One of Seven

Posted on by beautybeyondbones

Eli, Eli, lamma sabacthani? My God, My God, why have you forsaken me? Matt 27:46

What a week it’s been.

  
I’m writing this on Tuesday night with a heavy heart after the terrorist attacks in Brussels today.

There’s a somber tone to the world. One of despair. One of hurt. One of fear.

  
And I can’t seem to shake the fact that this tragedy occurred right as we’re about to enter the Easter Triduum — Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday. — The pinnacle of our faith. Paradoxcally the most sorrowful, and yet most joyful occasions.

But today, there is a palpable sadness, blanketed over the global community. Which reminded me of the darkness that covered the earth at noon on Good Friday, as Jesus was hanging on the cross, right before He died.

Good Friday. The day when He hung on the tree.

  
While He was upon the cross, Jesus said seven specific things. Granted, everything that Jesus said during His lifetime was important, but for obvious reasons, the things He said while hanging upon the cross are especially important. To the point where people make a study out of just those seven exchanges: with God, with the thief on the cross, with John, with Mary, with the soldier. They all have profound importance.

Eli, Eli, lamma sabacthani? My God, My God, why have you forsaken me? Matt 27:46

  
 This phrase, preserved in the Aramaic language, pierces my heart, for it reveals a glimpse into Jesus’ mind. Clearly, Jesus is in agony, but His words were chosen carefully.

And “forsaken” is a strong word. It means to be abandoned.

Jesus felt abandoned.

The world had literally fallen dark. God’s son was hanging – dying – on the cross. Bearing the weight of the sins of the entire world. And where. was. God?

I don’t know about you, but I’ve uttered that prayer once or twice before.

Where was God?

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How many times have we felt abandoned? When we get bullied at school. When we lose our job. Are rejected by our dream school. Suffering through loss. Battling an addiction. Facing an overwhelming amount of work. In the aftermath of a tragedy,  like Brussels?

Where was God?

  

My God, My God, why have you abandoned me?

In a way that I’m not super proud to admit, the fact that Jesus also experienced this feeling of abandonment, offers a strange sense of comfort. Somehow reassuring. Because He felt it too.

Jesus, God’s only son, felt that God had turned His back on Him in His greatest time of need. In the height of His suffering.

And the thing about the whole situation is that, during the time when Jesus was feeling abandoned, he was precisely in the center of God’s will. Jesus was fulfilling His purpose — God’s divine plan — on earth, and He felt forsaken.

You see, I don’t think that was a coincidence.

Jesus is the ultimate role model. He is our teacher. Our guide. Our example. And even He experienced that distance, even as He was fulfilling God’s will.

  

It was one of only seven things Jesus uttered on the cross, so it’s a big frickin’ deal.

And here’s why I think that is: “Not my will, but yours be done.”

  

  

If we rewind the scene a couple of days to the Agony in the Garden, Jesus was absolutely wrecked with anxiety and despair, knowing the fate that was to befall Him. He was so distraught He was sweating blood. But during His prayer, He kept asking the Father, “Let this cup pass from me.” He asked it more than once, pleading with the Father, Why? Please don’t make me endure this. Isn’t there any other way?! 

But at the end of His prayer, He said, “Not my will, but yours be done.” 

He had complete trust in the Father.

Trust — that even when Jesus felt alone, felt abandoned, felt as though God didn’t care — he did what needed to be done. His trust and His faith never wavered. Even when the worst was happening, and He literally couldn’t see God, because the world was shrouded in darkness — He trusted.

   
Given the events of what happened in Brussels today, I think a lot of people are saying, “Where was God?” “Why have you abandoned us, God?”

We can’t seem Him. We can’t feel Him.

But we have to trust that we are in the center of His will. And that is so hard.

We have to trust that even though we’re hurting, even though we feel alone, even though we have no more light to follow, our faith will endure the trial. Because God has never abandoned us.

And sometimes, we have to go through the darkness and the despair in order to fully receive the blessing – the miracle – on the other side.

  
That was Jesus. Despite His feeling abandoned. Despite the fact that He was dead for two days. Despite the suffering and agony He endured during the Passion, He was exhaulted. 

