With only a thin top and my shorts I braved the cold, running tonight rather than jogging. Focussed on my torch light and the path ahead, blinkered. I didn’t even start to think about prayer, when suddenly it hit. I wanted the uncomfortableness over with but how much more Jesus was vulnerable, in agony and naked on the cross for all to insult or abuse. No angels were coming to spirit Him down. He had to get through the pain.

Matthew 27:46
And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?

My life is nothing like Jesus. I’m not risking my life by telling someone I’m a Christian. I might get the odd snigger, or someone might chant an insult in the street, but Jesus was tortured and died in agony. If Jesus was to come back tonight I would be terrified because I haven’t done enough.

Is this the Holy Spirit impressing on my heart that I need to act and start showing compassion like Jesus, sacrificial life? Perhaps.

The trees looked confused. One is pointing to the path, another is pointing away, one seems to be playing a branch like a trombone. As I sat earlier this morning looking at the trees resting and reading the bible, I saw the looks of fear on passes by. “What’s he doing?” one couple looked at me and immediately turned around and walked away, even though I was a good 50 feet from the path. The world seems to have gone into full confusion and fear mode, with social media going mad and every news report of the next death listened to intently. Is this what Jesus would do?

The phrase that Jesus states on the cross “My God, my God, why have thou forsaken me” is also the start of psalm 22 which is a lament for help, until the middle where a line states defiantly;

“You have answered Me.”

Pray tonight and focus on Psalm 22 if you can, for God has answered and will answer again.

Dear Lord, You set the standard which is impossible for anyone to bear. Yet we strive each day. Make clear the route that we must tread so that we can bring about the greatest change for your kingdom and worship your Holy Name. Through Jesus Christ. Amen.

further reflection earlier today.