparing the way for me to go tell. He is right here, he promised ‘ill never fail you’
Isn’t that a great word of encouragement, Suzie. Whenever I am tempted by fear, I want to remember that the Lord goes before me. Thanks for visiting and for your beautiful comment. God bless you!