“At about three o’clock, Jesus called out with a loud voice, ‘Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?’ which means ‘My God, My God, why have You abandoned Me?’” – Matthew 27:46 (NLT)
As Jesus hung on the cross, He cried out words that shake the soul—words of deep agony and separation. The Greek idea behind “forsaken” carries the meaning of being left in a condition of lack, abandonment, or deprivation. But why would the perfect Son of God experience this? Hebrews 12 tells us the answer: Jesus endured the cross “for the joy that was set before Him” (Hebrews 12:2 NKJV). He took on complete separation so we would never have to. He bore the punishment we could never carry, and He did it knowing what His suffering would accomplish—salvation, redemption, and eternal access to the Father.
Hebrews also speaks of God’s chastening, which many misunderstand. We often picture God as angry, disappointed, or ready to punish us when we fail. But “chastening” in Hebrews 12:11 means instruction—training that leads to maturity. It’s the loving correction of a Father who wants His children to grow. Like a parent who warns a child not to run into the street, God’s correction is protective, not punitive. He pulls us aside not because He is ashamed of us, but because He loves us too much to leave us in danger. Conviction is not condemnation; it is the gentle tap on the shoulder reminding us of who we are and whose we are.
Maybe today you feel like you’ve failed. Maybe you crossed a line God asked you not to cross, and now your heart feels heavy. Don’t sink into shame—lean into grace. Your Father is not standing far off with crossed arms; He is right beside you, picking you up, dusting you off, and guiding you forward. Jesus was forsaken so that you, in Him, would never be forsaken again (Hebrews 13:5 NKJV). His blood speaks “better things” than Abel’s—mercy, forgiveness, restoration, and hope (Hebrews 12:24 NKJV). Stay under the blood of Jesus, and you will never be condemned, abandoned, or cast aside.
When you feel convicted, don’t run from God—run to Him. His correction is love, not anger. His presence is near, not distant. Let the cross remind you that Jesus was forsaken so you never would be. Your Father is with you, instructing you, restoring you, and leading you into maturity.
“The heart that accepts God’s correction is the heart He can trust with His presence.” — A.W. Tozer
surrendered devotions 