May 10th, 26:2 Samuel 18,  Psalm 56, Matthew 27; Daily Bible in a Year

Welcome to the Daily Radio Bible! On this 10th day of May, day 130 in our journey through Scripture, Hunter invites us to open our hearts and minds as we delve into powerful passages from 2 Samuel 18, Psalm 56, and Matthew 27. Today’s episode follows the stories of David’s sorrow over Absalom, David’s psalm of trust amidst trouble, and the profound events of Jesus’ trial and crucifixion. Hunter offers insight into Jesus’ cry from the cross, challenging traditional interpretations and reminding us of God’s unwavering presence—even in our darkest moments. Join us as we reflect on God’s Word, lift our hearts in prayer, and walk together in kindness and faith.

TODAY'S DEVOTION:

He never abandons us—not even in our darkest hours. On the cross, Jesus cried, “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?” At first glance, it looks like a moment of utter desolation, as if God the Father has turned away from his Son. Many have taught that in this cry, Jesus is forsaken by the Father, or worse still, that God is punishing the Son. But things are not always as they seem.

The early church often saw it differently. Jesus is quoting Psalm 22—a psalm that starts with anguish but ends with trust. Like many of David’s psalms, it begins with abandonment but always resolves with confession of God’s unfailing presence and faithfulness. As the psalm reaches its end, the psalmist declares, “He did not despise or abhor the affliction of the afflicted. He did not turn his face from me but heard when I cried out to him.” In the depths of suffering, God does not hide nor forsake, but listens and draws near.

So, what does this mean for us? Jesus, in quoting the psalm, enters fully into the depths of human experience—our betrayals, our loneliness, our feelings of abandonment. He knows them all, tasting them as we do. Yet the profound truth is found not just in the cry, but in the assurance that God is present, even when it seems otherwise.

Paul declares in 2 Corinthians 5:19 that on the cross, “God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself.” There is no division in the Trinity, no rift between the Father and the Son—not then, not ever. And if God did not abandon Jesus in his most desperate hour, he will not abandon you. He is faithful, and his love endures.

Let this truth settle deep into your soul. Trust, as Jesus trusted—even when everything in you wishes to surrender to despair. God’s love is steadfast. His presence never leaves. You are never beyond the reach of his care.

That’s a prayer that I have for my own soul. That’s a prayer that I have for my family, for my wife, my daughters, my son. And that’s a prayer that I have for you. May it be so.