Friday, 8 October 2021

Why Have You Forsaken Me?

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What's next? Psalm 22 of course. This Psalm is quoted extensively by Yeshua as he was hanging on the cross. David wrote it originally about 1,000 years before His progeny, Yeshua, would speak it into eternity. (Ergo, David is the progenitor of Yeshua.). So it begins, Psalm 22:2 My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?

How many sermons have been written to explain that question. Many suppose Yeshua was feeling abandoned (forsaken) by His Father from the cross. I don't think so. After all, Yeshua had the presence of mind, even from the cross, to quote Scripture. He knew exactly what was happening to His earthly life.

He had prophesied His sacrificial death to His disciples. Matthew 17:22-23 Now while they were gathering in the Galilee, Yeshua said to them, "The Son of Man is about to be delivered into the hands of men; and they will kill Him, and on the third day He will be raised." And the disciples became greatly distressed.

Then for what purpose did Yeshua quote this verse? "Why" in Hebrew is "Lamah." Actually (paraphrasing here), Yeshua is saying, "For what purpose have I been forsaken?" With the benefit of the last 2,000 years of history, and from our perspective today, why don't we answer the question for Him? Repeat after me. "Yeshua, You were forsaken for me. I caused Your brokenness. By Your death and resurrection, I have been brought near, into the family of God. Your suffering is my blessing. Thank You for submitting to the cross. You laid Your life down for my benefit. Today, I answer the question You asked long ago. Thank You! You were forsaken for me, and I will be forever grateful, for the sanctity of Your holy name."

Do you agree with these words from the heart? You just made Yeshua glad, all over again, that He was forsaken. Shalom (as in goodbye).