When all we have is taken
At the sixth hour darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour. And at the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?”–which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”
With a loud cry, Jesus breathed his last. Mark 15:33-34, 37
Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing him.
He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?” They stood still, their faces downcast. One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, “Are you only a visitor to Jerusalem and do not know the things that have happened there in these days?” Luke 24: 13-18
Saturday: the day after Jesus was crucified, killed for the sins of every person of the world, killed for doing the will of his Father. What a dark day! His last words, “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?”, must have been tough for his loyal followers to hear.
Only a few who followed him came to watch his final moments. What might they have been expecting? They had seen him perform incredible miracles to demonstrate God’s presence, love, and compassion. Some were healed. Some were bought back to life after dying! Jesus had spoke of his intimate relationship with his Father and now his final words were, “Why have you forsaken me? ”. What’s up with that? Can you imagine the emotions of those who saw his death?
We get a glimpse of what they were feeling from the story of two men traveling to Emmaus recorded in Luke. It seems they were consumed in grief. Luke says their faces showed it. Over and over again they must have replayed the events in their minds and conversations. When Jesus, after his resurrection, joined them and asked what they were talking about, their response was, “Are you only a visitor to Jerusalem and do not know the things that have happened there in these days?”.
Have you ever felt deep grief and confusion? Last year, I spoke with Josh, song writer and singer for Edison Glass. I really like their song, “When All We Have is Taken”. So, I asked Josh what the inspiration was for it. His answer shocked me. Right after his mom died, his best friend committed suicide. Two of the closest, most intimate people in his life, that he depended on, were gone. He fell into a deep depression and this song came out of the experience.
Have you had major losses in your life? Sometimes when they strike, in our shock, we may also feel abandoned by God. Being consumed by grief and confusion is a common experience. When this happens, be sure to surround yourself with the community of your church. Having others to share your burdens with can make these difficult times easier to bear. It’s really true! Also, having the support of others can help protect you from doing something crazy and destructive.
But what’s the best news about this Story? Be patient. . . just wait for the surprise on Sunday!