It happens to us all – that moment when we learn someone we know has died. We suddenly remember the last time we saw them. What they were wearing. The exchange of words. The smiles. Things we wouldn’t ordinarily recall, we instantly do. Things we wouldn’t normally find important, become so.
I’ve been remembering those whose lives were cut short by a tragic event in my community this past weekend.
Steve Singleton was a part of the devotion team with me at my church. We alternated on Wednesday nights delivering a brief message to our congregation before the Praise and Worship Team and Offering. One Wednesday, Steve asked me if I would consider allowing him to speak that night in my place. He was so excited because he had been studying a particular verse and he felt through prayer and scripture, he finally understood it. Of course, I agreed and he proceeded to explain to me what he learned. It was in answer to the question, Did God Really Forsake Christ on the Cross?
If God promises to NEVER leave us nor FORSAKE us, why would He at the moment Jesus held all of our sins. Does that mean God turns away from us when we sin?
He had concluded the answer was no; in fact, the verse from Matthew 27:46 so many translate as meaning, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” was really Christ assuring those who stood at the foot of the cross; those who had believed in Him and loved Him; those who had walked the journey with Him, that He was who they knew Him to be. It was also a reminder to those who were against Him of a very popular verse in the Jewish faith Psalm 22. It begins, “My God, my God why have you forsaken me?” Written by David, Psalm 22, 23, and 24 were extremely popular in the Jewish culture. It would be like hearing a favorite old song and the emotions of your first love flooding your heart with memories. Psalm 22 ends with the verse, “for it is done.” He was quoting a familiar Psalm to the people because what was written in the Psalm was happening before their very eyes.
Although suffering tremendously from 40 hours of torture, Christ delivered a message to the world using the promises of scripture. He was affirming that He was who the Word of God said He was – the Redeemer of Israel, the King of kings, the Messiah. He was delivering a message to you and me, His believers. Psalm 22: 27, 28 says, “All the ends of the earth will remember and will turn to the Lord, and all the families of the nations will bow down before Him, (28) for dominion belongs to the Lord and He rules over the nations.”
God’s promises are real and true. He does not leave us, even in the worst of times. He does not turn His head but gives us the strength to do what we need to do.
I remember Steve’s smile and how excited he was for God opening his eyes to understand this moment in the Bible. I can only speculate that Steve related it to the tragic loss of his own son, Easton.
As a community we are preparing to say goodbye to three members who were loved by many. It’s easy to wonder if God looked away or forgot those who loved Him. It’s easy to question Why? such horrific events happened in our little, safe, rural town. Psalm 23:4, “Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.” He is ALWAYS with us.
To my friend, Steve, I hope I delivered your devotion well. You impacted the Kingdom of God tremendously.
