Encouraging others

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7/7 Contentment (The Significance of Jesus’ Final Words on the Cross)

“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 23:46).

Jesus’ words on the Cross began with “Father forgive” and now they end with absolute trust and rest in the Father. Pink suggests that Jesus’ final words could be described as expressing “contentment”. I think they also show reconciliation, trust, and peace. The work of the Son of Man is complete, it is finished! He has taken the “cup” of wrath from the Father’s hands, emptied it through his suffering, and now the Son is restored to the loving hands of the Father. Here are Pink’s key points from the final chapter:

  1. The hands of men and the hands of the Father:
    What a contrast! Christ has been in the hands of men for the last 12 hours or more, tortured, reviled, betrayed. (Matt 17:22-23). Christ could have avoided this. Voluntarily he delivered himself into the hands of sinners; now he delivers his Spirit into the hands of the Father. He is back in perfect communion with the Father, having dealt with the sin that separates. He will be honoured as the Perfect Son and Saviour King!
  2. The absolute uniqueness of our Saviour:
    Jesus’ life was not taken from Him, he gave it up. (John 10:17-18). In laying down His life, His death was differentiated from all others. “Who but a divine person could have done this? In a mere man it would have been suicide; but in Him it was proof of His perfection and uniqueness . . . the Prince of Life“ (p.136).
  3. The Heart’s true haven:
    Jesus’ example in his final words points us to what matters – our souls, the eternal spirit within us.
    “[Christ’s] words then may be taken to express the believer’s care for his soul, that it may be safe, whatever becomes of the body. . . My friend . . . you are unable to take care of yourself in life, much less will you be able to do so in death. Life has many trials and temptations. Your soul is menaced at every side . . . Here then is your beacon of hope amid the darkness. Here is the harbor of shelter from all storms. . . Thank God there is a refuge from the gales of life and from the terrors of death – the Father’s hands – the heart’s true haven” (p.139).

Going a step further, I’m reminded that the Father has given all things into Jesus’ hands. “The Father loves the Son and has given all things into his hand” (John 3:35). This includes you and me! “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand” (John 10:28).

In fact, let’s take a moment to zoom out on John 10:27-30. I love the way the NLT phrases it:
27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me, 29 for my Father has given them to me, and he is more powerful than anyone else. No one can snatch them from the Father’s hand. 30 The Father and I are one.”

Jesus knows ultimate assurance and contentment as he breathes his last, committing Himself into His Father’s hands. We too can also rest in Christ’s completed work, in life and death! (Please listen to the wonderful song below!) Thanks for joining me in this series.
Please like or subscribe. Blessings!

CHRIST OUR HOPE IN LIFE AND DEATH

What is our hope in life and death? Christ alone, Christ alone.
What is our only confidence? That our souls to him belong.
Who holds our days within his hand? What comes, apart from his command?
And what will keep us to the end? The love of Christ, in which we stand.

O sing hallelujah! Our hope springs eternal;
O sing hallelujah! Now and ever we confess Christ our hope in life and death.

What truth can calm the troubled soul? God is good, God is good.
Where is his grace and goodness known? In our great Redeemer’s blood.
Who holds our faith when fears arise? Who stands above the stormy trial?
Who sends the waves that bring us nigh Unto the shore, the rock of Christ?

Unto the grave, what shall we sing? “Christ, he lives; Christ, he lives!”
And what reward will heaven bring? Everlasting life with him.
There we will rise to meet the Lord, Then sin and death will be destroyed,
And we will feast in endless joy, When Christ is ours forevermore.

Words and Music by Keith Getty, Matt Boswell, Jordan Kauflin, Matt Merker, Matt Papa ©2020 Getty Music Publishing (BMI) / Messenger Hymns (BMI) / Jordan Kauflin Music (BMI) / Matthew Merker Music (BMI) / Getty Music Hymns and Songs (ASCAP) / Love Your Enemies Publishing (ASCAP) / adm at MusicServices.org

This series draws on the structure and ideas in “The Seven Sayings of the Saviour on the Cross” by Arthur W. Pink, 1984, Baker Book House. Direct quotations are indicated. AI was NOT used in the creation of this Blog post.

Main image credit: dmdiocese on Instagram

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6/7 Victory (The Significance of Jesus’ Final Words on the Cross)

“When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.” John 19:30

Though I didn’t complete this series before Easter Sunday, it seems fitting that the remaining two ‘sayings’ of Christ on the Cross are victorious words of completion and restoration. It is within the power of these final two sayings that we live and breathe, where life eternal begins. We are His because His work is finished. We can have complete confidence that Jesus is now restored to the Father, the living, Risen King who conquered death and sin.

