And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them,
for they know not what they do.” Luke 23:34
Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying… “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Matt. 27:46; “It is finished.” John 19:30
Lord Jesus, we feel conflicted about calling the day of your crucifixion, “good.” That there had to be a day when you would take the judgment for our sin is not good at all.
That you would freely, fully, and gladly give yourself for us on the cross—this is never-to-be-surpassed goodness. It is quintessential, unparalleled greatness.
From your heart and cross, came these two impassioned cries. “Father forgive them” (Luke 23:34) and “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matt. 27:46). The first required the second. The second secured the first. Together, they humble our hearts, silence our words, and fuel our worship.
And then there’s the third glorious cry. “It is finished.” There’s nothing more to be done, concerning our salvation. Once and for all, perfectly and fully, we have been reconciled to God. The Just died for the unjust, the Beautiful One for the broken ones, the Lamb of God for the rebels from God. We praise, bless, and adore you, Lord Jesus.
A million-years-plus into our life in the new heaven and new earth, we will still be filled with childlike wonder and ceaseless gratitude. Because you were forsaken, we are forgiven. Because you took our judgment, we’re now robed in your righteousness. Because you love us lavishly, we want to serve you joyfully, unreservedly, wholeheartedly.
Right in the middle of this pandemic, we bow our heads in awe, raise our hands in praise, and surrender our lives with joy. So very Amen we pray, in your all-glorious, all-grace-full name, Lord Jesus.