The Road to the Cross 16

Jesus told His disciples something we need to keep in mind as we approach the seventh word from the cross. He told them, “No man takes my life from Me but I lay it down of my own accord.” (John 10:18)

The cross was not an accident of misfortune, a lack of careful calculation on the part of Jesus and His disciples or a plot concocted by evil men to kill Him.

“I willingly lay down my life,” Jesus said.

Nowhere was that more clearly seen than in His last statement from the cross, as He breathed His last breath saying, “Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit.” (Luke 23:46)

This last statement of a dying man was a word that, in every way, indicated Jesus was in charge of all that was happening around Him… even the moment of His spirit’s release to the Father.

In reality, much of what happens to us seems out of our reach and control. Stuff just happens, we say. And yet behind all the “stuff” that happens is a Sovereign God working “all things after the counsel of His will.” “For God works all things together….”

The Father was not absent or unaware of when Jesus suffered and died. He saw each drop of blood, each bead of sweat, and every insect that landed to feed on the sinless body of His crucified Son.

And when He was dying, Jesus knew His Father was present… was watching. When Jesus let go of His last gulp of air, all of Heaven was in attendance for His homecoming.

Something similar to that happens, we are told, in the death of each saint. It is not only Jesus’ life that was precious to the Father but for those who are IN Christ, the Father also attends the moment of their passing.

“Precious in the eyes of the Lord is the death of His saints.” And when the time arrives for your last moment on this planet… maybe later… maybe sooner… I can assure you of this one thing:

You won’t be alone.

 

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