Matthew 27:45-46
From noon until three in the afternoon darkness came over all the land. About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”). Matthew 27:45-46 (NIV)
My heart is breaking. I read these words and I know that my sins contributed to the reason Jesus had to die on the cross. He did it for me, for you, for all of us, for everyone everywhere in all times. His suffering and dying and being forsaken had nothing to do with anything Jesus himself had done; He loved us enough to take all of it on so that we could have joy and everlasting life. Amazing!
How do I get my head around that kind of sacrifice, that kind of love, that kind of selflessness? It's unbelievable. But yet I believe. I believe even in the times when I am most unlovable, He still loves me. I believe even when I feel most alone, He is always with me. I believe that He died on the cross to atone for my sins. I believe that in my own dying day, when I leave all the joys and blessings of this life behind, He will welcome me home to spend eternity with Him in heaven. Maybe it is not my head I need to get around it, but my heart.
When I wiped away the tears caused by reading this passage, when I started to delve into what we can learn from this, I read something that struck a chord with me. It said, "We have no ground for boasting in ourselves, but much ground for boasting in Christ." No kidding! He took on everything for us, and all He asks in return is that we believe. I'll say it again, Amazing!
Questions for Reflection:
- What can we do to show others the way to joy and peace with Jesus?
- Is my belief strong enough to let Him help me through the hardest times in life?
Prayer
My Dear Lord, thank you for all the sacrifices you make for me. Forgive me for my sins and the things I do that pull me away from You. Help me to be a better person and appreciate the gifts You have given me so freely. Amen.
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