Christian Reflection and Prayer

Read Matthew 8:5-13.

TEXT: Why are You so far from saving me, from the
words of my groaning? (See Psalm 22:1.)

On the cross Jesus quotes the beginning of Psalm 22,
"My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?" Each
verse of Psalm 22 is made up of couplets-two phrases
linked together to make the meaning more clear and
powerful. Jesus' first spoken phrase (described in
yesterday's devotion) speaks of being cut off, abandoned,
and forsaken by His Father on account of our sins. At the
same time, however, it shows Him tightly holding to His
Father in faith: "My God, My God." The unspoken
second phrase of that couplet describes that
forsakenness. "Why are You so far from saving me, from
the words of My groaning?"

For hours Jesus has been groaning in pain on the cross.
And like the words of a prayer, those bitter groans have
been continually rising to His Father's throne. Yet those
silent prayers went unanswered, the pain and torment
continued. His back turned, the Father ignores His Son's
groaning, refusing to step in and bring an end to the bitter
pangs.

Often we find ourselves under heavy burdens in life, crying
out to God through our groaning and our tears. Yet, we do
not get the relief we so desperately seek. God seems far,
far away. He seems not to care, or He seems angry at us
for sins we have committed and the times we have been
unfaithful. But that is only how it appears to us. God
removed all our sins and laid them on Jesus in our place.
Jesus was truly cut off and forsaken so our Father would
never have to do that to us. Our sins are forgiven for His
sake. Thanks be to God for the Spirit's work in leading us
to repentance-and to faith.

THE PRAYER:

Lord Jesus Christ, sometimes we call upon You to save
us, to hear the words of our groaning, and You seem far
away. Remind us that You are our ever-present help in
times of trouble. Amen.

(Lenten Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries)