Today’s Reading: Matthew 27:45-46
Today’s Reference: Nahum 1:6
“Who can stand before his indignation?
Who can endure the heat of his anger?
His wrath is poured out like fire,
and the rocks are broken into pieces by him.”
“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”
No longer does Jesus say, “Father.” Into the thick, unnatural darkness that covered the land during the last three hours of His dying, He cries out to express His pain at separation from God. But still He says, “My God,” trusting even through despair.
This was the moment when the full weight of our sin dropped squarely on His shoulders. Imagine the punishment for the sins of even one life. Now try to imagine the punishment for millions of lives, for crimes too disgusting even to name. Jesus lived through an eternity of hell compressed into three short hours. And still the worst part was the separation from His Father’s love and company, which was eternally His greatest delight. The physical darkness mirrored the darkness of His soul cut off from the Light.
This is what Christ willingly suffered so that you can I would be spared. What else can we do but stand amazed at such mingled horror and grace?
Prayer:
Father, I can’t even comprehend the intense pain Christ suffered because He loves me. All I can do is offer my heart and my life in gratitude. There is nothing to do but praise You.
In Jesus’ name, amen.