As a cradle Lutheran I have heard many great sermons on some of these last words of Christ spoken on the Cross. “My God, My God, Why have you forsaken me?”

Many talk about how horrible, and painful that separation from God the Father must have been like for Christ. But the gift I take away is not how horrible, but how wonderful that Christ came and took that suffering for me so that I never need to feel that pain.

As a Hospice Chaplain/Lutheran Deaconess I have held many hands as people take their last breath. I rejoice with those who see the face of God. I pray and cry for those who deny Christ. To die out of the Lord is a physical struggle I see too often, and would not wish on my enemies, so take heart, there is no need to struggle. The Lord Jesus Christ has suffered this separation and conquered the depths of hell, so we can live and die freely in His love and grace.

We pray:

Thank you Lord, that we never need to feel the separation from You, that You bore that pain, and in You there is joy. Speak to us and comfort us in all our days as we walk as your children, waiting to enter our Father’s kingdom. Amen.