At noon [when Jesus was crucified], darkness fell across the whole land until three o'clock. Then 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 15:33-34 NLT
As Jesus died, this was the time of darkness. At midday, all light was snuffed out of the world as Jesus faced ridicule, mockery, shame, brutality, and humiliation alone. He felt as if he had been abandoned, completely. But read Psalm 22, the Psalm Jesus partially quoted on the cross. Notice how it speaks of feeling absolutely abandoned and completely surrounded by enemies. Then read how it finishes:
O Almighty God, my Abba Father, please give me the kind of faith that Jesus had. I want to be able to obey and bring you glory even when I feel abandoned and forsaken. Give me that kind of courage. Empower me with that kind of trust. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Ⓒ 1996-2020 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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—Mark 15:33-34 NLT
Key Thought
As Jesus died, this was the time of darkness. At midday, all light was snuffed out of the world as Jesus faced ridicule, mockery, shame, brutality, and humiliation alone. He felt as if he had been abandoned, completely. But read Psalm 22, the Psalm Jesus partially quoted on the cross. Notice how it speaks of feeling absolutely abandoned and completely surrounded by enemies. Then read how it finishes:
In the middle of humanity's worst moment, Jesus looked beyond the horror with the eyes of faith. He was faithful even though he felt alone. He endured the cross for all of us who need his grace. He trusted that the Father he was honoring with his death would also be the Father who would bring him victory. He felt alone, but his faith led him to trust God would not abandon him (John 16:32) and would lead him to victory.
Today's Prayer
O Almighty God, my Abba Father, please give me the kind of faith that Jesus had. I want to be able to obey and bring you glory even when I feel abandoned and forsaken. Give me that kind of courage. Empower me with that kind of trust. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Related Scripture Readings
Ⓒ 1996-2020 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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