As we progress through the month of March, we think of Easter and Good Friday and The Seven Last Words of Christ. They teach us not only how He died but also how we are to live.
MERCY “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” [Luke 23:34] May the Lord grant us grace to follow in His steps of mercy.
GRACE “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.” [Luke 23:43] There’s no bottom to God’s ocean of grace.
COMPASSION “Dear woman, here is your son … Here is your mother.” [John 19:26, 27] Compassion is, after all, an unmistakable sign of the presence of Christ. Hear Him as He speaks to us, “Take My place until I come.”
ANGUISH “My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?” [Matthew 27:46] Because of our sins, He is forsaken by God, so that we might one day declare in astonishment, “My God, my God, why have You NOT forsaken me?” And the only answer is the cross.
NEED “I am thirsty” [John 19:28] He will use suffering. You may not see how, but He will. He will use it to bring glory to Himself, and He may even bring others to faith through you.
VICTORY “It is finished” [John 19:30] The fruits of His victory won at Calvary can be tasted by every believer who is willing to wait on Him in dependence and confidence in His wisdom, power, and love.
TRUST “Father into your hands I commit My Spirit” [Luke 23:45] If we place ourselves in His hands, we are always secure. It is the privilege of trusting Him that we might ultimately triumph through Him.
In His Grip,
Pastor Jim