Narrative Lectionary Key Verse for Today
“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”
NL Daily Devotion for Friday, April 19, 2019
by R. Fergus Moir, Clergy Stuff
In this wrenching text, we see Jesus go through the nadir of human experience, not just in physical suffering, or the emotional abuse at the hands of the Romans. In his final moments, Jesus feels despair.
Though he has spoken more than once during his ministry about his ultimate suffering and death, though he has been clear about his resurrection, it is as though he no longer believes his own words. God, in whom has been his entire trust, has turned God’s back on him. He is alone.
As someone who suffers from clinical depression, I have experienced despair. In those moments of despair, even the knowledge that Jesus, too, went through it does nothing to help me. It is an intractable state of emotion. It clings and suffocates and refuses to be consoled by logic and reason.
I am utterly blown away and deeply humbled to know that Jesus took on this despair. Willingly. For me.
Lord Jesus, may I always remember the breadth of your humanity and the depth of your sacrifice.
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