Pink explains the power of these words:
“‘It is finished.’ This was not the despairing cry of a helpless martyr; it was not an expression of satisfaction that the termination of his sufferings was now reached; it was not the last gasp of a worn out life. No, rather it was the declaration on the part of the divine Redeemer that all for which He came from heaven to earth to do was now done; that all that was needed to reveal the full character of God had now been accomplished; that all that was required by the law before sinners could be saved had now been performed: that the full price of our redemption had been paid” (Pink, p.110).

As we have looked at in the previous five posts, Jesus’ death was no accident. It was a purposeful and loving rescue plan which culminated in the Cross – the design of a loving Father. In this moment close to death, Jesus sees that he has “finished” or made complete all these:

  1. Hundred of prophecies about his saving work, by his death.
  2. His sufferings.
  3. The goal of His incarnation (coming to earth inhabiting a human body and dying as a man).
  4. The atonement (the reconciliation of God and man, sins taken away, sin debt paid).
  5. The removal of our sins, which stands between God and us (Christ took them into the desolate land where God was not).
  6. The Law’s requirements.
  7. The destruction of Satan’s power.

Pink then asks us the most important question: “reader, do you believe it? Or are you trying to add to the finished work of Christ to secure the favour of God?” (p.125). Let’s take some time to reflect on this before we leave Easter celebrations. May we know that our own efforts are as filthy rags. It is Christ’s righteousness that matters.

“All that a holy God requires has been done. Nothing is left for the sinner to add. . . His finished work is the ground of all our hopes” (p. 121)

May the Lord show us where we are trying to bring our own “righteousness” to Him (and others), instead of depending on Christ’s finished work. This song from the Passion (2019) well sums up all that Christ has “finished” for us. What amazing grace!

See you soon for the final post. (Please like or subscribe below.)

This series draws on the structure and ideas in “The Seven Sayings of the Saviour on the Cross” by Arthur W. Pink, 1984, Baker Book House. Direct quotations are indicated. AI was NOT used in the creation of this Blog post.

Main image credit: https://www.betheltempletwinfalls.org/devotionals/2020/4/10/it-is-finished

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5/7: Suffering (The Significance of Jesus’ Final Words on the Cross)


If you have just joined me for this series exploring Jesus’ final words on the Cross, please see my previous posts (links below). Jesus’ words speak of salvation and forgiveness, revealing His great compassion. They also show his great anguish in being separated from the Father by our sin. But, most importantly, his words reveal who He is and what He is doing.

Today we look at the fifth and very short statement Jesus makes: “I thirst” (John 19:28). These words, spoken close to death after three hours of darkness (and six hours on the Cross), express physical suffering. But his actual thirst is not the only reason for saying them, as the surrounding verses reveal: “Later, knowing that everything had now been finished, and so that Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, ‘I am thirsty.’”(NIV)

Jesus’ Humanity

As theologian Charles Spurgeon explains, there are multiple physical reasons for Jesus’ thirst: ” . . . [it] was caused, perhaps, in part by the loss of blood, and by the fever created by the irritation caused by his four grievous wounds. The nails were fastened in the most sensitive parts of the body . . . The extreme tension produced a burning feverishness. It was pain that dried his mouth and made it like an oven, till he declared, in the language of the twenty-second psalm, “My tongue cleaveth to my jaws.” (Charles Spurgeon Sermon 1409.)

Pink believes that “I thirst” was not an appeal for pity, nor a request to alleviate his sufferings: “It gave expression to the intensity of the agonies He was undergoing” (p.98). At this point, Jesus thirsts both physically and spiritually, separated from the Father, longing to be reunited with Him. “His thirst was the effect of the agony of His soul in the fierce heat of God’s wrath. It told of the drought of the land where the living God is not” (p.98).

The Messiah who fulfils Scripture

Jesus expressed both the desire and knowledge that Scripture must be fulfilled. His phrase “I thirst” is the specific fulfilment of Psalm 69:21 (one of the many Messianic Psalms – we are just scratching the surface!). Jesus knew the predictions of previous verses were already fulfilled. For example, he had:
* sunk in the “deep mire”
* been hated “without a cause”
* borne reproach and shame
* become a stranger to his brothers
* cried to God in His distress
Nothing remained except the offer of gall and vinegar. For this reason, Jesus says, “I thirst”. Pink sees Christ’s deep reverence for both the Scriptures and his role as our Saviour, who must bow to the authority of the Father’s word in both life and death. “He hung on the cross for six hours and passed through unparalleled suffering, yet is His mind clear and His memory unimpaired. . . He remembers there is one prophetic Scripture unaccomplished. He overlooked nothing. What a proof is this that He was divinely superior to all circumstances!” (p.100).

