[:en]Thoughts from “Our Daily Bread” (3/31/18)[:]

[:en]Solitary confinement is a harsh punishment because we are intended to live and relate in relationships and community.  When Jesus was suffering on the cross, His eternal relationship with the Father was broken.  He cried out in a loud voice:  “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Mat. 27:46)  because He was alone, forsaken and isolated.  Christ endured the agony of abandonment for us so that we will never be alone or abandoned by our God.  He has secured for us the promise of the Father:  “Never will I leave you’ never will I forsake you” (Heb. 13:5)

Let us be eternally grateful for the price Jesus paid to reconcile us to the Father.  Let us value our relationship with Him by following His commands.[:]