The Cross

The Cross
My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?—Psalm 22: 1
Psalm 22 is a demonstration of God’s foreknowledge of events. In this passage, God gives us advance notice of His plan for man’s redemption by allowing His Son to die the ignominious death of crucifixion.
The Gospels tell us that after Jesus had been hanging on the cross for about three hours—at around noontime—the sky went dark. And out of the darkness a cry was heard from the Man on the middle cross, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” Jesus’ cry brings us back to Psalm 22. But it begs the question, why would God forsake His Son at this critical hour?
**God is absolute holiness. Therefore, it’s impossible for Him to fellowship with sin.
In that moment when God laid my sin—and the sin of the whole world—upon Jesus Christ, the inevitable consequence occurred: Jesus was separated from God. He was forsaken of His Father for a time so that you would not need to be forsaken of God for eternity.
Nothing brings greater peace and confidence to your life than when you recognize the lordship of Jesus, surrender to His authority, and place your life in His hands. Not only does that decision bring you peace and confidence, it also brings you strength and endurance.
Father, we are so grateful for the cross and for the hope it brings us. We thank You that You were willing to forsake Your Son for a time in order that You need never forsake us. May we yield ourselves to be governed by Him and led by Your Holy Spirit. Amen.
PS This daily devotional is delivered by Dan Shock and excerpts are taken from Pastor Chuck Smith founder of Calvary Chapel. You can unsubscribe any time by simply replying “Unsubscribe”.