Jesus, our Saviour, thirsts on the Cross to fulfil his role as the promised Messiah. He is obedient to His Father and to Scripture, to the drink the cup of wrath that we deserve. And though he thirsts on the Cross, he offers us “living water”. We need never thirst again.

These words from John 4 bring us this assurance: Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” This the power of Christ’s death for us!

See you for #6, Christ’s words from John 19:30: “When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.”

Please also enjoy this beautiful modern Easter Hymn (2005) written by Keith Getty and Stuart Townend

This series draws on the structure and ideas in “The Seven Sayings of the Saviour on the Cross” by Arthur W. Pink, 1984, Baker Book House. Direct quotations are indicated. AI was NOT used in the creation of this Blog post.

Main image credit: https://resurrectionopc.org/i-thirst/

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Explaining Christmas (from John Piper)

From the devotional app, Solid Joys, a great explanation of Jesus, God’s gift of grace to the world:

Why Jesus Came

Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. (Hebrews 2:14–15)

This, I think, is my favorite Advent text because I don’t know any other that expresses so clearly the connection between the beginning and the end of Jesus’s earthly life — between the incarnation and crucifixion. These two verses make clear why Jesus came; namely, to die. They would be great to use with an unbelieving friend or family member to walk them step-by-step through your Christian view of Christmas. It might go something like this, a phrase at a time:

“Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood . . . ”

The term “children” is taken from the previous verse and refers to the spiritual offspring of Christ, the Messiah (see Isaiah 8:18; 53:10). These are also the “children of God” (John 1:12). In other words, in sending Christ, God has the salvation of his “children” especially in view. 

It is true that “God so loved the world, that he gave [Jesus]” (John 3:16). But it is also true that God was especially gathering “the children of God who are scattered abroad” (John 11:52). God’s design was to offer Christ to the world, and to effect the salvation of his “children” (see 1 Timothy 4:10). You may experience adoption by receiving Christ (John 1:12).

“ . . . he himself likewise partook of the same things [flesh and blood] . . . ”

This means that Christ existed before the incarnation. He was spirit. He was the eternal Word. He was with God and was God (John 1:1; Colossians 2:9). But he took on flesh and blood, and clothed his deity with humanity. He became fully man and remained fully God. It is a great mystery in many ways. But it is at the heart of our faith — and what the Bible teaches.

“ . . . that through death . . . ”

The reason he became man was to die. As God pure and simple, he could not die for sinners. But as man he could. His aim was to die. Therefore he had to be born human. He was born to die. Good Friday is the purpose of Christmas. This is what most people today need to hear about the meaning of Christmas.

“ . . . he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil . . . ”

In dying, Christ de-fanged the devil. How? By covering all our sin. This means that Satan has no legitimate grounds to accuse us before God. “Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies” (Romans 8:33) — on what grounds does he justify? Through the blood of Jesus (Romans 5:9).

Satan’s ultimate weapon against us is our own sin. If the death of Jesus takes it away, the chief weapon of the devil — the one mortal weapon that he has — is taken out of his hand. He cannot make a case for our death penalty, because the Judge has acquitted us by the death of his Son!

“ . . . and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery.”

So, we are free from the fear of death. God has justified us. Satan cannot overturn that decree. And God means for our ultimatesafety to have an immediateeffect on our lives. He means for the happy ending to take away the slavery and fear of the Now.

If we do not need to fear our last and greatest enemy, death, then we do not need to fear anything. We can be free. Free for joy. Free for others.

What a great Christmas present from God to us! And from us to the world!

From “Born to Die for Freedom”

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Hush, hush

A powerful song on a new (to me) album from Nichole Nordeman, Every Mile Mattered. Just adding via my phone, without the trimmings. Enjoy

https://open.spotify.com/track/4pAORtSFhzppR11YzxD57S

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What are we waiting for? (For King and Country)

I’m enjoying the new album from For King and Country! This Youtube clip is from a few days ago. 40 minutes of time well spent. The messages of their songs are quite beautiful!

From the clip details:

We’re bringing our brand new album straight to your living room! Join us for ‘WHAT ARE WE WAITING FOR?’ THE WORLDWIDE SPECIAL: a global streaming event from the Mojave desert🏜🎶 in partnership with Convoy of Hope benefiting Ukrainian refugees.

