Solomon's Porch Christian Community

Introduction

Over the next several weeks we will explore how Jesus, in His humanity, felt forsaken for us all on the Cross. Our Memory and Meditation Verses are from one of the most recognizable messianic Psalms, Psalm 22. Psalm 22:1-15 is the portion we are committing to memory as we Remember His Crucifixion on our way to Celebrating His Resurrection in 2025.

Why Have You Forsaken Me?

King David opens the Psalm with the words that Jesus cries out from the cross. “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani–My God, my God, why have you forsaken me (Mark 15:34)?” For many years I thought Jesus was quoting Psalm 22:1 on the Cross. I had it fixed in my mind that the Lord Jesus knew the Scriptures so well that he was intentionally quoting them on the Cross. Unquestionably, Jesus knows the Scriptures perfectly. He is the Logos, the Eternal Word, the Message. He is the Inspirer of all the infallible Divine messages we call the Bible. Therefore, the Holy Spirit is called the Spirit of Christ (1 Peter 1:10-11). However, Christ is not quoting David on the Cross. David is quoting Christ.

Capturing the Feelings, Thoughts, Prayers, & Pain of Christ on the Cross

Psalm 22 is one of the grand Messianic Psalms. In it David sees prophetically into the future. His vision captures some of what Jesus felt, thought, prayed, and endured on the Cross. The words David says are Jesus’ and the actions David feels are his too. Psalm 22 describes the Savior’s agony. In verse 16 “they have pierced my feet and hands.” Then in verse 18 “they divide my garments among them, and for my clothing the cast lots.” David is witnessing the crucifixion in a prophetic vision.

Alongside Jesus’ feelings of being forsaken, His crucifixion, and his clothing being taken, we also find His counteracting praises. After making His complaint to the Father on the Cross, from that same Cross He then declares the truth, praising Him: “Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel. In you our fathers trusted; they trusted, and you delivered them. (Psalm 22:3-4).”

Martin Luther & the Psalms

Martin Luther loved the Psalms. I once heard that when he learned about the death of his father he went to his room, locked himself in, then fasted, wept, and prayed the Psalms for three days. I love it when I find a physician that takes his own medicine. Listen to what Martin Luther said about the Book of Psalms:

“Every man on every occasion can find in it Psalms which fit his needs, which he feels to be as appropriate as if they had been set there just for his sake. In no other book can he find words to equal them, nor better words…Place the Book of Psalms in front of you; you will see your own self in it, for here is the true “know thyself,” by which you can know yourself as well as the God who created all things.” –

Here is a great article that expands the topic: “Martin Luther & the Psalms.”

The Psalms & Puritan Spiritual Cures

The wonderful thing about the Psalms is that you will find within prophecies of Jesus, examples of godly men, and yourself. Do you suffer from depression? The Puritans called it “Melancholy.” Do you feel like God has forsaken you? The Puritans called that condition “spiritual desertion.” Jesus understandably experiences it on the Cross. There is nothing new under the sun.

The cure the Puritans prescribed for themselves then is the same cure they prescribe for us now. First, Faith in the Divine Word. We must mingle the promises of God with faith. Second, a daily habit of worshiping God replete with a heavy dose of reading, praying, singing, and meditating on the Psalms. Why? Because in the Psalms the full range of human emotion is captured and brought to heel before faith. Finally, the Puritans encouraged regular Lord’s Day attendance and their liturgies were full of Psalm praying and singing. The soul needs worship, rest, and renewal like the body needs food, water, and sleep.

Forsaken Feelings

A lot of people struggle with feeling abandoned by God. The amount may surprise you. Most mask their inner turmoil and feelings of unworthiness. There is a scene in a modern film called “No Country For Old Men,” that expresses what goes through the minds of some. Ed Tom, the old man who feels like there is no place for him in the world in more, says to his uncle in a scene near the end of the film, “I thought when I got old God would come into my life. But he didn’t. I don’t blame him. I wouldn’t want nothing to do with me either.” It resonated with me when I heard it because I’ve heard others say similar things while counseling them.

Christ Knows How To Comfort Feelings of Spiritual Desertion

There are tons of books advising disciples on how to escape the doom loop in their own mind. A famous hymn writer and friend of Jonathan Edwards, Willian Cowper (pronounced Cooper) committed suicide. It is common for humans to experience the feeling of spiritual desertion. We are fallen. It doesn’t appear what we shall be, not to any one, but most especially ourselves. If it did John wouldn’t have to tell us that “our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart (1 John 3:20).” Some people can sweep away the doom loop of self condemnation easier than others. However, we can all take in comfort in knowing that the Lord comprehends the depth of our despair. He felt it. We can come to Him with confidence knowing that he understands and knows how to help us. We can draw near to God uncondemned.

“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. ¹⁶ Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need (Hebrews 4:15-16).”

Countering Feelings with Truth

As a closing encouragement then, if you struggle with feelings of despair, when you complain to God, which He encourages you to do, follow it up with the truth. Name your Gospel privileges. Praise God for His character. Claim the promises of God that are all “yes and amen to you.” Jesus’ example is to candy stripe our complaints and praise together so that you acknowledge how you feel but under the light of revealed Truth.

Forsaken For Us All

Finally, for the rest of March and some of April we will meditate together Christ on Psalm 22:1-15. We will focus on how Christ in His humanity felt all the sting of sin. Praise the Father for sending the “Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the (curse of the) law, so that we might receive adoption as sons (Galatians 4:4-5).” He has a name that is above every name. Let us raise His standard high. Let us march under His banner. Remember Him Who was forsaken for us all.

Learn more about Solomon’s Porch Christian Church on our Home Page & What We Believe

Go in peace to love and serve the Lord,

Pastor Jeremy

Read Forsaken For Us All Part 2

Additionally, you can read our previous 4 Part Series Christ, His Church, & Marriage.