Mark 15:25 It was nine o’clock in the morning when they crucified (Jesus). 26 The inscription of the charge against him read, “The King of the Jews.” 27 And with him they crucified two bandits, one on his right and one on his left. 29 Those who passed by derided him, shaking their heads and saying, “Aha! You who would destroy the temple and build it in three days, 30 save yourself, and come down from the cross!” 31 In the same way the chief priests, along with the scribes, were also mocking him among themselves and saying, “He saved others; he cannot save himself. 32 Let the Messiah, the King of Israel, come down from the cross now, so that we may see and believe.” Those who were crucified with him also taunted him.

Jesus’ abandonment was complete. First, God the Father abandoned him in the Garden of Gethsemane, refusing to reply when Jesus cried out to him. Then there was Judas who betrayed him. Then there was Peter and the other disciples who fled from him and denied knowing him after his arrest. Then the crowds in Jerusalem shouted, “Crucify him!”. Pilate handed him over the be crucified. The Roman soldiers beat him and mocked him. Once crucified everyone from the casual passerby, to the chief priests, to the criminals crucified on either side of him mocked him.

It’s hard to imagine how awful this must have been. Perhaps this experience is why Jesus later promised his disciples, “Remember I am with you always to the end of the age” (Matthew 28).

As of this morning, the violence and destruction continues across America. Demonic powers and forces of evil in the heavenly realm appear to have the upper hand. One could imagine that our God has abandoned us in our time of need, but we know that is not true. Scripture tells us that the Lord will never leave us or forsake us.

Heavenly Father, bring peace to our land. Scatter the forces of evil wreaking havoc in the cities of our nation. Show your power, O God. Save us. We pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.