LIVING WATERS
For the proclamation of the Gospel and the edification of the Body of Christ
Tasters from the King's Table
Separation
The Lord Jesus once said, "He who sent me is with me; The Father has not left me alone, for I always do what pleases Him" (Jn. 8:29). This verse shows us the normal relationship of the Father and the Son. The Son in total submission; His character, docile and reverent towards the Father, pleasing Him in everything. His constant submission to God's will allowed him to continually enjoy his pleasant company. Perfect, isn't it?
However, when He was on the cross, He cried out, "Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? That is, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" (Matthew 27:46.). This poignant cry is in sharp contrast to what's gone before. Here is distress, helplessness, anguish. This is an, irrepressible, piercing cry that comes from deep within.
Abandonment by God is distressing even for us who live only in relative fellowship with God. How would it be for Him, who never gave any reason to be abandoned? For Him it was something strange, unthinkable, incomprehensible! Why did the Father leave Him alone in the time of greatest need, at the worst possible time?
Please don't let us look for the reason in God, as if he had betrayed the Son. Nor let us seek it in the Son, as if he had ceased to please the Father. Rather let us look for it in ourselves, sinners, whose sins He bore on the cross in that moment: "The Lord laid on him the iniquity of us all" (Isaiah 53: 6).
The vilest actions, the biggest blunders, the most heinous sins weighed upon His shoulders. That's why the Father left him. Oh what injustice, what madness! Oh, the injustice that was done to him! The heavens were moved, the land was darkened, the graves were opened and hell was terrified. The most distant universes had to know about it too. The whole creation of God held it's breath in that sublime moment. Oh, my blessed Lord!
"Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows ... he was wounded for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities ... by His stripes we are healed" (Isaiah 53: 4-5). And, behold, blessed grace; we who should have been there, were declared free. Free forever!