Forsaken, Yet Faithful!

Scripture:
“And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?”
— Matthew 27:46

Devotion:

These haunting words from the cross cry out through eternity: “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?” Jesus bore our sins at this point with aching agony. The Sinless One, the Sin-bearing One, went through this suffering for the sake of humanity and, in breaking fellowship with God the Father, experienced separation so we might not have to (2 Corinthians 5:21).

It was a cry of anguish and torment rather than one tinged with doubt. Jesus was quoting the first line of Psalm 22. If you notice, this one is remaining faithful to the Word of God—that is, holding on to it even up to the very moment of forsakenness. At the hour He is feeling forsaken, He still says, “My God.” Great was the faith in that same silence.

We all have our times when God seems far away from us—when pain mingles with peace, when there seems to be much more pain than clear answers. His cry vividly illustrates how Jesus has been through it all. He has sensed the dark hue of human sorrow. He has walked through abandonment, grief, and suffering. Now, we are accepted because He was forsaken.

Remember that Jesus has already been there for you if you feel abandoned. And because of what He has done, nothing will break you away from the love of God (Romans 8:38-39).

Prayer:
Lord Jesus,  Thank You for enduring the cross and bearing the weight of my sin. In Your darkest moment, You still held on to the Father, showing me what true faith looks like. When I feel alone or abandoned, remind me that You were forsaken so I never would be. Teach me to trust You even in silence, to cling to Your Word even in pain, and to rest in the truth that I am fully accepted in You.
In Your precious name, Amen.