My family and I have the privilege of being a part of a Godly, Bible-based church in Keller, Texas name Milestone Church. Currently, we are in a message series called Red Letters. The message today (Sunday, April 25, 2012) focused on Jesus’ words from the cross, “My God, My God, Why Have You Forsaken Me?” Jesus understands what it feels like to be forsaken…he has been there and done that. One of the things that really stood out to me today was when Pastor Jeff spoke about the time period from noon until 3 pm on the day Jesus was crucified when darkness covered all the earth. It was in this moment that the full weight of sin was placed upon Jesus and God, being holy, could not look upon Jesus because a holy God can not look upon sin.
Wow! Jesus carried the burden of sin alone so that we would be made right with God. Pastor Jeff said, “Jesus was rejected so I (you) could be saved.” 2 Corinthians 5:21 says, “For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin so that we could be made right with God through Christ.” Through faith in Jesus, we have a way to the Father in heaven. Jesus death on the cross paid the price for sin; once and for all. Our faith in Jesus is what clothes us with holiness so that when God looks at us he sees Jesus. That is an absolutely amazing thought. When Jesus rose on the third day, the chains of sin were broken forever and forgiveness was made available for all who believe. Sin has no power in the life of a believer.
Another key thing I learned from the message is that we will have painful, challenging moments in this life. We will wonder, “God, where are you? Why have you left me alone.” But God sees the complete picture – not just a part. Even on the cross, Jesus knew what his Father was up to – he understood the bigger picture. Did that make it less painful? No. If in the end, we are drawn closer to God, he is okay with us walking through these difficult times. We can know that God is always with us and that he has our eternal interest in mind. Romans 8:38-39 says that there is absolutely nothing that can separate us from God’s love.
I invite you to hear the message Pastor Jeff shared today by going to http://media.milestonechurch.com/online-messages.html and clicking on Week 2 of the Red Letters series. It should be made available sometime on Monday. But in the meantime, listen to the first message in the series, entitled “Father Forgive Them.”
Dale Weerts 