Donate to support Ukrainian refugees by visiting: convoy.org/forUKRAINE or text to give “forUKRAINE” to 68828 Stream/download WHAT ARE WE WAITING FOR?: https://forkingandcountry.lnk.to/what…

https://www.pinterest.com.au/jeyanayagam/
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You are faithful and You bring the dawn

I enjoyed this song “Dawn” by Rebecca St James and brother, Luke Smallbone (from For King & Country). The line “Redeem this winter for your good” sticks with me – an assurance that, yes, God’s paths and seasons are not usually the ones we would choose. . . BUT he holds them and uses them for his purposes in his world, through us. Blessings!

“God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” (James 1:12)

Lord, I’m so tired in this fight
Tired of waking up with no end in sight
I feel I’ve got so little left
I know that I’ve come to the end of myself
Help me hold on
Cling to You ’til I see the sun

Held by Your love, I sing alleluia
You’re lifting my heart as I lift my hands
Safe in Your love, I sing alleluia
You’re healing my heart as I lift my hands

Water the garden of my life
With every sorrow, every tear that I’ve cried
Redeem this winter for Your good
Lord, show Your power as only You could

Help me hold on
I’ll cling to You ’til I see the sun, oh-oh

Held by Your love, I sing alleluia
You’re lifting my heart as I lift my hands
Safe in Your love, I sing alleluia
You’re healing my heart as I lift my hands

Even in the darkness, even when it’s hardest
You are faithful and You bring the dawn
On every mountain, I’ll sing it even louder
You are faithful and You bring the dawn

Source: Musixmatch

Songwriters: Seth David Mosley / Tedd Andrew Tjornhom / Rebecca St. James / Luke James Smallbone / Rebecca St James. Dawn lyrics © Kilns Music, Centricsongs, Fleauxmotion Music, These Tunes Go To 11, Curb Wordspring Music, Heritage Worship Music Publishing, All About Him Music

Gray Havens: Tread the Dawn
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Gray Havens: Tread the Dawn

Greetings all, just quickly want to share an album I’m now playing on repeat. It is based on CS Lewis’ writings, with overtones of Narnia! There is so much to explore. Enjoy!

https://lotr.fandom.com/wiki/Grey_Havens

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20 Quotes from John Piper on the Coronavirus

Last year John Piper penned a great little book at the start of the pandemic, and 12 months later his words still ring true:

“The coronavirus is God’s thunderclap call for all of us to repent and realign our lives with the infinite worth of Christ.” (77)

“Disasters are a gracious summons from God to repent and be saved while there is still time. . . . I think that’s God’s message for the world in this coronavirus outbreak. He is calling the world to repentance while there’s still time.” (79–80)

“What God is doing in the coronavirus is showing us—graphically, painfully—that nothing in this world gives the security and satisfaction that we find in the infinite greatness and worth of Jesus. This global pandemic takes away our freedom of movement, our business activity, and our face-to-face relations. It takes away our security and our comfort. And, in the end, it may take away our lives. The reason God exposes us to such losses is to rouse us to rely on Christ. Or to put it another way, the reason he makes calamity the occasion for offering Christ to the world is that the supreme, all-satisfying greatness of Christ shines more brightly when Christ sustains joy in suffering.” (82)

The quotations above are courtesy of a Gospel coalition post (link below). But don’t forget you can access Piper’s books as PDFs anytime. Follow the link https://www.desiringgod.org/books/coronavirus-and-christ. It is worth reading for yourself. Blessings!

https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/20-quotes-coronavirus/

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The One and Only God (new song!)

“Like a warrior in battle he will lead his people home . . . “

Here is a new song from Navigate Worship – a song written and performed by a collaboration of musicians at my church! Lyrics below the Spotify link. Had a great time adding some harmonies along the way. Enjoy!
(Ps. Lyric video coming soon – will post once available).

The One and Only God

Lord we lift our hearts to you

Lord we recommit our hearts and minds anew

Lord teach us of your ways and let us look upon your face

And fill us with your words

The God who sits above it all

The God whose kingdom shall remain and never fall

The God whose name is worthier than any other name

The God we call our own

Servant King, light of all the earth

Shout his praises and endless worth

Like a warrior in battle he will lead his people home

The one and only God 

Oh our one and only God 

Lord you lead us through the flames

And you promise we will not be set ablaze

Through waters and through rivers we will not be swept away

For by our side you’ll stay

The God whose word defines all things

The God whose mightier than any earthly king

Who stretches out the heavens giving breath to everything

We kneel before you Lord

Chorus


Almighty, who is there like him

Holy, no other rock, the one and only God 

Oh our one and only God

Lift our voices, praise his precious name

Holy, and all fall short of the one and only God 

Oh our one and only God

(chorus x2)

Performed by Navigate Worship, Written by Ashleigh Willett, Ross Tenni; Source: 2241884 Records DK