The rupture of God

As we approach The Easter weekend, it is for millions around the world to reflect on what God has done for us in the cross.  To reflect on that it good and right. But it is also important to stop and reflect this Easter on what the cross has done to God.

As he hung dying ‘Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?”—which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”  In those words, Jesus was pointing not just to something that happened to God – but an event that happened within God.  In bearing our sins (2 Cor 5v21), the true God - Father, Son & Spirit – is ruptured.  God is torn apart.

As someone put it: ‘More completely than any other person ever will, Jesus entered into the very human experience, not only of suffering, but of the hiddenness & silence of God just when he needed him most’. The cross speaks to the heart of pain.

This Easter, we mustn’t merely reflect on what the cross achieves for us – but how it transformed God. For this internal suffering was something genuinely new for God. Prior to the cross, God had suffered the rejection of His creation and His people. But his perfect relationship of Father, Son and Spirit was secure. The suffering was inflicted from outside. For the first time in eternity, at Calvary, God’s suffering was on the inside: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” 

To reflect on those words gives comfort that suffering is bearable. Because there is one who truly understands.  In our times of pain, we can turn to Him who knows from experience.

Even more, to reflect on those words gives comfort that suffering is manageable. In Jesus’ trust of the Father (‘into your hands I commit my Spirit’) even at the point of abandonment – is a model of patient trust. A patient trust that is vindicated when Jesus rises 3 days later. A hope for all who patiently trust in pain. Finally, to reflect on those words gives comfort that we are loved profoundly. God did not spare Himself – all because of you!

In Him
Mark Smith (Assistant Pastor)