He rose from the grave. He fulfilled God’s will and saved humanity.

  
Today, we find ourselves in the shroud of darkness.

But, like Jesus, we must hold strong to our faith, to our trust, to our hope, in what the Father has to come for us.

  

***Quick update*** BBB is now on Facebook! Let’s be friends! 🙂 

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beautybeyondbones

BBB: Because we're all recovering from something. // For speaking/business inquiries: beautybeyondbones@yahoo.com

174 thoughts on “One of Seven”

      1. I am afraid it was not a coincidence that the terrorist attacks in Brussels happened so close to Easter. It was deliberate as there were more people at the airport in Brussels, flying away on holiday, than there would normally be. I think the fact that it happened during Easter week, one of the two most important religious holidays of the Christian calendar, was also not a coincidence. We all have to be strong in this time and not feel God, or whatever we believe in, has abandoned us.

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  6. So many times we do wonder where was God with so many tragedies happening in the world today. Also in my battle with anorexia, I realized I had to trust that God gave me it for a reason. I have to pray about it, and I know that it was part of His plan. Great post. Happy Easter!

    Liked by 1 person

  7. Hi BBB! Thank you for your insightful writing, and sharing. It was a blessing to read, and think on. Remembering that Jesus went through everything while walking on earth, just as we do, according to Scripture, makes happenings in these days even more profound. We know Jesus understands our feelings. Of course our Lord Jesus suffered more than most of us ever will, and He was innocent of any wrong.
    You are gifted, talented, and wise. Keep using it all for God’s Glory.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Hi friend! Oh thank you so much for this note of encouragement! Yes, he does understand and he loves us and has our back when we go through things as well. thanks for stopping by! Hugs and love xox

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  8. When anything tragic happens I think there are two responses: people either use it as an excuse to say “where was God?” and doubt His existence or they use the tragedy to look more toward Him and find His glory in the misery. People suffer because of the free will that comes from living in a fallen world. We don’t know His plans, but not by our will, but His.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Hey thee Ellie! What a beautiful reflection. You’re right. I pray that those moments can bring us closer to Him and His loving arms. Because it’s true-we have a choice in those moments of how to respond. And amen: let His will be done. Thanks for stopping by love. Have a beautiful night. Hugs xox

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    2. I like this comment. tragic events unfortunately are a reality. People doing evil is a result of the falling away from God.
      Personally I feel why try to blame God because of misfortune, cruelty, and tragic Events? Things are gloomy enough. If the faith in God should provide some real hope, better to look and long for this than to cast it aside by blaming God.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. You’re so right. I love Ellie and her beautiful insight. So true. It is so much better to look for the hope than to resort to blaming God, resulting in bitterness. Thanks for this reply. Hugs and love xox

        Liked by 1 person

  9. Beautiful message… While difficult events may cause us suffering, we must hold steadfast to the promises of the Lord, in that he “works all things together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” (Rom. 8:28). God took on human form and lived without sin and fully understood what it was like to suffer in the flesh. And in his crucifixion, He fixed his eyes to the heavens saying “My god, my God, why have you forsaken me?” This was His answer to David’s cry that begins with the same words in Psalms 22.. “Why have you forsaken me?” Christ knew exactly what He was doing, as then he said His final words, “It is finished.” How sovereign our Father in Heaven who understands suffering, brings ultimate justice to those who persecute the brethren, and works everything (even the most dire circumstances) together for good for His glory. His will, not ours, be done.

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  10. For God who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 4:6

    …Thanks for shining His light through your words.

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  11. Jesus went to the cross to pay for our sins, to pay our penalty. The first question is what exactly is that penalty. It is the death of both body and soul. Jesus not only had to suffer the physical death, but death of the soul. That is complete separation from God. At the moment He made that cry, it was much more than feeling abandoned by the Father. He was abandoned by the Father.

    Jesus did go to hell following His physical death on the cross, but that was not for punishment. That was His victory lap, proclaiming the salvation already won on Calvary.

    I can’t imagine enduring both that physical pain and absolute torment of His soul at the same time. Which makes His sacrifice even more worthy of our reverence, acceptance, and devotion.

