7 Last Sayings of Christ on the Cross (Day 7)

THE SEVENTH WORD

By Anthony Skinner

SCRIPTURE

"Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, ‘Father, into your hands, I commit my spirit!’ And having said this he breathed his last." (Luke 23:46)

DEVOTIONAL

Jesus was cut off, forsaken, and rejected by Father God, still, he says, “Father, into your hands, I commit my spirit!”. I am amazed by this act of faith and courage! It makes me think of Jesus’ first miracle at the wedding in Cana when he turned the water into wine. “When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to him, ‘They have no wine.’  And Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, what does this have to do with me? My hour has not yet come.’  His mother said to the servants, ‘Do whatever he tells you.’ (John 2:3-5)

Jesus was basically saying no, not now to this need, but Mary was undeterred. Her path was committed, her trust was focused, and all who were at the wedding that day were rewarded for it. 

Hanging on the cross Jesus said, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (And we know for our sake he was forsaken). However, moments later, he fully entrusted and surrendered himself to God saying, “Father, into your hands, I commit my spirit!”

Mary knew something in her core about Jesus and it in part determined the beautiful outcome of the wedding that day. It is impossible to fathom was Jesus battled through to entrust himself to Father God that day. Thank God he did, and we reap an eternal reward for his having done so.

QUESTION

God wants to partner WITH US. Sometimes like Mary, we may even change God’s mind and timing on an issue or need. Is there a place in your life where you want to engage your faith to partner with God to do what seems improbable or impossible?

PRAYER

What is your prayer for today? It might be as simple as a single word, “help”, “yes”, or two words, “change this”, “save them”, or “bring hope.” What prayer do you have to help move a mountain today?