Luke 23:26-49
Reflect
While Pastor Daunavan is away on sabbatical, some of our worship leaders will be writing his devotional guide. Each one of these individuals is profoundly gifted and is excited to share a little bit of their hearts with you in addition to what they share on Sunday mornings.
In this well-known scene, Jesus is led away for crucifixion, surrounded by a crowd mixed with mockers and mourners. He is crucified flanked by two true criminals, one remorseful and one belligerent. And at the moment of His death, the curtain of the temple separating the holy of holies from the outside world is torn from top to bottom -- an extraordinarily powerful symbol of God reconciling us to Himself in a forever intimate way. In Jesus’ words, “Father, into Your hands I commit My Spirit”, ‘commit’ means to place down, to deposit, to commit to one’s charge. Jesus is being crushed and punished for our iniquities and is bringing eternal peace and healing to our sin-stained relationship with God; and He, knowing He is bearing the full wrath of God, puts His Spirit into the Father’s hands. Wonderfully, this commitment changes hearts: the centurion praises and honours God, the crowds turn to repentance, and the women turn from wailing to watching -- perhaps remembering His promise and experiencing the start of expectant hope. This Easter, let’s ask the Spirit to help us truly see Jesus and His commitment so that our hearts will be compelled to change, learning to love and follow Him with boldness.
Shari Klassen
Pray
- Pray for our Lead Team Pastor, Terry Okken.
- Pray for Erin Gibbard, Youth Ministry Assistant.
- Pray for all our small group leaders.
- Pray for the ministry of International Student Ministries.
- Pray for our Children’s Ministry Assistant, Kyla Mould.