Is it not enough to freeze the very marrow in our bones to realize, even in the smallest degree, the meaning of this cry of bitterest anguish. Why should God forsake His Son? Was He not at that moment in highest favor with God? He was. Was not His very crucifixion a proof of His utter devotion to the will of God? It was. Why then was He forsaken of God? Who can tell the bitterness of the cup He was called upon to drink. We read the wonderful answer to our question:—"Christ also hath once suffered for sins, THE JUST FOR THE UNJUST, that He might bring us to God." (1 Peter 3:1818For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: (1 Peter 3:18)).
It was for US, sinners, that the Lord of glory laid down His life on the cross of Calvary. It was for OUR salvation that He suffered, bled and died. Above all, it was for God's glory that He died to maintain God's righteousness, thus setting Him free to offer salvation and forgiveness of sins to guilty man. That is God's side of the cross, and a wondrous story it is, unlike any other in the world. How often we do sing,
"There from His head, His hands, His feet,
Sorrow and love flowed mingled down.
Did e'er such love and sorrow meet,
Or thorns compose so rich a crown."
Following the cry of abandonment there rang out three triumphant words, " IT IS FINISHED," telling that the work of atonement was completed.