Separated from the Father

December 23

As we approach the night that we celebrate the nativity of the Lord, the night the Second Person of the Trinity entered the world as a Babe and began His trek through human experience, living the sinless life we were incapable of living and vicariously providing restored fellowship with our Heavenly Father, we cannot but think beyond the manger to the cross.

The beautiful Baby, lying in Mary’s arms, held tenderly to her breast would one day be roughly handled by disdainful religious leaders and cruel soldiers. He would endure the mockery of a trial; He would hear those who’d felt the gentle touch of His healing hand cry, “Crucify Him!”

He would bear the reproach of men and He would feel the Father with whom He was One turn away from Him. He would pray to His Father, “All things are possible for You. Take this cup away from Me. Nevertheless, not what I will but what You will be done” Mark 14:36. Christ bore the pain and the mockery inflicted by men without complaint.

But He anguished at the breech between Himself and His Father who would not look upon Him while He bore our sin upon Himself. The great cost to Christ as He hung upon the cross, was not the wounds he endured on His back or the crown of thorns that pierced His brow or the nails that bound Him to the tree. He anguished that for the only time in all eternity, He was separated from the Father.