Jesus is Essential
Luke 23:44–47: 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. So when the centurion saw what had happened, he glorified God, saying, “Certainly this was a righteous Man!”
He then addressed His Father in the final statement from the cross, “Father, into Thy hands I commend My spirit.” This was actually a bedtime prayer used by Jewish children, and it tells us how our Lord died: confidently, willingly, and victoriously. Those who know Jesus as their Saviour may die with the same confidence and assurance.
When our Lord released His spirit, the veil of the temple was torn in two “from the top to the bottom.” This miracle announced to the priests and people that the way into God’s presence was open for all who would come to Him by faith through Jesus Christ. No more do sinners need earthly temples, altars, sacrifices, or priests, for all had now been fulfilled in the finished work of the Son of God. 1
Walking with Jesus
Commitment is always a measurement of who you really are. Many are committed so long as there are no overwhelming challenges and everything is going as planned. But those who stay committed through the toughest of trials become “golden friends.” They are the people you want to be around. They have been tested and never quit. They belong to a fellowship of a selected few who live out their loving support. Only a few were left at the cross, the others fled for various excuses.
So when the centurion, who stood opposite Him, saw that He cried out like this and breathed His last, he said, “Truly this Man was the Son of God!” Mark 15:39
Being committed to His plans is much better than being committed to my plans.
Praying
Lord, thank You for leaving the glory of heaven to save me from the grip of hell.
1. Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
