The Last Word...

"Then Jesus, calling out in a loud voice, said, 'Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!' And having said this he breathed his last." - Luke 23:46

Over the past six Wednesdays we have taken a closer look at the last words of our Lord as he hung on the cross that first Good Friday. Each of these "thoughts" has been given a one word title: Clueless, Sanctioned, Family, Forsaken, Parched, and Fulfilled. Today,as we navigate our hearts through the events of Holy Week, we come to the last of Jesus' utterances, and perhaps the one with the greatest import of all... "Commit."

The Messiah's work is done. Jesus has finished ALL that was required of him by his Father. He hangs here in the final moment straddling both earth and heaven. His death looks like a defeat to those who don't understand its purpose, its significance, but it is far from it. It is actually the greatest victory ever won... for you, for me, for all humankind.

In that sacred space, God turns to face his Son once again, and opens His arms to welcome him home. Jesus has been obedient, even to the point of death, and now Heaven awaits him.

There's a message there for each of us. To commit is everything... and not only in the final hour, at the end... but from the here and now. Jesus was committed to the salvation of mankind from the very beginning. His entire life was lived in committment to the Father's plan, and how blessed we are that He was! Jesus' example sets the tone for our lives as well. The thief on the cross next to Jesus found that treasure at the end, and we rejoice, but my, what he missed in waiting.

To commit is everything. That... is the real final word. The abundant life can be had right now, today; and by that I don't mean a life free from all pain and sorrow, but a life with One who walks through all the pains, sorrows, and struggles with us. A life with One who was intimately acquainted with all manner of grief and who promises to bring us triumphantly to the other side... to Heaven's gate... to the Father's waiting arms... if we will only commit.

To commit is everything.

The Father did when He gave His Son.

The Son did when He gave His life.

Now... it's our turn.

"Take my life and let it be

Consecrated, Lord, to Thee;

Take my moments and my days,

Let them flow in ceaseless praise."

"Take my love, my Lord, I pour

At Thy feet its treasure store;

Take myself, and I will be

Ever, only, all for Thee." - The Lutheran Hymnal #783