Not Forsaken!

"About the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, "ELI, ELI, LAMA SABACHTHANI?" that is, "MY GOD, MY GOD, WHY HAVE YOU FORSAKEN ME?" Matthew 27:46

"Oh precious Jesus, hanging on a tree. Oh precious Jesus, crucified for me. Oh precious Jesus the sufferings Thou hast taken. Oh precious Jesus were Thou art forsaken?"

Did Jesus feel forsaken at the cross? I believe it is possible that He could have, but I do not think He (being the Son of God) would actually have to ask why. So where does that leave us? Because it still says He asked why, right? But what about in the garden? The Word reads in John 18:4, "Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, "Who is it you want? (in reference to the guards coming to take Him away to the trumped trial)" See! It said Jesus knowing ALL that was going to happen to Him, so I just cannot believe Jesus was blindsided by that "rejected feeling".

So where does that leave us? I believe He said it for the people around the cross (and for us). But why? Because Jesus is the most beautiful, magnificent, long suffering Master we have come to know and love! He was referencing Psalm 22! EVEN AS OUR SAVIOR WAS DYING HE STILL HAD THEIR SOULS ON HIS MIND! He was still being missional until His work was complete! Let me explain. You see, Psalm 22:1 reads, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring? Now this Psalm continues to describe the situation all of the people around the cross were witnessing at that moment! Jesus wanted them to recall this reference that they all probably knew. It was a reference from King David, in prophesying what would happen to the Messiah.

FATHER FORGIVE THEM FOR THEY KNOW NOT WHAT THEY DO! Jesus wasn't just saying that to look good, He showed how much He desired them to come to Him despite what they were doing by referencing this Psalm. Oh PRECIOUS SAVIOR, listen everyone, HE IS MAGNIFICENT, HE IS WONDERFUL, HE IS BEAUTIFUL, oh please Spirit of God let your people feel the passion of this! Is your spirit jumping yet?

Let's take a look at the highlights of Psalm 22. What was Jesus wanting them to see?

1My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring?

6But I am a worm, and no man; a reproach of men, and despised of the people.

7All they that see me laugh me to scorn: they shoot out the lip, they shake the head, saying,

8He trusted on the LORD that he would deliver him: let him deliver him, seeing he delighted in him.

12Many bulls have compassed me: strong bulls of Bashan have beset me round.

14I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint: my heart is like wax; it is melted in the midst of my bowels.

15My strength is dried up like a potsherd; and my tongue cleaveth to my jaws; and thou hast brought me into the dust of death.

16For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet.

18They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture.

24For he hath not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; neither hath he hid his face from him; but when he cried unto him, he heard.

26The meek shall eat and be satisfied: they shall praise the LORD that seek him: your heart shall live for ever.

27All the ends of the world shall remember and turn unto the LORD: and all the kindreds of the nations shall worship before thee.

28For the kingdom is the LORD's: and he is the governor among the nations.

31They shall come, and shall declare his righteousness unto a people that shall be born, that he hath done this.

Wow! I hope that has set your heart in awe. You see, I understand that He became a curse for us and became sin for us, I believe that was part of what He wanted us to know by saying "why hast Thou forsaken me?". But I do not think Jesus was saying this to just display that, I think He was still accomplishing what His beautiful heart desired before He died, more souls to make His own. A "ONE MORE FOR THE LORD" mentality. An absolutely beautiful, loving, God who is worthy of all the adoration given to Him!

One last point on why I believe He was saying it for us (I mean, why else would He say it out loud?) And it is found in Luke 23:46 and it reads, "And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost." So earlier He is "forsaken" and now He is telling God He is commending His spirit into His hands? I suppose it is possible, but I think Him still talking to the Father suggests He was just referencing Psalm 22 for us. I don't believe He really had that question on His heart. He knew all that was going to happen to Himself, He said it aloud out of complete love for who He wanted to be His..despite the pain, and the mockery, and the thirst, and feeling deserted by His own. I don't know about you, but that is a God worth serving, and cleaning up any sin that entangles out of reverence for Him! It is a reasonable service! If He could go through that suffering for us, AND STILL NOT BE THINKING ABOUT HIMSELF, I am not ashamed to call Him my God! My Lord and MY GOD! Please don't you be either.

You know something the Lord revealed to me earlier in my life? That not once, NOT ONCE in Jesus' life did He ever question the Father's love for Him. I mean if anyone had the right to, it would have been Him, no? I highly doubt any of us have went through the afflictions, physically and spiritually, that He had to. There are some people that blame God and wonder if God even loves them. Its because we have a skewed idea of what love is. Now I don't want to water down your pain at all, I weep with anyone who reads this and is abused or neglected and you contact me for prayer if thats you! But I think my brother Mike said it best with a quote he came up with (which I will revise slightly for the sake of the devotion) "Don't allow your outer circumstances to determine you knowing and believing God's love for you. I will sum up with something my wonderful pastor Rob Turner said "God is more interested in your growth than your comfort". So if the feeling or idea ever comes to your mind that God doesn't love you, rebuke it in the name of Jesus because it is the enemy. You fight, you are a warrior because greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world! (Refer to the left of the screen and click July 09, find Rhema Resistance)

I love you brothers and sisters, may we live victorious lives, free in the love of the Lord Jesus Christ, to whom belongs all glory, honor, and power forever and ever, AMEN!!
Make this your goal, to hear these Words "Well done thou good and faithful servant" Let us pray for each other so this becomes a reality!
Sincerely, Chris Goff