“Now it was
about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over all the earth until the ninth
hour. Then the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was torn in two.
And when Jesus had cried out with a loud voice, He said, “Father,`into
Your hands I commit My spirit.'” Having said this, He breathed His
last.” (Luke 23:44-46 NKJ)
about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over all the earth until the ninth
hour. Then the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was torn in two.
And when Jesus had cried out with a loud voice, He said, “Father,`into
Your hands I commit My spirit.'” Having said this, He breathed His
last.” (Luke 23:44-46 NKJ)
It was a horrible
scene. It is difficult for the human mind and spirit to accept. After being
arrested, Jesus was brutally tortured and condemned to a criminal’s death on a
cross. The weight of the world’s sin was put on him and like a sheep going to
the slaughter, he did not resist. It was the plan and purpose of God.
scene. It is difficult for the human mind and spirit to accept. After being
arrested, Jesus was brutally tortured and condemned to a criminal’s death on a
cross. The weight of the world’s sin was put on him and like a sheep going to
the slaughter, he did not resist. It was the plan and purpose of God.
The rejection and
despair overwhelmed him, but he cited Scripture in his cries to the Father.
“My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?” (Psalm 22:1). And despite
the physical abuse and unimaginable suffering, Jesus simply trusted the Father:
“Into your hands I commit my spirit.”
despair overwhelmed him, but he cited Scripture in his cries to the Father.
“My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?” (Psalm 22:1). And despite
the physical abuse and unimaginable suffering, Jesus simply trusted the Father:
“Into your hands I commit my spirit.”
Our world is no less
sinful or horrible than it was in the first century. Monstrous evil and horror
occur daily and one could despair very easily. We might even think God has
abandoned us. We are tempted to question whether love –God’s love — can still
conquer human hearts or not. The real question is: do WE trust the Father?
sinful or horrible than it was in the first century. Monstrous evil and horror
occur daily and one could despair very easily. We might even think God has
abandoned us. We are tempted to question whether love –God’s love — can still
conquer human hearts or not. The real question is: do WE trust the Father?
Despite our lack of
understanding, despite what our eyes see and our ears hear, we refuse to
believe that God has lost control. His plan and purpose is still effective and
active. He does save those who believe in his finished work on Calvary. He
knows his plan for us, even if we do not.
understanding, despite what our eyes see and our ears hear, we refuse to
believe that God has lost control. His plan and purpose is still effective and
active. He does save those who believe in his finished work on Calvary. He
knows his plan for us, even if we do not.
And in our moments
of weakness and questions, we simply whisper the words of our Lord,
“Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” We know that his hands
are the safest place in the universe. We know that his plan and purpose is good
for this world, now and always.
of weakness and questions, we simply whisper the words of our Lord,
“Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” We know that his hands
are the safest place in the universe. We know that his plan and purpose is good
for this world, now and always.
Dear Father, thank
you for Calvary and your finished work there. Empower us with confidence in the
safety of your hands. I pray this in the name of Jesus. AMEN
you for Calvary and your finished work there. Empower us with confidence in the
safety of your hands. I pray this in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Trust Christ today,