Thousands of years before Jesus’ crucifixion, His ancestor David wrote:
My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from my cries of anguish? My God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer, by night, but I find no rest.
~~~Psalms 22:1-2
David’s pain is redolent throughout the Psalms. He complains about pain in his body, his bones, his spine. It made it difficult for him to move, to sleep or to find any degree of peace. I’ve suffered with arthritis and spinal stenosis for many years, so I can really relate to that. Having prayed countless times for relief from relentless pain, I know the feeling of being forsaken.
But King David’s pain couldn’t compare to the anguish of the cross. The gruesome manner of Jesus’ death must have been a shock even to His fit, healthy system.
Jesus’ wrists were nailed so that they carried the weight of his upper body and the bones would tear apart. His chest heaved forward, making it impossible for the lungs to continue working. Gravity pulled his legs down toward the nails in his feet, searing flesh and bone. The guards pierced his side with a spear, then stuffed the wound with a vinegar-soaked cloth to intensify the pain. His burning lungs had breath for only one last utterance.
And at three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”)
~~~Mark 15:34
When so many humans are suffering, we are reminded that Jesus suffers with us. We also look forward to His good news.
I pray you all have good news in your future. And good health. And much love.
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mezzojan 