    To you and anyone else who reads this; blessings on your remembrance of Jesus’ passion, death…AND RESURRECTION!!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Hey Jeffrey. You are so right. What a powerful reflection. He DID do a victory lap. And he opened heaven for all of us, even though we don’t deserve it. What a humbling and powerful testimony on the cross. His sacrifice is beyond my comprehension. Thank you Jesus🙏 thanks for stopping by, Jeff! Hugs and love xox you too!!

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  12. Awesome post. The point that sticks out to me is the quote that says sometimes we have to go through something rather than around it. As a culture, we no longer want the process. We want instant. Nothing is though. I appreciate you sharing this post and though I’m sure it is said often, reminding us of the true importance of Jesus’ death on the Cross. His life on earth was to experience what we would go through to let us know that He understands fully what we experience. His resurrection serves to remind us that in Him, we can rise from the ashes of life and God will be glorified. He knew the importance of “Not My will, but Yours be done.”

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    1. Thank you so much! That really means a lot. You’re right. We live in an instantaneous culture. But Jesus is forever. What a comforting thought. God is good! Thanks for stopping by! Hugs and love xox

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  13. It is one of my greatest comforts, to know that Jesus CHOSE his suffering to set me free. It is a love without parallel. To know that he has felt deep and life changing emotion and over came the world…we are blessed people!
    A beautiful and heart felt post dear. Have a wonderful Easter with all the ones you love💜

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  14. Thank you for this hopeful reflection on this day at this hour. Your words speak to the hope, the peace, the grace, and the joy in Christ that fills us as we allow His love to to permeate every cell, warming our hearts and uplifting our minds. ❤

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  16. Another great post. My church small group happened to meditate on Jesus’ last 7 sayings too this week. We ended up mostly reflecting on Jesus compassion on those around him even while he was dying on the cross especially to the other prisoner, “Today you will be with me in paradise”. But personally, I have always been awed by this verse that you have posted on “….why have you forsaken me…”. He experience the pain that was rightly ours. What a saviour.

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  18. Thank you for your post today. It reminds me of something I may write tomorrow. The basis of human life is tragic. It was never meant to be, not when Adam and Eve talked to God in the co9ol of the evening. Life was not tragic then.
    Now, we must experience the corn of wheat falling into the ground where it must die. If that is not experience, we live alone and apart regardless of how religious we are toward God.

    It’s amazing when you see the crucifixion in that context. Thank God for this amazing gift to the world.

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  20. I love your messages. They are so uplifting and inspiring. I too find comfort in knowing that Jesus has felt abandoned; it reminds me that He knows what I am experiencing/feeling. Thanks for sharing!

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  21. A good post – this is why the crucifix is so important. When Jesus suffering is removed and the risen Lord is focused on it can mean that we forget in our sufferings that we have a God who suffered so extremely, He is truly with us. Have a blessed Easter!

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  23. Beautiful post! The Lord would never abandon us because He loves us more than words could say. It’s disheartening to know that many people in this world disregard the fact that Jesus sacrificed Himself on the cross for our sins, and it must be so painful for Jesus to watch us from above, still sinning against Him even though He went through so much to save us. I am constantly praying that God will make this world a better, Christian place.

    The Triduum is so special, and though it is the saddest time of the year it is also the most joyful – Easter is upon us! Have a blessed Easter! 🙂

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  25. What a beautiful reminder that God truly has a plan for us and that we have to choose to trust in him. Thank you for sharing this uplifting message during a very trying time. Loved all your inspirational pictures! ❤️❤️❤️

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    1. Thanks Apes. Trusting in his plan, and especially His timing is so very hard to do. But thankfully He will never give us more than we can handle. And his grace is new every morning❤️ thanks for stopping by! Hugs xox

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  26. This is such a beautiful reflection on Good Friday. I completely identify with the feelings of being abandoned but have always found that trust in God, like Jesus had, will show me how cared for I really am.

