From C. J. Mahaney’s, Living the Cross Centered Life
Knowing the hour for His death is fast approaching, Jesus has come here in need as never before of His Father’s comfort and strength. Instead, hell – utter separation from God – is thrust in His face.
We hear Him cry out: Father – is there an alternative? Is there any way to avoid this? If there’s a way this cup could pass from Me, would You please provide that to Me?
Silence. We can see it in His face – Jesus receives no answer to this desperate entreaty.
A second time He pleads for an alternative to that horror of abandonment by His Father. If such an alternative existed, the Father would most surely provide it. But the obedient Son’s plea to his loving Father is met with silence. Why?
Listen to this verse again for the very first time: For God so loved the world…that He is silent to His Son’s agonizing appeal.
This is what bearing our sin means to Him – utter distress of soul as He confronts total abandonment and absolute wrath from His Father on the cross, a distress and an abandonment and a rejection we cannot begin to grasp.
In this, our Savior’s darkest hour…do you recognize His love for you?
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The following song by Stuart Townend is so fitting in describing what God has accomplished for us through His beautiful Son, Jesus. May God fill all of us full and fresh with these truths this Easter weekend and let us “recognize His love for us”. Blessings on your thoughts of Him! Unlike Jesus’ disciples on this day many years ago we know that the Resurrection is coming and Jesus conquered death and sin for us and He lives today.
How Deep the Father’s Love for Us
by Stuart Townend
How deep the father’s love for us,
how vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son,
To make a wretch His treasure
How great the pain of searing loss
The Father turns his face away
As wounds which mar the chosen One
Bring many sons to glory
Behold a man upon the cross
My sin upon His shoulders
Ashamed, I hear my mocking voice
Call out among the scoffers
It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished
I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no powers, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection
Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom
Luke 23:44 ~ It was now about the sixth hour, and darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour, for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When he had said this, he breathed his last.
Luke 23:49 ~ But all those who knew him, including the women who had followed him from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching these things.
The Happy Wonderer ~ ellen b. 
Goosebumps. Thank you, dear Ellen.
This hymn says it all – it’s one of my favourites although I cannot keep the tears from coming. The line “ashamed, I hear my mocking voice” just humbles me sooo much! Thank you for your sharing today Ellen!
Thank you Ellen – I began my day with your post and am rejoicing in how His submission to the Father opened up the way for His mercy to cover my sins. Praising God today for His plan of salvation, for His unfathomable love and grace. One of my favourite hymns as well.
Blessing to you and your family this Easter Weekend.
Thank you for this thoughtful post.
Thank you for this, Ellen. No greater love…
Thank you, Ellen for this timely post to have us imagine the feeling of having the Father turn His face from us. Jesus felt the pain of separation. Unimaginable!
Ellen that you for this glorious message. Yesterday the police and paramedic forces were called into our neighborhood as a young man was making suicidal threats. Once the event had neutralized I was speaking with a police officer and he mentioned it was their 4th such call that day. People are hurting. When must never stop providing them with hope my friend.