My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?

Matt. 27:46 ESV

The five books of Moses take their Hebrew names from the first words of the book. So Genesis is called bereshith (in the beginning). The name we know, Genesis, comes from the first word in the Latin Vulgate translation. Similarly, the name of Exodus in Hebrew is just the first word which is in English These. All that to say that the Jews would refer to the books of the Pentateuch by their first words.

Jesus in agony on the cross cries out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Is he accusing the Father of abandonment? Does he cry out in despair? Has he resigned himself to death without rescue?

What did those standing near the cross—John, Jesus’ mother, and the other Marys—understand when Jesus spoke? His words would have brought Psalm 22 in its entirety to mind. There was no need for Jesus to say more.

Psalm 22 is a personal lament, a very deep lament. It contains a word-picture of the crucifixion. But it does not end in despair, but hope. Jesus did not focus only on his cruel pain and humiliation, but on his Father’s rescue, and his ultimate victory after his resurrection.

I will tell of your name to my brothers; amid the congregation I will praise you: For he has not despised or abhorred the affliction of the afflicted, and he has not hidden his face from him but has heard when he cried to him.

Ps. 22:22, 24 ESV

The laments of the Bible permit us to cry out to God from the depths of pain and loss. God is not offended when his children cry out to him in complaint. But like Psalm 22, our lament in meant to end not in despair or accusation but hope, in praise, and in glory.

So make the laments of Scripture your pattern for prayer. Speak plainly to the Lord of your pain, your fears, your worries, your sorrow. But follow that prayer with praise and confidence that the Lord will rescue you, keep you, guard you as the apple of his eye.

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