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  28. My heart stopped when I read this post last night, I felt anger towards God and turned my back on the idea of “worshipping God” 12 and a half years ago, the day i lost my brother, I blamed Him for it all, everything i could throw at Him, the 11 or so years after my brothers death was spent in such darkness such despair, I didn’t take an opportunity to reconcile with God until I met the girl of my dreams, (though it didn’t last long) her faith brought me to God’s feet and I began to imagine what life would be like with God in it, then February 13th (a friday!) of last year , I met the leaders of my church, and I felt I had know them for years even though I met them for the first time that day, I was talking about all the hurt in my life and the pains i suffered. and I am here today over a year on, so blessed that God had the patience to save me even when I threw everything back in his face he welcomed me with open arms into a loving embrace of forgiveness. I am just amazed by him purity. my life is becoming so much better in him, i can not believe I wasted half my life standing against him, blaming him when he is the blameless one, the pure one the loving one ❤

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    1. What a powerful story. Thank you for sharing this. How comforting to know that he IS patient with us and is always waiting for us and welcoming no matter what. So glad that you’ve found your place in His arms. Sending hugs and love xox

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      1. He literally saved my life, both spiritually with the Father and physically too. he brought so many amazing people into my life including your beautiful self ❤

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  32. I have read your Posts for some time now, yet today I was trying to read over the comments too until I realised it were quite a lot.
    You have been skillfully linking the suffering because of terrorism with the suffering of Jesus and our personal needs!

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  33. “…he was precisely in the center of God’s will. Jesus was fulfilling His purpose — God’s divine plan — on earth, and He felt forsaken.”

    okay – that just blew me away…

    Wow… just wow… (much pondering follows)…

    (and blessings to you this Easter season)

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  34. Permit me to add a little information on Christ’s cry from the cross, “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?” In one of his epic Good Friday homilies, Venerable Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen said Jesus allowed himself to feel abandoned for a specific reason. In Sheen’s words: “He permitted himself to be without any divine consolation. To walk on the very brink of hell. To feel what it is to be damned. At that moment when the sun hid its light, almost ashamed to shed its light on the crime of deicide, our Lord now in that darkness of the very day, put on this darkness of soul, and in reparation for all of the atheists cried out, ‘My God, my God, why? Why have you abandoned me?’ That makes it possible for Brezhnev to save his soul, if Brezhnev hears that cry. The Lord felt the hell of Voltaire, of Sartre, Julian the Apostate and all who deny their Lord. From that day on they need only cry to Him to be saved, but they must cry.”

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    1. Wow thank you for this powerful perspective. Archbishop sheen is such a amazing man with such wisdom. What an incredible thing to ponder this good Friday. Thank you for stopping by. Hugs and love xox

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  35. Thank you so much for blogging. I’m in my first year of college and have previously been diagnosed with anorexia. Every time I get an email saying you’ve posted something new, it’s always at the most perfect time! Thank you for acting as a beacon of light on some of my dark days. I pray that God continues to use you, this blog, and your writing to point others to Jesus and the hope and love He provides. Keep bloggin’!!! 🙂

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  38. Jesus was a human man when on Earth. It’s sometimes hard to remember that he was suffering the same human agonies that all of his peers were also experiencing.

    Sweating blood is rare but still happens with a few people when they are under extreme stress. It happens with some people whose blood vessels are close to their skin. At times of high stress, the blood vessels burst and they sweat blood. It’s not a common thing and this shows just how much stress Jesus was feeling before his arrest and crucifixion. We have to remember that he lived the life of a man and faced what he faced but always had complete faith.

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  47. Great post 🙂 The terrorist attacks early this week in Brussels has made this year’s Easter holiday more somber, but as you imply, we must stay strong and think about what Jesus went through during this time. I hope you have a Happy Easter and keep up the great work as always 🙂

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    1. Thank you so much John. Yes, you’re right. It gives a new meaning and feel to the season for sure. What a tragedy. But yes, Jesus saves and is our strength. Thanks for stopping by. Have a blessed Easter! Hugs and love xox

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      1. Very much so! Really lovely. Writing is such an amazing way to reach out and touch others’ hearts. Keep it up! And may your Easter be filled with great joy!

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  50. thanks for liking my post & writing this one … amazing that we were led to write from a similar perspective about Good Friday, Brussels & hope in the midst of suffering!

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