Lent Day 39–Good Friday, Victory at the Cross

It was now about the sixth hour, and darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour, for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When he had said this, he breathed his last (Luke 23:44-46).

This is the ultimate statement of trust—the Son’s total surrender to His Father. We will all face a similar decision someday, whether or not Jesus has returned.

On one hand, our bodies die. We are dust to dust. But our spirits transcend our earthly bodies.

When we are faced with our last breath, will we triumphantly proclaim that we commit our spirits into the hands of our Father in heaven?

As I’ve pondered this last of Jesus’ Seven Words upon the Cross, I have been amazed at two things. First, that Jesus was again quoting Scripture (Psalm 31). I wonder whether Jesus’ entire time upon the Cross was spent rehearsing God’s Word for strength to finish well.

Psalm 31: 5 Into your hands I commit my spirit; redeem me, O LORD, the God of truth. … 14 But I trust in you, O LORD; I say, “You are my God.” 15 My times are in your hands; deliver me from my enemies and from those who pursue me. 16 Let your face shine on your servant; save me in your unfailing love. 17 Let me not be put to shame, O LORD, for I have cried out to you… 21 Praise be to the LORD, for he showed his wonderful love to me when I was in a besieged city. 22 In my alarm I said, “I am cut off from your sight!” Yet you heard my cry for mercy when I called to you for help. 23 Love the LORD, all his saints! The LORD preserves the faithful, but the proud he pays back in full. 24 Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD.

Secondly, I marvel that—even in crucifixion—He found the strength to call out in a loud voice. It’s almost like His victory proclamation—in His final moment—was a triumphant public declaration of TRUST.

When we are faced with trials and difficulties, are we moved to shout proclamation of the victory we have in Christ? Do we declare our trust in God from the rooftops? Or do we question why trials have come our way?