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Dear Heavenly Father, Praise The centurion who witnessed Christ’s death praised you and said, “Truly this was the Son of God!” I join with him in praise and cry, ‘Amen! The Lamb has taken away the sins of the world! God’s righteous wrath is now appeased!’ The earth shook and the rocks split, and the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. At last the way to you was open, for Jesus’ sacrifice had paid the price for my redemption! Hallelujah! The cleansing stream of Calvary has washed me white as snow! Praise the Lord! Today in Your Word Today you told me about Jesus’ crucifixion. As I read, I was impressed by the things Jesus said during his ordeal. Even in his hour of greatest suffering, Jesus was leaving me an example to follow. First, Jesus told the women who mourned him, “Do not weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children.” This means I should be more concerned about what will happen to others than about what will happen to me. Second, Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” This means I should forgive my enemies rather than seeking retribution and revenge. Third, Jesus told Mary and John, “Woman, behold, your son! Behold, your mother!” This means I should protect and provide for those who depend on me for their needs. Fourth, Jesus said to the thief on the cross, “Today you will be with me in Paradise.” This means I should take every opportunity to share the gospel with those who are lost. Fifth, Jesus cried out to you, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Ps 22:1). This means I should bring my sorrow and suffering to you in prayer and then trust you to supply all my needs in Christ Jesus (Phil 4:19). Sixth, Jesus said, “I thirst” (Ps 22:15). This means I should be faithful to fulfill all that you have commanded, for Jesus refused to die until he had fulfilled every prophecy concerning his ministry (Ps 69:21). Seventh, Jesus said “It is finished.” This means I should endure to the end by faith, so that when my death is near, I can say with confidence that I have done your will. Last, Jesus said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” This means I should put all things in your mighty hands, even the time and nature of my death, so that when my spirit leaves my body, I will be welcomed into your glorious presence! What a Savior, who with his dying breath, pointed me the way to God! May I always honor his suffering by following in his steps (1 Pet 2:21). Reflection Those who passed by Jesus’ cross mocked him, wagging their heads and saying, “You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save yourself! If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross.” Jesus could have wiped the sneer from their faces with a single word, yet he bore their abuse in silence. How do I take such ridicule and disdain? Do I bear it with gentleness and patience, or am I quick to retaliate in kind? Request Father, I ask with the songwriter, ‘May the mind of Christ my Savior, Live in me from day to day, By His love and pow’r controlling, All I do and say. May I run the race before me, Strong and brave to face the foe, Looking only unto Jesus, As I onward go.’ Thanksgiving How grateful I am for the dying words of your precious Son! They call me to die to self and embrace a servant’s heart. “To the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen” (Rom 16:27). In Jesus’ name, Amen. Suggested Hymn: “How Deep the Father’s Love for Us” – Stuart Townend. Meditation Verse: Luke 23:34. |