“And at the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani???? – which means, “My God, my God, why have You forsaken me????
(Mark 15:34)
My area in Greenville SC could well be called “Dogwood City,” because in the spring the multitudes of dogwoods that line the streets bloom white and pink in all their glory. In the fall their leaves turn a gorgeous red. During the winter their red berries stand out brightly. I adore dogwoods; I have eight of them on my property! The dogwood is Virginia’s state flower.
? Perhaps you have read on an Easter card the legend of the dogwood tree. I think it goes like this: It is thought that the wood of the dogwood tree was used for Christ’s cross–and that is why the dogwood never grows to be very big.
? In each of its flowers’ four petals (which are roughly in the shape of across) are what look like rusty dents, which remind us of the nail prints in Christ’s hands. The dogwood’s red berries are reminders of the blood Jesus Christ shed for our sins. To me the white flowers stand for the way Christ’s blood cleanses us of sin and makes us white as snow in God’s sight. It’s also interesting that this tree blooms in the spring, when our Lord was crucified.
? I believe it is good for us to meditate from time to time on the tremendous sacrifice our Lord made for us; it reminds us of His love and convicts us of carelessness and slothfulness in our Christian lives.
? Consider these things. When Peter tried to protect Jesus from being arrested, Jesus told him that if He wished He could call ten thousand angels to His rescue. Jesus went through all that torture and suffering because of His love for us. He knew it was the only way we could be forgiven and saved.
? Most of us think of the horrible physical suffering Jesus went through: the crown of thorns, the vicious lashings, the incredible pain of crucifixion. We also may realize the awful psychological torture He endured: the trumped-up trial that He was dragged to early in the morning; the lying testimonies; the mocking; the rejection by His people; the betrayal, desertion, and denial by those closest to Him; the shame of death by crucifixion.
? Let me share with you what I think must have been the worst suffering He willingly underwent for you and for me: When our sins fell upon His shoulders there on the cross, our Lord Jesus cried out, “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” For the first and only time in all eternity, God the Father and God and Son were separated–because of our sins! Oh, to me that is love beyond understanding! Now if God the Father and God the Son love us THAT much, how in the world can we help but truly love them with all our hearts, souls, and minds! How can this great truth not affect every part of our lives and thinking?
? Would it not help us to stay close to our Lord Jesus if we think of the dogwood, and then remind ourselves of Christ’s love and sacrifice? This reminder also can help us to have faith that our loving Lord is with us through every trial of life. Jesus cares, He really cares!
Related Links:
Coming Home:
http://www.retirementwithapurpose.com/jbcomehm2.html
About the Author
This article was written by Muriel Larson. You can read more about this author by clicking this link:
http://www.talk.thelife.com/muriel-larson/
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